Analysis of stability for nut yield and ancillary traits in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.).

Cashew is cultivated in varied agro-ecological regions of India and yield levels vary with regions. Therefore, to identify stable genotype for yield, 18 genotypes were tested in four environments for nut yield and ancillary traits during 2008 to 2018 in randomized block design with two replications. The data of 6th annual harvest and cumulative nut yield of six years was analyzed employing additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype and genotype by environment (GGE) methods. Analysis of variance for 6th annual harvest indicated significant differences (p < 0.01) for eight traits. Environments varied significantly (p < 0.01) for seven traits. Genotype by environment (G × E) interactions were significant (p < 0.01) for all traits. Analysis of variance for cumulative yield revealed significant variations between genotypes, environments, G x E interactions. Interaction principal component analysis (IPCA) 1 (84.39%) and IPCA 2 (10.27%) together captured 95% of variability. Genotypes, environments and G × E interaction were accounted for 16.18%, 4.50% and 77.22% respectively of total variation. The environment Pilicode discriminated better while Vridhachalam was representative. BPP-8 and Vengulra-7 were the winning genotypes in Bhubaneswar while Kanaka and Priyanka in Pilicode, Vengurla-4 in Jhargram and UN-50 in Vridhachalam. Therefore, promoting cultivation of these winning genotypes in the corresponding environments is highly recommended to enhance cashew nut production. As per ASV (AMMI stability value,) K-22-1 was stable genotype followed by Bhubaneswar-1. As per YSI (yield stability index), Bhubaneswar-1 was stable and high yielding followed by K-22-1 and BPP-8. Thus stable genotypes identified in this study viz., K-22-1 and Bhuvaneswar-1 are recommended for cultivation in west and east regions of India which have most cashew growing areas for increasing the cashew nut production.

Guesstimate of thymoquinone diversity in Nigella sativa L. genotypes and elite varieties collected from Indian states using HPTLC technique.

Thymoquinone is a valuable metabolite derived from the Nigella sativa L. seeds and has a variety of therapeutic properties. Thymoquinone was estimated using n-hexane:ethyl acetate (8:2, v/v) green solvent system and computed at a wavelength of 254 nm using the high-performance thin-layer chromatography densitometry method in distinct varieties and genotypes congregated from different geographical regions. Genotype Ajmer Nigella-13 has the paramount thymoquinone content (247.60 µg/100 mg seed) followed by Ajmer Nigella 19 (244.5 µg/100 mg seed), while the lowest amount of thymoquinone was recorded in the genotype Ajmer Nigella-6 (42.88 µg/100 mg seed). The hierarchical cluster analysis found that the collected genotypes and elite varieties were classified into four broad clusters, and the identified chemotypes with elevated thymoquinone proportion were positioned in cluster D. Significant genotypic variation in thymoquinone content is available, that can be used in exploiting pharmaceutical applications of N. sativa L. as well as a breeding programme for specific metabolite improvement perspective.

Preparation of an Intelligent pH Film Based on Biodegradable Polymers for Monitoring the Food Quality and Reducing the Microbial Contaminants.

Hydrogel refers to a three-dimensional cross-linked polymeric network made of synthetic or natural polymers that can hold water in its porous structure. The inclusion of hydrophilic groups in the polymer chains, such as amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups, contributes to the hydrogel's water-holding ability. At physiological temperature and pH, these polymeric materials do not dissolve in water, but they do swell significantly in aqueous media. Hydrogel can be manufactured out of almost any water-soluble polymer, and it comes in a variety of chemical compositions and bulk physical properties. Hydrogel can also be made in a variety of ways. Hydrogel comes in a variety of physical shapes, including slabs, microparticles, nanoparticles, coatings, and films. Due to its ease of manufacture and self-application in clinical and fundamental applications, hydrogel has been widely exploited as a drug carrier. Contact lenses, artificial corneas, wound dressing, suture coating, catheters, and electrode sensors are some of the biomedical applications of hydrogels. The pigment color changes were observed from colorless to pale pink followed by dark reddish-pink. Anthocyanin was produced in large quantities and tested using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. At 450-550 nm, the largest peak (absorbance) was detected, indicating the presence of anthocyanin. The FTIR analysis of this study shows the different stretches of bonds at different peaks: 2918.309 (-C-H alkane stretch), 2812.12 (-C-H aldehyde weak intensity), 192320.37/cm (C-O bend), 21915.50, 2029.08/cm (-C=C arene group), 1906.94/cm (=C-H aromatics), 1797.78/cm (=C-H), 1707.94 (-C=O ketene), 1579.70, 1382.96 (C-H alkane strong bend), 889.18/cm (C-H aromatics plane bend), and 412.77/cm (-C-CI strong bond). The spectra of the PVA/chitosan film depict the peak's formation: 1571.88, 1529.55, 1500.62/cm (C-H alkene strong bend), 1492.90, 1483.26, 1467.83/cm (C-H alkene strong bond), 670.48, 443.63, 412.77/cm (-O-H carboxylic acids with great intensity), 1708.93 (-C=O ketone), and 1656.0/cm (alkenyl C=C stretch strong bond).

Chaotic Salp Swarm Optimization-Based Energy-Aware VMP Technique for Cloud Data Centers.

The amount of energy required by Cloud Data Centers (CDCs) has increased significantly in this digital age, and as a result, there is a pressing need to reduce CDC energy ingesting. Consolidation of virtual machines (VMs) and effective virtual machine placement (VMP) techniques are commonly employed in large data middles to reduce energy consumption. The VMP is an NP-hard subject with infeasible optimum explanations even for tiny data middles, and it is dealt with using the Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithm, which is an experiential approach to optimization. With this in mind, this study introduces a novel energy-aware VMP technique for CDCs that is founded on the Disordered Salp Swarm Optimization Algorithm (EAVMP-CSSA) and is enhanced for energy efficiency (EAVMP-CSSA). The EAVMP-CSSA technique attempts to reduce CDC energy ingesting by dropping the quantity of active servers supporting virtual machines. The recommended EAVMP-CSSA strategy also aims to balance the resource operation of active servers (i.e., CPU, RAM, and Bandwidth), hence reducing waste and increasing efficiency. Furthermore, by combining the ideas of chaotic maps with the standard Salp Swarm Optimization Algorithm (SSA), the CSSA is intended to improve overall performance and reduce computational costs (SSA). A comprehensive range of experimental analyses are performed to ensure that the EAVMP-CSSA technique performs better, and the findings are compared to current VMP techniques. The EAVMP-CSSA approach achieves an effective outcome with a maximum service rate of 98.12%, whereas the Random, FFD, ACO, and AP-ACO procedures achieve a minimum service rate of 74.40%, 78.80%, 90.70%, and 96.31%, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that the EAVMP-CSSA approach outperforms other assessment metrics.

Removal of gadolinium, a neutron poison from the moderator system of nuclear reactors.

Gadolinium as gadolinium nitrate is used as neutron poison in the moderator system for regulating and controlling the power generation of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) and proposed to be used in Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWR) owing to its high neutron absorption cross section. Removal of the added gadolinium nitrate (Gd3+ and NO3-) from the system after its intended use is done using ion exchange resins. In the present investigation, attempts have been made to optimize the ion exchange process for generation of low radioactive waste and maximize utilization of the ion exchange resins by employing different types of resins and different modes of operation. The investigations revealed that use of mixed bed (MB) resin column consisting of Strong Acid Cation (SAC) resin and Strong Base Anion (SBA) resin followed by SAC resin column is efficient in removing the Gd3+ and NO3- from the system besides maintaining the pH of the moderator system in the desirable regime, where gadolinium does not get precipitated as its hydroxide.

RETRACTED: Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf extract and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity.

The development of semiconductor materials made a considerable progress of catalytic technologies. In the present study, a simple and eco-friendly chemical direction for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using leaf extract of Moringa oleifera has been used. The prepared ZnO NPs were characterized various techniques such as UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). XRD analysis revealed the wurtzite hexagonal structure of ZnO NPs. FT-IR confirmed the presence of functional groups of both leaf extract and ZnO NPs. The particles size, morphology and topography determined from FE-SEM. The intense and narrow width of zinc and oxygen have high purity and crystalline were identified using EDX. UV-Vis absorption showed the characteristic absorption peak of ZnO NPs. The results of antimicrobial activities revealed that maximum zones of inhibition was observed Gram (+ve) positive bacteria and followed by the Gram (-ve) negative bacteria and fungal at concentration of 200µg/mL of ZnO NPs.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Croton sparsiflorus morong leaf extract and their antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Biologically synthesized nanoparticles have been widely used in the field of medicine. Especially, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) synthesized by the leaf extract lead the biological activity. In the present work, the synthesized Ag NPs by using the leaf extract of Croton sparsiflorus morong Ag NPs were characterized by using UV-Visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) along with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Spectroscopy and Fourier Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, respectively. UV-Vis peak at 457 nm confirmed the Ag NPs due to the absorption. Cubic structural analysis and 16 nm particle size of the Ag NPs were calculated by using XRD analysis. The surface morphology along with the presence of Ag NPs was identified by using FE-SEM and EDX, respectively. The FT-IR study revealed with the functional groups of the Ag NPs. Finally, the present research has been explored to exhibit the significant antimicrobial activities.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using A. indicum leaf extract and their antibacterial activity.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles has been achieved using environmentally acceptable plant extract. It is observed that Abutilon indicum leaf extract can reduce silver ions into silver nanoparticles within 15 min of reaction time. The formation and stability of the reduced silver nanoparticles in the colloidal solution were monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis. The mean particle diameter of silver nanoparticles was calculated from the XRD pattern. FT-IR spectra of the leaf extract after the development of nanoparticles are determined to allow identification of possible functional groups responsible for the conversion of metal ions to metal nanoparticles. The AgNPs thus obtained showed highly potent antibacterial activity toward Gram-positive (Staphyloccocus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli) microorganisms.

RETRACTED: Facile, eco-friendly and template free photosynthesis of cauliflower like ZnO nanoparticles using leaf extract of Tamarindus indica (L.) and its biological evolution of antibacterial and antifungal activities.

In the present investigation, we chose the very simple and eco-friendly chemical method for synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles from leaf extract of Tamarindus indica (L.) (T. indica) and developed the new green route for synthesis of nanoparticles. Formed product has been studied by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and with corresponding energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Mainly, the present results depicted that the synthesized nanoproducts are moderately stable, hexagonal phase, roughly spherical with maximum particles in size range within 19-37 nm in diameter. The antibacterial and fungal activities of aqueous extracts of T. indica were ended with corresponding disk diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The highest mean zones of inhibition were observed in the ZnO NPs (200 µg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus (13.1±0.28). Finally, it can be concluded that microbial activity of ZnO NPs has more susceptible S. aureus than the other micro organisms. Further, the present investigation suggests that ZnO NPs has the potential applications for various medical and industrial fields.

Rapid biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Leucas martinicensis leaf extract for catalytic and antibacterial activity.

A novel green approach for the synthesis and stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using water extract of Leucas martinicensis leaf has been developed. As obtained, the nanoparticles are characterized by UV-visible (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystalline nature of the AgNPs is confirmed by the prominent peaks in the XRD pattern. FTIR spectra suggest that the possible biomolecules are responsible for the efficient stabilization of the sample. The effects of leaf quantity on the biosynthesis of AgNPs are investigated by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The synthesized AgNPs are observed to have a good catalytic activity on the reduction of methylene blue by L. martinicensis leaf. This is confirmed by the decrease in absorbance maximum values of methylene blue with respect to time through UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli are screened.

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles using Tribulus terrestris leaf extract.

Biomediated silver nanoparticles were synthesized with the aid of an eco-friendly biomaterial, namely, aqueous Tribulus terrestris extract. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a rapid, single step, and completely green biosynthetic method employing aqueous T. terrestris leaf extracts as both the reducing and capping agent. Silver ions were rapidly reduced by aqueous T. terrestris leaf extracts, leading to the formation of highly crystalline silver nanoparticles. An attempt has been made and formation of the silver nanoparticles was verified by surface plasmon spectra using an UV-vis (Ultra violet), spectrophotometer. Morphology and crystalline structure of the prepared silver nanoparticles were characterized by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) and XRD (X-ray Diffraction), techniques, respectively. FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared), analysis suggests that the obtained silver nanoparticles might be stabilized through the interactions of carboxylic groups, carbonyl groups and the flavonoids present in the T. terrestris extract.

Isolation and characterization of halophilic Bacillus sp. BS3 able to produce pharmacologically important biosurfactants.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the pharmacological importance of biosurfactants isolated from halophilic Bacillus sp BS3. METHODS: Halophilic Bacillus sp. BS3 was isolated from solar salt works, identified by 16S rRNA sequencing and was used for screening their biosurfactant production. Characters of the biosurfactant and their anticancer activity were analyzed and performed in mammary epithelial carcinoma cell at different concentrations. RESULTS: The biosurfactant were characterized by TLC, FTIR and GC-MS analysis and identified as lipopeptide type. GC-MS analysis revealed that, the biosurfactant had various compounds including 13-Docosenamide, (Z); Mannosamine, 9- and N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl. Surprisingly the antiviral activity was found against shrimp white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) by suppressing the viral replication and significantly raised shrimp survival (P<0.01). Anticancer activity performed in the mammary epithelial carcinoma cell at different concentrations of biosurfactants, among the various concentrations of biosurfactants such as 0.000 25, 0.002 5, 0.025, 0.25 and 2.5 µg, the 0.25 µg concentration suppressed the cells significantly (P<0.05) to 24.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, the present study concluded that, there is a possibility to develop eco-friendly antimicrobial and anticancer drugs from the extremophilic origin.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Gloriosa superba L. leaf extract and their catalytic activity.

The present work focuses the use of aqueous extract of Gloriosa superba Linn. (Glory Lily) for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate aqueous solution. Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloid, amino acids, carbohydrates and proteins in the extract and they serve as effective reducing and capping agents for converting silver nitrate to silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterised by UV (Ultra violet), FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared), XRD (X-ray diffraction), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) SEM-EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray), and PL (Photoluminescence) studies. Moreover, the catalytic activity of synthesized AgNPs in the reduction of methylene blue was studied by UV-vis spectrophotometer. The synthesized AgNPs are observed to have a good catalytic activity on the reduction of methylene blue by G. superba extract which is confirmed by the decrease in absorbance maximum values of methylene blue with respect to time using UV-vis spectrophotometer.

Vaccination strategies to protect goldfish Carassius auratus against Aeromonas hydrophila infection.

Ornamental goldfish Carassius auratus were treated with whole cell (WC), extracellular product (ECP), outer membrane protein (OMP) and biofilm (BF) vaccines developed from the virulent Aeromonas hydrophila (AHV1; GenBank HQ331525.1) with and without the immunoadjuvant Asparagus racemosus. On various days post-vaccination (dpv), the treated fish were challenged with virulent A. hydrophila. These fish were monitored for survival, growth, specific bacterial reduction, and biochemical, haematological and immunological parameters. C. auratus attained 100% mortality within 7 d in non-vaccinated groups, whereas the vaccines helped to significantly (p ≤ 0.001) increase survival after 25 and 50 dpv. The vaccines with immunoadjuvant (ECP2, OMP2 and BF2 treatments) helped to reduce the Aeromonas load after the challenge, and serum albumin, globulin and protein levels were significantly (p < 0.01) improved in the OMP2- and BF2-treated groups. Haemoglobin and red blood cell counts were also significantly improved (p < 0.05) in the vaccinated groups compared to the control group. Additionally, haemagglutination occurred at the 1:12 dilution level in the vaccine plus immunoadjuvant-treated groups. Supplementing the vaccines with immunoadjuvant helped to improve phagocytosis to 54.07%, serum bactericidal activity to 14.6% and the albumin:globulin ratio to 7.6% in BF2 after 50 dpv. Its positive effect significantly (p < 0.05) increased in vaccinated groups compared to controls. Based on the results, especially with the OMP and BF vaccines, the immunoadjuvant A. racemosus helped to improve the efficiency of the vaccines. This approach will aid in the development of more efficient vaccines against bacterial infections affecting the aquaculture industry.

Dissolution of synthetic uranium dibutyl phosphate deposits in oxidizing and reducing chemical formulations.

Permanganate and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) based dilute chemical formulations were evaluated for the dissolution of uranium dibutyl phosphate (U-DBP), a compound that deposits over the surfaces of nuclear reprocessing plants and waste storage tanks. A combination of an acidic, oxidizing treatment (nitric acid with permanganate) followed by reducing treatment (NTA based formulation) efficiently dissolved the U-DBP deposits. The dissolution isotherm of U-DBP in its as precipitated form followed a logarithmic fit. The same chemical treatment was also effective in dissolving U-DBP coated on the surface of 304-stainless steel, while resulting in minimal corrosion of the stainless steel substrate material. Investigation of uranium recovery from the resulting decontamination solutions by ion exchange with a bed of mixed anion and cation resins showed quantitative removal of uranium.