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Key frame extraction is very important in video summarization and content-based video analysis to address the problem of data redundancy in a video. Key frame extraction enables quick navigation and expert video arrangement in many applications. The visually impaired can benefit from the use of key frame extraction for rapid object recognition and tracking. Most key frame extraction techniques consider only a single visual feature instead of multiple features or full pictorial information of the video. This study proposes a key frame extraction method from a video that (i) first removes insignificant frames by pre-processing, (ii) second, four visual and structural feature differences among the consecutive frames are extracted and aggregated to identify informative frames, (iii) third, to cluster the obtained frames, a hybrid FCM-AHA method is proposed by combining Fuzzy C-means(FCM) with artificial hummingbird optimization algorithm (AHA) to circumvent the local minima trapping problem of FCM, and finally, from each cluster, the two frames having greatest Euclidean distance from all the other frames within a cluster is selected as key frames to remove redundant frames. Experimental results on the Open video and YouTube datasets show that the suggested method outperforms state-of-the-art methods both in terms of subjective qualitative analysis and objective quantitative evaluation, e.g., Precision, Recall, and F-score. Further, results are also taken on real video to demonstrate its applicability in real-life applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali‐metal‐based yttrium fluoride host (AY1‒xF4:xEu3+; A: Li/Na/K) nanophosphors were developed using co‐precipitation method. Phase analysis and emission spectral behavior were established for the said nanophosphors. The highest emission observed for NaYF4 doped with Eu3+ was then optimized to achieve maximum photoluminescence (PL) emission for varied dopant amount. The downconversion and upconversion PL studies revealed pure red emission under n‐ultraviolet and infrared excitations. The CIE coordinates are observed to be lie in the red hue of the CIE diagram. The PL decay curves reported to study lifetime of the emitting state and to identify quantum efficiency using Auzel's model for the said nanophosphor. Thermal stability was also evaluated from temperature‐sensitive luminescent spectra. The studies conducted on AYF4:.05Eu3+ (A: Li/Na/K) nanophosphors contemplates that NaYF4 nanophosphors doped with Eu3+ ions are best suited for biophotonic applications as the later one show relatively high emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let K = ℚ(ϑ) be an algebraic number field with ϑ satisfying a monic irreducible polynomial f (x) of degree n over ℚ. The polynomial f (x) is said to be monogenic if {1,ϑ,..., ϑn-1} is an integral basis of K. Deciding whether or not a monic irreducible polynomial is monogenic is an important problem in algebraic number theory. In an attempt to answer this problem for a certain family of polynomials, Jones ['A brief note on some infinite families of monogenic polynomials', Bull. Aust. Math. Soc. 100 (2019), 239-244] conjectured that if n ≥ 3, 1 ≤ m ≤ n - 1, gcd(n, mB) = 1 and A is a prime number, then the polynomial xn + A(Bx + 1)m ∈ ℤ[x] is monogenic if and only if nn + (-1)n+mBn(n - m)n-mmm A is square-free. We prove that this conjecture is true. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithium bismuth alumino borosilicate (LiBiAlBSi) glasses incorporated with different concentrations (0.1 to 2 mol%) of Er3+ ions were formed through the melt quench technique. Studies on optical absorption, photoluminescence, and decay profiles were performed. Detailed analysis of absorption and emission spectra was done by applying Judd- Ofelt (JO) theory. Under an excitation wavelength of 378 nm, the samples show intense green and NIR emission corresponding to transitions 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 (547 nm) and 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 (1538 nm), respectively. Dexter theory was applied to the NIR emission spectra to confirm the dipole–dipole nature of interaction among the Er3+ ions. CIE coordinates for the visible spectra lie in the green region. Various parameters such as stimulated emission cross-section, optical gain, and gain bandwidth for the as-prepared glasses show that these glasses exhibit good luminescence behavior and that the optimized LiBiAlBSiEr10 glass is ideal for laser applications in visible and NIR regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Y2SiO5 (YSO) phosphors doped with holmium ions were prepared by the well-established sol–gel method. The structural and functional groups were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. The observed XRD peaks were matched to the X1 and X2 phase of YSO and the average crystalline size is found to be 26.5 nm. The band gap was calculated using Kubelka–Munk analysis of the diffuse reflectance data. Photoluminescence tests were carried out on the prepared phosphors. At an excitation wavelength of 447 nm, two sharp and closely spaced peaks are observed in the green region around 538 nm and 551 nm. The concentration quenching is observed beyond 0.03 mol Ho3+ ions in YSO and the energy transfer mechanisms are discussed in detail. Dexter’s analysis shows that the interaction between Ho3+ ions is dipole–dipole. The Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters and radiative properties of certain emission transitions of Ho3+ ions were also investigated for an optimized phosphor (Y2SiO5:0.03Ho3+) sample. The estimated J–O parameters (Ωλ (λ = 2, 4 & 6)), are Ω2 = 0.77 × 10–20 cm2, Ω4 = 0.40 × 10–20 cm2 and Ω6 = 2.12 × 10–20 cm2. The magnitude of Ω2 is smaller for YSO than that of other hosts indicating a less asymmetric environment around the Ho–O bond. Branching ratio and stimulated emission for the 5F4 + 5S2 → 5I8 transition are 87.8% and 2.61 × 10–21 cm2, respectively, for Y2SiO5:0.03Ho3+ phosphor. Furthermore, colorimetric analysis shows that the optimized Y2SiO5:0.03Ho3+ phosphor has the highest color purity. Our results confirm that these phosphors can be proposed for utilization as green components in solid-state lighting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let f (x) = x n + a x 2 + b x + c ∈ Z [ x ] be an irreducible polynomial with b 2 = 4 a c and let K = Q (θ) be an algebraic number field defined by a complex root θ of f(x). Let Z K denote the ring of algebraic integers of K. The aim of this paper is to provide the necessary and sufficient conditions involving only a, c and n for a given prime p to divide the index of the subgroup Z [ θ ] in Z K . As a consequence, we provide families of monogenic algebraic number fields. Further, when Z K ≠ Z [ θ ] , we determine explicitly the index [ Z K : Z [ θ ] ] in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Efficient utilization of resources is a challenging task in cloud computing due to heterogeneity of resources and fluctuating resource demands of multifarious applications. This article presents an autonomic resource allocation approach for energy efficient utilization of resources while satisfying QoS needs of the end‐users. The proposed approach is based on antlion optimization and makes use of resource utilization history for autonomic allocation and efficient use of resources. It can operate in one of the three different modes namely, energy‐saving, performance, and balanced mode depending on the projected workload of an application. The performance analysis of the proposed approach is carried out in CloudSim simulator under different workload conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let p be a rational prime. Let K = Q (θ) be an algebraic number field with θ a root of an irreducible quadrinomial f (x) = x p s − a x n − b x m − c ∈ Z [ x ] with 1 ≤ m < n < p s . In the present paper, we give some explicit conditions involving only a , b , c , m , n , p and s for which K is non-monogenic. If q is a prime number of the form 32 k + 1 , then in the special case when p = 2 and f (x) = x 2 s − 32 A q x 2 r − B q x 2 t − q ∈ Z [ x ] with 0 ≤ t < r < s , 2 s − t + 3 | B , v 2 (A) ≠ s − r − 5 , s > 4, we show that K is non-monogenic. Finally, we illustrate our results through examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let K = Q(θ) be an algebraic number field with θ a root of an irreducible polynomial f(x) = x6 + axm + b belonging to ℤ[x] and 1 ≤ m ≤ 5. Let OK be the ring of algebraic integers of K. We say that K is monogenic if there exists some α ∈ OK such that OK = Z[α]. In this paper, we give some explicit conditions on a, b for which K is non-monogenic. We illustrate our results through examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let K = ℚ () be an algebraic number field with a root of an irreducible trinomial f (x) = x 5 + a x + b belonging to ℤ [ x ]. In this paper, we compute the highest power of each prime p dividing the discriminant of K in terms of powers of p dividing a , b and the discriminant of f (x) besides explicitly constructing a p -integral basis of K. These p -integral bases lead to the construction of an integral basis of K which is illustrated with examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bran fraction of rice grains is used for extracting nutritious edible oil known as rice bran oil (RBO). In spite of its nutritional quality, bran lipids have a lower shelf-life due to the hydrolytic and oxidative rancidity. During the rice grain milling, endogenous lipases come in contact with storage lipids or triacylglycerols (TAGs) in the ruptured bran layers. The fatty acid ester bonds in the TAGs are hydrolyzed by the lipases causing the release of free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol. Further oxidation of these FFAs, especially the linoleic acid (18:2), are further oxidized by the action of lipoxygenases (LOXs). This reaction produces conjugated hydroperoxides of 18:2, which decompose and form secondary oxidation products responsible for the strong undesirable stale off-flavors. The outcome is a deterioration of bran lipids and significant loss of TAGs during RBO refining process. Therefore, this review aims to provide a holistic view on the current understanding of the catalog of genes and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in triggering bran lipid rancidity. Generated knowledge about the individual genes will be crucial for developing advanced genome editing strategies to regulate rice bran lipid quality and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw mulch significantly increased the straw yield than without mulch at both locations . Mulch application significantly increased the grain yield at both locations by increasing number of pods per plant and higher plant population contributed to higher seed yield. Straw mulch also significantly improved the number of seed per pod at both locations as it might counters the moisture stress during pod filling stage as compared to without mulch. Grain yield The grain yield of soybean was significantly affected by the sowing dates, mulch application and was non- significantly affected by the planting methods. [Extracted from the article]

Let K = Q (θ) be an algebraic number field with θ a root of an irreducible trinomial f (x) = x 6 + a x + b belonging to Z [ x ]. In this paper, for each prime number p we compute the highest power of p dividing the discriminant of K in terms of the prime powers dividing a , b and discriminant of f(x). An explicit p-integral basis of K is also given for each prime p and a method is described to obtain an integral basis of K from these p-integral bases which is illustrated with examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What kind of protest cultures became visible in the farmers' movement? What modes of resistance did the movement draw upon in the context of Punjab, the Northern part of India? Did the resistance present a response to the neoliberal ethos of the current political and economic environment? Tracing the rituals of resistance in Punjab through the songs, print and digital material, this paper shows that the movement was a response beyond the call to repeal the farm laws, claiming a higher moral ground based on the passion for farming and military service; and an expression and mobilisation of the past through the affective registers of despair, enthusiasm and betrayal. In doing so, the movement (2020–2021) generated enriched meanings and imaginaries of traffic that otherwise only comprised sites of speed and singular mobilities. Traffic became an intersection of history and memory embodied through performance mapping the 'non-place' infrastructures creating temporarily 'settled places'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perpetual increase in global population has led to a sharp hike in the per capita consumption of vegetable oils. To meet the demands for both edible and non‐edible oils, scientists have developed alternative sources of fuel that are sustainable yet eco‐friendly. Oleaginous yeasts are capable of producing lipids that form up to 20% of their total biomass and are mostly stored in the form of neutral lipids, also known as triacylglycerol (TAG). Yeast grows quickly and accumulates fatty acids that are very similar to vegetable oils. The production of single cell oil (SCO) from yeast can be easily enhanced genetically to meet the rising global demand for edible and renewable fuels as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Thus, SCO could serve as a promising platform for oil production, thereby preventing the current food‐fuel competition in land use. This review will focus on the recent understanding of TAG metabolic pathways and the subsequent metabolic engineering of the related genes involved in oleaginous yeasts that paved the platform for enhanced SCO production. Practical applications: Oleaginous yeast single cell oil is a non‐plant‐based, renewable lipid source that can be used for the production of bio‐based oleochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, Dy3+ doped alkali zinc alumino borosilicate (AZABS) glasses have been prepared via melt quenching technique. A series of AZABS glasses of varying concentrations of dysprosium (Dy3+) (0.1–2.5 mol%) was prepared. It was found that under UV excitation, 0.5 mol% Dy3+ doped glass exhibited maximum luminescence intensity. Subsequent photoluminescence studies like emission/excitation spectra, temperature-dependent photoluminescence and decay kinetics were also performed. The value of direct bandgap as calculated from Tauc Plot for 0.5 mol% of Dy3+ ions doped AZABS glass is 2.85 eV. Yellow to blue ratio and colorimetry analysis have showed that the as-prepared glasses are capable of producing cool white light. Application of Dexter theory showed that the energy transfer mechanism between the dopant ions in the glass matrix was of dipole–dipole nature. It is proposed that these Dy3+ doped AZABS glasses can be used as prospective materials in optoelectronic device applications such as solid-state lighting and w-LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI) is a rare clinical presentation of acute coronary syndrome. A high index of suspicion is needed for its timely diagnosis and management to prevent serious complications like heart failure, cardiogenic shock, ventricular arrythmias or sudden cardiac death. Coronary anomalies are rare entities with a varied clinical presentation. We report an interesting case of a middle-aged female who presented with isolated RVMI, with a borderline blood pressure and sinus node dysfunction resulting from occlusion of an anomalous right coronary artery. The successful management of this patient with percutaneous coronary intervention using coronary stenting is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Overexpression of forage sorghum oleosin genes in Arabidopsis oleosin-deficient mutant and yeast showed increased germination rate, triacylglycerol content, and protection against lipase-mediated TAG degradation. Plant lipids are an important source of ration for cattle or other livestock animals to fulfil their energy needs. Poor energy containing green forages are still one of the major sources of food for livestock animals, leaving the animals undernourished. This lowers the milk and meat production efficiency, thereby affecting human consumption. Oleosin, an essential oil body surface protein, is capable of enhancing and stabilizing the lipid content in plants. We identified and functionally characterized three forage sorghum oleosin genes (SbOle1, SbOle2, and SbOle3) in Arabidopsis and yeast. Phylogenetic analysis of SbOle proteins showed a close relationship with rice and maize oleosins. Expression analysis of SbOle genes determined a higher expression pattern in embryo followed by endosperm, while its expression in the non-seed tissues remained negligible. Overexpression of SbOle genes in Arabidopsis ole1-deficient mutants showed restoration of normal germination whereas control mutant seeds showed lower germination rates. Heterologous overexpression of SbOle in yeast cells resulted in increased TAG accumulation. Additionally, the TAG turnover assay showed the effectiveness of SbOle genes in reducing the yeast endogenous and rumen bacterial lipase-mediated TAG degradation. Taken together, our findings not only provide insights into forage sorghum oleosin for increasing the energy content in non-seed organs but also opened up the direction towards implication of oleosin in rumen protection of fodders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to emphasize the compressive strength and flexural strength of glass-ionomer cement (GIC)-gold hybrid, conventional GIC, and resin-modified GIC (RMGIC). Methodology: Three GIC materials were used in the study: group A: GC-gold hybrid (Gold Label hybrid Universal Restorative), group B: type II conventional GIC, and group C: RMGIC. A total of 120 cylindrical test specimens of dimensions 4 mm diameter × 6 mm height were prepared from a custom-made Teflon mold according to respective study groups. The specimens prepared were then stored in 20 mL of deionized water at 37°C for 3 h daily for 30 days, and the solutions were changed every week, after which they were tested for compressive strength and flexural strength by using a universal force testing machine. All the results were analyzed by SPSS software and were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results: The mean compressive strength was the highest for group A and lowest for group B. Similarly, the mean flexural strength was the highest for group A and lowest for group B. Conclusion: The conclusions can be drawn from this in-vitro study that the compressive strength and flexural strength of GC-gold hybrid were greater than those of RMGIC and conventional GIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug trafficking and massive drug abuse are wreaking havoc in Punjab. The epidemic of substance abuse in the young generation has assumed alarming dimensions in the state. Experts say that the state may lose an entire generation to rampant abuse of smack, heroin and synthetic drugs. The people of Punjab demand a strong political will to tackle the drug menace. The problem could be adequately addressed only when seen in a wider socio-economic context. The aim of present paper is to analyse the gravity of drug menace; its causes, initiatives taken by the state government to curb the problem and some suggestions to uproot the evil from social fabric of the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study sex-related differences in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) presentation, management and in-hospital outcomes. Materials & methods: We studied 621 ACS patients (150 women, 471 men) of low socio-economic status from South India from February 2015 to January 2016. Multivariable logistic regression methods were used to assess sex differences in the in-hospital outcomes. Adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) included in-hospital cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, re-infarction, stroke, major bleeding and mortality. Results & conclusion: Mean age in women was 60.97 ± 11.23 years versus 54.5 ± 10.87 years in men (p < 0.001). Women had higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes and presented with more non-ST elevation ACS. There were no differences in the use of antiplatelets, statins and other pharmacotherapy except for the higher use of nitrates in women. There were no differences in MACE rates between women and men (15.3 vs 9.6%; adjusted odds ratio: 1.43; CI: 0.76-2.69). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory were performed to investigate structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of phosphorene-based large honeycomb dumbbell (LHD) hybrid structures and a new phosphorene allotrope, referred to as ψ″-P. The LHD hybrids (i.e., X6P4; X being C or Si or Ge or Sn) and ψ″-P have significantly higher bandgaps than the corresponding pristine LHD structures, except the case of C6P4, which is metallic. ψ″-P is found to be a highly flexible p-type material which shows strain-engineered photocatalytic activity in a highly alkaline medium. The carrier mobility of the considered systems is as high as 105 cm2 V−1 s−1 (specifically the electron mobility of LHD structures). The calculated STM images display the surface morphologies of the LHD hybrids and ψ″-P. The predicted phosphorus-based 2D structures with novel electronic properties may be candidate materials for nanoscale devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory were performed to investigate structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of phosphorene-based large honeycomb dumbbell (LHD) hybrid structures and a new phosphorene allotrope, referred to as ψ″-P. The LHD hybrids (i.e., X6P4; X being C or Si or Ge or Sn) and ψ″-P have significantly higher bandgaps than the corresponding pristine LHD structures, except the case of C6P4, which is metallic. ψ″-P is found to be a highly flexible p-type material which shows strain-engineered photocatalytic activity in a highly alkaline medium. The carrier mobility of the considered systems is as high as 105 cm2 V−1 s−1 (specifically the electron mobility of LHD structures). The calculated STM images display the surface morphologies of the LHD hybrids and ψ″-P. The predicted phosphorus-based 2D structures with novel electronic properties may be candidate materials for nanoscale devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gadolinium (Gd3+) ion-activated SrY2O4 phosphors with varying concentrations of Gd3+ ions were prepared using sol–gel synthesis. The photoluminescence spectra were recorded to study the luminescence behavior of the as-synthesized phosphors. Upon excitation at 275 nm, the material displayed two bands, one at 309 nm (6P5/2 → 8S7/2) and the other at 315 nm (6P7/2 → 8S7/2), in the narrowband ultraviolet (UV) spectral regions. The strong emission at 315 nm indicated that the phosphors could be used as a narrowband UV light source. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra showed a foremost Gd3+ center with weak signals. Several resonance signals revealed that Gd3+ ions underwent different Zeeman interactions and exhibited varying crystal field strength. The results suggest the potential utility of Gd3+ doped-SrY2O4 phosphors for phototherapy lamp applications which require UV emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Mn2+ activated Sr2ZnSi2O7 phosphors with variable Mn2+ ions concentration were prepared via citrate sol–gel method. The systematic analysis of structure and luminescent properties were carried out by recording x-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron micrographs, excitation and emission spectra along with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. The optimization of Mn2+ ion concentration in the synthesized phosphors was done by analyzing emission spectra. The Mn2+ activated Sr2ZnSi2O7 phosphors exhibit green emission under 263 nm excitation. The EPR spectra exhibit sextet hyperfine lines with resonance at g ≈ 2.0 indicating tetrahedral symmetry and covalent bonding between Mn2+ ions and O2− ligand ions bound to it. All the aforesaid results support the suitability of Mn2+ activated Sr2ZnSi2O7 phosphors as visible green emitters in optoelectronic display devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trivalent gadolinium (Gd3+) activated CaY2Al4SiO12 garnet compounds with a variable concentration of Gd3+ ions were synthesized by a sol–gel method. The synthesized garnet compounds were characterized for their structural, morphological, luminescent, and magnetic properties. The x-ray diffraction data of Gd3+ activated CaY2Al4SiO12 garnet compound reveal the cubic structure with Ia3d space group. The scanning electron microscope images represent the morphology of the particles. The photoluminescence properties were analyzed from the excitation and emission spectra. The emission spectra of the CaY2Al4SiO12:Gd3+ garnet compound under 273 nm excitation exhibit two emission peaks at (308 nm and 314 nm) nm and are attributed to 6P5/2 → 8S7/2 and 6P7/2 → 8S7/2 transitions, respectively. The emission peak observed at 314 nm is more intense than the peak observed at 308 nm. The high-intensity peak at 314 nm is used to cure various skin disorders, and hence is beneficial in phototherapy. The intensity of the emission peaks increases up to 0.09 mol of Gd3+ ion concentration in the CaY2Al4SiO12 garnet compound, and beyond, then decreases, showing concentration quenching. The electron paramagnetic resonance of Gd3+ ions in the prepared garnet compound exhibits resonance signals with effective g values at g ≈ 6.5, 5.0, 2.6, 2.2, 2.0, and 1.6 of the U-spectrum, due to cubic, octahedral, or tetrahedral distorted sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trivalent gadolinium (Gd3+) activated strontium silicate (Sr2SiO4:xGd3+; 0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.11) systems have been synthesized via sol-gel technique. The structural, morphological, luminescent, and magnetic properties have been investigated using X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique, respectively. The synthesized strontium silicate samples exhibit a mixed phase of α′ and β-Sr2SiO4. The SEM images show irregular morphologies with a random distribution of particles. The PL spectra confirm the ultraviolet emission from the synthesized samples and the optimum concentration of Gd3+ ions is observed at 0.05 mol. With low dopant concentrations, Sr2SiO4:Gd3+ sample displays EPR lines, mainly in the low field region with effective g-values 5.8, 4.5, 3.1, and 2.7. As dopant concentration increases, a broad line appears with geff ~ 2.1 along with the low field lines. A relatively strong crystal field is experienced by Gd3+ ion due to distortions in the immediate environment of the ion, which lead to low field EPR lines. These studies allow the use of gadolinium-activated strontium silicate in phototherapy lamps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The van der Waals heterostructures of allotropes of phosphorene (α- and β-P) with MoSe2 (H-, T-, ZT- and SO-MoSe2) are investigated in the framework of state-of-the-art density functional theory. The semiconducting heterostructures, β-P/H-MoSe2 and α-P/H-MoSe2, form anti-type structures with type I and type II band alignments, respectively, whose bands are tunable with an external electric field. α-P/ZT-MoSe2 and α-P/SO-MoSe2 form ohmic semiconductor–metal contacts while the Schottky barrier in β-P/T-MoSe2 can be reduced to zero by an external electric field to form ohmic contacts which is useful to realize high-performance devices. Simulated STM images of the given heterostructures reveal that α-P can be used as a capping layer to differentiate between various allotropes of underlying MoSe2. The dielectric response of the considered heterostructures is highly anisotropic in terms of lateral and vertical polarization. The tunable electronic and dielectric response of van der Waals phosphorene/MoSe2 heterostructures may find potential applications in the fabrication of optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alluvial aquifers of the agrarian state of Punjab of southwestern arid zone used for irrigation of rice crops are rich in arsenic concentration. In the present study, rice ( Oryza sativa L.) crops were raised in pots in a greenhouse with a purpose to study whether selenium (Se) application was effective in ameliorating As uptake. The rice crop was irrigated with arsenic laced water (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 μM As L) throughout the growing period, without and with selenium (0.05 and 0.10 mg kg) added through mustard biomass, grown ex situ in seleniferous soil. Arsenic uptake and dry matter yield in different parts of the rice crop were assayed after application of As alone and simultaneous supplementations (As + Se). An antagonistic interaction between Se and As was observed. Addition of As through irrigation water significantly reduced yield of rice grain, straw and root. However, subsequent addition of Se helped in mitigating the harmful effect of As and countered the yield reduction caused due to As toxicity. The effect of Se on dry matter yield was more pronounced at its higher dose (0.10 mg kg) as compared to its lower dose (0.05 mg kg). The presence of Se either alone or added along with As significantly reduced the As concentration and its uptake by different parts of rice and higher reduction in As concentration was observed with addition of the highest level of applied Se (0.10 mg kg). Our observations indicated that Se supplementation might be favourable to reduce As accumulation and toxicity in rice crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are various technologies that are being used in many fields. With the advancement of technology existing electrical grids are converting into smart electrical grids. A smart grid is an evolved grid system that manages electricity demands in a sustainable, reliable and economical manner built on advanced infrastructure and tuned to facilitate the integration of all operations. Smart grid has effective power management, secure communication and environment friendly. But smart grid has complex architecture because there are various vendors who are involved in this. So, the biggest problem is authentication, authorization and integrity. Second problem is how to provide security for communication lines from various types of attacks. In this paper, a survey is done on various cryptographic algorithms which are used for security in smart grid. On the basis of survey, various security issues are discussed in smart grid. It has been found that lightweight algorithm is more appropriate for smart meters for less memory usage and power consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our main investigation in the present research was to developt and evaluate targeting ligand-anchored multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as prospective targeted drug delivery system, with a special focus on the MWCNTs surface functionalization (FA-PEG bis-amine functionalized, carboxylated MWCNTs).In vitrorelease of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was studied at pH 7.4 phosphate buffer and 5.5 acetate buffer, which displayed initial faster followed by sustained release up to 900 min. Further, 5-FU/FA-PEG bis amine-MWCNTs was found to be long circulating, prolonged half-life and increased drug accumulation in target tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the tailoring of the electronic structures of various structural phases of phosphorene (α-P, β-P, γ-P and δ-P) based homo- and hetero-bilayers through in-plane mechanical strains, vertical pressure and transverse electric field by employing density functional theory. In-plane biaxial strains have considerably modified the electronic bandgap of both homo- and hetero-bilayers while vertical pressure induces metallization in the considered structures. The γ-P homo-bilayer structure showed the highest ultimate tensile strength (UTS ∼ 6.21 GPa) upon in-plane stretching. Upon application of a transverse electric field, the variation in the bandgap of hetero-bilayers was found to be strongly dependent on the polarity of the applied field which is attributed to the counterbalance between the external electric field and the internal field induced by different structural phases and heterogeneity in the arrangements of atoms of each surface of the hetero-bilayer system. Our results demonstrate that the electronic structures of the considered hetero- and homo-bilayers of phosphorene could be modified by biaxial strain, pressure and electric field to achieve the desired properties for future nano-electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present experiments were carried to study the physicochemical and microbial quality of foam-mat-dried pineapple powder. Pineapple pulp was foamed using two foaming agents, tricalcium phosphate (TCP) (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.0%) and egg white (EW) (0%, 0.50%, 1.0%, 1.50%, and 2.0%). Carboxy methyl cellulose (0.25%) was used as foam stabiliser, and drying was carried out at 65, 75, and 85 °C in tray drier followed by pulverising the dried foam mats in to fine powder. Powdered samples were analysed for various physicochemical quality parameters viz. total sugars, reducing sugars, ascorbic acid, total acid, pH, iron, phosphorus and calcium content, and bacterial and fungal load. Statistical analysis using LSD revealed that sample dried using 1% TCP at 65 °C was the best with 4.60% total sugars, 2.71% reducing sugars, 4.05 mg per 100 g ascorbic acid, 0.35% total acid, 0.29 mg per 100 g Iron, 2.24 mg per 100 g phosphorous, and 6.58 g per 100 g calcium and zero bacterial and fungal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken with an objective to see the influence of different drying air temperatures (65, 75, and 85°C) and different foaming agents (carboxy methyl cellulose, milk, and egg white) on the biochemical properties of foam mat dried tomato powder. It was observed that there was a decrease in the total sugars, ascorbic acid, lycopene, and total acid, however, pH slightly increased compared to fresh tomato juice composition and no microbial (fungal and bacterial) growth was noticed. Conclusively, optimum conditions for foam mat drying of tomato using CMC as a foaming agent and dried at 85°C give promising industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Foam mat drying is a lucrative process of mandarin (kinnow) pulp preservation in the form of powder. Foam mat drying of mandarin pulp experiments were carried out at 65, 75 and 85 °C drying air temperatures using carboxy methyl cellulose, milk and egg white as foaming agents at different concentrations levels to get dried mandarin powder. Quality of the reconstituted dried Mandarin pulp-powder was evaluated for 6 month storage studies at an interval of 2 months for total sugars (%), ascorbic acid (mg 100 mL), total acid (%), pH and microbial load (fungal and bacterial) using standard procedures. It was observed that total sugars, ascorbic acid and total acid were decreased whereas pH was slightly higher than the fresh pulp. There was minor bacterial growth noticed in all the treatments, which is within the permissible limit, furthermore no fungal growth was noticed during storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisotropic materials are of great interest due to their unique direction-dependent optical properties. Borophene, the two-dimensional analog of graphene consisting of boron atoms, has attracted immense research interest due to its exciting anisotropic electronic and mechanical properties. Its synthesis in several structural polymorphic configurations has recently been reported. The present work reports the layer-dependent optical absorption and hyperpolarizabilities of the buckled borophene (δ6-borophene). The results, based on density functional theory, show that multilayer borophene is nearly transparent with only a weak absorbance in the visible region, reflecting its anisotropic structural characteristics. The static first-order hyperpolarizability significantly increases with the number of layers, due mainly to interactions among the frontier orbitals in multilayer borophene. Transparency in the visible region combined with enhanced nonlinear optical properties makes the multilayer borophene important for future photonics technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertically stacked, layered van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures offer the possibility to design materials, within a range of chemistries and structures, to possess tailored properties. Inspired by the naturally occurring mineral merelaniite, this paper studies a vdW heterostructure composed of a MoS2 monolayer and a PbS bilayer, using density functional theory. A commensurate 2D heterostructure film and the corresponding 3D periodic bulk structure are compared. The results find such a heterostructure to be stable and possess p-type semiconducting characteristics. Due to the heterostructure's weak interlayer bonding, its carrier mobility is essentially governed by the constituent layers; the hole mobility is governed by the PbS bilayer, whereas the electron mobility is governed by the MoS2 monolayer. Furthermore, we estimate the hole mobility to be relatively high (~106 cm2V−1s−1), which can be useful for ultra-fast devices at the nanoscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]