Synthesis of Al and Ag nanoparticles through ultra-sonic dissociation of thermal evaporation deposited thin films for promising clinical applications as polymer nanocomposite

Nanoparticles (NPs) having well-defined shape, size and clean surface serve as ideal model system to investigate surface/interfacial reactions. Ag and Al NPs are receiving great interest due to their wide applications in bio-medical field, aerospace and space technology as combustible additives in propellants and hydrogen generation. Hence, in this study, we have synthesized Ag and Al NPs using an innovative approach of ultra-sonic dissociation of thin films. Phase and particle size distributions of the Ag and Al NPs have been determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thin film dissociation/dissolution mechanism, hence conversion into NPs has been characterized by SEM- scanning electron microscope. EDXA & ICPMS have been performed for chemical analysis of NPs. Optical properties have been characterized by UV-Vis and PL spectroscopy. These NPs have also been investigated for their anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time when NPs has been synthesized by ultra-sonic dissociation of thin films. As an application, these NPs were used further for synthesis of nanocomposite polymer membranes, which show excellent activity against bio film formation

STANDARDIZATION IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND BRINE SHRIMP LETHALITY OF A POLYHERBAL FORMULATION

Shakti drops an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation is an effective medicine for immuno modulatory activity. The formulation was prepared in the laboratory with authenticated organic plant drugs. The standardization procedure was conducted on the basis of physicochemical parameters and antimicrobial studies as directed by Ayurvedic formulary of India. Antioxidant activity is further performed based on its prescribed dose in three In-vitro antioxidant models. Physical characters remained unaltered throughout study, In antimicrobial activity total aerobic count was found to be 18×101 CFU/mL and total fungal count was found to be <10 CFU/mL. It is devoid of all tested microorganism i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli tested. In antioxidant activity the results of the study suggest that the Shiakti drops has potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity justifying its use in Rasayana

Adjuvant drugs in management of osteoarthritis: spotlight on type II collagen

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that affects large and small joints and is seen in all ages due to diverse aetiologies. Pain, joint stiffness and limitation of daily activities affects the quality of life of individuals with OA. Conventional analgesics like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs affect pain and inflammatory component but do not target the disease pathogenesis. Damage to the joint cartilage is central to the pathogenesis of OA. Better understanding of the pathogenesis has led to evolution of various adjuvant drugs in management of OA. Among them, undenatured type II collagen induces immune tolerance and thereby provide benefits by reducing the joint damage. Studies assessing efficacy and safety of undenatured type II collagen in OA have shown to reduce clinical symptoms like pain, joint stiffness and improvement in physical activities, and thus improving the quality of life. It is well tolerated and safe for use in OA. This article discusses the pathophysiology of OA with inflammation and beyond, and overviews the various drugs that are used as adjuvants in the management of OA with special focus on the use of type 2 collagen

Isolation, identification and bioactive potential of bacterial endophytes from Coleus

Coleus (Lamiaceae) is a large and widespread genus comprising of species with diverse ethnobotanical uses. In the present study, bacterial endophytes were isolated from Coleus forskohlii and Coleus aromaticus. Endophytes are the microorganisms which reside within the plants without showing any harmful effect on its host. Diverse types of endophytes live symbiotically within almost all plants and in turn help the plant in a number of ways such as imparting resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses, producing compounds involved in attraction of pollinators, inducing the plant defense mechanisms, etc. The bacterial endophytes isolated in this study, were characterized by microscopic examination (using gram staining) and molecularly identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA. Extracts were prepared from endophytic biomass using solvents of different polarities (methanol, ethyl acetate and butanol) and were screened for their bioactive potential (in vitro cytotoxicity anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant activity). Scale-up of endophytes showing promising results is under process, which will help in isolation of pure compounds

Conceptual Design of Fuel Dumping System in Aircraft

Airlines release the unburned jet fuel into the atmosphere to reduce the weight of aircraft before landing. Sometimes, aircraft reach a weight more than takeoff weight while departing from the airport. Therefore, the pilot follows the ATC comment to dump fuel into the atmosphere to reduce the aircraft\u27s weight to avoid accidents. Due to fuel dumping, an airline faces fuel consumption, loss, and several diseases affect environmental pollutants, and living things. The total fuel consumption of commercial airlines worldwide in 2021 is 57 billion gallons. If jet fuel routinely hit the ground, it would pollute water and land and damage crops and biodiversity. With this, we have worked on the project to rescue fuel dumping into the atmosphere and save living things from various diseases

Development of decadal (1985–1995–2005) land use and land cover database for India

India has experienced significant Land-Use and Land-Cover Change (LULCC) over the past few decades. In this context, careful observation and mapping of LULCC using satellite data of high to medium spatial resolution is crucial for understanding the long-term usage patterns of natural resources and facilitating sustainable management to plan, monitor and evaluate development. The present study utilizes the satellite images to generate national level LULC maps at decadal intervals for 1985, 1995 and 2005 using onscreen visual interpretation techniques with minimum mapping unit of 2.5 hectares. These maps follow the classification scheme of the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP) to ensure compatibility with other global/regional LULC datasets for comparison and integration. Our LULC maps with more than 90% overall accuracy highlight the changes prominent at regional level, i.e., loss of forest cover in central and northeast India, increase of cropland area in Western India, growth of peri-urban area, and relative increase in plantations. We also found spatial correlation between the cropping area and precipitation, which in turn confirms the monsoon dependent agriculture system in the country. On comparison with the existing global LULC products (GlobCover and MODIS), it can be concluded that our dataset has captured the maximum cumulative patch diversity frequency indicating the detailed representation that can be attributed to the on-screen visual interpretation technique. Comparisons with global LULC products (GlobCover and MODIS) show that our dataset captures maximum landscape diversity, which is partly attributable to the on-screen visual interpretation techniques. We advocate the utility of this database for national and regional studies on land dynamics and climate change research. The database would be updated to 2015 as a continuing effort of this study