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Abstract This paper investigates the performance of concrete incorporating high-volume fly ash (HVFA) and steel slag aggregates against the detrimental effects of combined cycles of environmental thermal fatigue and exposure to leaked aircraft fluids. A total of 128 cubes and 90 prisms were cast for five mixes and exposed to 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 combined cycles. The results demonstrate the positive effect of utilization of HVFA which reduces the total amount of portlandite available in the system. The SS aggregates demonstrate a strong interlocking with the surrounding matrix and supply the necessary portlandite for continued pozzolanic reaction. However, their reaction with aircraft fluids causes significant degradation to flexural strength initially, which is redeemed by pozzolanic reaction at a later stage. Hybrid basalt and polypropylene fibres were successful in enhancing the flexural strength and reducing the cracking. The mercury intrusion porosimetry revealed a reduction in pore volume because of HVFA. Scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were also employed to uncover the underlying mechanisms of damage and assess the performance of the cementitious composite.

This study provides new insights in the design of green hybrid polyethylene (PE)-steel fibre reinforced high strength engineered cementitious composite (HSECC) with superior tensile and flexural strength at both ambient and elevated temperatures. Blends of high volume of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), dolomite powder and fly ash were utilized to achieve a 60 % cement replacement for the HSECC mixes. These mixes were then exposed to 20–600 °C and a total of 210 specimens were tested to assess their residual tensile stress–strain behaviour, flexural load–displacement response, and toughness. Results indicate that high volume of GGBFS can be very effective in limiting the surface damage and retaining high strength at elevated temperatures. A combination of 1.5 % PE-0.75 % steel with quaternary blend of GGBFS, dolomite and fly ash demonstrated at least 60 % and 40 % retention in tensile and flexural strength at 600 °C, respectively. This was significantly better than the strength of the traditional control silica fume mix considered in this study as well as results reported in many previous literatures on HSECC. Microstructural examination was further conducted to understand the mechanism of fibre deterioration and justify the resulting change in pseudo-hardening behaviour with temperature rise. Findings obtained in this study clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of PE-steel fibre hybridisation at elevated temperature and confirmed that with right binder selection, superior tensile and flexural performance can be achieved even with a very high cement replacement level.

Intro: While the pediatric population has largely remained free of severe COVID- 19, in some situations SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with complications like Multiple Inflammatory Syndrome in children (MIS-C). Recently, cases of hepatitis in children have caused tremendous worry across the globe, we describe a unique presentation from 2021, subsequent to asymptomatic infection of SARS-CoV-2, a unique form of severe hepatitis designated by us as COVID-19 Associated Hepatitis in Children (CAH-C). The clinical presentations, temporal association, and viral parameters of CAH-C cases, and contrast to that of MIS-C cases are presented here. Methods: As a retrospective and follow-up case-control study we reviewed all children within 14 years presenting with “sudden onset of hepatitis, elevated transaminases, non-obstructive jaundice. After performing all routine tests among them, those lacking marked inflammatory responses and without evidence of (a) other known causes of acute hepatitis (A-E) or previous underlying liver disease, and (b) multi-system involvement”, being unique such cases were classified as CAH-C, and are described here. Findings: Among 475 children who tested positive, 37/47 cases had features of CAH-C, having symptoms of hepatitis only, with un-elevated inflammatory markers, 100% positivity for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and uneventful recovery. The remaining 10/47 having MIS-C had protracted illness, multiple system involvement, required admission to critical care, and a mortality rate of 30%. Among controls, only 26/50 (52%) had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Discussion: During the pandemic, various COVID-19 complications have been observed posing safety concerns, where our study identified a unique form of acute hepatitis in children designated as CAH-C. Conclusion: With the emergence of newer variants, including the Delta variant which predominated the second wave of infections in India and spread worldwide with changing presentations and complications, CAH-C is such new entity in children. It needs early identification and differentiation from other emerging syndromes during the ongoing pandemic for preventing adversities through timely intervention.

Introduction The sudden and large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused significant stress not only in Ukrainians but also in citizens of countries which have received the largest numbers of refugees. Objectives The aim of the current study was to identify stress, resilience, and self-efficacy levels, as well as to examine the relationships between these variables, in a sample of women from Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania during the third month of Russian aggression on Ukraine. Methods The study involved measuring a sample of Ukrainian (N = 82), Polish (N = 102), Slovak (N = 79), and Romanian (N = 42) women using the Perception of Stress Questionnaire, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale in May 2022. Results The results showed that during the third month of Russian aggression on Ukraine, stress levels and its components (emotional tension, external stress, and intrapsychic stress) were the highest among Ukrainian women and the lowest among Polish women. The sense of self-efficacy was the lowest among Ukrainian women and highest among Polish women, while resilience was the lowest among Ukrainian women and the highest among Slovak women. Conclusions Women from Ukraine reported being in the worst mental state compared to the rest of the sample. Moreover, a path analysis of the measured variables points to a multifaceted relationship between stress, resilience, and self-efficacy among women from Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania during the third month of the Russian invasion. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction The paper presents the results of one international study due by our team in the period of restrictions imposed by Covid-19, between March and June 2020. Objectives To inform the population about the risks concerning the excessiv use of internet To prevent the effects of those behaviors which affects the global functioning of individuals Methods Questionnaire applied to a number of 549 subjects, 18 to 60 years old, 217 from Romania and 332 from other European and Asian countries Results The results allowed us to verify the assumption that there is a change in communications needs of individuals, as well gender and age differences in terms of time spent on the internet during the covid period. Conclusions The issue of psycho-education regarding the awareness of dangers and the traps of the virtual era remain relevant.

Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins play key roles in plant disease resistance. Here, we isolated and characterized pathogenesis-related PR2 gene encoding β-1,3-glucanase from Brassica juncea and named it BjPR2 (GenBank accession number DQ359125). The amino acid sequence of BjPR2 showed ~99 % similarity with β-1,3-glucanase of Brassica rapa, B. napus, and B. oleracea. BjPR2 transcription was rapidly increased after Alternaria brassicae infection, salicylic acid application, and wounding, but the induction was delayed in response to jasmonic acid. To investigate the transcriptional regulation of BjPR2 gene, its promoter was isolated. In silico analysis of BjPR2 promoter showed cis-regulatory elements upstream of TATA and CAAT boxes responsive to defense, hormones, wounding, and plant developmental stage. Homozygous Arabidopsis thaliana lines were developed with plasmid construct having β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene driven by BjPR2 promoter. The analysis of GUS protein in Arabidopsis lines showed that BjPR2 promoter drived distinct pattern of pathogen inducible expression after fungal infection (Alternaria brassicae, Erysiphe orontii), phytohormones, and wounding. It also showed age dependent and organ specific expressions. BjPR2 promoter drove strong GUS activity in Arabidopsis seedlings and showed organ specific expression at the later growth stages (lateral organ junctions, leaf serrate, base of siliques, and receptacle). Due to stress-inducible and tissue specific nature, the BjPR2 promoter can serve as a potential candidate in genetic engineering.

Alternaria black spot of rapeseed mustard caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Alternaria brassicae is one of the most important plant diseases in India. A comparative study on defense gene induction was undertaken to explore the signaling mechanisms that govern the defense responses of susceptible Brassica juncea and moderately resistant Sinapis alba, belonging to the family Brassicaceae, to alternaria leaf spot disease. The expression of five selected defense-related genes viz., pathogenesis related (PR)-1, PR-2, PR-3, non-expresser of PR-1(NPR-1) and plant defensin (PDF1.2) was examined after inoculation of the seedlings of B. juncea and S. alba. Transcripts of all five defense-related genes accumulated at a greater level and earlier in S. alba than in B. juncea upon challenge inoculation with A. brassicae locally as well as systemically. Although PDF1.2 is known to be induced only by jasmonic acid (JA) and PR-1 by salicylic acid (SA) in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana belonging to the family Brassicaceae, PDF1.2 was induced also by SA and PR-1 by JA in both B. juncea and S. alba in the present study. These results suggest that defense signaling pathways in B. juncea and S. alba are different from A. thaliana,. Although JA responsive genes are predominantly induced in most crop plants and model plants against necrotrophic fungal pathogens, both JA and SA responsive genes seem to play an important role in S. alba conferring some resistance against A. brassicae.

This paper investigates the two dimensional flow, heat and mass transfer of chemically reacting Micropolar fluid over a non-linear stretching sheet with variable heat flux in a non-darcy porous medium. The rate of chemical reaction is assumed to be constant throughout the fluid i.e. homogenous. Using a similarity transformation, the governing partial differential equations are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equation, which is then solved using Finite element method. Numerical results regarding local Nussult No. are shown graphically with Magnetic number (ܰ݉௫) for variation in heat transfer exponent (n). This study also analyzes the effect of velocity exponent m, heat transfer exponent n, material parameter K, Magnetic Number(ܰ݉௫)Darcy NumberDax, Forchheimer Number Nfx, Prandtl number Pr, Schmidt Number Sc and Chemical reaction rate parameter x on velocity, microrotation, temperature and concentration profiles. Velocity exponent m has a positive effect on the velocity, temperature and concentration profiles while microrotation decreases as m increases. Graphical results shows that the thermal boundary layer thickness decreases at and near the wall with the increase in heat flux exponent n. Also an increase in K leads to a decrease in skin friction parameter as well as the wall couple stress.

In the present paper we examine the pulsatile hydromagnetic flow and heat transfer of a non-Newtonian biofluid through a saturated non-Darcian porous medium channel. The upper plate of the channel is heated and the lower plate is cooled. The Nakamura-Sawada rheological model is employed which provides a higher yield stress than the Casson model. A Darcy-Forchheimer porous medium drag force model is incorporated to simulate blood vessel blockage with deposits in the cardiovascular system. Viscous heating is also included in the energy equation. The governing conservation equations for mass, momentum and energy equation are transformed into a system of nonlinear, coupled ordinary differential equations and these are solved numerically using finite element method. The effect of other important parameters such as magnetohydrodynamic parameter (Nm), Reynolds number (Re), Eckert number (Ec), Darcian parameter (), Forchheimer parameter (NF) and Prandtl number on velocity and temperature profiles are studied graphically. Spatial-temporal velocity and temperature profile visualizations are also presented. Numerical results shows that normalized fluid velocity (U) increases throughout the channel (-1 < Y < 1) with an increase in Reynolds number, Darcian parameter, steady pressure gradient parameter and rheological parameter; conversely velocity is decreased with the increase in magnetic parameter and Forchheimer quadratic drag parameter. Higher Eckert number (Ec = 3) is also found to have a considerable effect on temperature () profile. Finite difference numerical computations are also compared with the finite element solutions to verify efficiency and accuracy.

A mathematical model is presented for the steady, two-dimensional magneto-convection heat transfer of a two-phase, electrically-conducting, particle-suspension in a channel containing a non-Darcian porous medium intercalated between two parallel plates, in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. The channel walls are assumed to be isothermal but at different temperatures. The governing equations for the one-dimensional steady flow are formulated following Marble (1970) and extended to include the influence of Darcian porous drag, Forcheimmer quadratic drag, buoyancy effects, Lorentz body force (hydromagnetic retardation force) and particle-phase viscous stresses. Special boundary conditions for the particle-phase wall conditions are implemented. The governing coupled, non-linear differential equations are reduced from an (x,y) coordinate system to a one-dimensional (y) coordinate system. A series of transformations is then employed to non-dimensionalize the model in terms of a single independent variable, , yielding a quartet of coupled ordinary differential equations which are solved numerically using the finite element method, under appropriate transformed boundary conditions. The influence of for example Grashof free convection number (Gr), Hartmann hydromagnetic number (Ha), inverse Stokes number (Skm), Darcy number (Da), Forcheimmer number (Fs),particle loading parameter (PL), buoyancy parameter (B) on the fluid-phase velocity and particle-phase velocity are presented graphically. A number of special cases of the transformed model are also studied. The mathematical model finds applications in solar collector devices, electronic fabrication, jet nozzle flows, industrial materials processing transport phenomena, MHD energy generator systems etc.

The present analysis is motivated by the need to elucidate with more accuracy and sophistication the hydrodynamics of non-Newtonian flow via a channel containing a porous material under pulsating pressure gradient. A one-dimensional transient rheological model for pulsating flow through a Darcy-Forcheimmer porous channel is used. A modified Casson non-Newtonian constitutive model is employed for the transport fluid with a drag force formulation for the porous body force effects. The model is transformed and solved using a finite element numerical technique. Rheological effects are examined using a β parameter which vanishes in the limit (Newtonian flow). Velocity profiles are plotted for studying the influence of Reynolds number, Darcy number, Forchheimer number and the β (non-Newtonian) parameter. The channel considered is rigid with a pulsatile pressure applied via an appropriate pressure gradient term. The model finds applications in industrial filtration systems, pumping of polymeric fluids etc.

In the present paper we examine the steady double-diffusive free convective heat and mass transfer of a chemically-reacting micropolar fluid flowing through a Darcian porous regime adjacent to a vertical stretching plane. Viscous dissipation effects are included in the energy equation. Assuming incompressible, micro-isotropic fluid behaviour the transport equations are formulated in a two-dimensional coordinate system (x, y) using boundary-layer theory. The influence of the bulk porous medium retardation is modeled as a drag force term in the translational momentum equation. Transformations render the conservation equations into dimensionless form in terms of a single independent variable, η, transverse to the stretching surface. A simplified first order homogenous reaction model is also used to simulate chemical reaction in the flow. Using the finite element method solutions are generated for the angular velocity field, translational velocity field, temperature and species transfer fields. The effects of buoyancy, porous drag and chemical reaction rate are studied. Chemical reaction is shown to decelerate the flow and also micro-rotation values, in particular near the wall. Mass transfer is also decreased with increasing chemical reaction rate. Increasing Darcy number is shown to accelerate the flow. Applications of the study include cooling of electronic circuits, packed-bed chemical reactors and also the near field flows in radioactive waste geo-repositories.

The use of fertilizer in the agricultural field is essential for plant growth but an excess amount of pure chemical contents in fertilizers becomes harmful to every living being. To reduce this chemical exposure, the use of materials coated with Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRFs) are being used. The coating of materials outside the fertilizer does not allow the chemicals to spread completely within one application of fertilizer but its spread can be extended as will be done in 2-3 applications of fertilizer. The features of the undercoating material are thus vital to attain this delayed or slow release of the nutrients present in the fertilizer. The longevity of CRFs depends upon the width of the material coating surrounding the fertilizer, temperature, and moisture. The review focuses on the consequences of conventional fertilizers, the need to control the release of fertilizers and types of coatings used, and their application in sustainable agriculture.

The family of apicomplexan specific proteins contains caspases–like proteins called “metacaspases”. These enzymes are present in the malaria parasite but absent in human; therefore, these can be explored as potential drug targets. We deleted the MCA-2 gene from Plasmodium berghei genome using a gene knockout strategy to decipher its precise function. This study has identified that MCA-2 plays an important role in parasite transmission since it is critical for the formation of gametocytes and for maintaining an appropriate number of infectious sporozoites required for sporogony. It is noticeable that a significant reduction in gametocyte, oocysts, ookinete and sporozoites load along with a delay in hepatocytes invasion were observed in the MCA-2 knockout parasite. Furthermore, a study found the two MCA-2 inhibitory molecules known as C-532 and C-533, which remarkably inhibited the MCA-2 activity, abolished the in vitro parasite growth, and also impaired the transmission cycle of P. falciparum and P. berghei in An. stephensi. Our findings indicate that the deletion of MCA-2 hampers the Plasmodium development during erythrocytic and exo-erythrocytic stages, and its inhibition by C-532 and C-533 critically affects the malaria transmission biology.

Abstract Background Quaternions have emerged as powerful tools in higher-dimensional quantum mechanics as they provide homogeneous four-dimensional structure in quantum field theories, offer compact representations, and incorporate spin naturally. Quantum field theories then lead to the unification of fundamental interactions so the use of quaternion becomes necessary when we are dealing with higher-dimensional theories. On the other hand, supersymmetry is the theory of bosons and fermions and is an essential constituent of grand unified theories. The use of quaternion in supersymmetric field theories provides an excellent framework for higher-dimensional unification theories. Result A complete theory for supersymmetric quaternionic quantum mechanics has been constructed for N = 1, 2, 4 supersymmetry in terms of one, two, and four supercharges and Hamiltonians, respectively. It has been shown that N = 4 SUSY is the quaternionic extension of the N = 2 complex SUSY and N = 1 real SUSY; also spin is the natural outcome of using quaternion units. Pauli and Dirac Hamiltonian and their relationship have also been obtained in quaternion space. It has been shown that quaternionic quantum mechanics are superior to ordinary and complex quantum mechanics because in the quaternion framework we do not need three different theories for N = 1,2,4 SQM but a single theory only. Conclusions It has been concluded that N = 1 real SUSY is equal to N = 2 complex SUSY which in turn is equal to N = 4 quaternion SUSY so one can arrive at higher-dimensional quantum field theories starting from lower-dimensional quantum theories. Higher-dimensional quaternion field theories are suitable for nonphotonic light cone particles which are not allowed in complex QFT, also noncommutative nature of quaternion gives an extra degree of freedom and may provide the possibility of some new particle, dark matter, or new phenomenon. Though quaternions provide an excellent framework in higher-dimensional field theories, there are certain challenges due to their noncommutativity as calculations become tedious where large terms are involved. Keeping in view the noble features of quaternion, we expect some development to get a better understanding of N = 8 supergravity, maximal supergravity (D = 11 − n), and maximal supersymmetry theories (N = 10) in terms of quaternion operators.

Abstract For better rock mass characterization, 3D engineering geological mapping and in-situ testing was carried for the heading portion of surge pool of Palamuru Ranga Reddy lift irrigation scheme lift-II. The direction of the longest axis of the surge pool cavern was finalized based on the in-situ hydrofracturing testing inside the borehole and aligning the appurtenant structures of pump house and surge pool cavern on the ground. Rock types mapped were grey and pink granites belongs to the Peninsular Gneissic Complex of Archaean age. The assessment of Tunnel Quality Index ‘Q’ for the exposed granitic rock mass was done based on the information available of the rock joints and their nature, 3D geological mapping and in-situ stress measurement. The rock mass quality (Q) is related with the ultimate support pressure requirement. Excavation Support Ratio (ESR) as given in the ESR updated classification standard of NMT Q-system is applied to 1.0 for this cavern. On the basis of NMT Q-system chart and site geological characteristics, support system is recommended and its efficacy is assessed.

Objectives: Mental health difficulties have been found to be associated with internet addiction, which makes it a multifaceted problem. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between internet addiction and affective states (depression, anxiety, and stress). Material and Methods: The study sample consisted of 731 individuals (403 males and 328 females) ranging in age from 18 to 25 years. We used an observational survey design to study participants with an internet addiction test and depression, anxiety, and stress scale. Results: The mean age ± standard deviation of the sample was 22.58 ± 2.80 years. Stress and depression were found to play a major role in internet addiction in the regression analysis. Conclusions: The study supports the association between internet use and stress and depression. The findings imply the need for early identification and intervention of affective states in the context of unhealthy internet use.

ABSTRACT The complexity and duration of tuberculosis (TB) treatment contributes to the emergence of drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) and drug-associated side effects. Alternate chemotherapeutic agents are needed to shorten the time and improve efficacy of current treatment. In this study, we have assessed the antitubercular activity of NSC19723, a benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone molecule. NSC19723 is structurally similar to thiacetazone (TAC), a second-line anti-TB drug used to treat individuals with DR-TB. NSC19723 displayed better MIC values than TAC against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis BCG. In our checkerboard experiments, NSC19723 displayed better profiles than TAC in combination with known first-line and recently approved drugs. Mechanistic studies revealed that NSC19723 inhibits mycolic acid biosynthesis by targeting the HadABC complex. Computational studies revealed that the binding pocket of HadAB is similarly occupied by NSC19723 and TAC. NSC19723 also improved the efficacy of isoniazid in macrophages and mouse models of infection. Cumulatively, we have identified a benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone scaffold that improved the activity of TB drugs in liquid cultures, macrophages, and mice. IMPORTANCE Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB is among the leading causes of death among infectious diseases in humans. This situation has worsened due to the failure of BCG vaccines and the increased number of cases with HIV-TB coinfections and drug-resistant strains. Another challenge in the field is the lengthy duration of therapy for drug-sensitive and -resistant TB. Here, we have deciphered the mechanism of action of NSC19723, benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone. We show that NSC19723 targets HadABC complex and inhibits mycolic acid biosynthesis. We also show that NSC19723 enhances the activity of known drugs in liquid cultures, macrophages, and mice. We have also performed molecular docking studies to identify the interacting residues of HadAB with NSC19723. Taken together, we demonstrate that NSC19723, a benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, has better antitubercular activity than thiacetazone.