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The project focuses on developing an Android application that allows customers to easily book tables and menus of their choice at a restaurant according to their convenience. The traditional manual system for table reservations in restaurants is becoming obsolete, and digital systems are gaining popularity. The manual system relies on waiters and booking diaries, with no automated record-keeping. Main objective of the project is creating the Reservation System that addresses the shortcomings of the manual system, such as inefficiencies in time and cost management.

Abstract Large-scale industrial application of additively manufactured (AM) components in general, and specifically cold sprayed additive manufactured (CSAM), is limited due to the nature of this technology and the resulting product’s porosity and embrittlement. To improve the final properties of additively manufactured material, many lengthy, complex, or expensive post-treatments have been proposed. Reducing the environmental impact, cost, and time required for additive manufacturing will allow for greater use in industrial applications. A novel thermomechanical treatment known as in situ electro-plastic treatment (ISEPT) is used in this study to treat CSAM Ti-6Al-4 V alloy known as grade 5 titanium. The Ti-6Al-4 V alloy has approximately three times the strength and hardness of commercial purity titanium (CP-Ti) with lower ductility and a dual-phase (α + β) microstructure that poses challenges during the CSAM process. Compared to CP-Ti, the results showed that CSAM Ti-6Al-4 V presented double the porosity and triple the number of ISEPT passes that presented ~ 2 µm ultra-fine grain microstructure. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the ISEPT material was superior to that of CSAM Ti-6Al-4 V and increased from 184 to 1096 MPa with improved ductility rise from 1.1 up to 8.8%. Six ISEPT passes in air resulted in a slight increase in oxygen from 0.2% in the as-CSAM condition to 0.35%. Tensile properties of the ISEPT material were comparable to wrought Ti-6Al-4 V with 989 MPa UTS and 8.3% elongation. The ISEPT passes consolidated the CSAM (α + β) dual-phase Ti-6Al-4 V and allowed for the nucleation of equiaxed grains at the vicinity of former CSAM splat boundaries. The formation of lamellar colonies within the splat’s inner regions was observed. The role of ISEPT conditions on the rapid elimination of porosity and the evolution of cold spray splat boundaries via dynamic recrystallization were discussed.

Convective heat transport gives the remarkable behaviour in the many industrial procedure owing it mechanical behaviours of the system. A study has been obtained to analyse thermal radiative flow on unsteady MHD tangent hyperbolic nanoliquid near a stagnation point under viscous dissipation and chemical reaction. Also, thermal-diffusion and thermo-diffusion have been considered. The nonlinear PDE’s are altered into a set of ODE’s through suitable transformation and which are then numerically utilized. Further, numerical outputs for friction factor, Nusselt number and Sherwood are produced in table. Moreover, velocity distribution is increasing for a larger value of We and reduces for n. Moreover, similar behaviour is noted for temperature profile. A comparison with accessible outcomes for limited case is obtained with tremendous achievement.

This analysis examines the flow of Sutterby nanofluid having bioconvection due to a stretching sheet and heated convective boundary condition. The heat sink/source was imposed in terms of the energy equation. The entropy minimization is also considered. Through the appropriate transformation of the system of nonlinear PDE’s setting, the existing problem has altered into nonlinear ODEs and then numerically utilized via the bvp4c method. The numerical values of skin friction, Nusselt number, Sherwood number, and motile density profiles are revealed in a tabular form. In comparison, other governing variables on velocity, temperature, concentration, and bioconvection are seen through various plots and discussed. For example, increment in the Deborah number of heat flux depreciated in temperature distribution while opposite observation was carried out for heat source and sink parameter. Moreover, it has also been investigated that the shear-thinning fluid is entirely reverse to that of the shear thickening fluid. Further, the increase in the magnetic number accelerates in the Bejan number and irreversibility ratio. Finally, the comparison has been made with previous literature and found an excellent agreement.

RADAR is an object detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio waves or microwaves which bounce off any object in their path. Arduino is a single-board microcontroller to make using electronics in multidisciplinary projects more accessible. This project aims at making a RADAR that is efficient, cheaper and reflects all the possible techniques that a radar consists of. The proposed system "ultrasonic radar for the object detection distance and the speed measurement‖ employs an ultrasonic module that includes an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver. It operated by transmitting 40 kHz frequency pulse which is not audible to the human ear. Module rotate with step angle of the stepper motor with specific angle for a specific time interval and the distance between the object and system is measured by calculating time interval taken by the signal to transmit and the echo reception Whereas the detected signal is shifted toward the module or away from the module which give the information about the speed of that detected object which is shown on PPI DISPLAY.

Trehalose is a stress-response disaccharide commonly found in yeasts, bacteria, plants, and invertebrates. In plants, its purpose is uncertain, but some studies suggest it protects against abiotic stressors like chilling, heat, drought, and salinity. It is an osmoprotectant and a stabilizing agent for higher animals and plants. Some trehalose metabolism mutants show growth abnormalities, which could compromise plant physiology. Biotic stress causes contradictory results as well. It is also crucial for pathogen infectivity and plant defensive response. In our opinion, trehalose should not be considered only as a defensive sugar but rather as a molecule with two identities. It is an exceptional molecule that maintains the plant's vigor despite severe environmental conditions. Arabidopsis plants have been used to treat Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. There's no doubt that what we have just learned about this disaccharide will take us down many roads we've never been down before.

Cellulose is the richest plant biomass on earth and is an unbranched polymer composed of D-glucose residues joined by β-1, 4-D-glycosidic bonds. The utmost abundant carbohydrates in nature are considered to be cellulases and hemicellulases. Cellulases are inducible enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of a β-1, 4-glycosidic bond to release the glucose units in a cellulose molecule. Thermophilic cellulases are relatively expensive and a very significant industrial enzyme. In this study, the recombinant plasmid pET22b (+) containing the cellulase encoding gene was transformed in E.coli BL21 codon plus. A Shake flask fermentation study was performed using modified M9NG media. Lactose and IPTG were used as an inducer. After SDS-PAGE analysis, the predicted molecular weight of a protein was 62kDA Batch culture fermentation was performed using LB and modified M9NG media. Lactose was used as the cheapest inducer. Under optimized fermentation conditions, the enzyme displayed maximum activity at 37oC and pH 7. The specific activity of the enzyme was 70U/ml. The production of the recombinant enzyme was enhanced approximately 6 times in E.coli BL21 as compared to wild type strain. The expression level of the recombinant cellulase was round about 30%-40%. Molecular cloning of the cellulase encoding genes resulted in the maximum production of the cheapest enzymes that can be used for industrial purposes.

The wettability of nano-SiO

The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of selenium nanoparticles on the growth, hematology and nutrients digestibility of Labeorohita fingerlings. Fingerlings were fed with seven isocaloric sunflower meal-based diet supplemented with different concentrations of nanoparticles naming T1 to T7 (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 mg/kg), with 5% wet body weight while chromic oxide was used as an indigestible marker. After experimentation for 90 days T3 treated group (1mg/kg -1Se-nano level) showed the best result in hematological parameters (WBC’s 7.97 ×103mm-3, RBC’s 2.98 ×106 mm-3 and Platelet count 67), nutrient digestibility (crude protein: 74%, ether extract: 76%, gross energy: 70%) and growth performance (weight gain 13.24 g, weight gain% 198, feed conversion ratio 1.5, survival rate 100%) as compared to the other treatment groups. Specific growth rates were found significantly higher in T5 than in other groups. The present study indicated positive effect of 1 mg/kg Se-nanoparticles on growth advancement, hematological parameters, and nutrients digestibility of L. rohita fingerlings. Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar os efeitos das nanopartículas de selênio no crescimento, hematologia e digestibilidade dos nutrientes de alevinos de Labeo rohita. Os alevinos foram alimentados com sete dietas isocalóricas à base de farinha de girassol suplementada com diferentes concentrações de nanopartículas, nomeando T1 a T7 (0, 0,5, 1, 1,5, 2, 2,5 e 3 mg / kg), com 5% do peso corporal úmido enquanto o óxido crômico foi usado como um marcador indigesto. Após a experimentação por 90 dias, o grupo tratado com T3 (nível 1mg / kg -1Se-nano) mostrou o melhor resultado em parâmetros hematológicos (WBC’s 7,97 × 103mm-3, RBC’s 2,98 × 106mm-3 e contagem de plaquetas 67), digestibilidade dos nutrientes (proteína bruta: 74%, extrato de éter: 76%, energia bruta: 70%) e desempenho de crescimento (ganho de peso 13,24 g, ganho de peso % 198, taxa de conversão alimentar 1,5, taxa de sobrevivência 100%) em comparação com os outros grupos de tratamento. As taxas de crescimento específicas foram encontradas significativamente mais altas em T5 do que em outros grupos. O presente estudo indicou efeito positivo de 1 mg / kg de nanopartículas de Se no avanço do crescimento, parâmetros hematológicos e digestibilidade de nutrientes de alevinos de L. rohita.

Semiconducting membranes integrated with nanomaterials have placed themselves in new emerging researches tremendously for seawater desalination, oil-water separation, disinfection, removal of inorganic as well as organic pollutants. Howbeit, only nanoparticles unified membranes show quite a lot lags in their performance, although some of these particles associated with the demerits of high cost. In contrast, graphitic carbon nitride incorporated membranes offered improved aforementioned properties corresponding to absolute essential qualities such as cost-effective, environmentally friendly, easy-to-operate, green manufacturing, anti-fouling, and low energy consumption. Moreover, their high mechanical strength, high stability against harsh environment and long-term utilization without flux reduction are strong plus. Even though there are some undeniable downsides of these membranes in real world applications as bulk synthesis, consistent dispersion of graphitic carbon nitride, low photocatalytic efficiency etc. Accordingly, in the present article, these frailties of the membranes having graphitic carbon nitride as a filler and their respective synthesis procedures and properties are discussed. A comprehensive analysis over the application of semiconducting graphitic carbon nitride incorporated membranes with and without special surface modification; and exploration of the future challenges and difficulties associated to these membranes are also reviewed. Consequently, the current article provides brief overview about graphitic carbon nitride integrated composite membranes as well as their applications, and it finished up with new thoughts of further improvements/modifications to overcome their shortcomings in actual environmental conditions.

Background: Internal fixation for the management of unstable intertrochantric femoral fractures in elderly is difficult and less successful due to communition and poor bone stock. Arthroplasty for unstable intertrochantric fracture in elderly has produced promising results as per literature. So, we conducted this study to compare the results of intramedullary devices with cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty in unstable osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. Material & methods: 51 patients, 65 years or older with unstable osteoporotic intertrochanteric femoral fractures were treated with internal fixation or hemiarthroplasty. Intraoperative parameters and functional outcome as per Harris Hip Score were compared. Results: Average age of patients for intramedullary fixation and arthroplasty was 73 ± 6 years and 75 ± 6.5 years respectively. Average delay in surgery for group A (PFN) and group B (hemiarthroplasty) was 5.7 days and 6.56 days, mean duration of surgery was 75 min (range 45 to 125) and 95 min (range 70 to 132), mean blood loss was 180ml (range 150 to 280) and 270 ml (range 250 to 420) respectively. Harris hip score at one year were better in arthroplasty group but almost comparable at two year. Conclusion: Primary arthroplasty provides a stable, painless and reasonably functional joint, which provided early mobility and rehabilitation and hence is a better way of managing an osteoporotic unstable intertrochanteric fracture in elders especially. However, overall long term functional outcomes are almost similar for two groups.

Appropriate surface wettability of membranes and materials are of an extreme importance for targeting separation of mixtures/emulsions such as oil from water or conversely water from oil. The development of super-wettable membranes and materials surfaces have shown remarkable potential for recovering water from oil-water emulsion while offering maximum resistance to fouling. The availability of clean and potable water has been regarded as an important global challenge for coming human generations. Oil and gas industry is continuously producing immense quantities of waste stream regarded as produced water which contains oil dispersed in water along with other several components. Treating such immense quantities of oily wastewater is of utmost need for recovering precious water for possible reuse or safe disposal. Various technologies have been developed for targeting the separation of oil-water emulsions or mixtures to harness useful potable water and oil as products. Membrane-based separations or use of porous materials such as mesh have been explored in literature for separation of oil-water mixtures/emulsions. Given the unique features of special hydrophilicity, ease of tunability, control of molecular weight, abundant availability, and potential for commercial scale up, chitosan has been extensively used for modifying membranes/meshes or preparing composites with other materials for oil-water separations. This review has described in detail the synthesis, methods of modification and application of chitosan-based super-wettable membranes/meshes and porous materials for oil-water separation. The special wettability features including super-hydrophobicity/superoleophilicity, super-oleophobicity/super-hydrophilicity and super-hydrophilicity/underwater super-oleophobicity of various chitosan-based membranes and materials have been discussed in detail in the review. The strategies for enhancing or developing special wettability for target specific applications have also been discussed. Finally, the challenges, their respective importance have been identified along with a discussion on possible solutions to these challenges.

Metallic lattice structures with complex internal design can be fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing technology. These lattice structures are finding many applications such as in personal protective equipment and packaging due to their distinctive properties, combining the lightweight and high strength. In this study, experimental compression tests and finite element analysis (FEA) were conducted to investigate and compare the mechanical properties and energy absorption capability of functionally graded and uniform F2BCC lattice structures made of Al-12Si aluminium alloy and manufactured by SLM process. The solid struts diameters and surface morphology were examined using scanning electron microscope. The functionally graded lattice structures were found to exhibit distinct deformation behaviour as compared to the uniform lattice structure. Results of finite element analysis were found to be in qualitative agreement with the experimental data and with the predictions of the analytical models for graded lattice structure. The total cumulative energy absorption per unit volume was higher in functionally graded lattice than in uniform lattice. Finally, mechanical characteristics and coefficients of three Gibson and Ashby analytical equations were also determined, which could be used to estimate the mechanical properties of other SLM fabricated functionally graded lattice structures. Keywords: Lattice structures, Functionally graded, Selective laser melting, Mechanical properties, Energy absorption, Finite element analysis

This article reviews the application of highly heat and pressure resistant polyimide material for the development of membranes/materials that exhibit unique super-wettability, the characteristics pivotal for the efficient separation of oil-water mixture and emulsion. The polymerization of imide monomer in polyimide brings about the required porosity in the material, which in turn renders the crucial surface roughness, which is instrumental for establishing the desired super-wettability on the polyimide based membrane materials, in addition to the mechanical and thermal robustness. The membrane as the oil-water filtering medium can be either oil passing or water passing depends on the individual wettability of the membrane surface for oil and water, which in turn depend on the respective solid-liquid interfacial energy and the hierarchical surface roughness. Superhydrophobic/superoleophobic wetting characteristic of the surface repels water and allows oil to pass through the membrane medium, and the major disadvantage of this kind of oil/water separation is the rapid oil fouling of the membrane pores and the consequent less efficiency for oil water separation. On the other hand, the membrane surface engineered to have the Superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic wetting characteristics can be water passing, and the easy fouling of the membrane surface can be minimized. In the case of polyimide materials, there are lot of scopes to engineer the physical properties like surface energy and surface roughness of the membrane surface in order to obtain the required wettability. There have been many works focused on the application of different variants of polyimide materials for developing membrane for oil water separation. In this review, we present an itemized review of various works on polyimide materials based oil/water separation in terms of chemical, physical, structural and surface characteristics of the material.

Introduction: Obesity is a growing public health hazard worldwide. The proportion of global adult women with overweight increased from 29.8% (29.3–30.2%) in 1980 to 38.0% (37.5–38.5%) in 2013, and the increasing trend was observed in both high income and middle-income countries. Objectives of the study: The main objective of the study is to find the effect of maternal obesity on mode of delivery and in local female population of Pakistan. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at DHQ hospital, Hafizabad during January 2018 to July 2018. The data was collected from 100 female patients who visited the OPD of hospital regularly and then proceed to delivery in the same hospital. The demographic variables that we assessed were; age, race, height and weight, smoking status, gestation at delivery, delivery outcome including onset of delivery, mode of delivery, reason for delivery mode, labour length (first, second and third stages), estimated blood loss, second and third-degree tears and episiotomy. Results: The data were collected from 100 female patients. The mean age was 25±5.65 years. According to the pre-pregnancy BMI, 56 women (11.5%) were underweight, 8 (67.1%) were of normal weight, 14 (16.1%) were overweight and 22 (5.3%) were obese (Table1). The level of glycated hemoglobin was significantly higher in the overweight and obese groups than in normal weight and underweight groups (P Conclusion: It is concluded that great increase of the number of overweight and obese pregnant women in both high income and middle-income countries. High early pregnancy BMI is associated with poor maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes in Pakistan.

Introduction: Cesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide. As a result, women presenting with pregnancy with previous CS are also rising. Objectives of the study: The basic objective of the study is to analyze the abdominal ultrasonography for prediction of scar dehiscence in females with previous cesarean section. Methodology of the study: This cross-sectional study was conducted in THQ hospital Shorkot, Jhang from March 2018 to December 2018. The data was collected from 150 patients. Females of age: 20 - 40 years with parity 37weeks with history of previous one delivery through cesarean section and planned to undergo delivery through elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were included in this study. The data was collected through a questionnaire. Demographic information (name, age, gestational age, BMI, parity) was also obtained. Then females undergo transabdominal ultrasonography by a single senior radiologist. Females were labeled as positive or negative for scar dehiscence. At time of delivery, uterine scar was assessed and scar dehiscence was confirmed. Results: The data were collected from 160 patients. The mean age of the patients was 30.22±6.33 years with minimum and maximum ages of 20 & 40 years respectively. The mean value of gestational age of the patients was 38.81±0.740 weeks with minimum and maximum gestational ages of 38 & 40 weeks respectively. The mean value of BMI of the patients was 24.22±3.321 kg/m2 with minimum and maximum BMI values of 18.60 & 29.83 kg/m2 respectively. The patients with age ≤ 30 years, the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of scar dehiscence on USG was 93.75%, 97.78% & 96.10% respectively taking cesarean section as gold standard. Conclusion: It is concluded that trans abdominal ultrasonography is a useful and reliable method having high value of diagnostic accuracy for prediction of scar dehiscence in females with history of cesarean.

The hazardous contaminants/pollutants such as toxic metal ions and dyes are major cause to toxicity of water since the industrial developments have been come into consideration, and these pollutants make an adverse effect on aquatic life and immobilize the enzymes in plants. Therefore, this problem must be mitigated as an alarming environmental threat and lead to various hazardous diseases in human being. In addition, number of waterborne pathogenic bacteria also cause infectious diseases. Many methods have been developed to remove these contaminants and unwanted microbes. Adsorptive removal of water pollutants and microbial disinfection through various materials (adsorbents) are presented in this study as a review. The multifunctional adsorbent materials included in this study, showed outstanding results for adsorptive capacity and disinfection rates against bacteria. Moreover, they possess many other required necessities including cost effective, environmentally friendly, green synthesis, easily operated, energy efficient and multifunctional applications. This study addresses the multifunctional features of adsorbent materials, i.e. adsorptive removal of water pollutants (toxic metal ions and dyes) and disinfection of waterborne bacteria. The key focus of this study is to discuss the technologies which are adopted to prepare these adsorbent materials, their response for adsorption capacity and antimicrobial activity. This study also provides the brief overview of adsorption working concepts such as isotherms, effecting parameters, kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption process. Additionally, it explores the future challenges and barriers associated to these adsorbents.

We investigated double perovskite compounds of the form Sr 2 XOsO 6 (X = Li, Na, Ca) using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. For the exchange-correlation energy, Wu and Cohen generalized gradient approximation (WC-GGA), Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof GGA (PBE-GGA), Engel and Vosko GGA (EV-GGA), and GGA plus Hubbard U-parameter (GGA + U) were used. The calculated structural parameters are in good agreement with the existing experimental results. Calculation of different elastic constants and elastic moduli reveals that these compounds are elastically stable and possess ductile nature. The GGA + U approach yields quite accurate results of the bandgap as compared with the simple GGA schemes. The density of states plot shows that Sr-4d, Os-5d and O-2p states predominantly contribute to the conduction and valence bands. Further, our results regarding to the magnetic properties of these compounds reveal their ferromagnetic nature. In addition, these compounds seem to possess half-metallic properties, making them useful candidates for applications in spintronics devices.

Correction for ‘A first-principles study of the stability, electronic structure, and optical properties of halide double perovskite Rb2Sn1−xTexI6 for solar cell applications’ by Muhammad Faizan et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021, 23, 4646–4657, DOI: 10.1039/D0CP05827K.

Background: Hand hygiene is recognized as the leading measure to prevent health care associated infections. WHO has introduced evidence-based guideline on hand hygiene practice among healthcare professionals. But, knowledge and practice of hand hygiene remains poor among students. Therefore, the present study was planned to study knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Science (BNYS) students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 79 first year BNYS students. Knowledge of students was assessed using WHO hand hygiene questionnaire; practices were evaluated by using another self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to calculate percentages for knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among study subjects.Results: 35 (44%) of the students had moderate level of knowledge and 25 (32%) students had poor knowledge of hand hygiene. 73 (92%) students had correct knowledge that hand hygiene action before touching a patient prevented transmission of germs to the patient. Only 11 (14%) had knowledge that artificial nails should be avoided. Only 19 (24%) students were aware that hand rubbing was required before palpation of abdomen. Only 34 (43%) students adhered to hand hygiene practices regularly.Conclusions: Hand hygiene is an important tool for prevention of hospital acquired infections. The overall knowledge and practice of hand hygiene was not good among study subjects and a few numbers of students had attended formal training about hand hygiene. These findings indicate that the BNYS students require increased emphasis on hand hygiene education and training in their curriculum.

A validated three dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model has been utilized to estimate the state of cold spray titanium particles before deposition. A holistic approach is adopted to predict particle velocity, temperature and location from the injection point to the moment of impact onto the substrate for a commercially available cold spray system. The behavior of particles between the nozzle exit and substrate surface is detailed for cold spray stagnation conditions of 800 °C, 3 MPa and 550 °C, 1.4 MPa. The particle size distribution of titanium powder is also considered. The 3D model predicts a complicated distribution of particles within the deposition zone that cannot be arrived at using current one and two dimensional models. The critical velocity and deposition efficiency of the titanium powder are quantified. The model estimated a significant improvement in deposition efficiency when the temperature of the titanium particle increased to 300 °C before impact. Merits of the 3D CFD model for the development of new materials and cold spray additive manufacturing are highlighted. Keywords: Cold spray, Titanium particle, Three dimensional, Supersonic jet, Computational fluid dynamics, Additive manufacturing

This paper presents an experimental study on the properties of concrete containing ceramic wastes and rice husk ash. The ceramic industry inevitably generates wastes, irrespective of the improvements introduced in manufacturing processes, in the ceramic industry, about 15% -30% production goes as waste. In India during the milling of paddy about 78 % of weight is received as rice, broken rice and bran, the rest 22 % of the weight of paddy is received as husk, the 25 % of the weight of this husk is converted into ash during the firing process, which is known as rice husk ash (RHA). These wastes causes problem in present day society, requiring a suitable form of management in order to achieve sustainable development. In this research study the (OPC) cement has been replaced by ceramic waste powder & RHA accordingly in the range of 0%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% & 0%, 5%, 10%, 12% respectively. Ceramic aggregate has been replaced by ceramic waste aggregate accordingly in the range of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% by weight for M-25 grade concrete. Compressive Strength test was carried out on hardened concrete cubes after 7 and 28 days curing in water. Results show that concrete with partial cement and aggregate replacement by ceramic powder, RHA and ceramic aggregate has although minor strength loss but possesses increase in its durability performance. In current paper the analysis of various properties of ceramic aggregates, ceramic powder and RHA is carried out to validate adoptability of the same as normal aggregates and fine powder(cement) respectively. In both cases, sustainable efforts were made to reduce the quantity of material used in concrete. Reuse of this kind of waste has advantages in aspect of economic and environmental, reduction in the number of natural spaces employed as refuse dumps. Indirectly, all the above contributes to a better quality of life for citizens and to introduce the concept of sustainability in the construction sector.

Detailed first-principles calculations of the electronic structure and magnetic properties of alkali metal chlorides of the type A2MCl6 (A = K, Rb, Cs; M = Mn, Mo) have been performed using the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated optimized lattice constants show close agreement with experimental results. The electronic band structure and density of states (DOS) were investigated for the first time using different schemes of generalized gradient approximation (GGA) such as Wu–Cohen GGA, modified Becke Johnson potential and GGA plus Hubbard U parameter method. We found that the Hubbard U correction significantly improves the current DFT results. The calculated band structures of K2MoCl6 or Cs2MoCl6 indicate that the spin up electrons have metallic structure while the spin down configurations have semi-conducting nature together resulting in a half-metallic behavior. Finally, the analysis of magnetic properties indicates a ferromagnetic nature for all these compounds. These findings indicate that the alkali metal chlorides K2MoCl6 and Cs2MoCl6 are potentially promising candidates for future applications in the field of spintronics.

The study of functional networks in the brain is essential in order to gain a better insight into its diverse set of operations and to characterise the associated normal and abnormal behaviours. Present methods of analysing fMRI data to obtain functional connectivity are largely limited to approaches such as correlation, regression and independent component analysis, which give simple point estimates. By contrast, we propose a stochastic linear model in a Bayesian setting and employ Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods to approximate posterior distributions of full connectivity and covariance matrices. Through the use of a Bayesian probabilistic framework, distributional estimates of the linkage strengths are obtained as opposed to point estimates, and the uncertainty of the existence of such links is accounted for. We decompose the connectivity matrix as the Hadamard product of binary indicators and real-valued variables, and formulate an efficient joint-sampling scheme to infer them. The well-characterised somato-motor network is examined in a self-paced, right-handed finger opposition task based experiment, while nodes from the visual network are used for contrast during the same experiment. Unlike for the visual network, significant changes in connectivity are found in the motor network during the task. Our work provides a distributional metric for functional connectivity along with causality information, and contributes to the collection of network level descriptors of brain functions.