Effective quorum quenching bacteria dose for anti-fouling strategy in membrane bioreactors utilizing fixed-sheet media

Iqbal, Tahir,Lee, Kibaek,Lee, Chung-Hak,Choo, Kwang-Ho Elsevier 2018 Journal of membrane science Vol.562 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Quorum quenching (QQ) has been recognized as an emerging anti-biofouling strategy for membrane bioreactors (MBRs), but studies on effective QQ bacterial doses are needed. Therefore, in this study, the QQ efficacy for sheet-type media containing different amounts of QQ bacteria (i.e., <I>Rhodococcus</I> sp. BH4) with respect to biofouling control during MBR treatment of synthetic and real municipal wastewaters was investigated. The QQ sheets with well-embedded BH4 bacteria were distinctly effective at alleviating biofouling, but their efficacy was highly dependent on the QQ bacterial dose. The activity of the QQ sheet increased with the QQ bacterial density and its pseudo-first order rate constant reached 3.52 h<SUP>−1</SUP> with 100 mg BH4 per liter of reactor volume. No QQ activity loss occurred with long-term use of the QQ sheets. The relationship between QQ dose and fouling delay had a strong, linear correlation. Fouling retardation was more pronounced with real wastewater because it had less biofouling propensity owing to its inferior organics and nutrients. In fact, the MBRs fed with real wastewater experienced a dramatic decrease in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) content responsible for biofouling. QQ suppressed the EPS secretion leading to fouling mitigation, but with no impact on biological treatment performances.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Quorum quenching (QQ) bacteria doses on biofouling control were investigated. </LI> <LI> The degree of fouling mitigation was directly proportional to the QQ bacterial dose. </LI> <LI> QQ effects were more prominent with real wastewater due to less exopolymer production. </LI> <LI> Long-term use (>100 d) of QQ sheets for synthetic and real wastewater was possible. </LI> <LI> No QQ activity loss nor negative impact to biological treatment occurred. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Efficient excitation and amplification of the surface plasmons

Tahir Iqbal 한국물리학회 2018 Current Applied Physics Vol.18 No.11

One dimensional (1D) grating has been fabricated (using focused ion beam) on 50 nm gold (Au) film deposited on higher refractive index Gallium phosphate (GaP) substrate. The sub-wavelength periodic metal nano structuring enable to couple photon to couple with the surface plasmons (SPs) excited by them. These grating devices provide the efficient control on the SPs which propagate on the interface of noble metal and dielectric whose frequency is dependent on the bulk electron plasma frequency of the metal. For a fixed periodicity (Λ=700 nm) and slit width (w=100 nm) in the grating device, the efficiency of SPP excitation is about 40% compared to the transmission in the near-field. Efficient coupling of SPs with photon in dielectric provide field localisation on sub-wavelength scale which is needed in Heat Assisted Magnetic recording (HAMR) systems. The GaP is also used to emulate Vertical Cavity Surface emitting laser (VCSEL) in order to provide cheaper alternative of light source being used in HAMR technology. In order to understand the underlying physics, far-and near-field results has been compared with the modelling results which are obtained using COMSOL RF module. Apart from this, grating devices of smaller periodicity (Λ=280 nm) and slit width (w=22 nm) has been fabricated on GaP substrate which is photoluminescence material to observe amplified spontaneous emission of the SPs at wavelength of 805 nm when the grating device was excited with 532 nm laser light. This observation is unique and can have direct application in light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Extraordinary optical transmission: Role of the slit width in 1D metallic grating on higher refractive index substrate

Tahir Iqbal,Sumera Afsheen 한국물리학회 2016 Current Applied Physics Vol.16 No.4

We present a detailed analysis of the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and associated extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) when a plane wave is incident at normal on a 1D metallic grating fabricated on higher refractive index GaP substrate. A simple method is introduced to estimate the EOT by measuring the 0th order transmission spectra obtained through the plasmonic grating structures with varying grating slit width for a fixed period and the thickness of the gold (Au) film in which the grating is formed. For an optimum Au film thickness, a slit width of slightly less than half and greater than one-third of the periodicity of 770 nm in the grating device yields a maximum EOT value. Such grating devices support only a fundamental plasmonic mode because the profile/shape of the slit in the grating device is more like a sinusoidal nature. Far-field and near-field modelling results also support the far-field results obtained through the experiment. The optimal grating devices have many applications in real world.

Propagation length of surface plasmon polaritons excited by a 1D plasmonic grating

Tahir Iqbal 한국물리학회 2015 Current Applied Physics Vol.15 No.11

The propagation length of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is investigated experimentally using a 1D metallic grating fabricated on a higher refractive index substrate (Gallium Phosphide, GaP). The experimentally measured value propagation length of the SPP (LSPP) at 785 nm wavelength is 13.33 ± 0.13 mm, which is close to the theoretical value of the LSPP on an ideal Au-thin film. The SPP resonance observed in far-field measurements confirms the underlying process and the related effects on the LSPP measured by scanning near field optical microscope (SNOM). Far-field measurements shows that LSPP is associated with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the SPP resonance which in-turn associated with inplane directional scattering of the SPP.

An enhanced framework for multimedia data: Green transmission and portrayal for smart traffic system

Iqbal, Muhamad Munwar,Mehmood, Muhammad Tahir,Jabbar, Sohail,Khalid, Shehzad,Ahmad, Awais,Jeon, Gwanggil Elsevier 2018 Computers & electrical engineering Vol.67 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The object tracking in video surveillance for intelligent traffic handling in smart cities requires an enormous amount of data called big data to be transmitted over the network using the Internet of Things. Manual monitoring and surveillance are impossible because traditional computer vision technologies are no more useful for massive processing and intelligent decision making. In this paper, a framework is proposed which enables both on spot data processing and intelligent decision making by using cloud computing. The developed application is a trained on Artificial Neural Network, which can handle different traffic techniques with congested traffic scenario and priorities traffic such as ambulance handling. The Message Queue Telemetry Transport protocol is used for green transmission with mobile access to traffic data. The results analyzed with thirty videos processed data which handle real-time data prioritization for the people for smart surveillance to fastest route and enhance the intelligent data transmission.</P>

A STUDY ON ESTIMATION OF HERITABILITY OF BIRTH WEIGHT AND WEANING WEIGHT OF TEDDY GOATS KEPT UNDER PAKISTANI CONDITIONS

Tahir, M.,Younas, M.,Raza, S.H.,Lateef, M.,Iqbal, A.,Raza, P.N. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 1995 Animal Bioscience Vol.8 No.6

The mean birth weight and weaning weight estimated from 777 kids from 30 bucks of Teddy goats were $1.67{\pm}0.31$ and $8.50{\pm}2.18kg$, respectively. The estimates of heritability of birth weight and weaning weight by half sib correlation method were $0.048{\pm}0.022$ and $0.101{\pm}0.012kg$, respectively. The high heritability estimates of birth weight indicates that selection on the basis of individual's own record will be effective. The low estimates of heritability of weaning weight indicates more emphasis should be given to improve environmental conditions for better achievement.

Five Most Common Prognostically Important Fusion Oncogenes are Detected in the Majority of Pakistani Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients and are Strongly Associated with Disease Biology and Treatment Outcome

Awan, Tashfeen,Iqbal, Zafar,Aleem, Aamer,Sabir, Noreen,Absar, Muhammad,Rasool, Mahmood,Tahir, Ammara H.,Basit, Sulman,Khalid, Ahmad Mukhtar,Sabar, Muhammad Farooq,Asad, Sultan,Ali, Agha Shabbir,Mahmoo Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.11

Background and Objectives: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a complex genetic disease involving many fusion oncogenes (FO) having prognostic significance. The frequency of various FO can vary in different ethnic groups, with important implications for prognosis, drug selection and treatment outcome. Method: We studied fusion oncogenes in 101 pediatric ALL patients using interphase FISH and RT-PCR, and their associations with clinical features and treatment outcome. Results: Five most common fusion genes i.e. BCR-ABL t (22; 9), TCF3-PBX1 (t 1; 19), ETV6-RUNX1 (t 12; 21), MLL-AF4 (t 4; 11) and SIL-TAL1 (del 1p32) were found in 89/101 (88.1%) patients. Frequency of BCR-ABL was 44.5% (45/101). BCR-ABL positive patients had a significantly lower survival ($43.7{\pm}4.24$ weeks) and higher white cell count as compared to others, except patients with MLL-AF4. The highest relapse-free survival was documented with ETV6-RUNX1 (14.2 months) followed closely by those cases in which no gene was detected (13.100). RFS with BCR-ABL, MLL-AF4, TCF3-PBX1 and SIL-TAL1 was less than 10 months (8.0, 3.6, 5.5 and 8.1 months, respectively). Conclusions: This is the first study from Pakistan correlating molecular markers with disease biology and treatment outcome in pediatric ALL. It revealed the highest reported frequency of BCR-ABL FO in pediatric ALL, associated with poor overall survival. Our data indicate an immediate need for incorporation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of BCR-ABL+ pediatric ALL in this population and the development of facilities for stem cell transplantation.

Prognostically Significant Fusion Oncogenes in Pakistani Patients with Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and their Association with Disease Biology and Outcome

Sabir, Noreen,Iqbal, Zafar,Aleem, Aamer,Awan, Tashfeen,Naeem, Tahir,Asad, Sultan,Tahir, Ammara H,Absar, Muhammad,Hasanato, Rana MW,Basit, Sulman,Chishti, Muhammad Azhar,Ul-Haque, Muhammad Faiyaz,Khali Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.7

Background and objectives: Chromosomal abnormalities play an important role in genesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and have prognostic implications. Five major risk stratifying fusion genes in ALL are BCR-ABL, MLL-AF4, ETV6-RUNX11, E2A-PBX1 and SIL-TAL1. This work aimed to detect common chromosomal translocations and associated fusion oncogenes in adult ALL patients and study their relationship with clinical features and treatment outcome. Methods: We studied fusion oncogenes in 104 adult ALL patients using RT-PCR and interphase-FISH at diagnosis and their association with clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. Results: Five most common fusion genes i.e. BCR-ABL (t 9; 22), TCF3-PBX1 (t 1; 19), ETV6-RUNX1 (t 12; 21), MLL-AF4 (t 4; 11) and SIL-TAL1 (Del 1p32) were found in 82/104 (79%) patients. TCF3-PBX1 fusion gene was associated with lymphadenopathy, SIL-TAL1 positive patients had frequent organomegaly and usually presented with a platelets count of less than $50{\times}10^9/l$. Survival of patients with fusion gene ETV6-RUNX1 was better when compared to patients harboring other genes. MLL-AF4 and BCR-ABL positivity characterized a subset of adult ALL patients with aggressive clinical behaviour and a poor outcome. Conclusions: This is the first study from Pakistan which investigated the frequency of5 fusion oncogenes in adult ALL patients, and their association with clinical features, treatment response and outcome. Frequencies of some of the oncogenes were different from those reported elsewhere and they appear to be associated with distinct clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. This information will help in the prognostic stratification and risk adapted management of adult ALL patients.

Integrated adsorptive and photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical micropollutant, ciprofloxacin employing biochar-ZnO composite photocatalysts

Muhammad Amir,Tahir Fazal,Javed Iqbal,Aamir Alaud Din,Ashfaq Ahmed,Asim Ali,Abdul Razzaq,Zulfiqar Ali,Muhammad Saif Ur Rehman,박영권 한국공업화학회 2022 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.115 No.-

The expensive carbonaceous substrates including graphene, reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanotubeshave been coupled with ZnO to improve the properties and photocatalytic performance of carbon basedZnO photocatalysts. To replace these expensive materials, biochar offers as a low-cost alternative to preparebiochar-based photocatalysts. In this study, Calotropis gigantea leaves derived biochar-ZnO (BC-ZnO)composites were synthesized to overcome the ZnO related problems (charge recombination, wider bandgap, and poor visible light absorption). Different BC-ZnO (BCZ-1–3) composites were characterized toevaluate their intrinsic properties and composites were employed to degrade ciprofloxacin (CIP). BCZ-3composite exhibited slower recombination of electron-hole pairs, lower band gap (2.97 eV), and betterlight absorption in visible region than ZnO. The enhanced adsorptive-photocatalytic degradation efficiencywas attained up to 98.5% using BCZ-3 than BC (46.2%) and ZnO (41.4%). The O2 and OH radicalswithin BCZ-3 are dominant reactive species indulged in CIP photocatalytic degradation. BCZ-3 photocatalystexhibits 80% degradation of CIP after four regeneration cycles. The maximum adsorption capacitywas achieved 54.18 mg g1 for BCZ-3 than BC (46.20 mg g1) and ZnO (15.55 mg g1). The results showthat BCZ-X composites can be used as stable, efficient, economical, and sustainable composite for therecovery of pharmaceutical wastewater.

Impact of Environmental Factors on Birth Weight in Teddy Goat

Raza, S.H.,Tahir, M.,Zia, S.,Iqbal, Arshad,Ahmad, Shafiq Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 1998 Animal Bioscience Vol.11 No.2

The data 1241 birth, weights of Teddy goats maintained at Livestock Production Research Institute, Bahadurnagar, Okara, Pakistan, during 1975-1990 were used for this study. The mean birth weight during study period ranged from $1.55{\pm}0.06$ to $1.78{\pm}0.09kg$ with and over all mean of $1.66{\pm}0.031kg$. It was found that year of birth, type of birth, sex of kid and age of dam had significant (p < 0.01) effects on birth weight while the effect of season was found to be non-significant. It was inferred that single born kids were significantly heavier than twins and twins were heavier than triplets. The mean values of birth weight for male and female kids were $1.70{\pm}0.032$ and $1.61{\pm}0.03kg$ respectively. The birth weight was found to be the highest in 8 year age group that was $1.82{\pm}0.016kg$ and the lowest in one year group $(1.55{\pm}0.02kg)$.