Artificial Conditions Research Articles

Effects of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Crowding on Translational Diffusion of Rigid Bovine Serum Albumin and Disordered Alfa-Casein.

Intracellular environment includes proteins, sugars, and nucleic acids interacting in restricted media. In the cytoplasm, the excluded volume effect takes up to 40% of the volume available for occupation by macromolecules. In this work, we tested several approaches modeling crowded solutions for protein diffusion. We experimentally showed how the protein diffusion deviates from conventional Brownian motion in artificial conditions modeling the alteration of medium viscosity and rigid spatial obstacles. The studied tracer proteins were globular bovine serum albumin and intrinsically disordered α-casein. Using the pulsed field gradient NMR, we investigated the translational diffusion of protein probes of different structures in homogeneous (glycerol) and heterogeneous (PEG 300/PEG 6000/PEG 40,000) solutions as a function of crowder concentration. Our results showed fundamentally different effects of homogeneous and heterogeneous crowded environments on protein self-diffusion. In addition, the applied "tracer on lattice" model showed that smaller crowding obstacles (PEG 300 and PEG 6000) create a dense net of restrictions noticeably hindering diffusing protein probes, whereas the large-sized PEG 40,000 creates a "less restricted" environment for the diffusive motion of protein molecules.

Comprehensive quality index and map of cast Al alloys according to artificial aging heat treatment conditions using TOPSIS and multiple regression analysis and determination of reasonable heat treatment condition

Some quality indices such as Q, QR, QC and Q0 have been used to evaluate quality level of cast aluminum alloys (Al alloys) based on tensile properties, and quality map has been used to intuitively evaluate the quality level based on the quality index. The previous quality indices and maps lack in evaluating the quality level throughout all the tensile properties, comprehensively. On the other hand, they don’t directly show the quality level according to artificial aging heat treatment condition, while they show the quality level according to the tensile properties. We propose a method to develop comprehensive quality index and map of cast Al alloy according to artificial aging heat treatment condition by using technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and multiple regression analysis. Moreover, we propose a method to determine a reasonable heat treatment condition by using extremum principle and grid search method. To illustrate the effectiveness, the methods are applied to the cast Al alloy A357. The proposed methods could be widely used to evaluate the comprehensive quality level of the cast Al alloys, and optimize the heat treatment condition.

Comparing the effects of microgravity and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis on mouse dorsal root ganglia

Introduction: Microgravity (MG) exposure causes motor deficits and decreased neuronal activity, effects that resemble the ones observed in motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Several recent studies have shown that exposure to MG and ALS also impacts the sensory systems. Yet, the role of sensory impairment in this degenerative process of exposure to MG and ALS remains unknown. In this study, we aimed at elucidating how the sensory system is affected by exposure to MG and ALS.Methods: To this end, we compared gene expression in the mouse lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of MG-exposed animals with that of control animals that remained under artificial gravity conditions. We then investigated the effects of the human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) G93A mutation in a mouse model of ALS (SOD1G93A mice) on gene expression in the DRG.Results: The overlap of genes with negatively correlated expression was greater than those with positively correlated expression between the DRG of MG-exposed and SOD1G93A mice. Additionally, genes related to Imoonglia (characteristics of both immune and glial cells) and macrophage increased in response to MG exposure, while satellite glial cell genes were expressed in response to SOD1 mutation. Next, we examined genes related to sensory neuron subtypes in the DRG. We found altered gene expression in genes related to proprioceptive and mechanoreceptive neurons in the DRG of MG-exposed and SOD1G93A mice. Remarkably, the expression of Atf3 and genes related to nociceptive neurons in the DRG of SOD1G93A mice at postnatal day (P) 120 was considerably altered, whereas MG-exposed and SOD1G93A mice at P30 presented little changes.Discussion: These results indicate that exposure to MG and ALS affect gene expression in genes related to neurons and non-neuronal cells in the DRG, with significant differences between the effects of MG and the SOD1 mutation. Elucidation of the impact of exposure to MG and ALS pathogenesis in the DRG, including identification of the molecular pathways that regulate DRG dysfunction, will help better understand the differences in vulnerability and the triggering processes of impaired motor function associated with MG and ALS.

Grafting for sustainable management of Fusarium wilt disease in tomato production in Ghana

Fusarium wilt disease limits tomato production, especially in Ghana. In managing the Fusarium wilt disease, two rootstocks (Solanum torvum and Solanum macrocarpon) were used in grafting experiments. Plant growth, yield, disease severity and incidence of both grafted plants, and non-grafted plants were evaluated in a pot experiment and also under a naturally infected open field condition at Berekum. During the early stage (14 days after inoculation) under artificial inoculation conditions, grafted plants exhibited higher photosynthetic rates (10.41 μmol−2s−1) compared to the non-grafted plants (8.36 μmol−2s−1). Under naturally infested field conditions, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate of non-grafted plants decreased. Solanum lycopersicum grafted onto S. macrocarpon and S. torvum were moderately susceptible (20%–40%) to Fusarium oxysporum. However, the non-grafted plants were highly susceptible (50%–100%). Yield from the pot experiment for S. lycopersicum grafted onto S. macrocarpon was significantly higher (453.1 g/plant), compared to S. lycopersicum grafted onto S. torvum (350.3 g/plant) and the non-grafted plant (205 g/plant). However, in naturally infected field, the grafted plants increased in fruit yield compared to the non-grafted tomato plants. Solanum macrocarpon and S. torvum as rootstocks offered resistance against F. oxysporum and showed significantly lower disease progression, than the non-grafted plants (P < 0.05). This study revealed that grafting is an effective tool for the management of Fusarium wilt disease and for tomato growth and yield improvement.

First in Human Subjects Testing of the UroMonitor: A Catheter-free Wireless Ambulatory Bladder Pressure Monitor.

Urodynamics is the standard method of diagnosing bladder dysfunction, but involves catheters and retrograde bladder filling. With these artificial conditions, urodynamics cannot always reproduce patient complaints. We have developed a wireless, catheter-free intravesical pressure sensor, the UroMonitor, which enables catheter-free telemetric ambulatory bladder monitoring. The purpose of this study was twofold: to evaluate accuracy of UroMonitor pressure data, and assess safety and feasibility of use in humans. Eleven adult female patients undergoing urodynamics for overactive bladder symptoms were enrolled. After baseline urodynamics, the UroMonitor was transurethrally inserted into the bladder and position was confirmed cystoscopically. A second urodynamics was then performed with the UroMonitor simultaneously transmitting bladder pressure. Following removal of urodynamics catheters, the UroMonitor transmitted bladder pressure during ambulation and voiding in private. Visual analogue pain scales (0-5) were used to assess patient discomfort. The UroMonitor did not significantly alter capacity, sensation, or flow during urodynamics. The UroMonitor was also easily inserted and removed in all subjects. The UroMonitor reproduced bladder pressure, capturing 98% (85/87) of voiding and nonvoiding urodynamic events. All subjects voided with only the UroMonitor in place with low post-void residual volume. Median ambulatory pain score with the UroMonitor was rated 0 (0-2). There were no post-procedural infections or changes to voiding behavior. The UroMonitor is the first device to enable catheter-free telemetric ambulatory bladder pressure monitoring in humans. The UroMonitor appears safe and well tolerated, does not impede lower urinary tract function, and can reliably identify bladder events compared to urodynamics.

Videos posted on the internet provide evidence for joint rushing in naturalistic social interactions

When people engage in rhythmic joint actions, they unintentionally increase their tempo. However, this phenomenon of joint rushing has so far been investigated only under very specific and somewhat artificial conditions. Therefore, it remains unclear whether joint rushing generalizes to other instances of rhythmic joint action. In this study our aim was to investigate whether joint rushing can also be observed in a wider range of naturalistic rhythmic social interactions. To achieve this, we retrieved videos of a wide range of rhythmic interactions from an online video-sharing platform. The data suggest that joint rushing indeed can also be observed in more naturalistic social interactions. Furthermore, we provide evidence that group size matters for how tempo unfolds in social interactions with larger groups showing a stronger tempo increase than smaller groups. Comparing the data from naturalistic interactions with data collected in a lab study further showed that unintended tempo changes in social interactions are reduced in naturalistic interactions compared to interactions in a lab context. It is an open question which factors led to this reduction. One possibility is that humans might have come up with strategies to reduce the effects of joint rushing.

Радиометрический метод получения портретов влажности почвы для исследования гидрологии дамб

The methods for the artificial hydraulic structures condition monitoring using trace microwave radiometers are considered, in order to timely detect places of underground leaks to ensure trouble-free operation. Several practical examples of the use of microwave radiometers on various ground-based mobile carriers are described. The characteristics of microwave radiometers used in practice for hydrological monitoring of earthen dams are given. The possibility of detecting potentially dangerous sections of dams, places of erosion of the dam cover, possible places of underground leaks is shown. The possibility of combining microwave radiometers with other means of remote sensing, such as optical video cameras, thermal infrared cameras and georadars, is being considered. The advantages of multisensory sensing to increase the reliability of detecting places of underground leaks are substantiated.

Varietal reaction of potato plants grown on aeroponic installations

The article presents data on study of the productivity of potato early ripening varieties (Legenda, Russia; Red Scarlet, Netherlands) and middle-early varieties (Irbitskiy Russia; Gala, Germany) grown on aeroponic installations in artificial lighting conditions: three-tier adaptive installation (“Syntol” production) and single-tier installation produced by “Biological systems” plant. Potato plants were characterized by active growth and development. Their height ranged from 71.0 to 94.2 cm among the varieties, the number of leaves formed on one plant – from 23 to 31 pieces. The formation of mini-tubers was noted from the 46th day (Legenda variety) to the 53rd day (Irbitskiy variety). The first harvest was obtained at the 65th day in early varieties and at the 67th day for middle-early varieties beginning from planting of micro-plants on to the adaptation installation. The productivity of plants by varieties ranged from 123.0 g (Legenda) to 216.1 (Gala) g of mini-tubers per plant, output of mini tubers from 68.1 (Irbitskiy) to 105.2 (Legenda) pieces per plant, the mass of one mini-tuber ranged from 1.17(Legenda) to 2.73 g (Red Scarlet).

Effects of Various Hydroponic Systems in Increasing Caisim (Brassica Chinensis L.) Productivity Under LED Grow Light

Hydroponics has been proven to increase crop production, particularly for leafy vegetable families, significantly. In addition, the hydroponic system can assist farmers in managing water and nutrition; as a result, this method is appropriate for sustainability as a real action to prevent further environmental damage caused by agricultural production. Several hydroponics systems have been invented; however, to get high plant yields, a selection of the system must be done by looking at the characteristics of the cultivated plants. Furthermore, artificial environmental conditions, such as light, temperature, and humidity, must be adjusted to accommodate the plant's requirements in a closed hydroponic system. In this study, three hydroponics systems (i.e., wick technique, Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), and Deep Flow Technique (DFT)) were compared for morphology features, including the number of leaves, leaf width, plant height, wet root weight, and fresh weight. Caisim (Brassica chinensis L.) was grown on a single shelf; this design was intended to maximize land utilization in a closed area. Caisim's growing condition was under blue-red LED light for 35 days with a 16-hour illumination time at a distance of 15 and 20 cm. At harvest time, Caisim morphology utilizing the NFT approach produced a more significant (P &lt; 0.05) result than the wick and DFT methods. Furthermore, on fresh weight, the LED at 15 cm outperformed the wick, DFT, and NFT at 20 cm by 20%, 47%, and 33%, respectively. According to the findings, the NFT approach combined with a 15 cm spacing distance or a light intensity of 250 PPFD was better and significantly impacted Caisim's shape.

Diagnostic performance of augmented intelligence with 2D and 3D total body photography and convolutional neural networks in a high-risk population for melanoma under real-world conditions: A new era of skin cancer screening?

BackgroundConvolutional neural networks (CNNs) have outperformed dermatologists in classifying pigmented skin lesions under artificial conditions. We investigated, for the first time, the performance of three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) CNNs and dermatologists in the early detection of melanoma in a real-world setting. MethodsIn this prospective study, 1690 melanocytic lesions in 143 patients with high-risk criteria for melanoma were evaluated by dermatologists, 2D-FotoFinder-ATBM and 3D-Vectra WB360 total body photography (TBP). Excision was based on the dermatologists' dichotomous decision, an elevated CNN risk score (study-specific malignancy cut-off: FotoFinder >0.5, Vectra >5.0) and/or the second dermatologist's assessment with CNN support. The diagnostic accuracy of the 2D and 3D CNN classification was compared with that of the dermatologists and the augmented intelligence based on histopathology and dermatologists’ assessment. Secondary end-points included reproducibility of risk scores and naevus counts per patient by medical staff (gold standard) compared to automated 3D and 2D TBP CNN counts. ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (ROC-AUC) for risk-score-assessments compared to histopathology of 3D-CNN with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 90.0%, 64.6% and 0.92 (CI 0.85–1.00), respectively. While dermatologists and augmented intelligence achieved the same sensitivity (90%) and comparable classification ROC-AUC (0.91 [CI 0.80–1.00], 0.88 [CI 0.77–1.00]) with 3D-CNN, their specificity was superior (92.3% and 86.2%, respectively). The 2D-CNN (sensitivity: 70%, specificity: 40%, ROC-AUC: 0.68 [CI 0.46–0.90]) was outperformed by 3D CNN and dermatologists. The 3D-CNN showed a higher correlation coefficient for repeated measurements of 246 lesions (R = 0.89) than the 2D-CNN (R = 0.79). The mean naevus count per patient varied significantly (gold standard: 210 lesions; 3D-CNN: 469; 2D-CNN: 1324; p < 0.0001). ConclusionsOur study emphasises the importance of validating the classification of CNNs in real life. The novel 3D-CNN device outperformed the 2D-CNN and achieved comparable sensitivity with dermatologists. The low specificity of CNNs and the lack of automated counting of TBP nevi currently limit the use of augmented intelligence in clinical practice.

Development of an Experimental Phytotron and its Application in the Research on the Energy-ecological Efficiency of Indoor Plant Lighting

The study of indoor plant lighting is noted to be an interdisciplinary research area. Thus, there is a need to integrate various technical sciences and practical methods in growing plants under artificial conditions. Nowadays, it is reasonable to treat energy-ecological efficiency of indoor plant lighting as a complex scientific direction that takes into account substance flow forming the energy and environmental indicators of an artificial agroecosystem. (Research purpose) To develop an experimental laboratory phytotron intended for research on the energy-ecology efficiency of indoor plant lighting, and to conduct its biological testing. (Materials and methods) From the standpoint of the logical-semantic approach, the term "energy-ecological efficiency" was interpreted as a conjunction of its components - energy efficiency and environmental compatibility. The paper outlines the theoretical fundamentals of the energy-ecological efficiency approach to indoor plant lighting, which determine the experimental research features. The requirements for the techniques of conducting experiments are formulated. The phytotron design and its operation principles are described. Biological testing was carried out on Blagovest F1 tomato plants (Lycopersicum Esculentum Mill.) in the seedling phase of plant development. The plant response to changes in the lighting factors was determined: photoperiod (normal and extended), spectrum (a blue-enhanced spectrum and a control one), and irradiance level (low, medium, and high). (Results and discussion) Under the varied lighting conditions, energy-ecology efficiency varied from 0.075 grams per mole (with the control spectrum, an extended photoperiod and high irradiance) to 0.138 grams per mole (with the blue-enhanced spectrum, a normal photoperiod and medium irradiance). (Conclusions) An experimental laboratory phytotron was developed to study the energy-ecology efficiency of indoor plant lighting. The ability to control irradiance was achieved depending on the mass of plants. The phytotron unit provides easy access to plants, it is compact, ergonomic and has improved functional capacity.

Evaluation of the effects of the seismic wave incidence angle on soil-structure interactions via advanced finite beam elements

This work investigates the interactions between the soil and a superstructure subjected to various seismic waves using variable-kinematics finite beam elements. Artificial boundary conditions based on springs and dashpots with appropriate elastic and viscous coefficients were adopted to ensure the absorption of the incident waves and simulate the infinite domain condition. The one-dimensional finite element formulation is obtained with a unified formalism that enables arbitrary structural models to be adopted. Lagrange-type expansions have been used in this work to approximate the beam kinematics and facilitate the application of artificial boundary conditions. Both pressure and shear waves with different incidence angles have been considered, and the dynamic responses calculated with the current approach have been compared with analytical solutions when available. The results have demonstrated the accuracy and potentialities of the methodology and provided reasonable confidence for future applications.

Efficacy of Different Fungicide Spraying Techniques on the Infestation with Kabatiella zeae and Formation of Fusarium Mycotoxins in Forage Maize

The application of fungicides in maize by the commonly used overhead spraying technique is more challenging than in small-grain cereals. Especially in later development stages, when the plant has reached a considerable height, lower plant organs (e.g., ears) may be insufficiently protected, since a large part of the applied fungicide is deposited on the upper leaves. In contrast, lower plant organs can be reached by the dropleg spraying technique, which allows sub-canopy applications. This study investigated the efficacy of fungicide applications during flowering in forage maize using the overhead and dropleg spraying techniques as well as a combination for the control of Kabatiella zeae and mycotoxin-producing Fusarium species, which can affect leaves and ears, respectively. The efficacy was evaluated in field trials under natural K. zeae and artificial Fusarium inoculum conditions in Northern Germany by measuring disease severities of K. zeae on maize leaves, dry matter yields, and concentrations of the Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) at harvest. Fusarium inoculations of main ears at full flowering resulted in significantly higher DON and ZEN concentrations compared to natural Fusarium infections, whereas the dry matter yield was not affected. The strongest disease progressions of K. zeae were determined after flowering on the upper leaves and leaves around the main ear. Disease severities were significantly reduced on the upper leaves by the overhead application and the combination of the overhead and dropleg spraying technique, whereby the three spraying techniques were equally able to decrease the infestation on the yield-essential leaves around the main ear. No differences in dry matter yield were found between the application techniques, but they were significantly higher than in the untreated control. The contamination with DON and ZEN was most effectively reduced by sub-canopy applications using the dropleg technique, whether as a solo application or in combination with the overhead technique. The main ears were reached better with the applied fungicide, reducing Fusarium infections, and therefore, contamination with mycotoxins. The dropleg technique offers an opportunity for improved protection of lower plant organs, especially in tall growing crops. In combination with the overhead spraying technique, the protection of various plant organs along the entire plant with the applied fungicide could be advantageous, especially when different parts of the plant are affected by different fungal diseases.

The perceptual variation of artificial light environment among college students due to the group defect of retinal light sensitivity

College students have similar visual work intensity and environment, resulting in idiosyncratic light environment perception. This study investigated the retinal light sensitivity characteristics of the college student group, and the relationship between retinal light sensitivity of different eccentricity ranges on visual perceptual performance in three typical behavioral modes of classrooms. The group characteristics of low mean light sensitivity (MS) and high pattern standard deviation (PSD) were obtained. 57.4% MS of them was lower than the normal threshold of the whole visual field. Moreover, the degree and irregularity of light sensitivity defect gradually increased from the center to the periphery. Light sensitivity indicators have significant effects on visual perceptual performance under typical classroom artificial light condition. Regression analysis was used to screen the “effective visual field indicators” and “optimal visual field indicators” for each visual perceptual performance. It was found that the visual perceptual performance of the desktop, blackboard, and changing-over modes relied primarily on the central, full-field, and peripheral visual fields, respectively. Further, the influence mechanism models and weight relationships between optimal indicators and visual perceptual performance were developed. Potential public visual health problems were quantified, leading to theoretical guide for classroom artificial lighting design oriented to visual perception.

Artificial boundary condition for Klein-Gordon equation by constructing mechanics structure

An innovative local artificial boundary condition is proposed to numerically solve the Cauchy problem of the Klein-Gordon equation in an unbounded domain. Initially, the equation is considered as the axial wave propagation in a bar supported on a spring foundation. The numerical model is then truncated by replacing the half-infinitely long bar with an equivalent mechanical structure. The effective frequency-dependent stiffness of the half-infinitely long bar is expressed as the sum of rational terms using Pade approximation. For each term, a corresponding substructure composed of dampers and masses is constructed. Finally, the equivalent mechanical structure is obtained by parallelly connecting these substructures. The proposed approach can be easily implemented within a standard finite element framework by incorporating additional mass points and damper elements. Numerical examples show that with just a few extra degrees of freedom, the proposed approach effectively suppresses artificial reflections at the truncation boundary and exhibits first-order convergence.

Development of productive pseudocapsulated compound feeds for rainbow trout grown in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation

The decrease in catch of valuable fish species from natural water bodies is compensated by their intensive cultivation in artificial conditions. In order to realize the main task of trout farms associated with obtaining marketable products in the shortest possible period of time, artificial feed is used as a source of food. A economically feasible alternative source of raw materials is the products of plant origin. In the process of production of oil and fat products at various stages, numerous fat wastes and by-products are formed, wich have fodder value and are not used as feeding facilities in industrial scale. This is especially frue for fat processing (soapstock of Light oil, fatty bleaching clays, dezodoration chases, phosphatides, calcium salts of fatty acids), as well as waste oils in combination with fat processing waste. On the base of studying the classical technology of producing mixed fodders for valuable fish species and eliminating its drawbacks the technology of pseudocapsulated mixed fodders for salmon fish grown in the CFD of Russia Federation with given fodder value and a line for its realization is suggested. The best way to bring fats and vitamins contained in them to valuable fish species is to feed them as a part of mixed fodders. At present, however, it is difficult to increase the level of fat in feed on the existing Russian fats supply lines, since most plants can include up to 10% of fat in the bulk feed line. Therefore, the development of mixing formulations and techniques for valuable fish breeds using sturgeon fish with more than 10% fat in it as an addition of fat oily wastes such as epaulettes and phosphates is not only of scientific interest. In the course of studies optimization encapsulated optimal feeds for program "Feed Optima Expert" pseudorainbow trout were also developed. As a result, close results were obtained in terms of the rate of growth of trout, the development, conversion of feed and viability in comparison with the best feed counterparts on the Russian market.

Evaluation of organics, antagonists and carbendazim against Fusarium wilt of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)

In India, pigeonpea [Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millsp.] wilt caused by Fusarium udum is prevalent in all areas it cultivated. Among the major soil borne diseases pigeonpea, the Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium udum is one of the most important diseases and can cause 30-100% loss in grain yield. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, farm yard manure, spent mushroom substrate of oyster mushroom and the fungicide Carbendazim 50% WP against Fusarium wilt of pigeonpea in terms ofseed germination and disease incidence under artificial inoculation conditions during Kharif 2021. Among the treatments assessed, maximum seed germination (95.83%) was recorded in treatments in which seed were treated with Carbendazim 50% WP or soil amended with the combination of spent mushroom substrate+Trichoderma harzianum or spent mushroom substrate+(Trichoderma harzianum+ Pseudomonas fluorescens) prior to sowing. Maximum reduction in disease incidence (73.81%) of Fusarium wilt over the control was recorded in treatment in which soil was amended with combination of spent mushroom substrate+(Trichoderma harzianum+ Pseudomonas fluorescens). The results revealed that all the treatments applied as prophylactic measure, reduced the Fusarium wilt and increased the seed germination significantly over the unprotected crop.

RETRACTED: Temperature and pH endurable self-assembled camellia-like nanostructure achieved on zinc sheet with superamphiphobicity for fog harvesting

Easy-implement and low-cost fabrication of super-hydrophobic/super-oleophobic materials is vital for efficient fog harvesting. In this study, we introduce a simple two-step procedure based on Cu/1-octadecanethiol (ODT) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) modified zinc plates. Intriguingly, the process emulates the natural blooming of flowers: copper particle deposition and subsequent SAM formation lead to the progressive expansion of the surface, culminating in camellia-like nanostructures. The ensuing materials display water contact angle (WCA) and oil contact angle (OCA) of 160 ± 1° and 159 ± 1°, respectively. The formation of a layered petal structure that effectively traps air is recognized as the crucial factor in achieving superamphiphobicity. In addition to enhanced fog collection, the materials exhibit exceptional performance in acidic and basic environments (1 ≤ pH ≤ 14) as well as artificial seawater conditions. Furthermore, they demonstrate remarkable wear resistance and self-cleaning capabilities. The combination of these attributes ensures the robustness and stability necessary for efficient fog collection.

Identification of Resistant Genotypes and Integrated Management of Dry Root Rot of Chickpea

Background: Dry root rot is an economically important soil borne disease of chickpea in India. The pathogen, Rhizoctonia bataticola, is a soil borne fungus resulting in significant losses in yield. Therefore, the present investigation was aimed to identify the management strategy of disease through identification new sources of resistance and integrated management of disease. Methods: R. bataticola was isolated and purified by using hyphal tip technique and molecular detection was done by using ITS primers. One hundred chickpea germplasm entries were screened under in both field and advanced phenotyping in glass house. The field trials on integrated management of the disease were conducted with different treatments using randomized block design. Result: Fourteen resistant and five moderately resistant genotypes were identified under artificial epiphytotic conditions. Advanced screening of these 19 genotypes under phenotyping technique yielded four resistant and five moderately resistant genotypes. Among nine treatments, seed treatment with mancozeb 50% + carbendazim 25% WP @ 3.5 g/kg followed by soil drenching of mancozeb 50% + carbendazim 25% WP @ 3 g/l water to infected and surrounding plants was found highly effective by recording least disease incidence with highest seed yield, test weight and benefit cost ratio.

Sunlight and marine weathering of poly(oxymethylene): Evolution of the physico-chemical properties

Plastic pollution is now an environmental problem that affects all environmental compartments. The study of plastic degradation in terrestrial, marine and other freshwater environments is emerging. Research is mainly focused on plastic fragmentation into microplastics. In this contribution, an engineering polymer, poly(oxymethylene) (POM), was studied under different weathering conditions using physico-chemical characterization techniques. A POM homopolymer and a POM copolymer were characterized by electron microscopy, tensile tests, DSC, infrared spectroscopy and rheometry tests after climatic and marine weathering or artificial UV/water spray cycles. Natural climatic conditions were the most favorable for POM degradation, especially under solar UV, as evidenced by the strong fragmentation into microplastics when subjected to artificial UV cycles. The evolution of properties with exposure time was found to be non-linear under natural conditions, in contrast to artificial conditions. Two main stages of degradation were evidenced by the correlation between strain at break and carbonyl indices.