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Karsten Knobloch,1 Amol Saxena,2 Wolfgang Schaden3 1SportPraxis Professor Knobloch, Hannover, Germany; 2Department of Sports Medicine, Sutter-Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA, USA; 3Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, Vienna, AustriaCorrespondence: Karsten Knobloch, SportPraxis Professor Knobloch, Heiligerstrasse 3, Hannover, 30159, Germany, Email knobloch@sportpraxis-knobloch.deAbstract: This case report describes a novel and unique combination of both electromagnetic and electrohydraulic focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy (EMTT) for accelerated healing in a calcaneus epiphyseal fracture with delayed healing in an adolescent Parkour athlete. After a 2.5m jump, the 14-year-old experienced significant heel pain, however avoided telling his parents. After eight weeks, the initial imaging using ultra low dose weight-bearing cone beam CT (WBCT) revealed a calcaneus non-union situation adjacent to the open calcaneal physis. To improve and accelerate bony healing substantially, we chose to apply both combined focused electromagnetic (Storz Ultra, Storz Medical AG, Tägerwillen, CH) and focused electrohydraulic (MTS, Konstanz, Germany) ESWT in a fractioned fashion plus EMTT (Storz Magnetolith, Tägerwillen, CH) in five consecutive weekly sessions while allowing the patient to fully weight bear. The follow-up WBCT after six weeks revealed a near to total healing of the delayed union and being pain-free. Notably, combination therapy with focused ESWT and EMTT did not result in early closure of the calcaneal epiphysis. We conclude that combined focused electromagnetic and electrohydraulic ESWT and EMTT facilitate bony healing in adolescent calcaneal apophyseal fractures without any adverse effects on the open physis. Evidence level IV (case report).Keywords: ESWT, shockwave therapy, EMTT, epiphysis, non, union

The worldwide fight against climate change and its impacts finds support in the realm of green financing. The realization of the United Nations’ sustainable objectives hinges upon it. Considering that green financing is hailed as the future of banking and investment, it demands a thorough comprehension.

In order to provide light on the relative efficiency of and suitability for different refrigeration technology applications, this study examines the performance of refrigeration cycles using refrigerants 404a and 410a. As part of the research technique, refrigeration systems are tested experimentally under controlled settings. Key performance indicators are then thoroughly analyzed and compared. Test rigs with compressors, condensers, expansion valves, and evaporators—common parts of the refrigeration cycle are used for experimental research. The test rig is outfitted with instruments that can measure critical parameters at various places in the system, such as pressure, temperature, and power consumption. In order to assess the thermodynamic performance of refrigeration cycles utilizing refrigerants 404a and 410a, the study looks at a number of variables, including energy consumption, cooling capacity, and coefficient of performance (COP). The impact of operating parameters on cycle performance, such as system pressure, refrigerant flow rate, and temperatures of the evaporator and condenser, is evaluated by analyzing experimental data. The experimental investigations' results are presented and thoroughly explained, emphasizing the observed trends, correlations, and distinctions between refrigerants 410a and 404a. Analyzing performance metrics comparative provide important information about the relative efficacy and efficiency of each refrigerant in refrigeration applications. The research findings' ramifications are examined in relation to real-world refrigeration technology applications, taking system design, component selection, and refrigerant selection into account. Based on the factors that have been found to influence system reliability and efficiency, recommendations are given for improving the performance of the refrigeration cycle. All things considered, this study advances knowledge of the performance of the refrigeration cycle utilizing refrigerants 404a and 410a, providing insightful information to researchers, engineers, and system designers. The results of this study hold significance for improving the effectiveness and durability of refrigeration systems across multiple sectors, such as cold storage, food processing, and HVAC. The understanding and applications of refrigeration technology are further advanced by identifying future research directions.

This research examines the effectiveness of nanomaterial-based adsorbents in improving water treatment. It specifically looks at their ability to adsorb contaminants, their efficiency in removing pollutants, the speed at which they work, and their ability to be regenerated. Four distinct nanomaterials, labeled as Nanomaterials A, B, C, and D, were produced and analyzed to assess their effectiveness in eliminating contaminants from liquid solutions. The results showed that Nanomaterial D displayed the maximum adsorption capacity, measuring 142 mg/g, which indicates its exceptional capability to adsorb contaminants. In addition, Nanomaterial C had the best removal efficiency of 97.5%, highlighting its efficacy in decreasing pollutant concentrations in water. The analysis of kinetic characteristics revealed that Nanomaterial C had the greatest pseudo-second-order rate constant, indicating fast adsorption kinetics and robust surface contacts. In addition, Nanomaterial C had the greatest regeneration efficiency of 85%, suggesting its suitability for sustainable water treatment purposes. The results emphasize the impressive effectiveness of adsorbents made from nanomaterials in tackling water quality issues and advancing environmental sustainability. Nanomaterial-based adsorbents may have a significant impact on securing clean and secure water supplies for current and future generations by improving synthesis processes, comprehending adsorption mechanisms, and evaluating regeneration features. Additional study is required to investigate other parameters that affect the performance of adsorbents and to assess their long-term stability and cost- effectiveness for practical use in water treatment systems.

This research paper investigates the repercussions of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems, focusing on the sensitivity of diverse taxa to changing pH stages. Drawing from recent research, we discover the complicated interaction among climate change, contaminant accumulation, and atmosphere dynamics, with a particular emphasis on coastal regions reliant on fisheries. Through a complete assessment, we recognize substantial differences in sensitivity amongst calcifying taxa, highlighting the implications for each polar and temperate/tropical region. Furthermore, we propose tailored management techniques relying on distinct climate zones and taxonomic groups to mitigate the destructive effects of ocean acidification. Our sensitivity analyses monitoring of capability shifts in Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSDs) under preindustrial pH situations, underscoring the importance of historic baselines in predicting future influences. This paper contributes to our understanding of how ocean acidification threatens marine biodiversity and underscores the urgency of implementing efficient conservation measures.

The rapid expansion of green energy resources (RER) into existing electrical networks necessitates an evolved approach to voltage distribution. This study explores the challenges and solutions associated with integrating green energy into high and low voltage distribution systems (HVDS and LVDS). The research evaluates various protection schemes for dynamic fault currents, voltage control systems for mitigating power quality issues, and optimal planning strategies for distributed generation. Innovative methodologies for integrating solar and wind energy, such as centralized-decentralized control approaches and demand response mechanisms, are proposed. The study demonstrates, through MATLAB simulations, that HVDS configurations significantly improve system efficiency and reduce technical losses compared to LVDS, particularly when interfacing with green energy sources.

This study optimizes the production of activated carbon (AC) from two distinct agricultural wastes, barley husk and maize cob. The process is refined using the Taguchi method with the goal of enhancing water treatment techniques. The study emphasizes how crucial it is to make the transition towards renewable and affordable raw materials for the manufacturing of AC given the predicted expansion of the worldwide demand for AC. The study assessed the impact of four crucial variables on the production and quality of AC using a L9 orthogonal array: phosphoric acid concentration, heating by microwave time, power from the microwave, and nitrogen flow rate. Findings indicated that the most important element for maximizing the production of AC from these agricultural leftovers was microwave power, along with the percentage of phosphoric acid and the time frame of the heating process.

The hybrid wind-solar system is a combination of renewable energy sources, specifically wind and solar, that is utilized for power generation. While wind power has historically been used for various purposes such as sails, windmills, and wind pumps, it is now predominantly used for electricity generation. This system incorporates solar panels and small wind turbine generators to produce electricity. The advantage of hybrid systems is that they can generate electricity as needed, taking into account the varying peak working hours of solar and wind systems throughout the year. To ensure a stable power system, UPQC (Unified Power Quality Conditioner) is employed. This multipurpose power conditioner serves multiple functions, including preventing harmonic load current from entering the power system, rectifying voltage fluctuations, and compensating for voltage disturbances from different power sources. It is specifically designed to minimize interference with sensitive or critical loads. With its series and shunt compensation capabilities, UPQC effectively manages power flow, reactive power, harmonics, and voltage disturbances. In this paper, the work addresses the issue of electricity quality that arises from the installation of wind turbines in the grid. To get over this issue, the suggested course of action demonstrates how to install a BESS and a unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) at the connection point. Even though wind power fluctuates, the use of battery energy storage technology helps to provide a constant power supply. With the power system block established in MATLAB/SIMULINK, one can simulate the UPQC control method of a grid-connected wind energy generating plant. As a result, the power's quality will increase. When the recommended approach lowers the load's and the induction generator's reactive power requirements, it is successful. Furthermore, the plan for raising the grid's power quality criteria and developing the grid coordination rule are also provided.

The comparative evaluation offered within the paper aligns with the broader theme of sustainable wound care by means of focusing on the efficacy and environmental concerns of wound dressing technology. The development of advanced biomaterials not most effective for scientific wound control but additionally for environmental sustainability. With the aid of leveraging biocompatible substances and modern technology, such as biodegradable polymers and eco-friendly nanoparticles, researchers goal to create wound care answers that no longer handiest sell green recovery however also limit environmental impact. Via analyzing the benefits, demanding situations, and future directions of hydrogel dressings, electrospun biopolymer nanofibers, and numerous polymeric substances, the study contributes to the discussion on sustainable wound care. It underscores the significance of developing wound care solutions that now not most effective reveal clinical efficacy but also consider their environmental effect. This holistic method resonates with the purpose of exploring the intersection of scientific efficacy and environmental sustainability in the context of biomedical substances for wound care.

Parking spaces, lobby areas, terrace gardens, and other amenities are highly sought-after in densely populated urban regions. Although floating columns can be useful and an achievable choice, it is important to research their structural performance and cost-effectiveness in the event of substantial ground motion imposed on by an earthquake. A building’s overall dimensions, geometry, and shape all impact how it acts and acts when subjected to seismic loads. For this reason, it is necessary to assess how well floating column buildings perform in seismically vulnerable places in comparison to conventional buildings. In this work, the performance of structures with floating columns for seismic loading is observed using dynamic analytic techniques in accordance with IS 1893 (2005). This study analyses both the floating columns and the conventional building without floating columns. When compared to a regular building, the research reveals that the floating column buildings exhibit a very quick increase in base shear and story displacement. The horizontal displacements experienced by floating column buildings are proportionally larger due to an increase in the fundamental time period. If the lateral displacement exceeds the codespecified maximum limit, damage to structural and non-structural parts may result. Because of the discontinuity in the load distribution path, seismic base shear and overturning moment are also increasing in the case of buildings with floating columns. Additionally, while asymmetrically introducing floating columns, torsional irregularity has been produced but the modal mass participation ratio has decreased. While it is true that the use of floating columns in high-rise structures allows for continuous open floor plans, they are also dangerous and susceptible in seismically active locations

There is a lower requirement for river sand in construction because of a number of logistical and environmental problems. In response to these issues, alternative materials are being increasingly recognized by the construction field progressively M. Sand, derived from the mining and processing of rocks that is a low-particle-size substitute to natural sand which demonstrates potential. Amongst its numerous applications are surface polishing, prefabricated cement components, hollow block development, and lightweight component production. Practitioners and researchers both have been giving special attention on the usage of M. sand in the last few years. This has led to further study into its suitability for replacing river sand in concrete production. The formulation of concrete blends using M. Sand has been made possible through various mix designs developed according to relevant design codes such as IS codes. An assessment of the mechanical properties and structural performance -of concrete containing M. Sand has been conducted using cubes, cylinders, and beams compared to traditional natural sand concrete. As a result of these tests, the compressive, flexural, and tensile strength properties of M. Sand and M. Sand can be compared, suggesting M. Sand has similar properties. Concrete construction applications can utilize sand as an environmentally sustainable and viable alternative to natural-river sand, thereby addressing sustainability concerns and resource scarcity concerns.

This review explores the growing impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on the energy sector, particularly in the context of renewable energy generation and electric drive systems. IoT technology has rapidly expanded into various sectors, including energy, smart cities, and industrial automation, revolutionizing monitoring, control, and management processes. In this paper, we examine the existing literature on IoT applications in energy systems, with a focus on smart grids. We also delve into the core IoT technologies, such as cloud computing and data analysis platforms, that underpin these innovations. Additionally, we address challenges associated with IoT implementation in the energy sector, notably privacy and security concerns, and suggest potential solutions, such as blockchain technology. Our findings provide valuable insights for energy policy-makers, economists, and managers, offering a comprehensive overview of how IoT can optimize energy systems. Furthermore, we highlight IoT’s expanding role in renewable energy and electric drive applications, enhancing performance monitoring, management, and energy savings while also advancing research and education in engineering.

In the age of smart grids, fortifying power grids against cyber threats has become of utmost importance. This paper reviews endeavours in the realms of defining, measuring, and scrutinising the resilience of smart grids. An exhaustive overview of both qualitative frameworks and quantitative metrics for resilience study is provided, underscoring the ideal characteristics of a resilience metric. The complexities in formulating and crafting such metrics in practical settings are also broached. Another focal point is the hierarchical outage management scheme, crafted to enhance the robustness of smart distribution systems, particularly those encompassing multi-microgrids. This scheme introduces a two-tiered approach: the preliminary stage revolves around resource scheduling via a model predictive control-based algorithm, whilst the subsequent stage centres on coordinating power transfers amongst microgrids. Moreover, the paper probes into the vulnerabilities of smart grids owing to the incorporation of information technology. A thorough exploration of security prerequisites, accounts of severe cyber-attacks, and a strategic methodology to detect and counteract these threats are elucidated. The paper wraps up by spotlighting future research trajectories, especially in forging a comprehensive framework for resilience and addressing challenges tied to multi-modal cyber/physical attacks and big data concerns.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have seen significant innovations in recent years. Among these innovations, the integration of solar power and machine learning has opened up new horizons for enhancing UAV capabilities. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in solarpowered UAV design and its synergy with machine learning techniques. We delve into the various aspects of solar-powered UAVs, from their design principles and energy harvesting technologies to their applications across different domains, all while emphasizing the pivotal role that machine learning plays in optimizing their performance and expanding their functionality. By examining recent advancements and challenges, this review aims to shed light on the future prospects of this transformative technology.

This paper offers a comprehensive review of the advancements in the domain of solar energy forecasting models, emphasizing their significance for grid integration and power balancing. The increasing inclusion of renewable resources in global energy portfolios underscores the urgency for precise forecasting of variable resources like solar energy. Solar generation technologies have witnessed remarkable growth, leading to heightened grid penetration rates. However, the ground-level solar resource is characterized by high variability, primarily influenced by factors such as cloud cover changes, atmospheric aerosol levels, and certain atmospheric gases. This variability, especially at elevated grid penetration levels, introduces challenges related to reserve costs, dispatchable generation, and overall grid reliability. To address these challenges, there’s a pressing need for forecast systems with high accuracy across multiple time horizons, catering to regulation, dispatching, scheduling, and unit commitment. Furthermore, the variability of renewable energy stands as a significant barrier to its broader adoption. Energy storage emerges as a potential solution to mitigate power imbalances arising from the disparity between available renewable power and load demands. Through an analytical model, this review explores the potential of storage in reducing power imbalances and the requisite storage capacity to achieve this balance. The paper delves into the theory behind these forecasting methodologies and highlights successful applications in solar forecasting for utility-scale solar plants.

This study explores the catalytic conversion of greenhouse gases (GHGs) using sustainable nanocatalysts, with the goal of addressing climate change and decreasing human-caused emissions. Four different types of nanocatalysts were synthesized, each with distinct compositions and properties. These include metal oxide, carbon-based, zeolite-based, and perovskite nanocatalysts. The characterization of these materials unveiled their nanostructured composition, significant surface area, and adjustable surface chemistry, which are crucial for their catalytic activity in greenhouse gas conversion reactions. The catalytic performance was evaluated, revealing different levels of efficiency in converting CO2 and CH4. The nanocatalysts made of metal oxide demonstrated the highest efficiency, while carbon-based, perovskite, and zeolite-based nanocatalysts followed suit. In addition, the reaction rate constants were found to be influenced by the composition and structure of the nanocatalyst. Metal oxide and carbon-based nanocatalysts exhibited higher rate constants in comparison to zeolite-based and perovskite nanocatalysts. Upon conducting stability assessments over multiple reaction cycles, it was observed that nanocatalysts made of metal oxide and carbon exhibited superior durability compared to those made of zeolite and perovskite. In summary, the findings highlight the promise of sustainable nanocatalysts in catalytic greenhouse gas conversion. These catalysts provide effective and eco-friendly solutions for tackling climate change and progressing towards a sustainable future. Further research and innovation in nanocatalyst design, synthesis, and performance evaluation are crucial for fully harnessing the potential of nanotechnology in reducing GHG emissions and attaining global sustainability objectives.

This paper investigates the experimental analysis of concrete mixtures with different percentages of manufactured sand replaced for natural sand, with a focus on M25 and M30 grades. The study analyses various repairing times, with a special focus on 3, 14, and 28-day periods. The main conclusions show a clear pattern, with the maximum compressive strength for M25 and M30 grades being found at 50% and 100% replacement levels, respectively. This positive connection indicates that the amount of manufactured sand incorporation affects the compressive strength and shows its effect over different curing times. It is noteworthy that self-compacting concrete (SCC) made using crushed sand has a higher compressive strength than SCC made with natural sand. The study’s final findings, that emphasize the beneficial impacts of manufactured sand on SCC’s overall compressive strength characteristics, provide crucial data for enhancing concrete mix design. For the purpose of developing M sand, rocks are crushed to a similar size and form as natural sand or N-sand. The possible use of M-sand in SCC has been addressed in this paper. In this study, an effort has been made to analyze the potential use of M-sand in SCC. Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a revolutionary concrete that allows for compaction and placement without the requirement for vibration. It may flow under its own weight even in the centre of dense reinforcement, entirely covering formwork and achieving full compaction. An attempt has been made to compare the characteristics of M35 self-compacting concrete in each its fresh and hardened states, substituting manufactured sand for river sand.

Reinforced refers to a structurally sound assemblage of carefully joined slabs, beams, columns, and foundation components. Through the use of this complex network, loads are systematically transferred from slabs to beams, then to columns, converge at the foundation, and finally travel to the soil beneath. This structural analysis offers a thorough investigation of load-carrying dynamics by examining multiple scenarios for the same structure while accounting for varying wind speeds. A G+9 storey building is subjected to a comparative evaluation in three different wind zones (I, II, and III) with corresponding wind speeds of 33 m/s, 39 m/s, and 44 m/s. The structural behaviour is carefully modelled and examined under the impact of dead load, live load, and wind load using sophisticated STAAD Pro software. This thorough analysis clarifies the structure’s unique reactions to different wind speeds. In order to determine the design loads of a multistorey building, this paper gives a comparative assessment of wind load. Then, using the fundamental wind speed and other local characteristics, the wind load in that zone may also be calculated. The wind speed is time-dependent and random, though. The current study uses the IS 875 code to analyse wind loads in different zones of a multistorey building. The design wind speed of that zone, with a variance, is used to estimate the wind loads.

This study delves into the transformative role of mobile applications in shaping sustainable tourism from 2013 to 2023. Analysing 56 articles from Scopus, it reveals the pervasive influence of these apps beyond altering traveller behaviour, encompassing destination management, and fostering sustainability. Mobile apps contribute to environmental conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and responsible tourism practices. The research emphasizes integrating sustainability principles into app development, including reducing ecological footprints and promoting environmental awareness among travellers. Leading studies highlight mobile apps not just as enhancers of user experiences but also as drivers for sustainable travel behaviours, emphasizing local cultural engagement and environmental stewardship. This study offers a comprehensive view, urging ongoing research leveraging mobile technology to propel sustainable practices within the tourism industry.

Changes made to any soil property with the goal of improving the soil’s engineering performance are collectively referred to as soil improvement. This might include enhancing groundwater conditions, decreasing compressibility, minimising permeability, or strengthening the structure’s structural integrity. Soil enhancement might be a short-term solution to make building easier or a long-term strategy to improve the finished structure’s performance over time. Expansive soils, especially black cotton soil, pose serious problems for the building sector because of their negative swelling and shrinking characteristics. The purpose of this study is to better understand how stabilizing substances like fly ash and rice husk ash (RHA) might help address these issues and enhance the qualities of soil suitable for building. To evaluate the efficacy of RHA and fly ash as swell reduction layers and to improve unconfined compressive strength (UCS) in highway construction, the materials will be added to natural soil in different percentages (RHA: 0%, 15%, and 30%; fly ash: 10%, 20%, and 30%). Nine different combinations were tested using UCS after the quantities were established using the Taguchi optimization approach. The results suggest that adding these waste items can greatly strengthen the soil, and that certain combinations work best for stabilizing the soil. The study highlights how soils in construction can be addressed by utilizing sustainable resources like fly ash and RHA.

Efficiency in technology, distributive effectiveness, and environmental effectiveness all have the potential to be included in the general concept of "resource use efficiency in agriculture." An effective farmer distributes his resources, including labourers, water, and land, appropriately in the best possible way to enhance his revenue while minimising expenses over time. Multiple research studies, however, demonstrate that farmers frequently make inadequate use of their resources. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of various farming practices and technologies, highlighting their impact on agricultural efficiency and resource use. Also, this review investigates the incorporation of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) into agriculture, emphasising the significance of environmental and economic factors in achieving sustainable agricultural productivity. With a focus on the ASEAN region and specific case studies, it assesses how carbon emissions, deforestation, renewable energy, and biodiversity affect farming efficiencies. The paper underscores the value of biodiversity, including underutilized and neglected species, and the potential of IoT and associated technologies to enhance agricultural operations. Moreover, it discusses about how resource optimization models can be used to increase agricultural yields and address environmental issues. A fundamental necessity for strategic management of water resources and joint utilization of water resources to support sustainable agriculture is also emphasized in the evaluation.

A subfield of mathematics called graph theory studies networks of points interconnected by lines. Researchers may model and examine the structure of a network using graph theory. Mostly topological in nature, graph theory supports both qualitative and quantitative methods. Important scientific findings have been made possible by graph theory, including a better understanding of how electrical distribution systems malfunction and how health problems spread through social networks. Although network analysis typically conjures images of graph theory, complex network theory, and network optimisation, geographers employ a variety of techniques to study networks. This study emphasises the foundational significance of graph theory in modelling and analysing complicated networks by methodically exploring the many applications of graph theory throughout several fields. It starts with a review of the fundamental roles that graph theory plays in mathematical information, computational science, and chemistry. The discussion then moves to cutting-edge applications in the fields of social media, means of transport, and the field of neuroscience, demonstrating graph theory’s versatility. The research emphasises its new application in improving traffic flow projections and assessing cultural environmental amenities employing social media data. The present article validates the crucial role of graph theory in addressing contemporary issues through an extensive overview and methodological study.

Biosensors are essential for transforming biological signals into electrical ones and have a wide range of uses in the biomedical, agricultural, and environmental fields. A biosensor is a device that combines biological and physicochemical elements to detect changes in physiological or biochemical states. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the development and application of enzymatic and immunological biosensors, emphasizing their significant role in environmental, agricultural, and biomedical sectors. By leveraging the unique properties of natural polysaccharides, particularly cellulose, for their construction, these biosensors offer enhanced biocompatibility, robust mechanical strength, and costeffectiveness. This study discusses the principles underlying biosensors, including their biological recognition elements, transduction mechanisms, and output systems. Enzymatic biosensors, characterized by their use of enzymes as bio receptors, and immunological biosensors, utilizing antibodies or antigens for the detection of immunocomplex formation, are evaluated in detail. Through comparative analysis, the paper highlights the diverse functionalities, sensitivities, and applications of these biosensors, ranging from glucose and hydrogen peroxide detection to monitoring of protein markers and E. coli bacteria. The study underscores the biosensors’ ability for facilitating rapid, incredibly sensitive, and specific detection capabilities, critical for advancing scientific diagnostics, environmental surveillance, and food protection.

Understanding and analysing wind-induced vibrations is a crucial part of the overall evaluation, design, and construction of high-rise building structures. Developers are exploring and using sloped or steep terrain for construction due to the ongoing trends of urbanisation, the ongoing demand for housing, and the constraints placed on available land resources. This change in the landscape underscores the necessity for considerable research endeavours by requiring a comprehensive grasp of the structural equilibrium of structures positioned on slopes. To investigate how wind speed affects the way building frames respond structurally when situated on sloping terrain is the principal objective of this research project. The study considers alternative frame geometries in combination with varying ground slopes. By highlighting the Taking into account wind loads—especially in different wind zones (like III and IV)—and different slopes— from 0° to 10°—the study seeks to clarify the complex dynamics at play in the relationship between wind forces and multi storey reinforced concrete building frames. As a consequence, it is essential to determine if a hillside can sustain building loads. In order to estimate the factor of safety against the slope’s sliding collapse, this study proposes a method that takes building loads transferred to the slope into account. Wind forces might also be included in the analysis. It is feasible to consider various slopes similar to the formulation provided in the research. Research on the stability of slopes with different building configurations has been conducted. This research has discussed the measures that must be implemented for stepped foundations on hill slopes.

In this paper, the effect of wear parameters on the wear rate of AA5086 alloy reinforced with Alumina (Al2O3) and Titanium boride (TiB2) is investigated. The Al2O3 content is fixed at 5wt%, while the variation in TiB2 content is considered as one of the parameters. The preparation of AA5086/Al2O3/TiB2 hybrid nano composite is carried out using the stir casting technique. To formulate the experimental design, response surface methodology (RSM) is employed, and four factors at three levels are selected using the Box Behnken design. The chosen process parameters include reinforcement wt% (5%, 7.5%, 10%), load (30N, 40N, 50N), sliding speed (500rpm, 600rpm, 700rpm), and sliding distance (400m, 450m, 500m).The results indicate that the highest wear rate of 0.09876 mm3/Nm is observed when using a load of 50N, sliding speed of 500 rpm, sliding distance of 400m, and a reinforcement content of 5%.An analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed to determine the significance of each factor on the wear rate. According to the ANOVA results, it is found that load is the most critical factor contributing to the increase in wear rate, followed by sliding distance, sliding speed, and reinforcement content.

Using a mixed-methods approach, we examine the complex link between user happiness and technology adoption in the context of smart homes. Our tests show that user happiness and adoption are highly influenced by the versions of smart home technologies, with Version A producing better user satisfaction (7.2) and adoption rates (68%) than Version B (6.8, 62%). Furthermore, consumers engaging with Features A and C reported the greatest adoption rates (80%) and satisfaction (8.1), indicating that certain features, particularly when paired, have a significant influence on user pleasure. Extended training times resulted in higher user satisfaction and adoption rates of the technology; the 6-hour training group had the greatest adoption rate (84%), and the highest satisfaction (8.3%). Furthermore, user age demographics have a substantial impact on adoption and happiness; young adults have the greatest adoption rate (70%) and contentment (7.6). These results highlight the necessity of developing smart home technologies that are appropriate for various age groups, as well as the significance of feature customization, thorough training, and user-centric design in improving user satisfaction and encouraging technology adoption. Introduction

Leather industries cause soil pollution in terms of leather wastes. Chrome-containing leather wastes (CCLW) also cause various types of pollutions such as air and soil pollution. The utilization of CCLW in the development of aluminum-based composite is the emerging area in the synthesis of materials. In this study, chromium(Cr) in the form of collagen powder was extracted from CCLW. Extracted collagen powder was ball milled with alumina particles for 12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 h. The average density of the mixture of ball-milled collagen and alumina particles was reduced by about 1.20% after ball milling for about 100 h. The stir casting technique was employed to develop the aluminum-based composite material. The ball-milled reinforced aluminum-based composite material showed a fair distribution of reinforcement particles as compared without ball-milled reinforced composite material. Tensile strength and hardness of composite material improved by about 35.53 and 46.61%, respectively, after using the mixture of ball-milled 5% collagen powder and 5% alumina particles in the aluminum alloy. However, ductility and toughness were reduced. Corrosion weight loss and thermal expansion of the Al/5% collagen/5% alumina particles with ball-milled composite were found to be 0.022 mg and 5.44 mm3, respectively. X-Ray diffraction of the Al/5% collagen/5% alumina particles with ball-milled composite showed the presence of Al, Al2O3, Cr2O3, and Cr phases. The presence of hard phases such as Al2O3, Cr2O3, and Cr was responsible for enhancing the hardness and tensile strength of the composite. The developed composite material can be utilized in the fabrication of engine blocks, connecting rods, and piston rings.

Certain applications requires a scalable cost effective storage and execution system with facility to store data and have feature to analyze data to its finest granularity level in future. This increase the quality and accuracy of result analysis. Wireless sensor Network (WSN) nodes deployed for certain data intensive applications such as surveillance, war zone monitoring etc. generates a massive amount of raw data. There is an essential requirement of storing this data in its native format for analytics purpose in anticipation of future requirements. In present work, a data lake implemented on Amazon AWS is presented for storage of data in original version for future reference. Data Lake implementation service is utilized for storing the data generated in big volumes, high speed and in variety. The data in Data Lake is stored in three zones i.e. raw, reformed and curated. This paper proposes an efficient method of storing structured, unstructured and semi-structured, data in to Data Lake for future retrieval and analytics purpose. The results are comprehensively presented highlighting the advantages of using Data Lake in place of data warehouses.

Introduction: A novel beta coronavirus, which was named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified to be the causative organism of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Aims: To study the clinico-epidemiological profile of hospitalised COVID-19 cases in an urban area. Material and methods: The workers carried out a cross sectional descriptive study. Period of the study was 01 April 2020 to 31 December 2020. Detailed epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and radiological data was obtained from each case. Above data in respect of 332 cases of COVID-19 was obtained. Results: Mean age of the cases was 45.68 years. Two hundred and sixty four (79.52%) cases were males, while sixty eight (20.48%) were females. Two hundred and thirty five (70.78%) gave history of fever. Mean duration of hospitalisation was 9.41 days. Thirty six (10.84%) cases were required to be placed on ventilator for various periods of time. Eighty four (25.30%) cases required to be administered oxygen for various periods of time. There were seven (2.10%) fatalities. Conclusion: The workers recommend that more research be carried out to identify various agent, host and environmental factors which may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of severe and fatal infections.

The popularity and rapid growth of the internet have reemphasized the importance of intrusion detection systems (IDS) significance in the network security. IDS decreases hacking, data theft risk, privacy intrusion, and others. To save the system from external and internal intruders, the primary approaches of IDS are used. Many techniques[13], like genetic algorithms, artificial neural networks, and artificial immune systems, have been applied to IDS. This paper describes an Ensemble Framework of Artificial Immune System (AIS) based on Network Intrusion Detection System. Without placing a significant additional load on networks and monitoring systems, the large volume of data is analysed by a network-based Intrusion Detection System (NIDS). For determining the connection type, data from KDD Cup 99 competitions is utilized. To differentiate between attacks and valid connections, IDS can be utilized. Optimized feature selection is used to speed up the time-consuming rough set. The results obtained from the IDS system indicate that it can effectively identify the attacking connections with a high success rate.

The neutron capture cross section of 241Am is an important quantity for nuclear energy production and fuel cycle scenarios. Several measurements have been performed in recent years with the aim to reduce existing uncertainties in evaluated data. Two previous measurements, performed at the 185 m flight-path station EAR1 of the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN, have permitted to substantially extend the resolved resonance region, but suffered in the near-thermal energy range from the unfavorable signal-to-background ratio resulting from the combination of the high radioactivity of 241Am and the rather low thermal neutron flux. The here presented 241Am(n,γ) measurement, performed with C6D6 liquid scintillator gamma detectors at the 20 m flight-path station EAR2 of the n_TOF facility, took advantage of the much higher neutron flux. The current status of the analysis of the data, focussed on the low-energy region, will be described here.

Accurate neutron capture cross section data for minor actinides (MAs) are required to estimate the production and transmutation rates of MAs in light water reactors, critical fast reactors like Gen-IV systems, and other innovative reactor systems such as accelerator driven systems (ADS). In particular, 244Cm, 246Cm and 248Cm play a role in the transport, storage and transmutation of the nuclear waste of the current nuclear reactors, due to the contribution of these isotopes to the radiotoxicity, neutron emission, and decay heat in the spent nuclear fuel. Also, capture reactions in these Cm isotopes open the path for the formation of heavier elements. In this work, the results of the capture cross section measurement on 244Cm, 246Cm and 248Cm performed at the CERN n_TOF facility are presented. It is important to notice that the Cm samples used in the experiment at n_TOF have been used previously in an experiment at J-PARC, this experiment and the previous one done in the 70s with a nuclear explosion were the only previous capture experiments for these isotopes. At n_TOF, the capture cross section measurements of 244Cm, 246Cm and 248Cm were performed at the 20 m vertical flight path (EAR2) with three C6D6 total energy detectors. In addition, the cross section of 244Cm was measured at the 185 m flight path (EAR1) with a Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC). The combination of measurements in EAR1 and EAR2 has contributed to controlling and reducing the systematic uncertainties in the results. The compatibility of the different measurements performed and the techniques to obtain the results are presented in this paper as well as the procedure to obtain the resonance parameters.

The slow neutron capture process (s-process) is responsible for producing about half of the elemental abundances heavier than iron in the universe. Neutron capture cross sections on stable isotopes are a key nuclear physics input for s-process studies. The 72Ge(n, γ) Maxwellian-Averaged Cross Section (MACS) has an important influence on the production of isotopes between Ge and Zr in the weak s-process in massive stars and so far only theoretical estimations are available. An experiment was carried out at the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN to measure the 72Ge(n, γ) reaction for the first time at stellar neutron energies. The capture measurement was performed using an enriched 72GeO2 sample at a flight path length of 184 m, which provided high neutron energy resolution. The prompt gamma rays produced after neutron capture were detected with a set of liquid scintillation detectors (C6D6). The neutron capture yield is derived from the counting spectra taking into account the neutron flux and the gamma-ray detection efficiency using the Pulse Height Weighting Technique. Over 70 new neutron resonances were identified, providing an improved resolved reaction cross section to calculate experimental MACS values for the first time. The experiment, data analysis and the new MACS results will be presented including their impact on stellar nucleosynthesis, which was investigated using the post-processing nucleosynthesis code mppnp for a 25 solar mass model.

Neutron capture cross section measurements of isotopes close to s-process branching-points are of fundamental importance for the understanding of this nucleosynthesis mechanism through which about 50% of the elements heavier than iron are produced. We present in this contribution the results corresponding to the high resolution measurement, for first time ever, of the 80Se(n, γ) cross section, in which 98 resonances never measured before have been reported. As a consequence, ten times more precise values for the MACS have been obtained compared to previous accepted value adopted in the astrophysical KADoNiS data base.

Neutron cross section measurements are often made relative to a neutron cross section standard. Thus, the accuracy of the neutron standards determines the best possible accuracy of the neutron measurements. The 235U(n,f) cross section is widely used as reference, while it is considered a standard at thermal point and between 0.15 to 200 MeV. For this reason, additional cross section data for the 235U(n,f) reaction are useful in order to improve the accuracy and to extend the energy range of the standard. In this work, preliminary results of the measurement of the 235U(n,f) cross-section relative to the standard 10B(n,a) reaction are presented. The high accuracy measurement was performed at the experimental area EAR-1 of the n_TOF facility at CERN, aiming at covering the energy range from the thermal region up to approximately 100 keV. The samples were produced at JRC-Geel in Belgium, while the experimental setup was based on Micromegas detectors.

Aneeta Saxena,1,2 Ellen Godena,1 Julie Maggio,1,3 David L Perez1,4 1Functional Neurological Disorder Clinical and Research Program, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; 2Epilepsy Division, Department of Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; 3Department of Physical Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; 4Division of Neuropsychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USACorrespondence: Aneeta SaxenaMassachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USAEmail asaxena7@mgh.harvard.eduAbstract: Functional neurological disorder (FND), a condition at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry, is a common and disabling outpatient referral to neurology and neuropsychiatry clinics. In this perspective article, we focus on the motor spectrum of FND (mFND), including individuals with functional movement disorders (FND-movt), functional limb weakness/paresis (FND-par) and functional [psychogenic non-epileptic/dissociative] seizures (FND-seiz). Over the past several decades, there have been dedicated efforts within the neurologic and psychiatric communities to create “rule-in” diagnostic criteria, as well as thoughtful approaches to the clinical interview, delivery of the diagnosis and the development of a patient-centered treatment plan. These advances allow the promotion of good clinical practices in the outpatient assessment and management of mFND. Informed by the literature and our prior clinical experiences, we provide suggestions on how to evaluate individuals with suspected functional motor symptoms - including conducting sensitive psychiatric and psychosocial screenings. Additional sections discuss common “rule-in” neurological examination and semiologic signs of motor FND, as well as approaches to deliver the diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan based on individual patient needs. To aid the development of shared (partially overlapping) expertise that catalyzes an interdisciplinary approach to mFND, the use of physiotherapy for therapeutic motor retraining and cognitive behavioral therapy to examine relationships between symptoms, thoughts, behaviors and emotions are also discussed. Additional clinical research is needed to further refine and operationalize the assessment and management of mFND, across clinics, healthcare settings and countries.Keywords: functional movement disorder, dissociative seizures, conversion disorder, psychogenic, treatment, neuropsychiatry

Background: Delivering early diagnosis of shock in resource-limited setting is challenging, especially with limited availability of point-of-care laboratory and radiological diagnostic facilities. There is growing urgency to provide point-of-care diagnosis and treatment for time-sensitive condition like shock. Aims: We tried to evaluate the application of point-of-care ultrasound (Rapid Ultrasound for Shock and Hypertension [RUSH] protocol) considering different disease cohort and practice realities in our setup. Settings and Design: This study was a single-center prospective diagnostic study to check the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (RUSH protocol). This study was approved by the ethics committee. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the emergency medicine department of a tertiary care government hospital in Central Gujarat from November 16 to October 17. All adult patients with clinical features of shock with systolic blood pressure 1 presenting to emergency department were included as participants. The results of point-of-care ultrasound (RUSH protocol) were compared with the diagnosis given by consultants of respective department as per standard departmental practices. Statistical Analysis and Results: A total of 130 patients were enrolled in this study. Mean time taken to examine by the point-of-care Ultrasound (RUSH protocol) was 12 min (range 11–14 min). Kappa index was 0.860. This protocol was able to correctly diagnose 100% of obstructive shock, 96.3% of cardiogenic shock, 94.4% of hypovolemic shock, 80.9% of mixed type of shock, and 75% of distributive type of shock. Conclusion: This study highlights the role of point-of-care ultrasound (RUSH protocol) for early diagnosis of the shock etiology in emergency medicine department. Diagnosis using point-of-care ultrasound (RUSH protocol) significantly agreed with medical diagnosis. It showed good efficacy of point-of-care ultrasound (RUSH protocol) to differentiate causes of shock with good accuracy except distributive shock.

Sukrit Srivastava,1,2 Mohit Kamthania,1,3 Soni Singh,1 Ajay K Saxena,2 Nishi Sharma1 1Department of Biotechnology, Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, India; 2Molecular Medicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; 3Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Applied Medicines and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India Background: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Thus far, MERS outbreaks have been reported from Saudi Arabia (2013 and 2014) and South Korea (2015). No specific vaccine has yet been reported against MERS. Purpose: To address the urgent need for an MERS vaccine, in the present study, we have designed two multi-epitope vaccines (MEVs) against MERS utilizing several in silico methods and tools.Methods: The design of both the multi-epitope vaccines (MEVs) are composed of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes, screened form thirteen different proteins of MERS-CoV. Both the MEVs also carry potential B-cell linear epitope regions, B-cell discontinuous epitopes as well as interferon-γ-inducing epitopes. Human β-defensin-2 and β-defensin-3 were used as adjuvants to enhance the immune response of MEVs. To design the MEVs, short peptide molecular linkers were utilized to link screened most potential CTL epitopes, HTL epitopes and the adjuvants. Tertiary models for both the MEVs were generated, refined, and further studied for their molecular interaction with toll-like receptor 3. The cDNAs of both MEVs were generated and analyzed in silico for their expression in a mammalian host cell line (human).Results: Screened CTL and HTL epitopes were found to have high propensity for stable molecular interaction with HLA alleles molecules. CTL epitopes were also found to have favorable molecular interaction within the cavity of transporter associated with antigen processing. The selected CTL and HTL epitopes jointly cover upto 94.0% of worldwide human population. Both the CTL and HTL MEVs molecular models have shown to have stable binding and complex formation propensity with toll-like receptor 3. The cDNA analysis of both the MEVs have shown high expression tendency in mammalian host cell line (human).Conclusion: After multistage in silico analysis, both the MEVs are predicted to elicit humoral as well as cell mediated immune response. Epitopes of the designed MEVs are predicted to cover large human population worldwide. Hence both the designed MEVs could be tried in vivo as potential vaccine candidates against MERS. Keywords: Middle East respiratory syndrome, MERS, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, MERS-CoV, human transporter associated with antigen processing, TAP, toll-like receptor 3, TLR-3, epitope, immunoinformatics, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, MD simulation, multi-epitope vaccine

Objectives: To compare and evaluate the surgical outcome of gingival recession treatment using CAF alone or in conjunction with hyaluronic acid (HA) on Miller's Class I and class II gingival recession defects. Materials and methods: After randomisation, the control group (15 patients) received CAF alone and the test group (15 patients) received HA as an adjunct to CAF technique for an isolated gingival recession accompanied by an adequate width of keratinized gingiva on maxillary canines and premolars. All patients were evaluated at 7, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days interval post-operatively. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis and p value 005). Conclusion: HA has proven to be beneficial in the field of regenerative therapy. Our analysis suggested that HA can be used as a promising adjunct with CAF for root coverage, however further studies are required to imply the results on larger population.

Most elements heavier than iron have been generated in the stellar media by means of neutron capture reactions, approximately half are produced by the slow neutron capture or s-process. Radiative neutron capture cross section measurements are of fundamental importance for the study of this mechanism. In this contribution we present a brief summary on the measurement and results for the 80Se(n,γ) cross-section. The experiment was carried out at CERN n_TOF EAR1 via the time of flight (ToF) technique, using four C6D6 scintillation detectors with very fast response. More than a hundred new resonances have been analyzed for the first time with a high accuracy. The MACS obtained at kT = 8 keV is 36% smaller than the recommended value in KADo-NiS. Some of the astrophysical implications of this result are elucidated in this contribution.

Snakehead fishes are widely consumed throughout South East Asia, China and India because of their good taste of meat and high nutrient values such as presence of prostaglandins, thromboxane and Omega-6 fatty acid. Parasitic infection constitutes significant economic loss in fish production. The aim of this work was to study the seasonal variation of helminths in snakeheads. In the presented study, a three-year survey has been performed. A total of 1013 individuals of Channa punctatus and 247 individuals of Channa striatus were examined. A total of 3783 helminths were collected, with an average of 3.02 helminths/fish. 43.50 % individuals of C. punctatus and 59.10 % of C. striatus were found to be infected with acanthocephalans, trematodes, nematodes and cestodes per year. The prevalence and mean abundance of Pallisentis sp. was at its peak in summer. However the prevalence of trematodes, nematodes and cestodes was at peak during autumn. Mean abundance of nematodes was at peak in summer. Interestingly, the males were found more infected as compared to the females and the infection rate in males peaked in summer. In comparison to other weight groups, medium size hosts (21 – 40 g) were found more consistently infected. Thus the results indicate that there are seasonal variations in parasitic helminths infecting C. punctatus and C. striatus which also depend upon sex and weight. These variations may be attributed to various environmental and biological factors including parasite life cycle and immune level of host.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical agents and herbal alternatives such as Aleo vera, Neem, and Amla for rapid decontamination of GP cones. Materials and Methods: The reference strains of E. Faecalis were obtained, to know the efficacy of different agents aginst this microbe. Two experimental groups used in this study comprises of Herbal agents and chemical agents. The extracts of the Herbal agents which included amla, aloe vera, neem were prepared whereas the chemical agents were commercially available. Chemical agents • Group 1% – 5% Sodium hypochlorite • Group 2% – 2% Glutaraldehyde • Group 3% – 2% CHX. Herbal agents • Group 4 – Amla • Group 5 – Aloe vera • Group 6 – Neem. The zone of inhibition of the different herbal and chemical agents were checked in two different media. Results: The result of the study showed that CHX was effective in disinfection of GP cones for 1 min followed by glutaraldehyde and sodium hypochlorite. Whereas, Amla was the most effective herbal extract in disinfecting GP followed by Aloe vera and Neem. Conclusion: t CHX and glutaraldehyde are efficient chemical disinfectants. Herbal agents also hold a promising future as a medium for disinfection, in which Amla gave the best results within a short duration of time.

Mihaly Szabo,1 Sara Svensson Akusjärvi,1 Ankur Saxena,1 Jianping Liu,2 Gayathri Chandrasekar,1 Satish S Kitambi1 1Department of Microbiology Tumor, and Cell Biology, 2Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden Abstract: The phenotype-based drug discovery (PDD) approach is re-emerging as an alternative platform for drug discovery. This review provides an overview of the various model systems and technical advances in imaging and image analyses that strengthen the PDD platform. In PDD screens, compounds of therapeutic value are identified based on the phenotypic perturbations produced irrespective of target(s) or mechanism of action. In this article, examples of phenotypic changes that can be detected and quantified with relative ease in a cell-based setup are discussed. In addition, a higher order of PDD screening setup using small animal models is also explored. As PDD screens integrate physiology and multiple signaling mechanisms during the screening process, the identified hits have higher biomedical applicability. Taken together, this review highlights the advantages gained by adopting a PDD approach in drug discovery. Such a PDD platform can complement target-based systems that are currently in practice to accelerate drug discovery. Keywords: phenotype, screening, PDD, discovery, zebrafish, drug

Kinsuk Das,1 AP Madhusoodan,1 Bhabesh Mili,1 Ajay Kumar,2 AC Saxena,3 Kuldeep Kumar,1 Mihir Sarkar,1 Praveen Singh,4 Sameer Srivastava,5 Sadhan Bag1 1Division of Physiology and Climatology, 2Biochemistry and Food Science Section, 3Division of Surgery, 4Biophysics, Electron Microscopy and Instrumentation Section, 5Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India Abstract: In the field of regenerative medicine, numerous potential applications of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be envisaged, due to their ability to differentiate into a range of tissues on the basis of the substrate on which they grow. With the advances in nanotechnology, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely explored for use as cell culture substrate in tissue engineering applications. In this study, canine bone marrow-derived MSCs were considered as the cellular model for an in vitro study to elucidate the collective cellular processes, using three different varieties of thin films of functionalized carbon nanotubes (COOH-single-walled CNTs [SWCNTs], COOH-multiwalled CNTs [MWCNTs] and polyethylene glycol [PEG]-SWCNTs), which were spray dried onto preheated cover slips. Cells spread out better on the CNT films, resulting in higher cell surface area and occurrence of filopodia, with parallel orientation of stress fiber bundles. Canine MSCs proliferated at a slower rate on all types of CNT substrates compared to the control, but no decline in cell number was noticed during the study period. Expression of apoptosis-associated genes decreased on the CNT substrates as time progressed. On flow cytometry after AnnexinV-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (PI) staining, total number of apoptotic and necrotic cells remained lower in COOH-functionalized films compared to PEG-functionalized ones. Collectively, these results indicate that COOH-MWCNT substrate provided an environment of low cytotoxicity. Canine MSCs were further induced to differentiate along osteogenic, chondrogenic, and neuronal lineages by culturing under specific differentiation conditions. The cytochemical and immunocytochemical staining results, as well as the expression of the bone marker genes, led us to hypothesize that the COOH-MWCNT substrate acted as a better cue, accelerating the osteogenic differentiation process. However, while chondrogenesis was promoted by COOH-SWCNT, neuronal differentiation was promoted by both COOH-SWNCT and COOH-MWCNT. Taken together, these findings suggest that COOH-functionalized CNTs represent a promising scaffold component for future utilization in the selective differentiation of canine MSCs in regenerative medicine. Keywords: canine MSCs, CNT films, cellular behavior, cytocompatibility, differentiation

An aqueous extract of Amomum sabulatum seeds was evaluated for anticorrosive effects on mild steel in the presence of HCl. Weight loss measurements were taken to determine the corrosion rate and inhibition efficiency at various concentrations. With the increasing concentrations of plant extract, the results showed an improvement in inhibition efficiency and a decrease in corrosion rate. In the presence of 1500 ppm concentration of plant extract, it has an inhibition efficiency of 82.08 % at 303 K. The scanning electron microscope was used to examine the surface, which proves that while the extract was there, a protective layer formed on the metal surface.

A series of N-(2-(benzoyl/4-chlorobenzoyl)-benzofuran- 3-yl)-2-(substituted)-acetamide derivatives (4a-l, 5a-l) was synthesized in good yield. All synthesized compounds were in agreement with elemental and spectral data. The anticonvulsant activity of all synthesized compounds was assessed against the maximal electroshock induced seizures (MES) model in mice. Neurotoxicity was evaluated using the rotarod method. The majority of compounds exhibited anticonvulsant activity at a dose of 30 mg kg-1 body mass during 0.5-4 h, indicating their ability to prevent seizure spread at low doses. Relative to phenytoin, [N-(2-(4-chlorobenzoyl)benzofuran-3-yl)-2-(cyclohexyl( methyl) amino)-acetamide] (5i) and [N-(2-(4-chlorobenzoyl)benzofuran-3-yl)-2-(4-methylpiperidin-1- yl)-acetamide] (5c) demonstrated comparable relative anticonvulsant potency of 0.74 and 0.72, respectively, whereas [(N-(2-(4-chlorobenzoyl)benzofuran-3-yl)-2-(4-(furan-2-carbonyl)-piperazin-1-yl)-acetamide] (5f) exhibited the lowest relative potency of 0.16. The ALD50 of tested compounds ranged from 1.604 to 1.675 mmol kg-1 body mass. The ED50 of synthesized compounds ranged from 0.055 to 0.259 mmol kg-1 (~23.4 to 127.6 mg kg-1) body mass. The pharmacophore mapping of the examined compounds on standard drugs (phenobarbital, phenytoin, ralitolin and carbamazepine) strongly suggests that these compounds may exert their anticonvulsant activity via the same established mechanism as that of known drugs.

Although the 12C(n,p)12B and 12C(n,d)11B reactions are of interest in several fields of basic and applied Nuclear Physics the present knowledge of these two cross-sections is far from being accurate and reliable, with both evaluations and data showing sizable discrepancies. As part of the challenging n_TOF program on (n,cp) nuclear reactions study, the energy differential cross-sections of the 12C(n,p)12B and 12C(n,d)11 B reactions have been measured at CERN from the reaction thresholds up to 30 MeV neutron energy. Both measurements have been recently performed at the long flight-path (185 m) experimental area of the n_TOF facility at CERN using a pure (99.95%) rigid graphite target and two silicon telescopes. In this paper an overview of the experiment is presented together with a few preliminary results.

We have measured the capture cross section of the 155Gd and 157Gd isotopes between 0.025 eV and 1 keV. The capture events were recorded by an array of 4 C6D6 detectors, and the capture yield was deduced exploiting the total energy detection system in combination with the Pulse Height Weighting Techniques. Because of the large cross section around thermal neutron energy, 4 metallic samples of different thickness were used to prevent problems related to self-shielding. The samples were isotopically enriched, with a cross contamination of the other isotope of less than 1.14%. The capture yield was analyzed with an R-Matrix code to describe the cross section in terms of resonance parameters. Near thermal energies, the results are significantly different from evaluations and from previous time-of-flight experiments. The data from the present measurement at n_TOF are publicly available in the experimental nuclear reaction database EXFOR.

Feasibility, design and sensitivity studies on innovative nuclear reactors that could address the issue of nuclear waste transmutation using fuels enriched in minor actinides, require high accuracy cross section data for a variety of neutron-induced reactions from thermal energies to several tens of MeV. The isotope 241Am (T1/2= 433 years) is present in high-level nuclear waste (HLW), representing about 1.8 % of the actinide mass in spent PWR UOx fuel. Its importance increases with cooling time due to additional production from the β-decay of 241Pu with a half-life of 14.3 years. The production rate of 241 Am in conventional reactors, including its further accumulation through the decay of 241Pu and its destruction through transmutation/incineration are very important parameters for the design of any recycling solution. In the present work, the 241 Am(n,f) reaction cross-section was measured using Micromegas detectors at the Experimental Area 2 of the n_TOF facility at CERN. For the measurement, the 235U(n,f) and 238U(n,f) reference reactions were used for the determination of the neutron flux. In the present work an overview of the experimental setup and the adopted data analysis techniques is given along with preliminary results.

An accurate measurement of the 235U(n,f) cross section from thermal to 170 keV of neutron energy has recently been performed at n_TOF facility at CERN using 6Li(n,t)4He and 10B(n,α)7Li as references. This measurement has been carried out in order to investigate a possible overestimation of the 235U fission cross section evaluation provided by most recent libraries between 10 and 30 keV. A custom experimental apparatus based on in-beam silicon detectors has been used, and a Monte Carlo simulation in GEANT4 has been employed to characterize the setup and calculate detectors efficiency. The results evidenced the presence of an overestimation in the interval between 9 and 18 keV and the new data may be used to decrease the uncertainty of 235U(n,f) cross section in the keV region.