Maximum Percentage Increase Research Articles

Efficacy of Newer Insecticides against Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda on Maize

The effectiveness of various newer insecticides against fall armyworm was assessed. The different treatments were spray viz., flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, neem seed kernel extract, Bacillus thuringiensis and control. The overall mean of the two sprays revealed that the most effective treatment was chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC recorded the lowest larval population followed by emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, neem seed kernel extract. During the yield observation, it was observed that a significantly higher yield was obtained in chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC treated plots which is followed by emamectin benzoate 5% SG, flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and NSKE 5 %. Maximum percentage increase in yield over control was obtained from chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC treated plots which are followed by emamectin benzoate 5% SG, flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and NSKE 5 %. The economics of various treatments based on net profit and cost of plant protection revealed that the highest cost: benefit ratio was observed in plot treated with emamectin benzoate 5% SG followed by Beauveria bassiana, chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, NSKE, Metarhizium anisopliae, flubendiamide 39.35 % SC.

Analytical and numerical investigation of the seismic behavior of tubular web reduced beam section connections

AbstractThe reduced beam section (RBS) connections in steel structures are widely used to achieve sufficient ductility and avoid creating brittle failures in moment‐resisting frames. Compared to other types of connections, conventional RBS connections have the potential to reduce moment capacity and induce larger lateral deformation in the structure. In order to resolve this problem, novel forms of RBS connections have been proposed in recent years, such as tubular web RBS connections, which have shown a desirable performance under various loading conditions in previous studies. Therefore, this study conducted an analytic and numerical investigation of this connection under seismic loading. In this regard, the first step is to introduce the analytic equations related to the structural properties and stability of the reduced beam with the tubular web. Using these equations, a comprehensive procedure for the design of the tubular web RBS connections is presented. After that, a numerical model of the tubular web RBS connections is created and then analyzed under cyclic loading using the finite element method in ABAQUS software. Based on the results of this simulation, the suggested connection meets the criteria of valid international standards and can be used in the special moment‐resisting frame. In order to assess the impact of using the proposed connection in moment‐resisting frames, the performance of two 2D moment‐resisting frames with this connection is studied. This study shows that the maximum percentage increase in relative displacement caused by using tubular web RBS connections is 1.68%, whereas this figure rises to 10.6% when conventional RBS connections are used. Therefore, the designers can use tubular web RBS connections instead of conventional RBS connections to increase the lateral stability of the structure and control its lateral deflection due to the seismic loadings without having to increase the dimensions of the frame elements.

Foliar Impact of Urea and Nano Urea Application on Growth and Yield Attributes of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle.) Cv. Kagzi

Background: Acid lime being the nutrient exhaustive fruit crop and requires regular annual application of macro and micronutrients and there was a need to study the response of foliar application of Urea and Nano urea as a source of nitrogen to assess its impact on Kagzi lime trees. The reason to undertake this research was based on response of foliar Urea and Nano urea on nutrient supplementation, rapid nutrient uptake, improved nitrogen utilization along with enhanced nutrient mobility and its effect on growth and yield attributes in acid lime cv. Kagzi plants. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at the Fruit Instructional Farm, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar during June 2022 to December 2022 in established Kagzi lime orchard of 14 years age. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The experiment consisted of foliar application of nine treatments comprising Urea and Nano urea. Result: On the basis of results obtained in the present investigation, the foliar application of T4 treatment (Urea @ 2.0%) was found beneficial in the improvement of growth and yield attributes in acid lime cv. Kagzi. The foliar feeding response through T4 treatment (Urea @ 2.0%) resulted in enhancement of plant height (m), plant spread [E-W and N-S (m)], canopy volume (m3), number of fruits plant-1, yield plant-1 (kg) and estimated yield (kg/ha) in acid lime cv. Kagzi trees.The overall maximum percentage increase in growth attributes viz. plant height (6.46%), E-W plant spread (6.09%), N-S plant spread (6.27%) and canopy volume (20.34%) were found in T4 treatment consisting (Urea @ 2.0%). The application of T4 treatment (Urea @ 2%) resulted in enhancement of number of fruits plant-1 (480.33), fruit weight (67.90 g), yield plant-1 (27.87) and estimated yield (77.21 q/ha).

Unlocking growth potential: Synergistic potassium fertilization for enhanced yield, nutrient uptake, and energy fractions in Chinese cabbage

The implementation of integrated potassium management presents a viable approach for augmenting plant growth, yield, and nutrient uptake while enhancing soil nutrient availability. A field experiment was executed during the rabi season of 2020, employing a randomized complete block design encompassing eight treatments involving standard (100%) and reduced (75% and 50%) rates of the recommended dose of potassium (RDK) administered through muriate of potash (MOP). Treatments included variations in the incorporation/exclusion of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), farmyard manure (FYM) at 25% of potassium recommendation, and foliar application of nano potash. The use of 100% RDK +25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T8) exhibited significant enhancements in green fodder yield (64.0 ± 2.2 t ha−1) over control with no potassium application (47.3 ± 3.7 t ha−1) and found at par with and 75% RDK + 25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T7). These treatments yielded maximum percent increase for plant height (34.9%), leaf count (38.5%), leaf dimensions (28.8–31.5%), stem girth (25.84%), root volume (27.0%), and root length (37.64%), observed at the harvest stage compared to control (T1-no potassium application). The treatment T8 was on par with T7 and recorded highest uptake of macro (N, P, and K) and micro (Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn) nutrients. While soil parameters such as available nitrogen and potassium levels were notably increased through the application of treatment T7 across various treatment combinations and found significantly superiority over treatment T8. Multivariate analysis also highlighted treatment T7 is more efficient in maintaining sustainability. Hence, based on the present findings it can be concluded that application of 75% RDK +25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T7) can be recommended for achieving enhanced productivity and soil fertility improvement within agricultural systems.

Comparative evaluation of incidence of dentinal defects after root canal preparation using three different endodontic retreatment systems - An in vitro study.

Safe and efficient removal of all root filling materials from the root canal system without compromising radicular dentin structure is essential for optimal nonsurgical retreatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the incidence of dentinal defects caused during root canal filling removal using conventional, rotary, and reciprocating retreatment file systems. A detailed protocol explaining purpose and procedures of the study was submitted to the Institutional Ethics Committee and ethical clearance obtained. Sixty human maxillary permanent central incisors were collected and decoronated to 12-mm standardized length. The canals prepared up to a master apical file size F3 with Protaper hand files, obturated using AH plus sealer, examined under the stereomicroscope (×40 magnification): Group I: Control (n = 15), Group II: Conventional (n = 15), Group III: Protaper Universal Retreatment Files (n = 15), and Group IV: Reciproc Blue (n = 15). After instrumentation, teeth were sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex to evaluate the presence of dentinal defects under the stereomicroscope. Statistics were performed using the SPSS, version, 25 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Initially, normality test was done using the Shapiro-Wilk test and data were not normally distributed followed by Kruskal-Wallis test. P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Maximum percentage increase in dentinal defects was observed in Protaper Universal Retreatment Files followed by Conventional method and Reciproc Blue. Significantly Reciproc Blue reduced the incidence of dentinal defects after root canal preparation.

Investigation of mechanical properties and microstructure characterisation of MMA-MIG-TIG-SAW welded EN8 steel joints via shot blasting method

The industries of energy, transportation, and other engineering components all benefit greatly from the use of medium carbon (C) steel EN8. For these applications, welding is typically used to join the material. Conventionally welded joints, however, struggle to meet the exacting standards of industrial applications. In this comprehensive study, the tensile strength, microhardness, and microstructure of joints made of medium C EN8 steel using manual metal arc (MMA), metal inert gas (MIG), tungsten inert gas (TIG), and submerged arc (SAW) welding were investigated. These weld joints were then subjected to the shot blasting method to determine the effect on the mechanical properties of these weldments, Different response characteristics have been studied in relation to the shot blasting with various time periods. A detailed characterisation of the samples has been carried out optical microscopy, surface electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), optical emission spectroscopy (OES), microhardness, and tensile testing with fractographical analysis. The maximum percentage increase in the microhardness in fusion zone (FZ) occurred in case of TIG welded specimens, i.e. 29.63% after 25 min of abrasive blasting period. However, the maximum change in the tensile strength, i.e. 10.53% has been observed for MMA welded specimens after 15 min of abrasive blasting period. Microstructural analysis revealed TIG has a columnar dendritic structure, MIG and SAW have an equiaxed dendritic structure. MMA has a cellular dendritic structure. The outcomes revealed that abrasive blasting improves the mechanical characteristics of industrial MMA, MIG, TIG, and SAW welded specimens.

A study on the mechanical and durability properties of bacterial culture with Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) as partial replacement for cement

In concrete structures, the formation of cracks leads to reduction in the strength of the structures. Bioconcrete is an environmentally friendly material used for healing of cracks. In this study, the indigenous bacteria Bacillus cereus KOV15 obtained from the soil is used in bioconcrete with Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) as partial replacement for cement. Five different mixes of concrete such as conventional concrete and various mixes of concrete with bacterial broth culture (30% GGBS + 5% bacterial broth culture), (30% GGBS +10% bacterial broth culture), (40% GGBS + 5% bacterial broth culture) and (40% GGBS + 10% bacterial broth culture) were used to find the mechanical and durability properties and to study the microstructure of bioconcrete. The maximum percentage increase in the cube compressive strength, the split tensile strength and the flexural strength of bioconcrete was 26.79%, 11.69% and 21.3% respectively for concrete with 30% cement replaced with GGBS and 10% bacterial broth culture in comparison with the control concrete at the 28th day. The XRD, SEM and EDX analyses were performed to identify the calcium carbonate formation in bioconcrete. The SEM images of the bioconcrete with GGBS as replacement for cement have better hydrated form and have lesser pores than the conventional concrete. The EDX results exhibited a significant increase in the amount of calcium in the bioconcretewith 30% GGBS and 10% bacterial broth culture by 103.82% than that of the conventional concrete.The permeability of chloride ion was very low (903.2 Coulombs) in concrete with 10% bacterial broth culture and 30% GGBS as partial replacement for cement. The water absorption was maximum (3.03%) in the conventional concrete specimens when compared to other bioconcrete specimens with bacterial broth culture and GGBS as partial replacement for cement. Bioconcrete showed very low permeability and higher acid resistance than the conventional concrete. The Load deflection studies exhibited higher ultimate load and ductility factor for bioconcrete and the failure pattern of bioconcrete indicated lesser number of cracks, minimum crack width and no shear failure pattern. The indigenous Bacillicus Cereus KOV15 strains can be used for the synthesis of green construction materials like calcite-based biocement.

Transient solidification and melting numerical simulation of lauric acid PCM filled stepped solar still basin used in water desalination process

It is crucial to produce potable water from salt water in arid places using a stepped solar still desalination process. This work presents the temperature distribution and phase transformation of lauric acid PCM in inclined stepped solar still desalination system. A second-order finite volume method is employed for discretizing the two-dimensional geometry, while energy, continuity, and momentum equations are solved and then coupled using the second-order PRESTO algorithm. The solidification and melting CFD models have been used to capture the melting stages of lauric acid PCM. Four steps with an inclination of 30° to ground and two different cases with saline water levels of 10 mm and 40 mm have been reported. The results reveal that the temperature and mass fraction of lauric acid PCM strongly depends on the saline water level at each step, the number of steps, the angle of inclination, and the location of the solar still step. The maximum percentage increase in PCM melting fraction is 50%, and a PCM temperature rise of 4 °C is observed in the case of SWL-max compared to SWL-min. The total enthalpy of lauric acid PCM is increased by 30% for the SWL-max water level compared to the SWL-min water level.

A comparative examination of the aerodynamic performance of various seashell-shaped wind turbines

The seashell-shaped wind turbine (spiral wind turbine SWT), a brand-new form of the horizontal axis wind turbine, is intended for metropolitan use. SWTs have the additional advantage of being installed anywhere without considering their surroundings, as they do not need to be located facing the wind direction. The present work introduces various designs of the rotor of the seashell wind turbine to achieve the greatest performance. Two types of turbine spiral profiles (logarithmic and Archimedean) are investigated with changing the turbine opening angle (θ). Utilizing the turbulence model SST k-ω, the equations of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) are solved and hence the power coefficient (CP) is calculated. A comprehensive comparison of the findings for both configurations indicates that the turbine of the Archimedean spiral profile with θ of 60° generates the best performance. The seashell wind turbine with the Archimedean profile at a θ of 60° has a maximum CP = 0.266825 at λ = 2.5. The seashell wind turbine with the Archimedean profile has the best performance than traditional Archimedes wind turbines which were studied previously by other researchers. The maximum percentage increase in the CP of the seashell turbine with the Archimedean profile compared to the conventional Archimedes turbine equals 14.52%.

FSPV-Grid System for an Industrial Subsection with PV Price Sensitivity Analysis

Renewable energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaic generation, now dominate generation options. Solar generation advancements have resulted in floating solar photovoltaics, also known as FSPV systems. FSPV systems are one of the fastest growing technologies today, providing a viable replacement for ground-mounted PV systems due to their flexibility and low land-space requirement. This paper presents a systematic approach for implementing a proposed FSPV–grid integrated system in Bhilai Steel Plant’s (BSP) subsections. BSP is a steel manufacturing plant located in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, and the FSPV system has the potential to generate sufficient energy by accessing two of its reservoirs. The system was simulated in HOMER Pro software, which provided the FSPV system power estimations, area requirements, net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), production summary, grid purchasing/selling, IRR, ROI, paybacks and pollutant emissions. A sensitivity analysis for a hike in PV prices globally due to a shortage in poly silicone in international markets during the fiscal year 2021–2022 was undertaken for the proposed FSPV–grid system. Here, the authors considered hikes in the PV price of 1%, 9%and 18% respectively, since the maximum percentage increase in PV prices globally is 18%. The authors also compared the proposed FSPV–grid system to the existing grid-only system for two sections of the BSP and the results obtained showed that the NPC and LCOE would be much lower in the case of the FSPV–grid system than the grid-only system. However, with changes in the percentage hike in PV prices, the NPC and LCOE were found to increase due to changes in the proportion of FSPV–grid systems in production. The pollutant emissions were the minimum in the case of the FSPV–grid system, whereas they were the highest in the case of the existing grid-only system. Furthermore, the payback analysis indicated that the minimum ROI for the above-defined construction would be fully covered in 15.81 years with the nominal 1% pricing for FSPV–grid generation. Therefore, the overall results suggest that the FSPV–grid system has the potential to be a perfect alternative solar energy source that can meet the current electrical energy requirements of the steel manufacturing industry with nominal pricing better than the existing grid-only system, as well as addressing economic constraints and conferring environmental benefits.

Climate Change Impacts on the Hydrology of the Brahmaputra River Basin

Climate change (CC) is impacting the hydrology in the basins of the Himalayan region. Thus, this could have significant implications for people who rely on basin water for their lives and livelihoods. However, there are very few studies on the Himalayan river basins. This study aims to fill this gap by presenting a water balance for the Brahmaputra River Basin using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Results show that snowmelt contributed about 6% of the total annual flow of the whole Brahmaputra, 21% of the upper Brahmaputra, and 5% of the middle Brahmaputra. The basin-wide average annual water yield (AWY) is projected to increase by 8%, with the maximum percentage increase in the pre-monsoon season. The annual snowmelt is projected to decrease by 17%, with a marked decrease during the monsoon but an increase in other seasons and the greatest percentage reduction in the upper Brahmaputra (22%). The contribution of snowmelt to AWY is projected to decrease while rain runoff will increase across the entire Brahmaputra and also in the upper and middle Brahmaputra. The impact assessment suggests that the upper Brahmaputra will be most affected by CC, followed by the middle Brahmaputra. The results can be used to support future water management planning in the basin taking into account the potential impact of CC.

Nutritional characterization of the extrusion-processed micronutrient-fortified corn snacks enriched with protein and dietary fiber.

The current study focused on developing protein- and dietary fiber-enriched, micronutrient-fortified corn snacks using extrusion technology. Corn, soybean, and chickpea flour were used to develop micronutrient-fortified (Fe, Zn, I, and vitamin A, and C) extruded snacks, followed by an exploration of their nutritional traits. Soybean and chickpea were supplemented discretely (20-40/100 g) or in a combination of both (10:10, 15:15, and 20:20/100 g). According to the results, the relative proportion of the raw material composition was reflected in corn snacks' proximate composition and mineral and vitamin levels. Corn snacks with 40/100 g soy flour showed the best nutrient profile, with a maximum percent increase in protein (171.9%) and fiber (106%), as compared to the snacks developed using chickpea and/or mixed supplementation with soy and chickpea. Total dietary fiber (18.44 ± 0.34%), soluble dietary fiber (10.65 ± 0.13%), and insoluble dietary fiber (7.76 ± 0.38%) were also found to be highest in the soy-supplemented snacks (40/100 g). It was discovered that 100 g of corn snacks could provide 115-127% of the RDA for iron, 77-82% of the RDA for zinc, 90-100% of the RDA for vitamin A, and 45-50% of the RDA for vitamin C. The results for the effect of extrusion processing on amino acids showed a 2.55-45.1% reduction in essential amino acids, with cysteine and valine showing the greatest decrease and leucine and tryptophan remaining relatively stable during extrusion.

The Usefulness of MRI Dynamic Flow Sequences in Differentiating High- and Low-Flow Vascular Malformations.

Peripheral arteriovenous malformations (PVMs) can be classified into high-flow malformations (HFVMs) and low-flow malformations (LFVMs). Adequate distinguishment is crucial for therapeutic decision and can be done using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). The main aim of this retrospective study was to determine the diagnostic value of quantitative DCE-MRI ratios for differentiation between HFVM and LFVM, their optimal cut-off points, and predictive values. DCE-MRI time-resolved angiography with stochastic trajectory (TWIST) examinations of 90 patients with PVMs were included [28 HFVM (31%), 62 LFVM (69%)]. The measurements of artery-lesion time, maximum lesion enhancement, slope of the enhancement curve, and maximum percentage increase of signal intensity (SI) were obtained. The optimal cut-offs for HFVMs calculated using the Youden index were: for slope of enhancement curve < 8.7 s (sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 89%), artery-lesion time ≤ 5.6 s (sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 77%), time to maximum enhancement ≤ 30 s (sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 100%), and maximum percentage enhancement of the lesion > 662% (sensitivity of 68%, specificity of 69%). To summarize, DCE-MRI is very valuable for differentiation between HFVM and LFVM, especially if quantitative measurements are done.

Hydrochar Derived from Spent Mushroom Substrate Ameliorates Soil Properties and Nutrient Levels in Saline–Sodic Soil: An Incubation Study

Hydrothermal carbonization is a promising strategy for the resource utilization of agricultural wastes. However, the effect of hydrochar on ameliorating saline–sodic soil remains unclear. In the present study, a novel hydrochar amendment was prepared from spent mushroom substrate (SMSHC), followed by an incubation study of saline–sodic soil samples with different pH values (A, pH 9.83; B, pH 8.98; C, pH 8.21). The results demonstrated that SMSHC reduced the adverse effects of saline–sodic soil effectively, and the best effect was obtained when 6% SMSHC was added. Soil pH and ESP decreased by 0.34–0.75 units and 1.0–13.0% at 6% SMSHC loading, respectively. The maximum percentage increase in the soil’s available N, available P, and DOC was 72.3, 221, and 408%, respectively. In the subsequent rice pot seedling experiment, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased K+/Na+ ratio, proline, soluble sugar, total N, and total P in plant samples were observed. This study verifies hydrothermal carbonization as an alternative method, except for the widely used pyrolysis, to recycle biomass wastes into valuable products for soil remediation.

Direct and indirect effects and feedbacks of biomass burning aerosols over Mainland Southeast Asia and South China in springtime

Southeast Asia is one of the largest biomass burning (BB) source regions in the world. In order to promote our understanding of BB aerosol characteristics and environmental impacts, this study investigated the emission, composition, evolution, radiative effects, and feedbacks of BB aerosols from Mainland Southeast Asia during 15 March to 15 April 2019 by using an online-coupled regional chemistry/aerosol-climate model RIEMS-Chem. Model results are compared against a variety of ground and vertical observations, indicating a generally good model performance for meteorology, aerosol chemical compositions, and aerosol optical properties. It is found that BB aerosols contributed significantly to regional particulate matter (PM), accounting for up to 90 % of the near-surface PM2.5, BC, and OC concentrations over the BB source regions of north Mainland Southeast Asia and for approximately 30–70 % over wide downwind areas including most areas of southwest China and portions of south China. At the top of atmosphere (TOA), BB aerosols exerted a positive all-sky radiative effect (DREBB) up to 25 W/m2 over north Vietnam and south China, a negative DREBB up to −10 W/m2 over Myanmar, western Thailand, and southwest China. Meanwhile, the indirect radiative effect (IREBB) was consistently negative, with the maximum of −10 W/m2 over downwind areas with cloud coverage, e.g., from north Vietnam to most of south China. The subregional (95–125°E and 10–30°N) and period mean DREBB and IREBB at TOA were estimated to be 0.69 W/m2 and − 0.63 W/m2, respectively, leading a total radiative effect (TREBB) of 0.06 W/m2 at TOA. The radiative effects of BB aerosols led to decreases in sensible and latent heat fluxes, near-surface temperature, PBL height, and wind speed of 6.0 Wm−2, 9.0 Wm−2, 0.26 °C, 38.7 m, and 0.1 m/s, respectively, accompanied with an increase in RH of 1.9 %, averaged over the subregion and the study period. The accumulated precipitation during the study period was apparently reduced by BB aerosols from east Thailand to south China, with the maximum reduction up to 14 cm (exceeding 40 %) over north Vietnam and south China. TREBB tended to increase mean near-surface PM2.5 and its component concentrations, with the maximum percentage increase up to 24 % over the BB source regions of north Mainland Southeast Asia, resulting from the combined effects of dynamic and chemical feedbacks. DREBB generally dominated over IREBB in the feedback-induced PM2.5 concentration changes.

Anthropogenic pollutants could enhance aridity in the vicinity of the Taklimakan Desert: A case study

With the intensification of human activities, the mixture of anthropogenic pollutants and natural dust aerosols in the vicinity of the Taklimakan Desert (TD) has become a new uncertainty in the weather and climate system. In this study, using a Weather Research and Forecasting model version 4.0 with the Thompson aerosol-aware microphysics scheme, we investigated the impact of anthropogenic aerosols on clouds and precipitation in an atmospheric environment with abundant dust aerosols in the vicinity of the TD. Our findings indicate that anthropogenic aerosols can increase cloud droplet number concentrations in the vicinity of the TD, and the maximum percentage increase can reach 50 %. In addition, the effective radius of water clouds decreases significantly due to anthropogenic aerosols, which means that more numerous but smaller cloud droplets are formed with enhanced anthropogenic aerosol loading under a dusty background. Meanwhile, anthropogenic aerosols can decrease raindrops below 650 hPa, graupel and snow particles, causing less precipitation in the dusty atmosphere surrounding the TD. Furthermore, the anthropogenic aerosol-induced changes in daily precipitation accumulation are also large, with a regionally averaged maximum reduction of up to 4.2 %. Therefore, anthropogenic aerosols are an important factor that exacerbates aridity in the vicinity of the TD, and there is an urgent need to control anthropogenic pollutants around the TD.

Elevated effluent potassium concentrations predict the development of postreperfusion hyperkalemia in deceased liver transplantation: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPostreperfusion hyperkalemia (PRHK) has garnered increasing attention in regard to deceased liver transplantation (LT), especially for LT using the expanded criteria donor grafts. However, the impact of the effluent potassium (eK+) concentration on PRHK has been largely overlooked. We evaluated whether elevated eK+ concentrations are associated with PRHK in deceased LT.MethodsIn this single-institution, retrospective cohort study, we included all adults who underwent deceased LT with intraoperative eK+ concentration monitoring between November 2016 and December 2018. The eK+ concentrations were obtained from the effluent samples collected following a standard portal vein flush. PRHK was defined as any serum potassium (sK+) level of > 5.5 mmol/L following reperfusion. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors for PRHK, and linear regression was used to examine predictors of the maximum percentage increase in the sK+ level following reperfusion.ResultsOf the 86 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 54 (62.8%) developed PRHK. Independent predictors for PRHK included greater graft weight (OR 1.283 [95% CI 1.029–1.599] per 100 g, P = 0.027), an elevated eK+ concentration (OR 1.291 [95% CI 1.068–1.561] per mol/L, P = 0.008), and a higher sK+ level before reperfusion (OR 4.459 [95% CI 1.543–12.884] per mol/L, P = 0.006). An eK+ concentration of more than 6.9 mmol/L had a sensitivity of 59.26% and a specificity of 78.12% for predicting PRHK (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.694). Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that the eK+ and sK+ levels before reperfusion were significant predictors of the maximum percentage increase in the sK+ level following reperfusion. In addition, PRHK was associated with an increased risk of postreperfusion significant arrhythmias, severe postreperfusion syndrome, and postoperative early allograft dysfunction.ConclusionsThis study shows that the eK+ concentration could predict the risk of PRHK in deceased LT. Further prospective studies are warranted to clarify these associations.

Root-Knot Disease Suppression in Eggplant Based on Three Growth Ages of Ganoderma lucidum.

This investigation presents a novel finding showing the effect of culture filtrates (CFs) of macrofungi, Ganoderma lucidum, against Meloidogyne incognita evaluated in vitro and in planta. To determine the nematicidal activity, juveniles of M. incognita were exposed to Ganoderma CFs of three different ages (Two, four and eight weeks old) of pileus and stipe at different concentrations, i.e., 100%, 50%, 10% and 1% for different time intervals (12, 24, 48 and 72 h). Ganoderma species were examined morphologically based on external appearance and analytically using SEM. The ethanolic samples of basidiocarp were prepared and analyzed for in vitro nematicidal assay and different bioactive compounds. The in vitro experiment results revealed that among all three ages of pileus and stipe, two-week-old pileus and stipe exhibited great nematotoxic potency and caused 83.8% and 73.8% juveniles’ mortality at 100% concentration after 72 h of exposure time, respectively. Similarly, the two-week-old pileus and stipe showed the highest egg hatching inhibition of 89.2% and 81.0% at the 100% concentration after five days. The eight-week-old pileus and stipe were not more effective than the two- and four-week-old pileus and stipe. The metabolites were characterized using GC-MS, including sugar alcohol, steroids, silanes, glucosides, pyrones, ester, oleic acid, phthalic acid, linoleic acid, palmitates and ketones. The in planta study conducted in the greenhouse demonstrated that the root dip treatment for 30 min with Ganoderma CFs curtailed the infection level of M. incognita and promoted the eggplant plant growth. The maximum percent increase in plant length, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and yield/plant was obtained at 100% conc. of fungus CFs, whereas a reduction was observed in nematode infestation parameters. It was concluded from the study that Ganoderma CFs can be explored as an effective and eco-friendly antinemic biocontrol agent in fields infected with root-knot nematodes.

Synergism of Industrial and Agricultural Waste as a Suitable Carrier Material for Developing Potential Biofertilizer for Sustainable Agricultural Production of Eggplant

The study investigates biochar from agriculture waste and flyash from coal power station as possible carrier materials for two plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacterial strains Burkholderia sp. L2 and Bacillus sp. A30 for enhanced eggplant growth and yield. Biochar-based biofertilizers with/without flyash showed higher viability up to 270 days of storage period. The maximum percentage of seed germination was observed in L2-based biochar and flyash + biochar (1:1) bifertilizer. Moreover, the L2 + biochar+flyash produced a maximum percentage increase in fruit yield with significant (p &lt; 0.05) improvement in plant growth parameters. Post-harvest soil status also showed enhanced physical (water holding capacity, moisture content), chemical (pH, electrical conductivity, NPK), and dehydrogenase activity. The study suggests that biofertilizer of L2 strain with agriculture waste generated biochar and flyash as carrier materials can tremendously enhance the productivity of eggplant and could act as a substitute for chemical fertilizer thus solving their disposal problem by sustainable waste management.

Comparison of Antinociceptive Properties Between Sevoflurane and Desflurane Using Pupillary Dilation Reflex Under Equivalent Minimum Alveolar Concentration: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The pupillary dilation reflex (PDR), the change in pupil size after a nociceptive stimulus, has been used to assess antinociception during anesthesia. The aim of this study was to compare the antinociceptive properties of sevoflurane and desflurane by measuring the PDR amplitude. Seventy patients between 20 and 55 years of age were randomly allocated to receive either sevoflurane or desflurane. The PDR amplitude after an electrical standardized noxious stimulation (SNT) was measured using an infrared pupillometer under 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). The pupil diameter was measured from 5 seconds before to 5 minutes after the SNT. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and bispectral index (BIS) were also measured immediately before and after SNT as well as 1 minute and 5 minutes after SNT. The primary outcome was the maximum percent increase from the prestimulation value of the pupil diameter, and the secondary outcomes were the maximum percent increase from the prestimulation value of the MAP, HR, and BIS after SNT. The maximum percent increase of the pupil diameter after SNT was not different between the 2 groups (median [first quartile to third quartile], 45.1 [29.3-80.3] vs 43.4 [27.0-103.1]; median difference, -0.3 [95% confidence interval, -16.0 to 16.5]; P = .986). Before SNT, the MAP was higher under 1.0 MAC of sevoflurane than desflurane; however, the maximum percent increase of MAP, HR, and BIS was not different between the 2 groups. The amount of change in the PDR amplitude, MAP, and HR after SNT was not different between sevoflurane and desflurane anesthesia. This result might suggest that sevoflurane and desflurane may not have different antinociceptive properties at equivalent MAC.