Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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A proposed Fuzzy logic model for Electrospun nanofiber pressurised membranes for water treatment- A review
Get PDFElectrospun nanofiber membranes and nanocomposites for water treatment is an emerging concept growing faster in science, gaining more prominence among various scientists, and creating attention to improve water quality. The familiarity with fabricating these materials is increased, and researchers worldwide target more nanomaterial manufacturing and synthesis for several applications. The electrospinning process for nanofibers\u27 preparation allows polymers to incorporate various functionalized materials. Scientists have recently proposed electrospun membranes using fluorinated compounds and polymers with hydrocarbons. The membranes prepared by the electrospun nanofiber to purify water created a primary research axis, and various laboratory experiments proved efficient. In recent years, the usage of fuzzy analysis in industries has increased, and these logics are applied in every unit process of the water industry. The present review primarily discusses the recent pressurized electrospun membrane technologies utilized in the water industries and machine learning methods that can be applied in the water industries. Further, it suggests a new novel way of integrating options to connect the fuzzy with water treatment to enhance the electrospun nanofiber prospects in the water industry. Implementing these fuzzy models in future by water industries might reduce maintenance costs and help in understanding the characteristics of the effluent quality in detail
Evaluating the seasonal accumulation of Heat units as an agroclimatic indicator on Baby corn (Zea mays L.) under different sowing windows
Get PDFTemperature determines the plant\u27s growth and development, which decides the onset of different phenophasic stages of the Baby corn. This study aimed to evaluate the phenological behaviour and yield of Baby corn (Zea mays L.) influenced by sowing windows and heat units with the field investigations carried out during winter (January – April) and kharif (June – September) 2022 at Eastern Block Farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Growing Degree Days (GDD), Photo Thermal Units (PTU), Helio Thermal Units (HTU), Relative Temperature Disparity (RTD), Heat Unit Efficiency (HUE) and seasonal efficiency were calculated at different phenological stages. The results revealed that early attainment of phenophases was noticed during winter (62.5 days - January 21st to 27th April) than kharif (77.1 days – 15th June to 4th October). Among seasons, higher accumulation of GDD (1553) and PTU (19099) was observed during kharif 2022, whereas maximum accumulation of HTU (9923) and RTD (2146) was observed in winter 2022. Seasonal efficiency was higher during kharif (118) than during the winter season (81). The sowing windows significantly influenced the higher accumulation of heat units and yield attributes. Hence, higher yield (11922.7 kg ha-1) and HUE (7.3) were obtained during kharif than in winter 2022 (yield – 7849 kg ha-1 and HUE – 5.8). Weather parameters showed a negative correlation except RH-I, WS, SR and HUE during winter 2022 (R2=0.802) and RH-II, WS, RF, Daylength, HUE during kharif 2022, which had a positive correlation (R2=0.795). Baby corn is highly sensitive to increasing temperature. Hence, the study expresses the effect of varying ambient temperature on the duration between the phenological stages and yield.
Evaluation of selected promising land races of small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) in South India
Get PDFSmall cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton.), often referred to as the \u27queen of spices\u27 is believed to have originated in the moist evergreen forests of the Western Ghats of South India. The present study was conducted at the Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Myladumpara, Idukki Dt. of Kerala. Different farmer\u27s varieties, nine landraces viz., Njallani Green Gold, Thiruthali, Panikulangara Green Bold No.1, Wonder Cardamom, Elarajan, Arjun, Pappalu, PNS Vaigai, Pachaikkai and ICRI-5 as control were evaluated in the cardamom tract of Idukki District. The selected genotypes were evaluated in the field for three consecutive years. The data on growth and yield were recorded, pooled and analyzed. From the analysis, it was found that the genotype Njallani Green Gold performed well compared to other varieties with respect to the yield (1271.80 kg/ha) followed by Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 (1134.67 kg/ha) and more tillers (74.46) were found in the same clone also. The plant height was significantly higher in Elarajan (316.24 cm), followed by Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 (312.45 cm). The number of leaves was greater in Elarajan (16.72), followed by Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 (16.43). More vegetative buds were observed in Pappalu followed by Wonder Cardamom. Panicles per clump were more in Thiruthali (47.98), followed by Njallani Green Gold (46.59). Racemes per panicle were greater in Pachaikkai (26.57), followed by Njallani Green Gold (26.19). The number of capsules per racemes was more in Njallani Green Gold (9.59) followed by Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 (8.59). The results pointed out that each clone in the trial differs from another with respect to the characters studied. The findings could be used for further breeding studies in small cardamom
Heavy metal, salinity and azo dye tolerant, Cr (VI) reducing, plant growth-promoting Pseudomonas aeruginosa R32 reverses Cr (VI) biotoxic effects in Vigna mungo
Get PDFHexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)], derived from various industries, including fly ash from coal-based Thermal Power Plants, can be a source of toxic pollution of land and water bodies. This study aimed to bioremediation of such pollutant dump sites using bacteria capable of both Cr(VI) reduction and plant growth-enhancing substance production. The bacteria were isolated from the rhizospheric fly ash of a Thermal Power Plant, Kanpur. One of the rhizospheric isolate, Pseudomonas aeruginosa R32 showed high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Cr(VI) (1250 µg/ml), heavy metal tolerance (ZnCl2, CdCl2, Pb(NO3)2) up to 100 µg/ml, Acid Red 249 (AR) tolerance and halotolerance (6% NaCl). The isolate R32 also produces plant growth-promoting (PGP) hormones in the absence or presence of Cr (VI). R32 could completely reduce Cr(VI) at a tested dose of 100 and 500 μg/ml after 24h and 72h, respectively. However, decolorization of AR was observed after 48 hours at an initial concentration of 100 µg/ml and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Vigna mungo seed inoculation with isolate R32 showed increased rootling growth compared to shoot after 7 d treatment with 0, 100, 500, and 1000 μg/ml of Cr(VI) concentrations, respectively. Root length tolerance index in Cr(VI) treated V. mungo seedlings was reduced to 56%, 35%, and 29%, respectively, when treated with 100, 500, and 1000 μg/ml Cr(VI) in comparison to control. Cr(VI) sub-MIC concentrations can affect the plant growth-promoting properties of rhizospheric bacteria. Herein, we report the isolation of rhizospheric bacteria P. aeruginosa R32 showing concurrent PGP substance production and Cr(VI) bioreduction capabilities in the presence of PGP inhibitory Cr(VI) concentrations.
A controlled experiment to verify the effect of magnesium fertilizers on soil pH and available soil nutrients in acid soil of Nilgiris, India
Get PDFAn incubation experiment was conducted in laboratory conditions for 60 days to observe the impact of different Magnesium fertilizers on soil chemical properties, i.e. pH, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and DTPA extractable micronutrient cations. A complete factorial complete randomized block design (FCRD)with two replications and six levels was selected as the experimental layout. The levels included were (L0) Absolute control (L1) soil + Mg @ 10 kg ha-1, (L2) soil + Mg @ 20 kg ha-1, (L3) soil + 30 kg ha-1, (L4) soil + 40 kg ha-1, (L5) soil + 50 kg ha-1. Findings revealed that applying magnesium fertilizers to soil significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affects soil parameters. The impacts of magnesium fertilization on soil pH altered with sources and incubation period. The application of CaMg(CO3)2 @ 50 kg ha-1 recorded significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher soil pH (5.67) as compared to MgCO3 @ 50 kg ha-1 that increased the pH up to 5.57 due to the impact of carbonate ion whereas MgSO4.7H2O decreased the soil up to 4.80 because of dissolution of SO42- ions to the soil solution. Applying CaMg(CO3)2 significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced soil available N, P, K, Fe, Mn, and Cu content which is due to the decrease in acidity, which indirectly enhanced the nutrient availability. The positive effects persisted throughout the experimental duration, indicating the potential long-term benefits of magnesium fertilization in acid soil management. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by providing novel insights into applying magnesium fertilizers as an effective strategy for addressing soil acidity and improving nutrient availability in acid soil
Genotoxicity and genomic instability in oral epithelial cells of agricultural workers exposed to pesticides using micronucleus and comet assay in Nineveh, Iraq
Get PDFIn agriculture, pesticides are used to preserve plants, but they might be dangerous for farmers and the environment. The present study aimed to use the comet assay and the micronucleus (MN) test to assess the genotoxic effects on lymphocytes and buccal exfoliation in pesticide-exposed male agricultural workers. The samples were collected from 102 workers having exposure to pesticides (Roundup SL, Weed waster, and paraquat 20% SL) and 100 control individuals (without pesticide exposure) from different Mosul, Iraq, neighbourhoods. With the help of the comet assay and the MN test, exfoliated buccal cells from the individuals were analyzed for DNA damage. Each individual\u27s lymphocytes and epithelial baseline cells had their comet tail length assessed, along with any other nuclear abnormalities such as nuclear buds, karyolysis, karyorrhexis, and binucleate cells. The results showed that the frequency of MN considerably rose in the exposed group, and that group also revealed nuclear anomalies linked to cytotoxic or genotoxic effects. There were significant disparities in the amount of DNA damage between recently exposed employees and controls and recently exposed and followed-up cases. In comparison to controls, there was a considerable increase in the and frequency of cells that migrated in exposed workers. However, it was shown that confounding factors, such as age and the varying length of pesticide exposure, substantially impacted DNA damage. Educational programs for agricultural workers are critical to limit the use of chemicals in agriculture, given the evidence of a genetic risk associated with exposure brought on by the extensive use of pesticides
A review on molecular aspects of virus-vector relationship to the aphids: NA
Get PDFPlant viruses are transmitted through insects, mites, nematodes, and protists. Arthropods as vectors are used by 88% of plant viruses to move from one host to another. Insects are the most prevalent vectors, with aphids accounting for half of all insect-vectored viruses. Aphids have been meticulously developed to serve as vectors. Transforming virions into plant cells is facilitated bypiercing–sucking mouthparts that do not cause irreversible damage. With the ability to reproduce asexually, aphid populations can grow incredibly, amplifying disease epidemics and accelerating the spread of viruses over short and vast distances. Aphids significantly reduce crop productivity by spreading numerous plant viruses. Being obligate intracellular pathogens, viruses rely heavily on vectors to spread and survive. Aphids are responsible for the majority of economically significant plant virus transmission and cause heavy crop loss worldwide. Aphids feed on the plant as insect pathogens and carry plant pathogens such as Viruses. Either persistent circulation, non-circulation or not persistently, they spread viruses. The process of plant virus transmission by insects has changed over time and is significantly impacted by the biology and morphology of insects. Much research during the last century has offered an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning virus-vector interactions. The present review discusses the molecular interaction of the virus–vector relationship by Aphids. This will provide a clue to the scientific community to successfully combat aphid infestation in agriculture
Quality assessment of value-added Indian recipe pedakiya prepared from composite flour and sesame seeds.
Get PDFThe present study was designed to enhance the nutritional value of the Indian recipe pedakiya/gujiya, a traditional sweet deep-fried dumpling, by utilizing the beneficial properties of composite flour (oat and peas flour) and sesame seeds. Furthermore, the study aimed to investigate the effects of partial substitution of refined wheat flour with oat and peas flour on nutritional, sensory, and microbiological parameters as affected by different cooking (deep-fat frying, baking, and air-frying) methods. The dough was developed by partially substituting a high percentage of refined wheat flour with oat flour, peas flour, and sesame seeds and based on the different treatments, these were coded as P0 (control), P1 (value-added pedakiya processed by deep-fat frying at 120 °C /5 minutes), P2 (air-fried at 120 °C /30 minutes), and P3 (baked at 200 °C /25 minutes). Based on sensory evaluation, sample P1 was the most acceptable by the sensory panel. Chemical analyses revealed that the addition of composite flour and sesame seeds substantially increased the nutritional parameters of the product. The product\u27s microbiological analyses revealed that, up to a 15-day storage period, the product was well within safe levels. Aluminum bags were determined to be a suitable packaging material for storing the value-added pedakiya based on the water activity (at 37 °C/91% RH) and overall acceptability scores. This study has provided an alternative approach for preparing traditional pedakiya by utilizing healthier options. The topic of the present study is very timely since consumers are constantly looking for better alternatives to traditional fried dishes
The Gut microbiota and chronic diseases: Role of probiotics: Gut Microbiota
No full textProbiotics are live organisms that generally give consumers health advantages by improving or restoring the gut flora. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the two most commonly known probiotics. They have vital role in the prevention and/or diagnosis of many diseases, such as obesity, cancer, asthma, diarrhoea, hay fever, diabetes, chronic fever, HIV, and atopic eczema. They also help to maintain the gut microflora of the intestine. Gut microbiota reside in the gastrointestinal tract of humans, which can be bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa and bacteriophages, which are essential for maintaining healthy gut health. The most dominant gut microbial phyla consist of firmicutes, actinobacteria, proteobacteria, bacteroidetes, and fusobacteria. In 90% of the gut microbiata belongs to the two important phyla-firmicutes and bacteroidetes. Examples include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Clostridium perfringens, Helicobacter pylori, Bacteroides fragilis, and Corynebacterium matruchotii. This review paper focuses on the role of probiotic microorganisms in preventing certain chronic diseases. The role of gut microbiota in maintaining human health is very crucial. They are known to maintain the host\u27s homeostasis by providing protection against pathogens, training the immune system, better processing dietary compounds, and assisting proper nutrient uptake.
Equilibrium isotherm and kinetic study of biosorption of cadmium from synthetic water using wastes leaves of Averrhoa carambola
Get PDFGlobally, the discharge of heavy metals into the water bodies is a matter of serious concern. Heavy metals like cadmium are considered as toxic even at very low concentration. Several conventional methods are available to remove heavy metals from the wastewater. They bear high costs, generate high sludge, and consume high energy. Biosorbents provides many beneficial properties due to their good adsorption capacity for heavy metals. The present work focuses on the potential of waste leaves of Averrhoa carambola (WACLP) as an adsorbent for its ability to remove Cd (II) ions from synthetic water by batch experimental process. The adsorbent was characterized by using elemental analysis, Energy Dispersive X-ray or EDAX and Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM). The batch experiment was carried out considering various parameters such as pH, initial metal ion concentration, contact time and dose of the adsorbent. The fitting of the experimental data was done by Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isothermal models. The study on isothermal models revealed that the experimental parameters were best fitted to the Langmuir isothermal model with R2 value of 0. 976.The Kinetic studies showed pseudo second order depicting chemisorption. The results showed that Averrhoa carambola is a good adsorbent for cadmium and hence it can widen the scope and prospects for future studies on heavy metal removal from the aqueous solution