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The overheating of heat pipes, poor transfer of heat across the absorber and finned heat pipes, and inability to provide hot water in the late evening hours are major problems associated with conventional heat pipe vacuum collector systems. The amalgamation of highly conductive storage material between the absorber tube (heat collecting surface) and the heat pipe is an effective way to overcome these problems. In this study, a stearic acid amalgamated vacuum tube solar collector system was designed and fabricated and its thermal output compared with a conventional vacuum tube system without storage material under the same environmental conditions. The experimental results showed that the amalgamation of stearic acid as storage material enhanced the thermal output of the solar system compared to the conventional one. The desired heat gain of the solar system with storage material increased by 31.30, 23.34, and 18.78% for Test 1_40 °C, Test 2_45 °C, and Test 3_50 °C, respectively. The technoeconomic analysis showed that almost 118.80 USD in revenue could be earned by the proposed solar system at the end of 15 years. The total running cost of ELG and the developed solar system was observed to be 202.62 and 86.70 USD, respectively. On average, the cost of hot water production using the solar system and ELG was found to be 0.0016 and 0.004 USD/L, respectively. The value of LEC was found to be 0.062 USD/electricity unit, which was much lower than the LEC value of ELG (0.116 USD/electricity unit). The value of NPW (73.73 USD) indicated high acceptability of the proposed system. The payback time is lower than the life of the system, indicating its suitability for use in the commercial sector. Therefore, the proposed solar system is highly recommended over conventional water heating systems in urban and rural areas.

In recent years, building energy consumption has increased every day due to population growth and an increased human desire for a healthy and pleasant lifestyle, and this is responsible for a crisis of energy shortages worldwide. Therefore, use of solar water heating (SWH) systems in buildings for hot water demand is the prime need of the hour to maintain sustainability. The novelty of this work was in developing a phase change material (stearic acid)-filled U-tube based evacuated tube solar collector (collector A). In addition, another collector B, left without energy storage material, was considered a reference unit for comparing the energy and exergy outputs. The study’s main aim was to examine the energy, exergy, enviro- and exergoeconomic analysis of newly developed water heating systems. The findings of study revealed that the maximum daily energy outputs of collector A were found to be 85.86% (simultaneous mode) and 84.27% (midday charging mode) at a high mass flow rate (0.5 LPM), and exergy outputs were 19.41% and 21.35%, respectively, at a low flow rate. The thermal output of collector A was higher than that of collector B. The per liter cost of hot water produced from collector A with PCMs was found to be INR 0.1261 and INR 0.1276, respectively, under both modes, which is less compared with the electric geyser (0.325 INR). The levelized energy cost, net present worth, and the payback time of the developed collector A obtained were 4.61 INR/kWh, INR 49710, and 4.49 years (simultaneous), and 4.67 INR/kWh, INR 48130, and 4.64 years (mid-day charging), respectively. Furthermore, the amount of CO2 mitigation from the energy and exergy perspective for collector A was found to be 24.30 and 23.76 tCO2/lifetime and 5.31, 5.58 tCO2/lifetime, respectively.

In this study, the influence of solar inclination angles on biomass growth and the biomolecule profile of Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) were analyzed in the vertical flat–panel photobioreactor (FPPBR). The growth of C. pyrenoidosa was analyzed at three different solar inclination angles (32.9°, 47.9°, and 90°) in a natural open environment with BG-11 medium and poultry excreta leachate (PEL). The maximum yield of biomass was obtained at 2.40 g/L with PEL and 1.45 g/L with BG-11 medium at a solar inclination angle of 47.9°. The biomass yield with PEL and BG-11 was 5.09–10.26%, 3.94–5.72%, respectively, while biomass productivity with PEL and BG-11 was 5.27–10.63%, 4.06–5.90% higher at a solar inclination angle of 47.9° as compared to 32.9°. The average temperature and radiation of FPPBR were recorded ≈3.90 ± 0.40% and ≈17.28 ± 2.23% higher at a solar inclination angle of 47.9° as compared to a solar inclination angle of 32.9°. The inclined radiation was acquired the maximum area of FPPBR. Results indicated that solar inclination angles enhanced the productivity of algae in FPPBR.

A sustainable approach to ensuring the thermal regulation of space is reliable with phase change materials (PCMs) operating at 15–25 °C. Henceforth, there is a need of a search of binary and ternary eutectic PCMs operating at desirable phase transition temperatures of 15–25 °C, high energy storage enthalpy (180–220 J/g), improved thermal conductivity and better absorptivity of solar energy. In this current research, we developed a ternary eutectic inorganic salt hydrate PCM intended for a low-temperature thermal regulation system. Based on the eutectic melting point theory, the phase transition temperature and proportion of sodium carbonate decahydrate (SCD), sodium phosphate dibasic dodecahydrate (SPDD) and sodium sulphate decahydrate (SSD) were determined. As per the calculated proportion, ternary eutectic PCM was experimentally prepared. Furthermore, to enhance the thermal property, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were dispersed at weight concentrations of 0.4%, 0.7% and 1.0%. The prepared nanoparticle-dispersed PCMs were characterized using an optical microscope, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and a thermal conductivity meter, and a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to evaluate the morphology, chemical stability and thermal properties. The results showed increases in thermal conductivity and optical absorbance by 71.5% and 106.5%, respectively, with GNP at 1.0% weight concentration. Similarly, the degree of supercooling and transmissibility was reduced by 43.5% and 76.2% correspondingly. The prepared composite PCM is expected to contribute towards cooling, with an intention to contribute towards sustainable development.

This work deals with fibre optic pressure sensors for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) based on the piezo-optic principle. Various samples were prepared and investigated under room ambient conditions. In one of the samples, periodic microbends of 1 cm spatial periodicity were introduced in the PCS600 optical fibre, which was then embedded in an Araldite matrix with the composition of 60% hardener and 40% resin. This sample was marked as S1. In another sample, the same fibre without microbending was embedded in the same Araldite matrix, and was marked as S2. In another sample, the fibre without microbending was embedded in a cement matrix composite, and was marked as S3. Sample S3 was an effort to develop a pressure sensor for real working environment. Here conventional portland cement was used for the fabrication of the sample. High pressure up to 60 KPa was applied to the sample under cyclic loading and unloading, and the corresponding output power noted. Sensitivities of fibre optic pressure sensor for samples S1, S2 and S3 are 2.304, 0.906 and 2.218 nW KPa–1, with reproducibilities 96.61%, 97.95% and 87.24% respectively. The sensitivities obtained indicate that the sensor has excellent potential to replace existing bulky electrical sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant genetic resources (PGR) are the foundation of agriculture as well as food and nutritional security. The ICAR-NBPGR is the nodal institution at national level for management of PGR in India under the umbrella of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. India being one of the gene-rich countries faces a unique challenge of protecting its natural heritage while evolving mutually beneficial strategies for germplasm exchange with other countries. The Bureaus activities include PGR exploration, collection, exchange, characterization, evaluation, conservation and documentation. It also has the responsibility to carry out quarantine of all imported PGR including transgenics meant for research purposes. The multifarious activities are carried out from ICAR-NBPGR headquarters and its 10 regional stations located in different agro-climatic zones of India. It has linkages with international organizations of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and national crop-based institutes to accomplish its mandated activities. NBPGR collects and acquires germplasm from various sources, conserves it in the Genebank, characterizes and evaluates it for different traits and provides ready material for breeders to develop varieties for farmers. ICAR-NBPGR encompasses the National Genebank Network and at present, the National Genebank conserves more than 0.40 million accessions. NBPGR works in service-mode for effective utilization of PGR in crop improvement programmes which depends mainly on its systematic characterization and evaluation, and identification of potentially useful germplasm. NBPGR is responsible for identifying trait-specific pre-adapted climate resilient genotypes, promising material with disease resistance and quality traits which the breeders use for various crop improvement programmes. The system has contributed immensely towards safeguarding the indigenous and introducing useful exotic PGR for enhancing the agricultural production. Presently, our focus is on characterization of ex situ conserved germplasm and detailed evaluation of prioritized crops for enhanced utilization; assessment of impact of on-farm conservation practices on genetic diversity; genome-wide association mapping for identification of novel genes and alleles for enhanced utilization of PGR; identification and deployment of germplasm/landraces using climate analog data; validation of trait-specific introduced germplasm for enhanced utilization. Key words: plant genetic resources; gene banks; wild relatives; biotic and abiotic stresses; marker-assisted selection., (Copyright © AUTHORS, 2020.)

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the rate of perioperative complications following aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients aged ≥ 80 years with that in those aged < 80 years, and to identify risk factors for the incidence of serious adverse events in those aged ≥ 80 years using a large validated national database., Patients and Methods: Patients who underwent aseptic revision THA were identified in the 2005 to 2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database and stratified into two age groups: those aged < 80 years and those aged ≥ 80 years. Preoperative and procedural characteristics were compared. Multivariate regression analysis was used to compare the risk of postoperative complications and readmission. Risk factors for the development of a serious adverse event in those aged ≥ 80 years were characterized., Results: The study included 7569 patients aged < 80 years and 1419 were aged ≥ 80 years. Multivariate analysis showed a higher risk of perioperative mortality, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and the requirement for a blood transfusion and an extended length of stay in those aged ≥ 80 years compared with those aged < 80 years. Independent risk factors for the development of a serious adverse event in those aged ≥ 80 years include an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of ≥ 3 and procedures performed under general anaesthesia., Conclusion: Even after controlling for patient and procedural characteristics, aseptic revision THA is associated with greater risks in patients aged ≥ 80 years compared with younger patients. This is important for counselling and highlights the need for medical optimization in these vulnerable patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:143-51., (©2018 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.)

Background & Objectives: Screening of crude extracts of plants facilitates the establishment of highly effective extract for mosquito control. This practice should be preferred before in depth study of plant extracts rather than spending much efforts and energy in detailed examinations for practically ineffective extracts. In this study, leaf powders of four weed plants were used for the quick screening of effective plant extract as larvicide against III instar larvae of Aedes albopictus Skuse. At the same time, effect of different seasons on the larvicidal efficacy of plants and selection of proper solvents for further investigation were also studied., Methods: Leaves of Vernonia cinerea, Prosopis juliflora, Hyptis suaveolens and Malvastrum coromandelianum plants were collected in summer, winter and rainy seasons from Madhya Pradesh region (India). To assess the larvicidal efficacy the suspensions of leaf powders in different solvents (isopropanol, methanol, acetone, dimethylsulfoxide and water) were used for larvicidal bioassay. The mortality counts were made after 24 h and the LC50 and LC90 values were calculated., Results: Results showed that leaf powder of V. cinerea in acetone collected during summer showed highest efficacy with LC50 value of 0.22 g/l and LC90 of 0.96 g/l followed by methanolic solution of P. juliflora with LC50 of 0.44 g/l and LC90 value as 1.85 g/l. Amongst all solvents, leaf powder in acetone; while among seasons, summer collected plant materials were found to be more effective larvicides as compared to others., Interpretation & Conclusion: Summer and winter collected leaves of V. cinerea and P. juliflora dissolved in the solvents of medium polarity range showed significant larval toxicity and thus suggests a detailed study on these plants as potential larval control agents.

Background: Direct to physician advertisements and direct to consumer advertisement (DTCA) is a well-known marketing strategy of pharmaceutical companies. Studies from the West and also from the Indian sub-continent revealed several lacunae in such advertisements., Objectives: The present study was carried out to understand the international and national scenario regarding the lacunae in drug advertisements and the opinion of both physicians and patients regarding DTCA., Methods: The present study was conducted after obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee. Warning letters (WLs) issued to pharmaceutical companies by United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) due to discrepancies in the advertisements were analyzed for reasons that were grouped into one of the following categories: overstatement of efficacy; unapproved indication; lack of adequate directions to use; omission of adverse effects; misleading claims; advertisement made for an unapproved drug (investigational new product). Drug advertisements in Current Index of Medical Specialties (CIMS) April-July 2014 issue was also analyzed for lacunae depending on categories as mentioned above. Physicians and patients in a tertiary care medical college and hospital were administered a validated questionnaire exploring their views about crucial aspects of DTCA. Descriptive statistics was used for each of the categories., Results: A total of 93 WLs issued by USFDA and 36 by TGA were assessed. Majority of the WLs by USFDA were issued for omission of adverse effects (61/93, 65.6%) followed by misleading claims (54/93, 58.1%). Similarly, WLs by TGA were also mainly issued for the presence of misleading claims (35/36, 97.2%) followed by overstatement of efficacy (26/36, 72.2%) and CIMS evaluation had revealed that 78/92 (84.8%) advertisements omitted adverse effects, 20/92 (21.7%) had misleading claims, 9/92 (9.8%) had unapproved indications and 7/92 (7.6%) overstated the efficacy. With regard to the opinion regarding DTCA, 69.9% physicians had a patient discussing DTCA that was clinically inappropriate. One hundred (64.5%) out of 155 physicians opined that DTCA encourage patients to attend physicians regarding preventive healthcare. On the contrary, 82/155 (52.9%) physicians felt that DTCA would damage the same. Similarly, 69 out of the total 100 patients felt that drug advertisements aid them to have better discussions with their treating physicians. Surprisingly, a large majority (91/100) were of the opinion that only safe drugs are allowed to be advertised., Conclusion: To conclude, from the findings of this study both the physicians and patients should be cautious and not overzealous while dealing with drug advertisements or promotional literature. More stringent scrutiny and issue of WLs or blacklisting of indulging pharmaceutical companies are mandatory by the regulatory agency to contain the same.

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) is a known complication of vaginal delivery and has significant public health issues, as it can cause both short- and long-term morbidity in women. The most commonly reported complications include different grades of faecal/flatus incontinence, pain and sexual dysfunction. In our study, we found a rising trend in OASIS rates in vaginal deliveries, with the rising rate of forceps and the falling rate of SVD, which is at least partly due to increased awareness and training in OASIS. However, there is an actual increase in the number of such tears at vaginal deliveries. Midwifery and obstetric practices have certainly changed over the last decade and we discuss the possible factors, which might be contributing to such a rise.

This report describes the extent and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a large maternity unit. The screening of 79 preterm babies showed that ophthalmic examinations should become an important part of neonatal care.