Deciphering Winter Sprouting Potential of Erianthus procerus Derived Sugarcane Hybrids under Subtropical Climates.

Winter sprouting potential and red rot resistance are two key parameters for successful sugarcane breeding in the subtropics. However, the cultivated sugarcane hybrids had a narrow genetic base; hence, the present study was planned to evaluate the Erianthus procerus genome introgressed Saccharum hybrids for their ratooning potential under subtropical climates and red rot tolerance under tropical and subtropical climates. A set of 15 Erianthus procerus derived hybrids confirmed through the 5S rDNA marker, along with five check varieties, were evaluated for agro-morphological, quality, and physiological traits for two years (2018-2019 and 2019-2020) and winter sprouting potential for three years (2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021). The experimental material was also tested against the most prevalent isolates of the red rot pathogen in tropical (Cf671 and Cf671 + Cf9401) and subtropical regions (Cf08 and Cf09). The E. procerus hybrid GU 12-19 had the highest winter sprouting potential, with a winter sprouting index (WSI) of 10.6, followed by GU 12-22 with a WSI of 8.5. The other top-performing hybrids were as follows: GU 12-21 and GU 12-29 with a WSI of 7.2 and 6.9, respectively. A set of nine E. procerus-derived hybrids, i.e., GU04 (28) EO-2, GU12-19, GU12-21, GU12-22, GU12-23, GU12-26, GU12-27, GU12-30, and GU12-31, were resistant to the most prevalent isolates of red rot in both tropical and subtropical conditions. The association analysis revealed significant correlations between the various traits, particularly the fibre content, with a maximum number of associations, which indicates its multifaceted impact on sugarcane characteristics. Principal component analysis (PCA) summarised the data, explaining 57.6% of the total variation for the measured traits and genotypes, providing valuable insights into the performance and characteristics of the Erianthus procerus derived hybrids under subtropical climates. The anthocyanin content of Erianthus procerus hybrids was better than the check varieties, ranging from 0.123 to 0.179 (2018-2019) and 0.111 to 0.172 (2019-2020); anthocyanin plays a vital role in mitigating cold injury, acting as an antioxidant in cool weather conditions, particularly in sugarcane. Seven hybrids recorded a more than 22% fibre threshold, indicating their industrial potential. These hybrids could serve as potential donors for cold tolerance and a high ratooning ability, along with red rot resistance, under subtropical climates.

Comparative transcriptome profiling to unravel the key molecular signalling pathways and drought adaptive plasticity in shoot borne root system of sugarcane.

Sugarcane root system comprises of superficial sett roots as well as deeply-penetrating shoot borne roots (SBR) with latter being the permanent root system. In sugarcane, the healthy SBR contributes to a better crop yield and it also helps to produce multiple ratoon crops after the harvest. There is a dearth of in-depth knowledge on SBR system architecture and its functional role in modern day commercial hybrids. A comprehensive phenotypic, anatomical and whole transcriptome profiling, conducted between the commercial sugarcane hybrids and a wild germplasm Erianthus, found a developmental delay in both initiation and establishment of the SBR in commercial hybrid compared to Erianthus. The SBR system in Erianthus proved to be an extensive drought-adaptive root system architecture that significantly contributes to drought tolerance. On the other hand, SBRs in the commercial hybrids showed an irreversible collapse and damage of the root cells under drought stress. The outcomes from the comparative analysis of the transcriptome data showed a significant upregulation of the genes that regulate important stress signalling pathways viz., sugar, calcium, hormone signalling and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in the SBRs of Erianthus. It was found that through these key signalling pathways, Erianthus SBRs triggered the downstream signalling cascade to impart physiological responses like osmoprotection, modification of the cell walls, detoxification of reactive oxygen species, expression of drought responsive transcription factors, maintenance of cell stability and lateral root development. The current study forms a basis for further exploration of the Shoot Borne Root system as a valuable breeding target to develop drought tolerant sugarcane genotypes.

Fabrications of hybrid Polyurethane-Pd doped ZrO2 smart carriers for self-healing high corrosion protective coatings.

The work demonstrates the effective utilization of hybrid Polyurethane - palladium doped zirconium oxide (Pd-ZrO2) as innovative carriers for corrosion protection coatings on steel materials. ZrO2 and Pd-ZrO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using Photodeposition followed by the hydrothermal synthesis method. The synthesized nanoparticles were then incorporated into the polyurethane matrix and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR and SEM confirm the presence of ZrO2 and Pd-ZrO2 nanoparticles and their morphologies in polyurethane composites material. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicated that the polyurethane matrix remained stable up to 250 °C. At 800 °C, >50% of residues are observed for Pd-ZrO2 - polyurethane in the TGA analysis, which confirms that the primer and nanoparticles addition enhances the thermal stability of the composite. The water contact angle measurement explains the hydrophobic behavior of nanocomposite modified coatings on a mild steel substrate. It indicates that Pd-ZrO2 and primer significantly increase the hydrophobicity of polyurethane. The major advantages of developing water-repellent or hydrophobic surfaces open up a world of possibilities for metals and alloys in terms of corrosion prevention. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and a salt spray test were used to determine the anti-corrosion behavior of the prepared polymer nanocomposites. The polymer nanocomposite coatings have better anti-corrosive capabilities when compared to pure polyurethane. The corrosion protection efficiency increased from 76.63% to 97.57% upon incorporating 2 wt % of Pd-ZrO2 in the polyurethane matrix. The results confirmed that the modifications on the polyurethane enhanced the hydrophobicity and anti-corrosion properties of the polymer nanocomposite coatings.

Synthesis of recyclable GO/Cu3(BTC)2/Fe3O4 hybrid nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic degradation of aflatoxin B1.

This study evaluated the photocatalytic performance of the activated carbon assisted GO/Cu3(BTC)2/Fe3O4 photocatalyst for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) degradation under ultraviolet light. The nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. The numerous factors influencing the degradation efficiency of AFB1 including catalyst dose, pH importance, and contact time were also probed. The elevated degradation performance of AFB1 by 99% was due to a larger surface area and improved GO/Cu3(BTC)2/Fe3O4 photocatalyst. The degradation process followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Moreover, it is possible to quickly isolate the catalyst from the solution and retain successful operation. In the degradation of AFB1, the hole(h+) and the hydroxyl radicals(OH) were found to play a significant role. These studies showed that GO/Cu3(BTC)2/Fe3O4 has high capturing capacity and photoactivity synergy, thereby offering a quick effect, and green solution to AFB1 degradation.

Delineation of genotype × environment interaction for identification of stable genotypes for tillering phase drought stress tolerance in sugarcane.

Sugarcane is a trans-seasonal long-duration crop and tillering phase (60-150 days) is the most sensitive phase for moisture stress, causing significant reduction in biomass accumulation. The study focussed to assess the Genotype × Environment Interaction (GEI) for tillering phase moisture stress and to identify the stable genotypes in sugarcane. The study dealt with 14 drought tolerant genotypes and two standards (Co 86032 and CoM 0265) which were evaluated in two plant and one ratoon trials at four locations in Maharashtra, India. The moisture stress was imposed for 60 days from 90 to 150 days after planting and corresponded to tillering phase by withholding the irrigation. The AMMI ANOVA showed significant GEI for cane and CCS yield accounting 18.33 and 19.45 percent of variability respectively. Drought and genotype main effects were highly significant accounting 49.08 and 32.59 percent variability for cane yield and, 52.45 and 28.10 percent variability for CCS yield respectively. The first two interactive principal component (IPCA) biplots of AMMI showed diverse nature of all four environments and the Discriminative vs Mean biplots of Genotype + genotype × environment interaction (GGE) model showed that 'Pune' as the highly discriminating environment. The genotype ranking biplots of GGE showed that Co 85019 was the most stable genotype followed by Co 98017. Similar results were also observed in Yield vs IPCA1 biplot of AMMI, which revealed Co 85019 and Co 98017 as high yielding stable varieties. Yield related environmental maximum (YREM) showed thirteen and nine percent loss due to crossover interactions in Co 85019 for cane yield and CCS yield respectively. The multi-environment BLUP and genotype stability index (GSI) has reaffirmed that Co 85019 as a drought proof and stable genotype with high yield under tillering phase drought stress. The results suggested using Co 85019 for cultivation in drought prone regions and the usefulness of the methodology for identifying more such sugarcane varieties for the benefit of resource poor famers in drought affected regions.

Studies on the spectrometric analysis of metallic silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Basella alba leaf for the antibacterial activities.

In this present investigation, an aqueous Basella alba leaves extract was used to synthesize AgNPs. The green synthesis approach is carried out in our work due to non-toxic, less cost, and ecofriendly methods. FTIR spectra are used to confirm the biomolecules present in B.alba leaves extract along with AgNPs and these compounds are responsible for Ag particle from micro to nanostructure. The FCC structure and crystalline nature of the AgNPs are analyzed with the help of XRD and TEM techniques respectively. DLS and Zeta potential techniques are carried out to find the size and stability of AgNPs respectively and UV is used to verify the presence of AgNPs in synthesized samples employing SPR peaks around 435 nm. The antioxidant studies expose eminent scavenging activity which ranges from 13.71% to maximum 67.88%. Green synthesized AgNPs possess well organized biological activities concerning antioxidant and antibacterial, which can be used in some biologically applications.

Comparative de novo transcriptome analysis identifies salinity stress responsive genes and metabolic pathways in sugarcane and its wild relative Erianthus arundinaceus [Retzius] Jeswiet.

Erianthus arundinaceus [Retzius] Jeswiet, a wild relative of sugarcane has a high biomass production potential and a reservoir of many genes for superior agronomic traits and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. A comparative physiological, anatomical and root transcriptome analysis were carried out to identify the salt-responsive genes and metabolic pathways associated with salt-tolerant E. arundinaceus genotype IND99-907 and salinity-sensitive sugarcane genotype Co 97010. IND99-907 recorded growth of young leaves, higher proline content, higher relative water content, intact root anatomical structures and lower Na+/K+, Ca2+/K+ and Mg2+/K+ ratio as compared to the sugarcane genotype Co 97010. We have generated four de novo transcriptome assemblies between stressed and control root samples of IND99-907 and Co 97010. A total of 649 and 501 differentially expressed genes (FDR<0.01) were identified from the stressed and control libraries of IND99-907 and Co 97010 respectively. Genes and pathways related to early stress-responsive signal transduction, hormone signalling, cytoskeleton organization, cellular membrane stabilization, plasma membrane-bound calcium and proton transport, sodium extrusion, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, cellular transporters related to plasma membrane-bound trafficking, nucleobase transporter, clathrin-mediated endocytosis were highly enriched in IND99-907. Whereas in Co 97010, genes related to late stress-responsive signal transduction, electron transport system, senescence, protein degradation and programmed cell death, transport-related genes associated with cellular respiration and mitochondrial respiratory chain, vesicular trafficking, nitrate transporter and fewer secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes were highly enriched. A total of 27 pathways, 24 biological processes, three molecular functions and one cellular component were significantly enriched (FDR≤ 0.05) in IND99-907 as compared to 20 pathways, two biological processes without any significant molecular function and cellular components in Co 97010, indicates the unique and distinct expression pattern of genes and metabolic pathways in both genotypes. The genomic resources developed from this study is useful for sugarcane crop improvement through development of genic SSR markers and genetic engineering approaches.

Structural, optical and electrical characterization of nanostructured porous silicon: Effect of current density.

In this work, an attempt has been made to fabricate porous silicon (PS) from p-type crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers by using the electrochemical etching process at six different current densities (40, 60, 75, 100, 125 and 150mA/cm(2)) with constant time (30min). The influence of varying current density on morphological, structural, optical and electrical properties of PS samples were analyzed by using SEM, AFM, XRD, FT-IR, PL and electrical (I-V) techniques, respectively. Microstructural images clearly showed that the average pore diameter and thickness increase with increase current densities up to 100mA/cm(2) and decrease for 125mA/cm(2). It could be related to breaking of pore walls and exposing to the next layer of c-Si. Further increase the current density about 150mA/cm(2), the average pore diameter increase as in the case of first layer (40-100mA/cm(2)) of c-Si wafer. The result is reflected in PL emission band (at 708nm) and the intensity of the emission band shifted towards red region. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirm the formation of porous silicon as appeared as a broad peak at 2θ=69.3° belongs to (400) reflection. The FTIR study supports the X-ray diffraction analysis that shows the vibrational bands of S-H2 and Si-O-Si at 2109cm(-1), 915cm(-1) and 615cm(-1) and 1107cm(-1), respectively. The I-V characteristic of PS exhibited rectifying behavior with different values of ideality factor (η) and barrier height (ϕb). It is concluded from the experimental results that the formed pores developed up to 100mA/cm(2) in the top layer of c-Si and the formed pores exposed to the next layer of c-Si when increase the high electrochemical etching process (above 100mA/cm(2)).

Microwave-assisted Bi2Se3 nanoparticles using various organic solvents.

Microwave assisted Bi2Se3 nanoparticles were synthesized from five different solvents DMF, EG, EG+H2O, EDA+dil.HNO3 and N2H4+H2O+Ethanol. The influence of solvents on purity of the compound was analysed by using X-ray diffraction patterns. The result indicates pure rhombohedral Bi2Se3 nanoparticles formed for N2H4+H2O+Ethanol. The presence of vibrational bands in the range of 400-800 cm(-1) is confirmed the formation of Bi2Se3. The maximum optical absorption observed around 450 nm and the band gap values are found in the range of 1.5 eV-2.17 eV for all the solvents. The nanostructure of the Bi2Se3 particles change with solvents. From the experimental results, the solvent N2H4+H2O+Ethanol produces pure nanosize Bi2Se3 particles under the microwave assisted method.

Electrochemical and fluorescence properties of SnO2 thin films and its antibacterial activity.

Nanocrystalline SnO2 thin films were deposited by a simple and inexpensive sol-gel spin coating technique and the films were annealed at two different temperatures (350°C and 450°C). Structural, vibrational, optical and electrochemical properties of the films were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, UV-Visible, fluorescence and cyclic voltammetry techniques respectively and their results are discussed in detail. The antimicrobial properties of SnO2 thin films were investigated by agar agar method and the results confirm the antibacterial activity of SnO2 against Escherichiacoli and Bacillus.

Sonochemically prepared PbWO4 tetragonal-bipyramidal microcrystals and their photoluminescence properties.

Lead tungstate (PbWO4) microcrystals were synthesized for the first time, via different concentrations of PVA assisted sonochemical process. The concentration of PVA acts as a structure directing agent and played an important role in the morphological control of resulting PbWO4 microcrystals. The product PbWO4 composing of Pb, W and O and WO stretching vibration band of WO4 tetrahedrons were confirmed through XRD, FTIR, FESEM and EDS. The TG/DTA curves showed that the particles are crystallized at room temperature itself and the thermal stability of the product is really good. The optical properties of the product shows extraordinarily high room temperature photoluminescence intensity compared to without PVA assisted product.

Expression profiling of sucrose metabolizing genes in Saccharum, Sorghum and their hybrids.

Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS; EC 2.4.1.14), sucrose synthase (SuSy; EC 2.4.1.13) and soluble acid invertase (SAI; EC 3.2.1.26) are key enzymes that regulate sucrose fluxes in sink tissues for sucrose accumulation in sugarcane and sorghum. In this study, the expression profiling of sucrose-related genes, i.e. SPS, SuSy and SAI in two sets of hybrids viz., one from a Sorghum × Saccharum cross and the other from a Saccharum × Sorghum cross, high- and low-sucrose varieties, sweet and grain sorghum lines was carried out using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at monthly intervals. The results indicated differential expression of the three genes in high- and low-sucrose forms. Expression of SPS and SuSy genes was high in high-sucrose varieties, Saccharum × Sorghum hybrids and sweet sorghum and lower in low-sucrose varieties, Sorghum × Saccharum hybrids and grain sorghum. SAI showed a lower expression in high-sucrose varieties, Saccharum × Sorghum hybrids and sweet sorghum and higher expression in low-sucrose varieties, Sorghum × Saccharum hybrids and the grain sorghum. This study describes the positive association of SPS and SuSy and negative association of SAI on sucrose accumulation. This is the first report of differential expression profiling of SPS, SuSy and SAI in intergeneric hybrids involving sugarcane and sorghum, which opens the possibility for production of novel hybrids with improved sucrose content and with early maturity.

Design and evaluation of mucoadhesive beads of glipizide as a controlled release drug delivery system.

The present work aims at the development of a low-cost controlled release system of glipizide beads embedded in pectin to overcome the problem of frequent dosing of drug. The method of preparation has been optimised by experimental design to achieve satisfactory responses with respect to controlling variables. The controlling variables are X1, drug-polymer ratio; X2, surfactant concentration and X3, isooctane-acetone ratio. The most effective combination is X1(1:6), X2(1%), X3(50:50). Various parameters such as mucoadhesivity and swellability of beads, characterisation, dissolution, stability, ex vivo absorption and in vivo (Oral glucose tolerance test in rat) studies were performed with the optimised product. The optimised product was found quiet satisfactory that showed yield of 86.78%, drug entrapment efficiency (DEE) of 87.38% and drug release was extended up to 18 h. The present formulation of glipizide is a promising multiparticulate system of glipizide with significant hypoglycemic effect, and moreover it was prepared rapidly with ease.

Monitoring ambulation of patients in geriatric rehabilitation wards: the accuracy of clinicians' prediction of patients' walking time.

The aim of this study is to determine whether clinicians' estimates of patients' walking time agree with those determined by accelerometer devices. The walking time was measured using a waist-mounted accelerometer device everyday during the patients' waking hours. At each weekly meeting, clinicians estimated the patients' average daily walking time in the previous week. Twenty-eight clinicians completed 176 estimates of the average daily walking time for 13 patients (78.5 ± 6.6 years old) over 31 weeks. The average daily walking time measured by the accelerometers was 36.4 ± 16.2 min and that estimated by clinicians was 61.3 ± 38.4 min. Clinicians overestimated the amount of walking time by 24.8 min on average (mean% error=165.8%). Most estimates were between an hour less to 2 h more than the accelerometer measurements. Only 38.6% of the estimates agreed with the accelerometer measurements. Therefore, clinician assessment of the level of patient activity in a rehabilitation setting is highly inaccurate and unreliable.

Uptake of a technology-assisted home-care cardiac rehabilitation program.

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease, a major cause of disease burden in Australia and other developed countries, is increasing due to a rapidly ageing population and environmental, biomedical and modifiable lifestyle factors. Although cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs have been shown to be beneficial and effective, rates of referral, uptake and utilisation of traditional hospital or community centre programs are poor. Home-based CR programs have been shown to be as effective as centre-based programs, and recent advances in information and communication technologies (ICT) can be used to enhance the delivery of such programs. The Care Assessment Platform (CAP) is an integrated home-based CR model incorporating ICT (including a mobile phone and the internet) and providing all the core components of traditional CR (education, physical activity, exercise training, behaviour modification strategies and psychological counselling). The mobile phone given to patients has an integrated accelerometer and diary application for recording exercise and health information. A central database, with access to these data, allows mentors to assess patients' progress, assist in setting goals, revise targets and give weekly personal feedback. Mentors find the mobile-phone modalities practical and easy to use, and preliminary results show high usage rates and acceptance of ICT by participants. The provision of ICT-supported home-based CR programs may enable more patients in both metropolitan and remote settings to benefit from CR.

Physiological monitoring.

This chapter gives an educational overview of: * the evolution of commercial physiological monitoring over the years * the importance of physiological monitoring in an electronic health record (EHR) * issues to be addressed to enable an integrated EHR * benefits and future perspectives of physiological monitoring and its relevance to an EHR for patient care.