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Grain size refinement is a highly desirable characteristic in TiNi-based shape memory alloys (SMA) because they prevent the loss of recoverable strain. The current study elucidates the role of rolling temperature on grain refinement in TiNiCu shape memory alloy. The control of deformation temperature, ranging from room temperature to cryogenic temperatures, allowed for control over the stored energy in the rolled samples. Observations revealed that the as-rolled samples stabilized the deformation-induced austenite phase below the martensite finish temperatures, effectively inhibiting the phase transformation. Consequently, this resulted in constant electrical resistivity values. However, subjecting the samples to heat treatment under similar conditions led to varying grain sizes, ranging from a few hundred nm to tens of microns. This subsequently restored the B2 → B19′ transformation. These findings signify the importance of rolling temperature on grain refinement in TiNiCu SMAs. Lower rolling temperature correlated with coarser grain size due to higher stored energy driving the early recrystallization and grain growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SrZn2(PO4)2:Cu2+ nanophosphor was synthesized via a solution combustion route utilizing nitrate-based precursors. Comprehensive analysis was conducted to determine the phase identification, crystal structure, crystallite size, sample morphology, vibrational bands, bonding nature, dopant site environment, and emission properties. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a monoclinic crystal structure with average crystallite size of 72 nm, while morphological characterization indicated an anisotropic stone-like structure with particle size in the nano range. The infrared (IR) spectrum highlighted different vibrating modes corresponding to functional groups including PO43−and P–O–P in the phosphor compound. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and absorption studies revealed characteristic d–d transitions, confirming tetragonal distortion in the octahedral symmetry of Cu ions with the host lattice and indicating covalent bonding. The photoluminescence spectrum exhibited enhanced emission in the blue region, and the CIE chromatic coordinates and color correlation temperature (CCT) indicated that the prepared material has application potential in blue light-emitting devices and display devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report a systematic study on effect of film thickness and substrate temperature on structural and magnetic behaviour of Fe-Ga films with Cu buffer layer, deposited on Si and Si/SiO2 substrates at room and high substrate temperatures. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction studies reveal that all the films are crystalline with disordered alpha-Fe phase, which is BCC A2 phase. At 300 °C of substrate temperature, films deposited on Si/SiO2 substrate found to nucleate L12 phase from matrix of A2 phase, which is not seen in Si based films. Irrespective of substrate material, Fe-Ga films found to exist in dual phases at 500 °C substrate temperature. Lattice strains of the films were calculated from X-ray diffraction patterns, using Williamson-Hall method. From X- ray reflectivity analysis of all the films, film density, thickness and roughness of Fe-Ga layer and buffer layer were obtained after fitting the reflectivity data. Presence of an oxide layer is also evident from reflectivity fitting analysis. From magnetization studies it is clear that, all the films exhibited strong in-plane anisotropy. Saturation magnetization of films was found to vary with change in film density and oxide layer thickness of films. Saturation magnetization of films deposited on Si substrates found to decrease with decrease in film density. Coercivity of films found to vary with change in crystallite size, interface roughness and lattice strain of films. Films deposited on Si substrates are sensitive to strain with change in film thickness and films deposited on Si/SiO2 substrates are sensitive to strain with change in deposition temperature. Coercivity in films found to decrease with decrease in film roughness, increase in crystallite size and lowering the tensile lattice strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of photo-activated semiconductors has driven photocatalysis as a promising avenue for environmentally sustainable wastewater treatmentQuery. In this study, nanostructures of lithium zinc borate (LiZnBO3: LZB) were synthesized via a hydrothermal process at varying temperatures (120, 160, and 200 °C), with an exhaustive examination of their structural, morphological, compositional, and optical attributes. The increase in temperature is hypothesized to induce the formation of surface defects and oxygen vacancies, thereby serving as active sites for surface reactions. Morphological analysis revealed the presence of LZB nanoparticles at 120 °C, transitioning to rods combined with nanoflakes at 160 °C, and eventually evolving into nanosheets at 200 °C. Additionally, a noteworthy bandgap adjustment from 3.239 to 3.051 eV was observed as the synthesis temperature increased from 120 to 200 °C. The reduction in photoluminescence intensity suggests enhanced charge separation, thereby augmenting the photocatalytic efficacy of the LZB-200 nanostructure. Notably, LZB nanostructures exhibit complementary absorption properties owing to distinct bandgaps, facilitating efficient utilization of solar irradiation. Photocatalytic evaluations revealed the superior performance of LZB-200 in degrading potassium butyl xanthate (PBX), achieving a remarkable 69.34% efficiency over a 140-min exposure to solar light, compared to the modest 35.78% and 47.57% degradation rates achieved by LZB-120 and LZB-160, respectively. The effective degradation of PBX underscores the promising applications of LZB under solar light irradiation. In summary, this study underscores the potential of metal borates in advancing photocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of V, Fe, and Ge additions on the evolution of the martensite phase in Ti–6Al–4V alloy, with a specific focus on the microstructure and mechanical properties such as hardness and elastic modulus. The addition of these elements affects the β transus temperature, showing 25 pct decrease in the thickness of the martensite lath with an increased solute content from Ti–6Al–4V to Ti–6Al–5V–1Fe–2Ge. Furthermore, the impact of alloying additions on the character and fraction of intervariant boundaries present between martensite laths are reported. Remarkably, the dominant intervariant boundaries remain consistent across various alloys, revealing three significant angle-axis pairs associated with the Burgers orientation relationship: 60 deg/ [ 1 1 2 ¯ 0 ] α ′ , 60.83 deg/ [ 1.377 ¯ 1 ¯ 2.377 0.359 ] α ′ , and 63.26 deg/ [ 10 ¯ 5 5 , 3 ¯ ] α ′ . These pairs exhibit a similar distribution of intervariant boundary characteristics. In addition, the introduction of Fe and Ge into the Ti–6Al–4V alloy enhances the probability of the stacking fault. The hardness of the martensitic Ti–6Al–5V–1Fe–2Ge alloy demonstrates a remarkable resilience to temperature variations, showing less than 6 pct decrease in hardness with increasing the temperature from ambient condition to 400 ∘ C , while many other alloys exhibit nearly a 25 pct decrease. The observed enhancement in hardness is attributed to solid solution strengthening, both at room and high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raine's syndrome (RS) is a rare genetic disorder. Only 25 cases are in literature. Occurs due to genetic mutation resulting in deranged bone metabolism. Few cases are reported discussing the neurosurgical ramifications of the disease. We report a child diagnosed with RS. He was presented with multisutural synostosis requiring craniofacial intervention with two vault expansions. Additionally, required VP shunt due to hydrocephalus. We consider our case unique among reports of RS, as our patient has survived for 10. He died due to valve obstruction of the VP shunt. We also present a review of relevant medical literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesis is a viable solution for maintaining industrial ecology and promoting sustainable development. Plant-based product design is a practical way to foresee the global trend in research. In this context, the synthesis of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) using Lippia abyssinica (Var. adoensis) leaf extract (CuO-L) and seed extract (CuO-S) is significant. In this study, first, phytochemical screening is performed to detect the reducing and stabilizing agents in the selected plant leaves and seed extracts. Subsequently, CuO NPs are prepared via simple green biosynthesis. The morphology and physicochemical and optical properties of the as-synthesized materials are assessed using X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning-electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, differential reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements. The synthesized NPs are monoclinic with high crystallinity but have different sizes around 10–25 nm and bandgap energies of 1.473 and 1.481 eV for the leaf and seed-induced CuO NPs, respectively. Their photocatalytic activity is tested against that of the most prominent antibiotic, tetracycline. The leaf-induced CuO NPs exhibited relatively high photocatalytic catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food storage and preservation is posing a great challenge to food industry. The infections and deaths caused by the administration of contaminated and expired food are increasing tremendously. In majority of cases, the shelf life of various foods is being compromised due to the food borne pathogens and the packaging material used. Antibiotics or chemical preservatives cannot be employed for storage and preservation of foods for human consumption. Therefore, there is a great need to find alternate treatment and food processing strategies to combat the menace caused by the pathogens. Nanotechnology is a dynamic area with lot of new innovations to cater the need of mankind and offers a great scope of research in future. As compared to the conventional treatment methods, nanomaterials are in forefront as they exhibit unique properties such as antimicrobial, biotherapeutic, enhancing the shelf-life, maintaining the quality, flavor of food products and also contribute significantly in food packaging sector. In this review, we discuss the applications of various organic-based nanomaterials being employed in food industry as a carrier, biotherapeutic agent and in food packaging. Also, we have highlighted the antimicrobial mechanism of various nanomaterials against food borne pathogens. The role of nanomaterial in enhancing the properties of food in terms of quality, shelf-life, taste and flavor of food products to meet the consumer acceptance has been discussed. Lastly, we disserted the cost benefits, health, safety, ethical issues and future scope of research related to the applications of nanotechnology in food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. In the emergency scenario, reliable electrocardiography (ECG) is critical for the rapid diagnosis and management of acute CVD. Deep learning (DL) is the most important leading technology for automatic computer-aided ECG detection of cardiovascular disorders. This work proposed a ResNet-50 model that classifies healthy people and patients with four types of CVD based on ECG abnormalities. The ECG signals were decomposed using a uniform cosine modulated filter bank (UCMFB) that helps in the easy identification of irregular and regular heartbeats. The study was performed on four different types of ECG databases specifically for short segmented (i.e., 2sec and 5sec) and long segmented (5min and 8min) time frames, and these sub-signals are converted into 2-D images using wavelet transform packet (WTP). The extensive tests result in the identification of AF, CHF, HT, and NSR classes with an accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score of 99.93%, 99.96%, 99.89%, and 99.95%, respectively for multi-class classification. The proposed approach undergoes different fold cross-validation techniques and has achieved high classification accuracy when compared with different state-of-the-art models, demonstrating the superiority of our system over previous systems. It is discovered that the proposed technique achieves decayed computational complexity; thus, it is recommended for categorization challenges. The suggested approach has the potential to gain essential clinical acceptability and be used for ECG prioritisation of CVD detection in clinics and out-of-hospital situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, a new multi-criterion-based fuzzy logic (FL) model has been proposed to determine the health index and health status of power transformers. To facilitate an effective decision-making environment, the proposed model incorporates multi-criterion analysis and various diagnostic parameters concerning the transformer. Most significant parameters of the oil-paper insulation that represents the degradation as potential aging markers have been considered for developing the proposed model. In addition to these, other parameters including visual inspection, oil age, and the number of faults detected are also included in the loop. To validate the proposed model, monitoring data of 200 in-service identical transformers that belong to the local utility have been adopted. Comparison has been made between the output health indices of the present proposed method and the diagnostic expert model proposed previously by the author's group. The similarity index of the results in both models is found to be 94%. It is observed that existing fuzzy logic methods have shortcomings such as a large number of rules and complexity issues. Thus, routing to an inaccurate and non-reliable output. However, it is inferred that multi-criterion analysis along with FL may certainly overcome all such shortcomings. It is envisioned that the proposed model is accurate and reliable. Importantly, the proposed model is simple with less computational effort and is easily adoptable by the utilities and engineers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, electronic, and optical properties of hydrogenated silicene have been investigated using first-principles DFT calculations. Compared to pristine silicene, hydrogenated silicene exhibits high stability, reduced anisotropy, and less birefringence. Hydrogenated silicene shows a constant refractive index in the visible region, increasing exponentially in silicene. The elastic and optical parameters such as Young's modulus (Y), Poisson's ratio (ν), bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), dielectric constant ε(0), refractive index n(0), conductivity threshold (Eth), birefringence Δn(0), and plasmon energy (ħωp) were calculated for the first time for different hydrogen coverage on silicene, which is crucial in the applications of linear and non-linear optoelectronic devices. The estimated parameters agree well with the available experimental and reported values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction of [(arene)MCl2]2 with bidentate 4, 5-diazafluorene-9-one (dafo) and derived Schiff-base ligands (L1–L3) in the presence of ammonium hexafluorophosphate yielded mononuclear cationic complexes having general formula [(arene)MLCl]PF6 {M = Ru, arene = benzene (1, 5, 9); M = Ru, arene = p-cymene (4, 8); M = Rh, arene = Cp* (2, 6, 10); M = Ir, arene = Cp* (3, 7, 11); L = 4, 5-diazafluorene-9-one (L1), N-(4, 5-diazafluoren-9-ylidene)aniline (L2), N-(4, 5-diazafluoren-9-ylidene)phenyl hydrazine (L3)}. All these complexes were isolated as hexafluorophosphate salts and characterized by spectral and analytical techniques such as FT-IR, UV-vis, NMR spectroscopy and ESI-Mass spectrometry. Complexes 1-3 were characterized by X-ray crystallographic studies, which indicated NN′ bidentate coordination of the ligands through pyridine nitrogen atoms of the ligand. To evaluate the biological properties of these complexes, antibacterial and antioxidant experiments have been carried out. The complexes 8, 9 and 11 exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Results also show that the compounds possess prominent antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals. The reaction of [(arene)MCl2]2 with 4, 5- diazafluorene-9-one (dafo) and derived Schiff-base ligands yielded mononuclear cationic complexes having the general formula [(arene)MLCl]PF6. Some of the complexes exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Results also show that the compounds possess prominent antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resin-bonded molding/core sand system is known for producing castings with good dimensional accuracy and high productivity. In the existing study, forward and inverse mappings have been considered to establish the mapping between various input variables and replies of the resin joined sand system. The concept of fuzzy logic is implemented for the said purpose. The mechanical properties namely permeability, tensile, compression, and shear strength of the core are forecasted in forward representation for various combinations of contributing process factors, such as the number of strokes, curing time, quantity of resin, and hardener. Alternatively, inverse modeling aids in obtaining the required levels of the input variables for the anticipated core properties. One thousand training data cases have been used to provide the batch mode of training to the fuzzy system. To have an adaptive fuzzy system that can perform the predictions in a better way, its knowledge base is automatically evolved through the use of genetic algorithms. Moreover, the performances of the developed forward and inverse models are verified by using experimental test scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the plasma ionic environment of nitrogen and hydrogen at 4:1 ratio, nitriding had been realized in the plasma laboratory. Nitriding of steel samples was followed at the lower temperature of 450 °C and also at the higher temperature of 550 °C while the sample was biased at the fixed − 250 V. Steel nitrided at 550 °C had shown a significantly enhanced resistance to corrosion in comparison to that of steel nitrided at 450 °C. X-ray diffraction studies of nitrided steels had shown the presence of nitrides of iron (FexN). Scanning electron microscopic and the electron dispersive spectroscopic analyses (SEM + EDS) of the cross section of the nitrided steels had shown the nitrided layer and the elemental distribution from top to the core. Following structural analysis, microhardness and the potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed. A significant improvement in hardness (~ 1180 Hv) and the case depth ~ 150 µm was obtained after nitriding at the higher temperature. Corrosion resistance was also found to be significantly improved. These achievements might be attributed to the presence of FexN, CrN phases and also to the nitrogen solid solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title complex (1), C28H33O12Rh, has been isolated as a major product during the reaction of strained azido thiourea rhodium complex with dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate. This compound is isolated as air-stable bright red crystals and crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 ¯ with Z = 2. The Rh(I) atoms, lying on center, are coordinated by the four carbon atoms of the benzene ring. The Rh atom revealed an unusual heptahedral coordination sphere. It is one of the rare examples of compounds formed by cyclotrimerization of alkynes. The Cp* moiety is disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies of 50%. Ball and stick depiction of compound 1. Hydrogen atoms were omitted for clarity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Registration of crop varieties under Indian PPV & FR Act requires establishment of their Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS). At present, DUS of crop varieties are being established using morphological traits. DNA marker assay-based DUS testing would complement that based on morphological traits. Four markers, from a total of 220 tested SSR markers were polymorphic among two advanced breeding lines and two elite germplasm accessions (used as candidate varieties), and two released varieties (used as reference varieties) of dolichos bean. The four polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to establish distinctness of candidate varieties from reference varieties based on alleles unique to candidate varieties. Uniformity of candidate varieties were established using two criteria, (1) per cent homozygous plants (> 95%) and (2) SSR-homozygous loci ratio (HLR) (> 95%).The candidates which were found uniform at tested SSR loci were deemed stable. The candidate varieties were distinct from reference varieties at two of the four tested polymorphic SSR markers, as evident by the presence of alleles unique to candidate varieties. One hundred per cent homozygous plants and SSR-HLR within all the candidate varieties at all the four tested SSR marker loci suggested uniformity and deemed-stability of candidate varieties. The study demonstrated the utility of SSR markers to establish DUS of ABL/elite germplasm accessions in dolichos bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal complexes 1–9 have been synthesized by reacting the benzothiazole–pyrazole derivative ligands (L1, L2 and L3) with the metal precursors of ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh) and iridium (Ir). The complexes have been isolated as cationic mononuclear N ∩ N chelating metal complexes having the general formula as [(arene)M(κ2(N∩N)-L)Cl]PF6 where L = L1, L2 and L3, M = Ru, Rh and Ir, arene = p-cymene, Cp*. Structural studies revealed the mode of binding of the ligands to the metal centers is through the nitrogen atom of the benzothiazole ring and the pyrazole nitrogen atom forming a five-membered ring. All these complexes were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques as well as by XRD analysis. These complexes, as well as the ligands, have been investigated for antibacterial and antioxidant activity studies where only a few of the complexes exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacterial strains, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus thuringiensis with complex 6 showing the highest bacterial inhibition toward Staphylococcus aureus and complexes 3, 4 and 6 showing the highest inhibition toward Bacillus thuringiensis. While for the antioxidant activity study, all the compounds showed profound antioxidant potency with complexes 6 and 9 showing more the 50% DRSA activity with reference to ascorbic acid (100%) taken as a reference. The antioxidant activity of the complexes is more pronounced as compared to their respective ligands alone. Benzothiazole–pyrazole derivative ligands upon complexation with the halide bridged metal precursors resulted in the formation of mononuclear N ∩ N chelating complexes. These complexes have been investigated for biological studies such as antibacterial and antioxidant studies, and they arrayed potential response against the bacterial strains under study as well as good antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop breeders are frequently confronted with a challenge of shortlisting a few most likely to be productive early segregating generations in terms of high frequency of superior recombinant inbred lines from among a large number of segregating generations which are normally being developed to save substantial resources. The breeding potential of five F2 populations derived from parents differing for fruiting habit traits was assessed based on first- and second-degree statistics and frequency of transgressive segregants for number of fruits plant−1, average fruit weight and fruit yield plant−1 using 2016 and 2017 rainy season data. Based on higher mean, wider absolute range and standardized range, and higher phenotypic coefficient of variation and frequency of transgressive segregants, F2 population derived from JL × 8B was identified as the one with better breeding potential than that derived from other crosses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn) is an important metal that is crucial in biological cell mechanism and function. However, its binding mechanism is poorly characterized. In the present study, we have carried out a detailed statistical analysis of the Mn-containing proteins through analysis of the metal coordination spheres of the vast number of protein crystal structures present in Protein Data Bank. These results reveal that Mn metal predominantly acquires the coordination number of six and five. In these predominant six and five coordination spheres, Mn metal is majorly stabilized with octahedral and square pyramidal geometries respectively. The water molecules, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid residues bonded frequently with Mn metal ions. These results provided useful insights to characterize the very important Mn-containing subset of the proteome. Quantum mechanical results showed that the complexes with coordination number six are predominantly having high interaction energy, which is in good agreement with statistical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Autologous pericardial aortic valve reconstruction is an attractive option compared with prosthetic valve replacement due to the absence of anticoagulation, lower pressure gradient across the valve and excellent valve haemodynamics. Objective: We wanted to share the early results of autologous pericardial aortic valve reconstruction from our centre. The outcomes were compared with that of mechanical valve replacement. Materials and methods: Between August 2016 to July 2018, 20 patients underwent autologous aortic valve reconstruction as per the techniques described by Ozaki et al. The surgery was done for aortic stenosis or regurgitation or a combination of both. All the surgeries were done by a single experienced surgeon. The results were compared to that of mechanical valve replacement. A comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation was done pre-discharge and at 6 months after surgery. The postoperative echocardiographic parameters that were evaluated include aortic valve pressure gradient, aortic valve orifice area, ejection fraction, left ventricular diameters etc. All the parameters were measured by a single expert. Other perioperative parameters were also evaluated like cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time, need for anticoagulation etc. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test/Mann-Whitney U test/independent sample t test. Results: Autologous pericardial aortic valve reconstruction had several favourable results including lower aortic valve pressure gradient, bigger aortic valve orifice area etc. None of the patients required anticoagulation. There were no conversions to prosthetic valve replacement or reinterventions in the follow-up period. Conclusion: Autologous pericardial aortic valve reconstruction is a feasible alternative to prosthetic valve replacement with several advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the annealing temperature dependence on the physical properties of TiO2 (titania) thin films grown using solgel spin-coating method for various concentrations of precursors and stabilizers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images, respectively, provided the structural properties and surface morphology of the films. The XRD results confirm the anatase phase in the films, and a comparative study on morphology has shown that the better uniformity and lower roughness in the films grown at 350 °C compared to films grown at 450 °C for different concentrations. The optical properties of titania thin films were investigated by UV–Vis transmittance and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. All the films exhibited high transmittance, and the indirect bandgap obtained for the films annealed at 350 °C and 450 °C varies between 3.45 and 3.34 eV. The PL spectra provide information regarding defect states in the film for different concentrations. The electrical resistivity of the sample with molar ratio 0.2:0.4 M film decreased for both temperatures compared to other samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are fabricated by Ag assisted chemical etching and are treated with hydrogen plasma created by electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma system at 600 watts microwave power for various time durations (0–30 min). The hydrogen plasma exposure on the surface of the SiNWs reduced the surface roughness and increased the crystalline nature. SEM analysis revealed that the diameter of the SiNWs decreased on plasma exposure. The electrical conduction measurements suggested that the hydrogen plasma exposure for 5 min on the SiNW surface enhanced the electrical conductivity when compared to as fabricated SiNW surface. The hydrophobic nature of fabricated SiNWs was transformed to hydrophilic at plasma exposure for lower time duration. On plasma exposure of NWs for 30 min the sample turned hydrophobic. Study of different properties of the SiNWs before and after plasma treatment revealed that there is pronounced effect of plasma on the nature of SiNWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study exclusively focused on the potential application of an inexpensive and sustainable waste macro-algal biomass as an adsorbent for biosorption of copper ions from aqueous medium. After extraction of agar from brown macro-marine algae Gelidiella acerosa, the residual biomass without any further treatment was used as an adsorbent for the expulsion of copper from wastewater. Physicochemical parameters of biosorption like initial pH, initial concentration of Cu(II) solution and biosorbent dosage were optimized using response surface methodology. The maximum copper biosorption potential of 96.36% was observed at optimum conditions of pH of 5.31, initial concentration of 23.87 mg/l and biosorbent dosage of 0.41 g/l. Adopting FTIR and SEM techniques, the surface morphological features of biosorbent were studied. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to be a proper approach to describe biosorption kinetics. All these results confirmed that spent G. acerosa could be considered as an efficient, eco-friendly and economic alternative for Cu(II) removal from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of ruthenium, rhodium and iridium complexes with 4-phenyl-1-(pyridin-4yl)methylene thiosemicarbazide (L1) and 4-phenyl-1-(pyridin-4yl)ethylidene thiosemicarbazide (L2) ligands were synthesized and isolated with hexafluorophosphate as a counter ion. All these complexes were fully characterized with the help of FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and elemental analysis. An agar-well diffusion method was employed for evaluation of antibacterial activities against one Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and two Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antimicrobial activity evaluation revealed that Cp* rhodium complexes has a significant antibacterial activity for all the three strains, Cp* iridium and p-cymene ruthenium complexes have shown moderated activity against the microorganisms but none of the complexes surpass the activity of their reference drugs. Results indicated that all the complexes reported here inhibit the growth of bacteria. Synopsis. A series of ruthenium, rhodium and iridium complexes bearing thiosemicarbazide ligands were synthesized and isolated with hexafluorophosphate as counter ion. Antibacterial potencies of the compounds was reported against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumonia and results shows that all the complexes reported here inhibit the growth of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin is a diverse polysaccharide comprising of polygalacturonic acid, rhamnogalactouronan, and neutral polysaccharides (arabinan and arabinogalactan) as side chains or branches. They are resistant to salivary amylase and gastric juice. In the present study the prebiotic potentials of different pectic derived substrates were performed by using intestinal cultures and measuring the growth, change in pH and short chain fatty acid, (SCFA) production. Arabinan, arabinogalactan, and rhamnogalacturonan were fermented by probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacterium breve, Bi. longum, Bi. bifidum, and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (commensal bacteria). While, polygalacturonic acid was fermented by Ba. fragilis, Ba. thetaiotaomicron, and Ba. uniformis. All the screened bacteria significantly decreased the pH from 7 to 5 (pH difference of ≈ 2), which clearly indicated that the above bacteria produced the enzymes necessary for the digestion of the pectic derived polysaccharides. The SCFA profiles of the above screened bacteria clearly demonstrated the production of lactate, acetate and propionate which are the key metabolites involved in maintaining gut health and prevention of several intestinal diseases. Thus, pectic polysaccharides hold potential application in food industry as prebiotic ingredients or dietary fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and purpose: CSF diversion shunts are notoriously prone to complications. The most difficult to manage among them is shunt infection, which warrants a prolonged hospital stay. The aim of this paper is to review the pattern of infections, the pathology, and management of shunt infections with special reference to a tertiary pediatric center in a developing country.Materials and methods: This is a review of shunt infections in general and a retrospective study of all cases operated in the hospital from 2000 to 2015.Results: The authors analyze the data and try to discern patterns, which may enable newer interventions to treat as well as decrease the burden of shunt infections in the future.Conclusion: It is difficult to determine the true incidence of shunt infections as there is no definition of what constitutes a shunt infection. There are no standardized international guidelines as to how to deal with an infected shunt. Though the ability to treat shunt infection has improved and the incidence of shunt infection has decreased over time, there is still no consensus on the best way to manage it. The prevention is predominantly based on common sense and has helped but a more scientific algorithm is the need of the hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and properties of vacuum-evaporated silver (Ag) nanoparticulate films on softened poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) [P(VP-co-VAc)], containing pyrrolidone and acetate moieties are reported. The particulate films are characterized by optical spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrical resistance measurements. The broadening of the optical spectra, red-shift and increase in the intensity values of the plasmonic resonance peak with decrease in substrate temperatures has a strong dependence on the particle size, shape and inter-particle separation. Microscopy studies show smaller particles with larger gaps at higher temperatures. AFM studies indicate a reduction in the surface roughness with increase in substrate temperature. XRD studies indicate the formation of nanocrystallites of silver with preferred orientation. Lower thickness silver films and films deposited at higher substrate temperatures exhibit negative temperature coefficient of resistance indicating that these films are particulate. When the films are exposed to atmospheric air, the films show an irreversible increase in resistance with pressure. The extent of polymer-metal interaction caused by the strongly interacting amide group on the pyrrolidone moiety and the feebly interacting acetate moiety of the copolymer is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We describe a copper(I) mediated halogenation via direct C-H functionalization of arenes. The combination of Cu(I)X and (diacetoxyiodo)benzene provides a robust system for halogenation of 2-arylpyridines. High regio- and mono-selectivity was achieved for chlorination, bromination, and iodination of arene C-H bonds.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are key for the fermentation of sourdoughs to improve the quality and nutritive value of bread. The aim of this study was to isolate the LAB starter for sourdough fermentation from Jeung-pyun, a Korean traditional rice cake. Among the twenty two LAB screened, five isolates were selected based on exo-polysaccharide production. Among them, three isolates showed cell growth greater than 8.5 Log CFU/g, maximum increase in the volume of dough, and dextran concentration up to 0.16%. During the sourdough fermentation, pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) were changed, as the three isolates synthesized lactic acid and acetic acid with fermentation quotients less than 2.0. They were identified as Leuconostoc lactis EFEL005, Lactobacillus brevis EFEL004, and Le. citreum EFEL006. They displayed good fermentation properties (growth, dextran production, pH, and TTA) in dough and they are regarded as potential starters to be used in sourdough fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optically immersed bolometer IR detectors were fabricated using electron beam evaporated vanadium oxide as the sensing material. Spin-coated polyimide was used as medium to optically immerse the sensing element to the flat surface of a hemispherical germanium lens. This optical immersion layer also serves as the thermal impedance control layer and decides the performance of the devices in terms of responsivity and noise parameters. The devices were packaged in suitable electro-optical packages and the detector parameters were studied in detail. Thermal time constant varies from 0.57 to 6.0 ms and responsivity from 75 to 757 V W corresponding to polyimide thickness in the range 2 to 70 μm for a detector bias of 9 V in the wavelength region of 14-16 μm. Highest D* obtained was 1.2×10 cmHz W. Noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) of 20 mK was achieved for devices with polyimide thickness more than 32 μm. The figure of merit, NETD × τ product which describes trade-off between thermal time constant and sensitivity is also extensively studied for devices having different thickness of thermal impedance layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to understand and improve the photocatalytic activity of CuZnSnS (CZTS) through postgrowth modification techniques to create surface textures. This objective can be achieved using a combination of solvents, etching agents, and anodization techniques. One of the most effective surface treatments for enhancing the surface properties of photovoltaic materials is formation of nanoscale flakes, although other surface modifications were also evaluated. The superior performance of textured films can be attributed to enhanced surface area of absorber material exposed to electrolyte, ZnS deficiency, and high catalytic activity due to reduced charge-transfer resistance. Fine-tuning of ion flux and electrolyte stoichiometry can be used to create a controlled growth algorithm for CZTS thin films. The resulting information can be utilized to optimize film properties. The utility of nanostructured or engineered surfaces was evaluated using photoelectrochemical measurements. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD)-assisted simulations were conducted for selected texturing, revealing enhanced surface area of absorbing medium that ultimately resulted in greater power loss of light in the medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed towards the study on variations in the percentage of β-phase in Poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thin films deposited by spin coating technique. PVDF is a semi-crystalline polymer which exhibits α, β, γ and δ polymorphs. Among these polymorphs, generally it crystallizes in a non-polar α-phase, which is of little importance as far as its applications are concerned. However, the β-phase, which exhibits spontaneous polarity created tremendous interest and showed a path towards the devices based on its pyro- and piezoelectric properties. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and XRD techniques were used to study the percentage of formation of β-phase in spin coated PVDF thin films at different processing conditions viz. spin rotation speed (rpm), solution concentration and annealing temperature. We identified the β-phase percentage in PVDF thin films, which are (i) Deposited with different rotation speeds ranging from 1000 to 9000 rpm, (ii) Annealed at different temperatures viz.; room temperature to 100C, and (iii) Deposited at various solution concentrations. It is identified that percentage of formation of β-phase is high in the films deposited with 15( w/ v)% solution concentration which is annealed at 100C. The films deposited at higher rpm is showing low enhancement in the β-phase with annealing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the bone regeneration capacity of synthetic hydroxyapatite mixed with autogenous bone marrow aspirate when used as a bone graft substitute in maxillo-mandibular osseous defects. Methods: This study included nine patients with histopathalogically proven benign osteolytic lesions in maxilla and mandible that were treated with enucleation or marginal resection followed by bone marrow aspirate coated synthetic biphasic hydroxyapatite (hydroxyapatite and beta tricalcium phosphate) graft placement. Incorporation of graft was assessed based on Irwin's radiologic staging. The efficacy of graft to form new bone was radiologically evaluated by observing the sequential changes of density at grafted site using gray scale level histogram which was processed in adobe photoshop 7.0 elements. Clinical assessment of recipient and donor sites was done. Results: Based on Irwin's radiologic staging, at 6 month follow up period, obvious incorporation of graft with new bone was observed. Sequential changes in bone density measured by gray scale histogram revealed initial resorption followed by replacement of BMA coated hydroxyapatite with new bone formation. None of the patients eventually had complications like infection, wound dehiscence, graft loss at recipient sites at 6 months follow up period. Conclusion: Autogenous bone marrow aspirate in combination with synthetic hydroxyapatite is an effective option for accelerating bone regeneration in small to moderate sized jaw bone defects. This mixture provides all the three critical elements needed for bone regeneration (osteogenesis, osteoinduction and osteoconduction) with an added advantage of obviating donor site morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of fibre composites in the construction of protective structures for impact and blasts is an active area of research. Important mechanical properties like compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural toughness, acoustic impedance, mass density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, are required to determine the high velocity impact (HVI) resistance of the cementitious composite target panels. However, the above mechanical properties of steel fibre reinforced cementitious composites (SFRCC) for varying fibre volume fraction are difficult to find in existing literature. This paper presents results of an extensive experimental study, conducted to characterize the SFRCC for varied fiber volume fractions between 0 and 12 %. Hooked end steel fibres having an aspect ratio about 66 (fibre length 30 mm diameter 0.45 mm) are used in the preparation of control specimens. Important engineering properties like, compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, toughness and acoustic impedances are determined through the laboratory tests. A total of 250 numbers standard cylinder, cube, prism and dog-bone specimens are prepared for the characterization of steel fibre reinforced cementitious composite. The significance of the present study in impact resistance applications is also demonstrated through the HVI tests on SFRCC panels. This study highlights various aspects related to judicious selection of materials in layered cementitious composite targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the effect of vertical displacements between the resonators inside the unit cell of planar coupled metamaterials on their near field coupling and hence on the terahertz (THz) wave modulation. The metamolecule design consists of two planar split- ring resonators (SRRs) in a unit cell which are coupled through their near fields. The numerically simulated transmission spectrum is found to have split resonances due to the resonance mode hybridization effect. With the increase in displacement between the near field coupled SRRs, this metamaterial system shows a transition from coupled to uncoupled state through merging of the split resonances to the single intrinsic resonance. We have used a semi-analytical model describing the effect of displacements between the resonators and determine that it can predict the numerically simulated results. The outcome could be useful in modulating the terahertz waves employing near field coupled metamaterials, hence, can be useful in the development of terahertz modulators and frequency tunable devices in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyderabad is reeling under a severe power crisis aggravated due to the recent bifurcation of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Telangana state needs more power than residual Andhra Pradesh due to greater demand from its Industrial and Agricultural consumers. The installed capacity (established as well as under construction) of power plants under Telangana Power Generation Corporation (TSGENCO) includes 2282.5 MW of thermal coal based power, 2081.76 MW of hydro power and 1 MW solar power. As more than 50% of the power source is coal based, there exists a threat of fossil fuel depletion and enhanced Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Solar electricity has the potential to offset these negative impacts. This paper concentrates on evaluating the roof top area required for solar power generation using Remote Sensing and GIS apart from developing an algorithm using analytical methods, to estimate the photo-voltaic system components required, for the total power requirement of Hyderabad city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel damage detection algorithm for structural health monitoring using time series model is presented. The proposed algorithm uses output-only acceleration time series obtained from sensors on the structure which are fitted using Auto-regressive moving-average with exogenous inputs (ARMAX) model. The algorithm uses Cepstral distances between the ARMAX models of decorrelated data obtained from healthy and any other current condition of the structure as the damage indicator. A numerical model of a simply supported beam with variations due to temperature and operating conditions along with measurement noise is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed damage diagnostic technique using the ARMAX time series models and their Cepstral distances with novelty indices. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated using the benchmark data of the 8-DOF system made available to public by the Engineering Institute of LANL and the simulated vibration data obtained from the FEM model of IASC-ASCE 12-DOF steel frame. The results of the studies indicate that the proposed algorithm is robust in identifying the damage from the acceleration data contaminated with noise under varied environmental and operational conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation on inheritance of qualitative traits in dolichos bean revealed biallelic monogenic control of photoperiod-induced sensitivity to flowering time and flower colour in F2 and F3 generations. While, growth habit and pod curvature are each controlled by two genes that exhibit classical complementary epistasis, raceme emergence was controlled by two genes that displayed classical inhibitory epistasis. The dominant alleles, at two different unlinked pairs of genes are necessary for plants to exhibit indeterminate growth habit and bear straight pods. Any other combination of alleles at the two pairs of genes result in plants displaying determinate growth habit and bearing curved pods. While, the genes controlling growth habit, PSFT and raceme emergence are linked. Those controlling flower colour and pod curvature are segregated independent of each other. These results are discussed in relation to strategies for breeding dolichos bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The damage caused to stored seed by bruchids ( Callosobruchus maculatus) is considered to be a major production constraint in rice bean ( Vigna umbellata). Breeding for genetically determined resistance is the most environmentally benign and cost-effective means to mitigate the losses to bruchid infestation. Here, a screen of rice bean germplasm identified two sources of resistance, and determined the genetic basis of the resistance using a quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping approach. The two resistant accessions (LRB238 and JP100304) were each crossed to a common susceptible cultivar (LRB26) to generate F2 mapping populations, one of which (LRB238 × LRB26) was genotyped with a range of Vigna sp. microsatellite assays and by sequence related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) fingerprinting. The resulting linkage map comprised ten linkage groups and covered a genetic distance of 872.1 cM with a mean inter-marker distance of 32.05 cM. The subsequent QTL analysis detected the presence of 11 QTL, distributed over all ten linkage groups, most of which were associated with the % damage caused to the seed. Two major QTL, Cmpd1.5 (flanked by the SRAP markers E2M9-270 and E12M7-311) and Cmpd1.6 (flanked by the SRAP marker E7M10-141 and the microsatellite locus CEDG259) mapped within 11.9 cM and 13.0 cM of the flanking markers, respectively, accounted for, 67.3 and 77.4 % of the variance respectively, for % damaged seeds. A bulked segregation analysis carried out in the JP100304 × LRB26 population revealed that the resistance donor harboured some resistance factors not represented in LRB238. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of oxygen flow rate during the reactive magnetron sputtering on the compositional, structural, optical and electrical properties of HfO films. We also studied the influence of annealing temperature on the structural and electrical properties of optimized HfO films of 25 to 30 nm thick. X-ray photoelectron study reveals that the films deposited at 15 SCCM of oxygen flow rate are stoichiometric and have an optical band gap of 5.86 eV. X-ray diffraction indicates that films without oxygen flow are amorphous, and beyond an oxygen flow rate of 5 SCCM exhibit polycrystalline monoclinic structure. At an annealing temperature of 600℃, tetragonal phase was observed besides the monoclinic phase. The dielectric constant of 11 and low leakage currents of 1 × 10 A/cm were achieved for the stoichiometric films. As-deposited films show significant frequency dispersion due to the presence of defect states at the HfO/Si interface, and it reduces after annealing. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel damage identification procedure is presented that is ideally suited for continuous structural health monitoring of large civil engineering structures. The procedure for damage detection, location and quantification is developed by combining Hilbert Huang transformation (HHT) and proper orthogonal decomposition with dynamic quantum particle swarm optimisation algorithm (DQPSO). The damaged structure is modeled using finite elements, in which the damage is represented by a section having reduced flexural rigidity. Forward analyses are first used to identify time instant of damage using HHT and location of damage using proper orthogonal decomposition. The inverse damage identification problem is later set up as an optimization problem and solved using a newly developed DQPSO algorithm. The proposed method exhibited robustness in identifying the exact time instant of damage occurrence, spatial locations of the damage and also the extent of damage correctly for a wide range of locations and damage severities. The effect of measurement error/noise is also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural frequencies of vibration of a rotating pre-twisted functionally graded cantilever beam are investigated. Rotating cantilever beam with pre-twist made of a functionally gradient material (FGM) consisting of metal and ceramic is considered for the study. The material properties of the FGM beam symmetrically vary continuously in thickness direction from core at mid section to the outer surfaces according to a power-law form. Equations of motion for free vibration are derived using Lagrange's equation and the natural frequencies are determined using Rayleigh-Ritz method. The effect of parameters such as the pre-twist angle, power law index, hub radius and rotational speed on the natural frequencies of rotating functionally graded pre-twisted cantilever beams are examined through numerical studies and comparison is made with the numerical results obtained using other methods reported in literature. The effect of coupling between chordwise and flapwise bending modes on the natural frequencies has also been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]