Recent Advances in Direct Regioselective C-H Chlorination at Aromatic and Aliphatic Positions.

Direct installation of key functionalities in a molecule through C-H bond activation is one of the thrust areas as well as challenging task in organic synthesis. Particularly, introduction of chlorine in a molecule imparts additional benefits for further functionalizations as well as improves the electronic behaviour such as lipophilicity and polarity towards drug development process. The chlorinated molecules have also been established as efficient biologically relevant scaffolds. Current manuscript has been focused on the direct installation of the chlorine atom at various aromatic and aliphatic positions to produce functional molecules. The key highlight of the manuscript belongs to the site selectivity (regioselectivity) for the installation of chlorine functionality. Manuscript describes the advanced methods developed for the direct C-H chlorination reactions and further simplified for the chlorination reactions at various positions including aromatic (o-, m-, and p-), benzylic, heteroaromatic, and aliphatic positions. Directing groups (DGs) and the coordination with the catalyst is the key for the enhancement of regioselectivities during direct C-H chlorination reactions.

A framework for design optimization across multiple concepts.

In engineering design, there often exist multiple conceptual solutions to a given problem. Concept design and selection is the first phase of the design process that is estimated to affect up to 70% of the life cycle cost of a product. Currently, optimization methods are rarely used in this phase, since standard optimization methods inherently assume a fixed (given) concept; and undertaking a full-fledged optimization for each possible concept is untenable. In this paper, we aim to address this gap by developing a framework that searches for optimum solutions efficiently across multiple concepts, where each concept may be defined using a different number, or type, of variables (continuous, binary, discrete, categorical etc.). The proposed approach makes progressive data-driven decisions regarding which concept(s) and corresponding solution(s) should be evaluated over the course of search, so as to minimize the computational budget spent on less promising concepts, as well as ensuring that the search does not prematurely converge to a non-optimal concept. This is achieved through the use of a tree-structured Parzen estimator (TPE) based sampler in addition to Gaussian process (GP), and random forest (RF) regressors. Aside from extending the use of GP and RF to search across multiple concepts, this study highlights the previously unexplored benefits of TPE for design optimization. The performance of the approach is demonstrated using diverse case studies, including design of a cantilever beam, coronary stents, and lattice structures using a limited computational budget. We believe this contribution fills an important gap and capitalizes on the developments in the machine learning domain to support designers involved in concept-based design.

Nanoengineered oxygen-releasing polymeric scaffold with sustained release of dexamethasone for bone regeneration.

Maintaining the continuous oxygen supply and proper cell growth before blood vessel ingrowth at the bone defect site are considerably significant issues in bone regeneration. Oxygen-producing scaffolds can supply oxygen and avoid hypoxia leading to expedited bone regeneration. Herein, first oxygen-producing calcium peroxide nanoparticles (CPO NPs) are synthesized, and subsequently, the various amounts of synthesized CPO NPs (0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt/v%) loaded in the scaffold composite, which is developed by simple physical blending of chitosan (CS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) polymers. To deliver the synergistic therapeutic effect, dexamethasone (DEX), known for its potential anti-inflammatory and osteogenic properties, is loaded into the nanocomposite scaffolds. The extensive physicochemical characterizations of nanocomposite scaffolds confirm the successful loading of CPO NPs, adequate porous morphology, pore size, hydrophilicity, and biodegradability.In vitro, biological studies support the antibacterial, hemocompatible, and cytocompatible (MG-63 and MC3T3-E1 cells) nature of the material when tested on respective cells. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirm the successful biomineralization of the scaffolds. Scaffolds also exhibit the sustained release of DEX and efficient protein adsorption. This study revealed that a nanoengineered scaffold loaded with CPO NPs (PCL/CS/DEX/CPO 3) is a suitable candidate for bone tissue regeneration.

Multicomponent decellularized extracellular matrix of caprine small intestine submucosa based bioactive hydrogel promoting full-thickness burn wound healing in rabbits.

Effective treatment for full-thickness burn wounds has remained challenging for clinicians. Among various strategies, extracellular gel-based dressing materials have gained attention to promote effective and rapid wound healing. These gel-based materials are porous and have antioxidant, antibacterial, hydrophilic, biodegradation, and biocompatible properties and hence can be used to alleviate burn wound healing. In concurrence with these findings, the present study evaluates thermo-responsive and self-assembled decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) of caprine small intestine submucosa (DG-SIS) gel-based dressing material for burn wound healing. To expedite healing and efficiently tackle excessive free radicals and bioburden at the burn wound site, DG-SIS gel is fortified with antibacterial components (zinc oxide nanoparticles; ZnO) and a potent antioxidant agent (Vitamin-C;Vt-C). ZnO- and Vt-C-enriched DG-SIS (DG-SIS/ZnO/Vt-C) gels significantly increased the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the therapeutic hydrogel. Additionally, the fabricated DG-SIS/ZnO/Vt-C bioactive gel resulted in significant full-thickness burn wound contraction (97.75 % in 14 days), a lower inflammatory effect, and enhanced angiogenesis with the highest collagen synthesis (1.22 µg/mg in 14 days) at the wound site. The outcomes from this study demonstrate a synergistic effect of ZnO/Vt-C in the bioactive gel as an effective and inexpensive therapeutic approach for full-thickness burn wound treatment.

ß-Carotene laden antibacterial and antioxidant gelatin/polyglyceryl stearate nano-hydrogel system for burn wound healing application.

Worldwide, burn wounds are severe health issues prone to bacterial infections and challenging to treat with traditional wound dressings. Therefore, a highly desirable biological macromolecules-based wound dressing with good antioxidant, antibacterial, biocompatible, and a large surface area is required. Herein, aim to develop a biological macromolecules-based physically cross-linked gelatin/polyglyceryl stearate/graphene oxide (GPGO) hydrogel to treat burn wounds. Four sets of hydrogels were prepared by varying GO concentrations. FT-IR, FE-SEM, viscosity analysis, mechanical and thermal stability confirmed the successful preparation of hydrogels with desired properties. Further, ß-carotene (0.5 mg/mL) was encapsulated in hydrogels to enhance the antioxidant activity, and a cumulative release as well as kinetics at pH 6.4 and 7.4 was performed. With an increase in GO concentration, hydrogels showed sustained release of ß-carotene. Among all, GPGO-3 ß hydrogel showed the highest antioxidant potency (57.75 %), hemocompatible (<5 %), cytocompatible (viable with NIH 3T3 cells), cell migration, proliferation, and in vitro wound healing. Also, GPGO-3 ß hydrogel showed efficient antibacterial activity (%inhibition of 85.5 % and 80.2 % and zone of 11 mm and 9.8 mm against S. aureus and E. coli). These results demonstrated the ability of GPGO-3 ß hydrogel as a promising candidate for burn wound healing applications.

Technological Interventions Enhancing Curcumin Bioavailability in Wound-Healing Therapeutics.

Wound healing has been a challenge in the medical field. Tremendous research has been carried out to expedite wound healing by fabricating various formulations, some of which are now commercially available. However, owing to their natural source, people have been attracted to advanced formulations with herbal components. Among various herbs, curcumin has been the center of attraction from ancient times for its healing properties due to its multiple therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, neuroprotective, and radioprotective properties. However, curcumin has a low water solubility and rapidly degrades into inactive metabolites, which limits its therapeutic efficacy. Henceforth, a carrier system is needed to carry curcumin, guard it against degradation, and keep its bioavailability and effectiveness. Different formulations with curcumin have been synthesized, and exist in the form of various synthetic and natural materials, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, scaffolds, films, fibers, and nanoemulgels, improving its bioavailability dramatically. This review discusses the advances in different types of curcumin-based formulations used in wound healing in recent times, concentrating on its mechanisms of action and discussing the updates on its application at several stages of the wound healing process. Impact statement Curcumin is a herbal compound extracted from turmeric root and has been used since time immemorial for its health benefits including wound healing. In clinical formulations, curcumin shows low bioavailability, which mainly stems from the way it is delivered in the body. Henceforth, a carrier system is needed to carry curcumin, guard it against degradation, while maintaining its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. This review offers an overview of the advanced technological interventions through tissue engineering approaches to efficiently utilize curcumin in different types of wound healing applications.

Pathophysiology to advanced intra-articular drug delivery strategies: Unravelling rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most prevalent life-long autoimmune diseases with an unknown genesis. It primarily causes chronic inflammation, pain, and synovial joint-associated cartilage and bone degradation. Unfortunately, limited information is available regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of this chronic joint disorder. In the last few decades, an improved understanding of RA pathophysiology about key immune cells, antibodies, and cytokines has inspired the development of several anti-rheumatic drugs and biopharmaceuticals to act on RA-affected joints. However, life-long frequent systemic high doses of commercially available drugs are currently a limiting factor in the efficient management of RA. To address this issue, various single and double-barrier intra-articular drug delivery systems (IA-DDSs) such as nanocarriers, microparticles, hydrogels, and particles-hybrid hydrogel composite have been developed which can exclusively target the RA-affected joint cavity and release the precisely controlled therapeutic drug concentration for prolonged time whilst avoiding the systemic toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis of RA and discusses the rational design and development of biomaterials-based novel IA-DDs, ranging from conventional to advanced systems, for improved treatment of RA. Therefore, this review aims to unravel the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis and explore cutting-edge IA-DD strategies exploiting biomaterials. It offers researchers a consolidated and up-to-date resource platform to analyze existing knowledge, identify research gaps, and contribute to the scientific literature.

Mechanism of Action of Natural Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors (Berberine and Mangiferin) in Experimentally Induced Diabetes with Metabolic Syndrome.

Background: Berberine (BER) and mangiferin are known natural dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-IV) inhibitors. Hence, the study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of action of natural DPP-IV inhibitors (BER and MNG) in experimentally induced diabetes with metabolic syndrome. Aim: The aim of this study was to observe mechanism through which natural DPP-IV inhibitor works in diabetes with metabolic syndrome rat model. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were fed high-fat diet for 10 weeks and challenged with streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg) at the 3rd week (high-fat diabetic control [HF-DC] group). After the confirmation of metabolic syndrome in the setting of diabetes, monotherapy (metformin [MET], vildagliptin [VIL], BER, and MNG) and combination (MET + VIL, MET + BER, and MET + MNG) therapy was orally fed to these rats from the 4th to 10th weeks. Results: Insulin resistance (IR) was seen in the HF-DC group as indicated by raised homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) in HF-DC group as compared with normal control (NC) groups. The treatment groups reduced IR as shown by a decrease in HOMA-IR as compared with HF-DC group rats. The marked reduction (P < 0.001) of beta-cell function was observed in the HF-DC group as a reduced level of HOMA for beta-cell function (HOMA-ß) was found as compared with the NC group. Increases in HOMA-ß as compared to the HFDC group were observed in the therapy groups. The treatment group significantly reduced cholesterol and atherogenic index. The treatment group showed significant preservation of beta-cell mass as per immunohistochemistry and significant anti-apoptotic activity as per Terminal Deoxyribonucleotidyl Transferase-Mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling assay report. The treated rats significantly (P < 0.05) reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) marker (P < 0.001) was significantly reduced in the treatment group. Conclusion: The natural DPP-IV inhibitors BER and MNG treatment showed beneficial effects on various components of metabolic syndrome.

Free-ranging dogs are seriously threatening Himalayan environment: delineating the high-risk areas for curbing free-ranging dog infestation in the Trans-Himalayan region.

It is becoming more widely recognised that free-ranging dogs, which have a nearly global distribution, threatening native wildlife. Their increasing population and spread to new areas is of growing concern for the long-term viability of wildlife species. Hence, it is imperative to understand the factors responsible for their infestation and map areas where native species are most vulnerable. Using the random forests algorithm, we modelled the free-ranging dog infestation in the Trans-Himalayan region to pinpoint the high-risk areas where free-ranging dogs are threatening the native wildlife species. We found that the likelihood of free-ranging dog occurrence is most in valley regions and up to 4000 m, often in proximity to roads. Our results also indicated that free-ranging dog prefers areas with wildlife near to protected areas. The predictor variables, such as potential evapotranspiration of the coldest quarter, distance to protected areas, elevation, distance to roads, and potential evapotranspiration of the driest quarter, significantly influence the distribution of the free-ranging dogs. We found that within the Ladakh region of the Trans-Himalayan area, the high-risk zones for free-ranging dogs are located in and around Hemis National Park, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. While, in the Lahaul and Spiti region the high-risk areas encompass Pin Valley National Park, Inderkilla National Park, Khirganga National Park, Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, and several other protected areas. We identified the potentially high-risk areas for implementing strategies to mitigate the possible impact of free-ranging dogs on native wildlife of the Himalayas. Hence, the identified high priority areas can be used for implementing actions for controlling the population growth and further preventing the infestation of the free-ranging dogs into the new areas.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan-zinc-salicylic acid nanoparticles: A plant biostimulant.

The vastly expanding global population raised the demand for profuse food grain production. For food security in India, high yield and nutritional quality of grain crops, both are essential. Zinc is a crucial micronutrient generally deficient in food grains grown in India, reflecting their deteriorating nutritional quality. To address these issues, in the present study, a novel tri-component nanoparticle of chitosan­zinc-salicylic acid (CS-Zn-SA NPs) has been synthesized by ionotropic gelation method. The average size of synthesized CS-Zn-SA NPs was recorded 13.5 nm by dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectroscopy. The presence of chitosan, zinc and salicylic acid and crosslinking among these components in synthesized nanoparticles has been demonstrated by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Further, synthesized CS-Zn-SA NPs at various concentrations (50-200 ppm) were evaluated for seed germination via seed priming, yield, grain zinc content and defence enzyme activity through the foliar application. CS-Zn-SA NPs revealed significant seed germination activities, 19.8 % higher grain yield, 45.5 % increased grain zinc content and manyfold defence enzyme activities than the control. The obtained results exposed the potential of CS-Zn-SA NPs as a stimulant for effective seedling development, higher yield, a virtuous micronutrient fortifying agent and defence enzyme promoter.

Dual cross-linked gellan gum/gelatin-based multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel scaffold for full-thickness wound healing.

Biological macromolecules are excellent materials for wound dressing owing to their similar structure to the extracellular matrix and adjustable physicochemical properties. This research focuses on fabricating biological macromolecule-based hydrogel with desirable antibacterial, antioxidant, controlled drug release, cytocompatibility, and wound healing properties. Herein, different concentrations of nanoceria (NC) and flurbiprofen (FLU) drug-loaded gellan gum/gelatin (GG/Ge) based dual crosslinked (Ionic and EDC/NHS coupling) hydrogels were engineered. All fabricated hydrogels were hydrophilic, biodegradable, good strength, porous, antioxidant, hemocompatible and cytocompatible. Among all, hydrogel loaded with 500 µg/ml NC (GG/Ge/NC@FLU) exhibited desirable antioxidant, antibacterial (killed Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli within 12 h), hemocompatible, cytocompatible, supports oxidative-stressed L929 cell growth and acted as a controlled release matrix for FLU, following Fickian diffusion, Peppas Sahlin and Korsmeyer-Peppas drug release models. Furthermore, nanocomposite hydrogel (GG/Ge/NC@FLU)-treated wounds of rats on day 14 demonstrated significantly higher collagen synthesis, nearly 100 % wound contractions, and efficiently decreased the expression of TNF-α and IL-1 while increasing the production of IL-10 and TNF-ß3, indicating antiinflammatory activity, and effectively reduced the expression of VEGF gene indicating effective angiogenesis than all other controls. In conclusion, the fabricated multifunctional GG/Ge/NC@FLU nanocomposite hydrogel shows promising potential for effectively treating full-thickness wound healing in a rat model.

Empirical Data Suggest That the Kashmir Musk Deer (Moschus cupreus, Grubb 1982) Is the One Musk Deer Distributed in the Western Himalayas: An Integration of Ecology, Genetics and Geospatial Modelling Approaches.

Insufficient research has been conducted on musk deer species across their distribution range, primarily because of their elusive behaviour and the fact they occupy remote high-altitude habitats in the Himalayas above 2500 m. The available distribution records, primarily derived from ecological studies with limited photographic and indirect evidence, fail to provide comprehensive information on the species distribution. Consequently, uncertainties arise when attempting to determine the presence of specific taxonomic units of musk deer in the Western Himalayas. This lack of knowledge hampers species-oriented conservation efforts, as there need to be more species-specific initiatives focused on monitoring, protecting, and combatting the illegal poaching of musk deer for their valuable musk pods. We used transect surveys (220 trails), camera traps (255 cameras), non-invasive DNA sampling (40 samples), and geospatial modelling (279 occurrence records) to resolve the taxonomic ambiguity, and identify the suitable habitat of musk deer (Moschus spp.) in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand and the Lahaul-Pangi landscape of Himachal Pradesh. All the captured images and DNA-based identification results confirmed the presence of only Kashmir musk deer (KDM) (Moschus cupreus) in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The results suggest that KMD inhabit a narrow range of suitable habitats (6.9%) of the entire Western Himalayas. Since all evidence indicates that only KMD are present in the Western Himalayas, we suggest that the presence of other species of musk deer (Alpine musk deer and Himalayan musk deer) was wrongly reported. Therefore, future conservation plans and management strategies must focus only on KMD in the Western Himalayas.

Environmental predictors may change at fine scale habitat suitability modelling: implications for conservation of Kashmir musk deer in three protected areas of Uttarakhand, India.

The Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus, hereafter KMD) is one of the top conservation priority species which is facing population decline due to poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. Therefore, the long-term survival and viability of KMD populations in their natural habitat require conservation and management of suitable habitats. Hence, the present study attempted to assess the suitable habitat of KMD in three protected areas (PAs) of the Western Himalayan region of Uttarakhand using the Maxent modelling algorithm. Our results suggest that Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary (KWLS) possesses the maximum highly suitable habitats (22.55%) of KMD, followed by Govind Pashu Vihar National Park & Sanctuary (GPVNP&S; 8.33%) and Gangotri National Park (GNP; 5%). Among the environmental variables, altitude was the major contributing factor governing the distribution of KMD in KWLS. In contrast, human footprint in GPVNP&S and precipitation in GNP were the major contributing factors governing the distribution of KMD in these respective PAs. The response curve indicated that habitats with less disturbance falling in the altitudinal zone of 2000-4000 m were the most suitable habitat range for the distribution of KMD in all three PAs. However, in the case of GNP suitable habitat of KMD increases with an increase in the value of variables bio_13 (precipitation of wettest month). Further, based on our results, we believe that the predictors of suitable habitat change are site specific and cannot be generalized in the entire distribution range of the species. Therefore, the present study will be helpful in making proper habitat management actions at fine scale for the conservation of KMD.

Cigarettes butt littering: The story of the world's most littered item from the perspective of pollution, remedial actions, and policy measures.

Cigarettes butt (CB) is one of the most littered items on the planet. This paper critically analyzes the factors responsible for CB littering, and associated environmental ramifications, and reviews all the possible technical, behavioural, and policy-based solutions. Even while smoking has declined globally, middle-income nations have seen an increase in consumption, which may be related to increased affordability and a lack of public awareness. The smokers' individual beliefs and habits, environmental ignorance, covert littering as a result of social taboos associated with smoking, and behavioural gaps between intention and action might all be contributing factors to CBs' littering behaviour. The low biodegradability of cellulose acetate filters and toxic chemical leaching from CBs are the most important aspects of CB environmental toxicity. The small size and low economic value of CB contribute to the inefficiencies of current waste collection and management systems. The current research on CB valorisation includes fired-clay bricks, asphalt concrete, biofilms, sound absorber, cellulose pulp, pesticides, and insecticides as downstream mitigation strategies. This study highlights the urgent need for policymakers to enforce regulations enabling innovative cigarette designs, the creation of deposit-refund schemes, extended producer responsibility and stringent waste collection mechanisms. Adopting gentler marketing strategies and non-confrontational behavioural nudges could result in an overall reduction in CB pollution.

Assessment of urban sprawls, amenities, and indifferences of LST and AOD in sub-urban area: a case study of Jammu.

Urbanization, particularly in peri-urban areas, often results in critically transforming the regional land use and land cover (LULC). The increased built-up in peri-urban areas affects the regional accessibility of residents of urban clusters to requisite amenities and severely affects the regional environment, as observed in the case of Jammu district situated in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas. The present study is aimed at assessing the rise of urban sprawls in Jammu district over the past two decades and how the urbanization has affected the lag in the number of amenities corresponding to the urban growth based on qualitative parameters. Further, a parameterization scheme is developed to assess the amenities quality. A comparison is made with Indore, a planned smart city, to assess the status of urbanization and residential quality based on an amenity index. The study also investigates the indifferences observed in some of the climate variables in the urban and sub-urban settings of the Jammu district. The investigation is conducted through a multi-ring buffer analysis approach utilizing the land use land cover (LULC) products based on Landsat 8/7 satellite imagery of 2002, 2013, and 2021. The indifferences in the settings are analyzed using MODIS aerosol optical depth (AOD) and land surface temperature (LST) products. The analysis leads to determination of critical urban parameters including the urban area, density, and growth rate, revealing significant urbanization at 25-27 km from the city center. Significant indifferences are observed in urban and sub-urban areas indicating higher rise in LST and AOD, particularly in the recent decade. These investigations provide critical information to urban and climate solution authorities for planning and management, particularly in critically endangered areas.

Meropenem loaded 4-arm-polyethylene-succinimidyl-carboxymethyl ester and hyaluronic acid based bacterial resistant hydrogel.

Developing an ideal vitreous substitute/implant is a current challenge. Moreover, implants (e.g., heart valves and vitreous substitutes), are associated with a high risk of bacterial infection when it comes in contact with cells at implant site. Due to infection, many implants fail, and the patient requires immediate surgery and suffers from post-operative problems. To overcome these problems in vitreous implants, we developed a bacterial resistant vitreous implant, where meropenem (Mer), an antibiotic, has been incorporated in a hydrogel prepared by crosslinking HA (deacetylated sodium hyaluronate) with 4-arm-polyethylene-succinimidyl-carboxymethyl-ester (PESCE). The HA-PESCE hydrogel may serve as a suitable artificial vitreous substitute (AVS). The pre-gel solutions of HA-PESCE without drug and with the drug are injectable through a 22 G needle, and the gel formation occurred in approx. 3 min: it indicates its suitability for in-situ gelation through vitrectomy surgery. The HA-PESCE hydrogel depicted desired biocompatibility, transparency (>90 %), water content (96 %) and sufficient viscoelasticity (G' >100 Pa) calculated after 1 month in-vitro, which are suitable for vitreous substitute. The HA-Mer-PESCE hydrogel showed improved biocompatibility, suitable transparency (>90 %), high water content (96 %), and suitable viscoelasticity (G' >100 Pa) calculated after 1 month in-vitro, which are suitable for vitreous substitute. Further, hydrogel strongly inhibits the growth of bacteria E.coli and S.aureus. The drug loaded hydrogel showed sustained in-vitro drug release by the Fickian diffusion-mediated process (by Korsmeyer-Peppas and Peppas Sahlin model). Thus, the developed hydrogel may be used as a potential bacterial resistant AVS.

Performance and cell toxicity studies for the use of graphene oxide-bimetallic oxide hybrids in the absorptive removal of Pb(II) from wastewater: fixed-bed column study with regeneration.

The current study involves the removal of Pb(II) ions from an aqueous solution using GO/Mn-Fe hybrids in a fixed bed column study. The capability of the hybrid in the Pb removal was examined using a continuous flow fixed bed column which revealed that the hybrid had the maximum adsorption capacity of 172.768 mg/g at a flow rate of 2 mL/min, bed height of 1 cm, and influent concentration of 200 mg/L. The breakthrough curves obtained from the experiments were examined using three different models, i.e., Bohart-Adams model, Thomas Model, and Yoon-Nelson model, wherein all the models showed high correlation coefficient values. Three consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles in the column yielded regeneration efficiencies of 91.71%, 88.31%, and 85.41%. The column life factor indicated that the fixed bed would have enough capacity to avoid a zero breakthrough time for up to 9 cycles, implying that GO/Mn-Fe could be used as a cheap and efficient adsorbent in the removal of Pb(II) from contaminated water. The adsorption mechanism was postulated based on the characterization of the spent adsorbent by FTIR and SEM. The phenomenon of the adsorption process can be described in accordance with the surface complex formation theory, which suggests that an increase in pH decreases the competition between metal ions and protons, favoring metal ion adsorption. The toxicity of the synthesized hybrid was evaluated on HeLa cells and compared to the toxicity of GO. Increasing the concentration of GO/Mn-Fe hybrid from 50 to 250 g/mL resulted in a decrease in cell viability from 91.90 to 56.52%, whereas increasing the concentration of GO resulted in a decrease in cell viability from 61.59 to 37.19%. The study clearly demonstrates the use of GO/Mn-Fe hybrid as an adsorbent for efficient sequestration of Pb(II) ions with lower environmental toxicity.

Assessment of potential present and future glacial lake outburst flood hazard in the Hunza valley: A case study of Shisper and Mochowar glacier.

In Himalayas, new glacial lake formation and expansion of existing glacial lakes have occurred as a consequence of the increasing temperature and glacier recession. These lakes have the potential to release catastrophic volumes of water and trigger a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). GLOFs can cause devastating downstream impacts including loss of lives, damage to infrastructure, and economic loss. The risk associated with GLOFs is evident in the case of the Mochowar and the Shisper glaciers of the Hunza valley in the Karakoram ranges. The present study is divided in two parts: 1) investigation of the recent GLOF event from the Shisper glacier ice-dammed lake on 7th May 2022. 2) identification of an overdeepening site for future lake formation at the Mochowar glacier and its future GLOF susceptibility; We used the Himalayan Glacier Thickness Mapper (HIGTHIM) to calculate the thickness of Mochowar glacier and identify an overdeepening site at its terminus. This site could host a glacial lake of area 0.22 km2 and a mean depth of 58.97 m that can release a potential flood volume leading to cascading effects with the Shisper ice-dammed lake that further increases the GLOF susceptibility. The GLOF susceptibility of this future lake was determined to be high based on a multi-criterion decision analysis. The recent GLOF event of 7th May 2022 occurred from the Shisper glacier ice-dammed lake. We applied a 2D hydrodynamic model for investigating this GLOF episode and estimated a release volume of 6.23 × 106 m3, with a modelled peak discharge of approximately 1505 m3 s-1.

Treatment of textile industry wastewater based on coagulation-flocculation aided sedimentation followed by adsorption: Process studies in an industrial ecology concept.

This study examines the feasibility of treatment of textile industry wastewater using a two-step process that includes coagulation-flocculation aided sedimentation and adsorption. It also aims at finding reuse potential of the generated sludge while making the treated water recyclable for the same industry in an industrial ecology concept. The wastewater was collected from a small-scale textile plant with a discharge of 400 L/week, where more than 70 similar textile plants are located in and around the area. FeCl3 was selected as the coagulant for the initial step in the treatment process, and a bimetallic oxide Graphene Oxide (GO) hybrid was selected as the adsorbent for the latter step of the treatment process. The experimental conditions for the coagulation process included the optimization of dose, stirring speed, stirring time, and settling time. For the adsorption process it included the optimization of stirring time, dose, and rate. The parameters like Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and color were checked during the treatment process and near complete removal of COD and color were achieved using the suggested materials and process. The treated water was found fit for recycling - towards making zero liquid discharge plant. Later, the sludge generated from both the steps in the processes was sundried and mixed with cement and tested for 7 days and 28 days of compressive strength. A total of 26 kg of cement was replaced, by using sludge generated from treating 100 L of textile wastewater, in the sludge-cement mix. In addition to solving the sludge problem, the process can help in reducing the requirement of cement in concrete. Finally, a detailed economic assessment for the entire study was also performed and is reported.

Experimental investigation of degree of cross-polarization for an electromagnetic Gaussian-Schell model beam.

We investigate the properties of the degree of cross-polarization (DOCP) for an electromagnetic Gaussian-Schell model (EMGSM) beam in the radial direction of the cross section of the beam. The coherence and polarization features of a partially coherent light beam are engineered to construct the isotropic and non-isotropic EMGSM beams, and the resulting changes in the DOCP are examined. For experimental realization, a double-slit interferometer is utilized at the output to probe the coherence properties for different polarization components across the beam diameter of an electromagnetic source. Experimental observations infer that variation in DOCP does not become apparent for isotropic coherence widths in the orthogonal polarization directions, whereas the variation can be apparent only once both the coherence widths are distinct. Furthermore, experimentally, a special case is also investigated for which the value of DOCP goes beyond unity. The DOCP finds application in areas such as second-order intensity interference, imaging, and characterization of non-homogeneously polarized beams.