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Industrial waste locks are used as raw materials to reduce harmful effects on the environment and improve environmental performance. Marble clay powder can be used as a filling aid and can fill voids in concrete structures. This article will show you how to use a maximum natural sand alternative in concrete with marble powder and quarry dust. The challenge of the 21st century is to change to a new form that can support the natural system. This necessitates a radical rethinking of how to give the community infrastructure and housing. Making a concerted effort to develop novel, innovative, and alternative construction materials may be necessary. Jungles of concrete around cause's impact on the Environment and it would result in climate change. Mankind must avoid the use of things that are detrimental to the environment. So in this paper, it is decided to address the issue by adopting the use of the green concrete concept which is environmentally friendly. Green concrete is concrete made up using industrial wastes such as marble powder, quarry dust, wood ash, paper pulp, etc. Green concrete, which is capable of sustainable development, helps to reduce the consumption of natural resources, energy use, and environmental pollution. Green concrete is more cost‐effective than ordinary concrete and reduces the cost of resultant concrete by 14%–20%. It is also observed that the alkali‐aggregate reaction and sulfate attack resistance of concrete are both significantly improved. Green concrete is a useful tool for lowering environmental pollution and enhancing concrete's resistance to harsh conditions. All stages of infrastructure construction and rehabilitation will follow this trend of using new cement and techniques. Green concrete's adaptability and its performance derivatives will meet a variety of future needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion is the irreversible, interfacial reaction of metals in the presence of an electrochemical environment which ultimately results in the deterioration of metals. Corrosion of reinforcement is the major problem in the reinforced concrete (RC) structure. Corrosion of reinforcement is a slow process because of the protective layer of concrete. Even in a severely corrosive environment corrosion process takes time to be initiated and propagated. Since to carry out research work, some techniques are required to accelerate the corrosion process in the shortest period. To overcome this problem, in the past, many researchers use a different method to accelerate the corrosion of steel in concrete. In this paper, a review is presented of various techniques used for accelerated corrosion testing. The suitability of reviewed methods on corrosion acceleration for several research works is presented. After that few case studies review to make use of various predicted empirical models and an experimental technique for predicting corrosion rate and the assessment of the remaining life of the structure. And finally, the paper is concluded by comparing the natural method of corrosion and the accelerated method of corrosion and the future scope of accelerated corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in the construction industry is inevitable. The huge production of OPC and its use in infrastructural development pose an environmental impact. Greenhouse gas emitted increases the global temperature and it is an alarming sign to everybody on the planet. Concrete is the most consuming material which is produced by using OPC and it is proven that OPC contributes a lot to CO2 emission. Hence in this study attempt is made to produce concrete by using environment‐friendly material like fly ash along with alkaline activators, which is termed Geo polymer concrete. The by‐product fly ash is widely available worldwide. It is a by‐product of thermal power plants. The use of fly ash in concrete produces less expensive and more cost‐effective concrete than concrete made up using OPC. Due to its high silicate and alumina content, fly ash reacts with an alkaline solution to create an aluminosilicate gel that binds the aggregate and results in high‐quality concrete. Fly ash is finer than cement, it occupies the pores of cement after hydration. This would result in denser concrete which gives higher strength. In comparison to ordinary concrete, fly ash‐based geopolymer concrete offers better resistance to aggressive environments and high temperatures. In the present study, an alkaline activator of molarity 8 is used to prepare geopolymer concrete. The test specimens are cast and cured for 28 days. Test results indicate that an alkaline liquid fly‐ash ratio (0.4) produces higher mechanical properties. Hence, geopolymer concrete produced in this study is found to be cost‐effective and environment friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to evaluate two anaesthetic protocols in 12 clinical cases of dogs presented to Veterinary Clinical Complex, COVAS, Parbhani for elective surgeries. These cases were divided into two equal groups (n=6). In both groups, dogs were pre-medicated with inj. Xylazine @ 1 mg/kg intramuscularly and anaesthesia was induced with inj. Tiletamine-Zolazepam (2 mg/kg) intravenously. Anaesthesia was maintained on constant rate infusion (CRI) of Tiletamine-Zolazepam (@ 2 mg/kg/h) in the dogs of group 1 and on Isoflurane in the dogs of group 2. Anaesthesia was assessed based on the quality of induction and recovery time in both groups. Clinico-physiological and haemato-biochemical parameters were measured in both groups at 5 different intervals. The induction score was identical in both groups with prolonged recovery in group 1. Clinico-physiological and haemato-biochemical values were changed from the base line value and return towards the baseline at recovery in both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aqueous and chloroform extracts obtained from leaves of Adhatoda vasica were evaluated for acaricidal activity against engorged females of Rhipicephalus microplus and their larvae. No significant mortality of adult ticks was observed in the tested concentration of aqueous extract except at 80%. Whereas, chloroform extract showed a dosedependent increase in adult mortality, and LC50 and LC90 values were determined as 10.47% and 11.74%, respectively. A significant difference in egg hatching of laid eggs was observed at all concentrations tested and 98.55% inhibition of hatching was observed at 12.5% concentration. Dose-dependent larval mortality was observed in larval immersion test with various concentrations of chloroform extract with LC 50 and LC 90 values of 0.51%, and 1.09%, respectively. The results indicate that the chloroform extract of Adhatoda vasica could have very good in vitro acaricidal activities on adult and larval stages of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article performs X-ray synchrotron micro-diffraction measurements to study the processes controlling the formation of hillocks and whiskers in Sn layers on Cu. The results capture the simultaneous growth of the feature and the corresponding film stress, grain orientation, and IMC formation. The observations are compared with proposed mechanisms for whisker/hillock growth and nucleation.

We have performed X-ray synchrotron micro-diffraction measurements to study the processes controlling the formation of hillocks and whiskers in Sn layers on Cu. The studies were done in real-time on Sn layers that were electro-deposited immediately before the X-ray measurements were started. This enabled a region of the sample to be monitored from the as-deposited state until after a hillock feature formed. In addition to measuring the grain orientation and deviatoric strain (via Laue diffraction), the X-ray fluorescence was monitored to quantify the evolution of the Sn surface morphology and the formation of intermetallic compound (IMC) at the Sn-Cu interface. The results capture the simultaneous growth of the feature and the corresponding film stress, grain orientation, and IMC formation. The observations are compared with proposed mechanisms for whisker/hillock growth and nucleation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrate-based surfactants (CBS) are an important class of amphiphilic compounds containing both hydrophilic and lipophilic moieties. These natural surfactants are biosynthesized within living cells and also easily can be prepared synthetically from the most abundant carbohydrate-rich renewable vegetable raw materials such as cellulose, pectin, hemicellulose, starch, etc. and fatty materials by sequential reactions. Extensive exploitation of non-renewable fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum; natural gas etc. damages the human and ecological health with significant contribution in overall pollution, thus the quest for novel methods and strategies has been accelerated to replace the conventional non-renewable fossil fuel sources with renewable, biodegradable, as well as sustainable sources for surfactant production. In this scenario, carbohydrate surfactants are of great interest because they are naturally abundant, biocompatible, highly biodegradable, and not noxious for the environment, which makes them an excellent alternative to surfactants from petrochemical sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind towers have been used in buildings for centuries to harness natural airflow and ventilation. Their usefulness comes from their capacity to absorb wind energy and direct it into interior areas, promoting airflow and exchange. Scientific evidence shows that buildings are a substantial contributor to global warming and energy use. HVAC systems contribute to a significant percentage of this energy demand. In this situation, using wind towers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is a viable and cost-effective option. In this work, a novel approach of integrating a rotation unit into the wind tower was carried out to enhance the performance. By enabling the wind tower to rotate and align with the direction of maximum wind velocity, the system could optimize the ability to capture the wind lead up to enhanced ACR and improved indoor air quality. This study further incorporates two solar heating units (SHU) to heat the incoming fresh air, which can reduce the thermal load on conventional heating systems. Through comprehensive measurements and analysis, this work studied the performance of the wind tower system under different wind velocities and solar radiation levels. The results showed that the rotation unit (RU) increased the average Air Change Rate by as much as 61%. Due to the incorporation of SHU and RU, the overall average temperature inside the test room increased by 6.09%. Also, the average velocity intake in the wind tower rose by 15–30% due to the RU. The findings discussed in this paper provide valuable insights for architects, engineers, and researchers involved in designing and optimizing ventilation and heating systems, paving the way for more environmentally friendly and comfortable living environments. [Display omitted] • Novel approach of dynamic wind tower to enhanced air change rate and improved indoor air quality. • Analyses of ventilation performance estimated in terms of air change rate (ACR). • Average ACR of 35.42 per hour was achieved by incorporating the Rotating Unit. • Overall average temperature inside the test room increased by 6.09%. • Average velocity intake in the wind tower rose by 15–30% due to the RU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are numerous studies which indicate that association exist between Spiro metric indices (FEVI, FEVI/ FVC%, FVC, FEF 25-75%, PEFR) and hypertension. It is quite visible that the people who is suffering from hypertension as well as IHD might have very higher probability of having OAD. Present research has attempted the objective of finding the occurrences of OAD specifically when it has been found that any patient is having IHD along with hypertension. The present research has also attempted the comparison when the the patient is not having the hypertension and are healthy. Such study was carried out because in the views of researchers no such previous study was carried out in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For new risk factors to be meaningful in disease prevention in any population, they must either be responsible for a substantial proportion of the disease burden, or their modification must have a tangible impact on disease prevalence in that population. The major known variable risk factors also describe at least 75% of new cases of cardiovascular disease in the Western world. Physicians and their patients must therefore not lose sight of the fact that lifestyle changes incorporating smoking cessation, a heart healthy diet, weight reduction and regular physical activity together with drug therapy for dyslipidaemia, still remain the cornerstones of CVD prevention in our population. The routine measurement of plasma homocysteine and the use of specific therapies directed at reducing elevated levels is not yet recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Sm3+ incorporation maintained single phase cubic structure of Ni-Co ferrite. • Lattice strain with Sm3+ was increased. • FESEM micrographs exhibited agglomeration of grains with size varying from 40–60 nm. • Saturation magnetization upto x = 0.1 was decreased while for x = 0.125 it increases. • Observed Canting effect reveal the non-collinear structure. Abstract Samarium doped nanoferrites Ni 0.5 Co 0.5 Sm x Fe 2−x O 4 with (x = 0.00, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.10, 0.125) samples were prepared by using auto-combustion route. XRD pattern analysis confirmed the single-phase cubic spinel structure with no evidence of secondary phase. It is observed that, the lattice constant decreased from 8.342 Å (x = 0) to 8.321 Å (0.100) and again increased to 8.370 for x = 0.125. The crystallite size and particle size indicate the nano sized nature of the prepared ferrites. Crystalite size varies nonlinearly between 33 nm and 25 nm with addition of Sm3+ content in Ni-Co nanoferrites. The agglomerated grain structure revealed the high surface interaction among magnetic nanoparticles. FTIR spectra revealed the characteristics features of ferrite skeleton formation. The saturation magnetization, coercivity and remanence magnetization are found to decreases with the substitution of Sm3+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Gd3+-doped BaMgAl10O17 phosphors have been successfully synthesized using a low-temperature solution combustion method. The crystal structure and phase purity of the samples were characterized using x-ray powder diffraction analysis. The optimal concentration of Gd3+ dopant in BaMgAl10O17 was determined through measurements of the photoluminescence spectra of the phosphors. All phosphors showed narrowband UVB emission at 313 nm with excitation wavelength at 272 nm. Relatively dominant electron spin resonance (ESR) lines were observed with geff ≈ 1.98. 2.7, 4.2, and 5.95 in phosphors with low concentration of dopant Gd3+ ion. At higher dopant concentrations, the spectrum appeared to be U-like with prominent lines at geff ≈ 1.99, 2.7, 4.2, and 5.94. Distortions in the neighborhood of Gd3+ ion led to ESR lines in the low-field region of the spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth Neodymium (Nd 3+ ) doped nanocrystalline Ni-Co mixed spinel ferrites which are chemically represented as Ni 0.5 Co 0.5 Nd x Fe 2-x O 4 (x = 0.025 to 0.125, in the step of 0.025) were synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion method. The structural, morphological, infrared and magnetic properties were studied in detail in the light of Nd 3+ doping using standard techniques. X-ray analysis reveals the formation of single phase cubic spinel structure for all the prepared samples without any impurity phase. The crystallite size calculated from Scherrer's formula was observed to be decreasing with increasing Nd 3+ content. The lattice parameter calculated using XRD data was found to be decreasing upto x = 0.100 and then increases for x = 0.125. X-ray density was observed to be increasing from 5.327 to 5.630 gm/cm 3 . Surface morphology was studied through scanning electron microscopy technique. Grain size calculated from SEM analysis was found to be in the range of 30–59 nm. From transmission electron microscopy study, the average particle size was observed to be in the range of 35–45 nm. FTIR results exhibit the characteristics cubic spinel ferrite nature of the samples with two prominent absorption bands near 400 cm −1 and 600 cm −1 . FTIR also confirms the incorporation of Nd 3+ in the crystal structure. The magnetic behavior shows strong influence of substitution of Nd 3+ ions. The saturation magnetization, coercivity and remenance magnetization all decrease with substitution of Nd 3+ ions up to x = 0.100. For further increase in Nd 3+ concentration (x = 0.125), the saturation magnetization found to be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current study, supercritical processed starch nanosponge (SSNS) used as a carrier for poorly water soluble drug (fenofibrate) to enhance its in-vitro and in-vivo performance. SSNS was prepared by using sol- gel method and effective supercritical drying technique. Fenofibrate was loaded into the SSNS by using solvent immersion method with selected and optimized organic solvent. BET surface area of SSNS was evaluated by nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis. SSNS and drug loaded SSNS were characterized by DSC, XRPD, FTIR, SEM, Contact angle study and evaluated for in-vitro, in-vivo studies. The results revealed that the formed SSNS material has high surface area (180m2/gm) with pore size (40 nm to 200nm). The DSC and XRPD study revealed the amorphization of drug within a SSNS. SEM study showed the continuous porous structure with differ nanosized pores of SSNS. Contact angle study showed improvement in aqueous wetting property of drug within a SSNS. In-vitro drug release study showed remarkable dissolution enhancement of SSNS formulation as compared to plain drug. In vivo pharmacodynamic study (hyperlipidaemia model) showed SNSS based formulation significantly improved the bioavailability of drug. Thus SSNS carrier system has good potential to be explored as a delivery system for poorly water soluble drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized with tremendous increase in specific surface area of up to 578 m/g which was 5.54 m/g in previous reports (J. Phys. Chem. C 113:14676-14680, 2009). Different mesoporous ZnO nanoparticles with average pore sizes ranging from 7.22 to 13.43 nm and specific surface area ranging from 50.41 to 578 m/g were prepared through the sol-gel method via a simple evaporation-induced self-assembly process. The hydrolysis rate of zinc acetate was varied using different concentrations of sodium hydroxide. Morphology, crystallinity, porosity, and J- V characteristics of the materials have been studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET nitrogen adsorption/desorption, and Keithley instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sn whiskers are thin filaments that grow spontaneously out of the surface of coatings on Cu and have become a critical reliability problem in Pb-free electronics. In this review, we focus on what creates the driving force for whiskers (or more rounded “hillocks”), and what determines where on the surface they will form. Experimental studies are reviewed that quantify the relationship between the Cu–Sn intermetallic (IMC) formation, stress in the layer and whisker/hillock density. Measurements of the mechanical properties show how stress relaxation in the Sn layer is intimately related to how much stress develops due to the IMC formation. Real-time scanning electron microscope (SEM)/focused ion beam (FIB) studies are described that illustrate the whisker/hillock growth process in detail. Whiskers are found to grow out of a single grain on the surface with little lateral growth while hillock growth is accompanied by extensive grain growth and crystallite rotation. Electron-backscattering detection (EBSD) shows the grain structure around where the whiskers/hillocks form, indicating that whiskers can grow out of pre-existing grains and do not require the nucleation of new grains. This has led to a picture in which stress builds up due to IMC growth and causes whiskers/hillocks to form at “weak grains”, i.e., grains that have a stress relaxation mechanism that becomes active at a lower stress than its neighbors. FEA (finite element analysis) calculations are used to simulate the evolving stress and whisker growth for several different mechanisms that may lead to “weak” grains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report a new biopolymer electrolyte for dye sensitized solar cell application. To develop polymer electrolyte, potassium iodide have been added in agarose biopolymer matrix and characterized using various techniques like complex impedance spectroscopy, Infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Complex impedance spectroscopy shows many folds enhancement in ionic conductivity (σ) by salt doping and conductivity maxima was obtained near 60:40 composition. Infrared spectroscopy confirms the formation of composite nature. XRD revels the reduction of crystallinity by salt doping as well affirms the composite nature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows reduction in crystallinity of gel matrix by salt doping which is a known favorable condition for ionic conductivity enhancement. To further affirm the conductivity enhancement in the gel electrolyte system a theoretical hopping model is also described in details. A DSSC has been developed using maximum electrical conductivity film which shows 0.54% efficiency at 1 sun condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stress due to intermetallic (IMC) growth is generally accepted as the driving force for Sn whisker formation, but there are still many unanswered questions regarding the development of stress and how it relates to the growth of whiskers. We have made simultaneous measurements of the evolution of stress, IMC volume, and whisker density on samples of different thicknesses to address the underlying mechanisms of whisker formation. Finite-element simulations are used to study the stress evolution due to IMC growth with various stress relaxation mechanisms: plastic deformation coupled with grain boundary diffusion is found to explain observed stress levels, even in the absence of whisker growth. A model of whisker growth suggests that the average steady-state stress is determined primarily by relaxation processes (dislocation- and diffusion-mediated) and that whisker growth is not the primary stress relaxation mechanism. Implications of our results for whisker mitigation strategies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We use finite element simulations to quantitatively evaluate different mechanisms for the generation of stress in Sn films due to growth of the Cu6Sn5 intermetallic phase at the Cu-Sn interface. We find that elastic and plastic behavior alone are not sufficient to reproduce the experimentally measured stress evolution. However, when grain boundary diffusion is included, the model results agree well with experimental observations. Examination of conditions necessary to produce the observed stresses provides insight into potential strategies for minimizing stress generation and thus mitigating Sn whisker growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, has been used in local anesthetics as an additive for various locoregional nerve blocks. Although, its use in the dental field has not been unexplored and concealed. The current study was conducted to evaluate and compare the calibre of anesthesia, their hemodynamic response, vasoconstrictive effects, and control of pain while administering pterygomandibular nerve blocks using 2% Lignocaine hydrochloride solution with Dexamethasone(4mg/ml) with that of the standard 2% Lignocaine hydrochloride solution and Adrenaline bitartrate (1:80000). Materials and Methods: This triple-blind randomized controlled study included 80 healthy subjects, aged between 18-45 years with an indication for surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. With the aid of a computer-generated sequence, the subjects were arbitrarily assigned into 2 groups (40/group)- Group 1: patients administered with 2% Lignocaine hydrochloride and Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate (4mg/ml) solution, and Group 2: patients administered with 2% Lignocaine hydrochloride with Adrenaline bitartrate (Adr) 1: 80,000 (12.5 µgm/ml) solution. The variables were assessed based on their time of onset, depth (pain) and duration of anesthesia, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures, heart rate, and blood loss. Results: Statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was noticed for the onset (shorter onset in Group 1) and duration of action (prolonged in group 1) and number of analgesics required (less in grp 1). Statistically non-significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05) for pain, blood loss, cardiovascular variables (systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures and heart rate) at various intervals was noted. Conclusion: Dexamethasone added to Lignocaine shortens onset, prolongs duration of action and yields better control of post-operative pain as compared to Lignocaine with Adr. Vasoconstrictive properties, hemodynamic variables and intra-op pain control were comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whiskers/hillocks grow out of Pb-free Sn coatings used in electronics manufacturing. To determine which grains form whiskers/hillocks, we use scanning electron microscopy and backscattering diffraction to simultaneously monitor the surface morphology and grain structure. To reduce surface roughness, we developed a 'peel-off' method to prepare ultra-flat samples that were measured repeatedly while whiskers/hillocks formed. We find grains that form into whiskers/hillocks are present in the as-deposited film (i.e., not re-nucleated) and many have horizontal grain boundaries beneath them. Grain rotation during whisker/hillock formation means that measurements performed after the features grow do not indicate their initial grain orientations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gd3+-doped Ca 3 Al 2 O 6 (CA3) phosphor was synthesized using a combustion method. The crystal structure and the phase purity of the sample were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The surface morphology of the sample was studied using a scanning electronic microscope (SEM). The Gd3+-doped Ca 3 Al 2 O 6 phosphor showed an absorption band in the UV spectral region and a narrowband-UVB emission under the excitation of 273 nm. The narrowband-UVB emission at 314 nm corresponds to the 6P 7/2 → 8S 7/2 transition of the Gd3+. A dominant line in the region around g = 2.0 was observed in the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum of the prepared phosphor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Undoped Y 2 O 3 and Gd3+-doped Y 2 O 3 samples were synthesized using a sol-gel method. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence (PL), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The room-temperature PL spectrum was recorded to study the bands that are due to the Gd3+. The photoluminescence analyses of the sample confirm the presence of the Gd3+ ions in the Y 2 O 3 matrix. EPR spectra of the samples confirmed the presence of Gd3+ ions in Y3+ sites with cubic symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have developed a gold nanoparticle based simple, rapid lateral flow assay (LFA) for detection of Indian Cobra venom (CV) and Russell’s viper venom (RV). Presently, there is no rapid, reliable, and field diagnostic test available in India, where snake bite cases are rampant. Therefore, this test has an immense potential from the public health point of view. The test is based on the principle of the paper immunochromatography assay for detection of two snake venom species using polyvalent antisnake venom antibodies (ASVA) raised in equines and species-specific antibodies (SSAbs) against venoms raised in rabbits for conjugation and impregnation respectively. The developed, snake envenomation detection immunoassay (SEDIA) was rapid, selective, and sensitive to detect venom concentrations up to 0.1 ng/ml. The functionality of SEDIA strips was confirmed by experimental envenomation in mice and the results obtained were specific for the corresponding venom. The SEDIA has a potential to be a field diagnostic test to detect snake envenomation and assist in saving lives of snakebite victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]