Mathematical modelling of baculovirus infection process: Kinetic parameter estimation

Although there are several mathematical models present for baculovirus infection, the specific functions for insect cell growth and cell death during infection processes remain unknown. Specifically, it is challenging to identify the most suitable model from a large set of plausible models and estimate the kinetic parameters to account for the day to day variability present in the infection experiments. In this context, identification of an unstructured model that can predict the day to day variability in cell growth and cell viability can be useful in determining the optimal operating conditions in fermenters at industrial scale. The major objectives of the present work were to develop a model screening framework that can be used to select the best model and identify the growth and death mechanisms during viral infection through non-linear programming. We then constructed a series of plausible models based on system of ordinary differential equations and performed the model selection using experimental data obtained from shaker flasks. The proposed scheme was tested for selecting the model for uninfected cell growth profiles. The objective function used was the root mean square error between the predicted values and experimental data points obtained from triplicate dataset. The computational scheme was validated using two types of virus, the WT AcMNPV and stabilized AcMNPV. Additionally, we propose a numerical scheme to simulate the cell growth and cell viability during viral passaging. The kinetic parameters were estimated in case of growth of uninfected cells, cells infected with WT virus as well as stabilized AcMNPV. The result shows that Monods equation fits the best for insect cell growth without infection and infection with WT AcMNPV. Whereas, the Contois model fits the best for the stabilized virus. The simulated results also indicate that the day to day variability in cell growth and cell viability profile can be explained through the variation in the specific growth rate and the death rate. The estimated kinetic parameters indicate that the growth and death parameters undergo specific modifications during the passaging of viruses associated to infection process. Additionally, we propose an integrated model for the infection process that simulates the DNA replication, mRNA and protein expression as well as polyhedra production. Specifically, we present the comparison between the unstructured model and the structured integrated model with respect to accuracy and computation time. Current study provides a predictive framework that has a potential application for large scale production of baculovirus

Mapping of Salt Affected and Waterlogged Areas using Geospatial Technique

Integration of remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) technique for the delineation of salt affected and waterlogged areas has become an innovation in the field of ground water research. The main objective of the present investigation is to identify and map the surface extent of salt affected and waterlogged areas during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season using multi-temporal satellite images and its relationship with soil, rainfall, seasonal groundwater fluctuation and canal command areas. For this purpose, Satellite images from IRS P6, LlSS-III sensor, on a scale of 1:50,000 have been used for delineation of thematic layers such as salt affected and waterlogged areas. The area covered under post monsoon waterlogging (seasonal) comprised of as 114.79 sq km area which is 3.60% of the study area whereas post monsoon waterlogging (permanent) comprised of 89.37 sq km area, which is 2.80% of the study area. The map depicting salt affected soils in the area indicates calcareous fine loamy, coarse-loamy, fine loamy and very fine soil comprising 2799.43 sq km, 9.26 sq km 363.73 sq km and 2.80 sq km area respectively. The monthly TRMM 3B43 rainfall data for the period of 1998-2009 covering the month of June to September shows rainfall varies from less than 965 mm to 1165 mm in the entire state. Depth to groundwater level recorded at select locations by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Government of India, for the period 2004-2005 during pre and post monsoon period indicated that a large portion of the area is under groundwater induced waterlogging conditions where groundwater occurs at a depth of 0-3 m below ground surface. The soil and rainfall map clearly specifies that salinity are pre dominant in areas with shallow groundwater levels and high rainfall. Canal command areas comprised the highest waterlogging and salt affected areas in their vicinity as a result of seepage and over irrigation

Comparative Assessment of Livelihood Vulnerability of Climate Induced Migrants: A Micro Level Study on Sagar Island, India

The effects of climate change are causing large scale human displacements over the past few decades. Climate refugees are putting the biggest challenges to the geophysical biological and social system all over the world. This paper attempts to assess and compare the vulnerability of the climate-induced migrants and regular settlers of selected mouzas of Sagar Island, south 24parganas, India. People are witnessing their lands vanishing under their feet in these constantly sinking and shrinking deltaic estuaries of Sundarban. Findings of LVI and LVI-IPCC analysis indicate that the climate-induced migrant communities are more exposed to climatic variability due to the poor adaptive capacity. Moreover, poor access to food, water, health facilities is making them extremely vulnerable with lower resilience as these mouzas are facing frequent flooding, severe coastal erosion, embankment breaching and higher storm surge on annual basis. The outcomes of this study could be beneficial ineffective on-site risk management and planning propositions

Water Bodies mapping and monitoring using high-resolution satellite images

Recent developments in satellite optical remote sensors have led to a new age in surface water monitoring. Several methodologies have been developed to identify water bodies using the various spatial, spectral, and temporal properties. Surface water observation is a functional necessity for ecological and hydrological processes. Recently anticipated satellites with enhanced spectral and spatial resolution sensors might lead to broader remote sensing techniques for evaluating and monitoring water bodies. Remote sensing data integration, GPS, and GIS technology are powerful tools to monitor and analyze water bodies. Remotely sensed data could be utilized to construct a geographically positioned permanent database to give a baseline for future comparisons. For many environmental applications, surface water body mapping and monitoring are crucial. This research examines surface water detection, extraction, and monitoring with optical remote sensing, particularly progress within the recent decade. Satellite image delineation of the water body remains challenging due to sensor resolutions, cloud presence, low-albedo surfaces, topography, and atmospheric circumstances in metropolitan locations. This study shows the utility of high spatial resolutions satellite images are suitable for mapping and monitoring surface water bodies, even minor water systems. The suggested technique distinguished water from other land cover features with precision and time. The integrated use of remotely sensed data, GPS, and GIS will allow consultants and natural resource managers to construct management plans for several applications for the management of natural resources. &nbsp

Efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine when added to stable insulin therapy in combination with metformin and glimepiride in patients with type 2 diabetes compare to sitagliptin

Background: The trial was done to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of hydroxychloroquine when added to stable insulin therapy in combination with metformin and glimepiride in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) compare to sitagliptin.Methods: After two weeks run in period, eligible patients inadequately controlled on long acting, intermediate acting or premixed insulin (HbA1c ≥7.5% and ≤10%), in combination with metformin and glimepiride were randomised 1:1 to the addition of once daily hydroxychloroquine 400mg or sitagliptin 100mg over 24weeks study period. The primary endpoint was HbA1c change from baseline at week 24. Home based glucometer was used to determine finger stick glucose value to detect hypo or hyperglycemia periodically.Results: At 24 weeks, the addition of hydroxychloroquine significantly (p <0.001) reduced HbA1c by 1.3% compared with Sitagliptin which was 0.9%. A greater proportion of patients achieved an HbA1c level <7% while randomised to Hydroxychloroquine as compared with sitagliptin (31 vs. 18% respectively; p <0.001). The addition of hydroxychloroquine significantly (p<0.001) reduced fasting plasma glucose by 31.0mg/dl (vs 23.2mg/dl with sitagliptin) and post prandial plasma glucose by 52.1mg/dl (vs 41mg/dl with sitagliptin) relative to sitagliptin. The difference in mean value of total daily insulin dose showed a highly significant decrease (P <0.0001) from baseline to end of the treatment with hydroxychloroquine i.e. from 41±10.2 to 31.87±16.49 IU as compare to sitagliptin i.e. from 41±10.6 to 37.91±11.71 IU. And also highly significant (P <0.0001) decrease in mean weight was observed at the end of trial with hydroxychloroquine.Conclusions: Hydroxychloroquine decreases HbA1c in patients whose type 2 diabetes is poorly controlled with stable-dose insulin therapy with metformin and glimepiride

Cadastral level Soil and Water conservation Priority Zonation using Geospatial technology

Water is the most precious commodity that human being wanted, nowadays water is depleting due to several human interventions. In Kerala state, even though high rainfall is received, still water scarcity is faced during summer and soil erosion is higher. This watershed area is prone to water scarcity during the summer season and stream network become dry during that period. This clearly indicates that human interventions and unscientific agricultural activities may be the result. In this, study GIS and RS technologies are used to find and map the Soil and water conservation priority zones, also several action Plans where proposed. SOI Topo sheet were used to digitize the contours and DEM was created using that with ArcGIS 10.2.2 software. LULC maps were digitized from satellite image and using other parameters and suitable weight values, the weighted overlay was done to find out the Priority Zones. Cadastral Plot boundaries were overlaid for plot-wise priority zones and several conservation methods like gully plugin, check dams, vegetation bund etc. were proposed