Aligarh Muslim University

About: Aligarh Muslim University is a education organization based out in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Adsorption. The organization has 8218 authors who have published 16416 publications receiving 289068 citations. The organization is also known as: AMU.

Bacterial mechanisms for Cr(VI) resistance and reduction: an overview and recent advances

Abstract: Chromium pollution is increasing incessantly due to continuing industrialization. Of various oxidation states, Cr(6+) is very toxic due to its carcinogenic and mutagenic nature. It also has deleterious effects on different microorganisms as well as on plants. Many species of bacteria thriving in the Cr(6+)-contaminated environments have evolved novel strategies to cope with Cr(6+) toxicity. Generally, decreased uptake or exclusion of Cr(6+) compounds through the membranes, biosorption, and the upregulation of genes associated with oxidative stress response are some of the resistance mechanisms in bacterial cells to overcome the Cr(6+) stress. In addition, bacterial Cr(6+) reduction into Cr(3+) is also a mechanism of specific significance as it transforms toxic and mobile chromium derivatives into reduced species which are innocuous and immobile. Ecologically, the bacterial trait of reductive immobilization of Cr(6+) derivatives is of great advantage in bioremediation. The present review is an effort to underline the bacterial resistance and reducing mechanisms to Cr(6+) compounds with recent development in order to garner a broad perspective.

The genera of Aphelinidae (Hymenoptera) of the world.

Abstract: A key is given to the world genera of the chalcidoid family Aphelinidae. Forty-four genera are accepted as valid, including three described as new, Encarsiella (type-species E.noyesi sp.n.), Hirtaphelinus (type-species H.smetanai sp.n.) and Samariola (type-species S.camerounensis sp.n.). The key is followed by a synopsis of the world genera, which includes: (1) citations of valid genera and their synonyms in chronological order; (2) total or approximate number of described species; (3) distribution in the six zoogeographical regions; (4) references mainly to major works and revisions; and (5) comments, especially on the new synonymies introduced in the present paper. The following new synonymies are proposed (the senior synonyms (valid names) are noted in parentheses): Aleurodiphilus DeBach & Rose (Encarsia Foerster); Aneristus Howard, Ataneostigma Girault, Heptacritus De Santis (Coccophagus Westwood); Artas Howard (Pteroptrix Westwood); Plastocharella Girault, Turmidiscapus Girault (Centrodora Foerster); Encyrtophyscus Blanchard, Physculus Jasnosh, Physcus Howard (Coccobius Ratzeburg); Mesidia Foerster (Aphelinus Dalman); Paranthemus Girault (Cales Howard); Primaprospaltella DeBach & LaSalle (Coccophagoides Girault). The following genera are regarded as of doubtful position: Mesopirene Girault, Neocales Risbec, Paulianaphelinus Risbec and Verekia Risbec.

The use of electronic resources at IIT Delhi Library: a study of search behaviours

Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to examine the use of electronic information services (EIS) among the users of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Library in Delhi, India.Design/methodology/approach – Both questionnaire and observational methods were used for data collection where 300 valid samples were collected. The analysis of data collected covers awareness of EIS services, use of e‐journals, advanced search facilities, acquaintance with electronic information sources, the purpose of using e‐information, problems faced by the users while using EIS, infrastructure facility available and satisfaction level of users.Findings – The study found that Boolean logic and truncation are the most often used search facilities by IIT users. Lack of printing facilities, terminals and trained staff are the major reasons that would discourage users from accessing the EIS. The survey also reveals that some 60 per cent of users face difficulties while browsing e‐information.Originality/value – The paper provides suggest...

A graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite film protects dental implant surfaces against cariogenic Streptococcus mutans

Abstract: Oral biofilms play a crucial role in the development of dental caries and other periodontal diseases. Streptococcus mutans is one of the primary etiological agents in dental caries. Implant systems are regularly employed to replace missing teeth. Oral biofilms accumulate on these implants and are the chief cause of dental implant failure. In the present study, the potential of graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite (GZNC) against the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans was explored and the anti-biofilm behaviour of artificial acrylic teeth surfaces coated with GZNC was examined. Acrylic teeth are a good choice for implants as they are low cost, have low density and can resist fracture. Microscopic studies and anti-biofilm assays showed a significant reduction in biofilm in the presence GZNC. GZNC was also found to be nontoxic against HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney cell line). The results indicate the potential of GZNC as an effective coating agent for dental implants by efficiently inhibiting S. mut...