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Abstract Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is the most significant and the challenging issue for the researchers in terms of enhancing its performance in terms of network lifetime, energy efficiency, scalability, connectivity, throughput, etc. They have the incredible capability to interact and gather data from any physical environment with help of routing protocols. Many routing protocols based solutions have been proposed in the recent years for accomplishing the preferred level of performance in WSNs for these issues. The hierarchical heterogeneous cluster based energy efficient routing protocols are more efficient as compared to flat and location based routing protocols due to the presence of nodes heterogeneity in terms of energy level of sensor nodes which enhances the lifetime of the network. The most recent trend that extensively enhances the functionality and the performance of WSNs is the use of mobile sensor nodes. In this paper, the authors proposed a novel concept regarding mobile sensor nodes is proposed called Mobile Energy Aware Cluster Based Multi-hop (MEACBM) routing protocol for hierarchical heterogeneous WSNs which selects CHs on the basis of newly proposed probability equation which selects only that sensor node as Cluster Head (CH) which has the highest energy among other sensor nodes by introducing a new term S(i).E in the equation. It considers hierarchical heterogeneous clustering considering three levels of sensor nodes; multi-hoping for inter-cluster communication and connectivity of sensor nodes within the whole network area. In MEACBM, after the deployment of sensor nodes and formation of clusters, the whole network area is divided into sectors and inside each sector a mobile sensor node is placed which act as Mobile Data Collector (MDC) for collecting data from CHs. This technique helps in significantly reducing the energy consumption of sensor nodes for transferring information to the Base Station (BS). Simulation performance based results indicates the effectiveness of MEACBM routing protocols by comparing it with other contemporary cluster based routing protocols in terms of network lifetime, stability, throughput, number of CHs and number of dead nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a notion that more withdrawal of groundwater for irrigating the rice crop in rice-wheat cropping system is responsible for water table decline in central Punjab of India. Any reduction in irrigation water by the improved irrigation schedules in rice like alternate wetting and drying, and based on soil moisture potential; shifting planting date, crop diversification of higher irrigation requirement to lower, direct seeded rice, laser levelling etc.; and appropriate tillage system to reduce percolation losses save water and increase water productivity. However, the present study showed that water deficit [evapotranspiration – (rainfall + surface water)] can approximate the water table decline/rise rather than groundwater withdrawal alone. In rice-wheat system though irrigation water requirement of wheat crop is less (300–400 mm) than rice (1500–2000 mm) yet the water deficit, responsible for water table decline, is more in wheat crop than rice. In rice transplanted at recommended time, evapotranspiration (ET) is almost equal to the rainfall, while in wheat ET is 3.9 times that of rainfall. It warrants the ET reduction in wheat, overlooked so far, for supplementary amelioration of water table decline in rice-wheat cropping system. Reduction in ET and saving of energy by different technologies in wheat crop has also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raoultella electrica , a Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped facultative anaerobe, was identified during a regular investigation of bacterial contamination in table eggs in the winter season. A total of 165 hen's eggs were collected in the winter season from 15 different areas of the city of Jaipur, India. Gram-negative Enterobacteriales were isolated on selective and differential media by the conventional plate method and were further identified by several biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Commonly prescribed antibiotics for enteric infection were used for antibiotic susceptibility testing. For isolated microorganisms, different resistance patterns were found against the different antibiotics used (p < 0.01). The multiple antibiotic resistance index of bacterial isolates ranged from 0.10 to 0.60. R. electrica strain 1GB/NBRC 109676/KCTC 32430 was isolated for the first time from commercial chicken's eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decade before conversion of solar energy into electricity was quite expensive compare with other renewable energy or conventional fossil fired generated power. For making solar energy as a main stream source of power generation Indian government has taken several initiatives in last 5–6 years. Presently, the deployment of the solar power project in India is governed by both central and state government under the various schemes. These schemes are mainly includes, Feed-in-Tariff (FiT), Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), long term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Renewable Energy Certificates (REC), Accelerated Depreciation (AD) benefit and reverse bidding/auctions etc. As an effect of this competitive market environment, the tariff of solar power has come down from INR 17 or US $ 0.27 1 1 In year 2010, US $ 1=INR 45. (year 2010) to less than INR 6 or US $ 0.092 2 2 In year 2015, US $ 1=INR 65. (year 2015). This decremented solar tariff may achieve grid parity soon but also has raised the question of sustainability of the solar power project as well. Additionally, this multi-policy environment of both central and state government has created lots of confusion among the solar power project developers to select scheme and make their investment viable as per other power generation business. This paper summarizes various schemes under the current policy framework in terms of viability of the solar power projects in India. It also includes issues related with the sustainability of the solar power project taken under the competitive bidding process with remarkable lowered tariff than benchmarked tariff (ceiling price)in India (i.e. INR 7 or US $ 0.107). This study will help project developers and other stakeholders to understand the issues related with viability of the project in current multi-policy environment for better planning before investing in the field of solar Power business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel gadolinium selective coated graphite electrode based on 2,6-bis-[1-{N-cyanopropyl,N-(2-methylpridyl)}aminoethyl]pyridine [P] is described. The best performance was exhibited by the electrode having membrane composition P:NaTPB:PVC:NPOE as 8:4:30:58 (%, w/w). The electrode demonstrates excellent potentiometric characteristics towards gadolinium ion over several interfering ions. The electrode exhibited a Nernstian response to Gd3+ ion over a wide concentration range 2.8×10−7 to 5.0×10−2 M with a detection limit (6.3±0.1)×10−8 M and slope 19.6±0.1mVdecade−1 of . Furthermore, it showed a fast response time (12s) and can be used for 2.5 months without significant divergence in its characteristics. Noticeably, the electrode can tolerate the concentration of different surfactants up to 1.0×10−4 M and can be used successfully in 30% (v/v) ethanol media and 10% (v/v) methanol and acetonitrile water mixture. The useful pH range of this sensor is 2.0 to 8.0. It is sufficiently selective and can be used for the determination of Gd3+ ions in waste water and rock samples. It also serves as a good indicator in the potentiometric titration of GdCl3 with EDTA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A bridge modified 4-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene (I) has been employed as electroactive material in the preparation of cobalt selective sensor. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based membranes of (I) using sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as anion discriminator and bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DOS), chloronaphthalene (CN), tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP), o-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE), tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP) as plasticizers were prepared and investigated as cobalt selective sensors. A number of membranes of different compositions were prepared and investigated. The best performance was observed with the membrane having composition of 2:66:1.5:127 (mg)= I:NaTPB:PVC:NPOE. The potential response of this membrane is linear to Co2+ ions in the concentration range 5.3×10−6 to 1.0×10−1 M with near-Nernstian slope of 30.0mV/decade of activity and a detection limit of ∼0.3ppm. This membrane also showed lowest response time of 10s and works satisfactorily in partially non-aqueous medium. The selectivity studies of this sensor, evaluated with fixed interference method and matched potential method, show that the sensor under consideration possesses excellent selectivity for Co2+ over a large number of mono-, bi- and trivalent cations such as Na+, K+, Ag+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Li+, Ba2+, Zn2+, Sr2+, Cr3+, Ni2+, etc. The sensor could be used as an indicator electrode in the quantification of Co2+ by potentiometric titration against EDTA as well as in determination of cobalt content in wastewater and beer samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into decidual cells (decidualization) is prerequisite for blastocyst implantation. Different prostanoids are shown to be involved in the cascade of events found in implantation and decidualization. Previous reports described that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) derived prostacyclin (PGI2) plays an important role via peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPARδ) nuclear receptor in implantation and decidualization. Herein, we investigated the role of COX2 derived PGE2 and PGI2 and examined the protein expression and regulation of COX1, COX2, membrane-bound prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES-1), prostaglandin I synthase (PGIS), PGE2 receptor (EP2) and PPARδ in hormone primed oil infused uterine horn as well as in non-infused uterine horn (control horn). Our results show that selective COX2 inhibitor (Nimesulide) inhibits decidualization while COX1 inhibitor (SC560) does not affect decidualization. COX2, mPGES-1, PGIS, EP2 and PPARδ immunostaining are strongly observed at 24h and 48h in oil-induced horn and than significantly reduced at 72h and 120h and absent in non-infused horn. However COX1 immunostaining is observed in infused as well as in non-infused horn. Our immunohistochemical studies corroborated well with follow up western blotting of the same proteins. PGE2 and PGI2 products were also elevated at 24h and 48h after oil induction in infused horn in comparison to control horn. Our data suggest that COX2 derived both PGE2 and PGI2 mediate its function via EP2 and PPARδ receptors in early steps of decidualization in mice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Porous aluminum membrane has been prepared by annealing, quenching and acid etching a commercial Al foil. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide permeation and separation properties have been measured under pressure gradient. and permeability coefficients for porous Al membrane have been found to increase with increasing etching time, whereas selectivity first increases then decreases. In order to improve selectivity, composite membrane has been prepared by depositing a thin layer of polysulfone (PSF) on the highly porous Al membrane. The optical micrographs show that microstructures of Al grain particles and openings of etch pits are of micron order. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current study focuses on the response analysis of triangular tension leg platform (TLP) for different wave approach angles varying from 0° through 90° and its influence on the coupled dynamic response of triangular TLPs. Hydrodynamic loading is modeled using Stokes fifth-order nonlinear wave theory along with various other nonlinearities arising caused by change in tether tension and change in buoyancy caused by set down effect. Low frequency surge oscillations and high frequency tension oscillations of tethers are ignored in the analysis. Results show that wave approach angle influences the coupled dynamic response of triangular TLP in all degrees of freedom except heave. Response in roll and sway degrees of freedom are activated which otherwise are not present in TLP''s response to unidirectional waves. Pitch and roll responses are highly stochastic in nature indicating high degree of randomness. Variation in surge, sway and heave responses are nonlinear and are not proportional to change in wave height for the same period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A μ-bis(tridentate) ligand named 2-phenyl-1,3-bis[3′-aza-4′-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-prop-4-en-1′-yl]-1,3-imidazolidine (I) has been synthesized and scrutinized to develop iron(III)-selective sensors. The addition of sodium tetraphenyl borate and various plasticizers, viz., chloronaphthalene, dioctylphthalate, o-nitrophenyl octyl ether and dibutylphthalate has been used to substantially improve the performance of the sensors. The membranes of various compositions of the ligand were investigated and it was found that the best performance was obtained for the membrane of composition (I) (10mg):PVC (150mg):chloronaphthalene (200mg):sodium tetraphenyl borate (9mg). The sensor showed a linear potential response to iron(III) over wide concentration range 6.3×10−6 to 1.0×10−1 M (detection limit 5.0×10−6 M) with Nernstian slope (20.0mV/decade of activity) between pH 3.5 and 5.5 with a quick response time of 15s. The potentiometric selectivity coefficient values as determined by match potential method (MPM) indicate excellent selectivity for Fe3+ ions over interfering cations. The sensor exhibits adequate life of 2 months with good reproducibility. The sensor could be used in direct potentiometry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Excellent station keeping characteristics and relative insensitivity with increasing water depth make triangular tension leg platforms (TLPs) a proven concept in deep water oil exploration. TLPs are often subjected to less probable forces which arise due to collision of ships, icebergs or any other huge sea creature. Dynamic analysis of two triangular TLP models at water depths 1200 and 527.8m is performed under regular waves along with impulse load acting at an angle of 45 degrees at the TLP column. Hydrodynamic forces on these TLPs are evaluated using modified Morison equation, based on water particle kinematics arrived at using Stokes’ fifth order wave theory. Based on numerical studies conducted, it is seen that impulse loading acting on corner column of TLP significantly affect its response while that acting on pontoons dose not affect TLPs behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel hydrogen bonding diamide receptors viz., N,N I-bis(phenyl)iso phthalohydrazide (I) and N,N I-bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)isophthalohydrazide (II), have been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR and elemental analysis. Spectroscopic investigations indicate high affinity of these receptors for carbonate ion. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based membranes of (I) and (II) using tridodecylmethylammonium chloride (TDDMACl) as cation discriminator and diethylphthalate (DEP), dioctylphthalate (DOP), 1-chloronapthalene (CN), tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate (DOS) as plasticizing solvent mediators were prepared and investigated as CO3 2− selective sensors. The best performance was shown by the membrane of composition (w/w) of (II) (4%):PVC (33%):CN (60%):TDDMACl (3%). This sensor works well over a wide concentration range 1.3×10−7 to 1.0×10−3 M with Nernstian compliance (29.0mVdecade−1 of activity) at pH 8.6 with a fast response time of ∼7s and showed good selectivity for carbonate over a number of anions. The sensor exhibits adequate shelf life (two and half months) with good reproducibility (S.D.±0.3mV) and could be used successfully for the determination of total inorganic carbon in water samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cu2+ selective sensors have been fabricated from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix membranes containing neutral carrier porphyrin (A and B) ionophores. The addition of sodium tetraphenylborate and the plasticizer DOP has been found to substantially improve the performance of the sensors. The membranes of various compositions of the two porphyrins were investigated and it was found that the best performance was obtained for the membrane of composition B:PVC:NaTPB:DOP in the ratio 5:150:2:150. The sensor shows a linear potential response for Cu2+ over a wide concentration range 4.4×10−6 to 1.0×10−1 M with Nernstian compliance (29.3mVdecade−1 of activity) between pH 2.8 and 7.9 and a fast response time of ∼8s. The potentiometric selectivity coefficient values as determined by fixed interference method indicate excellent selectivity for Cu2+ ions over interfering cations. The sensor exhibits adequate shelf life (∼4 months) with good reproducibility (standard deviation±0.2mV). The sensor can also be used in partially non-aqueous media having up to 20% (v/v) methanol, ethanol or acetone content with no significant change in the value of slope or working concentration range. The sensor has been used in the potentiometric titration of Cu2+ with EDTA. The utility of the sensor has been tested by determining copper in vegetable foliar and swimming pool water sample successfully. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based membranes using macrocyclic dithioxamide receptor (I) derived from isophthaloyl dichloride and dithioxamide have been prepared and explored as HPO4 2−-selective sensors. Effect of various plasticizers viz., bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DOS), dibutylphosphate (DBP), tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP), O-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE), tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP) and a cation excluder, tridodecylmethylammonium chloride (TDDMACl) was studied in detail and improved performance was observed at several instances. Optimum performance was observed with the membrane having (I)-PVC–TDDMACl–NPOE in the ratio 2:33:1.5:63.5 (w/w). The sensor works satisfactorily in the concentration range 1.7×10−6 to 1.0×10−2 M (detection limit 0.2ppm) with Nernstian compliance (29.6mV/decade of activity) at pH 8.0 with a fast response time of about 8s. The potentiometric selectivity coefficient values as determined by the matched potential method (MPM) and the fixed interference method (FIM) indicate selective response for HPO4 2− in presence of interfering ions. The sensor exhibits adequate shelf life (∼2 months) with good reproducibility (S.D.±0.4mV). The sensor was also used successfully in the potentiometric titration of HPO4 2− with Ba2+. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two neutral ionophores, 2,12-dimethyl-7,17-diphenyltetrapyrazole (I) and 5,11-dibromo-25,27-dipropoxycalix[4]arene (II) have been explored for preparing PVC based membrane sensors selective to Pb2+. The addition of sodium tetraphenylborate and various plasticizers viz. DOS, TEHP, DBP, DOP and TBP has been found to substantially improve the performance (working concentration range, slope and response time) of the sensors. The best performance was obtained with the sensor having a membrane of composition (w/w) of (I) (1%):PVC (33%):TBP (65%):NaTPB (1%). The sensor exhibits Nernstian response in the concentration range 2.5×10−6 to 5.0×10−2 M Pb2+, performs satisfactorily over wide pH range (1.6–6.0) with a fast response time (∼10s). The sensor was found to work satisfactorily in partially non-aqueous media up to 25% (v/v) content of acetone, methanol or ethanol and could be used over a period of 5 months. Potentiometric selectivity coefficients as determined by match potential method (MPM) indicate excellent selectivity for Pb2+ ions. The sensors could be used successfully in the estimation of lead in Eveready battery waste and also as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tri-o-thymotide (I) has been used as an electroactive material in PVC (poly(vinyl chloride)) matrix for fabrication of chromium(III)-selective sensor. The membrane containing tri-o-thymotide, sodium tetraphenyl borate (NaTPB), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and PVC in the optimum ratio 5:1:75:100(w/w) exhibits a working concentration range of 4.0×10−6 to 1.0×10−1 M with a Nernstian slope of 20.0±0.1mV/decade of activity in the pH range of 2.8–5.1. The detection limit of this sensor is 2.0×10−7 M. The electrode exhibits a fast response time of 15s, shows good selectivity towards Cr3+ over a number of mono-, bi- and trivalent cations and can also be used in partially non-aqueous medium (up to 15%, v/v) also. The assembly has been successfully used as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of chromium(III) against EDTA and also to determine Cr(III) quantitatively in electroplating industry waste samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Acetylacetone, ethylacetoacetate and salicyldehyde, are reported to form chelates with copper of high stability as compared to other metals. Therefore, PVC based membranes of bis[acetylacetonato] Cu(II) (A), bis[ethylacetoacetate] Cu(II) (B) and bis[salicyldehyde] Cu(II) (C) have been investigated as copper(II) selective sensors. The addition of sodium tetraphenylborate and various plasticizers, viz., DOS, TEHP, DOP, DBP and TBP have been found to substantially improve the performance of the sensors. The membranes of various compositions of the three chelates were investigated and it was found that the best performance was obtained for the membrane of composition A (1%): PVC (33%): TBP (65%): NaTPB (1%). The sensor shows a linear potential response to Cu(II) over wide concentration range 2.0×10−6 to 1.0×10−1 M (detection limit ∼0.1ppm) with Nernstian compliance (29.3mVdecade−1 of activity) between pH 2.6 and 6.0 with a fast response time of ∼9s. The potentiometric selectivity coefficient values as determined by match potential method (MPM) indicate excellent selectivity for Cu2+ ions over interfering cations. The sensor exhibits adequate shelf life (∼3 months) with good reproducibility (S.D. ±0.2mV). The sensor has been used in the potentiometric titration of Cu2+ with EDTA. The utility of the sensor has been tested by determining copper in vegetable foliar and multivitamin capsule successfully. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel ionophore, C-thiophenecalix[4]resorcinarene (I) has been synthesized and characterized by IR, NMR and C, H, N analysis. Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based membranes of ionophore (I) using dibutylphthalate (DBP), dioctylphthalate (DOP), 1-chloronapthalene (CN), tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate (DOS) as plasticizing solvent mediators were prepared and used as Cr selective sensors. Of the various sensors prepared, the one with membrane composition 2:66:120mg (I: PVC: DBP) exhibited the best performance. This sensor works well over a wide concentration range 5.6 × 10-6–1.0 × 10-1M (detection limit ∼ 0.30ppm) with Nernstian compliance (29.0mV per decade) between pH 6.5–10.0 with a fast response time of ∼13s. The selectivity coefficient values as determined by fixed interference method (FIM) indicate excellent selectivity for Cr ions over a large number of anions. The sensor exhibits adequate shelf-life ( ∼5 months) with good reproducibility (S.D. ± 0.2mV). The sensor has been used in the potentiometric titration of chromate with Pb(II). Determination of chromium in electroplating waste using the sensor was successfully achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Triangular configuration tension leg platforms (TLPs) are used for deep-water oil/gas exploration. The mechanics of TLP is highly nonlinear due to larger structural displacements and fluid motion–structure interaction. Triangular TLP has major consideration for deep-water application also due to its relative insensitivity with increasing water depth, excellent station keeping characteristics, etc. which makes this as a most cost effective and practical production system for deep waters. This study focuses on the influence of hydrodynamic drag coefficient (Cd) and hydrodynamic inertia coefficient (Cm) on the nonlinear response behavior of triangular TLP models under regular waves. Two typical triangular TLP models vis-à-vis TLP1 and TLP2 are taken for the study at 600 and 1200 m water depths, respectively. Hydrodynamic forces on these TLPs are evaluated using modified Morison equation under regular waves. Diffraction effects are neglected. Various nonlinearities arising due to relative velocity term in drag force, change in tether tension due to TLP movement, and set down effect are being considered in the analysis. The dynamic equation of motion has been solved in time-domain by employing Newmark’s β numerical integration technique. Based on the numerical study conducted, it is seen that the response evaluated using varying hydrodynamic coefficients through the water depth is significantly lesser in comparison to the response with constant coefficients in all activated degrees-of-freedom. However, sway, roll, and yaw degrees-of-freedom are not present due to the unidirectional wave loading considered for the study. The influence of hydrodynamic coefficients in wave period of 15 s is more in comparison with that of 10 s, and is nonlinear. The hydrodynamic coefficients also influence the plan dimension of TLP and its site location (geometry). Therefore, it may become essential to estimate the range of Cd–Cm values to vary through the water depth, based on Reynolds number (Re) or Keulegan–Carpenter number (Kc) even before the preliminary design of the TLP geometry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]