Seasonal distribution of microplastics in surface waters of the Northern Indian Ocean.

Seven expeditions were carried out during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon in 2018-2019 for marine plastic collection in surface waters of Northern Indian Ocean. PE and PP (83 %) is the dominant type of polymer found in the surface waters. Colored particles account for 67 % of all particles, with fibre/line accounting for 86 %. The average (Mean ± SD) microplastics concentration in the Northern Indian Ocean during pre-monsoon is 15,200 ± 7999 no./km2, Monsoon is 18,223 ± 14,725 no./km2 and post monsoon is 72,381 ± 77,692 no./km2. BoB during pre-monsoon and post monsoon the microplastic concentration remains same except in the northern BoB this change is caused due to weak winds. Microplastics concentration varied both spatially, temporal and heterogeneity in nature. These differences are caused by effect of wind and seasonal reversal of currents. Microplastics collected in the anticyclonic eddy are 129,000 no./km2.

Seasonal temperature variability observed at abyssal depths in the Arabian Sea.

The abyssal ocean is generally considered an aseasonal environment decoupled from the variabilities observed at and just below the ocean's surface. Herein, we describe the first in-situ timeseries record of seasonal warming and cooling in the Arabian Sea at a depth of 4000 m. The seasonal cycle was observed over the nearly four-year-long record (from November 2018 to March 2022). The abyssal seasonal temperature cycle also exhibited noticeable interannual variability. We investigate whether or not surface processes influence the near-seabed temperature through deep meridional overturning circulation modulated by the Indian monsoon or by Rossby wave propagation. We also consider if bottom water circulation variability and discharge of the dense Persian Gulf and Red Sea Water may contribute to the observed seasonality.

Spatial and seasonal variations in coastal water characteristics at Kalpakkam, western Bay of Bengal, Southeast India: a multivariate statistical approach.

A study was carried out in the coastal waters of Kalpakkam with the objectives to evaluate the seasonality in hydrobiological parameters in surface and bottom waters, and assess the anthropogenic stress and monsoonal flux on a spatiotemporal scale. The study covered an area of approximately 100 km2 in the coastal environment. Relatively high values for pH, temperature, and TP were observed during the post-monsoon (POM) season. The monsoon (MON) season was linked with TN, ammonia, and DO concentrations as all these parameters have shown increased values during this season due to freshwater input. The summer (SUM) season was characterized by salinity, turbidity, nitrate, phosphate, and silicate, indicating a true marine environmental condition for plankton production. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) indicated the presence of distinct coastal water masses with respect to seasons and sampling regions. The spatial pattern indicated the distinctness of the coastal nearshore water (CNW) and coastal offshore water (COW) with respect to water quality. The CNW was more dynamic due to direct external influence as compared to the relatively stable COW environment. Similarly, the study region in the northern part, which is continuously exposed to the backwater inputs and tourism activities, was statistically different from the southern part.

Underwater sound to probe sea ice melting in the Arctic during winter.

Over a 4-year period between 2015 and 2019, in-situ time series measurements of ocean ambient noise over the frequency range 100 Hz to 10 kHz, by an autonomous passive acoustic monitoring system have been made in the Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, Arctic. We characterize the noise due to sea ice melting during winter (December-January). This unique observation reveals loud noise signatures, of the order of 8 dB higher than the background noise, showing the signature of sea ice melting. Such observations are crucial for monitoring sea ice melting, especially during winter, to understand the recent warming of Arctic waters. The anomalous air temperature due to local atmospheric forcing and warming of ocean temperature in the fjord through ocean tunneling, individually or combinedly, is responsible for such sea ice melting. The cyclonic events in the Arctic are responsible for the anomalous atmospheric and ocean conditions, causing sea ice melting in winter.

Multiple Sensory Modalities in Diurnal Geckos Is Associated with the Signaling Environment and Evolutionary Constraints.

To be effective, animal signals need to be detectable in the environment, but their development and expression require resources. For multimodal communication, investment in elaborating traits in one modality could reduce the elaboration of traits in other modalities. In Cnemaspis geckos, chemical signals for conspecific communication pre-dated the evolution of visual signals, allowing us to examine the potential trade-off in signal elaboration and the current habitat associations with signal use. We studied five species of Cnemaspis and quantified visual (patch size, color characteristics) and chemical (secretory composition) traits in males, as well as key environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, light) in each of their habitats. Within species, we found some trade-off in the elaboration of signals, as the strength of several components in the visual and chemical modalities were negatively associated. Strength of some signal components in each modality was also independently associated with specific environmental parameters that affect their detection (visual traits) and persistence (chemical traits). Specifically, species with larger, brighter, and more saturated color patches were found in habitats where the brightness and chroma of light were lower. Furthermore, environments with higher substrate temperature and higher relative humidity harbored species that produced secretions with a higher percentage of saturated and aromatic compounds. Thus, the elaboration of multimodal signals in this group of Cnemaspis geckos seems to increase the efficiency of communication in the signaling-environment, but the strength of signals in different modalities is constrained by trade-offs in signal expression.

Hyperspectral Image Features Classification Using Deep Learning Recurrent Neural Networks.

The implementation of Deep learning (DL) techniques, Object detection and classification has achieved remarkable results in remote sensing application. Deep learning with Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) technique on hyper-spectral data has been presented here. The only model which can analyze the hyper-spectral pixels as the sequence of information and also to identify the additional information categories through network reasoning is RNN model. This is first time that the framework of RNN has been introduced for the classification of hyper spectral Image. An activation function is proposed by the DL-RNN and also the parameter rectified functions for analyzing the sequence of data in the hyper-spectral images. Throughout the training procedure, the higher learning rates are fairly used by the activation function which has been proposed by avoiding the risk of divergence. In the proposed system the pixels of hyper-spectral images through the sequential perspective has been processed for capturing the sequence based data. The experimental result also shows that the proposed RNN has produced the improved F- score than the traditional deep learning methods.

Structural and morphological data of RF-Sputtered BiVO4 thin films.

Structural and morphological modulation of rf-sputtered BiVO4 thin films deposited using mechanochemical synthesis prepared BiVO4 nano-powders as sintered target are included in this data article. The crystalline nature of as-prepared films, namely amorphous and crystalline was acquired with time and temperature dependent in-situ high temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD), at a time interval of 1 h. Typical Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra of annealed thin film of monoclinic BiVO4 structure is given. Furthermore, correlation between morphologies of various substrate temperature fabricated BiVO4 thin films are presented.

Evaluation to prevent the Physical Changes in Colored Elastomeric Modules when exposed to various Dietary Media.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to analyze and compare the variation of lumen size and thickness of the elastomeric colored modules when immersed in four selected dietary media. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample size of 40 modules on each color - such as red, blue, green, and black - was taken and immersed in four dietary media (artificial saliva, coke mixed with artificial saliva, turmeric mixed with artificial saliva, and coffee mixed with artificial saliva). Beakers containing different dietary media and color modules are kept in the incubator at 37°C for 72 hours. After incubation period, all the segments of module strips removed from the dietary media were placed under the electric lamp and photographs were taken using Canon camera (SX400 IS). Photographs were transferred to GIMP software, and lumen size and thickness variation in the modules was measured. RESULTS: Statistical analysis were performed using analysis of variance and t-test in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. It showed significant difference in thickness of black module in all dietary media. Significant difference existed between all the lumen sizes of four color modules in four dietary media. CONCLUSION: This study was done to identify the material that has more changes in physical properties when exposed to various dietary media. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: According to the results obtained, black color modules have increased in lumen size in all dietary media. In thickness, red color module showed less variation and black color module exhibited more variation.

Cost-Sensitive Radial Basis Function Neural Network Classifier for Software Defect Prediction.

Effective prediction of software modules, those that are prone to defects, will enable software developers to achieve efficient allocation of resources and to concentrate on quality assurance activities. The process of software development life cycle basically includes design, analysis, implementation, testing, and release phases. Generally, software testing is a critical task in the software development process wherein it is to save time and budget by detecting defects at the earliest and deliver a product without defects to the customers. This testing phase should be carefully operated in an effective manner to release a defect-free (bug-free) software product to the customers. In order to improve the software testing process, fault prediction methods identify the software parts that are more noted to be defect-prone. This paper proposes a prediction approach based on conventional radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and the novel adaptive dimensional biogeography based optimization (ADBBO) model. The developed ADBBO based RBFNN model is tested with five publicly available datasets from the NASA data program repository. The computed results prove the effectiveness of the proposed ADBBO-RBFNN classifier approach with respect to the considered metrics in comparison with that of the early predictors available in the literature for the same datasets.

Differential bleaching of corals based on El Niño type and intensity in the Andaman Sea, southeast Bay of Bengal.

The Andaman coral reef region experienced mass bleaching events during 1998 and 2010. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the El Niño in the coral reef bleaching events of the Andaman region. Both Niño 3.4 and 3 indices were examined to find out the relationship between the mass bleaching events and El Niño, and correlated with sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the Andaman Sea. The result shows that abnormal warming and mass bleaching events in the Andaman Sea were seen only during strong El Niño years of 1997-1998 and 2009-2010. The Andaman Sea SST was more elevated and associated with El Niño Modoki (central Pacific El Niño) than conventional El Niño (eastern Pacific El Niño) occurrences. It is suggested that the development of hot spot patterns around the Andaman Islands during May 1998 and April-May 2010 may be attributed to zonal shifts in the Walker circulation driven by El Niño during the corresponding period.

Learning style-based teaching harvests a superior comprehension of respiratory physiology.

Students entering medical college generally show vast diversity in their school education. It becomes the responsibility of teachers to motivate students and meet the needs of all diversities. One such measure is teaching students in their own preferred learning style. The present study was aimed to incorporate a learning style-based teaching-learning program for medical students and to reveal its significance and utility. Learning styles of students were assessed online using the visual-auditory-kinesthetic (VAK) learning style self-assessment questionnaire. When respiratory physiology was taught, students were divided into three groups, namely, visual (n = 34), auditory (n = 44), and kinesthetic (n = 28), based on their learning style. A fourth group (the traditional group; n = 40) was formed by choosing students randomly from the above three groups. Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic groups were taught following the appropriate teaching-learning strategies. The traditional group was taught via the routine didactic lecture method. The effectiveness of this intervention was evaluated by a pretest and two posttests, posttest 1 immediately after the intervention and posttest 2 after a month. In posttest 1, one-way ANOVA showed a significant statistical difference (P=0.005). Post hoc analysis showed significance between the kinesthetic group and traditional group (P=0.002). One-way ANOVA showed a significant difference in posttest 2 scores (P < 0.0001). Post hoc analysis showed significance between the three learning style-based groups compared with the traditional group [visual vs. traditional groups (p=0.002), auditory vs. traditional groups (p=0.03), and Kinesthetic vs. traditional groups (p=0.001)]. This study emphasizes that teaching methods tailored to students' style of learning definitely improve their understanding, performance, and retrieval of the subject.

Sentinel node detection in endometrial cancer using indocyanine green and fluorescence imaging-a case report.

Sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer can help to provide the prognostic information needed while avoiding the morbidity associated with a complete lymphadenectomy. Studies with blue dye and technetium colloid have only given about 80% detection rates whereas with indocyanine green injection and fluorescence imaging, it gives about 88-100% detection rates. Herein, we report a case where indocyanine green was injected intracervically and sentinel nodes were detected at the paraaortic nodal area.

Simulation of radioactive plume gamma dose over a complex terrain using Lagrangian particle dispersion model.

FLEXPART-WRF is a versatile model for the simulation of plume dispersion over a complex terrain in a mesoscale region. This study deals with its application to the dispersion of a hypothetical air borne gaseous radioactivity over a topographically complex nuclear site in southeastern France. A computational method for calculating plume gamma dose to the ground level receptor is introduced in FLEXPART using the point kernel method. Comparison with another similar dose computing code SPEEDI is carried out. In SPEEDI the dose is calculated for specific grid sizes, the lowest available being 250 m, whereas in FLEXPART it is grid independent. Spatial distribution of dose by both the models is analyzed. Due to the ability of FLEXPART to utilize the spatio-temporal variability of meteorological variables as input, particularly the height of the PBL, the simulated dose values were higher than SPEEDI estimates. The FLEXPART-WRF in combination with point kernel dose module gives a more realistic picture of plume gamma dose distribution in a complex terrain, a situation likely under accidental release of radioactivity in a mesoscale range.

'Green' biocompatible organic-inorganic hybrid electrospun nanofibers for potential biomedical applications.

Gold nanoparticles were prepared by green route using Couroupita guianensis leaves extract. The green synthesized gold nanoparticles exhibited maximum absorbance at 526 nm in the ultraviolet spectrum. By incorporating the green synthesized gold nanoparticles in poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix, unique green organic-inorganic hybrid nanofibers (poly (vinyl alcohol : )-gold nanoparticles) were developed by electrospinning. Contact angle measurements showed that the prepared poly (vinyl alcohol)-gold nanoparticles were found to be highly hydrophilic. The crystallinity of gold nanoparticles was analyzed using XRD. The synthesized gold nanoparticles and poly (vinyl alcohol)-gold nanoparticles were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive analysis of X-ray. The ultimate aim of the present work is to achieve optimum antibacterial, antifungal, biocompatibility and antiproliferative activities at a very low loading of gold nanoparticles. Vero cell lines showed a maximum of 90% cell viability on incubation with the prepared poly (vinyl alcohol)-gold nanoparticles. MCF 7 and HeLa cell lines proliferated only to 8% and 9%, respectively, on incubation with the poly (vinyl alcohol)-gold nanoparticles, and also exhibited good antibacterial and antifungal activities against test pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Thus, the poly (vinyl alcohol)-gold nanoparticles could be used for dual applications such as antimicrobial, anticancer treatment besides being highly biocompatible.

Evolution of surgery in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer in a dedicated gynaecologic oncology unit-seven year audit from a tertiary care centre in a developing country.

AIMS: To audit our performance as a dedicated gynaecologic oncology unit and to analyse how it has evolved over the years.To retrospectively evaluate the outcome of advanced ovarian cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval surgery versus upfront surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-eight patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) who were treated from 2004 to 2010 were analysed. Eighty-two patients (41.4%) underwent primary surgery and 116 (58.6%) received NACT. Overall, an optimal debulking rate of 81% was achieved with 70% for primary surgery and 88% following NACT. The optimal cytoreduction rate has improved from 55% in 2004 to 97% in 2010. In primary surgery, the optimal debulking rate increased from 42.8% in 2004 to 93% in 2010, whereas in NACT group the optimal cytoreduction rate increased from 60% to 100% by 2010. On the basis of the surgical complexity scoring system it was found that surgeries with intermediate complexity score had progressively increased over the years. There was a mean follow-up of 21 months ranging from 6 to 70 months. The progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing primary surgery were 23 and 40 months, respectively, while it was 22 and 40 months in patients who received NACT. However, patients who had suboptimal debulking, irrespective of primary treatment, had significantly worse OS (26 versus 47 months) compared with those who had optimal debulking. CONCLUSIONS: As a dedicated gynaecologic oncology unit there has been an increase in the optimal cytoreduction rates. The number of complex surgeries, as denoted by the category of intermediate complexity score, has increased. Patients with advanced EOC treated with NACT followed by interval debulking have comparable survival to the patients undergoing primary surgery. Optimal cytoreduction irrespective of primary modality of treatment gives better survival.

Assessment of genotoxic and molecular mechanisms of cancer risk in smoking and smokeless tobacco users.

Inexpensive forms of tobacco are widely used in developing countries such as India. We have evaluated genotoxicity endpoints (chromosome aberrations, micronucleus frequency, comet assay) and polymorphisms of the XRCC1 and p53 genes among smokers and smokeless tobacco (SLT) users in rural Tamilnadu, South India. Cytogenetic, DNA damage and SNP analyses were performed on peripheral blood samples; micronucleus frequency was measured in peripheral blood and buccal mucosa exfoliated cells. Both categories of tobacco users had elevated levels of genotoxic damage. SNP analysis of tobacco users revealed that 17% carry the XRCC1 gln399gln genotype and 19% carry the p53 pro72pro genotype. Both genotypes are associated with increased risk of cancer.

Silver nanoparticles with anti microfouling effect: a study against marine biofilm forming bacteria.

Marine biofilms are the preliminary entities due to attachment of bacteria on surfaces immersed in seawater and aggregated in a hydrated polymeric matrix. Such biofilms or microfouling play a major role in the succession of marine biofouling which attracts the larvae of barnacles, mussels and other sessile invertebrates. Different approaches have been used to prevent micro and macrofouling on marine industrial settings. Silver nanoparticles are renowned for their influential antimicrobial activity. On this back drop the present work is focused on the effect of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles against marine biofilm forming bacterial species. Aspects such as circular zone of inhibition, quantification of biofilm formation and bacterial growth were assessed for bacterial species isolated from the marine biofilm in the presence and sabsence of silver nanoparticles. The size of the circular zone formation was directly proportional to the concentration of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles that reflected the antimicrobial effect. The crystal violet staining on biofilm formation and its optical density revealed the effect on biofilm inhibition. The growth of bacteria in the presence and absence of silver nanoparticles concluded the bactericidal ability of the silver nanoparticles. However, further research is required to examine these factors.

Experimental studies on the effect of different metallic substrates on marine biofouling.

In the wake of adoption of the resolution by the International Maritime Organization to control biofouling on vessels, which is recognized as a major vector for transfer of invasive species, this study attempts to create a baseline data on major hard-shelled biofouling organisms in the harbour waters. This study was primarily focused towards understanding the biofouling and corrosion pattern on various metals and their performance under immersed condition in a marine environment, at 0.3 and 3.0m depths. Furthermore, the study attempts to understand the surface dependent characteristics of barnacle base plate and its adhesion strength. Barnacle, mussels and oysters were the major fouling organisms accounting for 72.33% of the variation. Stainless steel and Titanium panels showed the highest average biofouling load of 176.36 and 168.35 g/300 cm(2), respectively. The variance in biofouling between metals and depths was highly significant at p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively. Morphology of barnacle base plate interfacial surface varied between metals. Barnacles with 8-9 mm base diameter showed the maximum adhesion strength in shear of 6.86±0.95 kPa.

Genotoxicity assessment in smokeless tobacco users: a case-control study.

India has a long history of tobacco, which includes chewing tobacco and smoking tobacco in various forms. Initially, the smokeless tobacco chewing habit was seen among the majority of the farmers who cultivated tobacco; but in recent years, smokeless tobacco is available in many forms and is cheaper as well and hence it is widely being used among literate and illiterate people. The subjects of our study are living in hilly regions of Yerkaud in Salem district, South India. Most of the inhabitants of our study area are illiterate and more particularly they are unaware of the health effects due to tobacco use. Recent epidemiological reports have strongly indicated the association of cancer risk with usage of smokeless tobacco. The prime aim of our study is to evaluate the genotoxic effects of tobacco use by analysing the cytogenetic end points such as chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood and micronucleus in peripheral blood and buccal cells. About 85 smokeless tobacco users were enrolled for the study and same numbers of age- and sex-matched nontobacco users were also enrolled to serve as controls. The result of our study revealed that tobacco users displayed varied levels of elevated chromosomal damage and micronucleated cells than nontobacco users. The variation in the extent of genetic damage was dependent on the duration of the tobacco use. In conclusion, this study might be helpful in creating awareness on the hazards of the smokeless tobacco products among the global population as a whole for those who chose such products as a cheap alternative to tobacco smoke.