Rapid detection of Ganoderma lucidum and assessment of inhibition effect of various control measures by immunoassay and PCR

Molecular and immunological methods have been applied for detecting the Ganoderma disease of coconut. Polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) raised against basidiocarp protein of Ganoderma were used for detection. For polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, the primer generated from the internal transcribed spacer region one (ITS 1) of ribosomal DNA gene of Ganoderma, which produced a PCR product of 167 bp in size is used for early detection. Ganoderma disease in apparently healthy palms in two coconut gardens was tested by ELISA test using basidiocarp protein antiserum. Field trials were laid out in these early-diagnosed palms for the management of the disease. Based on the ELISA results,Pseudomonas fluorescens + Trichoderma viride with chitin amended treatments arrested the multiplication of the pathogen and showed below the infection level of optical density (O.D) within six months. Integrated disease management (IDM) and fungicide tridemorph treated palms showed below infection level (O.D value) within seven months and T. harzianum and P. fluorescens + T. viride treatedpalms showed below infection level (OD value) of the disease in eighth months

Eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Phyllanthus niruri leaf extract: Assessment of antimicrobial activity, effectiveness on tropical neglected mosquito vector control, and biocompatibility using a fibroblast cell line model

Mosquitoes are rapidly advancing as vectors of several severe diseases. The increasing resistance of mos quitoes and the environmental harm caused by insecti cides pose significant challenges for eradicating mosquito vectors. In this study, 18 plant extracts were tested for larvi cidal properties against Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefas ciatus, andAnopheles stephensi larvae. Phyllanthus niruri (Pn) showed enhanced larvicidal activity in both laboratory

The role of Guanxi in green supply chain management in Asia's emerging economies: A conceptual framework

In recent decades, rapid industrial modernization and economic growth have brought substantial environmental problems such as air pollution, hazardous waste, and water pollution for the Asian Emerging Economies (AEE), in particular China, Taiwan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and South Korea. These countries have started to adopt green supply chain management (GSCM) as a strategy to reduce the environmental impact. There are anecdotal evidences that the adoption of GSCM in this region is partly influenced by Guanxi – a cultural norm, which plays a significant role in relationship governance within supply chain activities among the AEE. Based on a systematic literature review, we develop a conceptual framework that characterizes the drivers and barriers for the adoption of GSCM practices, incorporating Guanxi as a moderator in the manufacturing sector of the AEE. The conceptual framework addresses the roles of two types of Guanxi in the adoption of GSCM: the relational Guanxi at individual level based on social exchange theory and the aggregated Guanxi at firm level derived from social capital theory. This recognition of Guanxi at two separate decision levels help companies better manage their relationships while they green their supply chains. Directions for future research and managerial implications are discussed accordingly

Expression and purification of Murine IFN-γ protein from cloned E. coli strain containing pRSET A Vector with IFN gamma gene

The cloned E. coli cell containing Murine IFN -γ inserted pRSET A vector system was effectively expressed in this study.  The induction of the clones was done using IPTG in E.coli and induces mRNA generation and synthesis protein. It has shown an expression of protein with 18 kda in SDS PAGE and western blotting and their size was determined by GENE RUNNER software.  This recombinant protein has a 6x His tag and it has been proved as it has shown a potent anti His property in western blotting. The purification of the protein was further done by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Nitrilo tri acetic acid (NTA) binds more stably with nickel (Ni) with 4 to 6 ligand binding sites in the coordination sphere of Nickel leaving two sites free to interact with the 6X His tag. The total results conclude that the targeted IFN gamma (408bp mouse gene) cloned in pRSET A was effectively expressed in E. coli BL21 strain cells and purified IFN gamma protein effectively as 1mg/ml. The purified IFN gamma protein may be used to diagnose the antiviral activity and antitumor activity. Key words: IFN gamma, pRSET A, E. coli, SDS PAGE, Western Blottin

Simultaneous Electrosynthesis of Syngas and an Aldehyde from CO2 and an Alcohol by Molecular Electrocatalysis

A tandem cell for artificial photosynthesis with CO2 and water as the oxidants and an organic alcohol as the reductant is described. The use of molecular catalysts with high activity and selectivity, in an appropriate cell configuration, leads to electrochemical reduction of CO2 and water to CO and H2 (syngas) in tandem with benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzaldehyde. A faradaic efficiency (FE) of ∼70% for the formation of benzaldehyde was obtained with simultaneous syngas generation with varying ratios of H2 and CO at the cathode. The maximum energy efficiency obtained for the electrochemical cell was 17.6%

Investigating the Willingness to Pay for a Contributory National Health Insurance Scheme in Saudi Arabia:A Cross-sectional Stated Preference Approach

Background: The Saudi Healthcare System is universal, financed entirely from government revenue principally derived from oil, and is ‘free at the point of delivery’ (non-contributory). However, this system is unlikely to be sustainable in the medium to long term. This study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of healthcare financing reform by examining households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a contributory national health insurance scheme. Methods: Using the contingent valuation method, a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 1187 heads of household in Jeddah province over a 5-month period. Multi-stage sampling was employed to select the study sample. Using a double-bounded dichotomous choice with the follow-up elicitation method, respondents were asked to state their WTP for a hypothetical contributory national health insurance scheme. Tobit regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with WTP and assess the construct validity of elicited WTP. Results: Over two-thirds (69.6%) indicated that they were willing to participate in and pay for a contributory national health insurance scheme. The mean WTP was 50 Saudi Riyal (US$13.33) per household member per month. Tobit regression analysis showed that household size, satisfaction with the quality of public healthcare services, perceptions about financing healthcare, education and income were the main determinants of WTP. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a theoretically valid WTP for a contributory national health insurance scheme by Saudi people. The research shows that willingness to participate in and pay for a contributory national health insurance scheme depends on participant characteristics. Identifying and understanding the main influencing factors associated with WTP are important to help facilitate establishing and implementing the national health insurance scheme. The results could assist policy-makers to develop and set insurance premiums, thus providing an additional source of healthcare financing

Factors Affecting Biodiesel Production

Biodiesel is a renewable alternate fuel to diesel engines that could be partially orfully replace or reduce the use of petroleum diesel fuel. Biodiesel can be produced fromplant and animal fats through transesterification reaction. The transesterification reaction isaffected by molar ratio of alcohol, presence of water and Free Fatty Acid content, reactiontemperature, catalyst concentration and agitation speed. This review paper discuss aboutthe factors involved in transesterification reaction