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The growth of deep learning technologies allows us to achieve higher accuracy in the classification of plant diseases, as well as in other domains. This research reveals the performance of several DL approaches, including custom convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and models which are pre-trained namely VGG16 and ResNet34, which were used for the recognition of diseases in plants that are depicted through the images. These models may obtain the necessary growing environment for training and assessing the models by using a publicly accessible dataset that includes pictures of both healthy and diseased plants, in total there are 14 unique plants used. The results of the experiment suggest that all the models combinedly gave 98.46% accuracy in the classification of diverse plant diseases. In addition to this, the paper discusses the hyperparameters like learning rate and optimizer choice that affect the model furthermore, the project discusses the methods involved in training deep learning models on GPU devices computationally speaking. Thereby, this project can be added to the field of agriculture vision by showing that deep learning methods are good for plant disease classification.

Agriculture is one of the major aspects of national development, yet plant diseases present a significant threat to agricultural production. In order to reduce associated losses and mitigate this threat, plant disease identification in early stages is very essential. Deep learning emerged as a significant advancement in the effective detection of various plant diseases as it can visualize and categorize the symptoms from the leaves of the plants This study examines the state-of-the-art deep learning methods for leafbased plant disease detection, with a particular emphasis on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Transfer Learning, and Ensemble Learning. In addition, a novel ensemble architecture is proposed, which combines a customized CNN architecture and a pretrained model called GoogLeNet. This proposed architecture can detect ten of the most prevalent plant diseases from the PlantVillage dataset, including tomato, apple, bell pepper, and potato. The suggested ensemble architecture achieves an astonishing 99.07% accuracy, demonstrating its potential to enhance plant disease diagnostics and promote sustainable agriculture

Objectives Maternal health-seeking behaviors are critical to improving maternal and child health in low-income countries. This study investigates associations between maternal decision-making input and their health-seeking behaviors in the first 1000-day period between pregnancy and a child's second birthday in Nepal. Methods We used data from a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2018 in 16 districts of Nepal. Among the 3648 households surveyed, 1910 mothers of a child 0 to 24 months with complete data were included for analyses. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between decision-making input and the utilization of antenatal, delivery and postnatal care services, and attendance at health mothers' group (HMG) meetings. We also used negative binomial regression to assess the relationship between her decision-making input and participation in growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) in the 6 months prior to the survey. For each relationship examined, we adjusted for clustering, as well as potentially confounding factors at individual and household levels. Results After adjusting for confounders, maternal decision-making input had a small but positive and significant association with receiving at least 4 antenatal care visits (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.02, 1.17), attendance at GMP in the 6 months prior to the survey (IRR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.04), and HMG attendance (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.03, 1.17), but not with receiving at least 3 postnatal care visits or delivering in a health institution. Conclusions for Practice Our findings indicated that empowering women and mothers in household decision-making might warrant greater attention when developing future policies and programs in Nepal., Author(s): Zhongjie Zhang [sup.1] [sup.2] , Kenda Cunningham [sup.2] , Ramesh Prasad Adhikari [sup.2] , Subash Yogi [sup.2] [sup.3] , Shraddha Manandhar [sup.2] , Pooja Pandey Rana [sup.2] , Anne [...]

Soil is the loose surface material that covers land on which plants grow. It consists of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles, which gives it its uniqueness from place to place. Because of the uniqueness of soil, it has a high evidential value in the field of forensic science. In the present study, research has been conducted to check the range of variations in the soil collected from different crime-prone areas of Kottayam and Kollam districts of Kerala by physical, chemical, microscopic, and instrumental examination. In physical examination, soil colour, texture, consistency, and density were measured, and in chemical examination, pH and total soluble sulphate of the soil were measured. In instrumental examination, Heavy metal analysis was done by using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), which helps to measure the amount of trace elements present in the soil. The study found that each soil has some significant variations that make it unique. In the field of forensic science, this can be highly helpful in determining the origin of soil by examining its colour, texture, structure, content, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the system of student learning and academic emotions has been taken seriously to re-engineer the teaching-learning process at all levels of education. This research paper considers both aspects of assessing the translation of knowledge i.e. qualitative and quantitative. In the current scenario, quantitative and qualitative learning outcome measurements are utilized separately without any associativity, which has been recognized as a key gap in the current study. An intelligent model is developed based on students’ quantitative performance and real-time reviews. Scores gauge in the tests, mid-term examination, end-term examination, etc., are referred to as quantitative measures. Whereas storing academic emotions i.e. how much students are engaged & emerged during the class and the same are referred to as qualitative measures. The conventional way to improve learning outcomes is to change pedagogy or assessment criteria but here a novel idea is presented where academic emotions enjoin the reasons for underperformance with quantitative assessment. The proposed model correlates the qualitative and quantitative measures of students learning using machine learning and curates the reason at a micro-level why the translation of knowledge is not happening for each course’s learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the role of malnutrition in childhood morbidity and mortality, the prioritisation of maternal and child nutrition programmes has grown significantly in the 21st century. Policies and programmes aim to improve infant and young child feeding, but questions persist about the most effective combination of interventions to achieve desired behaviour change. There is increasing interest in mobile‐based interventions globally, but scant evidence exists to guide donors, policymakers and programme implementers on their effectiveness. Formative research was conducted to assess the feasibility and acceptance of text message‐based interventions and to guide the final design of the text message intervention. This protocol is for a cluster‐randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of adding text messaging to other ongoing SBC interventions to promote egg consumption, dietary diversity and other ideal dietary practices, particularly among children 12–23 months of age in Kanchanpur, Nepal. The trial findings will contribute to the emerging body of evidence on the effectiveness of using text messages for behaviour change, specifically for young child dietary outcomes in South Asia. Recent studies have suggested that mobile‐based interventions alone may be insufficient but valuable when added to other social and behavioural interventions; this trial will help to provide evidence for or against this emerging theory. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 11 March 2019 (ID: NCT03926689) and has been updated twice. Key messages: Multiple rounds of formative research can facilitate higher‐quality interventions including optimal wording, timing and reach of short message service to target audiences to improve nutrition‐related behaviours.Experimental studies are needed to guide decision‐making around the use of technology‐based behaviour change interventions to improve diets.This trial to test the effectiveness of text messaging to improve young child diets, and its process evaluation, will inform future mNutrition interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The breast crawl technique is a strategy for initiating breastfeeding during the first hour of life, an important goal with long‐lasting effects on newborn health and development. However, there is a lack of research to back up the benefits of the standard breast crawl technique over routine skin‐to‐skin care. Methods: A single‐center single‐masked randomized controlled trial was conducted among 132 women who had given birth vaginally to a full‐term newborn. The study group had received the standard breast crawl (SBC) technique and the control group had received skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC). The outcome measures included time to initiation of breast crawl and breastfeeding, LATCH score, newborn breastfeeding behavior, time to expulsion of placenta, episiotomy suturing pain, amount of blood loss, and uterine involution. Results: Outcomes were analyzed for 60 women in each group who remained eligible. Compared with those in the SSC group, women in the SBC group had shorter time to initiation of the breast crawl (7.40 minutes vs 10.42 minutes, P =.001), shorter time to initiation of breast feeding (23.18 minutes vs 30.58 minutes, P =.003), higher LATCH scores (7.57 vs 5.35, P =.001), and higher newborn breastfeeding behavior scores (11.38 vs 9.08, P =.001). Women in the SBC group also had decreased mean time to birth of the placenta (4.67 minutes vs 6.58 minutes, P =.001), lower episiotomy suturing pain scores (2.72 vs 4.50, P =.001), and decreased maternal blood loss (16.66% vs 53.33%, P =.001); were more likely to involute the uterus below the umbilicus after 24 hours of birth (77% vs 10%, P =.001); and had higher maternal birth satisfaction score (7.15 vs 2.0, P =.001). Discussion: The study demonstrates improvement of newborn and maternal short‐term outcomes with use of the SBC technique. Findings support the use of SBC technique as a routine labor room practice to improve immediate maternal and newborn outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, PrFe0.6Ni0.4O3 thin film was synthesized on LaAlO3 (LAO) substrate by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The current film was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman, Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis.) spectroscopy, dielectric, and I–V measurements. The XRD analysis revealed that the understudy film is epitaxially grown with (00l) orientation. This film retains orthorhombic structure with pbnm space group. The AFM shows micro hill like structures and the SEM reveals the smooth morphology with some pits within the scanned areas. The Raman study carried out on this material describes various modes and are classified according to orthorhombic structure. From UV–Vis study, the current film shows absorption bands in ultraviolet region. The band gap (Eg) analysis carried out by Tauc plot shows indirect allowed transition. The Eg was found to be around 3.5 eV. The dielectric study reveals the lower value of dielectric constant at high frequency. The frequency-dependent voltage–capacitance/loss study predicts ferroelectric nature of this film. Further the dielectric response of the current film behaves according to universal dielectric response (UDR) model. In addition to this current film was also subjected to I–V characteristic measurements. From this I–V response, it was observed that this film shows semiconducting behavior. Besides this the current film also demonstrates DNA sensing properties. Based on these properties, this material could be used as a sensing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work polycrystalline PrFe1-XNiXO3 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) type orthoferrites were synthesized by solid state reaction (SSR) method. The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Raman, Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis), Photoluminance (PL), dielectric and magnetization techniques. The XRD data were investigated to confirm chemical phase and crystal structure. From this data analysis, it was confirmed that these orthoferrites have orthorhombic structure with pbnm symmetry. The Gold smith factor was also calculated for these materials and reveals the distorted structure. Also with Ni doping the average crystallite size and unit cell volumes was found to vary. The crystal symmetry and distortion with doping was further supported by Raman spectroscopy. Here the band observed around 624 cm−1 (corresponding Fe/Ni–O6 stretching and breathing) in Raman spectrum clearly shows distortion in the octahedral structure with doping. The FTIR results also confirm variation in metal-oxide bond length associated with mode 519 cm−1 with Ni substitution in the lattice. For these samples, the maximum optical absorption band in UV–Vis spectra was found at 257 nm. The observed band gap (3.26–2.97 eV) gets blue shifted with Ni doping. Also it was noticed that these bulks samples follow the indirect allowed transitions. Also the PL study carried out on these ceramic samples projects different emission peaks in UV–visible region. The maximum emission peaks were found at around 508 nm followed by three low intensity peaks at around 307 nm, 357 nm, and 411 nm. However after doping there was slight shift in the corresponding emission peaks. A decrease in peak intensity and area with doping was also observed. The variation of dielectric constant (ε) and dielectric loss (tanδ) with frequency were also carried out for these samples. A well dispersion in ε and tanδ was seen for the understudy materials. From ac conductivity studies, the present samples show ac type conduction. The charge transport takes place by the process of hopping mechanism and follow Jonscher power law behavior. From the magnetic hysteresis studies carried out on these sample shows a weak ferromagnetic behavior followed by exchange bias effect. A possible explanation to these observed properties exhibited by these materials was given and discussed. Based on these properties, the current samples could be used as multifunctional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction of an effective heterojunction for unimpeded flow of photogenerated charges and their prolonged separation is imperative for environmental photocatalysis. Herein, we have designed an efficient magnetic ZnO/BiVO4 type‐II heterostructure, which was employed for proficient degradation of persistent methyl violet dye with an efficiency of 97.6% in 90 min and a hazardous organic pollutant, namely, bisphenol A. UV‐DRS and photoluminescence studies demonstrated that the fabricated nanocomposite exhibited effective light absorption and prolonged charge separation, thereby resulting in high photocatalytic efficacy under visible light irradiation. The efficacy of developed magnetic ZnO/BiVO4 was also compared with pristine BiVO4 and undoped magnetic ZnO, which indicated that the constructed heterostructure displayed approximately threefold and sixfold activity in contrast with bare BiVO4 and undoped magnetic ZnO nanoparticles, respectively. Radical trapping studies, ESR analysis along with GC‐MS analysis were conducted to elucidate the mechanistic pathway during the photodegradation process. This work provides a rational technical approach and research ideas for photocatalytic degradation of harmful organic pollutants in an environment‐friendly manner by employing energy‐efficient LEDs. Besides, good recyclability of catalyst makes it a promising candidate for large‐scale applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic halloysite nanotubes based organic‐inorganic hybrid materials have elicited ripples of excitement in the area of water research and technology by the virtue of their hollow nanotubular structure, presence of adequate hydroxyl groups and tunable surface chemistry. Fascinated by these riveting benefits, a nickel based nanocatalyst has been designed wherein a bidentate chelating ligand "4‐aminoantipyrine (AA)" was anchored onto the surface of aminosilane functionalized magnetic halloysite nanotubes followed by its metalation. In a shorter time span of 30 min, the synthesized nanocatalyst showed outstanding degradation efficiency of 96.87 % and 96.22 % towards MV6B and AO7 respectively under neutral conditions. The ensuing nanocomposite in‐situ generates ⋅OH from H2O2 that aided in rapid degradation of MV6B and AO7 into innocuous products with unprecedented efficacy. Besides, the impressive magnetic attributes of designed Ni(II)@AA@APTES@MHNTs offer effortless magnetic retrievability with the aid of an external magnet and the catalyst could be recycled upto six consecutive runs. GC‐MS analysis helped in identifying the generated degradation products and provided valuable insights into the plausible degradation pathway of pollutants followed during the reaction. Through various studies, it is believed that the peerless advantages of Ni(II)@AA@APTES@MHNTs nanocatalyst will lay a foundation for treatment of wastewater containing devastating organic contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmented Reality (AR) overlays the information of virtual objects on actual surfaces and enhances learners’ experience. As AR is becoming an increasingly important part of military training, military libraries can provide a cohesive experience using the latest advent of AR and core library science components to meet the military community’s ever-dynamic needs. Since augmented reality is in a developing phase, this paper aims to know the potential of AR Military libraries service by conducting a systematic review of papers published in the Scopus database. AR in military libraries can enhance learning interest, perception of situation awareness, and adequate decision support. AR can offer great solutions to facilitate the controlling capabilities of military trainees and reduce cognitive load and stress. Its application in military libraries includes information filtering, 3D visualization, and extending digital threads. However, despite many limitations of AR usage, its applicability in military libraries can improvise the extensive pool of knowledge and experience to deal with warfare situations to improve capabilities of reaction and response in real-time war situations to improve the controlling capabilities of military trainees include tactical simulation, judgment in operations, assignment, and military simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, remarkable progress has been achieved in the development of photocatalysts owing to their high activity, selectivity, and tunable light absorption in the visible light range. Recently, heterogeneous photocatalytic systems have emerged as potential candidates due to their beneficial attributes (e.g., high surface area, ease of functionalization and facile separation). Herein, we provide a concise overview of the rational design of heterogeneous photocatalysts by grafting photoactive complexes on heterogeneous support matrices via covalent grafting and their detailed characterization techniques, which have been followed by the landmark examples of their applications. Also, major challenges and opportunities in the forthcoming progress of these appealing areas are emphasised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incessant advancements made in catalytic processes during the past few decades prompted researchers to design prodigious sustainable materials that lie within the domain of green synthesis. From this perspective, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with abundant chemical functionalities and ultra-high chemical as well as structural tunability have emerged as the most prolific heterogeneous catalysts in synthetic organic chemistry. Herein, we report the fabrication of a magnetic CoFe2O4/Cu–ABDC (ABDC = 2-aminoterephthalate) hybrid composite via a one-pot solvothermal strategy whose catalytic efficiency has been investigated in a three-component coupling reaction to obtain biologically active and pharmacologically significant 2H-indazole scaffolds (up to 98% yield). By integrating magnetic inverse spinel cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with the functional properties of the MOF, two most important parameters, i.e. environmental compatibility and recyclability, have been well established on a single platform. Aided by the advanced microscopic, spectroscopic and property characterization tools, the morphological as well as structural information of the developed hybrid composite has been deduced well. The aim of this study is to design a sustainably viable process that would provide highly demanding pharmacophores, i.e. 2H-indazoles, in surprisingly high yields from comparatively cheap benchmark substrates – "substituted anilines, 2-bromobenzaldehydes and sodium azide". Furthermore, our protocol has successfully accomplished the remarkable task of replacing toxic volatile organic solvents with eco-friendly solvents such as water. A broad substrate scope, high atom economy, ambient and greener reaction conditions devoid of any ligands, additives or activators, a lower reaction time and temperature, a high turnover frequency and magnetic retrievability are some of the salient features of this methodology which render it highly promising in industry and academia. Besides, the present study is the first report employing a magnetic MOF as a heterogeneous catalyst for the preparation of 2H-indazole moieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported here is a nanomicelle-enabled, 'in-water', nickel-catalyzed allylic amination reaction using allylic alcohols under mild conditions (in the absence of additives/bases/activators). Different amines including electron-deficient N-heterocycles and allylic alcohols were found compatible with excellent selectivity (chemo/regio/stereo) and functional group tolerance. Additional features include scale-up synthesis, recycling, reuse of aqueous micelles (up to 5 runs), associated low E-factor, and low residual nickel in the product. Following the developed protocol, an "all-water" synthesis of flunarizine, cinnarizine, and naftifine was reported, wherein the step reactions are promoted by aqueous micelles, leading to a novel water-assisted total synthesis of marketed pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a new strategy is used to systematically tailor the band arrangement in a ZnO-based heterostructure to realize its bifunctionality towards the synthesis of heteroarylated products and degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light. A Type-II band alignment transition is carried out via introducing MoO3 rods which subsequently enhance its light-harvesting properties, prolonged charge separation and abundant active sites. The designed heterostructure displayed broad functional group compatibility for both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing group substituted substrates with good product yield. Comparably, their visible light driven heteroarylation process is significantly enhanced to more than 4 times that of pristine ZnO and is superior to most photocatalysts reported previously. ZnO/MoO3 also displayed remarkable degradation ability of 96.8% towards RhB into innocuous products under neutral conditions without utilizing any oxidant. More impressively, the developed catalyst demonstrated long-term stability and excellent reusability up to five runs without any significant change in efficiency. Hence, this work not only for the first time exhibits the untapped potential of using a highly active, economically efficient and magnetically separable ZnO/MoO3 core-- shell heterostructure to substitute for expensive metals in photocatalysis but also presents a new opening for synthesising hybrid materials with excellent performance in environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mounting role of Machine Learning (ML) has transformed the scope and paradigm of education amongst its different branches. Proper implementation of the machine learning techniques in the education sector facilitates the students to perform their actions in a better way. Machine learning techniques train the machine to complete the task automatically by using a learning process. Mathematical models using machine learning algorithms are used to analyze, predict and curate decisions. These decisions are taken without relying on the explicitly defining system, models, and parameters. These days' smart services like E-learning, Internet of things (IoT), and cloud-based models are used frequently in the education sector. There are many factors affecting education. In this review, various educational frameworks have been discussed to see the role of machine learning in it. These frameworks demonstrate that during the learning process parameters like students' mental health, and teaching effectiveness makes difference to the students. Parameters affecting student mental health have been discussed based on the existing studies. Teaching effectiveness on the other hand is a very crucial parameter that needs to be considered during the class. So, to see the effect of these parameters various educational frameworks have been analyzed. After analyzing the educational framework and the above parameters, future research problems based on framework analysis have been discussed. These research problems will give a new direction to th educational sector including the role of machine learning in it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomically thin two-dimensional boron nitride nanosheets have spawned futuristic advancements in the arena of nanocatalysis research through their intriguing capability to act as exceptional support matrixes. Motivated by their phenomenal attributes, we have fabricated a magnetic boron nitride nanosheet-based cobalt catalytic system wherein boron nitride nanosheets are initially integrated with magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs), and the resulting nanostructure is further surface-engineered with cobalt NPs to yield an h-BN/Fe3O4/Co hybrid. For gaining an insight into their structural and morphological features, reliable spectroscopic and microscopic characterization techniques including TEM, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, VSM, ED-XRF, XPS, BET, TGA, and AAS were employed. The developed nanohybrid material was then utilized to provide ready access to a library of highly bioactive 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-ones/thiones under ambient conditions. A plausible mechanistic route for furnishing 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-ones catalyzed by h-BN/Fe3O4/Co has also been delineated. Ambient reaction conditions, solvent-free conditions, high product yield, and excellent thermal and mechanical stability of the catalyst along with facile magnetic retrievability and efficient recyclability are some of the phenomenal characteristics of this methodology. The present protocol besides exhibiting a wider functional group tolerance and a high turnover number was devoid of any additive, thus making it superior to literature precedents reported to date. In consideration of the striking catalytic activity of the h-BN/Fe3O4/Co nanomaterial, it can be anticipated that the present catalyst can not only possess a stupendous potential to expedite substantial manufacturing of other industrially demanding organic motifs but may also unlock insights for designing next-generation 2D catalytic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the ever-expanding field of nanomaterials research, numerous attempts have greatly contributed towards the innovation of different frontline methodologies for the synthesis of sustainable, low cost and robust catalysts that have aroused scientific interest in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. Enlightened by this objective, an efficient and easily scalable organic–inorganic hybrid magnetically retrievable halloysite nanotube-based copper nanocatalyst was developed via the immobilization of copper complex onto the surface of CPTMS-functionalized magnetic halloysite nanotubes. Combined microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, such as FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, FT-IR, VSM and XPS, were employed to provide valuable insights into the structural, morphological and physicochemical features of the as prepared Cu(II)@DCH@CPTMS@MHNT nanocomposites. The catalytic efficacy of the synthesized heterogeneous catalysts was examined in the multicomponent one-pot synthesis of pharmaceutically interesting diverse 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes scaffolds without the need for any special additive or intermediate isolation. The illustrations observed in this work not only reveal the outstanding catalytic activity exhibited by the catalyst, but also display some of the other fascinating features, such as ambient reaction conditions, easy work-up, shorter reaction time, broad substrate scope, high turnover number and no use of toxic organic solvents. Besides, the most attractive aspect of the present protocol is that the catalyst could be facilely retrieved with the aid of an external magnetic force and recycled for up to five runs without losing its catalytic activity significantly. Owing to the outstanding catalytic activity, excellent functional group tolerance and facile recovery reusability, it is further envisaged that newly deisgned Cu(II)@DCH@CPTMS@MHNTs could serve as a versatile platform for multipurpose industrially relevant organic transformations to meet the global requirements for sustainable green production and utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have reported a noble metal free heterogeneous photocatalyst to carry out direct (het)arene C–H arylation and solvent-free CO2 capture via single-electron transfer processes at room temperature and under pressure. The catalytic system comprises a cobalt(III) complex grafted over the silica coated magnetic support for the efficient recovery of the photocatalytic moiety without hampering its light-harvesting capability. The novel Earth-abundant cobalt(III) based photocatalyst possesses various fascinating properties such as high surface area to volume ratios, large pore volume, crystalline behaviour, high metal loading, excellent stability and reusability. The general efficacy of the highly abundant and low-cost cobalt based heterogeneous nanocatalyst was checked for the selective conversion of aryldiazonium salts into synthetically and pharmaceutically significant biaryl motifs under ambient conditions upon irradiation with visible light. The highly efficient photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to a value-added chemical was accomplished under mild reaction conditions with high selectivity, showing the added benefit of operational simplicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of catalytic methods is a focus of contemporary interest due to the adverse effects of the manufacturing process of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and materials on the environment. In this context, introducing sustainability via earth-abundant metal catalysis in aqueous media, particularly nickel-catalyzed reactions, not only minimizes the waste footprint of the process but also offers cost-effective synthetic routes. Although nickel offers variable oxidation states and multifaceted catalytic cycles, performing Ni-catalysis in aqueous media is fundamentally challenging owing to the relative instability of nickel complexes in water, resulting in catalytic deactivation and diminished selectivity profile of the catalysts. In this context, this review addresses the recent advances in nickel-catalyzed organic reactions in an aqueous medium. Herein, we discuss various commonly exercised reactions, viz. C–C and C–X (X = N, O, S) cross-coupling, C–H functionalization/annulation, cycloaddition, hydrogenation, oxidation, aldehydic/ketone alkylation, functional group removal, polymerization, etc., in aqueous media in the presence of nickel catalyst. The review further highlights the mechanistic course of reactions, preparation of recyclable Ni-catalysts, recycling and reusability study, and their applications in aqueous organic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Intriguing features of iridium based visible light harvesting photoredox catalyst. • Ir@PyBz@ASMNPs exhibit photocatalytic activity for range of C-H arylation. • Regio-selective C-H cyanation of tertiary amines via single electron transfer. • The fabricated Ir@PyBz@ASMNPs exhibit noteworthy recyclability. The report presents the fabrication and application of a highly versatile, magnetic and robust iridium based photoredox nanocatalyst. Herein, Ir(PPy) 3 based photocatalyst sites have been chemically engineered over the magnetic nanoparticles to encompass the captivating features of homogeneous iridium photocatalyst with the magnetically recyclable core. A household photoreactor was designed and fabricated to achieve highly selective visible light driven oxidative C-H arylation and C-H cyanation under sustainable and ambient reaction conditions utilizing the Ir@PyBz@ASMNPs photoredox nanocatalyst. The environment friendly Ir@PyBz@ASMNPs shows excellent photocatalytic activity, broad substrate adaptability and outstanding recyclability compared to the analogous homogeneous catalysts. Indeed, the Ir@PyBz@ASMNPs possess some key features including high surface area, high iridium metal loading and excellent stability. This work is expected to enlighten and provide new insights in the rational design of high performance and recoverable photoredox nanocatalyst through surface engineering strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) is both a service for diagnosing inadequate child growth in its earliest stages and a delivery platform for nutrition counselling. The widespread use of GMP services in developing countries has the potential to substantially reduce persistent child undernutrition through early diagnosis and by linking caregivers and their children to key health and nutrition services. However, researchers have questioned the effectiveness of GMP services, which are frequently undermined by underdeveloped health systems and inconsistent implementation. This analysis examined both supply‐ and demand‐side factors for GMP utility in Nepal from the perspectives of beneficiaries and service providers, particularly focusing on three components of GMP: growth assessment, analysis of growth status and counselling. The most common factors influencing GMP uptake included beneficiaries' perceptions of the relative importance of GMP and the knowledge and skill of frontline workers. Both providers and beneficiaries viewed GMP as a secondary health and nutrition activity and therefore less important than curative services. We found deficits in GMP‐related knowledge and skills among providers (i.e. health workers and female community health volunteers), as well as indications of poor training quality and coverage. Furthermore, we found variation in GMP utilization by maternal age, education and residency (alone, nuclear or extended), as well as household socio‐economic well‐being and rurality. This study is the first to assess factors influencing both beneficiaries and service providers for GMP utilization. Further research is needed to explore the implementation of improved GMP protocols and to evaluate facility‐level implementation barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we have synthesized bioactive and pharmacologically important chalcone motifs by employing green and efficient silica‐coated magnetically separable catalyst, Cu@DBM@ASMNPs. The highly proficient nanocatalyst proves its invincibility for the solvent‐free one‐pot synthesis of chalcone moieties by A3 coupling of aldehydes‐alkynes‐amines in good to excellent yields. The fabricated Cu@DBM@ASMNPs was structurally and chemically analyzed by various techniques such as FT‐IR, SEM, TEM, VSM, ICP‐MS, ED‐XRF and XPS. The programmed catalytic protocol has been proceeded via isomerization‐hydrolysis reaction of aldehydes and terminal alkynes. The present strategy offered much greener and efficacious synthesis of chalcones by adding benefits such as solvent‐less synthetic protocol and much shorter reaction time. Other interesting and noteworthy features of this methodology are broad substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, and reusability up to seven runs without significant loss of its catalytic activity which renders it an environmentally friendly and remarkable protocol from industrial point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]