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Simple Summary: The ecological roles and importance of crocodilians (alligators, caiman, crocodiles, gharials) are poorly understood. These large predators are considered to be "ecosystem engineers" because their modification of habitats (e.g., excavation of holes, dens, and tunnels; construction of nests) provides opportunities for vital life activities (e.g., feeding, drinking, breeding, and sheltering) to other wildlife. However, data supporting this contention are scarce for most crocodilian species and, where available, are primarily the result of chance encounters and anecdotal observations; few systematic studies directly focusing on the influence of crocodilian habitat alteration on other wildlife have been conducted. To address this data gap, we monitored American alligator nests with automated game cameras in coastal South Carolina to quantify wildlife visiting nests (faunal associates) and their corresponding behaviors (i.e., how they used nests). From 2016 to 2021, we identified 81 wildlife species at alligator nests, including a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. These animals used alligator nests primarily for feeding/foraging, traveling, and loafing but also basking, burrowing/shelter, breeding, and nesting, and these uses varied by animal group and species. Our results indicate that a diverse assemblage of wildlife uses alligator nest sites in coastal South Carolina for a variety of life activities, and these uses differ among and within animal groups. This study provides a first step for investigations regarding the net impacts of alligator nest-faunal associate interactions and ultimately the greater ecological role of alligators and other crocodilians. Crocodilians are considered to be "ecosystem engineers" because their modification of habitats provides opportunities for feeding, drinking, breeding, and other vital life activities to a wide variety of other animals. One such habitat modification is the construction of nest mounds during the breeding season by most crocodilian species, including American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). While many reports exist describing wildlife associated with alligator nests, no studies have quantified faunal associates and their corresponding behaviors while visiting nests. To address this data gap, we used automated game cameras to monitor wildlife and their behaviors at alligator nests during the egg incubation period (June–September) in coastal South Carolina, USA (2016–2021). We documented a total of 81 species (79 vertebrates and 2 invertebrates) at 78 alligator nests representing six taxonomic groups, including 48 birds (59.2%), 9 mammals (11.1%), 19 reptiles (23.4%), 3 amphibians (3.7%), 1 malacostracan (1.2%), and 1 insect (1.2%). Collectively, faunal associates primarily used alligator nests for feeding/foraging (51.8%), traveling (29.3%), and loafing (19.9%) and to a much lesser extent basking, burrowing/shelter, breeding, and nesting. However, trends in alligator nest use varied among faunal associate groups (birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, etc.), subgroups (e.g., passerines, raptors, wading birds, and waterfowl), and species. Several novel behaviors by some nest associates were also noted during the study, including the first observations of Virginia oppossum (Didelphis virginiana) opening and predating nests, bobcat (Lynx rufus) consuming alligator hatchlings, and Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) feeding on the contents of a recently predated alligator egg. The results of this study indicate that a diverse assemblage of vertebrates (and some invertebrates) use alligator nest sites in coastal South Carolina for a variety of life activities during the egg incubation period, and the proportion of the behaviors exhibited varies among animal groups and species. This study provides a first step for investigations regarding the net impacts of alligator nest-faunal associate interactions and ultimately the greater ecological role of alligators and other crocodilians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this paper is to examine the effect of prominent forces on the sustainable competitiveness of the Indian sugar supply chain with the role of government as a moderator. A survey involving managers working in Indian sugar companies was conducted and partial least square (PLS) method was used to test the proposed research model. The findings supported the positive relationshipbetween suppliers' power and competitiveness; suppliers and industry rivalry; buyers' power and industry rivalry; and government dynamics and competitiveness in the discussed industry. Furthermore, entry barriers exerted a hypothesized negative relationship with competitiveness. The government is working as a moderator between the suppliers' (sugarcane growers') power and the competitiveness of the discussed industry as hypothesized. This study discerns the foundational literature from extant research work; lays down basic underpinnings for contextual discussion on competitive forces in the discussed industry and adds empirical facet by surveying the industry professionals. These findings may draw the attention of incumbents, industry practitioners, academicians, and policy‐makers to the impact that selected environmental forces have on competitive landscape of the sugar industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-networking platforms can all use the same physical infrastructure called "network slicing". It is a logical representation of the connections between the network devices and the back-end applications. Slicing and virtualizing 5G networks and their functions is discussed in the present study. Researchers also explore 5G network slicing technologies including SDN, NFV, fog computing, and Virtual machines. In the 5th Generation (5G) of mobile communication networks, it was discovered that network slicing is connected to the creation and maintenance of an independent logical network on a common physical platform With the advent of 5G, new technologies like network slicing will make it possible for various parts of the network to share resources. Smart, critical, and multiservice with diverse requirements can be delivered through the network as an infrastructure and then into the network as a set of services using this technology. Despite its advantages, there are a number of security concerns stemming from resource sharing and isolation among services. Slices delivering customized services with various requirements may also have varying security levels and rules, which makes security a major issue for network slicing. Consider the influence of these security challenges on network slices when establishing or designing security protocols. In order to safeguard the privacy and security of our users while also delivering the performance and quality our customers expect, we must address these issues. Network slicing architecture, taxonomy, difficulties, security issues and threats classification are only a few of the topics that have been addressed in the available literature. With SDN, network behavior may be dynamically initialized, controlled, changed, and managed via open interfaces. SDN is a new approach to network programmability. It is possible to overcome the restrictions of the old Internet architecture and provide services such as inter-domain network layer multicast for live video streaming thanks to the rise of SDN technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A radio communication sensor system is a collection of sensor modules that are connected to one another through wireless communication. It is common for them to be battery-powered and responsive to a nearby controller, referred to as the base station. They are capable of doing basic computations and transferring information to the base station in most scenarios. They are also in charge of transporting data from distant nodes, putting a burden on nodes with limited resources, and contributing to the quick depletion of energy in these nodes in the process. Nodes in close proximity to the base station are responsible for more than only detecting and sending data to the base station; they are also responsible for transmitting data from faraway nodes. To reward nodes that perform well, a protocol known as the Improved Fuzzy Inspired Energy Effective Protocol (IFIEEP) employs three separate sorts of nodes in order to provide more energy to those who do not. It takes into account the remaining node energy, the node's proximity to the base station, the node's neighbor concentration, and the node's centrality in a cluster when determining node viability. All of these assumptions are founded on a shaky understanding of the situation. Adaptive clustering must be applied to the most viable nodes in order to identify cluster leaders and transmit data to the base station, in addition to disseminating data across the rest of the network, in order to achieve success. In addition, the research provides proper heterogeneity parameters, which describe, among other things, the number of nodes as well as the starting energy of each node. The percentage gain in-network lifetime when compared to current approaches is minor for smaller numbers of supernodes; however, the percentage gain in the area covered 12.89 percent and 100% when more significant numbers of super nodes are used. These improvements in stability, residual energy, and throughput are accomplished by combining these improvements while also taking into consideration the previously neglected energy-intensive sensing energy aspect. The protocol that has been presented is meant to be used in conjunction with applications that make use of blockchain technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the social organization and acquisition of potential home ranges in solitary polygamous mammals is important for their management and conservation. However, such information requires a continuous long-term study. Therefore, limited information is available for mammals from South Asia. We studied the western most distributed Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris) population of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR), Rajasthan, India, intensively during 2005–2011 using direct observation and intensive camera trapping-based methods. We examined how the home ranges of deceased tigers would be filled. Nine home ranges of tigers were vacated (two males and seven females) because of death, translocation, emigration and dispersal. Vacated female home ranges were filled by neighbouring tigers; 57% of neighbouring females were related to each other and after females vacated their ranges, their daughters acquired these home ranges. Mother tigers shared their home ranges with their daughters to increase the reproductive success of the latter. The home range of adult male tiger (TM-02) was estimated to be 73 sq. km using camera traps. Vacated male home ranges were filled by four transient individuals that were not related to each other. These data help understand the social organization and land tenure system of tigers in semi-arid habitats of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Cu 2 O photocatalyst modified PSF ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes were prepared using phase inversion technique. • Effect of Cu 2 O photocatalyst on the membranes morphology and permeation properties was studied. • Pharmaceutical removal study was carried out with the membranes by taking IBP as a model pharmaceutical. • The Cu 2 O photocatalyst shown positive effect on membranes hydrophilicity and antifouling nature. • The membranes have shown better pharmaceutical removal profile under visible light. Abstract This study explains synthesis, characterization of an effective and efficient mixed matrix polysulfone (PSF) ultrafiltration membrane modified with Cu 2 O photocatalyst, synthesized using electrodeposition method, for pharmaceutical removal. Cu 2 O photocatalyst, polyethylene glycol, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone were used as additive, pore former, and solvent, respectively in the phase inversion method. Characterization techniques, such as XRD, FTIR, FESEM, FESEM-EDX, and AFM were used to characterize the photocatalyst and blended membranes so as to analyze their structural and functional attributes. Further, the membranes were analyzed by using permeation techniques to analyze their flux profiles. Similarly, antifouling nature and hydrophilicity of the membranes were studied by permeating aqueous BSA solutions and measuring the static water contact angle (SWCA), respectively. The pharmaceutical removal studies were carried out using ibuprofen (IBP). The additive improves the membrane attributes, such as flux improved from 34.24 L m−2 h−1 to 179.54 L m−2 h−1 deciphering improved porosity and pore size distribution; SWCA decreased from 71.5° to 45.3° showing increase in the hydrophilicity of the membranes; BSA adsorption decreased from 56 µg cm−2 to 27 µg cm−2; and successful removal of IBP at 86% was achieved under visible light conditions with a removal rate of 32.63 × 10−3 min−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Thermal management of battery systems in electric vehicles is critical for maintaining energy storage capacity, driving range, cell longevity and system safety. In this paper, heat pipe based thermal management system for high power battery, with eight prismatic cells, has been proposed, designed and tested for heat load up to 400 W. The heat pipe system consists of two parts: heat pipe cooling plates to extract heat from the individual prismatic cells of the battery module, and remote heat transfer heat pipes to transport heat from the module to liquid cooled cold plates located 300 mm away. As compared to a conventional liquid cooled system, two-phase heat pipe based thermal control will provide better cell/module temperature uniformity, less complicated design and a safer system (no leakage issues in high voltage areas). Modeling of the complete system was done based on two-phase analysis for the heat pipe portion, and single phase analysis for the cold plate portion. The system manufacturing and evaluation method has been covered in detail. Based on controlled experimentation using a dummy battery module, it was estimated that the proposed system is able to successfully dissipate 50 W heat load from each cell while keeping their temperature below the given 55 °C limit using water coolant with a 25 °C inlet temperature and 1 lit/min flow rate. Highlights • Thermal management system for high power batteries for electric vehicles. • Heat pipe modules function as heat extractor and heat transport system. • System thermal capability >400 W and thermal resistance <0.075 °C/W. • Battery module thermal uniformity within 55 °C, with 25 °C coolant at 2 lit/min flow rate was achieved. • Proposed system merits include high performance, reliable and safer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native Rhizobium rhizogenes strain UHFBA-212 [141/1A (NCBI: KC488174)]was isolated from rhizosphere soil of peach nursery plant of wild peach collected from Himachal Pradesh. In addition to this,159 isolates were also collected and were screened in vitro for their biocontrol potential against Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Out of these strain, UHFBA-212 showed maximum zone of inhibition i.e. 4.16 and 3.57cm without and after exposure to chloroform against C58.Sequence analysis (16SrDNA) of the strain showed nucleotide homology similar to Rhizobium sp. Amplification of total genomic DNA of the strain with Vir D2 andipt primers didn't showed amplification with these virulence genes suggesting the absence of tumorigenic factors. In the field conditions, maximum population (329.33×106 cfu/g of soil) was observed in antibiotic resistant mutant of R. rhizogenes strain K84 applied on cherry rootstock Colt followed by 285.33 (× 106 ) cfu/g of soil in UHFBA-212 after 9 months at the time of uprooting of plants when applied alone as root dip. Minimum incidence of crown gall (2.00%) was observed in strain UHFBA-212 co inoculated with strain C58 as seed treatment on behmi seeds. The data on population indices in rhizosphere and incidence of crown gall further suggested that for better management of disease R. Rhizogenes isolates should be either equal or more in population than that of A. tumefaciens isolates. Strain UHFBA-212 controls crown gall as effectively as strain K84 and can be exploited against tumorigenic isolates under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vapour chambers are two-phase heat transfer devices that are typically used for thermal spreading applications in electronic devices with high heat fluxes. In this work, a novel method for predicting thermal resistance of a vapour chamber was developed and integrated within the complete model for a thermal management system. The vapour chamber model combined three sub-models; the spreading sub-model (1) and one-dimensional sub-model (2) to estimate thermal resistances within the evaporator and condenser regions, respectively, and the effective thickness sub-model (3) to estimate the effective fluid distribution within the wick structures. Spreading mechanisms within the evaporator region were included via the analytical solution for thermal spreading. Model results were compared to experimental results for thermal resistance and showed acceptable agreement with the vapour chamber model. The vapour chamber thermal resistance contributed up to 40% of the systems total thermal resistance, which highlighted the need for a vapour chamber model. This model was further explored to provide insights into the heat transfer mechanisms within the vapour chamber. It was found that the spreading sub-model (evaporator region) contributed up to 90% of the vapour chambers thermal resistance. Its contribution decreased as heat load increased mainly due to the reduction in the effective thickness of the fluid layer in the evaporator wick. The one-dimensional sub-model (condenser region) was more significant at higher heat inputs, contributing up to 28% of the vapour chambers thermal resistance. The model could determine the thermal resistance of the vapour chamber based on its dimensions, materials and operating conditions. This could be useful for thermal engineers investigating the application of vapour chamber heat spreaders that require rapid and accurate predictions for vapour chamber performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A malignant mixed mullerian tumour (MMMT) is a rare tumour that primarily affects the uterus. MMMT of the ovary is very rare, contributing to 1% of ovarian carcinomas. It is an aggressive cancer of the ovary with characteristics of two types of cancers--carcinoma and sarcoma. A common presentation is a postmenopausal lady with a mean age of 65 years with complaints of abdominal mass, pelvic pain, and vaginal discharge. We report here a rare presentation of abnormal uterine bleeding in a peri-menopausal woman with an abdominopelvic mass, abdominal distension, post-coital bleed and abdominal pain, who underwent staging laparotomy with a preoperative diagnosis of malignant ovarian lesion and was found to have a malignant mixed Mullerian tumour of the ovary on histo-pathological examination. She is doing well at present after receiving six cycles of chemotherapy for Stage 2A disease. Diagnosis of malignant mixed mullerian ovarian tumours are difficult to confirm clinically because histopathological examination reports are required. This entity is rare and has poor prognosis. However, our patient is doing well to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T-bet is important for differentiation of cytotoxic CD8 and Th1 CD4 T cells. We have discovered that Egr2 and 3 are potent inhibitors of T-bet function in CD4 and CD8 effector T cells. Egr2 and 3 were essential to suppress Th1 differentiation in Th2 and Th17 conditions in vitro and also to control IFN-γ-producing CD4 and CD8 T cells in response to virus infection. Together with Egr2 and 3, T-bet is induced in naive T cells by Ag stimulation, but Egr2 and 3 expression was inhibited by Th1-inducing cytokines. We found that Egr2 and 3 physically interact with the T-box domain of T-bet, blocking T-bet DNA binding and inhibiting T-bet-mediated production of IFN-γ. Thus, Egr2 and 3 are antagonists of T-bet function in effector T cells and are important for the control of inflammatory responses of T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constant increase in users' bandwidth needs, through a large variety of multimedia applications, creates the need for highly effective network traffic control. This need is imperative in wireless networks, where the available bandwidth is limited, but is very important for wired networks as well. In this work we focus on the problem of policing video traffic from sources encoded with H.264 and H.265, given that these are the major state-of-the-art standards currently in the market. Building on work that has shown that classic traffic policing schemes can lead to unnecessarily strict policing for conforming video sources, we propose the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – based traffic policing schemes for video traffic. We conduct a performance evaluation of several AI – based schemes with the classic token bucket and we show that our proposed Frame Size Predictor and Policer scheme improve the performance of the classic token bucket by around 90% for conforming users, while providing only slightly worse policing results for non-conforming users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Although cancer in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is increasingly an area of focus, there is a paucity of clinical and epidemiological data from developing countries. Our objective was to analyze the geographical distribution, sex ratio, histology, and disease patterns of cancers in AYA. Materials and Methods: All patients aged 1 5-29 years with the diagnosis of cancer who were registered with two hospitals in New Delhi during a 12-month period from January 2014 to December 2014 were included. Basic demographic information on age, sex, location of stay, and nationality was available. Using cancer site and morphology codes, the cancers were grouped by the Birch classification of AYA cancers. Clinical information on disease and treatment status, was retrospectively studied. Results: There were 287 patients (57.5% male, 85.4% Indian origin) registered with 54 (1 8.8%), 97 (33.8%), and 1 36 (47.4%) patients in the 15-19, 20-24, and 25-29 years age groups, respectively. The three most common cancer groups were carcinomas (40.8%), lymphomas (1 2.9%), and leukemias (1 0.4%). The three most common sites in carcinomas were gastrointestinal tract (GIT), genitourinary tract, and breast. The most prevalent cancers in younger AYA (1 5-1 9 years) were leukemias, lymphomas, central nervous system neoplasms, and in contrast, older AYA (25-29 years) suffered mainly from GIT Carcinomas, lymphomas. The leading cancers were breast and GIT carcinomas in females and lymphomas and GIT carcinomas in males. Conclusion: The occurrence of cancer in AYA in India has been described. The distribution differs from the only previous report from India as well as the US Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database, which can be attributed to a referral bias along with the factual difference in cancer etiology and genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Precise prognostication is the key to optimum and effective treatment planning for early-stage hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2/neu negative breast cancer patients. Differences in the breast cancer incidence and tumor anatomical features at diagnosis, pharmacogenomics data between Western and Indian women along with the vast diversity in the economic status and differences in insurance policies of these regions; suggest recommendations put forward for Western women might not be applicable to Indian/Asian women. Opinions from oncologists through a voting survey on various prognostic factors/tools to be considered for planning adjuvant therapy are consolidated in this report for the benefit of oncologists of the sub-continent, SAARC and Asia's LMIC (low and middle-income countries). Methods: A three-phase DELPHI survey was conducted to collect opinions on prognostic factors considered for planning adjuvant therapy in early-stage HR+/HER2/neu negative breast cancer patients. A panel of 25 oncologists with expertise in breast cancer participated in the survey conducted in 2021. The experts provided opinions as 'agree' or disagree' or 'not sure' in phases-1 and 2 which were conducted virtually; in the final phase-3, all the panel experts met in person and concluded the survey. Results: Opinions on 41 statements related to prognostic factors/tools and their implications in planning adjuvant endocrine/chemotherapy were collected. All the statements were supported by the latest data from the clinical trials (prospective/retrospective). The statements with opinions of consensus less than 66% were disseminated in phase-2, and later in phase-3 with supporting literature. In phase-3, all the opinions from panelists were consolidated and guidelines were framed. Conclusions: This consensus guideline will assist oncologists of India, SAARC and LMIC countries in informed clinical decision-making on adjuvant treatment in early HR+/HER2/neu negative breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly sophisticated and synchronized interactions of various cells and hormonal signals are required to make organisms competent for reproduction. GnRH neurons act as a common pathway for multiple cues for the onset of puberty and attaining reproductive function. GnRH is not directly receptive to most of the signals required for the GnRH secretion during the various phases of the ovarian cycle. Kisspeptin neurons of the hypothalamus convey these signals required for the synchronized release of the GnRH. The steroid-sensitive anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) kisspeptin and arcuate nucleus (ARC) KNDy neurons convey steroid feedback during the reproductive cycle necessary for GnRH surge and pulse, respectively. AVPV region kisspeptin neurons also communicate with nNOS synthesizing neurons and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neurons to coordinate the process of the ovarian cycle. Neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin play roles in the GnRH pulse stimulation and inhibition, respectively. The loss of NKB and kisspeptin function results in the development of neuroendocrine disorders such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and infertility. Ca2+ signaling is essential for GnRH pulse generation, which is propagated through gap junctions between astrocytes-KNDy and KNDy-KNDy neurons. Impaired functioning of KNDy neurons could develop the characteristics associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in rodents. Kisspeptin-increased synthesis led to excessive secretion of the LH associated with PCOS. This review provides the latest insights and understanding into the role of the KNDy and AVPV/POA kisspeptin neurons in GnRH secretion and PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We studied population and ecological characteristics of caracal (Felis caracal) using camera traps in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR), western India, from 2006 to 2009. We obtained 37 caracal captures over 25,156 camera-nights, with a capture success rate of 0.02–0.34 captures/100 trap-nights or 1 caracal/679.9 trap-nights over 4 years. Our results revels that caracal presence was associated with forest and undulating terrain. Caracals were more active late at night and during crepuscular hours. There was a difference in their activity between dusk and dawn. Because this is the first study in India, which generated baseline information about the ecological characteristics of the caracal it may be used for developing conservation and management plans for this species. We also suggest that the RTR and its surrounding areas could be highlighted as a global conservation region for caracal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dispersal is a life history trait that plays a key role in population dynamics. We used camera traps to estimate the distance male and female tigers (Panthera tigris) dispersed from Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR) in semi-arid habitats of western India from 2003 to 2010. We deployed camera traps whenever tiger tracks were found in places adjacent to protected areas where tigers had not been recently reported. We identified tigers by matching strip patterns by using their photographs with the database of camera-trapped tigers of RTR at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. We determined the aerial distance (straight line) between the last location of photo-capture in the natal area (in RTR) and the location of the most recent photo-capture. One female and three male tigers that dispersed from RTR were identified from photographs. The longest distance dispersed by a tiger was 148.4 km, and the average dispersed distance was 124.2 ± 23.7 km (n = 3) for male tigers and 78.4 km for the female tiger. The minimum age of the male tigers when they dispersed was 24 months. These data are important for making conservation and management decisions for restoration of potential connectivity between landscapes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The Ag 3 PO 4 -guar gum nanocomposite was fabricated by a simple green sonochemical method. • The nanocomposite demonstrates a cubic crystalline structure. • Optimal photocatalytic activity and stability towards the oxidation of alcohol were observed. • The mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic activity has been proposed. The selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols to aldehyde in an energy-efficient and environmentally benign route remains a challenge. In this study, cubical Ag 3 PO 4 -guar gum nanocomposite was synthesised by a simple ultrasound assisted co-precipitation method. The crystalline structure, optical absorption, composition and microstructure of nanocomposites were characterised by X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The surface modification of Ag 3 PO 4 -guar gum nanocomposite dramatically enhanced the photocatalytic oxidation activity. The results from characterisation indicated the compact structure, feasibility to control the size of nanocomposite as well as exhibited higher photocatalytic activity and stability towards oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde. The oxidation efficiency as high as 95% was obtained. Further analysis had revealed that the holes and O 2 •− species have contributed to photocatalytic oxidation. The regeneration study of the catalyst displays that it could be reused with minimal loss in activity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present paper, design and economics of the novel type of thermal control system for datacenter using heat pipe based cold energy storage has been proposed and discussed. Two types of cold energy storage system namely: ice storage system and cold water storage system are explained and sized for datacenter with heat output capacity of 8800 kW. Basically, the cold energy storage will help to reduce the chiller running time that will save electricity related cost and decrease greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the electricity generation from non-renewable sources. The proposed cold energy storage system can be retrofit or connected in the existing datacenter facilities without major design changes. Out of the two proposed systems, ice based cold energy storage system is mainly recommended for datacenters which are located in very cold locations and therefore can offer long term seasonal storage of cold energy within reasonable cost. One of the potential application domains for ice based cold energy storage system using heat pipes is the emergency backup system for datacenter. Water based cold energy storage system provides more compact size with short term storage (hours to days) and is potential for datacenters located in areas with yearly average temperature below the permissible cooling water temperature (∼25 °C). The aforesaid cold energy storage systems were sized on the basis of metrological conditions in Poughkeepsie, New York. As an outcome of the thermal and cost analysis, water based cold energy storage system with cooling capability to handle 60% of datacenter yearly heat load will provide an optimum system size with minimum payback period of 3.5 years. Water based cold energy storage system using heat pipes can be essentially used as precooler for chiller. Preliminary results obtained from the experimental system to test the capability of heat pipe based cold energy storage system have provided satisfactory outcomes and validated the proposed system concept. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Salinity-gradient solar ponds can collect and store solar heat at temperatures up to 80°C. As a result, these water bodies act as a renewable source of low grade heat which can be utilized for heating and power generation applications. In this paper, design and test result of the combined system of thermosyphon and thermoelectric modules (TTMs) for the generation of electricity from low grade thermal sources like solar pond is discussed. In solar ponds, temperature difference in the range 40–60°C is available between the lower convective zone (LCZ) and the upper convective zone (UCZ) which can be applied across the hot and cold surfaces of the thermoelectric modules to make it work as a power generator. The designed system utilizes gravity assisted thermosyphon to transfer heat from the hot bottom to the cold top of the solar pond. Thermoelectric cells (TECs) are attached to the top end of the thermosyphon which lies in the UCZ thereby maintaining differential temperature across them. A laboratory scale model based on the proposed combination of thermosyphon and thermoelectric cells was fabricated and tested under the temperature differences that exist in the solar ponds. Result outcomes from the TTM prototype have indicated significant prospects of such system for power generation from low grade heat sources particularly for remote area power supply. A potential advantage of such a system is its ability to continue to provide useful power output at night time or on cloudy days because of the thermal storage capability of the solar pond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present paper experimentally investigates the effect of non-condensable gases (NCGs) on the thermal performance of the miniature loop heat pipe (mLHP). Copper mLHP with the flat disk shaped evaporator, 30mm diameter and 10mm thick, and fin-and-tube type condenser, 50mm length and 10mm height, located at a distance of 150mm was used in the study. The device which was designed for the thermal control of computer microprocessor was capable of transferring maximum heat load of 70W while maintaining evaporator temperature below 100°C limit for electronic equipments. Water was used as the heat transfer fluid inside the mLHP. All the tests were conducted with the evaporator and condenser at the same horizontal level. Simple methods were devised to detect and purge the generated NCG out of the loop heat pipe without disassembling the system. Experiments conducted to classify the trends in the NCG production and storage revealed that majority of the gas is generated in the first few thermal runs and is accumulated in the compensation chamber. Sensitivity tests show that overall effect of the NCG is to elevate the steady-state operating temperature of the loop and increase the start-up time required by the evaporator to achieve stable conditions for the given heat load. As an outcomes of the research work, it can be concluded that mLHPs are more tolerable to the NCGs than conventional heat pipes due to the presence of compensation chamber that can accumulate most of the released gas without major performance degradation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thermal management of laptops is an increasingly challenging task because of the high-heat flux associated with the microprocessors and the limited space available for the thermal control system inside the cabinet. In this paper, results are discussed from an investigation of two different designs of miniature loop heat pipes (mLHPs) for thermal control of compact electronic devices including notebooks. Two prototypes of mLHP, one with a disk-shaped evaporator, 30mm diameter and 10mm thick, and the other with a rectangular-shaped evaporator, 47×37mm² plan area and 5mm thick, were designed to handle heat fluxes up to 50W/cm². In the disk-shaped evaporator, the compensation chamber was incorporated into the overall thickness of the evaporator, whereas for the rectangularshaped evaporator a new design approach was used in which the compensation chamber was positioned on the sides of the wick structure such that it was coplanar with the evaporator section. The new design approach helped to decrease the thickness of the rectangular evaporator by 50% and therefore improved the ability to integrate miniature loop heat pipe technology into compact electronics enclosures. All of the thermal tests on mLHP prototypes were conducted in horizontal configurations. Total thermal resistance of the designed mLHPs was between 1 and 5 °C/W. A comparative study of the mLHPs with conventional heat pipe and microchannel-based active liquid cooling systems has shown the superior heat transfer capability of the passively operating loop scheme for high-heat flux applications, and helped to classify mLHPs as candidates for laptop thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper experimentally investigates the sintered porous heat sink for the cooling of the high-powered compact microprocessors for server applications. Heat sink cold plate consisted of rectangular channel with sintered porous copper insert of 40% porosity and 1.44×10−11 m2 permeability. Forced convection heat transfer and pressure drop through the porous structure were studied at Re⩽408 with water as the coolant medium. In the study, heat fluxes of up to 2.9MW/m2 were successfully removed at the source with the coolant pressure drop of 34kPa across the porous sample while maintaining the heater junction temperature below the permissible limit of 100±5°C for chipsets. The minimum value of 0.48°C/W for cold plate thermal resistance (R cp) was achieved at maximum flow rate of 4.2cm3/s in the experiment. For the designed heat sink, different components of the cold plate thermal resistance (Rcp) from the thermal footprint of source to the coolant were identified and it was found that contact resistance at the interface of source and cold plate makes up 44% of R cp and proved to be the main component. Convection resistance from heated channel wall with porous insert to coolant accounts for 37% of the R cp. With forced convection of water at Re=408 through porous copper media, maximum values of 20kW/m2 K for heat transfer coefficient and 126 for Nusselt number were recorded. The measured effective thermal conductivity of the water saturated porous copper was as high as 32W/mK that supported the superior heat augmentation characteristics of the copper–water based sintered porous heat sink. The present investigation helps to classify the sintered porous heat sink as a potential thermal management device for high-end microprocessors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper specifically addresses the thermal characteristics of the miniature Loop Heat Pipe (mLHP) with the flat disk shaped evaporator, 10 mm thick and 30 mm in diameter, for the thermal control of the compact electronic equipments. The loop was made of copper with nickel wick and water as the working fluid. Detailed study was conducted on the start-up reliability of the mLHP at high as well as low heat loads. It was found that the device was able to start-up at input power as low as 5 W, however the start-up time was very high at such heat loads. During the testing of mLHP under step and random power cycles, the thermal response presented by the loop to achieve steady state was very short. At low heat loads, thermal and hydraulic oscillations were observed throughout the loop. The amplitudes of these fluctuations were very high at condenser inlet and liquid line exit. It is expected that the extent and nature of the oscillations occurrence is dependent on the thermal and hydrodynamic conditions inside the compensation chamber. Overall, the effect of these oscillations on the thermal performance of the mLHP was not very significant. In the horizontal orientation, the device was able to transfer maximum heat load of 70 W with evaporator temperature below limit. The thermal resistance () of the mLHP lies between 0.17 to 5.66 °C/W. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dissemination of the bacterial transposon Tn10 is limited by target site channeling, a process wherein the transposon ends are forced to interact with and insert into a target site located within the transposon. Integration host factor (IHF) promotes this self-destructive event by binding to the transpososome and forming a DNA loop close to one or both transposon ends; this loop imposes geometric and topological constraints that are responsible for channeling. We demonstrate that a second ‘host’ protein, histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS), acts as an anti-channeling factor to limit self-destructive intramolecular transposition events in vitro. Evidence that H-NS competes with IHF for binding to the Tn10 transpososome to block channeling and that this event is relatively insensitive to the level of DNA supercoiling present in the Tn10-containing substrate plasmid are presented. This latter observation is atypical for H-NS, as H-NS binding to other DNA sequences, such as promoters, is generally affected by subtle changes in DNA structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents an experimental investigation on a copper miniature loop heat pipe (mLHP) with a flat disk shaped evaporator, 30 mm in diameter and 10-mm thick, designed for thermal control of computer microprocessors. Tests were conducted with water as the heat transfer fluid. The device was capable of transferring a heat load of 70 W through a distance up to 150 mm using 2-mm diameter transport lines. For a range of power applied to the evaporator, the system demonstrated very reliable startup and was able to achieve steady state without any symptoms of wick dry-out. Unlike cylindrical evaporators, flat evaporators are easy to attach to the heat source without need of any cylinder-to-plane reducer material at the interface and thus offer very low thermal resistance to the heat acquisition process. In the horizontal configuration, under air cooling, the minimum value for the mLHP thermal resistance is 0.17 °CIW with the corresponding evaporator thermal resistance of 0.06 °CIW. It is concluded from the outcomes of the current study that a mLHP with flat evaporator geometry can be effectively used for the thermal control of electronic equipment including notebooks with limited space and high heat flux chipsets. The results also confirm the superior heat transfer characteristics of the copper-water configuration in mLHPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheer pheasant is a globally vulnerable species mainly found in the mid-montane grassland of the western Himalayas. Such grasslands are spread sporadically, and the distribution of this species too, as a result, has remained patchy. Using Maxent, we investigated the distribution of cheer across its global range (Pakistan, India, and Nepal) to determine a potential distribution range. The model predicted that higher altitude (increasing probability peaking at 2060 m) and land cover categories of needleleaf evergreen forests, grasslands, barren and stony terrain, and croplands were the likely predictors of cheer pheasant occurrence. The model predicted a total potential distribution range of 3137.9 km2, most of which lies in India. Interestingly, most areas within this range fall outside the protected areas network and are thus unprotected. The habitat of cheer is believed to require some form of continual disturbance, either naturally or by human intervention, to remain suitable for the species. Given the fact that most of its habitat lies outside the protected areas and the species tolerates limited amount of disturbance to its habitat, the future of the cheer is likely to be in the outside protected areas, provided that extremes of habitat change are limited and hunting is curtailed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In felids, mortality caused by dominant males can affect life history characteristics, demography and reproductive success. When a dominant male is removed, an incoming male may kill offspring sired by the previous male to induce the resident female into oestrus. We had the opportunity to observe the infanticide avoidance responses of female tigers (Panthera tigris) to incoming males in the core area of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR), Rajasthan, during 2008-2010. In one case, following the disappearance of a dominant male tiger (TM-12) from the established territory of a female tiger (TF-13), the female tiger, accompanied by two cubs, immediately moved approximately 20 km away into riverine areas outside the protected area of RTR. In another case, a female (TF-04) died from a battle with a male while defending her cubs. These observations reveal the attempts of female tigers to avoid infanticide. Observations and results from behavioural decisions made by tigers are important to understand the species and the factors that facilitate their conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The connectivity between landscapes is an important aspect of the conservation of small and isolated populations of carnivores. We studied the natal dispersal pattern of Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) using motion-sensitive cameras and intensive searches from April 2005 to June 2011 in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR), western India. We tracked 29 tiger cubs (18 males, 11 females) born during the study until they established independent territories. All the females and 72.2% of the males attained maturity. The males had a greater probability (92.3%) of dispersal compared with the females (36.4%). Males dispersed an average distance of 27.0 ± 12.7 (SE) km (range = 4.5–148 km), while females dispersed an average distance of 5.7 ± 3.03 km (range = 4.6–25.8 km) from their natal area to establish their independent territories. The average age of dispersal was 38.6 ± 2.6 months (range = 24–44 months) for the males and 27.7 ± 2.7 months (range = 25–33 months) for the females. Seven of the 11 females bred at >48 months' age, after establishing independent territories. Of the other females, three were translocated to another protected area, and one died after the dispersal. This study adds to the baseline information about the dispersal patterns of tigers, which is important in making conservation and management decisions for restoration of tiger populations. • We tracked 29 tiger cubs (18 male and 11 females) born during the study until they established independent territories. • Males had a greater probability (92.3%) of dispersal than females (36.4%). • Out of 11 females, 7 breed at >48 months after establishing independent territories. • This study provides base line information for conservation and management decisions for tiger restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Synthesized pH and thermo-responsive polymer nanocomposite modified PSF membranes. • Structural and functional properties of the modified membranes evaluated. • Membranes studied for humic acid ultrafiltration and dye removal. • Membranes show improved hydrophilicity, stimuli responsive, and antifouling nature. • The stimuli responsive membranes show better humic acid and dye removal profiles. Current work discusses the synthesis and characterization of a pH and thermo-responsive poly (N-vinylcaprolactam-TiO 2 -acrylic acid) (VCL-TiO 2 -AA) polymer nanocomposite in various compositions of TiO 2 and application of these nanocomposites for the modification of polysulfone (PSF) membranes. The stimuli responsive nanocomposite was directly blended to the membrane casting solution and this casting solution was used to synthesize membranes by phase inversion method. The modified membranes were analyzed for their hydrophilic, photocatalytic, pH, and thermo-responsive behavior. The membranes were characterized for their morphology by using FESEM. FTIR and FESEM-EDX analysis were carried out to analyze their elemental analysis. Furthermore, the effect of the synthesized stimuli responsive VCL-TiO 2 -AA polymer nanocomposite was analyzed on the membrane performance in terms of fouling, temperature and pH responsiveness, and photocatalytic removal of MB dye under dark and UV light conditions at different pH values. Furthermore, the ultrafiltration performance and antifouling nature of the modified membranes were investigated and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Metarhabditis amsactae isolated from Punjab, India. • Molecular characterization was grounded on 18S and ITS rDNA gene sequencing. • M. amsactae caused significant mortality of G. mellonella larvae. • Antioxidant enzyme activities and MDA content of insect pest enhanced. • Activities of detoxifying enzymes (GST and AChE) increased. A survey was undertaken to isolate entomopathogenic nematodes from Amritsar district of Punjab, India. Out of 20 soil samples collected, two were found positive for the presence of nematodes. 18S and ITS rDNA gene sequencing revealed their identity as Metarhabditis amsactae. To assess its biocontrol potential, Galleria mellonella larvae were treated with concentrations of 20, 40, 80 and 160 IJs/L (infective juveniles/larva) and mortality was recorded from 24 h up to 96 h of nematode exposure. Distilled water without nematodes was used as an untreated control. M. amsactae showed potent larvicidal activity against G. mellonella that was found to be concentration and time dependent. Nematode infection caused 93.33 % larval mortality at 80 IJs/L after 72 h of treatment. 100 % mortality was observed after 96 h. No mortality was observed in control. To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of M. amsactae , G. mellonella larvae were infected with 100 IJs/L and activities of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APOX), phenol oxidase (PO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) were appraised after 12, 24, 36 and 48 h of nematode exposure. Malondialdehyde content was also determined. The results obtained demonstrated a significant elevation in all the enzyme activities at all time intervals in treated larvae when compared with untreated control. MDA levels were also enhanced in response to nematode infection. Thus, the present study revealed high insecticidal potential and immunomodulatory effects of M. amsactae on G. mellonella that should be further explored on other insect pests as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal provisioning and the developmental environment are fundamental determinants of offspring traits, particularly in oviparous species. However, the extent to which embryonic responses to these factors differ across populations to drive phenotypic variation is not well understood. Here, we examine the contributions of maternal provisioning and incubation temperature to hatchling morphological and metabolic traits across four populations of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), encompassing a large portion of the species' latitudinal range. Our results show that whereas the influence of egg mass is generally consistent across populations, responses to incubation temperature show population‐level variation in several traits, including mass, head length, head width, and residual yolk mass. Additionally, the influence of incubation temperature on developmental rate is greater at northern populations, while the allocation of maternal resources toward fat body mass is greater at southern populations. Overall, our results suggest that responses to incubation temperature, relative to maternal provisioning, are a larger source of interpopulation phenotypic variation and may contribute to the local adaptation of populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Lower Tumen River basin habitat at the Sino-North Korean border is crucial for reestablishing Amur leopards in the Korean Peninsula, where they once thrived. However, except for the Jingxin–Dapanling (JD) and Mijiang (MJ) corridors, most areas have become impassable due to human activities and urbanization. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the MJ corridor by analyzing the species abundance, forest structure, landscape features, and disturbance factors. Our findings indicate that leopard activity is predominantly concentrated in the northern part of the corridor, with little to no presence in the middle and southern regions near the North Korean border. Human disturbances, forest structure, and infrastructural obstacles seem to impede the movement of leopards. To ensure the resurgence of the leopard population in the Korean Peninsula, it is imperative to mitigate or eliminate the impacts of these hindrances. This entails reducing human disturbances, enhancing forest structure, and removing infrastructural barriers. Such efforts are vital to facilitate the revival of the Amur leopards in their former range in the Korean Peninsula. The interconnected forest regions along the lower Tumen River, at the Sino-North Korean border, provide critical habitats and corridors for the critically endangered Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis). In this region, there are two promising corridors for leopard movement between China and North Korea: the Jingxin–Dapanling (JD) and Mijiang (MJ) corridors. Past studies have confirmed the functionality of the JD corridor, but leopards' utilization of the MJ corridor has not yet been established or confirmed. In this study, we assessed the functionality of the MJ corridor. The study area was monitored using camera traps between May 2019 and July 2021. We also analyzed 33 environmental and vegetation factors affecting leopard survival and analyzed leopard movement. In the Mijiang area, the Amur leopard was mainly active in the region adjacent to the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park and did not venture into area near the North Korean border. The complex forest structure allowed leopards to move into the Mijiang area. However, the high intensity of human disturbance and manufactured physical barriers restricted further southward movement. Therefore, human-induced disturbances such as grazing, mining, farming, logging, and infrastructure development must be halted and reversed to make the Mijiang region a functional corridor for the Amur leopard to reach the North Korean forest. This necessitates inter-governmental and international cooperation and is essential for the long-term survival of the Amur leopard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many ectotherms rely on temperature cues experienced during development to determine offspring sex. The first descriptions of temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD) were made over 50 years ago, yet an understanding of its adaptive significance remains elusive, especially in long‐lived taxa.One novel hypothesis predicts that TSD should be evolutionarily favoured when two criteria are met—(a) incubation temperature influences annual juvenile survival and (b) sexes mature at different ages. Under these conditions, a sex‐dependent effect of incubation temperature on offspring fitness arises through differences in age at sexual maturity, with the sex that matures later benefiting disproportionately from temperatures that promote juvenile survival.The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) serves as an insightful model in which to test this hypothesis, as males begin reproducing nearly a decade after females. Here, through a combination of artificial incubation experiments and mark‐recapture approaches, we test the specific predictions of the survival‐to‐maturity hypothesis for the adaptive value of TSD by disentangling the effects of incubation temperature and sex on annual survival of alligator hatchlings across two geographically distinct sites.Hatchlings incubated at male‐promoting temperatures (MPTs) consistently exhibited higher survival compared to those incubated at female‐promoting temperatures. This pattern appears independent of hatchling sex, as females produced from hormone manipulation at MPT exhibit similar survival to their male counterparts.Additional experiments show that incubation temperature may affect early‐life survival primarily by affecting the efficiency with which maternally transferred energy resources are used during development.Results from this study provide the first explicit empirical support for the adaptive value of TSD in a crocodilian and point to developmental energetics as a potential unifying mechanism underlying persistent survival consequences of incubation temperature. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the characterization of high-temperature heat pipes, the measurement of heat transfer is a key technical issue that needs attention. In the present experimental research on high-temperature heat pipe using potassium as the working fluid, it was noted that the gas-gap-based calorimeters have some problems, such as difficulty in experiment, low test performance, and irreversible damage to the measured high-temperature heat pipe. In this study, a high-temperature calorimeter based on evaporation weighing method was designed and built to solve the aforesaid issues. Further, the heat transfer performance of potassium heat pipe under different heating power, inclination angles and cooling methods were tested. In the experiment, a 1000 mm long potassium heat pipe was heated at a heating power of 0-3000 W, the inclination angle was changed, to test the heat transfer performance of the heat pipe. The results showed that the high-temperature calorimeter method based on evaporation weighing would provide simple and convenient way for heat pipe evaluation without destroying the structure or system of the heat pipe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The vapour chamber is a two-phase heat transfer device that is able to effectively spread heat from concentrated heat sources to much larger heat sinks. This paper presents an experimental investigation into a copper-water vapour chamber heat spreader with hybrid wick structures. The vapour chamber had sintered powder and screen mesh wicks on the evaporator, and a screen mesh wick on the condenser. Its overall dimensions were 123 mm × 140 mm × 3 mm. The spreading resistance of the vapour chamber was explored for a non-central heating scenario. It was determined that spreading resistance of 0.08 K/W could be achieved with this vapour chamber, which was around half what would be achieved with an equivalent copper heat spreader. At low heat inputs, the vapour chamber experienced start-up difficulties. Furthermore, temperature drops through the vapour chamber and copper spreader were explored and some weaknesses of current vapour chamber designs were highlighted. Even with these weaknesses, the hybrid wick vapour chamber was able to spread heat more effectively than a copper spreader. Highlights • Spreading thermal resistance of vapour chamber was experimentally found. • A hybrid wick structure consisting of both sintered powder and mesh was used. • The resistance of the vapour chamber was half that of a copper spreader. • Axial temperature drops were larger in the vapour chamber than for copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change is causing unprecedented impacts on biodiversity. In India, there is little information available regarding how climate change affects biodiversity at the taxon/group level, and large-scale ecological analyses have been lacking. In this study, we demonstrated the applicability of eBird and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility), and produced national-scale forecasts to examine the possible impacts of climate change on terrestrial avifauna in India. Using data collected by citizen scientists, we developed fine-tuned Species Distribution Models (SDMs) and predicted 1091 terrestrial bird species that would be distributed in India by 2070 on two climatic surfaces (RCP 4.5 and 8.5), using Maximum Entropy-based species distribution algorithms. Of the 1091 species modelled, our findings indicate that 66–73% of bird species in India will shift to higher elevations or shift northward, and 58–59% of bird species (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) would lose a portion of their distribution ranges. Furthermore, distribution ranges of 41–40% of bird species would increase. Under both RCP scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5), bird species diversity will significantly increase in regions above 2500 m in elevation. Both RCP scenarios predict extensive changes in the species richness of the western Himalayas, Sikkim, northeast India, and the western Ghats regions by 2070. This study has resulted in novel, high-resolution maps of terrestrial bird species richness across India, and we predict predominantly northward shifts in species ranges, similar to predictions made for avifauna in other regions, such as Europe and the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the observation period (April 2019-March 2020), 36 species of insects were recorded belonging to 29 families from all the selected study sites. The maximum species were recorded in order Lepidoptera followed by Hemiptera. A minimum of one species was recorded from each order, Dictyoptera, Isoptera, Neuroptera, and Diptera, from three selected sugarcane agriculture field sites. The maximum number of individuals was collected from Site I, followed by Site II, whereas the lowest number of individuals was recorded at Site III. The observation showed that seasonal abundance had two peaks, first during the summer months of June and second during the spring season of March. The study of insect diversity represents species richness as highest at Site I (based on species number and Shannon index). In contrast, species dominance was maximum at Site II (Simpson index and Berger Parker) due to over dominance of one species. The Evenness index showed maximum evenness of species at Site I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study examined the abundance and diversity of arthropods, specifically insect pests and natural enemies, in the Brinjal ecosystem at Khalsa College, Amritsar, during the primary season of 2021. The study observed nine insect pest species, with jassid, whiteflies, aphids, brinjal shoot and fruit borers, and hadda beetles being the most frequently occurring pests. Seven natural enemies were identified, including ladybird beetles, syrphid flies, rove beetles, black ants, praying mantises, green lacewings, and spiders, which were found to be major predators of insect pests in brinjal crops. Insect pests comprised 82.68% of the total population, while natural enemies accounted for 17.25%. These findings can be used to develop effective strategies for managing pest populations in brinjal cultivation, emphasizing the importance of natural enemies in controlling insect pest populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two phase heat transfer devices based on the miniature version of loop heat pipe (LHP) can provide very promising cooling solutions for the compact electronic devices due to their high heat flux management capability and long distance heat transfer with minimal temperature losses. This paper discusses the effect of the wick properties on the heat transfer characteristics of the miniature LHP. The miniature model of the LHP with disk-shaped evaporator, 10 mm thick and 30 mm disk diameter, was designed using copper containment vessel and water as the working fluid, which is the most acceptable combination in electronic cooling applications. In the investigation, wick structures with different physical properties including thermal conductivity, pore radius, porosity, and permeability and with different structural topology including monoporous or biporous evaporating face were used. It was experimentally observed that copper wicks are able to provide superior thermal performance than nickel wicks, particularly for low to moderate heat loads due to their low heat conducting resistance. With monoporous copper wick, maximum evaporator heat transfer coefficient (hev) of 26,270 W/m2 K and evaporator thermal resistance (Rev) of 0.06-0.10°C/W were achieved. For monoporous nickel wick, the corresponding values were 20,700 W/m2 K for hev and 0.08-0.21°C/W for Rev. Capillary structure with smaller pore size, high porosity, and high permeability showed better heat transfer characteristics due to sufficient capillary pumping capability, low heat leaks from evaporator to compensation chamber and larger surface area to volume ratio for heat exchange. In addition to this, biporous copper wick structure showed much higher heat transfer coefficient of 83,787 W/m2 K than monoporous copper wick due to improved evaporative heat transfer at wick wall interface and separated liquid and vapor flow pores. The present work was able to classify the importance of the wick properties in the improvement of the thermal characteristics for miniature loop heat pipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miniature loop heat pipes (mLHPs) are coming up with a promising solution for the thermal management of futuristic electronics systems. In order to implement these devices inside compact electronics, their evaporator has to be developed with small thickness while preserving the unique thermal characteristics and physical concept of the loop scheme. This paper specifically addresses the design and testing of a mLHP with a flat evaporator only 5 mm thick for the cooling of high performance microprocessors for electronic devices. A novel concept was used to achieve very small thickness for the mLHP evaporator in which the compensation chamber was positioned on the sides of the wick structure and incorporated in the same plane as the evaporator. This is unlike the conventional design of the flat evaporator for mLHP in which the compensation chamber, as a rule, adds to the overall thickness of the evaporator. The loop was made from copper with water as the heat transfer fluid. For capillary pumping of the working fluid around the loop, a sintered nickel wick with 3-5 µm pore radius and 75% porosity was used. In the horizontal orientation, the device was able to transfer heat fluxes of 50 W/cm² at a distance of up to 150 mm by using a transport line with 2 mm internal diameter. In the range of applied power, the evaporator was able to achieve steady state without any temperature overshoots or symptoms of capillary structure dryouts. For the evaporator and condenser at the same level and under forced air cooling, the minimum value of 0.62°C/W for mLHP thermal resistance from evaporator to condenser (Rec) was achieved at a maximum heat load of 50 W with the corresponding junction temperature of 98.5°C. The total thermal resistance (Rt) of the mLHP was within 1.5-5.23°C/W. At low heat loads, the mLHP showed some thermal and hydraulic oscillations in the transport lines, which were predominately due to the flow instabilities imposed by parasitic heat leaks to the compensation chamber. It is concluded form the outcomes of the present investigation that the proposed design of the mLHP evaporator can be effectively used for the thermal control of the compact electronic devices with high heat flux capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miniature loop heat pipes (mLHPs) are coming up with a promising solution for the thermal management of futuristic electronics systems. In order to implement these devices inside compact electronics, their evaporator has to be developed with small thickness while preserving the unique thermal characteristics and physical concept of the loop scheme. This paper specifically addresses the design and testing of a mLHP with a flat evaporator only 5 mm thick for the cooling of high performance microprocessors for electronic devices. A novel concept was used to achieve very small thickness for the mLHP evaporator in which the compensation chamber was positioned on the sides of the wick structure and incorporated in the same plane as the evaporator. This is unlike the conventional design of the flat evaporator for mLHP in which the compensation chamber, as a rule, adds to the overall thickness of the evaporator. The loop was made from copper with water as the heat transfer fluid. For capillary pumping of the working fluid around the loop, a sintered nickel wick with 3-5 µm pore radius and 75% porosity was used. In the horizontal orientation, the device was able to transfer heat fluxes of 50 W/cm² at a distance of up to 150 mm by using a transport line with 2 mm internal diameter. In the range of applied power, the evaporator was able to achieve steady state without any temperature overshoots or symptoms of capillary structure dryouts. For the evaporator and condenser at the same level and under forced air cooling, the minimum value of 0.62°C/W for mLHP thermal resistance from evaporator to condenser (Rec) was achieved at a maximum heat load of 50 W with the corresponding junction temperature of 98.5°C. The total thermal resistance (Rt) of the mLHP was within 1.5-5.23°C/W. At low heat loads, the mLHP showed some thermal and hydraulic oscillations in the transport lines, which were predominately due to the flow instabilities imposed by parasitic heat leaks to the compensation chamber. It is concluded form the outcomes of the present investigation that the proposed design of the mLHP evaporator can be effectively used for the thermal control of the compact electronic devices with high heat flux capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel & sustainable solution for solid waste management is presented. • Biogas fuelled gas turbine-supercritical CO 2 and steam Rankine cycle is proposed. • Energy, exergy, exergoeconomic and environmental (4-E) analysis is performed. • Digester is integrated with a thermal storage system for maximizing biogas production. • Biogas production cost curtails by at least 10% with PCM-based heating system. This work presents a novel and sustainable solution based on combined heat and power (CHP) system integrated with a simultaneous charging-discharging type thermal energy storage tank. The multi-generation system uses biogas as the heat source and is analyzed from the thermodynamic, exergoeconomic, and environmental perspectives. The proposed configuration aims to meet the electrical requirements of a cluster of 20 villages, greenhouse heating, and hot air production for agricultural drying applications. The exhaust gases from the biogas fired turbine are utilized to power a recompression supercritical CO 2 and steam Rankine cycle. The additional surplus heat is stored inside a simultaneous charging/discharging type thermal storage tank that provides favorable conditions (50–55 °C) for biogas producing microorganisms to maximizing gas production. The meso-erythritol (sugar alcohol) is used as a phase change material due to its high latent heat and large supercooling (>60 °C), suitable for the present applications. The PCM is characterized on heat flux Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermophysical properties are evaluated. Further, the exergoeconomic analysis is presented to examine the economic viability of the system which serves as a holistic solution for rural power generation. It is found that the total product unit cost of the system is 12.96 $/GJ and operating charges are 140.5 $/h. The proposed multigenerational system promises a Levelized cost of electricity at 5 ¢ /kWh. The net overall electricity generated by the system is 1432 kW and provides 200 kW of space thermal heating. In addition, hot air is produced at the rate of 9720 kg/h for different agricultural drying applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the cause and different methods of management of traumatic gastrointestinal perforation. Methods: The study was done in the Department of General Surgery, Maharishi Markandehwar Medical College and Hospital, Kumarhatti, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India for the period of 12 months. In our study, a total of 60 patients with traumatic gastrointestinal perforation were included. Results: In our study, a total of 60 patients with traumatic gastrointestinal perforation were included. Out of 60 patients, 50 were males and 10 were females. Maximum patients (32) were found in the age group of 21-40 years of age. In our study, RTA was the most common mode of trauma with total of 25 patients. Conclusion: Traumatic injury to gastrointestinal tract due blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma is on a rise due to road traffic accidents and more common in adulthood and males. Traumatic gastrointestinal perforation most commonly involves small intestine specifically jejunum and is usually managed by primary closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mast cell products and high levels of type 2 cytokines are associated with severe dengue disease. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are type-2 cytokine-producing cells that are activated by epithelial cytokines and mast cell-derived lipid mediators. Through ex vivo RNAseq analysis, we observed that ILC2 are activated during acute dengue viral infection, and show an impaired type I-IFN signature in severe disease. We observed that circulating ILC2 are permissive for dengue virus infection in vivo and in vitro, particularly when activated through prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). ILC2 underwent productive dengue virus infection, which was inhibited through CRTH2 antagonism. Furthermore, exogenous IFN-β induced expression of type I-IFN responsive anti-viral genes by ILC2. PGD2 downregulated type I-IFN responsive gene and protein expression; and urinary prostaglandin D2 metabolite levels were elevated in severe dengue. Moreover, supernatants from activated ILC2 enhanced monocyte infection in a GM-CSF and mannan-dependent manner. Our results indicate that dengue virus co-opts an innate type 2 environment to escape early type I-IFN control and facilitate viral dissemination. PGD2 downregulates type I-IFN induced anti-viral responses in ILC2. CRTH2 antagonism may be a therapeutic strategy for dengue-associated disease. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells are activated during acute dengue viral infection in human, downregulate type I-IFN responsive gene and protein expression through Prostaglandin D2, and are permissive for productive dengue viral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanism of coexistence, where carnivores adapt to humans and vice versa in the shared landscape, is a key determinant of long-term carnivore conservation but is yet to be comprehensively examined. We explored the coexistence mechanism of striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) and humans in the shared landscape of Sawai Mansingh Wildlife Sanctuary (SMS WLS), Rajasthan, from November 2019 to March 2021. We used data derived from motion sensors-based surveys, satellite remote sensing images, and household questionnaires to understand socio-ecological, environmental and anthropogenic factors facilitating hyena persistence in the shared landscape. The high density (12 individuals/100 km2) striped hyena in the landscape revealed the coexistence with humans. Being scavengers, they get subsidised food sources and are perceived as low-risk species by humans. Striped hyena minimised temporal activity during the daytime when human activity peaked. However, the highest activity overlap was observed in the agricultural area (Δ1 = 0.39), and likely depicts the high activity due to agricultural practices. While the human settlement was positively associated with the detection of hyenas, the probability of striped hyena captures increased with decreasing distance from human settlement, possibly influenced by high carcass availability, providing the easiest food resources to striped hyena, and allowing them to coexist with humans. This study demonstrates the coexistence of hyenas and humans in the shared landscape supported by mutual benefits, where hyenas benefit from anthropogenic food from scavenging, while humans benefit from waste removal and the non-lethal nature hyenas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Right from open innovation to creativity, content generation to software development, marketing to crowdfunding, the tremendous growth of crowdsourcing has touched almost every field. The realm has entered even in medical sector now. This paper deals with this new concept of crowdsourcing medical data covering the reasons behind this revolution, prevailing examples of medical crowdsourcing, and the probable issues that can be encountered. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]