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Vector-borne diseases are rampant across the world. Studies have been conducted to assess the impact of climatic factors on the life stages of various mosquito species. In this study, the overall effect of climatic factors such as temperature and relative humidity on the life span, survivability, development, and vectorial capacity of Aedes mosquito species has been evaluated. A literature survey was done through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Shodhganga databases using the keywords’ “Aedes”, “temperature”, and “humidity”. The search output was analyzed in terms of the impact of environmental factors on the life stages of Aedes species and it was observed that both temperature and relative humidity act as significant indicators for dengue vector propagation and virus transmission. A total of 86 research papers were selected for inclusion, and the study is divided into five criteria: (i) egg eclosion, (ii) larval development, (iii) pupal development, (iv) adult survival, and (v) vector transmission. A 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was estimated using SPSS software. Literature mining results revealed the most optimal temperatures for egg eclosion, larval development, pupal development, adult survival, and vector transmission were 24.03±3.79, 24.81±3.23, 26.18±3.96, 26.55±2.71, and 29.78±2.77, respectively. The study finds a knowledge gap regarding the impacts of relative humidity on Aedes biology. The outcomes of this work will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the core behavioral patterns of Aedes mosquitoes under evolving climatic circumstances. Furthermore, these findings will play a pivotal role in shaping forthcoming strategies for mosquito control.

Many studies have been done in the field of predicting the Volatility of Commodities; however, very little or no analysis has been conducted on any sector, industry, or indices to identify which model is best to understand the asset’s characteristics, as there is a hypothesis that all financial time series can be interpreted by implementing the same model.

Abstract The present work models the fermentation process parameters of the newly isolated, Meyerozyma caribbica CP02 for enhanced xylitol production and its fermentability study on rice straw hydrolysate. The study examined the impact of each of the process variables by one variable at a time optimization followed by statistical validation. Temperature of 32 °C, pH of 3.5, agitation of 200 rpm, 1.5% (v/v) inoculum, 80 gL−1 initial xylose was optimized. Subsequently, a sequential two-stage agitation approach was adopted for fermentation. At these optimized conditions, xylitol yield of 0.77 gg−1 and 0.64 gg−1 was achieved using media containing commercial and rice straw derived xylose, respectively. For scale up, in 3L batch bioreactor, the highest xylitol yield (0.63 gg−1) was attained at 72 h with rice straw hydrolysate media containing initial xylose (59.48 ± 0.82 gL−1) along with inhibitors (1.55 ± 0.10 gL−1 aliphatic acids, 0.0.048 ± 0.11 gL−1 furans, 0.64 ± 0.23 gL−1 total phenols). The results imply that even under circumstances characterized by an acidic pH and elevated initial xylose level, M. caribbica CP02, as an isolate, displays robustness and shows favorable fermentability of rice straw hydrolysate. Therefore, isolate CP02 has potential to be used in bio-refineries for high yield xylitol production with minimal hydrolysate processing requirements. Graphical Abstract

This article explains development of high strength and lightweight Ti6Al4V5Cr alloy by μ-plasma powder additive manufacturing (μ-PPAM) process for automotive, aerospace, military, dies and moulds, and other similar applications. Microstructure, formation of phases, porosity, microhardness, tensile properties, abrasion resistance, and fracture toughness of multi-layer deposition of Ti6Al4V5Cr alloy are studied and compared with Ti6Al4V alloy. Results reveal that the presence of chromium in Ti6Al4V5Cr alloy refined the grains of its β-Ti and α-Ti phases, increased volume % of β-Ti phase, and promoted formation of its equiaxed grains. It also increased tensile strength, microhardness, abrasion resistance, and fracture toughness of Ti6Al4V5Cr alloy. It enhanced solid solution strengthening and formed higher hardness imparting intermetallic Cr2Ti phase and changed fracture mode to mixed ductile and brittle mode with larger size dimples, cleavage facets, and micropores. But it decreased formation temperature of β-Ti phase and % elongation as compared to Ti6Al4V alloy. Chromium and vanadium content in β-Ti phase of Ti6Al4V5Cr alloy is 7 % and 2.1 % more than its α-Ti phase. This study demonstrates that inclusion of limited amount of chromium content to Ti6Al4V5Cr alloy by μ-PPAM process is very beneficial to enhance microstructure, mechanical properties, crack propagation resistance, and abrasive wear resistance of the Ti6Al4V5Cr alloy. It makes Ti6Al4V5Cr alloy very useful in many commercial applications that require higher strength than Ti6Al4V alloy along with lightweight requirement.

Osteogenic-osteoclast coupling processes play a crucial role in bone regeneration. Recently, strategies that focus on multi-functionalized implant surfaces to enhance the healing of bone defects through the synergistic regulation of osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis is still a challenging task in the field of bone tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to create a dual-drug release-based core-shell nanofibers with the intent of achieving a time-controlled release to facilitate bone regeneration. We fabricated core-shell P/PCL nanofibers using coaxial electrospinning, where alendronate (ALN) was incorporated into the core layer and hydroxyapatite (HA) into shell. The surface of the nanofiber construct was further modified with mussel-derived polydopamine (PDA) to induce hydrophilicity and enhance cell interactions. Surface characterizations confirmed the successful synthesis of PDA@PHA/PCL-ALN nanofibers endowed with excellent mechanical strength (20.02 ± 0.13 MPa) and hydrophilicity (22.56°), as well as the sustained sequential release of ALN and Ca ions. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PDA-functionalized core-shell PHA/PCL-ALN scaffolds possessed excellent cytocompatibility, enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenesis-related genes. In addition to osteogenesis, the engineered scaffolds also significantly reduced osteoclastogenesis, such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity and osteoclastogenesis-related gene expression. After 12-week of implantation, it was observed that PDA@PHA/PCL-ALN nanofiber scaffolds, in a rat cranial defect model, significantly promoted bone repair and regeneration. Microcomputed tomography, histological examination, and immunohistochemical analysis collectively demonstrated that the PDA-functionalized core-shell PHA/PCL-ALN scaffolds exhibited exceptional osteogenesis-inducing and osteoclastogenesis-inhibiting effects. Finally, it may be concluded from our results that the bio-inspired surface-functionalized multifunctional, biomimetic and controlled release core-shell nanofiber provides a promising strategy to facilitate bone healing.

Investors today are more inclined towards a financial market that increases their knowledge and excess involvement. It is often observed that they are extensively emotionally involved, that impact financial investors’ investment decisions. It is observed that investors always seek guidance from an expert to invest in more appropriate products and services. This guidance and support lead to reaching the ultimate satisfaction of the participants.

The advent of pH-sensitive liposomes (pHLips) has opened new opportunities for the improved and targeted delivery of antitumor drugs as well as gene therapeutics. Comprising fusogenic dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) and cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHEMS), these nanosystems harness the acidification in the tumor microenvironment and endosomes to deliver drugs effectively. pH-responsive liposomes that are internalized through endocytosis encounter mildly acidic pH in the endosomes and thereafter fuse or destabilize the endosomal membrane, leading to subsequent cargo release into the cytoplasm. The extracellular tumor matrix also presents a slightly acidic environment that can lead to the enhanced drug release and improved targeting capabilities of the nano-delivery system. Recent studies have shown that folic acid (FA) and iRGD-coated nanocarriers, including pH-sensitive liposomes, can preferentially accumulate and deliver drugs to breast tumors that overexpress folate receptors and αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins. This study focuses on the development and characterization of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded FA and iRGD surface-modified pHLips (FA-iRGD-5-FU-pHLips). The novelty of this research lies in the dual targeting mechanism utilizing FA and iRGD peptides, combined with the pH-sensitive properties of the liposomes, to enhance selective targeting and uptake by cancer cells and effective drug release in the acidic tumor environment. The prepared liposomes were small, with an average diameter of 152 ± 3.27 nm, uniform, and unilamellar, demonstrating efficient 5-FU encapsulation (93.1 ± 2.58%). Despite surface functionalization, the liposomes maintained their pH sensitivity and a neutral zeta potential, which also conferred stability and reduced aggregation. Effective pH responsiveness was demonstrated by the observation of enhanced drug release at pH 5.5 compared to physiological pH 7.4. (84.47% versus 46.41% release at pH 5.5 versus pH 7.4, respectively, in 72 h). The formulations exhibited stability for six months and were stable when subjected to simulated biological settings. Blood compatibility and cytotoxicity studies on MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR3 breast cancer cell lines revealed an enhanced cytotoxicity of the liposomal formulation that was modified with FA and iRGD compared to free 5-FU and minimal hemolysis. Collectively, these findings support the potential of FA and iRGD surface-camouflaged, pH-sensitive liposomes as a promising drug delivery strategy for breast cancer treatment.

Our hypothesis posited that incorporating alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into liposomes containing Paclitaxel (PTX) could augment cellular uptake, decrease the therapeutic dosage, and alleviate PTX-related side effects. Our investigation encompassed characterization of the liposomal formulation, encompassing aspects like particle size, surface morphology, chemical structure, drug release kinetics, and stability. Compatibility studies were performed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). By utilizing the Box–Behnken design (BBD), we developed ALA-based liposomes with satisfactory particle size and entrapment efficiency. It is noteworthy that ALA incorporation led to a slight increase in particle size but did not notably affect drug entrapment. In vitro drug release assessments unveiled a sustained release pattern, with ALA-PTX liposomes demonstrating release profiles comparable to PTX liposomes. Morphological examinations confirmed the spherical structure of the liposomes, indicating that substituting ALA with phosphatidylcholine did not alter the physicochemical properties. Cellular uptake investigations showcased enhanced uptake of ALA-based liposomes in contrast to PTX liposomes, likely attributed to the heightened fluidity conferred by ALA. Efficacy against MCF-7 cells demonstrated concentration-dependent reductions in cell viability, with ALA-PTX liposomes exhibiting the lowest IC50 value. Morphological analysis confirmed apoptotic changes in cells treated with all formulations, with ALA-PTX liposomes eliciting more pronounced changes, indicative of enhanced anticancer efficacy.

Abstract Birds perform significant ecosystem services in the environment. Nevertheless, they have been facing threats to their survival globally. This special collection assembles diverse articles on various aspects of birds’ life, their interactions with the environment, their adaptations, and threats they have been facing along with conservation measures.

In this research endeavor, we sought to enhance the efficacy of bamboo fibers through modification with the surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) for the purpose of removing Reactive Blue 235 from effluent. Our investigation encompassed a comprehensive exploration of the impact of crucial parameters, namely, adsorbent dosage (0.25 g–1.25 g), contact time (10–80 min), pH (2–12), initial dye concentration (20–100 mg/L), and temperature (298 K, 308 K, and 318 K) on the dynamics of dye removal. The optimum dye removal efficiency of 94% for Reactive Blue 235 was obtained at an adsorbent dosage of 0.5 g/50 ml of dye solution, initial dye concentration of 40 mg/L, pH of 6, and contact time of 40 min. The experimental framework included the anticipation of data aligned with various isothermal and kinetic models, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the adsorption process. Our findings unveiled that the kinetics of adsorption adhered to a second-order model, while the Langmuir isotherm model aptly described the adsorption behavior. Particularly noteworthy was the monolayer’s adsorption capacity, quantified at an impressive 7.39 mg·g−1 at a temperature of 318 K. The value of Freundlich’s constant, KF, increases with an increase in temperature indicating the endothermic nature of adsorption. The magnitude of E obtained from Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm varying from 3.92 to 4.66 kJ/mol on increasing temperature from 298 K to 318 K suggests that adsorption of RB235 on BAT is a physisorption (value of E is between 1 and 8 kJ/mol). Delving into the thermodynamic aspects of the process, we calculated ΔH and ΔS to be 54.88 kJ/mol and 184.54 J/mol/K, respectively. The consistently negative values of ΔG (between −0.183 kJ/mol and −3.884 kJ/mol) at all temperatures underscored the feasibility, spontaneity, and entropy-driven nature of the adsorption of RB235 on CTAB-treated bamboo fiber (BAT). What sets our study apart is the deliberate utilization of bamboo fibers sourced from local waste streams, embodying a commitment to sustainable practices. Beyond its effectiveness in effluent treatment, our approach aligns with eco-friendly principles by repurposing indigenous waste materials, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

COVID-19 has improved awareness of the importance of appropriate indoor air quality (IAQ) in indoor spaces, particularly in classrooms where children are expected to learn. Research has shown that poor IAQ and temperature levels affect the cognitive performance of children. In this paper, we critically compare IAQ standards for New Zealand’s Designing Quality Learning Spaces (DQLS Document) against international benchmarks from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, including ASHRAE 62.1, CIBSE TM57, EN-15251, WHO AQGs, and Building Bulletins 99 and 101. The aim was to ascertain the robustness of New Zealand’s DQLS document, identify areas of superiority, and recommend the required improvement for appropriate IAQ and thermal comfort in classrooms. This comparison review focuses on IAQ parameters: CO2 levels, temperature, ventilation rates, room size, occupant density, and occupancy rates. The findings illuminate a slight lag in New Zealand’s DQLS standards compared to her international counterparts. For instance, while New Zealand’s standards align closely with WHO standards for IAQ concerning temperature and ventilation rates, the recommended CO2 range appears slightly inadequate (800 to 2000 ppm) along with occupancy and classroom size for effectively controlling classroom pollutant growth. This paper emphasises the need to align New Zealand’s IAQ and thermal comfort standards with optimal OECD benchmarks. The identified disparities present opportunities for improving learning spaces in terms of CO2 concentration, size of classroom, and occupant density in schools in New Zealand to meet globally recognised standards, ultimately creating a healthier and more conducive learning environment.

Many studies have declared the influence of organizational culture on the performance of employees, however little attention was given to the correlation of organizational culture and human capital development in the healthcare sector in the Indian context.

A pragmatic shift has been ongoing for the metal development of industrialization for the last several decades. In various engineering and industrial applications, there is a high demand for materials with high tensile strength and ductility. This demand can be met by instilling carbide-free bainitic in high silicon steel. The proposed steel type is enriched with desired properties and can be fabricated in a cost-effective approach. In this research, the wear rate of the proposed material has been thoroughly evaluated in numerous applications by highlighting the recent research progress and influence of carbide-free bainitic, retained austenite on wear resistance in high silicon steel and the working parameters. Different compositions of the material, microstructural analysis, and results of the experiments have been comprehensively analyzed with different effective mechanisms involved. The whole effort sets the prominent outcomes of the existing research and proposes the application for different areas of research where more emphasis required for the optimum results.

Power Amplifiers (PAs) play a vital role in mobile communication. However, their inherent nonlinearity can lead to issues such as unwanted radiation, interference with neighboring channels, and distortion within the desired frequency range. To address these problems, PAs are typically operated at a lower power level than their saturation point, sacrificing power efficiency to improve Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) performance. Consequently, more than 70-80% of the DC power is wasted as heat. This inefficiency necessitates the exploration of techniques to enhance PA efficiency while maintaining acceptable linearity and performance. Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) is a useful technique to linearize PAs. DPD allows affordable nonlinear PAs to function with minimal distortion in their nonlinear operating regions. This results in amplified signals with increased power output and improved power efficiency. Using nonlinear functions, the output signal of the PA can be linearized, mitigate distortions, and be effectively optimized. When using various operating channels and varying time, temperature, and PA nonlinearity, the DPD must adjust. In order to increase the power efficiency of 5G systems, DPD-enabled systems are inculcating with adaptive DFT-s-OFDM employed 5G physical layer along with the Crest Factor Reduction (CFR) algorithm.

Electrospun composite nanofiber scaffolds are well known for their bone and tissue regeneration applications. This research is focused on the development of PVP and PVA nanofiber composite scaffolds enriched with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles and alendronate (ALN) using the electrospinning technique. The developed nanofiber scaffolds were investigated for their physicochemical as well as bone regeneration potential. The results obtained from particle size, zeta potential, SEM and EDX analysis of HA nanoparticles confirmed their successful fabrication. Further, SEM analysis verified nanofiber’s diameters within 200–250 nm, while EDX analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of HA and ALN into the scaffolds. XRD and TGA analysis revealed the amorphous and thermally stable nature of the nanofiber composite scaffolds. Contact angle, FTIR analysis, Swelling and biodegradability studies revealed the hydrophilicity, chemical compatibility, suitable water uptake capacity and increased in-vitro degradation making it appropriate for tissue regeneration. The addition of HA into nanofiber scaffolds enhanced the physiochemical properties. Additionally, hemolysis cell viability, cell adhesion and proliferation by SEM as well as confocal microscopy and live/dead assay results demonstrated the non-toxic and biocompatibility behavior of nanofiber scaffolds. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) assays demonstrated osteoblast promotion and osteoclast inhibition, respectively. These findings suggest that developed HA and ALN-loaded PVP/PVA-ALN-HA nanofiber composite scaffolds hold significant promise for bone regeneration applications.

Electrospinning is a versatile method for fabrication of précised nanofibrous materials for various biomedical application including tissue engineering and drug delivery. This research is aimed to fabricate the PVP/PVA nanofiber scaffold by novel electrospinning technique and to investigate the impact of process parameters (flow rate, voltage and distance) and polymer concentration/solvent combinations influence on properties of electrospun nanofibers. The in-vitro and in-vivo degradation studies were performed to evaluate the potential of electrospun PVP/PVA as a tissue engineering scaffold. The solvents used for electrospinning of PVP/PVA nanofibers were ethanol and 90% acetic acid, optimized with central composite design via Design Expert software. NF-2 and NF-35 were selected as optimised nanofiber formulation in acetic acid and ethanol, and their characterization showed diameter of 150–400 nm, tensile strength of 18.3 and 13.1 MPa, respectively. XRD data revealed the amorphous nature, and exhibited hydrophilicity (contact angles: 67.89° and 58.31° for NF-2 and NF-35). Swelling and in-vitro degradability studies displayed extended water retention as well as delayed degradation. FTIR analysis confirmed solvent-independent interactions. Additionally, hemolysis and in-vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed the non-toxic nature of fabricated scaffolds on RBCs and L929 fibroblast cells. Subcutaneous rat implantation assessed tissue response, month-long biodegradation, and biocompatibility through histological analysis of surrounding tissue. Due to its excellent biocompatibility, this porous PVP/PVA nanofiber has great potential for biomedical applications.