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The article investigated the impact of different cooling regimes on the response of both plain and fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) after heating. A total of 256 standard concrete cylinders of norma...

Background High losses of sorghum crops due to fungal diseases, such as grain mold and stalk rot, are economically harmful and cause increased use of environmentally damaging chemical fungicides, which also are detrimental to human health. Hence, finding safe and effective ways to manage fungal diseases of sorghum is urgently needed. Results In the present study, the antagonistic activities of Trichoderma viride and T. harzianum against different pathogenic fungal strains were evaluated in vitro using a dual culture assay. Furthermore, the anti-mycotic activity of Trichoderma spp. culture filtrates was evaluated against different fungal strains using a food poisoning technique. Additionally, the antifungal activities of ethyl acetate extracts of T. viride and T. harzianum against different pathogens were evaluated using a disk diffusion method. As indicated by the dual culture assay, T. harzianum suppressed 66.8, 69.5, 68.7, 54.6, 84.12, and 71.39% of the mycelial growth of Curvularia lunata, Exserohilum rostratum, Fusarium chlamydosporum, F. incarnatum, F. proliferatum, and Macrophomina phaseolina, respectively. T. viride was more effective for controlling the growth of these pathogens, inhibiting 81.0, 89.0, 63.0, 70.7, 84.4, and 71.8% of mycelial growth, respectively. Both E. rostratum and M. phaseolina showed resistance to carbendazim fungicide at all tested concentrations, whereas the fungicidal concentrations of carbendazim against C. lunata, F. chlamydosporum, and F. incarnatum strains were 2.50, 1.50, and 2.00 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, F. proliferatum was sensitive to carbendazim fungicide at all tested concentrations. Antifungal assays of the ethyl acetate extracts of T. viride and T. harzianum indicated the potent activity of these extracts against fungal phytopathogens with different susceptibility patterns. F. chlamydosporum was the most sensitive to the extracts of T. viride and T. harzianum with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/disk, respectively. Conclusion The potent suppression of sorghum phytopathogens by T. viride and T. harzianum makes them potential sources of safe and effective natural fungicides compared to carbendazim fungicide.

This paper presents an experimental and finite element (FE) investigation into the local-overall buckling interaction behaviour of axially loaded cold-formed steel (CFS) channel section columns. Current design guidelines from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and the Australian and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) recommend the use of a non-dimensional strength curve for determining the axial capacity of such CFS channel section columns. This study has reviewed the accuracy of the current AISI (2016), AS/NZS (2018) and Eurocode (EN 1993-1-3) design guidelines for determining the axial capacity of CFS channel sections under local-overall buckling interaction failure. A total of 40 tests were conducted on CFS channel sections covering stub, short, intermediate, and slender columns with varying thicknesses. A nonlinear FE model was then developed and validated against the test results. The validated FE model was used to conduct a parametric study comprising 70 FE models to review the accuracy of the current design guidelines in accordance with AISI (2016), AS/NZS (2018) and Eurocode (EN 1993-1-3). It was found that the AISI (2016) and AS/NZS (2018) are conservative by 10 to 15% on average when determining the axial capacity of pin-ended CFS channel section columns undergoing local-overall buckling interaction. Eurocode (EN 1993-1-3) design rules were found to lead to considerably more conservative predictions of column axial load capacity for CFS channels.This paper has therefore proposed modifications to the current design rules of AISI (2016) and AS/NZS (2018). The accuracy of proposed design rules was verified using the FE analysis and test results of CFS channel section columns undergoing local-overall buckling interaction.

Semi-supported steel plate shear walls (SSPSWs) system has been attracted the attention of researchers' interest with maintaining positive performance and reducing defects in conventional steel plate shear walls, that including stress reduction in the main columns. In the current paper, the impact of thickness and type of infill plate materials (high-strength steel ASTM A572 with yield stress (YS) of 345?MPa, Medium-yield A36 steel with the YS of 245?MPa, Low-yield steel LPY100 with the YS of 100?MPa) on the loading capacity, energy absorption and behavior ratios (stiffness [K], behavior ratio [R], ductility ratio [?]) of SSPSWs are evaluated. For this purpose, 12 shear walls were modeled in the ABAQUS software. Results showed that the loading capacity and energy absorption of SSPSWs with ASTM A572 infill plate is more than other models and the ductility ratio of SSPSWs with LPY100 infill plate is higher than that of others. Therefore, for SSPSWs with infill plates type of ASTM572, A36, and LPY100 and with a thickness of 2?mm, the ductility ratios are 2.919768, 3.42301, and 5.117279, respectively.

Objectives Cancer is the most common cause of death every year. Moreover, high incidence of bacterial resistance to the most frequently used antibiotics contributes a significant death and disability worldwide. Hence, formulation of novel antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic agents is required. Methods In the current study, the antibacterial efficiency of clove extracts (acetonic, dichloromethane, ethanolic, and petroleum ether) against four pathogenic bacterial strains [Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)] was estimated by disc diffusion method. Furthermore, the anticancer potency of S. aromaticum extracts against HCT human colon carcinoma was appraised using MTT assay. The phytochemical ingredients of the most effective extract were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Results and conclusion The dichloromethane extract presented the highest antibacterial potency against the pathogenic isolates recording minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 mg/disc against MRSA strain and 0.5 mg/disc against both of E. coli and S. typhi strains. Furthermore, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of clove dichloromethane extract was recoded at 2 mg/disc against MRSA stain, and 1 mg/disc against E. coli and S. typhi strains. The dichloromethane extract of clove showed the lowest cytotoxic activity against HCT cell line whereas, the ethanolic extract exerted the highest efficacy with relative IC50 of 6.71 and 2.53 µg/ml respectively. GC–MS analysis revealed that the clove dichloromethane extract was comprised of eugenol (50.65%) and eugenyl acetate (12.54%) as major active components. In conclusion, clove extracts could be utilized as potential antibacterial and anticarcinogenic agents.

Steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) (an impact resistant material) has a good energy dissipation capacity and ductility through the developing of impact toughness and tensile strength. Due to la...

Background Saprolegniasis often cause a significant economic losses to fish hatchery and intensive fish industry. The treatment of saprolegnoid diseases with malachite green seems to have harmful effect and is considered as a mutagenic and carcinogenic substance. The teratogenic and carcinogenic potential of malachite green increased the necessity to find an effective alternative treatment to control the disease. Methods In the present study, seven fungicides used in agriculture were investigated to control Saprolegnia parasitica and S. diclina in vitro. The antifungal activity of each fungicide was compared with that of malachite green as reference fungicide using food poisoning technique. Fish toxicity of the effective fungicides was performed to detect the most applicable fungicides in fish aquarium. Results Four of seven fungicides were found to be effective against the two saprolegnoid fungi. Azoxystrobin and metalaxyl were the most effective fungicides inhibited fungal growth of the two saprolegnoid fungi completely at concentration of 200 ppm and 250 ppm respectively while cyazofamid and etridiazole were moderately effective. Acute toxicity assay of the two effective fungicides showed metalaxyl was low toxic to fish with LC50 of 360 ppm while azoxystrobin was 225 ppm. Hence, it was confirmed that 200 and 250 ppm of azoxystrobin and metalaxyl which completely inhibited mycelial growth of the saprolegniod fungi could be safely used for saprolegniasis control. Conclusion These fungicides which proved to be effective and fishery safer may be applicable as a aquatic fungicides avoiding teratogenic and carcinogenic risk of malachite green.

Bars made of fiber reinforcement polymer (FRP) are in common usage for concrete reinforcing instead of steel reinforcing since steel could be affected by corrosion. The concrete beams reinforced by FRP bars have been studied mostly in longitudinal direction without shear reinforcement. The primary objective of this investigation was to design and advance an algorithm for selection procedure of the parameters influence on prediction of shear resistance of reinforced concrete beams by FRP. Six input parameters were used which represent geometric and mechanical properties of the bars as well as shear features. These parameters are: web width, tensile reinforcement depth, ratio of shear and depth, concrete compressive strength, ratio of FRP reinforcement, FRP modulus of elasticity and beam shear resistance. The searching algorithm is based on combination of artificial neural network and fuzzy logic principle or adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Based on the obtained results ratio of shear and depth has the strongest influence on the prediction of shear resistance of reinforced concrete beams by FRP. Moreover, combination of tensile reinforcement depth and ratio of shear and depth is the most influential combination of two parameters on the prediction of shear resistance of reinforced concrete beams by FRP. Finally, combination of tensile reinforcement depth, ratio of shear and depth and FRP modulus of elasticity is the most influential combination of three parameters on the prediction of shear resistance of reinforced concrete beams by FRP.

Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) is a worldwide distributed virus that has a very wide host range and causes significant crop losses of many economically important crops, including potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). In this study, the antiviral activity of Bacillus licheniformis strain POT1 against AMV on potato plants was evaluated. The dual foliar application of culture filtrate (CF), 24 h before and after AMV-inoculation, was the most effective treatment that showed 86.79% reduction of the viral accumulation level and improvement of different growth parameters. Moreover, HPLC analysis showed that a 20 polyphenolic compound was accumulated with a total amount of 7,218.86 and 1606.49 mg/kg in POT1-treated and non-treated plants, respectively. Additionally, the transcriptional analysis of thirteen genes controlling the phenylpropanoid, chlorogenic acid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways revealed that most of the studied genes were induced after POT1 treatments. The stronger expression level of F3H, the key enzyme in flavonoid biosynthesis in plants, (588.133-fold) and AN2, anthocyanin 2 transcription factor, (97.005-fold) suggested that the accumulation flavonoid, especially anthocyanin, might play significant roles in plant defense against viral infection. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione is the major compound in CF ethyl acetate extract, that is suggesting it acts as elicitor molecules for induction of systemic acquired resistance in potato plants. To our knowledge, this is the first study of biological control of AMV mediated by PGPR in potato plants.

The effectiveness and performance of beam to column connections have been highly affected by the type and properties of structures. An effective and stable design of beam to column connections is critical because in many cases, a single connection must be able to carry several types of loads at the same time. When designing these connections, it is important to consider erection, serviceability, strength, and cost-effectiveness as an efficient design that must be economic in practice. In this study, experimental results for the designed beam to column connection in concrete frames have been applied while evaluating the outcomes. Development and applying of Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) for moment prediction of beam to column connections are the objectives of this study. By understanding and integrating the relevant simulation outcomes and other statistical indicators, the reliability of the computational models has been analyzed.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common health problem affecting about 75% of women at reproductive age. Teratogenicity and fetal toxicity resulting from antifungal therapy during pregnancy necessitates formulation of novel therapeutic agents. Disk diffusion method was performed to evaluate the antifungal activity of Mentha longifolia extracts against different candidal strains. Moreover, the anticancer activity of different M. longifolia extracts against MCF7 breast cancer cell line was evaluated by MTT assay. The M. longifolia n-hexane extract exhibited the highest antifungal activity, while the methanolic extract showed no antimicrobial activity against the tested Candida strains. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of n-hexane extract was 250 µg/disk against C. tropicalis while it was 500 µg/disk against C. albicans and C. glabrata. Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was 0.5 mg/disk against C. albicans and C. tropicalis, and 1 mg/disk against C. glabrata. GC–MS analysis of the n-hexane extract was performed to detect the active phytochemical components. Menthone (18.37%) was the main phytochemical active component of n-hexane extract followed by butyloctanol (16.13%), 1,5-(1-Bromo-1-methylethyl)-2-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (14.89%), α-tocopherol (13.13%), eugenol (12.21%), α-resorcylamide (11.56%), citronellal (3.71%), butylated hydroxytoluene (3.21%), isocaryophyllene (2.81%), 2-hexyldecanol (2.12%) and tau-cadinol (1.87%). The methanolic extract exhibited the highest anticancer activity against MCF7 breast cancer cell line while diethyl ether extract exhibited the lowest activity with IC50 of 91.67 and 244.70 µg/ml respectively. M. longifolia extracts could be used as a potential source of novel anticandidal and anti-carcinogenic therapeutic agents. Keywords: Vulvovaginal candidiasis, Mentha longifolia, Anti-candida, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Cytotoxicity, Phytochemicals

The widespread use of chemical control agents and pesticides for plant-pathogen control has caused many human health and environmental issues. Plant extracts and biocontrol agents have robust antimicrobial activity against different plant pathogens. However, their antiviral activities are still being investigated. In the present study, the methanol extract of Paronychia argentea was characterized and evaluated for its protective activity against the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection in tomato plants under greenhouse conditions at 21 days post-inoculation. The results showed that the foliar application of P. argentea extract (10 µg/mL) enhanced tomato plant growth, resulting in significant increases in shoot and root parameters and total chlorophyll contents. Moreover, a significant reduction in TMV accumulation level in P. argentea-treated plants of 77.88% compared to non-treated plants was reported. Furthermore, induction of systemic resistance with significant elevation in production of antioxidant enzymes (PPO, CAT, and SOD) and transcriptional levels of the pathogenesis-related proteins (PR-1 and PR-7) and polyphenolic genes (CHS and HQT) were also observed. Out of 16 detected compounds, HPLC analysis revealed that the most abundant polyphenolic compounds found in P. argentea extract were gallic acid (5.36 µg/mL), kaempferol (7.39 µg/mL), quercetin (7.44 µg/mL), ellagic acid (7.89 µg/mL), myricetin (8.36 µg/mL), and ferulic acid (8.69 µg/mL). The findings suggest that the use of P. argentea extract as an effective and safe source for the production of bioactive compounds may offer a solution for a promising approach for the management of plant viral infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the protective activity of P. argentea extract against plant viral diseases.

Grape seed extract (GSE) is a natural source of polyphenolic compounds and secondary metabolites, which have been tested for their possible antimicrobial activities. In the current study, we tested the antibacterial and antifungal activities of aqueous GSE and the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles loaded with GSE (GSE-AgNPs) against different pathogens. The biosynthesized GSE-AgNPs were assessed by UV spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antimicrobial activities were assessed against different bacterial and fungal species. DLS analysis showed that GSE-AgNPs had a Z-Average of 91.89 nm while UV spectroscopy showed that GSE-AgNPs had the highest absorbance at a wavelength of ~415 nm. FTIR analysis revealed that both of GSE and GSE-AgNPs consisted of different functional groups, such as hydroxyl, alkenes, alkyne, and aromatic rings. Both FE-SEM and TEM showed that GSE-AgNPs had larger sizes and rough surfaces than GSE and AgNO3. The results showed significant antimicrobial activities of GSE-AgNPs against all tested species, unlike GSE, which had weaker and limited effects. More studies are needed to investigate the other antimicrobial activities of GSE.

The authors would like to advise that several corrections have been made to the original article [...]

Background Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) represents a universal health hazard that contributes to significant morbidity in women. Resistance of Candida to antifungal therapy has been reported as a public health problem. So, the objective of our current study is to detect resistance profile of different candidal strains. Methods In this study, isolated Candida strains were identified by conventional methods, confirmed by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing, and phylogenetically analyzed with reference strains in GenBank. Also, sensitivity of different Candida strains to common antifungal agents was evaluated by disc diffusion method. Results Candida albicans was identified as the most frequent strain (63%) followed by non-albicans strains, such as C. glabrata (20%), C. tropicalis (13%), and C. krusei (4%). Sensitivity of Candida strains (C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata) to commonly used antifungal agents was evaluated through the disc diffusion method. C. glabrata was the most resistant strain and considered to be a multidrug-resistant pathogen, while both, C. albicans and C. tropicalis showed high susceptibility to terbinafine. In contrast, C. albicans showed resistance to fluconazole, clotrimazole, and nystatin, while C. tropicalis, considered as the most sensitive strain, was susceptible to all the antifungal agents tested except nystatin. Terbinafine was the most effective antifungal agent against both C. tropicalis and C. albicans, and hence its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) for C. albicans and C. tropicalis were evaluated. MICs of terbinafine against C. albicans and C. tropicalis were 5 μg/ml and 2.5 μg/ml, while their MFCs were 10 μg/ml and 5 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusion The emergence of resistant Candida strains necessitates conduction of the antifungal susceptibility test prior to deciding the medication regime.

Background Candida vaginitis is a global health hazard that increases morbidity among women of childbearing age. Recent studies have revealed a high incidence of drug-resistant Candida strains. Additionally, treating Candida vulvovaginitis during pregnancy is challenging as antifungal therapy is associated with fetal abnormalities. Hence, it is important to develop novel therapeutic strategies to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis. Methods In this study, we used the disc diffusion method to evaluate the anticandidal activity of different Syzygium aromaticum extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and diethyl ether) against C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of different S. aromaticum extracts was performed to determine active components exhibiting anticandidal activity. Cytotoxicity of different clove extracts against the HUH7 cell line was evaluated. Results The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis with inhibition zone diameters of 20.9, 14.9, and 30.7 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the S. aromaticum ethyl acetate extract was 250 μg/disc against C. tropicalis, and 500 μg/disc against C. albicans and C. glabrata, while the minimum fungicidal concentration was 0.5 mg/disc against C. tropicalis and 1 mg/disc against the C. albicans and C. glabrata. GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate extract revealed the main bioactive compound as eugenol (58.88%), followed by eugenyl acetate (23.86%), trans-caryophyllene (14.44%), and α-humulene (1.88%). The cytotoxicity assay indicated that the diethyl ether extract demonstrated the lowest toxicological effect against the HUH7 cell line, with a relative IC50 of 62.43 μg/ml; the methanolic extract demonstrated a higher toxicity (IC50, 24.17 μg/ml). Conclusion As the S. aromaticum extract exhibited high antifungal activity at low concentrations, it can be a potential source of natural antifungal drugs.

Due to environmental concern, the research to date has tended to focus on how textile dye removal can be carried out in a greener manner. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the decolorization and biotransformation pathway of Mordant Orange-1 (MO-1) by Cylindrocephalum aurelium RY06 (C. aurelium RY06). Decolorization study was conducted in a batch experiment including the investigation of the effects of physio-chemical parameters. Enzymatic activity of C. aurelium RY06 during the decolorization was also investigated. Moreover, transformation and biodegradation of MO-1 by C. aurelium RY06 were observed using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Manganese peroxidase, lignin peroxidase, laccase, 1,2-dioxygenase, and 2,3-dioxygenase enzymes were detected during the decolorization. In general, the present work concluded that the MO-1 was successfully degraded by C. aurelium RY06 and transformed to be maleic acid and to be isophtalic acid.

Objectives A high incidence of stalk rot disease of maize causes huge economic losses as well as deleterious effects on the environment and human health resulting from fungicide use. Against this background, the current study was established to evaluate the antagonistic efficacy of Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum strains against Fusarium proliferatum and Fusarium verticillioides strains, the most common causative agents of stalk rot disease of maize. Methods Dual culture assay was performed to determine the antagonistic efficacy of Trichoderma strains against some fusarial pathogens of maize. Mycoparasitic relationships of the antagonistic fungal strains against fungal pathogens were investigated using a slide culture technique. Furthermore, a food poisoning technique was performed to detect the antimycotic efficacy of Trichoderma culture filtrates against fusarial pathogens of maize. Antifungal activity of organic solvent extracts of T. harzianum and T. viride was evaluated using the disc diffusion method. GC–MS analysis was used to detect the active components of these extracts. Results and conclusion Trichoderma viride showed antagonistic activity against F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides with mycelial inhibition rates of 80.17% and 70.46%, while T. harzianum exhibited rates of 68.38% and 60.64%, respectively. The culture filtrates of T. viride and T. harzianum strains exhibited antifungal activity against F. verticillioides strain with suppressive rates of 56.7% and 32.2%, while the mycelial inhibition rates against F. proliferatum strain were 44.09% and 23.50%, respectively. Mycoparasitic action of T. harzianum strain against fusarial strains was detected, while no mycoparasitism was observed between T. viride and fungal pathogens. The fungicidal concentration of carbendazim fungicide against F. proliferatum was 2.00 ppm, while F. verticillioides strain exhibited resistance to carbendazim fungicide. Moreover, the acetonic extracts of T. viride and T. harzianum strains exerted the highest antifungal potency against F. proliferatum strain, recording minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.25 and 0.50 mg/ml, respectively. The main bioactive constituents of the acetonic extracts of T. viride and T. harzianum strains were palmitic acid (22.87%) and acetic acid (21.36%), respectively. In conclusion, the antagonistic strains could be a potential source of novel biological fungicides, especially against carbendazim-resistant F. verticillioides strain, avoiding side effects of chemical fungicides.

Presently, the bioprocessing of agricultural residues to various bioactive compounds is of great concern, with the potential to be used as plant growth promoters and as a reductive of various diseases. Lycopersiconesculentum, one of the most consumed crops in the human diet, is attacked by Fusarium wilt disease, so the main aim is to biocontrol the pathogen. Several fungal species were isolated from decayed maize stover (MS). Trichodermaasperellum was chosen based on its organic acid productivity and was molecularly identified (GenBank accession number is MW195019). Citric acid (CA) was the major detected organic acid by HPLC. In vitro, CA of T.asperellum at 75% completely repressed the growth of Fusariumoxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL). In vivo, soaking tomato seeds in CA enhanced the seed germination and vigor index. T. asperellum and/or its CA suppressed the wilt disease caused by FOL compared to control. There was a proportional increment of plant growth and yield, as well as improvements in the biochemical parameters (chlorophyll pigments, total phenolic contents and peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase activities), suggesting targeting both the bioconversion of MS into CA and biological control of FOL.

Alkali activated concretes have emerged as a prospective alternative to conventional concrete wherein diverse waste materials have been converted as valuable spin-offs. This paper presents a wide experimental study on the sustainability of employing waste sawdust as a fine/coarse aggregate replacement incorporating fly ash (FA) and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) to make high-performance cement-free lightweight concretes. Waste sawdust was replaced with aggregate at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 vol% incorporating alkali binder, including 70% FA and 30% GBFS. The blend was activated using a low sodium hydroxide concentration (2 M). The acoustic, thermal, and predicted engineering properties of concretes were evaluated, and the life cycle of various mixtures were calculated to investigate the sustainability of concrete. Besides this, by using the available experimental test database, an optimized Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was developed to estimate the mechanical properties of the designed alkali-activated mortar mixes depending on each sawdust volume percentage. Based on the findings, it was found that the sound absorption and reduction in thermal conductivity were enhanced with increasing sawdust contents. The compressive strengths of the specimens were found to be influenced by the sawdust content and the strength dropped from 65 to 48 MPa with the corresponding increase in the sawdust levels from 0% up to 100%. The results also showed that the emissions of carbon dioxide, energy utilization, and outlay tended to drop with an increase in the amount of sawdust and show more the lightweight concrete to be more sustainable for construction applications.

Bacillus velezensis manifests robust biocontrol activity against fungal plant pathogens, however, its antiviral activity has rarely been investigated. Bacillus velezensis strain PEA1 was isolated, characterized, and evaluated for antifungal and antiviral activities against Fusarium oxysporum MT270445 and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) MN594112. Our findings proved that strain PEA1 had intense antagonist activity against F.oxysporum. Under greenhouse conditions, the antiviral activities (protective, curative, and inactivation) of PEA1-culture filtrate (CF) on Datura stramonium plants were assayed, using a half-leaf method. The inactivation treatment exhibited the highest inhibition rate (97.56%) and the most considerable reduction of CMV-CP accumulation levels (2.1-fold) in PEA1-CF-treated plants when compared with untreated plants (26.9-fold). Furthermore, PEA1-CF induced systemic resistance with significantly elevated transcriptional levels of PAL, CHS, HQT, PR-1, and POD genes in D. stramonium leaves after all treatments. Gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry analysis showed that pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione is the main compound in the PEA1-CF ethyl acetate extract, which may act as an elicitor molecule that induces plant systemic resistance and inhibits both fungal growth and viral replication. Consequently, B. velezensis can be considered as a potential source for the production of bioactive compounds for the management of plant diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the antiviral activity of B. velezensis against plant viral infection.

This research aims to explore the effects of nanoparticles such as alumina (Al2O3) on the physical and mechanical properties of medium density fiberboards (MDF). The nanoparticles are added in urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin with different concentration levels e.g., 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5% by weight. A combination of forest fibers such as Populus Deltuidess (Poplar) and Euamericana (Ghaz) are used as a composite reinforcement due to their exceptional abrasion confrontation as well as their affordability and economic value with Al2O3-UF as a matrix or nanofillers for making the desired nanocomposite specimens. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermal analytical analysis (TAA) in the form of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are carried out and it has been found that increasing the percentage of alumina nanoparticles leads to an increase in the total heat content. The mechanical properties such as internal bonding (IB), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR), and physical properties such as density, water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS) of the specimens have been investigated. The experimental results showed that properties of the new Nano-MDF are higher when compared to the normal samples. The results also showed that increasing the concentration of alumina nanoparticles in the urea-formaldehyde resin effects the mechanical properties of panels considerably.

Significant growth in the consumption of plastic products is observed all over the world in recent years; this has contributed to increasing the production of plastic waste. Reuse of plastic waste in the production of concrete or mortar appears as an environmentally friendly solution for getting rid of plastic waste, due to its ecological and economic advantages. Furthermore, it leads to a decrease in plastic waste incineration or the proportion of plastic waste in landfills. Several studies presented the properties of cementitious composites (mortar and concrete) containing different types of plastic waste as aggregate (PWA). This review paper summarizes the previous studies until 2019, discussing the use of recycled plastic aggregate as fine aggregate in cementitious composites and its impact on physical, mechanical properties and durability. To present a comprehensive review, a total of 103 studies were discussed. This paper begins by illustrating the types of plastics and recycled plastics and plastics recycling process. Followed by a discussion of the PWA influence on cementitious composites properties in three sections; physical properties, mechanical properties and durability respectively. Furthermore, thermal conductivity and fire behaviour are discussed in a separate section. In addition to relationships between concrete properties. Many recommendations for future studies are provided. Significant growth in the consumption of plastic products is observed all over the world in recent years; this has contributed to increasing the production of plastic waste. Reuse of plastic waste in the production of concrete or mortar appears as an environmentally friendly solution for getting rid of plastic waste, due to its ecological and economic advantages. Furthermore, it leads to a decrease in plastic waste incineration or the proportion of plastic waste in landfills. Several studies presented the properties of cementitious composites (mortar and concrete) containing different types of plastic waste as aggregate (PWA). This review paper summarizes the previous studies until 2019, discussing the use of recycled plastic aggregate as fine aggregate in cementitious composites and its impact on physical, mechanical properties and durability. To present a comprehensive review, a total of 103 studies were discussed. This paper begins by illustrating the types of plastics and recycled plastics and plastics recycling process. Followed by a discussion of the PWA influence on cementitious composites properties in three sections; physical properties, mechanical properties and durability respectively. Furthermore, thermal conductivity and fire behaviour are discussed in a separate section. In addition to relationships between concrete properties. Many recommendations for future studies are provided.

Novel one-pot multicomponent synthesis of 2-pyrimidinamine derivatives can be achieved via green chemistry, using Cu(II)-tyrosinase enzyme (Cu-Tyr) as a catalyst. This method offers mild reaction conditions and a high yield of derivatives. We synthesised several compounds in this manner and evaluated their larvicidal, and antifeedant activities. Out of the synthesised derivatives, compound 3, with a median lethal dose (LD50) of 21.43 µg/mL, was highly active against Culex quinquefasciatus, compared to compounds 1a–m and 2, and the control, hydantocidin. Compounds 1j, 1d, and 1e were low active against C. quinquefasciatus with LD50 values of 78.46, 78.59, and 79.54 µg/mL, respectively. In antifeedant screening, compounds 1j, 1l, and 2 generated 100% mortality within 24 h against Oreochromis mossambicus at 100 µg/mL, where toxicity was determined as the ratio of the number of dead and live fingerlings (%) at 24 h. In contrast, compounds 1a–f, 1i, 1m, and 3 were less toxic to O. mossambicus as compared to the control, dibromoisophakellin. Therefore, compound 3 had high larvicidal activity against C. quinquefasciatus and was less toxic to non-target aquatic species. Molecular docking studies also supported the finding that compound 3 was an effective larvicide with more inhibition ability than the control hydantocidin (−9.6 vs. −6.1 kcal/mol).

The Batchwa vacha, Eutropiichthys vacha is commercially important, supporting a viable small- and large-scale fishery throughout the Ganges River, NW Bangladesh. This study provides detail information on reproduction of E. vacha including size at sexual maturity, spawning and peak spawning season, and fecundity based on 734 female specimens through regular monthly sampling using cast net, gill net, and square lift net in the Ganges River during January to December 2016. Also, our study estimated the effects of climate change including temperature and rainfall on reproduction of E. vacha in the Ganges River. For each individual, lengths (total length, TL; standard length, SL) and body weight (BW) were measured with slide caliper and digital balance, respectively. Gonads (ovaries) were collected carefully by ventral dissection of each female specimen and weighed to the nearest 0.01 g accuracy. The gonadosomatic index (GSI % = (GW/BW) ×100), modified gonadosomatic index (MGSI % = (GW/BW − GW) × 100), and Dobriyal index (DI = $$ \sqrt[3]{\mathrm{GW}} $$ ) were calculated to estimate the size at sexual maturity (L50) and spawning season. Based on GSI, MGSI, and DI, the L50 was calculated as 12.5 cm TL for female. The TL50, the TL at which 50% of individuals become mature, was calculated by logistic equation as 12.7 cm. Also, on the basis of higher values of GSI, MGSI, and DI, spawning season was ranged from April to August, with the peak in June–July, signifying the peak spawning season for E. vacha in the Ganges River. The total fecundity (FT) ranged from 4800 to 77,976 (mean ± SD, 31384 ± 23,747) and was highly correlated with TL and BW. Water temperature during the spawning period ranged from 28 to 34 °C, with an average of 31 °C and there was significant correlation between temperature and GSI. Also, the spawning season coincides with the peak rainfall and there was significant correlation between rainfall and GSI. Additionally, analysis of long data series indicated that annual average air temperature is increasing by 0.0258 °C/year, while the annual average rainfall is decreasing by 3.107 mm/year. Finally, the findings of this study would be very effective to impose specific management for E. vacha in the Ganges River and surrounding ecosystems.

A series of benzopyran-connected pyrimidine (1a–g) and benzopyran-connected pyrazole (2a–i) derivatives were synthesized via Biginelli reaction using a green chemistry approach. Cu(II)-tyrosinase was used as a catalyst in the synthesis of compounds 1a–g and 2a–i via the Biginelli reaction. The as-synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The as-synthesized compounds were screened for larvicidal and antifeedant activities. The larvicidal activity was evaluated using the mosquito species Culex quinquefasciatus, and the antifeedant activity was evaluated using the fishes of Oreochromis mossambicus. The compounds 2a–i demonstrated lethal effects, killing 50% of second instar mosquito larvae when their LD50 values were 44.17, 34.96, 45.29, 45.28, 75.96, and 28.99 μg mL−1, respectively. Molecular docking studies were used for analysis based on the binding ability of an odorant binding protein (OBP) of Culex quinquefasciatus with compound 2h (binding energy = −6.12 kcal mol−1) and compound 1g (binding energy = −5.79 kcal mol−1). Therefore, the proposed target compounds were synthesized via a green method using Cu(II)-enzyme as a catalyst to give high yield (94%). In biological screening, benzopyran-connected pyrazole (2h) was highly active compared with benzopyran-connected pyrimidine (1a–g) series in terms of larivicidal activity.

Retrofitting of existing structures using adhesively bonded plates has been a major growth area in civil engineering and has gained well-deserved popularity over the past few years. This strengthening technique is in line with sustainable practices in construction and can be used to preserve eminent structures of historical or cultural values. This study aims to present an ideal design model for strengthening reinforced concrete elements using the hinge and anchorage design philosophies for retrofitting and plating existing structures. This includes a check on the intermediate crack (IC), critical diagonal crack (CDC), and plate end (PE) debonding mechanisms. The results of a theoretical model for an FRP plated reinforced concrete beam element were presented, and the findings showed that plating increased the shear at the datum point to cause a diagonal crack by 46.7%. The increase in moment capacity due to plating the hogging region was 64.3% while allowing for 30% moment redistribution from the sagging region to the hogging region. The accompanying increase in uniformly distributed load due to 30% moment redistribution was 42.8%. The results of the theoretical model were compared with previous design models for IC debonding to which it has been shown that following the anchorage approach, a higher strain in the plate may be allowed as compared to the hinge approach. In addition to the theoretical model presented, analysis on an FRP plated RC beam and slab were also presented to show the effect of different plate widths on the moment capacity and PE moment capacity.

Given the insufficient knowledge on the influence of CFRP strength and water penetration, many building structures are highly vulnerable to recurrent deterioration after repair works. This study was planned to examine the hardened properties and water penetration of concrete wrapped with CFRP, particularly water permeability and water permeability coefficient. A total of 42 cubes with different concrete grades were prepared, casted, cured, wrapped with several CFRP layers, and tested. The concrete compressive strength was improved with upsurge the use of amount of CFRP layers. However, the increment percentage was not remarkable from layer to layer. The concrete with low water permeability reduced the deterioration effects that relate with water permeability, such as corrosion. A comparison exhibited that the permeability coefficient of the water of the wrapped concrete was several times larger than the equivalent permeability coefficient of the water of the control of identical concrete compressive strength. The penetration of wrapped concrete was substantially reduced with the increment within the numbers of CFRP layers. These findings prove that CFRP layers and epoxy play a substantial role as moisture barriers, potentially decreasing steel corrosion and concrete worsening. Therefore, the retrofitting works can ensure the increased sustainability, cost efficiency, and prolonged lifespan of building structures. Keywords: Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), CFRP wrap, Hardened properties, Water penetration

The shortage of natural aggregates has compelled the developers to devote their efforts to finding alternative aggregates. On the other hand, demolition waste from old constructions creates huge land acquisition problems and environmental pollution. Both these problems can be solved by recycling waste materials. The current study aims to use recycled brick aggregates (RBA) to develop eco-friendly pervious concrete (PC) and investigate the new concrete’s structural performance and pore structure distributions. Through laboratory testing and image processing techniques, the effects of replacement ratio (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) and particle size (4.75 mm, 9.5 mm, and 12.5 mm) on both structural performance and pore feature were analyzed. The obtained results showed that the smallest aggregate size (size = 4.75 mm) provides the best strength compared to the large sizes. The image analysis method has shown the average pore sizes of PC mixes made with smaller aggregates (size = 4.75 mm) as 1.8–2 mm, whereas the mixes prepared with an aggregate size of 9.5 mm and 12.5 mm can provide pore sizes of 2.9–3.1 mm and 3.7–4.2 mm, respectively. In summary, the results confirmed that 40–60% of the natural aggregates could be replaced with RBA without influencing both strength and pore features.

Streptomyces griseorubens E44G is a chitinolytic bacterium isolated from cultivated soil in Saudi Arabia (a hot, arid climatic region). In vitro, antifungal potential of S. griseorubens E44G was assessed against the phytopathogenic fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (the causative agent of the Fusarium wilt disease of tomato). An inhibition zone of 24 mm was recorded. The chitinolytic activity of S. griseorubens E44G was proved when the colloidal chitin agar plate method was used. A thermostable chitinase enzyme of 45 kDa molecular weight was purified using gel filtration chromatography. The optimum activity was obtained at 60 °C and pH 5.5. The purified enzyme has shown a very pronounced activity against the phytopathogenic fungus, F. oxysporum. The molecular characterization of the chitinase gene indicated that it consists of 1218 bp encoding 407 amino acids. The phylogentic analysis based on the nucleotide DNA sequence and the deduced amino acids sequence showed high similarity percentages with other chitinases isolated from different Streptomyces species. In the field evaluation, application of both S. griseorubens E44G treatments significantly increased all tested growth and yield parameters and decreased the disease severity compared with the infected-untreated tomato plants suggesting potential as a biocontrol agent.

The punitive environmental legislation set by the global community has shifted the direction of research involve in construction industry towards the utilization of secondary raw materials in designing and constructing new structures. Rice husk (RH) is a by-product obtained from the rice mill process whose generation accounts up to 200 kg per ton of rice. The existing literature showed the vast potential of using rice husk ash (RHA) as a replacement for cement or as admixtures. This paper aims to critically review previous studies on RHA as a waste material. The utilization of this waste in concrete contributes to nurturing more sustainable and greener development, thereby lessen carbon footprints and minimize solid waste disposal issues. A state-of-the-art-review of literature on the use of RHA is presented in this paper. The impact of RHA on the properties of concrete such as workability, density, compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, durability properties as well as its impact on sustainability are compiled. In addition, the technical results are complimented with the microstructural analysis evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the data garnered, it is postulated that RHA beneficially enhance the mechanical strengths coupled with improvement of resistant to sulfate and acid attack. This paper advances novel recommendations and directions for future research towards the application of green RHA-based construction products. The punitive environmental legislation set by the global community has shifted the direction of research involve in construction industry towards the utilization of secondary raw materials in designing and constructing new structures. Rice husk (RH) is a by-product obtained from the rice mill process whose generation accounts up to 200 kg per ton of rice. The existing literature showed the vast potential of using rice husk ash (RHA) as a replacement for cement or as admixtures. This paper aims to critically review previous studies on RHA as a waste material. The utilization of this waste in concrete contributes to nurturing more sustainable and greener development, thereby lessen carbon footprints and minimize solid waste disposal issues. A state-of-the-art-review of literature on the use of RHA is presented in this paper. The impact of RHA on the properties of concrete such as workability, density, compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, durability properties as well as its impact on sustainability are compiled. In addition, the technical results are complimented with the microstructural analysis evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the data garnered, it is postulated that RHA beneficially enhance the mechanical strengths coupled with improvement of resistant to sulfate and acid attack. This paper advances novel recommendations and directions for future research towards the application of green RHA-based construction products.

Two molecularly identified tomato isolates, Trichoderma asperelloides Ta41 and Rhizoctonia solani Rs33, were characterized and antagonistically evaluated. The dual culture technique showed that Ta41 had a high antagonistic activity of 83.33%, while a light microscope bioassay demonstrated that the Ta41 isolate over-parasitized the pathogen completely. Under greenhouse conditions, the application of Ta41 was able to promote tomato plant growth and had a significant increase in plant height, root length, and shoot fresh, shoot dry, root fresh, and root dry weight. It also improved chlorophyll content and total phenol content significantly, both in protective and in curative treatments. The protective treatment assay exhibited the lowest disease index (16.00%), while the curative treatment showed a disease index of 33.33%. At 20 days post-inoculation, significant increases in the relative expression levels of four defense-related genes (PR-1, PR-2, PR-3, and CHS) were observed in all Ta41-treated plants when compared with the non-treated plants. Interestingly, the plants treated with Ta41 alone showed the highest expression, with relative transcriptional levels of CHS, PR-3, PR-1, and PR-2 that were, compared with the control, 3.91-, 3.13-, 2.94-, and 2.69-fold higher, respectively, and the protective treatment showed relative transcriptional levels that were 3.50-, 3.63-, 2.39-, and 2.27-fold higher, respectively. Consequently, the ability of Ta41 to promote tomato growth, suppress Rs33 growth, and induce systemic resistance supports the incorporation of Ta41 as a potential bioagent for controlling root rot disease and increasing the productivity of crops, including tomatoes.

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effect of internal curing of natural lightweight aggregates (LWAs) on the shrinkage, mechanical properties, and durability of high-performance concrete (HPC). Conventional aggregates were partially substituted with prewetted coarse and fine LWA at dosages of 5, 10, and 20% by volume. The early age autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage of the HPC mixtures were monitored for up to 180 days. The investigated properties of the HPC mixtures included compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and splitting tensile strength at 28 days, as well as rapid chloride permeability and water absorption. The results revealed that, at a replacement level of 20% for both coarse and fine aggregates, the reduction in autogenous shrinkage of the HPC mixtures was approximately 118% at 28 days and 65% at 18 days. Furthermore, the test results indicated that the autogenous shrinkage measured between 15 h and 7 days after casting was reduced by approximately 75%. Fine LWAs were more effective in reducing autogenous shrinkage than coarse LWAs. This was attributed to the small particles, which allowed a good distribution of the water-filled internal curing within the cement matrix. It was also found that using up to 20% LWA could modify the 28-day autogenous shrinkage of HPC by reducing the cube compressive strength up to 70 MPa as compared to 86 MPa for the control mixture. In addition, the obtained strength values of the concrete mixes were found to be within the acceptable range specified by the ACI standard to be categorized as HPC. The findings of the study revealed that the utilization of LWA is feasible as an internal curing method for decreasing the volume changes, particularly at the early ages, and for avoiding the formation of cracks in HPC.