Contour Fractal Dimension Analysis using Square-Box ROI Extraction Approach with Convolution Neural Network Classifier for Palmprint Recognition System

Contour Fractal Dimension Analysis using Square-Box ROI Extraction Approach with Convolution Neural Network Classifier for Palmprint Recognition System (CFDCNNNet) is proposed. To bring about the originality, Contour Fractal Dimension (CFD) feature extraction approach and a Convolution Neural Network (CNNNet) classifier approach are employed. To impart the novelty the CFD feature extraction approach, Two Dimensional-Palmprint Region of Interest (2D-PROI) is captured from five different datasets using Square-Box ROI Extraction approach and point out all the edges/contours of 2D-PROI image (CPI) using Canny edge detection algorithm and then estimate the Fractal Dimension (FD) values using Box-Counting algorithm to create a distinctive feature vector. Classify this feature vector using Convolution Neural Network (CNNNet) classifier approach to identify the authorized person at a higher accuracy rate. This research explores on five different datasets such as CASIA, IITD, BMPD, SMPD and multi--spectral 2D-PROI image databases. The CFDCNNNet System model has been determined the authentication accuracy of different datasets with 98.66% of authentication accuracy

Detection and Avoidance of Objects Robot with Internet Connectivity and Signal Strength-Based Location Tracking

This paper presents an object detection and avoidance robot with location tracking and internet connectivity capabilities. The robot is equipped with a hardware module that detects the highest frequency rate of radio wave signals and sends the detected signal, then from color sensors to the object avoidance robot to take a decision in search of the best signal strength. The robot moves forward in search of a better signal strength, then stays back if the signal is stronger or retreats if it is weak. When the signal strength is strong at a location, the robot informs the user of its current location and provides internet connectivity through a single-band dongle with a SIM card reader. Additionally, if the user wants the robot to return to the user's location, it backtracks the path with the help of an object detection and avoidance algorithm, whereas the user can track its activity. The proposed system has the potential to improve location tracking by object detection and avoidance in various applications, such as surveillance, search and rescue missions, military operations, and internet tracking connectivity for handicapped people in open spaces or remote areas. The proposed system here is used to track network signals and is predefined with an object detection and avoidance algorithm

Molecular identification of scale insect (Eulecanium giganteum) in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a widely grown evergreen valuable medicinal, ornamental species planted in India. Scale insects are small herbivorous insects found on all continents and they are serious sap sucking pests of many ornamental plants. These scale insects are undetectable due to their tiny size, basic morphology, and polyphagous feeding nature. Hence, the management of these tiny insects become a serious concern across the globe. To afford a prospective solution to the problem, an accurate, simple, and developmental-stage-independent identification method is required, hence this study attempted the molecular identification of scale insect in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis using mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (mtCOI) sequencing. The experiment was carried out by isolating insect DNA using a modified CTAB method. Through two or three rounds of error-prone PCR followed by a steady procedure to amplify a mtCOI region. This region of mtCOI has been used as a standard DNA barcode for a diverse array of taxa. The confirmation has been done by sequencing of mtCOI which suggest the highest similarities with Eulecanium giganteum. This study addresses the questions of biodiversity and molecular characterization of scale insects. Further, the information obtained in this study provides baseline data for future crop improvement programs and integrated pest management strategies

Bioremediation of Penicillin-Contaminated Poultry Faecal Waste using Betalactamase-Producing Bacteria

The widespread use of antibiotics in poultry farming has led to the contamination of the environment with antibiotic residues, posing significant risks to human health and contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance. In this study, we aimed to isolate betalactamase-producing bacteria from poultry faecal waste samples obtained from local poultry processing industries in Namakkal, Tamilnadu, India. The potential isolates were further characterized for betalactamase enzyme activity and their ability to degrade penicillin, a commonly used antibiotic in the poultry industry. Twenty poultry faecal waste samples were collected from regular poultry waste dumping sites. Microorganisms were isolated from these samples using the serial dilution and plating method on nutrient agar media. The isolated bacterial colonies were purified to obtain pure cultures for further analysis. The betalactamase-producing isolates were identified using the iodometric tube method, and four out of ten isolates showed positive results for betalactamase activity. These positive isolates were subjected to enzyme assay, and isolate 10 exhibited the highest enzyme activity with a concentration of 43U/ml, followed by isolate 7 with 30.5U/ml of enzyme. The potential betalactamase-producing isolate 10 was selected for its application in the degradation of penicillin in poultry faecal waste. The faecal waste samples were collected from the antibiotic-contaminated area of a poultry farm. After the addition of separated crude enzyme (5ml of 100U), the faecal sample was incubated for 15 days under specific conditions. HPLC analysis revealed a significant degradation of penicillin in the test sample treated with the betalactamase enzyme, with a degradation percentage of 48.6%. The results of this study indicate that betalactamase-producing bacteria can effectively degrade penicillin in poultry faecal waste. This bioremediation approach presents a potential solution to reduce antibiotic pollution in the environment and mitigate the risk of antibiotic resistance. Further research and application of such enzymatic degradation methods could contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly waste management practices in the poultry industry

Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Environments: Harnessing the Potential of Biosurfactants – A review

Hydrocarbon contamination from industries like petrochemicals threatens the environment and public health. Benzene, toluene, xylene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in petroleum products are highly toxic. Conventional cleanup methods are costly and risk secondary pollution. This review highlights biosurfactants, microbially produced compounds that enhance hydrocarbon degradation by lowering surface tension and increasing bioavailability. Biosurfactants are biodegradable and eco-friendly, making them a sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants. The review intends to cover the biosurfactant sources, types, mechanisms, and their applications in hydrocarbon-contaminated environments. Recent bioremediation advancements, including microbial-enhanced oil recovery, soil and water cleanup, and heavy metal removal, are discussed. Optimizing biosurfactant production is also explored, offering a green and effective solution to combat hydrocarbon contamination and promote environmental restoration

Effect of Selected Fruit Wastes on Hematological Parameters in DEN-Induced Hepatic Carcinoma in Rats

Fruits and processed food demand has greatly increased due to which a huge amount of fruit waste is generated. In this study, the effect of the ethanolic extract of waste material Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel and Vitis vinifera (grapes) seeds was evaluated on hematological parameters in Wistar rats with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocellular carcinoma. The treatments were divided into four groups: Group 1 was untreated while Groups 2-4 received 200 mg/kg body weight of DEN by single intraperitoneal administration. Groups 3 and 4 received DEN and co-treated with 400 mg/kg pomegranate peel extract and 400 mg/kg grape seed extract, respectively. There was a significant decrease in the body weight of animals in Group 2, while Group 3 and 4 animals were found to have a significant rise in body weight. The weight of the liver was significantly increased in the cancer-bearing group and its size was significantly reverted in the treated groups. The kidney and spleen showed a significant decrease in size of cancer-induced groups, and these organs significantly increased in treated groups. Hemoglobin, red blood cells (RBC), neutrophil, packed cell volume (PCV), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were significantly reduced in Group 2 animals compared to Group 1. The levels of white blood cells (WBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were increased significantly in Group 2 animals relating to Group 1. Both in Group 3 and 4 animals, these changes were reversed. Results reveal that selected fruit wastes alleviate vital hematological parameters in hepatocellular carcinoma-induced rats

Biodegradation of sulfanilic acid using Bacillus cereus AAA2018 from textile industry effluent contaminated soil

Biodegradation of hazardous aromatic compounds is emerging as a potential tool for reduction of environmental pollution due to their high toxicity and complex synthetic nature. In this study textile effluent was used as a microbial source for aerobic degradation of sulfanilic acid. Two adaptation techniques were followed to maximize uptake of sulfanilic acid, provided as a carbon and nitrogen source. The continuous enrichment and acclimatization media techniques were carried out for 20 days, respectively and both samples were screened for better degradation efficiency. The isolates were found to be similar to the colonies obtained from effluent. Sulfanilic acid degrading organism was identified as Bacillus cereus AAA2018 using 16S rRNA sequencing. Similarly, study was done for fungal strain Aspergillus japonicas. The bacterial strain showed subsequent reduction of sulfanilic acid at minimal salt concentration, whereas A. japonicus showed very little degradation efficiency comparatively. The comparative study of biodegradation capacity of sulfanilic acid was confirmed using GCMS in which product degradation profile of both bacterial and fungal strains included Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and Phenol 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethyethyl) which gives an explanation for decrease in growth of bacterial culture as DMSO act as strong antibacterial agent

Exploring the Antimicrobial Potential of Phyllanthus emblica L. (Amla) using Molecular Docking Studies against Shrimp Pathogens

Vibriosis is a major problem in shrimp farm. Farmers indiscriminately use hormones, antibiotics, disinfectants and other chemicals in fish feed and culture water to protect their crops. E. coli and Aeromonas sp were highly predominant isolates. Herbs act as agents in aquaculture to control or reduce pathogen infections. The results of phytochemicals screening of fruit extract of Phyllanthus emblica showed the presence of various phytchemicals. Phyllanthus emblica extract shows anti-bacterial properties against biofilm producing shrimp pathogens. Among the 10 bacterial genera, E. coli and P.aeruginosa were highly suppressed. The extracts exhibited the bacteria growth inhibitory activity in a dose-dependent manner. The compound sitosterol has potent antibiofilm activity was showed by molecular docking, which revealed a significant binding energy and interaction (-8.4 Kcal/mol) between it and key biofilm-forming protein. Diving analysis was done using the chemical compounds found in GCMS analysis

Effects of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Human N-Acetyltransferase 2 Structure and Dynamics by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

BACKGROUND: Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) is an important catalytic enzyme that metabolizes the carcinogenic arylamines, hydrazine drugs and chemicals. This enzyme is highly polymorphic in different human populations. Several polymorphisms of NAT2, including the single amino acid substitutions R64Q, I114T, D122N, L137F, Q145P, R197Q, and G286E, are classified as slow acetylators, whereas the wild-type NAT2 is classified as a fast acetylator. The slow acetylators are often associated with drug toxicity and efficacy as well as cancer susceptibility. The biological functions of these 7 mutations have previously been characterized, but the structural basis behind the reduced catalytic activity and reduced protein level is not clear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We performed multiple molecular dynamics simulations of these mutants as well as NAT2 to investigate the structural and dynamical effects throughout the protein structure, specifically the catalytic triad, cofactor binding site, and the substrate binding pocket. None of these mutations induced unfolding; instead, their effects were confined to the inter-domain, domain 3 and 17-residue insert region, where the flexibility was significantly reduced relative to the wild-type. Structural effects of these mutations propagate through space and cause a change in catalytic triad conformation, cofactor binding site, substrate binding pocket size/shape and electrostatic potential. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results showed that the dynamical properties of all the mutant structures, especially in inter-domain, domain 3 and 17-residue insert region were affected in the same manner. Similarly, the electrostatic potential of all the mutants were altered and also the functionally important regions such as catalytic triad, cofactor binding site, and substrate binding pocket adopted different orientation and/or conformation relative to the wild-type that may affect the functions of the mutants. Overall, our study may provide the structural basis for reduced catalytic activity and protein level, as was experimentally observed for these polymorphisms