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Purpose: Crop residues rich in silicon (Si) viz. rice straw (RS), sugarcane leaf (SL) etc., are agricultural waste generated abundantly in India and elsewhere, have great potential for alleviation of phosphorus (P) deficiency in soil. Quantitative research on Si-rich crop residue's impact on P availability in Indian soils is limited. Methods: This investigation assessed P release influenced by Si-rich crop residues in two different soils, viz. alkaline alluvial soil collected from New Delhi (Olsen-P 6.2 mg kg−1) and calcareous alluvial soil collected from Samastipur (Olsen-P 6.8 mg kg−1) in laboratory experiment. Further, in a greenhouse experiment, impacts of applied Si on P availability to wheat crop (cv.- HD 2967) in alkaline alluvial soil of New Delhi was assessed. Results: Results of the P release study reveals that application of Si through various sources significantly enhanced 0.01 M CaCl2 extractable P in both soils. In the greenhouse experiment, crop residues significantly and positively impacted soil available P and growth parameters of wheat like straw yield, grain yield, straw P uptake and grain P uptake. Combined application of a reduced recommended dose of P (RDP) with RS or SL could produce statistically similar wheat yield to that of 100% RDP alone. Conclusion: Applying these residues could potentially reduce P fertilizer rates by 25–50% without compromising wheat yield, resulting in substantial P fertilizer savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rough rectangular channel of solar-based air heater (SBAH) is made and tested. The work consists of an effort to perceive the proportion of heat discharge and frictional behavior of air passing over a roughened rectangular channel. The absorber surface of SBAH is roughed with discrete V-down rib and staggered element roughness having different values of relative rib pitch (P/e) that ranged from 6 to 14. Fixed parameters such as relative gap size (g/e), relative staggered element pitch (P′/P), numeral of gaps (Ng), relative staggered element size (r/g), and relative rib height (e/D) are considered 4, 0.4, 3,1, and 0.0433, respectively, all throughout the study. The flow Reynolds number (Re) changes from 4000 to 14,000; consequently the Nusselt number (Nu) and friction factor (f) reach up to 2.16 and 2.73 times, respectively, with respect to plane surface. The optimum rise in terms of thermal–hydraulic performance (THP) is gained analogous to a P/e of 10. The correlation for heat transfer function, R(e+), and roughness function, G(e+), is given to anticipate the performance of roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports densities, ρ, speeds of sound, u, molar heat capacities, CP of binary piperidine or 1-methylpiperidine (1) + 2- or 3- or 4-picolines (2) mixtures over entire composition range by varying temperature range from 293.15 to 308.15 K with step of 5 K interval. Experimental data have been used to access excess molar volumes, VE, excess isentropic compressibilities, κ S E and excess heat capacities, C P E . The VE, κ S E and C P E data have been fitted to Redlich–Kister polynomial equation to evaluate the adjustable parameters and standard deviations. The C P E data of piperidine (1) + 2- or 3- or 4-picolines (2); 1-methylpiperidine (1) + 3- or 4-picolines (2) are positive and those for 1-methylpiperidine (1) + 2-picoline (2) mixture, sign and magnitude of C P E values change with increase in mole fraction of 1-methylpiperidine. Further, VE and κ S E of 1-methylpiperidine (1) + 2- or 3- or 4-picolines (2); piperidine (1) + 2- or 3-picolines (2) are negative; and those for piperidine (1) + 4-picoline (2) are positive across full range of composition. The VE, κ S E and C P E data have been utilized to test the applicability of Graph theory. It has been observed that VE, κ S E and C P E values calculated from the Graph theory compare reasonably well with their corresponding experimental values. The Quantum mechanical calculations and IR spectral studies on the aforesaid mixtures support the presence of various molecular entities (estimated by analyses of VE data) in pure and mixed state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth and advancement in the application of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) in several application domains helped many researchers to analyze a wide range of information from satellite imagery. Settlement information that includes building foot prints is a very essential parameter for different applications such as urban planning, environmental planning and disaster management. VGG-16 (Visual Geometry Group) conventional neural network (CNN) model is a popular model used to detect and classify the input images. In this study, a new approach was proposed by integration of VGG-16-CNN model with spectral and textural information of satellite images for identification of building foot prints. The model was trained and implemented to identify the building footprints using Worldview-3 high-resolution satellite image over part of Mumbai city of Maharashtra state, India. Classification accuracy in the proposed approach is observed to be nearly 94% as compared to 82% in case of single-shot detector (SSD) algorithm alone. Metric parameters such as F1 score of 0.957, intersection over union (IoU) of 94.86% and total error rate of 8.133% also indicated better performance of the proposed approach. Particularly, the approach is highly beneficial for urban development authorities as they need to monitor the large number of vacant lands spread across urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garden pea is an important off-season vegetable in the hills of North Western Himalayas that provides high remuneration to growers. Lack of high yielding wider adaptive varieties restricts its productivity. To identify high yielding stable genotypes across environments, 48 lines were evaluated in Alpha Lattice design over seven diverse environments spreading in five locations from sub-tropical to dry temperate conditions of Himachal Pradesh during winter 2016–2017 (5 environments) and one location each during summer 2017 and winter 2017–2018. The highest mean pod yield over environments was produced by SP-3 (83.35 g) which was 20% higher over check Pb-89 while SP-6 (79.45 g) and SP-22 (76.90 g) got second and third rank with significant increase of 15 and 11% for pod yield over the check, respectively. The joint regression analysis depicted significant G × E (linear) interaction for pods/plant and pod yield/plant. Of the seven genotypes depicting stability for pod yield, SP-6 showed stability (bi = 1 and S2di = 0) for all the traits whereas SP-22 showed the same for seeds/pod and shelling percentage. G + GE biplot described Dhaulakuan as the most representative and discriminating environment for pod yield. In the mean vs. stability GGE biplot, SP-6, SP-22 and SP-17 were highly stable while SP-3 possessed medium stability. 'Which won where' polygon view represented SP-3, SP-6 and SP-22 as most stable for yield and pod attributes across environments, constellated into majority of the environments and can be released for commercial cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The densities, ρ, speeds of sound, u, of binary piperidine or 1-methylpiperidine (1) + 2-pyrrolidinone or pyridine (2), and densities, ρ123, speeds of sound, u123, of ternary piperidine or 1-methylpiperidine (1) + 2-pyrrolidinone (2) + pyridine (3) mixtures and molar heat capacities, CP, for the aforesaid binary mixtures have been measured over the entire composition range at temperatures ranging from (293.15–308.15) K with an increment of 5 K. The excess molar volumes V E , V 123 E , excess isentropic compressibilities, κ S E , (κ S E) 123 for the binary and ternary mixtures and excess heat capacities, C P E , for investigated binary mixtures (determined by using experimental data) were fitted with the Redlich–Kister equations, and adjustable binary as well as ternary parameters along with the standard deviations have been estimated. The analyses of V E , κ S E , C P E data, quantum mechanical calculations and IR spectra of binary mixtures have revealed that piperidine (1) + 2-pyrrolidinone (2) mixtures are characterized by interactions between nitrogen and hydrogen atoms of piperidine with the hydrogen and oxygen atoms of 2-pyrrolidinone; 1-methylpiperidine (1) + 2-pyrrolidinone (2) mixtures are characterized by interactions between nitrogen and electron deficient carbon atom of 1-methylpiperidine with hydrogen and oxygen atoms of 2-pyrrolidinone; piperidine (1) + pyridine (2) mixtures are characterized by interactions between the hydrogen atom of piperidine with the nitrogen atom of pyridine; 1-methylpiperdine (1) + pyridine (2) mixtures are characterized by the interaction of the nitrogen atom of 1-methylpiperidine with the Π-electron cloud of pyridine's aromatic ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, studies on mixtures consisting of ionic liquids and organic solvents have gained importance for the application of such mixtures for new chemical processes and technologies in industries. In this contribution, new experimental excess molar enthalpies, H ijk E data of ternary 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [Bmmim][BF4] (i) + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [Bmim][BF4] or 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [Emim][BF4] (j) + cyclopentanone (CPO) or cyclohexanone (CHO) (k) mixtures, have been reported over the whole composition range at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The observed data have been satisfactorily correlated by Redlich–Kister equation for each mixture. The H ijk E values for [Bmmim][BF4] (i) + [Bmim][BF4] or [Emim][BF4] (j) + CPO (k) mixtures are positive over whole range of composition of xi and xj. The sign and magnitude of H ijk E values for [Bmmim][BF4] (i) + [Bmim][BF4] or [Emim][BF4] (j) + CHO (k) mixtures vary with the change in composition of the components of the mixtures. The H ijk E data have also been analyzed in terms of graph theory (which involves the topology of the molecule). It has been observed that estimated values by graph theory compare well with their corresponding experimental values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milling of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites becomes essential in order to enhance its surface quality by improving its dimensional tolerances, and minimizing the surface defects. In present work, investigations were done to optimize the four important milling parameters, namely, spindle speed (N), feed rate (f), depth of cut (t), and type of milling tool on performance characteristics (i.e., machining force (Fm) and surface roughness (Ra)). Taguchi L25 orthogonal array was used for experimental planning, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been used to identify the contribution of each considered parameters on performance characteristics of unidirectional (UD) GFRP composites. Optimum combination of parameters, i.e., spindle speed 1950 rpm, feed rate 1 mm/s, depth of cut 1 mm, and type of milling tool as two-fluted brazed carbide tipped end mill tool, were identified to achieve minimum values of machining force and surface roughness. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the surface morphology of UD-GFRP composite laminates. Minimized subsurface damages were found, when milled with customized two-fluted brazed carbide tipped end mill tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, molar heat capacities, CP123, at T/K = 293.15-308.15 K with 5 K interval and excess molar enthalpies, H123E, at T/K = 308.15 for ternary tetrahydropyran (1) + piperidine (2) + cyclohexanone or cycloheptanone (3) and molar heat capacities, (CP)12, for binary tetrahydropyran (1) + piperidine (2) mixture at T/K = 293.15, 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15 have been determined as a function of composition using microdifferential scanning calorimeter. The CPE123, H123E and (CPE)12 data have been fitted to Redlich-Kister equation to predict ternary and binary adjustable parameters along with standard deviation in the measured properties. The observed CPE123, H123E data have been tested in terms of graph theory which in turns deals with the topology of the constituent molecules. It has been observed that CPE123 and H123E values estimated by graph theory are comparable with the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, molar heat capacities (CP)123 data of 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [Bmmim][BF4] (1) + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [Bmim][BF4] or 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [Emim][BF4] (2) + cyclopentanone or cyclohexanone (3) mixtures have been reported over the entire range of composition at (293.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15) K using micro-differential scanning calorimeter (Model—μDSC 7 Evo). The results have been utilized to calculate excess heat capacities CPE123 values of the studied mixtures. The CPE123 data have been fitted to Redlich–Kister equation to obtain ternary coefficients and standard deviations. The Moelwyn–Huggins concept of interaction between the surfaces of constituents of binary mixtures (Huggins in J Phys Chem 74:371–378, 1970) containing ionic liquid as one of the component has been extended to obtain expression (Graph theory) for CPE123 of ternary mixtures. The comparison between experimental and estimated values (Graph theory) suggests that while 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate or 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate or 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate exists as monomer, cyclopentanone or cyclohexanone exists as mixture of open and cyclic dimer. The results further support the various processes involved in the formation of present mixtures. The CPE123 values have also been tested in term of modified Flory’s theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigations, the excess molar volumes, VijkE VijkE, excess isentropic compressibilities, (κSE)ijk (SE)ijk, and excess heat capacities, (CpE)ijk (CpE)ijk, for ternary 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (i) + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (j) + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (k) mixture at (293.15, 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15) K and excess molar enthalpies, (H E) ijk (HE)ijk, of the same mixture at 298.15 K have been determined over entire composition range of x i and x j. Satisfactorily corrections for the excess properties V E ijk VijkE κSE)ijk (κSE)ijk, (H E)ijk (HE)ijk and (Cp E)ijk (CpE)ijk have been obtained by fitting with the Redlich-Kister equation, and ternary adjustable parameters along with standard errors have also been estimated. The V E ijk VijkE, (κSE)ijk (κES)ijk, (H E ) ijk (HE)ijk and (C pE) ijk (CpE)ijk data have been further analyzed in terms of Graph Theory that deals with the topology of the molecules. It has also been observed that Graph Theory describes well V E ijk VijkE (κSE)ijk (κES)ijk, (H E)ijk (HE)ijk and (CpE)ijk (CpE)ijk values of the ternary mixture comprised of ionic liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to Parthenium hysterophorus is the most common cause of plant dermatitis in India. Parthenium dermatitis is caused by dry powder of leaves and flowers and hair-like structures (trichomes). Sesquiterpene lactones (SQLs) are the most important allergens responsible for ACD to parthenium. The different patterns include classical airborne contact dermatitis, chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD), exfoliative and widespread dermatitis. There is a definite trend towards a change from an airborne pattern to a CAD pattern in the natural history of parthenium dermatitis. In CAD, there is a reported increased sensitivity to UVB, UVA and even visible light. However, SQLs including parthenin, the major allergen in the Parthenium hysterophorus, has neither documented photoallergic nor phototoxic properties. Recently, the high photoreactivity of α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone ring toward thymidine and resulting photoadducts has been proposed as an explanation of the progressive evolution of allergic contact dermatitis toward chronic actinic dermatitis. However, more data is required to reach a conclusion on the mechanism of photosensitivity in parthenium dermatitis. Sunlight, especially UV radiation, may have a role in increasing the germination capacity and the amount of allergens in the Compositae family, especially in parthenium plants under appropriate conditions like summer and spring, which may contribute to high prevalence of parthenium dermatitis especially in northern India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodermatoses are a group of skin diseases primarily caused by, or exacerbated by exposure to ultraviolet and or visible radiation. The effect of sunlight on skin depends on a number of factors including skin colour, skin phototype and the content and type of melanin in the skin. There are only a few studies describing photodermatoses in populations with dark skin. A PubMed search was conducted to summarize currently available information on differences in biology of melanin in dark and light skin and photodermatoses in dark skin. Dark skin is characterised by higher content of melanin, higher eumelanin to pheomelanin ratio, lower tyrosinase activity, and more effective distribution of melanin for protection against ultraviolet light. Photodermatoses are common in dark skinned patients with some variation in the spectrum of photodermatoses. Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the commonest, followed by chronic actinic dermatitis. Pin-point papular and lichenoid variants of PMLE and actinic lichen planus are more frequent in dark skin whereas actinic prurigo, solar urticaria and hydroa vacciniforme are uncommon. Photodermatoses are common in dark skinned patients despite better natural photoprotection. It is proposed that lichenoid photodermatoses may be added to the classification of photodermatoses in dark skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of knee joint tuberculosis, especially in early stages of synovial disease, has more often been based on clinicoradiological suspicion, with no single test claiming to be a dependable rapid diagnostic test with high sensitivity and specificity. Nuclear amplification tests in vogue like the polymerase chain reaction have shown variable sensitivity and false positivity rates in various studies. We evaluated the role of Amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis Direct Test (AMTDT) or Genprobe in the diagnosis of knee joint tuberculosis in early, especially, early synovitis and arthritis cases. Patients and Methods: Thirty two patients of suspected knee joint tuberculosis were subjected to diagnostic arthroscopy during the study period. The synovial fluid and tissue were subjected to mycobacterial culture, histopathology, and AMTDT. A comparative analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of this new test with culture and histopathology was done and the time taken for reporting was calculated for each test. Results: Out of 32 tissue samples, 8 were found to be positive with mycobacterial culture [Lowenstein Jensen (LJ)/Bactec], 11 were positive with histopathology, and 5 were found to positive with AMTDT. The sensitivity of AMTDT was found to be 62.5% and specificity was 100% with a P value of 0.083. The results were obtained earliest with AMTDT with a mean reporting time of 1.2 days, while the results of histopathology were obtained in a mean time of 6.8 days, BacT alert in 22.5 days, and conventional LJ medium culture results in 48.6 days. Conclusion: AMTDT or Genprobe is a rapid diagnostic test for early diagnosis of tubercular arthritis, but has low sensitivity in knee joint tuberculosis. Nuclear amplification tests are still far from being a single promising alternative to conventional tests in cases of joint tuberculosis. Routine use of arthroscopic biopsies in all suspected cases is helpful in the early diagnosis of knee joint tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molar excess volumes, $${V^{\rm E}_{ijk}}$$, and speeds of sound, u ijk, of 2-pyrrolidinone (2-Py) ( i) + toluene ( j) + o-xylene or p-xylene ( k) ternary mixtures have been determined by using a dilatometer and interferometer as a function of composition at 308.15 K. The speeds of sound of ternary mixtures have been utilized to predict their excess isentropic compressibilities. The Redlich-Kister equation has been fitted to the molar excess volumes, $${V^{\rm E}_{ijk}}$$, and excess isentropic compressibilities, $${\left( {\kappa _S^{\rm E}}\right)_{ijk}}$$, to predict ternary adjustable parameters and standard deviations. The observed data have been analyzed in terms of the Flory theory and the Sanchez and Lacombe theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the significance of Source Apportionment Modeling (SAM) methods to the creation of air pollution prevention policy. The primary assumption of these methods is that pollutants are incapable of transforming during their transport from the source to the receptor. The use of these methods need collection of ambient air pollution data like concentration level of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and gaseous pollutants.