ALBERT

Description: Excessive microalgal blooms can be caused by waste disposal into natural water bodies resulting in the destruction of aquatic life. However,, microalgae are also known to efficiently remediate pollutants. After the treatment of wastewater, microalgae absorb specific nutrients and can enhance the production of bioproducts. Growing microalgae as an alternative to wastewater treatment and bioproduct production has received considerable attention due to its rapid growth rate, efficient waste removal, tolerance to stress conditions and ability to accumulate valuable products. In addition, these microorganisms have a high photosynthetic rate of CO2 fixation, oxygen production and need no arable land for their cultivation. Nevertheless, in spite of these theoretical advantages, the issues surrounding the re-use of naturally existing microalgal strains need further exploration in respect to their isolation, identification and lab growth under stress conditions. The true potential of microalgae regarding wastewater treatment and energy has yet to be fully developed. The current cultivation system does not seem to be economically feasible as most of the strains used are commercially purchased. Indigenous microalgae could be the possible answer. Ammonia, one of the major constituents of most wastewaters, contributing to odor, taste, toxicity, and eutrophication is of utmost concern. The present review focuses on the growth of microalgae under high stress of ammonia in wastewater media. It also aims to present a clear-cut methodology for the isolation of microalgae from its indigenous habitat, its growth strategy under different trophic modes of nutrition, nutrient uptake, lipid, and fatty acid production. In addition, some solutions to the problem of how to make microalgae cost-effective and more sustainable are discussed in detail.

Description: To exploit the B-lymphocyte antigen-CD20 binding capa­city of the Ibritumomab tiuxetan (IBTN) monoclonal antibody (mAb) for imaging, the over-expression of B cells in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) (a myeloproliferative disorder of the lymphatic system) was investigated. In the current investigation, we present the labeling of the IBTN with technetium-99m (99mTc) through [99mTc(CO)3]+ precursor for radioimmunoimaging (RII) of the tumor prior to its treatment with 90Y labeled IBTN. Labeled IBTN was radiobiologically characterized in terms of radiochemical purity, in vitro stability in human plasma, immunoreactivity, binding with Raji and Ramos cells and biodistribution in a female nude mouse (FNM) model. It was observed that the reduced IBTN (rIBTN) showed more promising radiobiologic characteristics than the nonreduced IBTN. Significantly higher transchelation was seen in excess cysteine compared with histidine. The radioconjugate showed higher saturated binding affinity with CD20 antigen. Significantly higher target (tumor) to background ratios were observed 1 h post-injection (p.i.). Based on radiochemical purity, in vitro stability, immunoreactivity, binding and biodistrubtion in the FNM model, we recommend the radiolabeling of the rIBTN using tricarbonyl technique as a potential RII agent.

Description: Natural landscape is an important resource for mountainous regions and play crucial role in tourism development. Tourism play a key role in economic development of a country. Developing tourist areas is the key to meet the expectations of mountain inhabitants, tourists, and the general public outside of mountainous areas. In order to know tourist perception, problems, and role of landscape & horticulture plants in the field of tourism. A research study entitled “Role of facilities available and un-available in attracting of tourist in swat valley Pakistan “The data was collected from the respondents through a questionnaire survey and analyzed using percentages, frequencies and Chi-square test (where applicable). The analyzed data revealed that most of the respondent (55 %) considered natural green environment as a reason for their visit and 67 % respondents wanted to visit with their friends and were satisfied with the tourist area, respectively. Most of the respondent (39 %) observed throwing of surplus food as major waste materials which turned the beautiful green environment into unattractive environment. Most of the visitors (52 %) dislike un-cleanliness of the locality, 74% respondents felt ill effect due to deforestation.53 % tourist disagree with the current maintenance of the locality by tourism department. The most missed facilities were non availability of dustbins and children playing areas. 75 % respondents agreed with the fact that most of the people (local inhabitants as well as tourist) were unaware with regard to maintenance activities of the area 15.7 % respondent agreed that road system should be improved to access most of the greenery in the locality, respectively to aware local people and tourist regarding maintenance of the locality will improve tourism in Swat valley. The studies need to be develop for the improvement of existing as well as artificial landscape of the tourist area (Kalam and Malamjabba) of Swat valley.