scholarly journals Antiviral and Antinematodal potentials of chitosan: Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 055-059
Author(s):  
Abd El-Aziz Mahmoud Hamdy ◽  
Khalil Mohamed Salah
Keyword(s):  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Environmental Risks ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Alternative Control ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Chemical Pesticides

For many years, chemical pesticides have been performed to control different pests and diseases and this may be due to their broad spectrum of action, easy of application and the relatively low cost. But these chemicals have environmental risks, thus alternative control agents are needed. Chitosan is one of the novel suggested solutions to reduce the economic losses associated with chemical pesticides. Chitosan is naturally-occurring compound, as well as safe and biodegradable which obtained from certain natural sources. Chitosan have unique properties which help to control viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects, plant nematodes and other pests locally and systemically.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in Spatial Activity and Anxiety Levels in the COVID-19 Pandemic from Evolutionary Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1110
Author(s):  
Olga Semenova ◽  
Julia Apalkova ◽  
Marina Butovskaya
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Risks ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
General Level ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Health Attitudes ◽  
Spatial Activity ◽  
Sexual Specialization ◽  
The Face ◽  
Novel Virus ◽  
Virus Spreading

Despite the enforced lockdown regime in late March 2020 in Russia, the phenomenon of the continued virus spreading highlighted the importance of studies investigating the range of biosocial attributes and spectrum of individual motivations underlying the permanent presence of the substantial level of spatial activity. For this matter, we conducted a set of surveys between March and June 2020 (N = 492). We found that an individual’s health attitude is the most consistent factor explaining mobility differences. However, our data suggested that wariness largely determines adequate health attitudes; hence, a higher level of wariness indirectly reduced individual mobility. Comparative analysis revealed the critical biosocial differences between the two sexes, potentially rooted in the human evolutionary past. Females were predisposed to express more wariness in the face of new environmental risks; therefore, they minimize their mobility and outdoor contacts. In contrast to them, the general level of spatial activity reported by males was significantly higher. Wariness in the males’ sample was less associated with the novel virus threat, but to a great extent, it was predicted by the potential economic losses variable. These findings correspond to the evolutionary predictions of sexual specialization and the division of family roles.

Understanding the Role of Chlorine and Ozone to Control Postharvest Diseases in Fruit and Vegetables: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-461
Author(s):  
Gabriela M. Baia ◽  
Otniel Freitas-Silva ◽  
Murillo F. Junior
Keyword(s):  
Chlorine Dioxide ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Postharvest Diseases ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
By Products

Fruits and vegetables are foods that come into contact with various types of microorganisms from planting to their consumption. A lack or poor sanitation of these products after harvest can cause high losses due to deterioration and/ or pathogenic microorganisms. There are practically no post-harvest fungicides or bactericides with a broad spectrum of action that have no toxic residual effects and are safe. However, to minimize such problems, the use of sanitizers is an efficient device against these microorganisms. Chlorine is the most prevalent sanitizing agent because of its broad spectrum, low cost and well-established practices. However, the inevitable formation of disinfection by-products, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), is considered one of the main threats to food safety. Alternative sanitizers, such as chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and ozone, are becoming popular as a substitute for traditional post-harvest treatments. Thus, this review addresses the use of chlorine, chlorine dioxide and ozone emphasizing aspects, such as usage, safe application, spectrum of action and legislation. In order to ensure the quality and safety of final products, the adoption of well-prepared sanitation and sanitation programs for post-harvest fruits and vegetables is essential.

scholarly journals Pocket MUSE: an affordable, versatile and high-performance fluorescence microscope using a smartphone

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yehe Liu ◽  
Andrew M. Rollins ◽  
Richard M. Levenson ◽  
Farzad Fereidouni ◽  
Michael W. Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Consumer Electronics ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Point Of Care Diagnostics ◽  
Optical Module ◽  
Optical Configuration ◽  
User Friendly

AbstractSmartphone microscopes can be useful tools for a broad range of imaging applications. This manuscript demonstrates the first practical implementation of Microscopy with Ultraviolet Surface Excitation (MUSE) in a compact smartphone microscope called Pocket MUSE, resulting in a remarkably effective design. Fabricated with parts from consumer electronics that are readily available at low cost, the small optical module attaches directly over the rear lens in a smartphone. It enables high-quality multichannel fluorescence microscopy with submicron resolution over a 10× equivalent field of view. In addition to the novel optical configuration, Pocket MUSE is compatible with a series of simple, portable, and user-friendly sample preparation strategies that can be directly implemented for various microscopy applications for point-of-care diagnostics, at-home health monitoring, plant biology, STEM education, environmental studies, etc.

Comparative Study for the Assay of Plant Derived Chemicals in Pharmaceutical Formulation Using Methods Dependent on Factorized Spectra

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesma M Fahmy ◽  
Adel M Michael
Keyword(s):  
Pharmaceutical Formulations ◽  
Pharmaceutical Formulation ◽  
Ternary Mixtures ◽  
Ratio Method ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Accuracy And Precision ◽  
Validation Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Modern built-in spectrophotometer software supporting mathematical processes provided a solution for increasing selectivity for multicomponent mixtures. Objective Simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of the three naturally occurring antioxidants—rutin(RUT), hesperidin(HES), and ascorbic acid(ASC)—in bulk forms and combined pharmaceutical formulation. Method This was achieved by factorized zero order method (FZM), factorized derivative method (FD1M), and factorized derivative ratio method (FDRM), coupled with spectrum subtraction(SS). Results Mathematical filtration techniques allowed each component to be obtained separately in either its zero, first, or derivative ratio form, allowing the resolution of spectra typical to the pure components present in Vitamin C Forte® tablets. The proposed methods were applied over a concentration range of 2–50, 2–30, and 10–100 µg/mL for RUT, HES, and ASC, respectively. Conclusions Recent methods for the analysis of binary mixtures, FZM and FD1M, were successfully applied for the analysis of ternary mixtures and compared to the novel FDRM. All were revealed to be specific and sensitive with successful application on pharmaceutical formulations. Validation parameters were evaluated in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Statistical results were satisfactory, revealing no significant difference regarding accuracy and precision. Highlights Factorized methods enabled the resolution of spectra identical to those of pure drugs present in mixtures. Overlapped spectra of ternary mixtures could be resolved by spectrum subtraction coupled FDRM (SS-FDRM) or by successive application of FZM and FD1M.

scholarly journals Innovative passive reinforcements for the gradual stabilization of a landslide according with the observational method

Landslides ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Brezzi ◽  
Alberto Bisson ◽  
Davide Pasa ◽  
Simonetta Cola
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Observational Method ◽  
Rainy Period ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Set Up

AbstractA large number of landslides occur in North-Eastern Italy during every rainy period due to the particular hydrogeological conditions of this area. Even if there are no casualties, the economic losses are often significant, and municipalities frequently do not have sufficient financial resources to repair the damage and stabilize all the unstable slopes. In this regard, the research for more economically sustainable solutions is a crucial challenge. Floating composite anchors are an innovative and low-cost technique set up for slope stabilization: it consists in the use of passive sub-horizontal reinforcements, obtained by coupling a traditional self-drilling bar with some tendons cemented inside it. This work concerns the application of this technique according to the observational method described within the Italian and European technical codes and mainly recommended for the design of geotechnical works, especially when performed in highly uncertain site conditions. The observational method prescribes designing an intervention and, at the same time, using a monitoring system in order to correct and adapt the project during realization of the works on the basis of new data acquired while on site. The case study is the landslide of Cischele, a medium landslide which occurred in 2010 after an exceptional heavy rainy period. In 2015, some floating composite anchors were installed to slow down the movement, even if, due to a limited budget, they were not enough to ensure the complete stabilization of the slope. Thanks to a monitoring system installed in the meantime, it is now possible to have a comparison between the site conditions before and after the intervention. This allows the evaluation of benefits achieved with the reinforcements and, at the same time, the assessment of additional improvements. Two stabilization scenarios are studied through an FE model: the first includes the stabilization system built in 2015, while the second evaluates a new solution proposed to further increase the slope stability.

scholarly journals Mendelian randomisation for psychiatry: how does it work, and what can it tell us?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn E. Wootton ◽  
Hannah J. Jones ◽  
Hannah M. Sallis
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Mendelian Randomisation ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Complementary Approach ◽  
Randomised Control Trials ◽  
Successful Prevention

AbstractThe successful prevention of mental illness relies upon the identification of causal, modifiable risk factors. However, observational evidence exploring such risk factors often produces contradictory results and randomised control trials are often expensive, time-consuming or unethical to conduct. Mendelian randomisation (MR) is a complementary approach that uses naturally occurring genetic variation to identify possible causal effects between a risk factor and an outcome in a time-efficient and low-cost manner. MR utilises genetic variants as instrumental variables for the risk factor of interest. MR studies are becoming more frequent in the field of psychiatry, warranting a reflection upon both the possibilities and the pitfalls. In this Perspective, we consider several limitations of the MR method that are of particular relevance to psychiatry. We also present new MR methods that have exciting applications to questions of mental illness. While we believe that MR can make an important contribution to the field of psychiatry, we also wish to emphasise the importance of clear causal questions, thorough sensitivity analyses, and triangulation with other forms of evidence.

A Low-Cost Biomimetic Heterostructured Multilayer Membrane with Geopolymer Microparticles for Broad-Spectrum Water Purification

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 12133-12142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Song ◽  
Zhili Li ◽  
Jiubing Zhang ◽  
Ying Tang ◽  
Yuanyuan Ge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Water Purification ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Multilayer Membrane

scholarly journals Myco-Biocontrol of Insect Pests: Factors Involved, Mechanism, and Regulation

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sardul Singh Sandhu ◽  
Anil K. Sharma ◽  
Vikas Beniwal ◽  
Gunjan Goel ◽  
Priya Batra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Insect Pest Control ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Chemical Inputs ◽  
Chemical Pesticides

The growing demand for reducing chemical inputs in agriculture and increased resistance to insecticides have provided great impetus to the development of alternative forms of insect-pest control. Myco-biocontrol offers an attractive alternative to the use of chemical pesticides. Myco-biocontrol agents are naturally occurring organisms which are perceived as less damaging to the environment. Their mode of action appears little complex which makes it highly unlikely that resistance could be developed to a biopesticide. Past research has shown some promise of the use of fungi as a selective pesticide. The current paper updates us about the recent progress in the field of myco-biocontrol of insect pests and their possible mechanism of action to further enhance our understanding about the biological control of insect pests.

Core–Shell Chain-Like Cu@Ni Composite with Dual Absorption Peaks to Improve Microwave Absorption Properties

NANO ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (05) ◽  
pp. 1850052
Author(s):  
Yuanyuan Zhou ◽  
Jianying Deng ◽  
Shimei Li ◽  
Zefeng Li
Keyword(s):  
Hydrothermal Reaction ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Electromagnetic Properties ◽  
Formation Mechanisms ◽  
Core Shell ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Redox Potentials ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Ni Alloy ◽  
Absorbing Material

Core–shell Cu@Ni chains were successfully synthesized through a mild hydrothermal reaction. The morphology, structure and microwave electromagnetic properties of the composite were then characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and vector network analysis. The formation mechanisms of the core–shell structure and one-dimensional chains were ascribed to the varying redox potentials of Cu and Ni ions and the magnetic dipole–dipole attraction. Furthermore, a minimal reflection loss (RL) of [Formula: see text]20.7[Formula: see text]dB was observed at 9.6[Formula: see text]GHz with a thickness of 2.0[Formula: see text]mm and the effective absorption ([Formula: see text]10[Formula: see text]dB, 90% microwave attenuation) bandwidth can be adjusted between 5.2[Formula: see text]GHz and 16.6[Formula: see text]GHz for the thin absorber thickness of 2.0–4.0[Formula: see text]mm. The novel core–shell chain-like Cu@Ni alloy can be used as a promising absorbing material because it shows numerous features such as thin thickness, strong absorption, low cost and lightweight.

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