Metal organic framework anchored onto biowaste mediated carbon material (rGO) for remediation of chromium (VI) by the photocatalytic process.

Groundwater contaminated with hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) causes serious health concerns for the ecosystem. In this study, a hybrid amino functionalized MOF@rGO nanocatalyst was produced by utilization of a biowaste mediated carbon material (reduced graphene oxide; rGO) and its surface was modified by in situ synthesis of a nanocrystalline, mixed ligand octahedral MOF containing iron metal and NH2 functional groups and the prepared composite was investigated for Cr (VI) removal. The photocatalytic degradation of Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions was carried out under UV irradiation. Using a batch mode system, the effect of numerous control variables was examined, and the process design and optimization were carried out by response surface methodology (RSM). The photocatalyst, NH2-MIL(53)-Fe@rGO, was intended to be a stable and highly effective nanocatalyst throughout the recycling tests. XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR examinations were exploited to discover more about surface carbon embedded with MOF. 2 g/L of NH2-MIL-53(Fe)/rGO was utilized in degrading 200 mg/L of Cr(VI) in just 100 min, implying the selective efficacy of such a MOF-rGO nanocatalyst. Moreover, the Eg determinations well agreed with the predicted range of 2.7 eV, confirming its possibility to be exploited underneath visible light, via the Tauc plot. Thus, MOF anchored onto biowaste derived rGO photo-catalyst was successfully implemented in chromium degradation.

Assessing the Effect of Iron on Oral Health Status among the General Population Residing in High and Low Levels of Iron Blocks in Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: This study aims to assess the effect of iron on oral health status among the general population residing in high and low levels of iron blocks in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the impact of iron on oral health among people in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, India. The sample size was estimated to be 600, which were equally divided into two groups based on the high and low levels of iron (300 samples) content of water in the Namakkal district based on the multistage random sampling method. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data and oral hygiene practices of the people. Dental stains were recorded using a modified Lobene stain index. P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The area and intensity of the dental stains were not significant with age, gender, and blocks. There was no statistically significant difference between the high iron and low iron blocks for the area (A), intensity (I), and I × A of stains. Conclusion: The study concludes that the water samples with both high and low levels of iron had a strong impact on the oral health of the people.

Prevalence of Oral Health Status among the General Population in Kallakurichi District, Tamil Nadu, India- A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence of oral health status among the general population in Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general public in the Kallakurichi district. A total number of 176 samples were selected and equally divided among urban (88 samples) and rural areas (88 samples). The samples were obtained from various parts of urban and rural areas in the Kallakurichi district based on the multistage random sampling method. The data regarding oral health status was recorded using the World Health Organization (WHO) Proformas 2013 and 1997. The collected data were tabulated and analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: The prevalence of dental caries (74.1%) was found to be the highest in the Kallakurichi district, followed by malocclusion (71.7%) and periodontal diseases (66.7%). A significant result was found in dental caries, dental fluorosis, dental trauma, and dental erosion between the index age groups. Conclusion: The government of Tamil Nadu should take proper preventive measures and also provide oral health knowledge and awareness among the public to overcome these dental problems.

Effect of Fluoride on Oral Health Status Among General Population Residing in High- and Low-Level Fluoride Blocks in Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride levels in groundwater and their effect on oral health status among the general population of Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of index age groups 5, 12, 15, 35-44, and 65-74 years. A total of 540 subjects participated in the study. High fluoride blocks of Erode district were selected based on the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, 2010, and the low fluoride were taken from the Groundwater Year Book (GWYB) of Tamil Nadu and UT of Puducherry, 2018. The Oral Health Assessment Form 2013 (adult and children) of the World Health Organization (WHO) was used to assess dental caries and enamel fluorosis. Clinical examination was performed using a mouth mirror and explorer under natural illumination by a single examiner. Data obtained were processed and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. A Chi-squared test was employed to analyze the difference between the high and low fluoride blocks. A P value of 0.05 was set to be statistically significant. Results: The current study had a contrary finding with the CGWB on water quality analysis of fluoride levels in drinking water for high fluoride block, Ammapet (1.12 ppm) and Anthiyur (1.08 ppm). The prevalence of enamel fluorosis in high fluoride block Ammapet was 44.4% and Anthiyur was 54.8%. The prevalence of dental caries in high fluoride block Ammapet was 45.9% and in Anthiyur was 43%. The prevalence of enamel fluorosis in low fluoride block Bhavanisagar was 27.4% and in Gobichettipalayam was 28.2%. The prevalence of dental caries in low fluoride block Bhavanisagar was 61.5%, and in Gobichettipalayam was 54.8%. Conclusion: This study's contradictory finding emphasizes the importance of drinking water; sanitation staff should monitor and report water fluoridation data on a monthly basis in accordance with the Water Fluoridation Reporting System, and CGWB should plan and organize a team for the upgradation of water quality in India. The National Program for Prevention and Control of Dental Diseases should look on to the endemic areas for the prevention of dental fluorosis, which should be assessed, implemented, and monitored by the public health dentist who should be recruited as oral health program officers in both central and state governments.

Systematic Review on Copper Calcium Hydroxide Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Apical Periodontitis.

Apical periodontitis is an inflammation and destruction of the periradicular tissues due to various insults to the pulp in the form of infection, trauma, and faulty dental procedures. Conditions regarding this are treated employing root canal therapy. Recent innovations show that copper calcium hydroxide nanoparticles and their electrophoresis can be used to treat apical periodontitis effectively. To evaluate the effectiveness of copper calcium hydroxide nanoparticles in the treatment of apical periodontitis, a literature search was done using PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Science Direct, and Lilacs using the MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) terms Copper calcium hydroxide, apical periodontitis, nanoparticles, and electrophoresis. Of a total of 167 articles screened, 44 were full-text articles assessed for eligibility and four articles were taken for the qualitative analysis. This review was recorded according to the PRISMA GUIDELINES. Four randomized controlled trials were included in the review process. The copper calcium hydroxide particles were compared with other root canal medicament materials. It was found that copper calcium hydroxide and its electrophoresis were used in the treatment of apical periodontitis and were found to be one of the effective methods. Copper calcium hydroxide nanoparticles were effective against the destruction of the periradicular tissues.

Comparative Analysis of Various Forms of Local Drug Delivery Systems on a Class 2 Furcation - A Systematic Review.

Class II mandibular furcation defect is a periodontal condition characterized by a cul-de-sac lesion, a definite parallel constituent with only a portion of alveolar bone remaining intact. There may be involvement of vertical bone loss. Local drug deliveries such as Boric acid, alendronate gel, and other drugs exhibited anti-inflammatory, antibacterial & osteoblastic differentiation activity. The present systematic review compares the drugs based on their outcomes and pharmacological action. To analzse & compare various forms of local drug delivery systems on a class II furcation. A search was conducted using PubMed, Google scholar, science direct, and Pub Med central using MeSH terms - local drug delivery in periodontics, boric acid in the management of class II mandibular furcation, simvastatin in the treatment of furcation. A total of 560 articles were screened; 58 out of 560 were full-text articles accessed for eligibility, and five articles were included in the systematic review. PRISMA guidelines were used for reporting this review. In addition, five randomized controlled trials were enclosed and used in this systematic review. The various local drugs used in treating class II mandibular furcation defects are effective in the prevention of bleeding on probing, bone resorption, gingival bleeding index and increase in the bone fill, and microbial deposit removal. The managing of class II mandibular furcation defect with the drugs mentioned in this review can be effective by reducing several clinical parameters such as bleeding on probing, gingival indices, osteoblastic differentiation, bone fill, etc., Considering the results of the studies, it can be concluded that it can be used as a therapeutic therapy against class II furcation defects with positive outcomes.

Therapeutic Use of Anti-Sclerostin Antibody in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: A Systematic Review.

Multiple myeloma is a malignant cancerous condition that is characterized by abnormal plasma cell production and can lead to bone destruction due to increased osteoclastic activity and decreased osteoblastic activity. Many therapeutic therapies are used to treat diseases, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In recent years, anti-sclerostin antibody treatment has been under investigation for its effect on the multiple myeloma. The present study was conducted to assess the effective therapeutic use of anti-sclerostin antibody in the treatment of multiple myeloma. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed Central using the following MeSH terms: "multiple myeloma", "anti-sclerostin antibody", "ubiquitin-proteasome pathway", "proteasome inhibitor", "Wnt pathway". A total of 348 articles were screened. Twenty-five out of 348 were full-text articles assessed for eligibility, and four articles were used in this systematic review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used for the reporting of this systematic review. A total of four randomized control trials (RCT) were included and used in this systematic review. The anti-sclerostin antibodies were various other drugs, and it was found that the anti-sclerostin antibody was effective in preventing autoantibody formation, decreasing bone destruction, and increasing trabecular bone. Anti-sclerostin antibody was found to be effective in decreasing bone destruction by reducing osteoclastic activity and increasing osteoblastic activity associated with multiple myeloma.

An Analysis of Gender Differences and Assessment of Oral Health Status among the General Population Residing in Kanyakumari District: A Pathfinding Scientific Study.

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence oral health status among the general population residing in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general public of index age groups to analyze the oral health status in the Kanyakumari district. A total number of 400 samples were selected and were equally divided among urban (200 samples) and rural areas (200 samples). The samples were further divided randomly based on the index age groups 5, 12, 15, 35-44, and 65-74 years using the multistage random sampling method. The data regarding oral health status was recorded using the World Health Organization's (WHO's) Oral Health Assessment Form 2013 and 1997. Collected data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-squared test. Results: The prevalence of periodontal diseases (88.75%) was found to be highest in Kanyakumari district, followed by dental caries (63.7%) and malocclusion (63.1%). There was a statistically significant difference found between oral health status and index age groups. Conclusion: Oral disorders such as dental caries, periodontitis, and dental fluorosis are more prevalent among the Kanyakumari district population. Oral health policies should be targeted to the populations in the Tamil Nadu region.

Effect of Asfotase Alfa in the Treatment of Hypophosphatasia- A Systematic Review.

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a life-threatening disease that occurs due to the mutation of the TNSALP (Tissue nonspecific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase) encoding gene. There is no approved treatment for Hypophosphatasia. Therefore, the only effective treatment for HPP is enzyme replacement therapy using the drug asfotase alfa which increases the patient's life span. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of asfotase alfa (enzyme replacement therapy) in treating HPP. A Literature search was done using PubMed, Google scholar, science direct, and Wiley LILACS utilizing MeSH keywords such as - Hypophosphatasia and asfotase alfa. A total of 411 articles were screened, of which four articles were taken for this qualitative analysis. Reporting of this systematic review is done by using PRISMA guidelines. Asfotase alfa/enzyme replacement therapy is examined on patients with different age groups and on congenital HPP patients to assess the effectiveness of HPP treatment. Enzyme replacement therapy using asfotase alfa is an effective and assured treatment for infants, children, and adults suffering from HPP.

Emerging aspects of metal ions-doped zinc oxide photocatalysts in degradation of organic dyes and pharmaceutical pollutants - A review.

In recent periods, a broad assortment of continual organic contaminants has been released into our natural water resources. Indeed, it is exceedingly poisonous and perilous to living things; thus, the elimination of these organic pollutants before release into the water bodies is vital. A variety of techniques have been utilized to remove these organic pollutants with advanced oxidation photocatalytic methods with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles being commonly used as a capable catalyst for contaminated water treatment. Nevertheless, its broad energy gap, which can be only stimulated under an ultraviolet (UV) light source, and high recombination pairs of electrons and holes limit their photocatalytic behaviors. However, numerous methods have been suggested to decrease its energy gap for visible regions. Including, the doping ZnO with metal ions (dopant) can be considered as an effectual route not only the reason for a movement of the absorption edges toward the higher (visible light) region but also to lower the electron-hole pair (e--h+) recombination. This review concentrated on the impact of dissimilar types of metal ions (dopants) on the advancement in the degradation performance of ZnO. So, this work demonstrates a vital review of contemporary attainments in the alteration of ZnO nanoparticles for organic pollutants eliminations. Besides, the effect of doping ions including transition metals, rare earth metals, and metal ions (substitutional and interstitial) concerning numerous types of altered ZnO are summarized. The photodegradation mechanisms for pristine and metal-modified ZnO nanoparticles are also conferred.

Need Analysis of Indian Critical Health Care Delivery in Government Sectors and Its Impact on the General Public: A Time to Revamp Public Health Care Infrastructure.

Background: Poverty is directly linked to public health care delivery in many ways and dimensions. Every aspect of the human sphere is preplanned, but a health crisis is the only emergency which pushes humanity into severe economic stress. Therefore, every nation aims to safeguard its citizens from a health crisis. In this aspect, India needs to improve its public health infrastructure in order to protect its citizens and save them from poverty. Objectives: (1) To assess the current pitfalls in public critical health care delivery, (2) to analyze whether the health care delivery matches the requirements of its population in every state, (3) to produce solutions and guidelines to overcome the stress in this priority area. Materials and methods: Data regarding the critical care workforce, which includes critical care doctors and nurses, were taken from official websites and other sources. Critical care infrastructure data were retrieved from the Internet sources. Data were validated by consulting state government sources and cross-checked for bias elimination. The data were analyzed using the "Statistical Package for Social Sciences" software version 20, and were presented using descriptive statistics. Results: There is a 1:10 percentage of deficit in the case of critical care workforce and infrastructure when compared with its need analysis. Critical care medicine specialists are in 1:75 when compared to other specialties. Conclusion: Overall, the public sector critical care needs a total boost through out of box solutions. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India spent the third most on defense in the world in 2021. India spent 76.6 billion dollars on its military in 2021, up 33% from 2012 and 0.9% from 2020. However, since India is considered a fast-growing economy, there is still a huge disparity in critical care. Without resetting critical health care, India cannot grow in welfare indices even if it is among the top gross domestic product (GDP) countries. How to cite this article: Prabu D, Gousalya V, Rajmohan M, Dinesh MD, Bharathwaj VV, Sindhu R, et al. Need Analysis of Indian Critical Health Care Delivery in Government Sectors and its Impact on the General Public: A Time to Revamp Public Health Care Infrastructure. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(4):237-245.

Agricultural waste biomass for sustainable bioenergy production: Feedstock, characterization and pre-treatment methodologies.

The worldwide trend in energy production is moving toward circular economy systems and sustainable availability of sources. Some advanced methods support the economic development of energy production by the utilization of waste biomass, while limiting ecological effects. The use of agro waste biomass is viewed as a major alternative energy source that expressively lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural residues produced as wastes after each step of agricultural production are used as sustainable biomass assets for bioenergy production. Nevertheless, agro waste biomass needs to go through a few cyclic changes, among which biomass pre-treatment contributes to the removal of lignin and has a significant role in the efficiency and yield of bioenergy production. As a result of rapid innovation in the utilization of agro waste for biomass-derived bioenergy, a comprehensive overview of the thrilling highlights and necessary advancements, in addition to a detailed analysis of feedstock, characterization, bioconversion, and contemporary pre-treatment procedures, appear to be vital. To this end, the current status in the generation of bioenergy from agro biomass through various pre-treatment procedures was examined in this study, along with presenting relevant challenges and a perspective for future investigations.

Full-length transcriptome from different life stages of cobia (Rachycentron canadum, Rachycentridae).

Cobia (Rachycentron canadum, Rachycentridae) is one of the prospective species for mariculture. The transcriptome-based study on cobia was hampered by an inadequate reference genome and a lack of full-length cDNAs. We used a long-read based sequencing technology (PacBio Sequel II Iso-Seq3 SMRT) to obtain complete transcriptome sequences from larvae, juveniles, and various tissues of adult cobia, and a single SMRTcell generated 99 gigabytes of data and 51,205,946,694 bases. A total of 8609435, 7441673 and 9140164 subreads were generated from the larval, juvenile, and adult sample pools, with mean sub-read lengths of 2109.9, 1988.2 and 1996.2 bp, respectively. All samples were combined to increase transcript recovery and clustered into 35661 high-quality reads. This is the first report on a full-length transcriptome from R. canadum. Our results illustrate a significant increase in the identified amount of cobia LncRNAs and alternatively spliced transcripts, which will help improve genome annotation. Furthermore, this information will be beneficial for nutrigenomics and functional studies on cobia and other commercially important mariculture species.

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of caffeine using Co-Zn/Al2O3 nanocomposite.

This work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of photocatalytic activity of Co-Zn/Al2O3 nanocomposite obtained by calcination of Co-loaded Zn/aluminum layered double hydroxide by wet impregnation method. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), BET and UV-DRS. The evaluation of catalytic activity was investigated for the degradation of emerging pharmaceutical pollutant caffeine in aqueous solutions under UV irradiation. The process parameters were optimized for the maximum removal of caffeine. A maximum caffeine removal of 92% was obtained with the optimal conditions at the catalytic dosage of 0.5 g/L, contact time of 50 min, initial concentration of 50 mg/L, and pH of 9.5. The batch experimental data coincide well with the pseudo first order kinetic model, the rate constant of 0.012 min-1, with the R2 value of 0.875-0.938. The regeneration study reveals that the catalyst has high stability and maximum removal efficiency. Hence, the synthesized nanocatalyst is considered a potential photo catalyst for removing the pharmaceutical pollutant caffeine from aqueous solutions.

Comparative evaluation of fish larval preservation methods on microbiome profiles to aid in metagenomics research.

Applications of microbiome research through metagenomics promise to generate microbiome manipulation strategies for improved larval survival in aquaculture. However, existing lacunae on the effects of sample preservation methods in metagenome profiles hinder the successful application of this technique. In this context, four preservation methods were scrutinized to identify reliable methods for fish larval microbiome research. The results showed that a total of ten metagenomics metrics, including DNA yield, taxonomic and functional microbiome profiles, and diversity measures, were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the preservation method. Activity ranking based on the performance and reproducibility showed that three methods, namely immediate direct freezing, room temperature preservation in absolute ethanol, and preservation at - 20 °C in lysis, storage, and transportation buffer, could be recommended for larval microbiome research. Furthermore, as there was an apparent deviation of the microbiome profiles of ethanol preserved samples at room temperature, the other methods are preferred. Detailed analysis showed that this deviation was due to the bias towards Vibrionales and Rhodobacterales. The microbial taxa responsible for the dissimilarity across different methods were identified. Altogether, the paper sheds light on the preservation protocols of fish larval microbiome research for the first time. The results can help in cross-comparison of future and past larval microbiome studies. Furthermore, this is the first report on the activity ranking of preservation methods based on metagenomics metrics. Apart from methodological perspectives, the paper provides for the first time certain insights into larval microbial profiles of Rachycentron canadum, a potential marine aquaculture species. KEY POINTS: • First report on effects of preservation methods on fish larval microbiome profiles. • First report on activity ranking of preservation methods based on metagenomics metrics. • Storage methods influenced DNA yield, taxonomic and functional microbiome profiles.

Persistent organic pollutants in water resources: Fate, occurrence, characterization and risk analysis.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic chemicals that can persist in the environment for a longer period due to their non-biodegradability. The pervasive and bio-accumulative behavior of POPs makes them highly toxic to the environmental species including plants, animals, and humans. The present review specifies the POP along with their fate, persistence, occurrence, and risk analysis towards humans. The different biological POPs degradation methods, especially the microbial degradation using bacteria, fungi, algae, and actinomycetes, and their mechanisms were described. Moreover, the source, transport of POPs to the environmental sources, and the toxic nature of POPs were discussed in detail. Agricultural and industrial activities are distinguished as the primary source of these toxic compounds, which are delivered to air, soil, and water, affecting on the social and economic advancement of society at a worldwide scale. This review also demonstrated the microbial degradation of POPs and outlines the potential for an eco-accommodating and cost-effective approach for the biological remediation of POPs using microbes. The direction for future research in eliminating POPs from the environmental sources through various microbial processes was emphasized.

Feasibility of magnetic nano adsorbent impregnated with activated carbon from animal bone waste: Application for the chromium (VI) removal.

Chromium is the heavy metal which existing in the effluents cause extensive discomfort to the environmental components. Bone waste is widely generated in food processing industries and restaurants. It is now used by switching into activated carbon. By co-precipitation procedure, the activated carbon is coated with a nano adsorbent. The Fe3O4-BAC adsorbent potential was established in this study via several batch tests. The adsorbing adverts had super magnetic behavior, and the magnetization value was 22 emu/g. The SEM imaging of the Fe3O4-BAC shows an improved morphology of 100-446 nm, and the nanoparticles were monodispersed. The present investigation also delves into the study of system parameters on the removal of metal ions. Optimal adsorption has been found at the acidic pH at the contact time of 60min for the adsorbent amount of 5 g/L. Maximum capacity of adsorption by nano adsorbent was 27.86 mg/g. Thermodynamic and isotherm tests have established the process viability. In addition, the kinetic studies establish the inclination of the studied Fe3O4-BAC towards pseudo-first order models. Hence, Fe3O4-BAC could be potential adsorbent to remove chromium from an aqueous solution.

Effect of Ca2+ ions on naphthalene adsorption/desorption onto calcium oxide nanoparticle: Adsorption isotherm, kinetics and regeneration studies.

The adsorptive nature of calcium oxide nanoparticles in aqueous sample of naphthalene in presence of Ca2+ ions was estimated. Enhanced efficiency of calcium oxide regeneration (90%) with the aid of calcium chloride in the solution concentration of 0.002-0.1 M was depicted. The less degree of toxic naphthalene desorption merged with SEM, FTIR and XRD characterization data portrays the importance of naphthalene adsorption onto calcium oxide using calcium chloride for regeneration. Batch adsorption studies were performed to evaluate the operating parameters such as pH, naphthalene concentration, contact time and impact of Ca2+ on naphthalene study. The adsorption isotherm of naphthalene on calcium oxide nanoparticle was described by Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin Radushkevich and theoretical maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be 63.81 mg/g at 303 K. The adsorption kinetic best fitted with pseudo second order kinetic model. The positive influence of making the addition of Ca2+ ions into naphthalene solution for its rapid adsorption was elucidated which is leaded by a probable increase in sorption capacity for naphthalene molecules at lower concentrations. The stable nature of crystallinity of calcium oxide and a less degree of naphthalene molecules leaching during consecutive cycles of adsorptive process and nanoparticle regeneration was also scrutinized.

Acenaphthene adsorption onto ultrasonic assisted fatty acid mediated porous activated carbon-characterization, isotherm and kinetic studies.

Adsorbents originated from biological materials play a vital role in the remediation of diverse toxic pollutants due to their high efficacy, low cost and being environmentally friendly. The present study focusses on the palm shell activated carbon obtained from agricultural waste precursor (palm shell) with the aid of oleic acid activation along with ultrasonic assistance and its effective utilization for acenaphthene adsorption from aqueous and real effluent. The synthesized Ultrasonic assisted palm shell activated carbon (UAC) possessed high surface area of 506.84 m2/g and distinct porous structure as depicted by SEM analysis. The outcomes of zero discharge analyses and acenaphthene adsorption results vouchsafed that, using oleic acid as an effective catalyst, is explicitly advantageous to combine with ultrasonic assistance to fabricate a highly efficient adsorbent for acenaphthene removal from aqueous solution. The UAC obtained at the selected parameters levels, such as temperature of 45 °C and ultrasonic time of 40 min, has the adsorption capacity of 52.745 mg/g. Sips isotherm model computed from the experimental data gave the best fit among the examined isotherm models. To complete the study of adsorption properties of UAC towards acenaphthene, kinetic modeling and thermodynamic aspects of the adsorption process were also scrutinized. The kinetic studies proved that pseudo-second order model is compatible with the experimental data and thermodynamic results revealed that the adsorption process is of endothermic nature. Overall, ultrasonic-assisted preparation of activated carbon from palm shell actuated using Oleic acid was found to be a highly efficient adsorbent which was suitable for acenaphthene removal from aqueous solution.

Observation on the morphological and gonadal aspects of Cladonema radiatum (Class: Hydrozoa) from Tuticorin Bay, Southeast coast of India.

Studies on the hydrozoan fauna (Phylum: Cnidaria; Class: Hydrozoa) of the Indian waters during the 20th century were few in number (Nagale and Apte, 2013a, b). They originated in the early 1900s (Annandale, 1907; Ritchie, 1910, Thornely, 1916, Gravely, 1927), focussing on the taxonomy of hydroids in the 1960s along the southern coast, including Lakshadweep and Andaman Islands (Mammen, 1963, 1965a, b) and in the 1980s along the northern coast (Venugopalan Wagh, 1986). Species of the hydrozoan family Cladonematidae (Anthoathecata; Capitata) include benthic, creeping and swimming hydroids comprising four genera viz., Cladonema, Eleutheria, Staurocladia and the nomen dubium Dendronema (Schuchert, 2021). Cladonema differs from other genera of Cladonematidae by the branched tentacles either with an adhesive structure or cnidocytes and having nematocysts in oral knobs (Ghory et al., 2020 Farias et al., 2020). The taxonomy of Cladonema is uncertain and species in the genus have undergone several rounds of grouping and splitting. Gershwin Zeidler (2008) gave a detailed account of 13 putative species of Cladonema. However, Schuchert (2021) considered six species to be valid viz., C. radiatum, C. californicum, C. myersi, C. novaezelandiae, C. pacificum and C. timmsii. Studies on the genus Cladonema from Indian waters are patchy, with a brief report of its occurrence among other hydroids (Sastry and Chandramohan, 1989; Santhakumari and Nair, 1999; Arun et al., 2018). Among these records from India, C. myersi was collected from an experimental aquarium with seawater from an unknown location (Prasad, 1961). The present study documents the occurrence and describes the morphology and gonadal features of Cladonema radiatum from Tuticorin Bay, Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India.