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• The agri-horticulture (AH) system exhibited the highest Carbon management index (CMI). • CMI increased at higher altitude in dry temperate Himalayas. • Passive carbon pool was higher under AH system than agriculture (A) by 16.2 %. • The highest Lability index was reported in A indicating lower stability than AH. Globally, land use management consistently changes the dynamics of labile and recalcitrant (non-labile) soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions. However, the effects vary depending on altitude, soils and management practices. The dry temperate north-western Himalayan region is characterized by the presence of diverse land use systems, however the comparison of these SOC fractions across various land use regimes is not well-documented in the area. This study reported the differences in labile and non-labile SOC fractions under the major land-use systems viz., Agriculture (A), Horticulture (H), Agri-horticulture (AH) and Grass fallow (OF) land in various soil-depth classes (0–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm) along three altitudinal ranges i.e., 2200–2500, 2500–2800 and 2800–3100 m above mean sea level (m. a.m.s.l.) across the dry temperate region of north-western Himalayas. The lability index and carbon management index of the soils were determined using these fractions. The analysis affirmed the highest accumulation of active fractions viz., very-labile (2.66 mg g−1), and labile C fraction (2.55 mg g−1) under AH, while the highest recalcitrant fractions i.e., less-labile (3.34 mg g−1) and non-labile C fraction (7.46 mg g−1) was documented under H. Moreover, the Carbon Management Index (CMI) followed the order of AH > A > H > OF. All the SOC fractions, pools and CMI significantly increased with increase in altitude but declined at lower soil depths. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the CMI was positively correlated with the active C fractions i.e. C frac 1 (r = 0.96; p < 0.05) and C frac 2 (r = 0.9; p < 0.05). The higher active carbon pool and CMI (6.9–16 % and 4.1–15.7 % higher, respectively) under the AH may be due to the greater organic matter inputs to the soil under the agri-horticulture land use system. The findings of this study suggest that the soil can be managed sustainably by the adoption of stable land use systems such as agri-horticulture (owing to their higher CMI values) in the highly fragile dry temperate ecosystem of the north-western Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simarouba amara Aubl., commonly known as paradise tree, is a multipurpose, evergreen, poly-gamodioecious, and oil yielding tree. The plant is famous for its seeds containing 55-65% oil, a potent source of biodiesel production and is being utilized in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. The study aimed to evaluate the physiological and biochemical changes that occur in S. amara seedlings under heavy metals stress. Two-month-old S. amara seedlings were exposed to different concentrations of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) (Zn and Cu: 10 mg Kg-1, 50 mg Kg-1, 100 mg Kg-1, 200 mg Kg-1). The study indicated that both the heavy metals resulted in a significant decrease in leaf relative water content (LRWC), photosynthetic pigments and an increase in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels. Regarding lipid peroxidation, Cu proved to be more toxic to seedlings compared to Zn. However, in terms of LRWC and photosynthetic pigments, Zn showed higher toxic effects than Cu. Proline and cysteine content increased by 234% and 270%, respectively, due to Zn stress and 117% and 102%, respectively, due to Cu stress at 200 mg Kg-1. Among antioxidant enzymes, a maximum increase in glutathione reductase (GR) activity was observed (600% due to Cu stress and 320% due to Zn stress) at 200 mg Kg-1. At the same concentration, a minimum increase was seen in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity (60% under Cu stress) and catalase (CAT) activity (69% under Zn stress). The present study revealed that S. amara has a better antioxidant defensive mechanism against oxidative stress and can be used for its large scale cultivation on wastelands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate how programmable shape evolution and deformation can be induced in plant-based natural materials through standard digital printing technologies. With nonallergenic pollen paper as the substrate material, we show how specific geometrical features and architectures can be custom designed through digital printing of patterns to modulate hygrophobicity, geometry, and complex shapes. These autonomously hygromorphing configurations can be "frozen" by postprocessing coatings to meet the needs of a wide spectrum of uses and applications. Through computational simulations involving the finite element method and accompanying experiments, we develop quantitative insights and a general framework for creating complex shapes in eco-friendly natural materials with potential sustainable applications for scalable manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[{TiCl3}2(C3N3S3H)] (where C3N3S3H is Trithiocyanuric acid) was designed and synthesized by the reaction of TiCl4 and trithiocyanuric acid in 2:1 M ratio under stirring and refluxing condition using THF solvent. The synthesized Titanium (IV) complex was characterized by various spectroscopic techniques like FT‐IR, NMR, MASS, XRD, UV–visible spectrophotometer and elemental analysis (CHNSO). Moreover, in‐silico docking studies of the ligand and its Ti (IV) complex were carried out by AutoDockTools‐1.5.6 to study interactions of the complex under study with the receptor protein. Afterwards, both ligand and synthesized Ti (IV)complex were screened for the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential by in‐vitro method. The antioxidant potential was investigated by using DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay where ligand exhibited moderate activity while Ti (IV) complex presented significant antioxidant activity. Following, alpha‐amylase enzyme inhibition was investigated using iodine‐starch inhibition assay. It was found that the ligand was inactive (showed no α‐amylase inhibition activity) while the Ti (IV)complex was a potent α‐amylase inhibitor. Furthermore, the experimentally obtained results were also complimented by the in‐silico results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • SRAP and SSR markers revealed very high genetic diversity within three different Jojoba populations of India. • Very low genetic differentiation and high gene flow among different Jojoba populations were observed. • Jojoba population of Gujarat region was highly diverse and population of Jaipur was least polymorphic. • Genetic diversity in Jojoba was found to be strongly correlated with different environmental factors. • Male Jojoba genotypes displayed higher genetic diversity than female genotypes. • SRAP primer combination, 'Em14/Me10' amplified a male specific DNA marker of 396 bp. Abstract Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider, commonly known as Jojoba is a woody, dioecious shrub, cultivated all over the globe mainly for its commercially important seed oil (liquid wax ester). Investigations were carried out to analyze genetic diversity and population structure of 57 Jojoba genotypes belonging to 3 different eco-geographical regions of India (Gujarat, Jodhpur, and Jaipur) employing sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. SRAP markers produced higher mean values of polymorphic bands (6.22), polymorphism information content (PIC: 0.47), effective multiplex ration (EMR: 5.36) and marker index (MI: 2.59) compared to SSR markers (5.87, 0.38, 5.26 and 2.23 respectively). Higher % polymorphism (86.30%) and resolving power (RP: 8.76) were detected by SSR markers than SRAP markers (82.30% and 8.71 respectively). Total genetic diversity (Ht) and genetic diversity within populations (Hs) in Jojoba genotypes were found to be very high (0.47 and 0.45 respectively). AMOVA analysis also revealed higher genetic variation within populations (77%) than among populations (23%). Very low genetic differentiation (Gst: 0.04) and high gene flow (Nm: 10.57) among different populations were observed. The Jojoba population of Gujarat region was observed to be highly diverse (h: 0.48), and that of Jaipur was least polymorphic (h: 0.40). Jojoba male genotypes were found to be more polymorphic (h: 0.46) compared to females (h: 0.44). UPGMA, Neighbor-Joining tree, and population structure analysis divided Jojoba populations into two main clusters, first comprising of Gujarat and Jodhpur populations and second including Jaipur population. Genetic diversity in different Jojoba populations was found to be strongly negatively and significantly correlated with the longitude factor. For sex identification in Jojoba, one SRAP primer combination, 'Em14/Me10' amplified a DNA fragment of 396 bp specific to male genotypes of Jaipur population. This male-specific marker was further positively validated on different genotypes growing in Jodhpur and Gujarat regions and sequenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simarouba glauca DC. is an evergreen, polygamodioecious, eco-friendly tree borne oil seed crop. It is native of tropical rainforest regions of South and Central America and was first introduced in India in 1966. During present investigation, fourteen inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and eleven sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers were employed to analyze genetic diversity and population structure in S. glauca accessions growing in different eco-geographical regions of India. SRAP markers were found to be more efficient than ISSR in evaluating genetic diversity. SRAP markers produced higher mean percentage polymorphism (26.54%), polymorphism information content (PIC: 0.14), effective number of alleles (ne: 1.45), Nei’s gene diversity (h: 0.26) and Shannon’s information index (I: 0.39) values compared to ISSR markers (percentage polymorphism: 14.43%, PIC: 0.10, ne: 1.27, h: 0.16, I: 0.23). Overall, mean genetic diversity in S. glauca accessions in India was found to be very low (ne: 1.30, h: 0.16, I: 0.22). S. glauca population of Gujarat region was found to be highly diverse (ne: 1.37, h: 0.20, I: 0.28) and population of Delhi was least polymorphic (ne: 1.23, h: 0.11, I: 0.16). Levels of mean genetic diversity among male, female and bisexual plants were similar (h: 0.17), however, non-flowered plants were least diverse (h: 0.11). S. glauca population of Karnataka was found to be highly dissimilar from populations of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Delhi. UPGMA tree, Neighbor-Joining tree and Population structure analysis divided S. glauca populations into two major clusters. One cluster comprises of populations of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Delhi and other comprises of Karnataka population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model to predict the mean expected daily global solar radiation, H(n) on a day n, at a site with latitude φ is proposed. The model is based on two cosine functions. A regression analysis taking into account the mean measured values H m.meas (n) obtained from SoDa database for 42 sites in the Northern Hemisphere resulted in a set of mathematical expressions of split form to predict H(n). The parameters of the two cosine model for 0°<φ < 23° are obtained by regression analysis using a sum of 3–8 Gaussian functions, while for 23°<φ < 71° the two cosine model parameters are expressed by a sum of exponential functions or the product of an exponential and a cosine function. The main equation of the model and the set of parametric expressions provide H(n) for any φ on Earth. Validation results of this model are provided along with the statistical estimators NMBE, NRMSE and t-statistic in comparison to the corresponding values from three databases of NASA, SoDa and the measured values from ground stations provided in Meteonorm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rocket-like vesicles formed are composed of poly(acrylic aicd) (PMAA )/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) complex coated hollow silica spheres, and the structure and composition of the vesicles are characterized using TGA, 1H NMR, FTIR, and TEM. Although only one-third of EG units of PEG brushes grafted to hollow silica spheres form the complex with PMAA via hydrogen bonding, the first 'booster' layer composed of PMAA/PEG complex can provide secure encapsulation of model compound calcein blue under an acidic condition. The second 'booster' layer composed of PEG brushes can be formed by changing acidic pH to 7.4 through the disassociation of the PMAA/PEG complex. A higher molecular weight PMAA exhibits a faster disassembly due to the formation of a looser PMAA/PEG complex on the surfaces of hollow silica spheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyurethane/clay (PU/clay) nanocomposites were synthesised using polymerisation and dispersion blending methods. The intercalation and exfoliation properties of the PU/clay nanocomposites were investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. Clay intercalation of polymerised PU/nanocomposites was achieved and the interlayer spacing of clay was greatly enlarged from 17Å to ~30 Å. Expansion in d-spacing was also observed for PU/clay nanocomposites prepared using dispersion methods. PU/clay nanocomposites prepared from dispersion of clay particles in the prepolymer matrix, followed by chain extension reaction, showed much high molecular weight and significant improvement in mechanical properties as compared with PU/clay nanocomposites produced using polymerisation or a simple high speed blending method in which clay was blended into the PU matrix. For PU/clay nanocomposites prepared using the blending method, high speed dispersion of 2% clay in PU resulted in approximately a two-fold increase in the Young's modulus. Further increase in the clay loading from 2 to 6% made the corresponding nanocomposite polymer films more rigid and stiffer. This study shows that PU/clay nanocomposite properties are highly dependent on the preparation methods and provides useful guidelines for the future design and preparation of PU/clay nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past decade has witnessed a phenomenal rise in nanotechnology research due to its broad range of applications in diverse fields including food safety, transportation, sustainable energy, environmental science, catalysis, and medicine. The distinctive properties of nanomaterials (nano-sized particles in the range of 1 to 100 nm) make them uniquely suitable for such wide range of functions. The nanoparticles when manufactured using green synthesis methods are especially desirable being devoid of harsh operating conditions (high temperature and pressure), hazardous chemicals, or addition of external stabilizing or capping agents. Numerous plants and microorganisms are being experimented upon for an eco–friendly, cost–effective, and biologically safe process optimization. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the green synthesis of metallic NPs using plants and microorganisms, factors affecting the synthesis, and characterization of synthesized NPs. The potential applications of metal NPs in various sectors have also been highlighted along with the major challenges involved with respect to toxicity and translational research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of thiol-yne chemistry and esterification reactions were successfully applied for the preparation of dendrimers with an array of terminal functionalities via the divergent growth strategy; maximizing the number of reactive chain ends whilst minimizing the number of reaction steps required in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of thiol–yne chemistry and esterification reactions were successfully applied for the preparation of dendrimers with an array of terminal functionalities viathe divergent growth strategy; maximizing the number of reactive chain ends whilst minimizing the number of reaction steps required in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of drug-resistant parasites and/or insecticide-resistant mosquito vectors necessitates developing alternative tools that either supplement or replace the conventional malaria control strategies. Trans-infecting the mosquito vector with symbionts that can either compete with a targeted pathogen or manipulate the host biology by reducing its vectorial capacity could be a promising and innovative biological approach for the control of infectious diseases This idea could be utilized to develop a novel and efficient vector control strategy; symbionts are dispersed into vector populations to reduce their ability to transmit human pathogens. Here, we reported the natural existence of Microsporidian (an obligate fungus) in the field-collected An. stephensi mosquito. However, laboratory-reared An. stephensi and An. culicifacies did not exhibit microsporidian infection. Similarly, 16s rRNA PCR identified ∼1kb amplicons in laboratory-reared An. stephensi and An. culicifacies , indicating the presence of naturally residing different bacterial species. DNA sequencing of these amplicons revealed the identities of different bacteria which are not well-characterized in terms of plasmodia-interaction activity in the Indian malaria vector. This article summarizes an overview of the previously studied microbial symbionts for their role in Plasmodium transmission along with a list of new or unexplored symbionts in the disease transmitting mosquito vectors. The summarized information could be utilized to explore such microbial symbionts for their role in Plasmodium-transmission biology in-depth and implementation in the malaria control interventions globally. [Display omitted] • Symbionts are promising vector control tools. • Interfere with vectorial capacity & hamper the pathogen transmitting ability of disease vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A surfactant-free emulsion-based approach is developed for preparation of nanogels. A water-in-oil emulsion is generated feasibly from a mixture of water and a solution of disulfide-containing hyperbranched PEGylated poly(amido amine)s, poly(BAC2-AMPD1)-PEG, in chloroform. The water droplets in the emulsion are stabilized and filled with poly(BAC2-AMPD1)-PEG, and the crosslinked poly(amido amine)s nanogels are formed via the intermolecular disulfide exchange reaction. FITC-dextran is loaded within the nanogels by dissolving the compound in water before emulsification. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering are applied to characterize the emulsion and the nanogels. The effects of the homogenization rate and the ratio of water/polymer are investigated. Redox-induced degradation and FITC-dextran release profile of the nanogels are monitored, and the results show efficient loading and redox-responsive release of FITC-dextran. This is a promising approach for the preparation of nanogels for drug delivery, especially for neutral charged carbohydrate-based drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a recent surge in the marker-assisted selection of desired sex type among economically important dioecious crops. Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba), a dioecious crop is of immense agricultural importance where only the female plants are preferred for commerce. DNA fingerprinting technology, ISSR analysis along with bulk segregant analysis ( BSA), has been carried out on a diverse set of 17- to18-year-old mature male and female plants of Jojoba to validate a male sex-specific ISSR marker, UBC-8071200 on larger population that comprises 330 female and 255 male plants of Jojoba. This male sex-specific DNA fragment of ~1200 bp was cloned and sequenced. The sequence was found to be 1120 bp in length and based on the sequence information, a pair of sequence tagged sites primers was developed that amplified a single ~800 bp band, consistently only in all the male populations while no amplification was seen in their female counterparts. The marker was named as Jojoba Male Sex Marker which was further validated on 330 female plants from 22 genotypes and 255 male plants from 17 genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA fingerprinting studies have been carried out with the physiologically mature male and female plants of Jojoba using 80 ISSR primers with a view to generate sex-linked markers. After bulk segregant analysis, two unique ISSR markers, viz. ISSR848 and VIS11 have been developed which can be used for determining the sex at the seedling stage. Of the eighty primers tested on the pooled male DNA and pooled female DNA samples, six ISSR primers were found to be associated with sex expression. Of the six, only two primers ISSR848 and VIS11 generated unique male sex specific bands of ~1,500 and ~1,300 bp which were consecutively present in all the male genotypes and absent in all the respective female genotypes. The remaining four primers when tried on individuals of different genotypes were confined to their sex specificity in only two female genotypes and absent in their male counterparts. One of the male-sex specific markers, VIS11 has also been cloned and sequenced which showed homology with a sex linked gene, DD44 from dioecious Silene species. Furthermore, VIS11 was converted into a male sex-specific sequence tagged sites (STS) marker of 584 bp. The male specific STS marker thus developed has been verified and validated on 100 populations of male and female individuals from ten different genotypes of Jojoba to endorse the diagnostic reliability of the STS marker. This can gainfully be employed for screening of sex at seedling stage which would be quite helpful for uprooting the undesired plants, thereby, saving resources like labor, water, fertilizers and space for highly desirable female plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redox-responsive hyperbranched poly(amidoamine)s (PAAs) with tertiaryamino cores and amine, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydroxyl terminalgroups were prepared for DNA delivery respectively. The DNA condensationcapability of PAAs was investigated using gel electrophoresis, andthe results showed that PAA terminated with 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine(AEPZ) (BAA) is the most efficient in binding plasmid DNA (pDNA).The diameter and zeta-potential of polyplexes from PAAs were characterizedusing dynamic light scattering (DLS), and the morphology of the polyplexeswas obtained using atomic force microscopy (AFM). All the PAAs wereable to condense pDNA into nanoparticles with diameters between 50and 200 nm with a positive surface charge when the weight ratio ofpolymer/DNA was higher than 20. Glutathione (GSH)-induced DNA releasefrom polyplexes and the buffering capability of PAAs were investigatedas well. Cytotoxicity of PAAs and in vitrogene transfectionof polyplexes were evaluated in HEK293, COS-7, MCF-7 and Hep G2 celllines, respectively. The results reflect that PAAs show remarkablylow or even no cytotoxicity, and that PAA with amino terminal groupsmediates the most efficient gene transfection with the transfectionefficiency comparable to that of 25 kDa polyethylenimine. Furtherthe effects of the presence of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) on thetransfection efficiency and cytotoxicity of BAA polyplexes were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining high‐throughput experiments with machine learning accelerates materials and process optimization toward user‐specified target properties. In this study, a rapid machine learning‐driven automated flow mixing setup with a high‐throughput drop‐casting system is introduced for thin film preparation, followed by fast characterization of proxy optical and target electrical properties that completes one cycle of learning with 160 unique samples in a single day, a >10× improvement relative to quantified, manual‐controlled baseline. Regio‐regular poly‐3‐hexylthiophene is combined with various types of carbon nanotubes, to identify the optimum composition and synthesis conditions to realize electrical conductivities as high as state‐of‐the‐art 1000 S cm−1. The results are subsequently verified and explained using offline high‐fidelity experiments. Graph‐based model selection strategies with classical regression that optimize among multi‐fidelity noisy input‐output measurements are introduced. These strategies present a robust machine‐learning driven high‐throughput experimental scheme that can be effectively applied to understand, optimize, and design new materials and composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to study the organisation and management of grey literature (GL) to select social science libraries. Further, the study is an attempt to make known the types of GL; extent of demand and the frequency of use of GL; GL collection in other languages; workshops or training programmes or seminars for GL; bibliographic control for GL, etc., in select social science libraries. Design/methodology/approach: A survey with the help of a questionnaire followed by interviews was conducted among the social science libraries understudy to explore the issues and challenges involved in organizing and managing GL. Findings: The study finds that 83.3% of libraries have a separate wing for the management of GL and the majority of the GL acquired by the library are accessed through compact disc and are present in digital form access via online public access catalog. Originality/value: The paper explores the organisation and management of GL by social science libraries, which is a unique study on its own as the management of GL is not much popular here in India. The study paves the path for more issues to be explored in the area i.e. GL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow carbon nanospheres with uniform morphology and diameter of ∼20 nm are synthesized in one step using mannose as the carbon source in non-coordinating solvent. The hollow carbon nanospheres obtained have disordered carbon structure and are rich in oxygenous residues as characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and also show multicolor emission under different excitation wavelength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-grafted porous hollow silica nanoparticles prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerisation have an upper critical solution temperature of 45 °C. Conjugation of 5 nm gold nanoparticles onto polymer-grafted porous hollow silica nanoparticles enables remarkable specific photothermally-induced controlled release of encapsulated Rhodamine B by laser-stimulation at physiological temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and gene transfection efficiency of a series of amphiphilic copolymers, poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-poly (methacrylate isobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane) (PDMAEMA-POSS) copolymers are reported. The hydrophobic POSS interior allows a cell-sensitizing drug such as paclitaxel to be incorporated, whereas the cationic and hydrophilic PDMAEMA corona allows the complexation of anionic DNA to form a nano-sized polyplex. These drug-encapsulated copolymers display excellent gene transfection efficiency compared with polyethylenimine or PDMAEMA homopolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prophylactic efficacies of plain and alum adsorbed lysate were evaluated by direct virulent challenge in mice model. A recently isolated brucellaphage ‘ϕLd’ was used for generation of lysates. Twenty four h incubated Brucella abortus S19 broth cultures standardized to contain approximately 10 8 CFU/ml were found suitable for generation of lysates. Three lysate batches produced through separate cycles did not show any significant variation with respect to protein and polysaccharide contents, endotoxin level and phage counts, indicating that compositionally stable lysate preparations can be generated through an optimized production process. Three polypeptides of ∼16, 19 and 23 kDa could be identified as immuno-dominant antigens of the lysate which induced both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in a dose dependent manner. Results of efficacy evaluation trial confirmed dose-dependent protective potencies of lysate preparation. The lysate with an antigenic dose of 0.52 μg protein and 60 μg CHO adsorbed on aluminium gel (0.1 percent aluminium concentration) exhibited the highest protective potency which was greater than that induced by standard S19 vaccine. Phage lysate methodology provides a very viable option through which an improved immunizing preparation with all desirable traits can be developed against brucellosis, and integrated with immunization programmes in a more efficient manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuel is one of the best alternatives to petroleum-derived fuels globally especially in the current scenario, where fossil fuels are continuously depleting. Fossil-based fuels cause severe threats to the environment and human health by releasing greenhouse gases on their burning. With the several limitations in currently available technologies and associated higher expenses, producing biofuels on an industrial scale is a time-consuming operation. Moreover, processes adopted for the conversion of various feedstock to the desired product are different depending upon the various techniques and materials utilized. Nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the best solutions to the current challenges on utilization of biomass in terms of their selectivity, energy efficiency, and time management, with reduced cost involvement. Many of these methods have recently been adopted, and several NPs such as metal, magnetic, and metal oxide are now being used in enhancement of biofuel production. The unique properties of NPs, such as their design, stability, greater surface area to volume ratio, catalytic activity, and reusability, make them effective biofuel additives. In addition, nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and nanosheets have been found to be cost effective as well as stable catalysts for enzyme immobilization, thus improving biofuel synthesis. The current study gives a comprehensive overview of the use of various nanomaterials in biofuel production, as well as the major challenges and future opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of small subpopulations of cells within tumor cells are known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells have been the reason for metastasis, resistance with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and tumor relapse in several types of cancers. CSCs underwent to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and resulted in the development of aggressive tumors. CSCs have potential to modulate numerous signaling pathways including Wnt, Hh, and Notch, therefore increasing the stem-like characteristics of cancer cells. The raised expression of drug efflux pump and suppression of apoptosis has shown increased resistance with anti-cancer drugs. Among many agents which were shown to modulate these, the plant-derived bioactive agents appear to modulate these key regulators and were shown to remove CSCs. This review aims to comprehensively scrutinize the preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating the effects of phytocompounds on CSCs isolated from various tumors. Based on the available convincing literature from preclinical studies, with some clinical data, it is apparent that selective targeting of CSCs with plants, plant preparations, and plant-derived bioactive compounds, termed phytochemicals, may be a promising strategy for the treatment of relapsed cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Waste Marble Aggregates can be utilized in sustainable Alkali Activated Concrete. • Up to 50% of natural aggregates can be replaced with Waste Marble Aggregates. • Alkali Activated Concrete with Waste Marble Aggregates showed excellent strength. • Durability characteristics of alkali activated concrete using waste marble was studied using different methods. This study examines the use of waste marble aggregates (WMA) as a substitute to natural aggregates (NA) to produce sustainable alkali activated concrete (AAC). Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) of 8M concentration and sodium silicate (Na 2 SiO 3) were used as an alkaline activator for high calcium fly ash based AAC. NA were replaced with WMA at different weight ratios, namely 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Different properties like density, workability, air content, compressive, flexural and tensile strengths, along with modulus of elasticity of fresh and hardened concrete were investigated. Also, rapid chloride penetration test, oxygen permeability index test, depth of water penetration, electrical resistivity and acid resistance were also conducted to study the durability characteristics of the sustainable AAC. Results of this study showed that WMA affected the pore structure and new calcium-based products were formed along with polymeric products. New products in the matrix accelerate the polymerisation process and significantly enhanced the strength properties and durability of AAC. The outcomes of this study revealed that WMA can be employed to replace up to 50% of NA in the production of sustainable AAC. Its high potential to replace NA could lead to significant saving in energy, cost and, can further reduce the hazardous environmental impacts caused by marble industries during mining, processing and polishing phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultrafine slag enhanced the mechanical properties of the geopolymer concrete. • Corn con ash improved the durability of the sustainable geopolymer concrete. • Pore structure can be improved by incorporating CCA. • Reduced drying shrinkage was obtained for RHA and CCA based geopolymer concrete. This paper presents the first scientific attempt to develop and study the performance of rice husk ash (RHA) and ultra-fine slag (UFS) based sustainable geopolymer concrete with different ratio of corn cob ash (CCA). NaOH (8 M) and Na 2 SiO 3 were employed as alkaline activators. CCA acted mainly as amorphous silica and was utilised as a substitute for RHA. The effects of different CCA contents (0%, 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% by RHA mass) on the performance of geopolymer concrete in terms of fresh, hardened and durability properties have been evaluated. Different characteristics, i.e. density, air content, workability, compressive, flexural and split tensile strengths, Young's modulus of elasticity were investigated. Meanwhile, the durability performance was also evaluated by using different methods such as rapid chloride penetration test, chloride conductivity test, water sorptivity test and DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) water permeability test. The outcomes of this research have shown that UFS and CCA improved the compressive strength by 14–15%. They significantly improved the polymerisation and thus enhanced the strength and durability of sustainable geopolymer concrete. Furthermore, CCA and UFS acted as micro fillers and increased the CaO as well as SiO 2 contents which enhanced the densification. Additionally, the development of hydration products in the matrix, enhanced the pore structure and thus the strength. This study revealed that CCA (up to 6%) can be utilised as a substitute binder to produce sustainable geopolymer concrete, and has the potential to replace conventional concrete for structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]