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This paper presents a three-component model consisting of one prey and two predator species using imprecise biological parameters as interval numbers and applied functional parametric form in the proposed prey-predator system. The positivity and boundedness of the model are checked, and a stability analysis of the five equilibrium points is performed. Numerical simulations are performed to study the effect of the interval number and to illustrate analytical studies.

The current scientific studies have shown that extensive quantities of synthetic pigments are used worldwide in diverse industries. Synthetic pigments have shown enormous toxicity issues compared to natural colorants and dyes in current industrial usage. Diverse microbial communities, including fungi, bacteria, archaea, and yeast are current biopigment producers. However, the aforementioned biopigments are expensive, least efficient, and less eco-friendly to attain industrial sustainability. Thus, algae-based bio pigments are one of the best natural resources to meet today’s challenges. Algal pigments increase the product’s marketability and carry multiple therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions. These multidimensional qualities of algal pigments have piqued the interest of the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries resulting in most potential implementation. Thus, a paradigm shift requires identifying potential algal communities having a higher biopigment-producing ability for future manufacturing and commercialization as a sustainable way forward. Hence, the current study has been designed for effective isolation and screening of algal isolates (i.e. DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4, DS5) from a different region of sundarban water resources concerning the investigation of algal pigments (i.e. chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and carotenoid). In a nutshell, the current study shows that DS2 isolate produces a significant quantity of carotenoid (9.729 mg/g DCW), chlorophyll a (7.872 mg/g DCW), and chlorophyll b (7.176 mg/g DCW) amongst all isolates. Hence, the present study reveals that DS2 algal isolates might be a potential predecessor of biopigment production, having pivotal applications in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries in the near future.

Environmental solid waste bioremediation is a method of treating contaminated solid waste that involves changing ecological conditions to foster the growth of a broad spectrum of microorganisms and the destruction of the target contaminants. A wide range of microorganisms creates metabolites that may break down and change solid waste-based pollution to various value-added molecules. Diverse bioremediation technologies, their limitations, and the procedure involve recycling solid waste materials from the environment. The existing environmental solid waste disposal services are insufficient and must be upgraded with more lucrative recovery, recycling, and reuse technologies to decrease the enormous expenditures in treatment procedures. Bioremediation of solid waste eliminates the toxic components. It restores the site with the advent of potential microbial communities towards solid waste valorization utilizing agriculture solid waste, organic food waste, plastic solid waste, and multiple industrial solid wastes.Bioengineering on diverse ranges of microbial regimes has accelerated to provide extra momentum toward solid waste recycling and valorization. This approach increases the activity of bioremediating microbes in the commercial development of waste treatment techniques and increases the cost-effective valuable product generation. This framework facilitates collaboration between solid waste and utilities. It can aid in establishing a long-term management strategy for recycling development with the advent of a broad spectrum of potential microbial assemblages, increasing solid waste contamination tolerance efficiency and solid waste degradability. The current literature survey extensively summarises solid waste remediation valorization using a broad spectrum of microbial assemblages with special emphasis on bioengineering-based acceleration. This approach is to attain sustainable environmental management and value-added biomolecule generation.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality that is placing unprecedented pressure on healthcare services across the world. Echocardiography is well placed to help further this understanding, being inexpensive, portable, and widely accessible. To describe the cardiac abnormalities in patie Aims: nts with COVID-19 and identify the characteristics of patients who would benet most from echocardiography In our study, out of 1060 patients, most of the 64 pati Materials And Method: Result: ents were 53–73 years of age in Abnormal scan and 60 patients were 51–69 years of age in Normal scan. Age was not signicantly associated with echocardiography (p=0.7194). In our study, majority number of patients had severe symptom severity in Abnormal scan [340 (52%)] compared to normal scan [285 (55%)] and it was statistically signicant (p

The lignocellulolytic microbial systems from different parts of the world responsible for lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) like jute (Corchorus spp.) waste degradation, fiber modification, and bioenergy production are not limited to a specific prokaryotic or eukaryotic group. The industrial applications of these highly efficient bacterial, fungal and algal communities are related to the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes such as cellulase, hemicellulase, lignin-peroxidase, versatile peroxidase, laccase, thermostable oxidants, pectinase, etc. They are a blessing for the jute, dye, paper, pulp, and biofuel industries as they help to generate a sustainable ecosystem. The jute plant is lignocellulosic biomass so it can be utilized in various ways, from everyday goods to power generation. Jute industries generally use different physicochemical strategies to generate quality fiber and post-retting activities, but these approaches cannot produce desired products; hence microbial routes are best for quality fiber generation, waste remediation, and biofuel generation. To this end, this review summarizes the most important milestones of the development of the leading enzyme-producing cell factories and their engineering by genetic, metabolic, and synthetic biology approaches with the emergence of high throughput methods, such as site-directed mutagenesis and others that can analyze the relevant mutations to accelerate our understanding of lignocellulolytic enzymology.

Background:Epidural hematoma (EDH) is accumulation of blood between the inner table of the skull and thedural membrane due to trauma and predominantly consists of venous blood in case ofchildren.Children with extradural hematoma (EDH) present differently than adults and outcome would also be different. Methods and Materials: This is a prospective interventional study done in the Department of Neurosurgery, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in between period of January 2016 to December 2019. Children of both sex below 12 years of age with EDH were included after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria. Follow up period was 1 month after surgery. Results: Among 90 patients, 73.3% were male and 26.7% were female. Age 5 - 12 years is most commonly affected among all age groups, attributing to 58.9%, fall from height was the most common cause (58.9%) followed by road traffic accident (32.2%), fall of heavy object over head (7.8%) etc. The most common symptom was vomiting which was present in 85.6% of patients followed by altered consciousness in 72.2%, headache in 60% and scalp swelling in 25.6% of patients. The follow-up of our patients was 1 month after surgery. Most of our patients made good recovery. Among them 73 patients (81.1%) were neurologically intact (GOS 5), 10 (11.1%) patients had some deficit but could do their daily activity independently (GOS 4), 03 patients (3.3%) was dependant on other for daily activity with cognitive deficit (GOS 3) and 4 patients (4.4%) died. Conclusion:EDH in children can be managed by surgery with good outcomes. Even in the presence of poor initial clinical and radiologic conditions, timely intervention can lead to a good recovery. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 21 No. 04 October’22 Page : 865-874

Effluents containing dyes from different industrial sectors pose a serious threat to the environment. Different physicochemical strategies are being carried out in industry to reduce the toxicity of dye-containing waste so that dye-mixed wastewater can be further utilized in agriculture or irrigation purposes in water-scarce areas. But those techniques are economically not feasible. There is an alternative mechanism present in biological systems that are biocatalysts which is eco-friendly, low cost, and sustainable. Lignin peroxidase, Laccase, Manganese peroxidase are oxidoreductase classes of enzymes with the ligninolytic ability and are potential biocatalysts for the degradation of environmental toxicants like dyes. Besides ligninolytic enzymes, cellulase, pectinase are also powerful candidates for dye decolourization. Most interestingly these biocatalysts are found in a variety of microbial monoculture as well as in mixed microbial consortia. The consortia are able to reduce the organic load of dye-containing industrial effluent at a higher rate rather than the monoculture. This article critically reviews the efficacy of lignocellulolytic enzymes in dye decolourization by both monoculture and consortia approaches. In addition, this review discusses the genetically and metabolically engineered microbial systems that contribute to dye decolourization as well as put forward some future approaches for the enhancement of dye removal efficacy.

The synthesis of catalytically active metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with copper(II) paddle-wheel clusters and urea-carboxylate linkers was achieved at room temperature in the presence of sulphate anions. The role of various anions in determining the MOF structure was analysed using X-ray diffraction. Structural analysis of the MOFs indicated that a two-fold interpenetrated rhombus grid (HI-101) was formed in the presence of sulphate anions, but a three-fold interpenetrated square grid network (HI-102) was obtained with nitrate and perchlorate anions. The experiment performed with various anions in the presence of sulphate anions also resulted in the formation of HI-101, indicating the selectivity of sulphate anions in the formation of the HI-101 framework. HI-101 proved to be an efficient catalyst for the cycloaddition of CO

A highly nonlinear single-mode anomalous dispersion silicon core fiber (SCF) is suitably designed and optimized to generate a high repetition rate pulse train in the temporal domain from a single input pulse at a sufficiently shorter optimum length in comparison to silica-based standard fibers used for the same purpose. The large amount of Kerr-induced nonlinearity of a SCF is effectively utilized here such that input Gaussian pulses or pulse trains transform into a highly repetitive temporal multiplet. The effects of free-carrier generation-induced change in absorption and dispersion are included while studying the nonlinear pulse propagation through the SCF. To declare the generated pulse as a superior-graded triplet, a Q parameter, as a function of relative pulse parameters of the individual pulses of a triplet, is defined for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Different pulse parameters are thoroughly optimized as well as the effect of external gain is examined from the perspective of requirement of shorter fiber length and development of quality triplets. Finally, the work is further extended for the formation of quadruplet pulses by the same type of SCF. It is to be mentioned here that such a methodical study for the generation of a temporal multiplet using a semiconductor core fiber has not been reported earlier.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disorders have long been considered as one of the leading causes of mortality in India, which when presented with concurrent Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) infection becomes even more fatal. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 affects the cardiovascular system by causing exuberant cytokinaemia, which results in endothelial inflammation and microvascular thrombosis, leading to multiorgan failure. Aim: To analyse the outcome of the asymptomatic COVID-19 patients presenting with cardiac angina during the second wave of COVID-19 in India. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective data analysis of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients hospitalised with angina was conducted between April 2021 to June 2021 at Bardhhaman Medical College and Hospital located at Bardhdhaman district of West Bengal, India. A total of 1235 patients underwent all regular biochemical, haematological and cardiac investigations after undergoing test for COVID-19 test. Data was retrospectively collected. The outcome of these patients was analysed. Estimation of mean, standard deviation, percentage, p-value (from Pearson’s correlation) was performed to establish the aim of the study. Results: Seventy six out of 1235 patients tested positive for asymptomatic COVID-19. The mean age of this study population was 55.075±10.95 years, of which were 55 male and 21 female. Hypertension was the most prevalent co-morbidity followed by diabetes, 73 (96%) presented with chest pain. A total of 47(62%) of these 76 patients had ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Eleven (14.4%) underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) whereas 36 (47.3%) underwent fibrinolytic therapy with tenecteplase, followed by secondary PCI in 27 (75%) of them. Rest 29 (38%) were medically managed for unstable angina. Mortality rate was as low as 6.5%. Age and comorbidity were the contributing factors for STEMI among asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The results indicate that age and comorbidity are the factors, which lead to death or increases the life risk among patients with asymptomatic COVID-19. In this study, we have established that for the current patient population STEMI and age are negatively corelated. Medical management with thrombolytic agent became a lot more accepted in this scenario. PCI still remains the gold standard to treat myocardial infarction. It is recommended that there should be an ICMR guided protocol for the management of such cases with the concurrent COVID-19.

This study provides insights into the influence of sucrose (a water-soluble additive) on microstructure evolution in the transition region and steady-state region in ice-templated Li4Ti5O12 materials. A scanning electron microscope was employed for the two-dimensional characterization of microstructure in the transition region. Sucrose reduced the height of the transition region, caused an early alignment of ice lamellae toward temperature gradient direction, and resulted in a fine, dendritic microstructure. The overall microstructure development in the transition region was markedly different with and without sucrose. The differences were rationalized based on thermal conductivity, constitutional supercooling, and instability of the planar interface. Three-dimensional characterization of the steady-state region using X-ray computed tomography revealed that sucrose caused increased branching of the primary ice dendrites through tip splitting. A majority of the secondary dendrites turned into neighboring primary dendrites, enhancing pore path complexity. Diffusion simulations were performed to quantify pore tortuosity, which increased with sucrose content.

The effects of fiber tow gaps, overlaps, and folds on the compressive strength of a fiber-placed composite laminate under dynamic loading conditions are investigated in this work. These layup defects were placed in the 0° fiber direction within a 24-ply quasi-isotropic laminate with a [45/0/–45/90]3S stacking sequence. Different locations of the defect were considered, namely near the bottom (in the 2nd ply), middle (10th ply) and top (23rd ply) of the laminate. High-strain rate compression experiments were conducted on composite that are pristine and with embedded defects using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The results were used to determine the strength knockdown due to the local changes in ply morphology because of fiber bed compaction in the presence of a layup defect. The experimental results revealed the anisotropy of in-plane strength coinciding with the deposited defect orientation. No significant variations in the residual strength were observed regarding the location of the defect (i.e., bottom, middle, or top) within the laminate. A morphological analysis based on microtomography of the cured defects indicates that the sources of the strength knockdown are due to the 0° ply drop-off, fiber misalignment in the adjacent 90° and 45° degree plies and the resin-rich region formed at the corner of the tapered 0° ply, between +45° and –45° laminas. The present study indicates the increased role of local morphological ply variations on the strength of composites under high-strain rate loading conditions, which should be considered during composite design.

Hierarchical self-assembly is an effective means of preparing useful materials. However, control over assembly across length scales is a difficult challenge, often confounded by the perceived need to redesign the molecular building blocks when new material properties are needed. Here, we show that we can treat a simple dipeptide building block as a polyelectrolyte and use polymer physics approaches to explain the self-assembly over a wide concentration range. This allows us to determine how entangled the system is and therefore how it might be best processed, enabling us to prepare interesting analogues to threads and webs, as well as films that lose order on heating and "noodles" which change dimensions on heating, showing that we can transfer micellar-level changes to bulk properties all from a single building block.

This paper focusses on developing two species, where only prey species suffers by a contagious disease. We consider the logistic growth rate of the prey population. The interaction between susceptible prey and infected prey with predator is presumed to be ruled by Holling type II and I functional response, respectively. A healthy prey is infected when it comes in direct contact with infected prey, and we also assume that predator-dependent disease spreads within the system. This research reveals that the transmission of this predator-dependent disease can have critical repercussions for the shaping of prey–predator interactions. The solution of the model is examined in relation to survival, uniqueness and boundedness. The positivity, feasibility and the stability conditions of the fixed points of the system are analysed by applying the linearization method and the Jacobian matrix method.

This paper describes novel soft dielectric elastomer composites that exhibits interesting features from the perspective of dielectric-elastomer transducer development, with enhanced actuation performance under an applied electric field that are potentially suitable for actuator applications. Materials solutions described are a combination of ceramic BN platelets, used at low loading levels, and a plasticizer (Naphthenic Oil) in a polymer matrix and synergistic effects between them that leads to enhancement in actuation strain by as high as 328% under applied electric field. Such functional dielectric composites would alleviate several issues such as size, functionality, and performance for many real-world actuator applications.

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Economic impact is much worse in developing countries like Bangladesh, as victims are frequently male, productive, and breadwinners of the families. Objectives The objective of our study was to highlight the etiological pattern and distribution of varieties of head injuries in Bangladesh and give recommendations regarding how this problem can be solved or reduce to some extent at least. Methods From January 2017 to December 2019, a total of 14,552 patients presenting with head injury at emergency got admitted in Neurosurgery department of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital and were included in this study. Results The most common age group was 21 to 30 years (36%: 5,239) with a male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1. Injury was mostly caused by road traffic accident (RTA [58.3%: 8,484]), followed by fall (25%: 3,638) and history of assault (15.3%: 2,226). The common varieties of head injury were: acute extradural hematoma (AEDH [42.30%: 1,987]), skull fracture either linear or depressed (28.86%: 1,347), acute subdural hematoma (ASDH [12.30%: 574]), brain contusion (10.2%: 476), and others (6.04%: 282). Conclusion RTA is the commonest cause of TBI, and among them motor bike accident is the severe most form of TBI. AEDH is the commonest variety of head injuries. Proper steps taken by the Government, vehicle owners, and drivers, and proper referral system and prompt management in the hospital can reduce the mortality and morbidity from TBI in Bangladesh.

For batteries, thicker electrodes increase energy density, however, molecular transport limits the rate of charge/discharge for extracting large fractions of available energy. Mitigating transport limitations by increasing electrolyte conductivity and aligning the pores in the electrode microstructure are described.

The geometry and spatial orientation of gelator molecules and the mode of various intermolecular non-covalent interactions are the key parameters that dictate the structure and properties of low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs). The effect of intermolecular non-covalent interactions in tuning the gelation properties was analysed for dipyridyl hydrazone (HL1) with an amide-like hydrogen bonding moiety and semicarbazone (HL2) with a urea-like motif. The gelation properties of the hydrazone and semicarbazone compounds were studied in a series of solvents and solvent mixtures and the SEM images of the xerogels revealed that the morphology of the HL2 gelator was more fibrous in nature compared to HL1. The mechanical and thermal stability of HL2 was higher than HL1, which was confirmed by rheology and gel–sol transition temperature experiments, respectively. The key non-covalent interactions responsible for gel formation were assigned using X-ray diffraction techniques and the results were corroborated with the gelation properties. The stimuli-responsive properties of the gelators were studied by analysing the effect of metal salts and anions on the gelation properties of HL1 and HL2 and the results indicated that metal complexation disrupted the gel network whereas the addition of anions did not alter the gelation ability of the gelators. The tuning of gelation properties by metal complexation and the comparison of intermolecular non-covalent interactions of the gelators enabled us to identify the key parameters responsible for gel-network formation in HL1 and HL2.

The enormous capability of microalgae for biomass production and co-products has recently been widely researched from a range of research approaches. Microalgae biomass has been discovered as a suitable feedstock for biofuel generation in the third generation. Although they may easily be cultivated in the laboratory, commercial cultivation involves several important considerations, including design, expense, contamination risk, and hygiene. This paper reviews some conventional microalgal cultivation methods along with some harvesting techniques. A short note on the disadvantages of conventional microalgal biofilm cultivation and the need for advanced cultivation techniques are also listed. Further, it highlights some of the modern techniques used for the cultivation of biofilm-based microalgae. It also gives brief information on the various factors affecting the formation of microalgal biofilm. A detailed description of the application of microalgal biofilm concerning biofuel generation is also reviewed. Graphical abstract

Spinal cystic Schwannomas are very rare tumors and have been reported in only a few case reports in literature. Our case, Mrs. Halima, a 48-year-old female was admitted in Neurosurgery department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital with the complaints of low back pain more at night occasionally radiating to right buttock and numbness and tingling of the right lower limb for 2 years. MRI of Lumbo-sacral spine revealed a large circumscribed and well delineated intradural extramedullary space occupying lesion of iso to hypointense appearance in T1WI with ring enhancement on administration of gadolinium. Per-operative observation and post-operative histopathological examination revealed schwannoma. Contrast enhanced MRI was very important for the diagnosis of this rare type of tumor and surgical planning. Surgical removal was complete and patient was recovered uneventfully. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2021; 10(2): 223-225

Background: Stereotactic neurosurgery involves mapping the brain in a three-dimensional coordinate system. With the help of MRI and CT scans and 3D computer workstations, neurosurgeons are able to accurately target any area of the brain especially deep seated and brain stem. Objectives: Stereotactic brain biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses this technology to obtain samples of brain tissue for diagnostic purpose of multiple brain disorder where start to any medication was impossible or no response to any medical management for long term. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients underwent stereotactic biopsy of brain lesions using“KOMAI” Stereotactic frame system and were enrolled. Results: Of the 25 cases, positive tissue biopsy was found in 20 cases. In 5 patients, biopsy showed gliotic brain tissue or normal brain tissue. There was no post-operative new deficits or mortality seen. Conclusion: Stereotaxy is minimally invasive procedure having no complication. So, before starting any medication blindly stereotactic tissue diagnosis can help a lot in many medical and surgical diseases. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2021; 39(1): 24-35

This study revealed that the mass ratio of large anisometric particles (platelets) to ultrafine, equiaxed particles strongly influences dynamic and quasistatic compressive response and the process of damage evolution in ice-templated alumina materials. The improved sinterability between particles of significantly dissimilar size and morphology enabled the utilization of a high mass ratio of the particles in harnessing a markedly enhanced level of strength in highly porous ice-templated ceramics. The high volume fraction of platelets increased lamellar bridge density and resulted in dendritic morphology as opposed to lamellar morphology without platelets. All the materials showed strain rate-sensitivity, where strength increased with strain rate. Materials with highly dendritic morphology exhibited the best performance in terms of maximum strength and energy absorption capacity, and the performance improved from quasistatic to dynamic regime. Direct observation of the process of damage evolution revealed the effects of both strain rate and ratio of platelets to ultrafine particles.

The central focus of this study is to investigate the influence of microstructure and direction of impact (relative to the growth direction of ice crystals) on the impact behavior of ice-templated sintered alumina materials and understand the relationship between dynamic compressive strength and impact response. All materials were fabricated using alumina suspensions of the same solid loading but at three different freezing front velocity (FFV) regimes; very-high FFV, moderately-high FFV, and low FFV. Lamella wall thickness, pore size, and pore aspect ratio decreased, and wall connectivity increased with FFV. Materials also exhibited a structural gradient along the growth direction of ice crystals. As the templated microstructure became finer with FFV, the impact resistance of the materials increased, and radius of damage crater, depth-of-penetration, and mass loss decreased. Materials also exhibited radial cracking, and the materials fabricated at very-high FFV showed a greater propensity for radial cracking for impact along the growth direction. The impact process evolved in three phases; penetration phase, dwell phase and rebound phase. Analysis of high-speed videos revealed that modifying the microstructure affected not only the impact resistance but also the duration of these phases. Variation in microstructure caused a change in the mechanism of damage evolution during impact. Dynamic compressive strength increased with FFV, and the results revealed a direct relationship between impact response and strength. For both impact and dynamic compression, energy absorption per unit volume increased with FFV, further reinforcing the relationship between impact behavior and the dynamic compressive response of ice-templated materials.

Background: Surgical management of extradural hematoma is evacuation of extradural hematoma until otherwise. But, a number of authors have suggested that small epidural hematoma may be managed conservatively with normal outcome in selected cases. The goal of this study was to define the clinical and radiological parameters that may help in the management of the patient with small epidural hematoma where the hematoma was asymptomatic. Objective: This study was conducted to find out the factors influencing the decision making in the management of asymptomatic extradural hematoma though they have no evidence of raised intracranial pressure or any focal neurological deficit. Methods: Three hundred patients were evaluated clinically and by CT scan of head to see of hematoma, location of hematoma, midline shifting and overlying skull fractures etc. Results: All 300 patients were diagnosed within 72 hours of trauma and were tired to be managed expectantly but was not possible sometimes. All these patients were analyzed on the basis of tome since trauma, GCS score, overlying skull fracture traversing any artery, vein or any venous sinuses. Among 300 patients 225 (75%) patients underwent CT scan of head within 24 hours of trauma and 185 (61.67 %) patients had overlying skull fracture. 51 (17%) deteriorated later on and 31 (10.33%) patients among them required surgical evacuation of hematoma. Conclusion: It can be concluded that patients with small epidural hematoma with a fracture overlying major vessels or major sinuses, diagnosed within 24 hours of trauma are at risk of subsequent deterioration and may require surgical evacuation. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2020; 10(1): 20-26

In this study, we examine the impact of a change in the bonus-based incentives on firm performance and promotions. We use both a proprietary dataset and a field-based survey of a leading bakery cha...

NiO-TiO2 (TN) nanocomposite is synthesized from an assembly of p-type nickel oxide (NiO) and n-type titanium oxide (TiO2) in an ultrasound assisted operation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrates the existence of hexagonal particles in the nanocomposite. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements show stable TN nanoparticles (NPs) at a negative zeta potential (−18.5 ± 0.8 mV). The nanocomposite is tested for its catalytic activity towards degrading malachite green (MG), a known water toxicant and methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Response surface methodology (RSM) is employed to optimise the influence of significant variables such as initial dye concentration, catalyst dose and time. Their mutual interactions are mapped by response surface and contour plots and correlated with degradation process by a designed model. The best photocatalytic efficiency (87%) is observed at an optimised concentration of 5 ppm dye with 10 ppm catalyst. The presence of inorganic ions and organic matter hardly affected the aggregate size of TN but caused a decline in photoactivity. The catalyst is found effective even in real water system (Hooghly River). A (Fluorine doped tin oxide) FTO/TN/Al heterojunction is fabricated. TN showed enhanced carrier mobility (1.03.10−4 m2V-1s-1) and low transit time (1.76.10-6 s) evaluated using space charge limited current (SCLC) theory. The nanocomposite appears suitable for energy preservation and environmental applications.

The role of metal salts in inducing supramolecular gel network formation was analysed by reacting two pyridyl-N-oxide amides with various diamagnetic zinc(II) and cadmium(II) salts. Metal induced s...

The control and prediction of the self-assembly process in multicomponent supramolecular gels are challenging because the structure and properties rely mostly on the geometry and spatial arrangemen...

Background and Objectives: Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt (VPS) and Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) are both gold standard procedures to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus, which often results in papilledema. This comparative study was carried out at the Department of Neurosurgery of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital to compare the efficacy of VPS and ETV in the resolution of papilledema in 18 patients with obstructive hydrocephalus. Materials and Methods: The success of CSF diversion was evaluated by a decrease in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and modified Frisen grading of papilledema at the same time. The statistical analyses were carried out by using paired sample t test and the Spearman’s correlation coefficient test. The level of significance (p value) was set at 0.05. Further, the inter-group comparison between VPS and ETV showed no difference in decreasing RNFL thickness and modified Frisen grading (p value = 0.56). Conclusion: VPS and ETV procedures both appear very efficient in treating obstructive hydrocephalus, which in turn reduces papilledema in these patients. This paper is preliminary and requires further work.