Assessment of genetic and biochemical diversity of ecologically variant ectomycorrhizal Russula sp. from India

The aim of this study was to develop the phylogenetic relationship amongst the ecologically variant Russula species by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based technique, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and isozyme analyses. Two groups could be characterized amongst the total isolates by cluster analyses. Protease, cellulase, glutamate dehydrogenase,  pectinase and acid phosphatase designated band P220.16, C472.18, GLD130.21, Pe569.12 and AP472.12, respectively, were common in all the isolates and four monomorphic RAPD bands viz; 818, 512, 298 and 201 bp were also diversified in the isolates. This common band reveals that diversity of these alleles or loci in all ecologically variant isolates. Thus, the present studies discuss the genetic diversity of ecologically variant Russula species on the basis of RAPD and isozyme analysis

Clearing the Backlog: Trichiasis Surgeon Retention and Productivity in Northern Ethiopia

Blindness from trachoma is caused by the abrasive effect of trichiasis (in-turned eyelashes). Surgery is performed to correct this anatomical abnormality, and prevent blindness. Despite the progress made in many regions in controlling the active/infectious stages of this disease, the global prevalence of trichiasis remains about the same. Current surgical activity is barely keeping abreast of incident trichiasis; this is undermining all the other efforts to control trachoma. We examine staff retention and productivity in Amhara Region, Ethiopia, where many hundreds of health care workers have been trained to perform the surgery. We found that the majority of people trained to do the surgery are now not in a position to do so. Amongst the sub-set that is still active within the programme, surgical productivity is low, with most surgery performed during “outreach campaigns” Insufficient surgical instruments and consumables were frequent problems. Strengthened health-systems management can overcome many of the problems that are holding back the delivery of an effective trichiasis surgical service

A comprehensive review of the influence of physicochemical properties of biodiesel on combustion characteristics, engine performance and emissions

Energy is a basic requirement for development in the world. The continuously rising demand for energy resources and the fast depletion of fossil fuel is raises researcher's concern to focus on alternative sources of energy that can replace the shortage of fossil fuels soon. Biodiesel is recognized as one of the potential alternative renewable energy fuels that can be easily available in a wide range in every part of the world. This paper reviews biodiesel's prospect and focuses on the different fuel properties (physicochemical) of 100 biodiesels from first-, second- and third-generation followed by the evaluation of CI engine characteristics. It has been observed that the fuel properties of first-, second- and third-generation biodiesel are compatible with the ASTM standards. The present paper discussed the potential of various generations of biodiesel feedstocks from production perspectives. This paper also examined many aspects of these feedstocks which include different biodiesel feedstock sources, biodiesel conversion technology, and second-generation biodiesel performance and emission characteristics. Most of the studies showed that biodiesel derived from plant feedstock is costly than diesel. Thus, more influence is to be given to non-edible sources. However, the engine characteristics are shown promising behavior with biodiesel and a slight increase in NOX is also reported on using various biodiesel