GM crops and gender issues

Correspondence in the December issue by Jonathan Gressel not only states that gender issues in rural settings have not been adequately addressed with respect to weed control biotech but also asserts that such technology can increase the quality of life of rural women in developing countries. Improved weed control is a labor-saving technology that can result in less employment in a labor surplus rural economy. Often in rural areas, wage income is the main source of income and an important determinant of the quality of life, particularly where employment opportunities are generally limited. Apart from soil preparation, planting and weeding, harvesting is also 'femanual' work that can generate more employment if yields are higher. Biotech can enhance the quality of life of women but only if the technology is associated with overall generation of rural employment

A new multicompartmental reaction-diffusion modeling method links transient membrane attachment of E. coli MinE to E-ring formation

Many important cellular processes are regulated by reaction-diffusion (RD) of molecules that takes place both in the cytoplasm and on the membrane. To model and analyze such multicompartmental processes, we developed a lattice-based Monte Carlo method, Spatiocyte that supports RD in volume and surface compartments at single molecule resolution. Stochasticity in RD and the excluded volume effect brought by intracellular molecular crowding, both of which can significantly affect RD and thus, cellular processes, are also supported. We verified the method by comparing simulation results of diffusion, irreversible and reversible reactions with the predicted analytical and best available numerical solutions. Moreover, to directly compare the localization patterns of molecules in fluorescence microscopy images with simulation, we devised a visualization method that mimics the microphotography process by showing the trajectory of simulated molecules averaged according to the camera exposure time. In the rod-shaped bacterium _Escherichia coli_, the division site is suppressed at the cell poles by periodic pole-to-pole oscillations of the Min proteins (MinC, MinD and MinE) arising from carefully orchestrated RD in both cytoplasm and membrane compartments. Using Spatiocyte we could model and reproduce the _in vivo_ MinDE localization dynamics by accounting for the established properties of MinE. Our results suggest that the MinE ring, which is essential in preventing polar septation, is largely composed of MinE that is transiently attached to the membrane independently after recruited by MinD. Overall, Spatiocyte allows simulation and visualization of complex spatial and reaction-diffusion mediated cellular processes in volumes and surfaces. As we showed, it can potentially provide mechanistic insights otherwise difficult to obtain experimentally

Pioneering Renewable Energy Solutions: Insights from ICARGET 2023

Arjunan et al., Guest Editors, proudly present the selected papers from ICARGET 2023, showcasing cutting-edge advancements and diverse perspectives in this special issue of the Transactions on Energy Systems and Engineering Applications (TESEA). This collection covers a broad array of topics including solar, wind, bioenergy, and energy storage solutions, each offering significant insights, methodologies, and practical applications. The research underscores the critical need for sustainable energy solutions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the socio-economic and environmental impacts of renewable energy deployment. The editorial team extends sincere gratitude to TESEA, the authors, reviewers, and readers for their invaluable contributions to advancing renewable and green energy technologies

The effect of prior walking on coronary heart disease risk markers in South Asian and European men.

Purpose: Heart disease risk is elevated in South Asians possibly due to impaired postprandial metabolism. Running has been shown to induce greater reductions in postprandial lipaemia in South Asian than European men but the effect of walking in South Asians is unknown. Methods: Fifteen South Asian and 14 White European men aged 19-30 years completed two, 2-d trials in a randomised crossover design. On day 1, participants rested (control) or walked for 60 min at approximately 50% maximum oxygen uptake (exercise). On day 2, participants rested and consumed two high fat meals over a 9h period during which 14 venous blood samples were collected. Results: South Asians exhibited higher postprandial triacylglycerol (geometric mean (95% confidence interval) 2.29(1.82 to 2.89) vs. 1.54(1.21 to 1.96) mmol·L-1·hr-1), glucose (5.49(5.21 to 5.79) vs. 5.05(4.78 to 5.33) mmol·L-1·hr-1), insulin (32.9(25.7 to 42.1) vs. 18.3(14.2 to 23.7) µU·mL-1·hr-1) and interleukin-6 (2.44(1.61 to 3.67) vs. 1.04(0.68 to 1.59) pg·mL-1·hr-1) than Europeans (all ES ≥ 0.72, P≤0.03). Between-group differences in triacylglycerol, glucose and insulin were not significant after controlling for age and percentage body fat. Walking reduced postprandial triacylglycerol (1.79(1.52 to 2.12) vs. 1.97(1.67 to 2.33) mmol·L-1·hr-1) and insulin (21.0(17.0 to 26.0) vs. 28.7(23.2 to 35.4) µU·mL-1·hr-1) (all ES ≥ 0.23. P≤0.01), but group differences were not significant. Conclusions: Healthy South Asians exhibited impaired postprandial metabolism compared with White Europeans, but these differences were diminished after controlling for potential confounders. The small-moderate reduction in postprandial triacylglycerol and insulin after brisk walking was not different between the ethnicities

A Review of Materials used for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Abstract: To have the benefits of clean electric power with out engines, solar panels and wind farms which are familiar sources of alternative energy were a dream of the engineers and environmentalists. Even though they are effective sources of electric energy, there are problems with the stability of their energy sources at all times. Extracting electricity from a device called as "solid electrolyte fuel cell" were demonstrated by the scientists and since then there has been an intense research and development effort on alternative energy technology known as fuel cells. Now, as energy issues are at the forefront of current events, fuel cell technology is ripening and on the verge of being ready for large scale commercial implementation. This paper briefly reviews materials currently used in the solid oxide fuel cells ,merits and demerits of the various materials used in SOFC such as Electrolytes, Anode, Cathode and Interconnects are discussed and in addition various fabrication processes and structural supports are reviewed. Materials are to be developed for all components of SOFC, in order to reduce operating temperature and overall cost

The impact of Bt cotton on poor households in rural India

The impact of genetically modified (GM) crops on the poor in developing countries is still the subject of controversy. While previous studies have examined direct productivity effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton and other GM crops, little is known about wider socioeconomic outcomes. We use a microeconomic modelling approach and comprehensive survey data from India to analyse welfare and distribution effects in a typical village economy. Bt cotton adoption increases returns to labour, especially for hired female workers. Likewise, aggregate household incomes rise, including for poor and vulnerable farmers. Hence, Bt cotton contributes to poverty reduction and rural development

Mechanical performance of additively manufactured cobalt-chromium-molybdenum auxetic meta-biomaterial bone scaffolds

© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105409Auxetic meta-biomaterials offer unconventional strain behaviour owing to their negative Poisson's ratio () leading to deformation modes and mechanical properties different to traditional cellular biomaterials. This can lead to favourable outcomes for load-bearing tissue engineering constructs such as bone scaffolds. Emerging early-stage studies have shown the potential of auxetic architecture in increasing cell proliferation and tissue reintegration owing to their . However, research on the development of CoCrMo auxetic meta-biomaterials including bone scaffolds or implants is yet to be reported. In this regard, this paper proposes a potential framework for the development of auxetic meta-biomaterials that can be printed on demand while featuring porosity requirements suitable for load-bearing bone scaffolds. Overall, the performance of five CoCrMo auxetic meta-biomaterial scaffolds characterised under two scenarios for their potential to offer near-zero and high negative Poisson's ratio is demonstrated. Ashby's criterion followed by prototype testing was employed to evaluate the mechanical performance and failure modes of the auxetic meta-biomaterial scaffolds under uniaxial compression. The best performing scaffold architectures are identified through a multi-criteria decision-making procedure combining ‘analytic hierarchy process’ (AHP) and ‘technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution’ (TOPSIS). The results found the Poisson's ratio for the meta-biomaterial architectures to be in the range of −0.1 to −0.24 at a porosity range of 73–82%. It was found that the meta-biomaterial scaffold (AX1) that offered the highest auxeticity also showed the highest elastic modulus, yield, and ultimate strength of 1.66 GPa, 56 MPa and 158 MPa, respectively. The study demonstrates that the elastic modulus, yield stress, and Poisson's ratio of auxetic meta-biomaterials are primarily influenced by the underlying meta-cellular architecture followed by relative density offering a secondary influence.Published versio

3D printing customised stiffness-matched meta-biomaterial with near-zero auxeticity for load-bearing tissue repair

The evolution of meta-biomaterials has opened up exciting new opportunities for mass personalisation of biomedical devices. This research paper details the development of a CoCrMo meta-biomaterial structure that facilitates personalised stiffness-matching while also exhibiting near-zero auxeticity. Using laser powder bed fusion, the porous architecture of the meta-biomaterial was characterised, showing potential for near-zero Poisson's ratio. The study also introduces a novel surrogate model that can predict the porosity ( φ ), yield strength ( σ y ), elastic modulus ( E ), and negative Poisson's ratio ( − υ ) of the meta-biomaterial, which was achieved through prototype testing and numerical modelling. The model was then used to inform a multi-criteria desirability objective, revealing an optimum near-zero − υ of −0.037, with a targeted stiffness of 17.21 GPa. Parametric analysis of the meta-biomaterial showed that it exhibited − υ , φ , σ y and E values ranging from −0.02 to −0.08, 73.63–81.38%, 41–64 MPa, and 9.46–20.6 GPa, respectively. In this study, a surrogate model was developed for the purpose of generating personalised scenarios for the production of bone scaffolds. By utilising this model, it was possible to achieve near-zero − υ and targeted stiffness personalisation. This breakthrough has significant implications for the field of bone tissue engineering and could pave the way for improved patient outcomes. The presented methodology is a powerful tool for the development of biomaterials and biomedical devices that can be 3D printed on demand for load-bearing tissue reconstruction. It has the potential to facilitate the creation of highly tailored and effective treatments for various conditions and injuries, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes

3D printed CoCrMo personalised load-bearing meta-scaffold for critical size tibial reconstruction

Porous scaffolds have evolved, allowing personalised 3D-printed structures that can improve tissue reconstruction. By using scaffolds with specific porosity, Poisson's ratio and stiffness, load-bearing tissues such as tibial reconstruction can be improved. Recent studies suggest the potential for negative Poisson's ratio (−υ) meta-scaffolds in mimicking the behaviour of natural tissue, leading to improved healing and tissue reintegration. This study reveals a porous meta-scaffold that offers high −υ and can be personalised to match desired stiffness. By using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of CoCrMo, a porous structure was created, characterised by its ability to achieve heightened −υ. Prototype testing and numerical modelling unveiled a proxy-model capable of predicting and personalising the porosity, yield strength, elastic modulus, and −υ of the tibial meta-scaffold representing a novel contribution to the field. The surrogate model also aids characterising the impact of design variables such as of the scaffold on the key performance requirements of the tibial scaffold. This approach enables the fabrication of porous biomaterials with personalised properties, specifically suited for load-bearing tibial reconstruction. The resulting meta-scaffold offers −υ ranging from -0.16 to -0.38, porosity between 73.46% and 85.36%, yield strength of 30–80 MPa, and elastic modulus ranging from 8.6 to 22.6 GPa. The optimised architecture feature −υ of 0.223 and a targeted elastic modulus of 17.53 GPa, while also showcasing yield strength and porosity of 57.2 MPa and 76.35%, respectively. By combining 3D printing with tailored scaffolds, this study opens doors to mass customisation of improved load-bearing porous biomaterials that of negative Poisson's ratio and stiffness matching