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Graphical abstract:

A novel form-stable phase change material (FSPCM) composed of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as the supporting porous medium and polyethylene glycol 2000 (PEG-2000) as the organic phase change material (OPCM) was prepared and comprehensively investigated in the present work. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis specified that g-C3N4had distinct pores, which are adequate to enclose the molten PEG-2000 without any seepage. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques validated the chemical agreement of PEG-2000 and g-C3N4. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated that the FSPCM having 80 wt % PEG-2000 had melting and solidifying temperatures of 54.77 and 27.60 °C, respectively, and the corresponding latent heat values were noted as 135.02 and 136.90 J/g, respectively. The durability examination for 1000 melting/freezing cycles established that the structural and thermal durabilities are outstanding. Due to the incorporation of g-C3N4in the FSPCM, thermal conductivity was increased by 117%, which improved the heat transfer rate, and the charging/discharging times of the prepared composite were reduced by about 32–48% in comparison to those of pure PEG-2000. All obtained results exhibited that the produced g-C3N4/PEG-2000 (80 wt %) FSPCM can be considered as a significant material for thermal energy storage (TES) in various applications such as space heating, solar water heating, and thermal maintenance of electronic and automotive units.

The application of nanomaterials to remove arsenic from water represents one of the most promising remediation methods nowadays. In this study, three active materials, Y2(CO3)3, ZnO/TiO2, and Fe3O4, with different structural and morphological properties, were evaluated for their As(v) adsorption capacity in contaminated water. Thus, the adsorption behaviour was assessed, including the influence of pH, adsorption kinetics, and isotherms. This work demonstrates that the active materials show a high adsorption performance, with adsorption efficiencies always close to 100%, leading to maximum adsorption capacities of 32.8, 37.3, and 35.8 mg g−1for Y2(CO3)3, ZnO/TiO2, and Fe3O4, respectively. The effects of suspended sorbent nanomaterials on Daphnia magnaallowed us to estimate the lethal concentration that kills 50% of the test specimens (LC50) of 6.57 × 103mg L−1, 28.7 mg L−1, and 1.91 × 106mg L−1for Fe3O4, ZnO/TiO2and Y2(CO3)3, respectively. Overall, this study confirmed the investigated materials' suitability for arsenic water remediation applications.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is common disorder for many people and is not easy to diagnose. It is a neurological disorder. The authors proposed a novel approach using data partitioning with feature selection algorithm Principal component analysis (PCA) for Parkinson’s disease classification. In the proposed approach, the dataset has been divided into three equal parts and validated two-class (healthy and Parkinson’s disease) for individual data with different classifiers based on acoustic features. To improve performance of classifying algorithms Principal Component Analysis (PCA) has been used. The minority and majority classes were obtained by applying the data set partition approach to the dataset of healthy and Parkinson’s disease subjects. The three equal partitions of were composed for healthy (first case), and then for PD class (second case). PCA was used for features selection. We used three different classifiers to classify all data partitions, including the weighted k-NN (nearest neighbour, wkNN), Logistic Regression (LR), and Medium Gaussian Kernel support vector machine (MGSVM). The classification accuracy of 74.2%, 85.0% and 82.1% achieved using Logistic algorithm, SVM with Gaussian, and weighted k-NN classifiers. The combination of classifiers, data partition and feature selection (first case) achieved classification accuracy of 80%, 87.63% and 89.23% respectively. In the second case, 85.2%, 89.36% and 90.3% accuracy with data partition and feature selection are obtained respectively. The results show that the proposed methodology could be used for Parkinson’s disease classification.

Blumeria graminis(DC). E.U. Speer f.sp. triticiEm. Marchal (Syn. Erysiphe graminisDC f.sp. tritici, Em. Marchal), a causal organism of powdery mildew (PM), is one of the important diseases of wheat worldwide. A comprehensive evaluation of wheat germplasm accessions (19,460) conserved in the National Genebank of ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources was conducted to identify sources of resistance to PM. Accessions belonging to the three wheat species—bread wheat (Triticum aestivumL. subsp. aestivum) (15,944), durum wheat (T. durumDesf.) (3,359), and emmer wheat (T. dicoccumSchrank ex Schübl.) (157)—were screened at Wellington, a hotspot location for PM, for two consecutive seasons. Screening results indicated that 7271 (45%) from bread wheat, 756 (22%) from durum wheat, and 22 (14%) from emmer were resistant. Out of 8094 PM‐resistant accessions, 60% were indigenous, while majority of the 40% exotic were from CIMMYT. Focused identification of germplasm strategy (FIGS), which identifies a set of similar plant genotypes with a greater possibility of containing specific target traits, was used to form a subset of 52 accessions (from 19,460) that have the potential to contain new PM resistance genes. Resistant accessions identified in the study have enriched the existing gene pool for PM resistance in wheat and will serve as a potential source for resistance in future.

Thermal cycling stability of phase change materials (PCMs) is one of the key parameters for real-scale thermal energy storage (TES) applications. Fatty alcohols as PCMs possess significantly large amount of energy storage capacity with suitable low and medium melting temperature ranges for thermal regulation of food carriers, textiles, and so forth. However, their thermal cycling performances have not been investigated thoroughly before. With this regard, this work aims to investigate the effects of thermal cycling operation on latent heat TES (LHTES) characteristics, morphology, chemical/crystalline structure, and thermal degradation properties of three kinds of fatty alcohols. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is adopted for the measurement of thermal properties of 1-hexadecanol (HD) 1-dodecanol (DD), and 1-octadecanol (OD) after 3000 thermal cycles. The morphological and chemical/crystal structures of these PCMs were carried out by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) before and after thermal cycling treatment. The DSC results showed that the pristine HD, DD, and OD have relatively higher LH between 234 and 277 J/g and melting temperature between 21 and 56 °C. The melting and solidification enthalpies of the cycled PCMs were not reduced by more than 9.4%, with a slight variation of −0.51–1.0 °C in melting point. The FT-IR and XRD results confirmed outstanding chemical and crystalline structure stability of all cycled PCMs. The thermogravimetric analysis findings revealed that the selected PCMs had good cycling thermal degradation stability. The outcomes of this investigation demonstrated that cycled HD, DD, and OD are favorable PCMs with excellent cycling thermal and chemical performances for low to medium temperature-passive solar TES applications.

Systems thinking is highly desirable for re-imagining chemistry education, which will help in the development of an integrated and sustainable approach that takes into account the interdependence of a system under study with other components of the ecosystem rather than practicing a fragmented approach. Thus, to develop a systems’ perspective into the minds of early researchers, we propose a safe, convenient, and reliable two sessions laboratory experiment in which students synthesize magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) using plant-derived potato extract as a green reaction medium and as both reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized MNPs are effectively utilized in the degradation of rhodamine B dye under ultrasonic radiation and using H2O2as an oxidant. Further, the recyclability of MNPs was tested in successive runs. The described experiment has also been performed by numerous undergraduate students and is well appreciated by them. The former synthetic experiment gives students an introduction and hands on experience to nanotechnology through nanoparticle synthesis. While the later describes practical applications of nanotechnology in wastewater treatment, thereby reinforcing basic chemical principles and instrumentation techniques (such as FT-IR and UV–vis spectrophotometry) through environmental remediation. To foster students’ higher order thinking skills, a systems thinking hierarchical model has also been proposed. It is believed that this context-based learning approach opens a door for re-imagining chemistry education and will help educate students and society in a more effective manner.

Purpose: Mulching is a practice recommended for soil moisture conservation in potato. The wheat straw and rice straw obtained as major crop residues were used as mulching materials to compare their effectiveness for soil moisture retention in potato crop. Methods: The field experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design replicated thrice with three treatments viz. plots incorporated with wheat straw mulch, rice straw mulch at the rate of 10 tonnes per hectare each and no mulch serving as control. The soil moisture was determined using a soil moisture probe and data were recorded daily at 10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm soil depths. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to investigate moisture retention characteristics of the mulch materials. Results: Soil moisture retention varied as wheat straw mulch > rice straw mulch > no mulch at 10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm soil depths, respectively. Highest moisture retention in wheat straw mulch at 10 cm depth is attributed to better moisture absorption ability of wheat straw in comparison to rice straw. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope images indicated the presence of smaller sized micro tubes in wheat straw than rice straw, which resulted in more water retention, thereby substantiating the findings of the study. Conclusion: Wheat straw mulch is more effective than rice straw mulch for shallow rooted crops like potato, due to better moisture absorption and retention in upper soil layer.

ABSTRACTThe present study investigates the debris flow occurred in July 2017 at the terminal moraine of the Meru glacier, Bhagirathi basin, Garhwal Himalaya. This event has changed the geomorphology of the Gangotri glacier’s snout and downstream of the Bhagirathi river due to massive debris displacement. The causes of the debris flow were analyzed using Sentinel-2A and Google Earth (GE) images, gridded precipitation data of the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). The chronological analysis of Sentinel-2A satellite and Google Earth (GE) images show the expansion in the size of the moraine-dammed lake at the terminus of Meru glacier, which later breached and triggered the debris flow. The analysis of rainfall data shows that the area received heavy rainfall during the event, triggering a massive debris flow.

The ability to store high latent heat energy makes polyethylene glycol (PEG) one of the most promising materials in the organic phase change material (PCM) family. Nevertheless, the poor heat conductivity limits its potential to a large extent in the real time applications. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG2000) was incorporated with nano aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and copper oxide (CuO) composites to develop a hybrid nanomaterials based PCM with higher thermal conductivity. To accomplish the objectives of the study, six (06) samples were prepared. It was ensured that the total mass of both the nano particles remains 3% of the total mass of the sample. For characterization of the samples, FTIR, TGA, DSC, XRD techniques were used to test the thermal and chemical stability of the materials. The results show that the prepared composite has higher thermal conductivity than pure PCM and they are also chemically and thermally stable. Also, the interaction between PCM and nanoparticles is purely physical. The DSC findings showed that the developed nano enhanced PCM possess significantly high latent heat. The developed composites have the potential of being used as thermal energy storage materials for electronic board and various solar based applications.

AbstractCompared to conventional visual secret sharing (VSS), Boolean operations-based VSS solves the problems of the large pixel expansion (pe) and the complex computation involved in the decryption process. However, the existing VSS schemes based on Boolean operations are limited only to (2, n), (n, n) and (k, n). In this paper, we propose a Boolean operations-based VSS scheme for general access structures. The proposed scheme encodes the secret image into several shares such that the secret image can be reconstructed only by any qualified subset of the shares. The proposed scheme has lossless secret reconstruction with an acceptable pixel expansion (0 < pe< 1.5) and fast decoding process. The correctness of the proposed scheme is validated by formal security analysis and the experimental results.

In a 24‐month, multicenter, open‐label, randomized trial, 715 de novokidney transplant recipients were randomized at 10–14 weeks to convert to everolimus (n = 359) or remain on standard calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) therapy (n = 356; 231 tacrolimus; 125 cyclosporine), all with mycophenolic acid and steroids. The primary endpoint, change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from randomization to month 12, was similar for everolimus versus CNI: mean (standard error) 0.3(1.5) mL/min/1.732versus −1.5(1.5) mL/min/1.732(p = 0.116). Biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR) at month 12 was more frequent under everolimus versus CNIoverall (9.7% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.014) and versus tacrolimus‐treated patients (2.6%, p < 0.001) but similar to cyclosporine‐treated patients (8.8%, p = 0.755). Reporting on de novodonor‐specific antibodies (DSA) was limited but suggested more frequent anti‐HLAClass I DSAunder everolimus. Change in left ventricular mass index was similar. Discontinuation due to adverse events was more frequent with everolimus (23.6%) versus CNI(8.4%). In conclusion, conversion to everolimus at 10–14 weeks posttransplant was associated with renal function similar to that with standard therapy overall. Rates of BPARwere low in all groups, but lower with tacrolimus than everolimus. In a multicenter, open‐label, randomized trial of de novokidney transplant recipients, conversion to everolimus at 10–14 weeks posttransplant is associated with similar renal function as in patients who continue to standard tacrolimus or cyclosporine therapy, with low rates of biopsy‐proven acute rejection in all groups, but lower rates with tacrolimus than everolimus.

ABSTRACTThis article presents a novel cryptosystem for secure transmission of color images through a coordinate cryptosystem as well as a geometric cryptosystem with time domain and frequency domain. In this technique, we have designed image encryption and decryption by a proposed random matrix shift cipher (RMSC) associated with a discrete fractional Fourier transform (DFrFT). Our proposed random matrix shift cipher is a coordinate and geometric cryptosystem for security of color image data which is completely different from existing cryptosystems for security of any data. The combination of a random matrix shift cipher and discrete fractional Fourier transform provide a robust cryptosystem for color image data in the time domain as well as the frequency domain without loss of any information. Existing techniques provide single-layer protection of color image data, but the cryptosystem presented here gives multiple layers of protection. Computer simulation on a standard example (Lena and Barbara color images) and the result are support for the robustness and appropriateness of the proposed cryptosystem.

Various literature studies (Table 6) have reported that dispersion of metal nanoparticles (NPs) on graphitic carbon nitride g-C3N4(M/CN) has considerably improved the photocatalytic hydrogen yield. It is understood that metal NPs create active sites on the surface of CN and act as a cocatalyst. However, the precise changes induced by different metal NPs on the surface of CN still elude us. Here, we report a thorough understanding and comparison of the morphology, metal–support interactions, interfacial charge transfer kinetics, and band characteristics in different M/CN (M = Pt, Pd, Au, Ag, Cu) correlated with photocatalytic activity. Among all metals, Pt/CN was found to be the best performer both under sunlight and UV–visible irradiation. Under sunlight, maximum H2@ 2.7 mmol/h/g was observed over Pt/CN followed by Pd/CN > Au/CN > Ag/CN > Cu/CN ≈ CN. The present study revealed that among all metals, Pt formed superior interfacial contact with g-C3N4as compared to other metals. The maximum Schottky barrier height (Φb,Pt) of 0.66 V was observed at Pt/CN followed by Φb,Au/CN(0.46 V) and Φb,Pd/CN(0.05 V). The presence of electron-deficient Pt in Pt-XPS, decrease in the intensity of d-DOS of Pt near the Fermi level in VB-XPS, increase in CB tail states, and cathodic shift in Vfbin MS plots sufficiently confirmed strong metal–support interactions in Pt/CN. Due to the SPR effect, Au and Ag NPs suffered from agglomeration and poor dispersion during photodeposition. Finely dispersed Pt NPs (2–4 nm, 53% dispersion) successfully competed with shallow/deep trap states and drove the photogenerated electrons to active metallic sites in a drastically reduced time period as investigated by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Typically, an interfacial electron transfer rate, KIET,avg, of 2.5 × 1010s–1was observed for Pt/CN, while 0.087 × 1010s–1was observed in Au/CN. Band alignment/potentials at M/CN Schottky junctions were derived and most favorable in Pt/CN with CB tail states much above the water reduction potential; however, in the case of Pd, these extend much below the H+/H2potential and hence behave like deep trap states. Thus, in Pd/CN (τ0= 4200 ps, 49%) and Ag/CN (3870 ps, 53%), electron deep trapping dominates over charge transfer to active sites. The present study will help in designing futuristic new cocatalyst–photocatalyst systems.

Silicon wet bulk micromachining is the most widely used technique for the fabrication of diverse microstructures such as cantilevers, cavities, etc. in laboratory as well as in industry for micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) application. Although, increasing the throughput remains inevitable, and can be done by increasing the etching rate. Furthermore, freestanding structure release time can be reduced by the improved undercutting rate at convex corners. In this work, we have investigated the etching characteristics of a non-conventional etchant in the form of hydroxylamine (NH2OH) added sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. This research is focused on Si{100} wafer as this orientation is largely used in the fabrication of planer devices (e.g., complementary metal-oxide semiconductors) and microelectromechanical systems (e.g., inertial sensors). We have performed a systematic and parametric analysis without and with 12% NH2OH in 10 M NaOH for improved etching characteristics such as etch rate, undercutting at convex corners, and etched surface morphology. 3D scanning laser microscope is used to measure average surface roughness (Ra), etch depth (d), and undercutting length (l). Morphology of the etched Si{100} surface is examined using optical and scanning electron microscopes. The addition of NH2OH in NaOH solution remarkably exhibited a two-fold increment in the etching rate of a Si{100} surface. Furthermore, the addition of NH2OH significantly improves the etched surface morphology and undercutting at convex corners. Undercutting at convex corners is highly prudent for the quick release of microstructures from the substrate. In addition, we have studied the effect of etchant age on etching characteristics. Results presented in this article are of large significance for engineering applications in both academic and industrial laboratories.

The emission of elemental mercury in the flue gas from coal-burning power plants is a major environmental concern. Control technologies utilizing activated carbon show promise and are currently under intense review. Oxidation and capture of elemental mercury on activated carbon was extensively investigated in a variety of flue gas atmospheres. Extensive parametric testing with individual and a variety of combinations and concentrations of reactive flue gas components and spectroscopic examination of the sulfur and chlorine forms present before and after breakthrough have led to an improved model to explain the kinetic and capacity results. The improved model delineates the independent Lewis acid oxidation site as well as a zig-zag carbene site on the carbon edge that performs as a Lewis base in reacting with both the oxidized mercury formed at the oxidation site and with the acidic flue gas components in competing reactions to form organochlorine, sulfinate, and sulfate ester moieties on the carbon edge.

Turbocharger noise has become a major concern in downsized automotive engine development. In this paper, the analysis is focused on the whoosh noiseproduced by the compressor when it is working near surge. A centrifugal compressor has been acoustically characterized on a turbocharger test rig mounted on an anechoic chamber. Three in-duct pressure signals forming a linear array are registered in order to obtain pressure components. In this way, meaningful pressure spectra and sound intensity level (SIL) compressor maps are obtained, showing an increase of SIL in the frequency window corresponding to whoosh noise. Besides, detached eddy simulations (DES) of the centrifugal compressor flow in two operating conditions near surge are performed. Good agreement is found between the experimental measurements and the CFD solutions in terms of predicted pressure spectra. Flow analysis is used to identify patterns responsible for the different features of the pressure spectra. At the simulated conditions, rotating instabilities in the compressor diffuser and inducer cause pressure oscillations in the frequency range of whoosh noise.

High yielding, stable wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) cultivars are needed for the diverse environments in West Asia to improve rural livelihoods. This study was conducted to determine the performance of elite wheat breeding lines developed by CIMMYT, to analyze their stability for grain yield across diverse environments, and to identify superior genotypes that could be valuable for varietal release. Genetically diverse 196 advanced breeding lines were evaluated across different sites in Afghanistan. Grain yield, days to heading and plant height were analyzed. Genotypic superiority for grain yield was determined using genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis. The experimental genotypes showed arrays of variation for grain yield in each year, with mean values ranging from 3908 to 7209 kg/ha. A set of 20 experimental genotypes superior to the check based on their high mean yield and stability across environments as assessed by the GGE rank was identified. The most stable high yielding genotypes were HD 2687; Elvia/5/Cndo/R143//Ente/Mexi75/3/AE. sq./4/2*Oci; Quaiu; Whear/Vivitsi//Whear; Kiritati/2*Trch; Waxwing; Munal#1; Whear//Inqalab 91*2/Tukuru and Snb//Cmh79A.955/3*Cno79/3/Attila/4/Chen/A.sq.(Taus)//Bcn/3/2*Kauz. These superior genotypes also had acceptable maturity and plant height. The findings of this study provides information on adaptation of the internationally important wheat genotypes, valuable for wheat improvement program in Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries in West, Central and South Asia.

AbstractA novel feature extraction technique is presented in this paper for an offline handwritten Gurmukhicharacter recognition system. Handwritten character recognition is a complex task because of various writing styles of different individuals. To select a set of features is an important step for implementing a handwriting recognition system. In this work, we have extracted various topological features, namely, peak-extent features, shadow features and centroid features. A new feature set is also proposed by using horizontal peak extent features and the vertical peak extent features. For classification, we have used k-NN and Linear-SVM classifiers. In view of learning and simplification capabilities of multi layer perceptrons (MLPs), MLPs based pattern classifier is also used for classification. In the present work, we have taken 7,000 samples of offline handwritten Gurmukhicharacters for training and testing. Proposed system achieves a maximum recognition accuracy of 95.62% using SVM with linear kernel classifier. By using k-NN and MLPs, a maximum recognition accuracy of 95.48% and 94.74%, respectively, has been achieved with five-fold cross validation.

Financial crunch in the present recession results in the non-availability of the right materials at the right time in large hospitals. However due to insufficient impetus towards systems development, situation remains dismal even when funds are galore. Cost incurred on materials account for approximately one-third of the total recurring expenditures in hospitals. Systems development for effective and efficient materials management is thus tantamount to cost-containment and sustainability. This scientific paper describes an innovative model, Hospital Revolving Fund (HRF), developed at a tertiary care research institute in Asia. the main idea behind inception of HRF was to ensure availability of all supplies in the hospital so that the quality of healthcare delivery was not affected. the model was conceptualized in the background of non-availability of consumables in the hospital leading to patient as well as staff dissatisfaction. Hospital supplies have been divided into two parts, approximately 3250 unit items and 1750 miscellaneous items. This division is based on cost, relative-utility and case-specific utilization. 0.1 Million USD, separated from non-planned budget, was initially used as seed money in 1998. HRF procures supplies from reputed firms on concessional rates (8–25%) and make them available to patients at much lesser rates vis-à-vis market rates, levying minimal maintenance charges. in 2009–10, total annual purchases of 14 Million USD were made. the balance sheet reflected 1.4 Million USD as fixed deposit investment. the minimal maintenance charges levied on the patients along with the interest income were sufficient to pay for all recurring expenses related to HRF. Even after these expenses, HRF boosted of 0.2 Million USD as cash-in-hand in financial year 2009–10. In-depth analysis of ‘balance sheet’ and ‘Income and Expenditure’ statement of the fund for last five financial years affirms that HRF is a self-sustainable and viable supply chain mechanism to ensure availability of the right materials at the right time at a reasonable cost. Thus innovations like HRF will prove robust in rendering quality healthcare at an affordable cost.

The present paper describes the fabrication of a novel nano-structured organic–inorganic hybrid potentiometric sensor based on silica nanospheres functionalized with isatin thiosemicarbazone (ITC@APTES@SiO2) as a neutral carrier for the rapid and sensitive determination of Cu(ii) ions in real samples. Furthermore, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) (1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) have been used in the composition of carbon paste to improve its conductivity and transduction of the chemical signal to the electrical signal. The sensing material (ITC@APTES@SiO2) was synthesized by immobilizing isatin thiosemicarbazone (ITC) onto aminopropyl functionalized silica nanospheres (APTES@SiO2), and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, solid-state 13C CPMAS and 29Si CPMAS NMR spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and elemental analysis. The nano-composite sensor exhibits a stable potential response to Cu(ii) ions with a Nernstian slope of 29.3 ± 0.28 mV decade−1over a wide linear dynamic concentration range of 1.0 × 10−7to 1.0 × 10−1M with a detection limit of 5.01 × 10−8M. Furthermore, it demonstrates a fast response time of about 5 s, and can be used for at least 3 months without any significant variance in the potential. The potential response of the proposed sensor was found to be independent of pH in the range of 2.5–7. In addition, the electrode was found to be highly selective for Cu(ii) ions with respect to alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions. The response mechanism of the nano-composite sensor was also investigated using UV-vis spectrophotometric analysis and the AC impedance technique. The practical utility of the developed sensor has also been reported for diverse real samples.

Pure-bred embryos were transferred within and reciprocally between large (Suffolk) and small (Cheviot) breeds of sheep to establish 4 treatment groups: SinS (Suffolk embryos in Suffolk dams), SinC (Suffolk embryos in Cheviot dams), CinS (Cheviot embryos in Suffolk dams), and CinC (Cheviot embryos in Cheviot dams). The recipient ewes carried single fetuses to term. The maternal plasma concentrations of ovine placental lactogen (oPL), progesterone, IGF-1, FFA, and glucose were measured on d 50, 90, 120, and 140 of pregnancy. Birth weight, body dimensions, and placental characteristics of lambs were recorded at birth. There was a recipient ewe breed × lamb breed × time interaction for the concentration of oPL (P = 0.03), but no such interaction was observed for progesterone (P = 0.42), IGF-1 (P = 0.57), glucose (P = 0.36), or FFA (P = 0.72). There were no differences in oPL (P = 0.28) and progesterone (P = 0.34) concentrations between SinC and SinS ewes. The concentrations of FFA on d 140 (P = 0.008), and those of glucose on d 50 (P = 0.02) and 120 (P = 0.01), were greater in SinC ewes than in SinS ewes. The ewes in CinS had less FFA concentration (P = 0.002) at all time points than CinC ewes. The concentrations of IGF-1 on d 90 were greater (P = 0.004) in CinS ewes than CinC ewes, but did not differ (P = 0.16) on d 50, 120, and 140. The concentrations of glucose on d 50 (P = 0.001), 90 (P = 0.03), and 140 (P = 0.03) were less in CinS ewes compared with CinC ewes. The birth weight of SinC lambs (5.04 ± 0.20 kg) was lighter (P = 0.001) than SinS lambs (5.94 ± 0.19 kg), and body dimensions of SinC lambs were smaller (P = 0.01) than SinS lambs. Neither birth weight nor the body dimensions of CinS lambs differed (P = 0.24) from CinC lambs. Cotyledon number was reduced (P = 0.04) in the CinS (57.5 ± 6.3) compared with the SinS group (74.2 ± 5.9), whereas mean cotyledon weight in CinS (2.42 ± 0.20 g) was greater (P = 0.02) than SinS (1.74 ± 0.21 g). It was concluded that the large genotype lambs were lighter and smaller when born to small genotype dams; however, the birth weight or body dimensions of small genotype lambs did not differ when born to large genotype dams. This study suggests that plasma oPL, progesterone, IGF-1, FFA, and glucose concentrations at different times throughout pregnancy reflect the regulatory effect of the uterine environment on the development of the fetus.

Surgical field infiltration with adrenaline is common practice for quality surgical field during cleft lip and palate repair in children. Intravascular absorption of adrenaline infiltration often leads to adverse haemodynamic responses. In this prospective, double-blinded, randomised study the haemodynamic effects, quality of surgical field and postoperative analgesia following surgical field infiltration with different concentrations of adrenaline with and without lignocaine were compared in 100 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I children aged six months to seven years undergoing cleft lip/palate surgery. A standard anaesthesia protocol was used and they were randomised into four groups based on solution for infiltration: adrenaline 1:400000 (group A), adrenaline 1:200,000 (group B), lignocaine + adrenaline 1:400,000 (group C) and lignocaine + adrenaline 1:200,000 (group D). Statistically significant tachycardia and hypertension occurred only in group B as compared to other groups (P <0.001). The peak changes in heart rate and mean arterial pressure following infiltration occurred at 4.3±2.4, 3.8±1.5, 5.7±3.2 and 5.9±4.9 minutes in groups A, B, C and D respectively. Surgical field was comparable among all groups. Postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic requirements were lesser in the groups where lignocaine was added to the infiltrating solution (P <0.05). We found that 1:400000 or 1:200000 adrenaline with lignocaine 0.5 to 0.7% is most suitable for infiltration in terms of stable haemodynamics, quality of surgical field and good postoperative analgesia in children.

AbstractCommunication is heavily dependent on ideas expressed through speech. The ideas and tonal qualities during vocal expression give voice an idea about person characteristics and personality. The estimation of vocal tract configuration from speech sound to represent speech events with robust and compact signals that describe the salient features of speech is an important area of speech communication. The Human Voice Box (Glottis) is the source of voice production and an important part of human body. Recent techniques of speech processing, such as speech recognition and speech synthesis, use the glottal closure and opening instants. Current models of the glottal waves derive their shape from approximate information rather than from exactly measured data. In this work, an electrical model of Human Voice Box is presented by exploiting fluid volume velocity to current and fluid pressure to voltage. The glottis modeled as current source includes linear and nonlinear impedances to represent laminar and turbulent flow, respectively, in the vocal tract. The complete model of glottis runs at power supply of 1.8 volt and the design is verified in a standard TSMC 0.18 micrometer technology on BSIM 3v3 model using ELDO Simulator.

Hodgkin (SPIE 6207(2006)) extended NVThermIP to be applicable to cold weather conditions. We also (IRPhys&Technol.51 (2008)520) later published an analysis of the effect of varying ambient temperature (Tamb) by modifying the inputs to NVTherm2002, and by using spectrally-weighted atmospheric transmission calculated from MODTRAN at different ambient temperatures and relative humidities (RH). We took into account the effects on the integration time and NETD, and we now account for the variation of T with varying Tamb, as Hodgkin has done. The overall trends are similar, but we have NVTherm, not NVThermIP. We vary the parameters associated with Johnson's criteria to obtain similar results. Note that diurnal, seasonal, climatic and microclimatic variations of relative humidity (RH) significantly impact the performance of thermal imagers, especially LWIR ones. We compare the performance of thermal imagers a horizontal mean-sea-level path in clear weather conditions for terrestrial imagers and ground targets/scenes in both LWIR and MWIR bands, as a function of the ambient temperature from -40°C to +40°C and also as a function of RH (30%, 50% and 70%). To understand the differences in the results reported by Hodgkin and our paper, we do a sensitivity analysis as a function of system and environmental parameters (f/#, RH, detection probability, spectral width etc). For one set of parameters, we observe that the range curves RLW and RMW intersect at more than one value of Tamb and suggest an analogy to a 're-entrant phase'. We also analyze how motion blur affects the two bands, at different Tamb.

The influence of dislocations on the electrical and photo-electric characteristics of HgCdTe has been widely discussed in published literature. However, an unexplored aspect of the dislocations that has not yet attracted the attention of any of the investigators, is the band gap narrowing/widening induced by the intense stress field around dislocation core. Preliminary estimations show that the band gap narrowing due to the tensile region of the stress field along the dislocations in HgCdTe is high enough to cause significant band gap narrowing in low band gap HgCdTe. An enhanced Zener like band-to-band tunneling is proposed in the vicinity of dislocation cores. The calculations presented here qualitatively explain the observed influence of dislocations on HgCdTe photodiode characteristics.

During this study, topographic changes in healthy and atretic granulosa cells have been investigated during follicular atresia in goat ovary. Under scanning electron microscopy atresia was marked by asymmetrical shrinkage and vacuolization of cytoplasm. The specific topographical alterations observed in atretic cells were loss of micro extensions, disruption of cell–cell interaction, and smooth‐textured membrane with a number of uneven depressions and ruffles. Some portions of the cell membrane were marked by extensive shrinkage due to condensation of cytosol. Irregular membrane at occasions was studded with blunt microextensions. The findings of present investigation will help in understanding the cellular changes in granulosa cells during follicular atresia and will find applications in screening of follicles for in vitroculture, in vitrofertilization and Embryo transfer technology. SCANNING 33: 21–24, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A study was undertaken at the Directorate of Wheat Research experimental station, Karnal, India, to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (30, 60 and 90 kg/ha) and irrigation (one, two and three) on yield and grain quality traits of two and six row type malt barley genotypes. The mean grain yield significantly increased from 41.9 to 45.8 q/ha with increase in nitrogen dose from 30 to 90 kg/ha and 41.8 to 45.9 q/ha with increase in irrigations from one to three. The two and six row barleys had almost similar yield potential at higher nitrogen application and irrigation frequency but the six-row type had advantage at lower nitrogen and irrigation. Varietal effects were significant for all the traits, while N significantly affected only grain yield, spikes per unit area, 1000-grain weight and husk content. Irrigation effects were significant for bulk density, grain yield, spikes per unit area, and grains per spike. Traits like grain bulk density, proportion of bold and thin grains and husk content are mainly affected by variety and less affected by management practices.

This paper presents the efficacy of industrial wastes such as molasses (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and waste foundry sand (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) stabilized clayey soil blended with lime (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%). The objective of the current research was to develop a composite soil subgrade material for designing the thickness for flexible pavements. Various laboratory tests such as differential free swell, consistency limits, compaction characteristics, and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were conducted on soil incorporating waste foundry sand and molasses (with/without lime) to find their efficacy to be used as a subgrade material. The laboratory tests revealed that the differential free swell and consistency limits of clayey soil decreased and CBR values increased on adding optimum amount of molasses (10%), waste foundry sand (20%), and lime (9%) alone and in combination with each other. Based on CBR values, the thickness of flexible pavement was designed using IITPAVE software and was also assessed to meet the required criteria based on the IRC: 37-2018 recommendations. The results of the software analysis showed a reduction in the pavement thickness for various values of commercial vehicles per day (1000, 2000, and 5000) for all combinations. The maximum reduction in layer thickness and construction costs is noticed when clayey soil is blended with molasses (10%), waste foundry sand (20%), and lime (3%) in combination with each other. This novel technique of strengthening geotechnical characteristics of subgrade soil is not only helpful for reducing the pavement thickness but is a very cost-effective and also solves the disposal problem of waste foundry sand and molasses.

This paper presents the factors influencing the choice criteria in respect of selecting a bank. In particular, it finds those criteria which have become significantly important in motivating the choice. A quantitative methodology, using responses given by one hundred consumers, is employed in the analysis. Findings show that customization is a significant choice criterion which includes speed in services, convenient display of counters, continuous flow of information and rote of interest. Other factors which hove also increased in importance ore the reliability, brand name, and economic factors, such as interest rate paid and fees and charges levied. Locational factors, such as choosing a bank close to home or workplace, other services provided, and convenience ore also significant in importance in motivating choice of a bank.

Pilot-scale experiments were carried out to quantify the extent of NOx reduction attained by activated lignite chars on simulated and lignite-coal-combustion derived flue gas. Lignite chars, obtained by devolatilizing high-sodium lignite coal in pure nitrogen, were activated by their reaction with a gas mixture consisting of steam and CO2 in nitrogen at 700−750 °C to yield a nitrogen BET surface area of 200−400 m²/g. The effect of gaseous components such as N2, CO2, SO2, and moisture on the extent of NOx reduction was qualitatively examined. NOx reduction exceeded 99% on simulated flue gas at 525−600 °C. The presence of SO2, even at a concentration of 3600 ppm, did not have any detrimental effect on the extent of NOx reduction. Sodium-enhanced char attained >98% NOx reduction on actual flue gas at a relatively lower temperature of 480−560 °C.

The use of polymeric carriers in formulations of therapeutic drug delivery systems has gained widespread application, due to their advantage of being biodegradable and biocompatible. In this study, we aimed to prepare celecoxib‐loaded chitosan microspheres for intra‐articular administration and to compare the retention of the celecoxib solution and chitosan microspheres in the joint cavity. The microspheres were characterized for entrapment efficiency, particle size and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy. In‐vitro drug release studies of microspheres revealed that the microspheres are able to control the release of celecoxib over a period of 96 h. Biodistribution studies of celecoxib and chitosan microspheres were performed by radiolabelling with 99mTc and injecting intra‐articularly in rats. The study indicated that following intra‐articular administration the distribution of the drug to the organs, like liver and spleen, is very rapid compared with that of the microspheres. Compared with the drug solution, a 10‐fold increase in the concentration of the drug in the joint was observed 24 h post intra‐articular injection (P< 0.005) when drug was encapsulated in microspheres.

Nitrogen and irrigation effects on malt and wort quality traits were studied in two barleys. Varietal effects were highly significant for malt yield, hot water extract (HWE), diastatic power (DP), wort viscosity, Kolbach index (KI), wort filtration rate, malt friability and homogeneity. The increase in nitrogen levels increased the DP, HWE, and decreased the wort filtration rate but was within the permissible limits even at 90 kg N/ha. Irrigation significantly increased the DP, malt yield, KI and malt homogeneity. The increase, though not significant was also observed in wort filtration rate and malt friability with more irrigation.

Silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon nitride (SixNy) thin films of different thicknesses were deposited on the polyimide (PI, Kapton HN) film surfaces via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The silica films were prepared from two types of gaseous mixtures, including (1) tetraethyl orthosilicate (Teos) and O2 and (2) SiH4 and N2O, while the nitride film was from the gaseous mixture of SiH4, NH3, and N2. Characterization of the silica and nitride ultrathin films (~ 3 nm) on the PI substrates via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the presence of chemical interaction between the passivating layer and the underlying PI surface. The deposited silica and nitride films were found to enhance the dynamic surface microhardness of the PI films. The extent of enhancement was dependent on the thickness and the type of the deposited films. The 180°-peel adhesion strength measurements revealed that the deposited silica and nitride films adhered strongly to the PI substrates.

The behaviour of frames and frame–shear wall systems with regard to creep and shrinkage with high beam stiffness has been largely unexplored until recently since no procedure has been available. For low beam stiffness the most widely used procedure available in literature for determining creep and shrinkage effects in reinforced concrete building frames and frame–shear wall systems designated herein as approximate procedure, AP has been recommended for buildings having flexible slab systems and with a limited number of storeys. Recently an accurate procedure termed Consistent Procedure (CP) has been developed which is applicable to low as well as high beam stiffness and requires no restriction on number of storeys. In this paper, using CP, studies are reported for frame–shear wall systems with high beam stiffness. The effect of introduction of shear walls on load transfer among vertical members considering creep and shrinkage is studied. It is shown that the presence of shear wall alters significantly the load transfer among vertical members. It is also shown that whereas differential vertical deflections between adjacent vertical members are small owing to high stiffness of beams, the load transfer between them can be significant. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The behaviour of frames and frame–shear wall systems with regard to creep and shrinkage with high beam stiffness has been largely unexplored until recently since no procedure has been available. For low beam stiffness the most widely used procedure available in literature for determining creep and shrinkage effects in reinforced concrete building frames and frame–shear wall systems designated herein as approximate procedure, AP has been recommended for buildings having flexible slab systems and with a limited number of storeys. Recently an accurate procedure termed Consistent Procedure (CP) has been developed which is applicable to low as well as high beam stiffness and requires no restriction on number of storeys. In this paper, using CP, studies are reported for frame–shear wall systems with high beam stiffness. The effect of introduction of shear walls on load transfer among vertical members considering creep and shrinkage is studied. It is shown that the presence of shear wall alters significantly the load transfer among vertical members. It is also shown that whereas differential vertical deflections between adjacent vertical members are small owing to high stiffness of beams, the load transfer between them can be significant. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Vscular malformations are uncommon vascular lama. Low flow malformations hatve always been confused with kaemangiamas. Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) arc extremely rure. We present a cue of massive AVM of the head and neck region and. disiusstke dlfflculties of cmbotisatim and surgical management in such cases. The relevant literature has also been reviewed.

Part I of this study covered the matrix and pocessibility studies to establish the feasibility of a non-CVD process for manufacturing high performance C-C composites. Part II of this study covers the overview of Carbonization and Graphitizations investigations that ultimately led to a satisfactory product in processing times that were more than an order of magnitude shorter than those of typical CVD processes.

The objective of this prospective controlled trial was to investigate the ability of a group of serum and peritoneal fluid (PF) markers to predict, non-surgically, endometriosis.