Diversity and functional characteristics of culturable bacterial endosymbionts from cassava whitefly biotype Asia II-5, Bemisia tabaci

Whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a carrier of cassava mosaic disease (CMD), poses a significant threat to cassava crops. Investigating culturable bacteria and their impact on whiteflies is crucial due to their vital role in whitefly fitness and survival. The whitefly biotype associated with cassava and transmitting CMD in India has been identified as Asia II 5 through partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequencing. In this study, bacteria associated with adult B. tabaci feeding on cassava were extracted using seven different media. Nutrient Agar (NA), Soyabean Casein Digest Medium (SCDM), Luria Bertani agar (LBA), and Reasoner's 2A agar (R2A) media resulted in 19, 6, 4, and 4 isolates, respectively, producing a total of 33 distinct bacterial isolates. Species identification through 16SrRNA gene sequencing revealed that all isolates belonged to the Bacillota and Pseudomonadota phyla, encompassing 11 genera: Bacillus, Cytobacillus, Exiguobacterium, Terribacillus, Brevibacillus, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Brucella, Novosphingobium, Lysobacter, and Pseudomonas. All bacterial isolates were tested for chitinase, protease, siderophore activity, and antibiotic sensitivity. Nine isolates exhibited chitinase activity, 28 showed protease activity, and 23 displayed siderophore activity. Most isolates were sensitive to antibiotics such as Vancomycin, Streptomycin, Erythromycin, Kanamycin, Doxycycline, Tetracycline, and Ciprofloxacin, while they demonstrated resistance to Bacitracin and Colistin. Understanding the culturable bacteria associated with cassava whitefly and their functional significance could contribute to developing effective cassava whitefly and CMD control in agriculture.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03949-0.

Chemical characterization of billy goat weed extracts Ageratum conyzoides (Asteraceae) and their mosquitocidal activity against three blood-sucking pests and their non-toxicity against aquatic predators

The petroleum ether crude extracts of A. conyzoides (Pe-Ac) were used to treat three medically intimidating pests of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus, to evaluate their non-target screening against the mosquito predator. The chemical scanning of Pe-Ac through GC-MS analysis revealed a total of nine compounds and the maximum peak area was observed in 1,5-Heptadien-3-yne (22.14%). At the maximum dosage of Pe-Ac (200 ppm), significant larvicidal activity was shown against the fourth instars of Ae. aegypti (96%), An. stephensi (93%), and Cx. quinquefasciatus (92%) respectively. The percentages of oviposition deterrence index (ODI) of all three mosquito vectors are maximum at the highest sub-lethal dosage of Pe-Ac (75 ppm) and minimum at the control dosage. The sub-lethal dosage blocked the activity of carboxylesterase activity and upregulated the detoxifying enzyme activity in a dose-dependent way. The adulticidal activity of Pe-Ac showed that the maximum adult mortality rate (100%) was recorded at the prominent dosage of Pe-Ac 600 ppm against the vectors of all three mosquitos at the maximum adulticidal time of 30 min. Histopathological investigation of fourth instar larvae of all three mosquitos treated with a sub-lethal dosage of Pe-Ac showed that the midgut cells (epithelium, lumen, and peritrophic matrix) are ruptured completely whereas they appear to be normal in control larvae. The non-toxicity evaluation of Pe-Ac compared with the chemical toxin Temephos in aquatic predator Toxorhynchites splendens revealed that the plant extracts are harmless even at the prominent dosage (1000 ppm) as compared to Temephos (1 and 2 ppm) and displayed a higher mortality rate against the mosquito predators. Thus the safety index recommends that the Pe-Ac is more explicit to targets and a suitable auxiliary to chemical pesticides.

Ultrasonic velocity, density, viscosity for the ternary mixture of (benzene + chloroform + cyclohexane) at different temperatures

Ultrasonic velocity (U), density (ρ), viscosity (ƞ) for the ternary mixture of benzene + chloroform + cyclohexane in the whole range of composition has been carried out at various temperatures 303.15, 308.15 and 313.15K. From the measured parameters U, ρ and ƞ, some derived parameters β, L_f, V_f, π_i, Z, R,W with molar enthalpy (H_m) and apparent molar volume (ɸ_v) are also estimated. The decreasing trend of ƞ, R,W, H_m, and ɸ_v with concentrations and other parameters are in increasing trend were observed. The trend of acoustical and physico-chemical parameters confirm the dynamics of molecules at higher temperature and the magnitude of intermolecular interactions among the constituents of the mixtures always reflects the nature of substance. The role of enthalpy and apparent molar volume has been used to determine their thermal response. The sign and magnitude of these properties are evident for the nature of interactions between component molecules.

Mineral and magnetic parameters as proxies for natural radioactivity level in Vaigai river sediment: Horizontal and vertical approach

The present study is aimed to show that the mineral and magnetic parameters are proxies for radioactivity level of Vaigai river sediment. In order to show the usefulness of above said parameters as proxies for radioactivity level of the river, elaborate analyses along with radioactivity level need to be analyzed in horizontal (different locations) and vertical (upper, first, second and third feet) views of the river. The radioactivity analysis shows that average concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and calculated absorbed dose rate are within the recommended safety level in all depth samples. Eleven minerals have been identified and characterized by FTIR, and are confirmed by XRD techniques. Based on the calculated results of extinction co-efficient, the amount of major minerals are decreased in the order of quartz > microcline feldspar > orthoclase feldspar > kaolinite in all depth samples. The presence of ordered crystalline quartz in all depth samples have been assessed by the calculated crystallinity index values. These observations are matched with XRD results. Magnetic susceptibility measurement was carried out in horizontal and vertical views which show the presence of dia, ferri, antiferri and ferrihydrate magnetic minerals in present sediments. Studied characteristics and their distributions are almost similar in all the depths. Multivariate statistical analyses include cluster analysis (CA), Factor analysis (FA) and Principal component analysis (PCA) are effective tool to show the above said parameters as proxy and the analyses are carried out. Relevant justification is also given for explaining the parameters as proxy. In the clay mineral, high adsorption of radionuclides and magnetic minerals occurs in lattice defects or onto crystal and grain boundaries due to the high cation exchange capacity. Since, the parameters such as content of clay, magnetic susceptibility and amount of kaolinite (clay) in all depth samples are strongly associated with radioactivity variables, one can say that above said parameters may be proxies for determining the level of radioactivity in Vaigai river sediment.

Effect of Internal Clearance on Buckling of Multistage Hydraulic Cylinder

Multistage cylinders are generally used to lift and tilt heavy loads under controlled speed. In defence applications multistage cylinders are used in missile tilt platform and antenna mast. Earth moving equipment’s such as tippers, dumpers, cranes and compactors uses multistage cylinders for operations. In the present work multistage hydraulic cylinder (telescopic cylinder) with three stage has been analysed using strain energy method and verified with finite element analysis. The research work investigates the effect of internal clearances which reduces the critical buckling load of hydraulic cylinders. The results are validated by buckling load test. The clearances between the tube to piston guides, gland guide to piston rod, clearances due to tube expansion under pressure, initial curvature in the tube, eccentricity of cylinder components and tube ovality are considered in the buckling load test. Describes the comparative study of buckling load tests of three stage hydraulic cylinders having fixed free and hinged mounting with five different internal clearances.<br /><br />

Magnetic assessment and pollution status of beach sediments from Kerala coast (southwestern India)

Natural and anthropogenic activities along the coastal region of densely populated Kerala may introduce hazardous components into the coastal environment. The present study aimed to investigate the sources and impacts of hazardous components in beach sediments by environmental magnetism methods as additional tools. Magnetic parameters (such as mass-specific magnetic susceptibility χ=-1.2-154.4×10^-8m³kg^-1) and ratios that describe the magnetic properties of minerals such as Fe-oxides, indicate variable concentration of mixtures of magnetite and hematite (magnetite/hematite). The direct significant relationships between the variables indicate that higher concentration magnetic parameters are associated with higher radionuclides and metal contents. Magnetic properties and multivariate statistical analyses evidence the presence of contrasting groups defined only using a reduced number of magnetic variables. One of these groups, the central area of the Kerala coastline, showed the highest magnetic concentrations of mixtures of magnetite/hematite and higher values (up to 6.7) of pollution load index because of extensive anthropogenic activities.

Impact of sediment characteristics on the heavy metal concentration and their ecological risk level of surface sediments of Vaigai river, Tamilnadu, India

The distributions of the metals (Al, Fe, Mg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were measured for the surface sediments of the Vaigai river, Tamilnadu, India. These values are compared with different standard values to assess the level of toxicity of the heavy metals in the sediments. Risk indices (CF, PLI and PER) are also calculated to understand the level of toxicity of the metals. Multivariate statistical analyses (Pearson's correlation analysis, cluster analysis and factor analysis) are carried out to know the inter-relationship between sediment characteristics and the heavy metals. From this analysis, it is confirmed that the contents of clay and organic matter play an important role to raise the level of heavy metal contents as well as PLI and PER (level of toxicity). Heavy metal concentrations of the samples (after removing silt and clay fractions from bulk samples) show decrease in their concentrations and risk indices compared to the level of bulk samples.

Spatial and vertical distributions of heavy metals and their potential toxicity levels in various beach sediments from high-background-radiation area, Kerala, India

The spatial and vertical distribution of heavy metals and the sediment characteristics of beaches in Kerala, India (the upper surface sediments and the first, second and third one-foot-thick strata) were assessed in this study. The concentrations of most of the studied metals were highest at sampling site S1 (Cochin). The measured concentrations were compared with background and toxicological reference values. The results show that definite adverse biological effects are possible at most of the sampling sites due to the high Pb levels. Three different indexes were calculated to investigate the potential toxicity level. Most of the studied metals and all calculated indexes were highest in the third foot of sediment. Multivariate statistical analyses were performed and suggested that particular heavy metals, e.g., Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni, may represent contamination from a common source. The Cd and Pb concentrations and all the calculated index values show a relationship with the content of organic matter. The results of the present study suggest the recommendation that a systematic analysis is needed to monitor heavy metal levels in the studied area.

Function of minerals in the natural radioactivity level of Vaigai River sediments, Tamilnadu, India--spectroscopical approach

Using Gamma ray and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques, level of natural radioactivity ((238)U, (232)Th and (40)K) and mineralogical characterization of Vaigai River sediments have been analyzed with the view of evaluating the radiation risk and its relation to available minerals. Different radiological parameters are calculated to know the entire radiological characterization. The average of activity concentrations and all radiological parameters are lower than the recommended safety limit. However, some sites are having higher radioactivity values than the safety limit. From the FTIR spectroscopic technique, the minerals such as quartz, microcline feldspar, orthoclase feldspar, kaolinite, gibbsite, calcite, montmorillonite and organic carbon are identified and they are characterized. The extinction co-efficient values are calculated to know the relative distribution of major minerals such as quartz, microcline feldspar, orthoclase feldspar and kaolinite. The calculated values indicate that the amount of quartz is higher than orthoclase feldspar, microcline feldspar and much higher than kaolinite. Crystallinity index is calculated to know the crystalline nature of quartz and the result indicates that the presence of ordered crystalline quartz in the present sediment. The role of minerals in the level of radioactivity is assessed by multivariate statistical analysis (Pearson's correlation and Cluster analysis). The statistical analysis confirms that the clay mineral kaolinite is the major factor than other major minerals to induce the important radioactivity variables such as absorbed dose rate and concentrations of (232)Th and (238)U.

Role of sediment characteristics on natural radiation level of the Vaigai river sediment, Tamilnadu, India

The sediment characteristics such as granulometric contents (sand, silt and clay), organic matter, magnetic susceptibility (low and high frequency) and weight percentage of magnetic minerals and the natural radionuclide ((238)U, (232)Th and (40)K) contents have been analyzed for the sediment samples of Vaigai river with an aim of evaluating the radiation hazard nature and assessing characterization of sediment. Granulometric analysis confirmed that the sand is major content. The organic matter content is ranged from 0.30 to 8.62% and comparison shows that the present river has high organic content. The magnetic measurement results indicated that the sites S16, S18 and S25 may be affected anthropogenically. Frequency dependence magnetic susceptibility is calculated to know the contribution of grains to magnetic susceptibility. Average of activity concentrations (except (40)K) and all calculated radiological parameters are within the recommended level. Multivariate statistical analyses (Pearson correlation, cluster and factor analysis) dictated that the role of sediment characteristics on the level of radioactivity in the river sediments. The content of organic matter and clay, and magnetic parameters are positively correlated with important radioactive variables. The measurement of organic matter and magnetic susceptibility in various granulometric contents show some higher values in silt and clay fractions. Radioactivity level was also measured for the samples (after removing silt and clay fractions from bulk samples) and the results show decrease in radioactive variables. The present study stated that the lower grain sized fractions have the ability to absorb the contents such as organic content and magnetic minerals as cations on their surface and raise the level of radioactivity. Percentage of decrease in the natural radionuclides of (238)U, (232)Th, (40)K and absorbed dose rate of the samples (after removing the silt and clay fractions from bulk samples) to the bulk samples are 13.59, 33.37, 20.52 and 26.13% respectively. Thus, it is concluded that the radiation effect does not pose to the public those who are using these sediments.

Improvement in quality of life after arthroscopic capsular release for contracture of the shoulder

There is little published information on the health impact of frozen shoulder. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional and health-related quality of life outcomes following arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) for contracture of the shoulder. Between January 2010 and January 2012 all patients who had failed non-operative treatment including anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy and glenohumeral joint injections for contracture of the shoulder and who subsequently underwent an ACR were enrolled in the study. A total of 100 patients were eligible; 68 underwent ACR alone and 32 had ACR with a subacromial decompression (ASD). ACR resulted in a highly significant improvement in the range of movement and functional outcome, as measured by the Oxford shoulder score and EuroQol EQ-5D index. The mean cost of a quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for an ACR and ACR with an ASD was £2563 and £3189, respectively.

ACR is thus a cost-effective procedure that can restore relatively normal function and health-related quality of life in most patients with a contracture of the shoulder within six months after surgery; and the beneficial effects are not related to the duration of the presenting symptoms.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:942–6.

Synthesis and study of optical properties of transition metals doped ZnS nanoparticles

ZnS and transition metal (Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag and Cd) doped ZnS were synthesized using chemical precipitation method in an air atmosphere. The structural and optical properties were studied using various techniques. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis show that the particles are in cubic structure. The mean size of the nanoparticles calculated through Scherrer equation is in the range of 4-6.1 nm. Elemental dispersive (EDX) analysis of doped samples reveals the presence of doping ions. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies show that the synthesized particles are in spherical shape. Optical characterization of both undoped and doped samples was carried out by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The absorption spectra of all the samples are blue shifted from the bulk ZnS. An optimum doping level of the transition metals for enhanced PL properties are found through optical study.

Assessment of spatial distribution and potential ecological risk of the heavy metals in relation to granulometric contents of Veeranam lake sediments, India

The contents and spatial distributions of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) have been studied in surface sediments of Veeranam lake, Tamilnadu, India. Heavy metal contents are higher in open water area (limnetic zone) (OWA) than other two regions such as inflow river mouth (littoral zone) (IFR) and outflow river mouth region (OFR). Present metal contents are compared with both background and toxicological reference values. The comparative results suggest that the present metals except Cd and Pb create an adverse effect on the aquatic ecosystems associated with this lake. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Potential Ecological Risk (PER) are calculated and calculated PLI values (range: 1.18-4.09 with an average of 2.03) show that the present sediments are polluted significantly and these values are higher in OWA region. From the PER values, each single element has low potential ecological risk. However, Cd shows higher ecological risk. The comprehensive PER index of the sediments shows moderate degree. The magnetic susceptibility is higher in OWA region. Granulometric analysis confirms that the silt is major content. Multivariate Statistical analyses (Pearson Correlation, Cluster and Factor analysis) were carried out and obtained results suggested that the heavy metals in present lake have complicated contamination sources or controlling factors and the heavy metals such as Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn may be incorporated in magnetic minerals which are presented in silt grains. Also it shows that the role of silt is incorporating the cations on their surface and raising the level of magnetic susceptibility and heavy metal contents. The present study recommends that the heavy metal levels are unlikely to cause additional adverse health risks to the aquatic ecosystem associated with this lake.

Synthesis and optical characterization of single phased ZnS:Mn²⁺/CdS core-shell nanoparticles

Uncoated ZnS, ZnS:Mn(2+), CdS and different thickness of CdS coated ZnS:Mn(2+) core-shell nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a simple chemical method in an air atmosphere. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were used to characterize the uncoated and the novel ZnS:Mn(2+)/CdS core-shell nanoparticles. The results show that the size of the ZnS:Mn(2+)/CdS core-shell nanoparticles is less than the bare ZnS:Mn(2+). The PL study of ZnS:Mn(2+)/CdS core-shell nanoparticles shows an enhanced intensity than ZnS:Mn(2+). The coating of CdS layer over ZnS:Mn(2+) tuned the PL emission in the visible region. Addition of cadmium acetate (Cd 4 and 5M) in ZnS:Mn(2+) shows a distinct PL peak centered at 542 nm. The presence of Mn(2+) ions in ZnS lattice and the growth of the CdS on ZnS:Mn(2+) nanoparticles were confirmed by the ESR spectra.

Structural and optical study of mixed structure of ZnO(hexagonal)/ZnS(cubic) nanocomposites

ZnO, ZnS and ZnO/ZnS nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by chemical method in an air atmosphere. Water-ethanol matrix was used as solvent. The as-obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible (UV-vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectrophotometer. The results showed that the ZnS nanoparticles are cubic in structure with the size of about 5 nm growed on the surface of the hexagonal ZnO nanocomposites. The optical study of ZnO/ZnS nanocomposites showed an enhanced PL emission in visible region. The photoluminescence property of the ZnO/ZnS core/shell nanocomposites is varied with respect to the shell thicknesses. PL quenching is observed by increasing of shell thickness on ZnO.

A relationship between the natural radioactivity and mineralogical composition of the Ponnaiyar river sediments, India

The natural radiation level has been determined for the sediment samples of Ponnaiyar River, India with an aim of evaluating the radiation hazard. The average activity concentrations are within the world and Indian average values although some extreme values have been determined. The magnetic susceptibility measurement has been carried out to know the magnetization nature of the sediments. More downstream (mouth) of the river has quite higher magnetic susceptibility values. The mineralogical characterizations of the sediments have been carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic and XRD technique. The minerals such as quartz, microcline feldspar, orthoclase feldspar, kaolinite, calcite, gibbsite, montmorillonite, smectite, palygorskite and organic carbon are identified from FTIR analysis. Few minerals like zircon, monazite and hornblende are identified only in XRD analysis. The relative distribution of major minerals is determined by calculating extinction coefficient. The calculated values show that the amount of quartz is greater than microcline feldspar and very much greater than kaolinite in all the sites. The content of quartz and microcline feldspar is decreases, and kaolinite gradually increases towards the river mouth. Multivariate Statistical analyses were carried out between the parameters obtained from radioactivity analysis and other analyses to know the existing relations. Obtained results are discussed and suggested that the natural radioactivity level of the present sediments is mainly controlled by clay content and lesser extent to magnetic susceptibility.

Horizontal and vertical characterization of radionuclides and minerals in river sediments

The natural radionuclide ((238)U, (232)Th and (40)K) contents and mineral characteristics have been analyzed for the different depth sediment samples of Ponnaiyar River with an aim of evaluating the radiation hazard and its relation to specific minerals. To know the complete radiological characteristics, the radiological indices have been calculated and compared with recommended values. In an FTIR study, the extinction coefficient and crystallinity index is calculated to find the relative distribution of major minerals and the crystallinity of quartz, respectively. Both horizontal and vertical distributions of radionuclides and major minerals are studied. Multivariate statistical analyses (cluster and factor) were carried out to determine the relationship between the radioactivity and the minerals. Statistical analyses suggest that the kaolinite is the major mineral to increase the level of radioactivity in the river sediments.

The determination of kaolinite clay content in limestones of western Tamil Nadu by methylene blue adsorption using UV-vis spectroscopy

The clay index values of 60 different limestone samples collected from western Tamil Nadu were determined using UV-vis spectrophotometric method with the help of the absorbance value at 663 nm of a known concentration of methylene blue. The type of clay was determined as kaolinite through the FTIR technique. The applicability of this approach and advantages over the current methods in cement and chemical industries are demonstrated. According to the clay index values, the quality of the samples obtained from Padaivedu area of Namakkal district is better than the other samples.

Natural radioactivity measurements in beach-rock samples of south-east coast of Tamilnadu, India

The concentration of primordial radionuclides in beach-rock samples of the south-east coast of Tamilnadu, India has been measured using gamma ray spectrum of rock. The mean activities of 232Th, 238U and 40K are 144.18, 29.25 and 267.48 Bq kg(-1) respectively. In situ measurements were also carried out using environmental radiation dosemeter. The linear correlation coefficient was obtained. The average activity of concentration of 232Th in the present study is 2.5 times higher than the world median value while the activity of 238U and 40K were found to be lower. This may be due to the heavy minerals present in the study area. In the present study, the calculated activity ratio (Th/U) is higher than the crustal rocks. This may be due to changes in the crustal composition through time (mafic to felsic) that are reflected by a change in the Th and U abundances in sedimentary rocks, and also increase in carbon content with time resulted in the decrease in U content and increase in Th/U ratio.