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Two species of Austronomia Michener, 1965 (Hymenoptera: Halictidae, Nomiinae), namely A. goniognatha (Cockerell, 1919) and A. takauensis (Friese, 1910), are reported from India for the first time. Eleven Nomiinae bee species, Austronomia capitata (Smith, 1875), Austronomia himalayana (Nurse, 1902), Austronomia notiomorpha (Hirashima 1978), Austronomia pseudoscutellata Pauly, 2009, Hoplonomia incerta (Gribodo, 1894), Lipotriches ceratina (Smith, 1857), Lipotriches phenacura (Cockerell, 1911), Macronomia antennata (Smith, 1875), Nomia crassipes (Fabricius, 1798), Pachynomia nathani Pauly, 2009, Steganomus fulvipennis Cameron, 1898 are added to the West Bengal bee fauna. A checklist of Nomiinae bees comprising 30 species from West Bengal along with floral association is documented.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the variations in nerve bundles between patients with normal anatomy and those with inner‐ear anomalies. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the temporal bones of candidates for cochlear implants (CIs) enrolled at a tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed from the clinical database. The 3.0‐Tesla MRI scans were analyzed using a three‐dimensional slicer to visualize the nerve bundles in the internal auditory canal. Results A total of 49 ears were analyzed. Twenty ears exhibited normal inner ear anatomy, whereas 29 ears had various inner‐ear malformations. The cochlear nerve (CN) was visible on all 20 scans with normal inner‐ear anatomy. In addition, the CN was visualized in 18 scans with inner ear malformations. Furthermore, the CN was identified in six of the eight scans with IP type I, whereas in two scans, the CN and vestibular nerve were unclear. Three scans with a common cavity showed only two nerve bundles. Conclusion The findings of this study show that the CN can be visualized in most inner‐ear anatomical types. Even in severely malformed inner ears, the common nerve bundle that represents the cochlear and vestibular nerves can be visualized. The MRI is highly recommended for CN assessment before CI surgery. Level of Evidence Level IV.

Pure and copper-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofibers (NFs) were fabricated by the sol-gel electrospinning (ES) technique with varying concentrations (1, 3, and 5 w%). Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy were used to investigate the morphology, structure, and optical properties of the NFs. The average fiber diameter (AFD) of the Cu-doped ZnO (Cu-Z) NFs decreased with the increase in doping concentration. The structural analysis found that all the NFs samples were polycrystalline and oriented along the (101) plane. Also, the crystalline size decreased from 26.58 to 18.45 nm as the copper (Cu) concentration increased, and a maximum crystalline size was observed for 5 w% Cu-Z NFs. The band gap of undoped and Cu-Z NFs was calculated from UV VIS spectra, and it was observed that the bandgap decreased from 3.45 to 2.9 eV due to the addition of 5 w% Cu. The sensing performance of the NFs was investigated for 50 ppm of ethanol vapor at various operating temperatures (25–300 °C). The results indicated that the 5 w% Cu-Z NFs had the highest response to ethanol vapor, of 12.65 for 50 ppm, with response and recovery times of 70s and 35s. The Cu-Z NFs exhibited good selectivity and stability while tested with other vapors.

The high nutrient content of baby greens has increased their demand in worldwide markets, putting pressure on farmers and producers to expand production. Enhancing the quality of seeds before sowing has been identified as a key component in increasing the volume of baby greens. The current seed treatment techniques used for baby greens are chemical-based and have extensive negative effects on the environment and human health. Consequently, alternative seed treatment methods, such as organic and physical methods, use less fertilizer and have negligible effects on the environment and public health. A range of treatments, including shock wave, radiation, plasma, magnetic, and hot water treatments, have been found to promote crop development. These techniques have been shown to improve seed germination, the seed vigor index, root development, shoot development, and biomass production because organic seed formulation makes growth regulators available directly to seeds and helps to address issues related to the unraveling of the seed coat in some species. In addition to these seed treatment approaches, a number of seed priming, seed pelleting and seed coating techniques, such as microbial, biopolymer-based, and protective coatings, have been shown to increase sustainability and efficacy while being more environmentally friendly. Advanced seed treatment techniques that employ nanoparticles, such as nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions, and nanopriming, have emerged as viable options for both the environment and the economy. These techniques enhance crop development and seed vigor by utilizing mechanisms such as seed coat penetration and cellular signaling stimulation. For the optimal production of baby greens, including lettuce, Chinese cabbage, pak choi, and radish, certain characteristics, such as substrate, growing conditions, and appropriate parameters, must be maintained in addition to seed treatment procedures. This article provides a thorough evaluation of these methods, explaining their mechanisms of action and addressing the relative benefits of various substrates and parameters for encouraging the growth of roots and plants.

Outer papery peel of onion bulb is an inevitable bio-waste generated in the course of postharvest handling and processing. Onion peels are rich source of nutraceutically important polyphenolic compounds having many therapeutic potentials. In this study, we characterized onion peel extract (OPE) of eight differentially pigmented short-day onion varieties through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution single stage Orbitrap spectrometry and evaluated the antioxidant potential. A total of 49 phenolic compounds were identified in this study which include 33 anthocyanin, 8 flavanol, 4 flavones, and 1 each of pyranoanthocyanin, chalcone, phenolic acid, and ellagitannins. Anthocyanin was the most abundant polyphenolic compound followed by flavanol in all the varieties. Among anthocyanin, 10 cyanidin, 10 delphinidin, 4 peonidin, 4 petunidin, 3 pelargonidin, and 2 malvidin were identified. Cyanidin-3-(6-malonylglucoside), delphinidin, and delphinidin-3-galactoside were the predominant pigment in dark red varieties (BDR and BRJ), and its abundance suggests a key role in the differential pigmentation pattern of onion peel. Total phenol content (TPC) in peels ranged from 1738.21 to 1757.76 mg GAE/100 g DW in dark red onion, 1306.58 to 1646.73 mg GAE/100 g DW in red onion, and 78.77 to 85.5 mg GAE/100 g DW in white onion varieties. The mean total anthocyanin content was maximum (28.23 mg/100 g DW) in dark red varieties (BDR) and minimum (0.11 mg/100 g DW) in white variety (BSW). Total antioxidant activity ranged from 4.71 to 79.80 μmol/g DW, 22.71 to 286.7 μmol/g DW, and 8.72 to 156.89 μmol/g DW estimated through FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH methods, respectively. In all three methods, it was maximum in dark red var. BDR and minimum in white var. BSU.