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Flooding causes several threats with outcomes which include peril to human and animal life, damage to property, and adversity to agricultural fields. Therefore, flood prediction is of prime importance for reducing loss of life and devastation to property. To model complex nature of hydrologic processes artificial neural network (ANN) tool is effectively being utilized for modelling different nonlinear relationships, and has proved to be an appropriate method for flood prediction. Present study investigated relative accuracy of radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and support vector machine (SVM) models combined with Firefly Algorithm (FA) in predicting river flood discharge and contrasted with that of regular ANN, RBFNN and SVM models. Monthly river flow data of Silchar and Dholai stations located in Cachar district of Assam, India are utilized for the present study. For assessing model performance, coefficient of determination (R2), mean square error (MSE) and root mean square error (RMSE) were measured. Evaluation of outcomes shows that both RBF-FA (radial basis function — firefly algorithm) and SVM-FA (support vector machine — firefly algorithm) hybrid models give more precise forecasting results than RBFNN, FFBPNN (feed forward back propagation neural network) and SVM models. Yet, it can be observed that SVM-FA model give better forecasting outputs with R2 value 0.9818 than RBF-FA model. Results also reveal that simple SVM model performs marginally better than simple ANN model.

Multiferroic composites are promising candidates for magnetic field sensors, next-generation low power memory and spintronic devices, as they exhibit much higher magnetoelectric (ME) coupling and coupled ordering parameters compared to the single-phase multiferroics. Hence, the 3-0 type particulate multiferroic composites having general formula (1 − Φ)[PbFe0.5Nb0.5O3]-Φ[Co0.6Zn0.4Fe1.7Mn0.3O4] (Φ = 0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1.0, (1 − Φ) PFN-ΦCZFMO) were prepared using a hybrid synthesis technique. Preliminary structural and microstructural analysis were carried out using XRD and FESEM techniques, which suggest the formation of 3-0 type particulate composite without the presence of any impurity phases. The multiferroic behaviour of the composites is studied with polarization versus electric field (P-E) and magnetization versus magnetic field (M-H) characteristics at room temperature. The nature of ME coupling was investigated elaborately by employing the Landau free energy equation along with the magneto-capacitance measurement. This investigation suggests the existence of biquadratic nature of ME coupling (P2M2). The magneto-electric coupling measurement also suggests that strain mediated domain coupling between the ferroelectric and magnetic ordering is responsible for the magneto-electric behaviour. The obtained value of direct ME coefficient 26.78 mV/cm-Oe for Φ = 0.3, found to be higher than the well-known single-phase materials and polycrystalline composites.

We demonstrate an experimental setup to trap multielectron bubbles in bulk liquid He4 using a point Paul trap. The experimental configuration is based on dc and rf electric fields applied to planar electrodes such as to trap the bubbles at a certain location. We have performed numerical simulations to estimate the experimental parameters at which stable trapping can occur, which matched with the experimental results. Compared to the linear Paul traps reported earlier by our group, point Paul traps allow more efficient loading and better optical access for viewing the trapped bubbles, and will allow simultaneous storage and investigation of multiple electron bubbles in the future.

We probe the influence of particle size polydispersity on field-induced structures and structural transitions in magnetic fluids (ferrofluids) using phase contrast optical microscopy, light scattering and Brownian dynamics simulations. Three different ferrofluids containing superparamagnetic nanoparticles of different polydispersity indices (PDIs) are used. In a ferrofluid with a high PDI (∼0.79), thin chains, thick chains, and sheets are formed on increasing the in-plane magnetic field, whereas isotropic bubbles, and hexagonal and lamellar/stripe structures are formed on increasing the out-of-plane magnetic field over the same range. In contrast, no field-induced aggregates are seen in the sample with low polydispersity under the above conditions. In a polydisperse sample, bubbles are formed at a very low magnetic field strength of 30 G. Insights into the structural evolution with increasing magnetic field strength are obtained by carrying out Brownian dynamics simulations. The crossovers from isotropic, through hexagonal columnar, to lamellar/stripe structures observed with increasing field strength in the high-polydispersity sample indicate the prominent roles of large, more strongly interacting particles in structural transitions in ferrofluids. Based on the observed microstructures, a phase diagram is constructed. Our work opens up new opportunities to develop optical devices and access diverse structures by tuning size polydispersity. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2021.

The effect of tube material and structure on fluid elastic instability is examined experimentally using a parallel triangular finned tube array with a P/D ratio of 1.78. Flow-induced vibration is a common cause of failure in shell and tube heat exchangers, and it may result in substantial harm to the heat exchanger as well as significant financial loss. There are different mechanisms responsible for flow induced vibration out of which fluid elastic instability and vortex shedding are the most severe due to their sudden occurrence and high amplitude of vibration. Different parameters affect the tube vibration when the tube array is subjected to water crossflow. In this paper effect of tube material and fin are examined for fluid elastic instability. Experimentation was performed to measure demanding velocity at fluid elastic instability for plain and finned tubes for steel, aluminum and copper material. A fully flexible tube array with a cantilever end condition and with a constant pitch ratio subjected to water cross flow was considered. Testing was done with a gradually increasing water flow rate from 5 m3/hr and increases up to 75 m3/hr to obtain fluid elastic instability. The relationship between the critical velocity at fluid elastic instability and the mass damping parameter was investigated using Connor's equation. The amplitude response of vibration concerning the change in velocity shows that the addition of fins, as well as the material change, greatly affects the fluid elastic instability. A small peak before the occurrence of fluid elastic instability was observed. This is maybe due to vortex shedding which further required to be verified using the Strouhal number.

Blood cell images contain lots of uncertainties due to the randomness and variability of gray values. The contrast between the objects and the background of blood cell images are viewed as fuzzy in nature. So, varieties of fuzzy image thresholding mechanisms have been adopted for removing the grayness and vagueness of blood cell images. In this paper, a noble fuzzy segmentation technique is proposed, which processes fuzzy divergence with the mathematical morphological operation. At first, blood cell images are pre-processed to avoid uneven illumination and to reduce noise by fuzzy image morphology, and in the later stage a suitable threshold point is determined using the modified fuzzy divergence. The quality of the obtained images in the fuzzy divergence with the morphology method is observed for enhancement and better entropy. In this paper, we have used a new fuzzy Lomax-Gumbel membership function with the Fuzzy Divergence algorithm in order to overcome the loopholes of other well-known membership functions. The experimental results tested form the point of view of the robustness of the modified method by comparing with Chaira’s method. Finally, the mean value, entropy, and Standard Deviation have been calculated, which are found as greater values than the values of Chaira’s method.

Mg3Sb2 based Zintl compounds are promising thermoelectric materials due to the abundance of magnesium and antimony in nature. However, the main hindrance in realizing the full potential of Mg3Sb2 compounds for thermoelectric applications is the low figure of merit (zT) of p-type Mg3Sb2, in comparison with its n-type counterpart. We report here the enhancement of the thermoelectric properties of p-type Cu and Ag co-doped Mg3Sb2 processed by a solid-state synthesis route. The samples contain α-Mg3Sb2 as a major phase along with elemental Sb as a minor phase. The doped Mg3Sb2 compounds are thermally stable up to 773 K, irrespective of the presence of a small amount of Sb. The co-doping of Ag and Cu in Mg3Sb2 is found to enhance the power factor to 0.8 mW mK−2 and the thermoelectric figure of merit to 0.76 at 673 K. This is the highest figure of merit among doped p-type Mg3Sb2 compounds reported to date. The rattling of the heavy atoms in co-doped Mg3Sb2 is found to significantly reduce the lattice thermal conductivity, which enhances the thermoelectric figure of merit. This work proposes an effective strategy to enhance the zT of p-type Mg3Sb2via Cu–Ag co-doping at Mg sites.

The present study explains the process parameter optimization of friction surfaced deposition of stainless steel over medium carbon steel with multi response criteria according to Taguchi method and the desirability function analysis. The experimental samples were carried out on the basis of L9 orthogonal arrays. The influence of friction surfacing process parameters like axial load, rotational speed and transverse speed on the formation of coating width, thickness and interface temperature was analysed. The optimum process parameters were obtained using both the Taguchi method and the desirability function approach. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied also for the exploration of the effect of coating parameters. A regression model was developed for coating width, thickness and interface temperature as a function of process variables. Based on the optimal friction surfacing parameters the confirmatory experiments were conducted and improvement was verified.

We have reported experimental studies on the self-assembly and degree of ordering of a binary mixture of soft colloids in monolayer deposits obtained by controlled evaporation. A sessile drop containing soft colloids is evaporated on a solid surface to achieve a loosely-packed two-dimensional deposit with a hexagonal arrangement. The soft microgel particles possess a hard core with a compliant corona, which plays a crucial role in retaining the crystallinity of the binary particle monolayer. The ordered arrangement of the binary mixture is observed even when the bulk diameter of one type of particle is 25% higher than the other, irrespective of their mixing ratio (1 : 3, 1 : 1, and 3 : 1). The microgel particles of both sizes are found to be homogeneously distributed throughout the deposit, completely suppressing the size-dependent particle segregation. Furthermore, in contrast to the self-assembly of bidisperse hard colloids, wherein the lattice distorts to accommodate particles of disparate sizes, in soft colloids, the particles deform at the interface to preserve the crystalline lattice. Moreover, unlike the gradual order-to-disorder transition observed in the deposits consisting of monodisperse microgel particles, the deposits of a binary mixture of microgels exhibit no noticeable trend. The areal disorder parameter, pair correlation function and the shape factor which quantifies the local ordering of particles in the deposit indicate the absence of a distinct order-to-disorder transition for the binary mixtures.

Hollow nanotubular ZnO structures were engineered using graphitic carbon nanofibers (GCNF) as removal templates by a modified coprecipitation method. Two dissimilar morphological ZnO-GCNF hybrids w...

This work reports on the dielectric and electrical properties of a single-phase polycrystalline pyrochlore structured Gd2Zr2O7 ceramics with a highly dense and compact microstructure. X-ray diffraction along with Raman spectroscopic studies confirmed the formation of the pyrochlore phase; while the electron microscopy investigations showed the uniformly distributed and densely packed micrometer-sized grains. The relaxation phenomena and conduction processes in Gd2Zr2O7 analyzed using complex impedance spectroscopy which showed the appearance of low-frequency dielectric dispersion suggesting the dominance of conduction by oxygen ions. Observation of double semi-circular arcs in the Nyquist plots confirms that both grains and grain boundaries contribute to the electrical impedance of Gd2Zr2O7. The temperature-dependent ac conductivity studies on Gd2Zr2O7 followed the Jonscher’s power law exhibited a strong dispersive behavior at the low temperature (

Ferroelectric ceramic–polymer composites consisting of Poly Vinyledine Fluoride–Hexa Fluoro Propylene (PVDF-HFP) as polymer host and 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3−0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BZT-BCT) ceramics as filler were prepared using solution casting technique. These composites are characterized for structural, microstructural, vibrational, optical, dielectric and ferroelectric properties at various experimental conditions. The electroactive β phase fraction (observed from XRD and FTIR analysis) increases as the filler concentration increases up to 20 wt% of BZT-BCT and above that its value decreases. FTIR results were analyzed to understand the mechanism of enhancement of β phase by the interaction between negatively surface charged ions of filler with the CH2 dipole of polymer matrix. UV–visible spectroscopy also employed to confirm polymer–ceramic filler interaction. Variation of the dielectric constant with different filler concentrations is explained using the percolation theory. Finally, the interplay between the functional properties and the β phase is discussed in detail.

A pyridine/aniline appended unsymmetrical bidentate ligand N-(4-(4-aminobenzyl)phenyl)nicotinamide, investigated in this work has two well-separated coordination sites. Combination of the ligand wi...

Co-rich ZnCo2O4 (ZCO) two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets are decorated with highly porous, glucose-derived, zero-dimensional (0D) interconnected network-like carbon nanospheres (CNS) using an in situ hydrothermal method. The content of CNS in the reaction is varied to produce two different composites (CNS@ZCO-I and CNS@ZCO-II). Their physicochemical properties are examined and compared with those of the pristine-CNS and ZCO samples. The non-stoichiometry of the elements in ZCO of the composites is quantified by X-ray diffraction using a Reitveld refinement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. CNS@ZCO-II is found to be Co-rich in ZnCo2O4 compared to the other samples. The high surface area of the CNS and non-stoichiometry of Zn/Co in the composites provide a short ion/electron transport path distance, high electronic conductivity, additional electrochemical active sites, and stable structural integrity. This viable strategy offers a good interaction between the CNS and ZCO, which translates to better electrochemical activity as an electrode material for energy storage devices. The CNS@ZCO-II composite with a higher CNS concentration shows an excellent electrochemical performance of approximately 1116.24 F g−1 at 0.35 A g−1 (compared to the pristine-ZCO and CNS@ZCO-I composite).

The combination of a flexible pyridine-appended ligand (L1) with 4,4′-bipyridine (L2) and cis-protected Pd(II) units, Pd(L′)(NO3)2 in water yielded a concentration-dependent equilibrium mixture of ...

Conventional agricultural practices that rely heavily on blanket fertilizer recommendation, eventually leading to deteriorated partial factor productivity and N use efficiency. We investigated the effect of SPAD-based N-management on productivity and N use efficiency of rice and wheat in eastern India. Here, in the experiment three SPAD thresholds (34, 36 and 38 in rice and 38, 40 and 42 in wheat) using three N levels (15, 25 and 35 kg N ha−1) in split were incorporated as real-time N management (RTNM), one fixed-time N management (FTNM), farmers’ fertilizer practice (FFP) and control (No fertilizer) were introduced in wet and dry seasons for rice and wheat, respectively, during the years 2010 to 2012. Topdressing with 25 kg N ha−1 at medium SPAD (S36 in rice and S40 in wheat) increased soil N availability, leaf N content and grain yield of rice (5215 kg ha−1) and wheat (4483 kg ha−1) over the grain yield recorded under a low rate of N topdressing at low SPAD. While saving 33.3% N in rice and 18.8% N in wheat, the agronomic N use efficiency (58.5% in both rice and wheat) and nitrogen recovery efficiency (32.2% in rice and 15.1% in wheat) can be increased when compared with conventional FTNM. The SPAD-based management strategy showed great promise in efficient management of N fertilizer, and we estimated the optimal SPAD threshold for rice and wheat as 37.5 and 41.8, respectively.

In Indian semi-arid tropics (SATs), low water and crop productivity in Vertisols and associated soils are mainly due to poor land management and erratic and low rainfall occurrence. This study was conducted from 2014 to 2016 at the ICRISAT in India to test the effect of broad bed furrows (BBF) as land water management against conventional flatbed planting for improving soil water content (SWC) and water and crop productivity of three cropping systems: sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]–chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.) and maize (Zea mays)–groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as sequential and pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)] + pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] as intercropping, grown under different nutrients management involving macronutrients (N, P, and K) only and combined application of macro- and micronutrients. The results stated that the SWC in BBF was higher over flatbed by 9.35–10.44% in 0- to 0.3-m, 4.56–9.30% in 0.3- to 0.6-m and 3.85–5.26% in 0.6- to 1.05-m soil depths during the cropping season. Moreover, depletion of the soil water through plant uptake was higher in BBF than in flatbed. Among the cropping systems, sorghum–chickpea was the best in bringing highest system equivalent yield and water productivity with the combined application of macro- and micronutrients. The BBF minimized water stress at critical crop growth stages leading to increase crop yield and water productivity in SATs. Thus, BBF along with the application of macro- and micronutrients could be an adaptation strategy to mitigate erratic rainfall due to climate change in SATs.

In this article, we report the influence of substrate temperature (Tsub) on the evaporation driven patterning of colloids on solid substrates. When the drops are dried in an environment maintained ...

We categorized chickpea nodules based on their size (mm) [large (> 7), medium (2–7), small (

Production of improved valued tea is in high demand due to its pharmacological properties against various neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, an attempt was made to compare the protective effect of the tea grown under organic and inorganic nutrient management practices against intra-cerebroventricular (i.c.v) colchicine induced memory impairment and oxidative damage in rat model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Results showed that chronic intraperitoneal (i.p) administration of tea extract (20 mg/kg i.p) significantly improved the cognitive dysfunction and memory impairment in colchicine treated AD rat model. This beneficial effect occurred with an increase in α-secretase activity, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase activities, and a decrease in Acetylcholinesterase level, Aβ -42 level, Cox-2-linked neuro-inflammation by intraperitoneal injection of tea extract grown organically and inorganically. The amyloid Aβ concentration in the rat model of AD was 84 ± 1.7 pg/mg protein. With administration of tea extract, the amyloid Aβ concentration decreased significantly to 55 ± 1.5, 52 ± 1.3 and 49 ± 1.5 pg/mg protein with the field level management of inorganic, integrated and organic nutrients, respectively. In this study celecoxib (20 mg/kg i.p) is used as a reference standard. This study stated organic tea as a promising neuroprotective agent or adjuvant to prevent AD.

A self-assembled coordination cage usually possesses one well-defined three-dimensional (3D) cavity whereas infinite number of 3D-cavities are crafted in a designer metal-organic framework. Construction of a discrete coordination cage possessing multiple number of 3D-cavities is a challenging task. Here we report the peripheral decoration of a trinuclear [Pd3L6] core with one, two and three units of a [Pd2L4] entity for the preparation of multi-3D-cavity conjoined-cages of [Pd4(La)2(Lb)4], [Pd5(Lb)4(Lc)2] and [Pd6(Lc)6] formulations, respectively. Formation of the tetranuclear and pentanuclear complexes is attributed to the favorable integrative self-sorting of the participating components. Cage-fusion reactions and ligand-displacement-induced cage-to-cage transformation reactions are carried out using appropriately chosen ligand components and cages prepared in this work. The smaller [Pd2L4] cavity selectively binds one unit of NO3−, F−, Cl− or Br− while the larger [Pd3L6] cavity accommodates up to four DMSO molecules. Designing aspects of our conjoined-cages possess enough potential to inspire construction of exotic molecular architectures., Developing simple routes for construction of multi-compartmental cages is a compelling and challenging task. Here, the authors report modular construction of multi-3D-cavity cages featuring one, two or three units of a [Pd2L4] entity conjoined with a [Pd3L6] core.

Sustainable crop production in sub-tropical countries is severely affected by the unscientific application of fertilizers. The SPAD based N management of the rice–wheat sequence was investigated in eastern India. Topdressing of 25 kg N ha−1 was applied at SPAD 36 and 40 (S36 and S40) for rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), respectively, reduced the N requirement by an average of 26.5% (33.3% in rice and 18.8% in wheat) over the fixed-time N management (FTNM) without reducing the grain yield. The 25 kg N ha−1 increased nutrient removal in the system having high agronomic N use efficiency (21.4) and nitrogen recovery efficiency (0.60) with the lower N requirement (62.5 kg N ha−1) over the FTNM. The treatment with medium SPAD (S36 for rice and S40 for wheat) under 25 kg N ha−1 increased the agronomic N use efficiency by 58% in rice and 58.5% in wheat compared to that under FTNM and recorded the highest gross (2106.1$ ha−1 Year−1) and net (1202.5$ ha−1 Year−1) returns from the rice–wheat system. The SPAD-based N management increased the water content in N-treated plots compared to that in the control plots, and the utmost moisture custody was observed when using a moderate (25 kg ha−1) N topdressing at a moderate SPAD (S36 for rice and S40 for wheat) for a given soil suction. This study suggests that using SPAD meter in rice–wheat system can cover the productive N management and profitability and can be dependably used in precision agriculture to manage the spatial variation in farmers’ field.

To diversify metal-organic framework (MOF) structures beyond traditional Euclidean geometries and to create new charge-delocalization pathways beneficial for electrical conductivity, we constructed a novel double-helical MOF (dhMOF) by introducing a new butterfly-shaped electron-rich π-extended tetrathiafulvalene ligand equipped with four benzoate groups (ExTTFTB). The face-to-face oriented convex ExTTFTB ligands connected by Zn2(COO)4 paddlewheel nodes formed ovoid cavities suitable for guest encapsulation, while π-π-interaction between the ExTTFTB ligands of neighboring strands helped create new charge-delocalization pathways in iodine-mediated partially oxidized dhMOF. Iodine vapor diffusion led to oxidation of half of the ExTTFTB ligands in each double-helical strand to ExTTFTB•+ radical cations, which putatively formed intermolecular ExTTFTB/ExTTFTB•+ π-donor/acceptor charge-transfer chains with the neutral ExTTFTB ligands of an adjacent strand, creating supramolecular wire-like charge-delocalization pathways along the helix seams. In consequence, the electrical conductivity of dhMOF surged from 10-8 S/m up to 10-4 S/m range after iodine treatment. Thus, the introduction of the electron-rich ExTTFTB ligand with a distinctly convex π-surface not only afforded a novel double-helical MOF architecture featuring ovoid cavities and unique charge-delocalization pathways but also, more importantly, delivered a new tool and design strategy for future development of electrically conducting stimuli-responsive MOFs.

The present work showcases the relationship between process variables and coating dimensions of Aluminium-AA6063 over stainless steel-AISI316 through friction surfacing. A 23 factorial design technique and RSM were performed, also the existed model was authenticated by confirmatory experiments. Influence of variation in rotational speed (2000, 2400, 2800 rpm), transverse speed (75, 150, 225 mm/min) and axial force (4, 5, 6 kN) on coating width and thickness was investigated. Analysis of interfacial characteristics of the coating was made using SEM and EDX techniques. 150 mm/min transverse speed, 5 kN axial force and 2400 rpm rotational speed were identified as optical parameters with an observed coating thickness = 1.96 mm and width = 18.12 mm respectively.

Magnetoelectric (ME) heterostructures can exhibit higher magnetic and ferroelectric ordering temperatures along with large ME coupling compared to single-phase multiferroic materials. We synthesized Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 (PFN)/Ni0.65Zn0.35Fe2O4 (NZFO)/Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 (PFN)/Ni0.65Zn0.35Fe2O4 (NZFO)/Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 (PFN) multilayer heterostructures having dimensions of 40/10/40/10/40 nm. High quality epitaxial growth of these heterostructures was confirmed via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns. These nanostructures show well saturated polarization (∼52 μC cm−2) and magnetization (∼62 emu cm−3) at room temperature (RT). The magnetic and ferroelectric transitions occur well above RT. These heterostructures exhibit relaxor behavior and undergo 2nd order ferroelectric phase transition. Magnetodielectric measurements show significant coupling between the magnetic and electrical order parameters at RT. These characteristics of the heterostructures make them suitable as potential candidates for ultra-low power memory, spintronics, and different multifunctional (micro)nanoscale device applications.

The present experimental work has attempted to analyze the influence of substrate heating on coating geometry during the deposition of stainless steel over medium carbon steel substrate using friction surfacing process. Inductive heating was applied to the substrate plate using an electric unit with three different temperatures of 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C. Elemental process parameters like axial force, rotational speed and transverse speed with different combinations were considered for conducting experimental work. The material consumption rate (CR) and deposition rate (DR) were extensively studied. The high rate of material consumption and deposition were seen at samples obtained from 600 °C of inductive heating compared to the conventional friction surfacing process. Using the IR thermometer, the interface temperature at both the advancing and the retreating side was recorded which showed a higher temperature was experienced by advancing side than the retreating side. The mechanical strength of the coating was analyzed by micro hardness and bending tests. Interfacial attributes of the coating were analyzed by using FE- SEM images and the elemental composition at the coating interface was studied through the EDAX report.

Hypothesis Spray drying is a facile technique to transform colloidal dispersion into micro-granules of controlled size, shape, and morphology. There is significant interest to understand the structural integrity, different morphology of the granules obtained post spray drying which find potential application in many technological fields. The shape of the constituent particles in the colloidal dispersion that is spray dried is expected to influence the micro-structural features of the micro-granules. Experiments We investigate the formation of micro-granules consisting of nano-ellipsoids through controlled spray drying. The morphological features and the packing of ellipsoids in the granules are quantitatively analyzed by using small angle neutron scattering, small angle X-ray scattering and high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy. The time evolution of the micro-structure and the structural integrity of the granules are investigated by re-dispersing the powder granules in water. Findings The morphology of the granules are found to be strongly correlated with the aspect ratio of the ellipsoid. While the drying of droplets containing lower aspect ratio ellipsoids give rise to mostly spherical granules, in stark contrast, for higher aspect ratio ellipsoids, micro-granules of different morphologies are formed including doughnut shaped granules. A plausible mechanism explaining such an aspect ratio dependent shape transformation is proposed.

This article offers a systematic and practical framework for identifying sustainable manufacturing practices from a resource efficiency perspective to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) achieve industry-specific resource efficiency goals. It describes a tool called the Resource Efficiency Guidebook (REG) that combines a resource efficiency principle matrix and spreadsheet calculators to offer SMEs a systematic model for identifying and selecting industrial resource efficiency projects. REG contains assessment recommendations selected from industrial resource assessments performed in real manufacturing facilities. REG consists with six distinct resource categories where each category is accompanied by a list of common assessment recommendations (ARs). These ARs address specific improvements in resource efficiency and cost savings opportunities from across all genres of manufacturing industry. Each AR is accompanied by information containing all of the necessary calculations to re-produce the AR in another plant. Additionally, each resource category is accompanied by a set of best practices that explains the fundamentals of resource efficiency principles. This paper presents brief case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the REG for improving resource efficiency both economically and environmentally and discusses for the continued development of holistic and practical methods for assessing, developing and implementing resource efficiencies.

A surfactant based oxodiperoxo molybdenum complex, which could activate molecular oxygen, has been employed as a catalyst for controlled oxidation of benzylic alcohols to corresponding carbonyls. The oxidation reactions were carried out under aqueous environment, however, in the absence of any extraneous base or co-catalyst. Sensitive/oxidizable functional groups like cyano, sulfide, hydroxyl, aryl-hydroxyl, alkene (internal/terminal), alkyne (internal/terminal), and acetal were tolerated during the transformations. Such selectivity is attributed to the mild nature of the catalyst. The methodology could also be scaled-up for multi-gram synthesis and the protocol is likely to find practical use since it requires an inexpensive recyclable-catalyst and easily available oxidant (under green conditions). A plausible mechanism is proposed with the help of preliminary computational study.

Very recently, it was suggested that non-aqueous acetonitrile/AOT/n-heptane microemulsions may undergo a interfacial transition from reverse micelle (RM) to bi-continuous microemulsion (BMC) above an intermediate ws (= [acetonitrile]/[AOT]). Herein, we develop a unique strategy for probing interfacial transition of the microemulsion by using microemulsion as a template for synthesis of hydrophobic silver colloids. Precursors (silver nitrate) and reducing agents (ascorbic acid) are insoluble in n-heptane phase and thus, Ag colloids formation occur solely inside the acetonitrile fraction and therefore, the structural morphology of the Ag colloids provides valuable information regarding the structure of the template where Ag colloids formation occur. At low ws (≤ 1), synthesized silver colloids exhibits remarkably strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band but the strength of SPR remarkably drops at ws = 2 and almost vanishes at ws = 3. TEM measurements revealed the presence of isolated spherical monodispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of ∼6 nm diameter at lower ws and larger distribution of nanoparticle sizes at ws = 2. Most interestingly, interconnected Ag colloids packed channels were found at ws = 3 which directly shows footprint of the BMC nature of the microemulsion template. Thus, the characteristics of Ag colloids (i.e. size distribution and optical quality) provide valuable information about interfacial structure of the microemulsion and suggested that microemulsion switches from RM to BMC nature at an intermediate ws.

Single phase polycrystalline DyMnO3 (DMO) was synthesized using acrylamide polymer gel template method. We report the structural, magnetic, specific heat and dielectric properties of DMO over wide experimental conditions. Room temperature XRD pattern shows the formation of singe phase material without any impurity. The magnetic properties such as magnetization versus temperature (M vs. T) and magnetization versus magnetic field (M vs. H) were studied around the transition temperatures region. The temperature dependent magnetization data suggest two phase transitions corresponding to the lock-in temperature below which ferroelectric ordering exist (around 19 K; Tlock) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering of Dy spin (around 8 K; TN (Dy)). The magnetic hysteresis obtained were fitted to extract weak ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic/paramagnetic (AFM/PM) contribution to the magnetic data. The order of magnetic transitions were analyzed from Arrott plot. The temperature dependent specific heat measurement shows all three phase transitions corresponding to (i) AFM ordering of Mn spin (around 38 K; TN(Mn)), (ii) Tlock transition and (iii) TN(Dy) transition. The effect of magnetic field to the transitions were studied using specific heat capacity measurement. The peak intensity of TN(Dy) decreases on the application of magnetic field whereas peak intensity of Tlock increases with increase in magnetic field in specific heat measurement. Further the third anomaly, TN (Mn) remains more or less unaffected by the application of magnetic field. The intrinsic dielectric behaviour of the material was observed up to 160 K, above this temperature there is large increase in dielectric value due to the contribution from Maxwell- Wagner polarization.

Free standing and flexible ferroelectric ceramic-polymer composites (PVDF+ ϕ wt.% of BNBT (0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3)) with 0–3 connectivity were synthesized by solution-casting technique. Composite nature and homogeneous distribution of ceramic filler particles in PVDF were confirmed with x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic analysis. The intensity ratio of β-phase with respect to α–phase i.e., I20.2°/I18.4° (obtained from XRD analysis) and the fraction of electro-active beta phase i.e., F(β)% (obtained from FTIR analysis) are enhanced with increase in filler concentrations and peaked for 35 wt% of the ceramic filler. An enhancement of the % of crystallinity (calculated from XRD analysis) has been observed with increase in the filler concentrations. The increase of the fraction of β-phase has been explained on the basis of ion (negatively charged surface ion of the ferroelectric ceramic filler) -dipole (-CH2 dipole of the polymer matrix) interactions, as evidenced from FTIR and UV-VIS absorbance spectra. Relative dielectric permittivity (dielectric constant) and ferroelectric polarization were found to be highest for the composite with 35 wt% of ferroelectric ceramic filler. Percolation theory has been successfully employed to explain the observed trend in the dielectric properties with the compositional variation. Significant enhancement in the electro active β-phase has been correlated with the improved dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the composite.

Elevated CO2 might have differential impact on the growth, development, and yield of wheat under varying nutrient management, especially in a warmer climate when the global atmospheric temperature is already increasing. Field experiments were conducted in subtropical Eastern India during the rabi seasons of 2014–2016 to study the performance of wheat under the elevated CO2 environment with different nitrogen (N) management. Wheat was grown in open field and inside open top chambers (OTCs) with ambient (˜390 μmol mol−1) and elevated (˜585 μmol mol−1) level of CO2 without any fertilizer addition (N0), and with application of N through chemical fertilizer (CF) at normal (100%) recommendation [N100(CF)] and 50% higher dose [N150(CF)] and through integration of organic and chemical fertilizer [N150(OF + CF)]. Results showed that CO2 enrichment had a positive effect on various growth parameters and yield attributes of wheat. Elevated CO2 tended to increase the crop growth rate and the fraction of leaf biomass and leaf N, especially for the N management using chemical fertilizer [N100(CF) and N150(CF)]. Elevated CO2 [+˜200 μmol mol−1] caused 17% increase in wheat grain yield above ambient as averaged over the N fertilized treatments. Application of N at 50% higher dose than normal through CF did not increase the grain yield significantly under the open field and OTC with ambient [CO2] environment, whereas the yield increment was significant under the elevated [CO2] environment. Elevated CO2 also resulted in higher agronomic N use efficiency and nitrogen harvest index with the increased N fertilizer dose. Thus, wheat production under the elevated CO2 environment in Eastern India might be maintained or improved through the normal and increased dose of N fertilizer application.

Lithium ion-conducting metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are rapidly gaining interest because of their potential application as ion-permeable, robust electrode separators in rechargeable batteries, arguably the most ubiquitous portable clean energy storage devices developed to date. A novel, water-stable 2D sheet-like neutral Cu(I)–sulfonate MOF featuring π-acidic naphthalenediimide (NDI) ligands that can simultaneously bind guest lithium ions with its carbonyl and uncoordinated sulfonate oxygen atoms and charge diffuse perchlorate anions through anion−π interaction has been constructed. While the pristine MOF pellets displayed poor intrinsic electrical conductivity (4.65 × 10–10 S/m) at room temperature due to inadequate charge carrier density and electron delocalization pathway, upon infiltration of LiClO4, its ionic conductivity surged almost million times to 2.3 × 10–4 S/m, and the activation energy for charge carrier transport dropped to a mere 0.167 eV. In contrast, the conductivity of Bu4NClO4-treate...

A comparative study on the effect of elevated CO2 environment on soil nitrogen availability in different rice planting system is needed to develop nutrient management strategies in future climate scenarios. A field experiment was conducted inside open top chambers (OTC) to study the effect of elevated CO2 environment with varying nitrogen management on soil NH4+–N and NO3−–N status in two planting system of rice, direct-seeded rice (DSR) and puddled transplanted rice (PTR). The nitrogen management included chemical fertilizer (CF) at 100% (CF100) and 150% (CF150) of the recommended dose, integrated nitrogen management including organic fertilizer (OF) and CF as CF75+ OF75, and site-specific N management through CF using SPAD meter. The soil NH4+–N content was higher in PTR, but NO3−–N was higher in DSR. The soil NH4+–N and NO3−–N content decreased significantly under elevated CO2 environment as compared to ambient in both planting system, except the NO3−–N content at flowering in DSR. The decrease was around 8% for NH4+–N and 5% for NO3−–N content. Soil nitrogen content in DSR can be maintained by following integrated nutrient management (CF75 + OF75) and SPAD-based nitrogen management for sustainable yield. Grain yield, in general, increased with CO2 elevation in both planting system. Under ambient environment, CF150 increased the grain yield by 23% as compared to CF100 in DSR, but no change was noted in PTR. However, under elevated CO2 environment, CF150 increased the grain yield by 13% in PTR. Under elevated CO2 environment, the yield increase of the hybrid rice to additional N fertilizer application was noted in PTR but not in DSR. This study suggests that for sustainable rice production under increasing CO2 environment in future climate scenarios, higher dose of N fertilizer is recommended in PTR, but normal dose in DSR production system.

International audience; Desiccation cracks in colloidal deposits occur to release the excess strain energy arising from the competition between the drying induced shrinkage of the deposit and its adhesion to the substrate. Here we report remarkably different morphology of desiccation cracks in the dried patterns formed by the evaporation of sessile drops containing colloids on elastomer (soft) or glass (stiff) substrates. The change in the crack pattern, i.e., from radial cracks on stiff substrates to circular cracks on soft substrates, is shown to arise solely due to the variation in elasticity of the underlying substrates. Our experiments and calculations reveal an intricate correlation between the desiccation crack patterns and the substrate's elasticity. The mismatch in modulus of elasticity between the substrate and that of the particulate deposit significantly alters the energy release rate during the nucleation and propagation of cracks. The stark variation in crack morphology is attributed to the tensile or compressive nature of the drying-induced in-plane stresses.

Empirical evidence shows that design-related challenges influence delay in building projects in India. Based on case studies of building projects from the capital region of Odisha Province of India, the factors relating to consultants and design have been identified and policy interventions were compiled to reduce design linked delay. A survey method to collect data, statistical analysis and a Systems Dynamics modelling approach were used according to different scenarios to propose strategic interventions. The findings suggested that complexity of design and compilation of documents, and the combined complexity of both can cause substantial delay. The model results revealed that the combined effect of appointing competent consultants and communicating effectively could reduce delay significantly. The novelty of the study lies in using a systems approach to develop causal feedback relationships among variables, as opposed to considering one origin of the problem at a time. The study makes three contributions: (1) design-linked challenges and mechanisms of delay, based on causal feedback relationships in building construction, can be diagnosed to evolve appropriate remedial measures; (2) impacts of different interventions can be visualised quantitatively under different scenarios; and (3) an alternative methodology to examine the trend of the project period is offered.

We report the evolution of the thermoelectric and mechanical properties of n-type SnSe obtained by iodine doping at the Se site. The thermoelectric performance of n-type SnSe is detailed in the temperature range starting from 150 K ≤ T ≤ 700 K. The power factor of 0.25% iodine doped SnSe is found to be 0.33 mW m−1 K−2 at 700 K, comparable to that of the other monovalent doped n-type SnSe. The temperature-dependent electrical conductivity of the undoped and iodine doped SnSe samples is corroborated by using the adiabatic small polaron hopping model. A very low value of thermal conductivity, 0.62 W m−1 K−1, is obtained at 300 K and is comparable to that of SnSe single crystals. The low thermal conductivity of n-type polycrystalline SnSe is understood by taking into account the anharmonic phonon vibrations induced by the incorporation of heavy iodine atoms at the Se sites as well as the structural hierarchy of the compound. Besides, iodine doping is found to improve the reduced Young's modulus and hardness values of SnSe, which is highly desirable for thermoelectric device applications.

We report the unique actuation characteristics of moisture-driven, fully reversible soft biopolymer films fabricated from Bombyx mori silk. The instantaneous actuation is driven by the water vapor induced stress gradient generated across the thickness of the film, and it possesses subsecond response and actuation times. The excellent durability and consistent performance of the film without any noticeable fatigue are established by subjecting it to more than a thousand continuous actuation cycles. The weight-lifting capability of the film is fascinating, where a few tens of micrograms of water generate a colossal force required to lift hundreds of milligrams of weight. Several other potential uses of silk fibroin based soft actuators, such as an intelligent textile layer with the crescent-shaped windows that open on perspiring skin and an autonomous crawler, are also demonstrated. Interestingly, even moisture emanating from the human palm triggers the ultrafast actuation process. These silk films are fabricated using a simple facile solution-casting technique, which can be scaled up with relative ease.

Asphalt production plants play an important role in the field of civil engineering, but also in the entire economic system since the construction of roads enables uninterrupted functioning within it. In this paper, the ranking of asphalt production plants on the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina has been performed. The modern economy needs contemporary models and methods to solve complicated MCDM problems and, for these purposes, it has been developed an original Interval Rough Number (IRN) Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model that implies an extension of two methods belonging to the field with interval rough numbers. After forming a list of eight most significant criteria for assessing the efficiency of asphalt production plants, the Interval Rough Number PIvot Pairwise RElative Criteria Importance Assessment (IRN PIPRECIA) method was developed to determine the significance of the criteria. A total of 21 locations with asphalt mixture installation were considered. For that purpose, seven asphalt production plants were included, and for their ranking, the IRN EDAS (Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution) method was created. The aim of this paper is to develop a novel interval rough model that can be useful for determining the efficiency of asphalt production plants. Averaging in group decision-making (GDM) for both methods was performed using an IRN Dombi weighted geometric averaging (IRNDWGA) aggregator. The obtained results show that (A15) Ruma (SP)–Mačvanska Mitrovica–Zasavica has the best characteristics out of the set of locations considered in this study. However, Alternatives A6 and A19 are also variants with remarkably good characteristics since there is very little difference in values compared to the first-ranked alternative. Also, the obtained results have shown that the developed model is applicable, which is proven through a comparative analysis.

A procedure for the expedient synthesis of well-characterized Cu(I) oxide nanoparticles (Cu2ONPs) from Cu(II) salts by employing Rice (Oryza sativa) as a cheap and ready source of reducing as well as stabilizing agent has been demonstrated. The judicious choice of rice as a catalyst has helped in the symbiotic combination of two events: viz., acidic hydrolysis of starch to form glucose and the subsequent formal reduction of Cu2+ by the in-situ generated monosaccharide reducing sugar (glucose) under the alkaline condition to produce Cu2O. Further, rice was also found to be effectively stabilizing the nanoparticles from agglomeration. Optical and microscopic techniques were suitably employed for the characterization of the nanoparticles of approximately 10 nm size. Furthermore, the specifically generated nanoparticles were found to be active catalysts in an aqueous medium for Azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition (Click reaction) under base free condition via one-pot multi-component addition for the synthesis of mono-, bis- and tris-1,2,3-triazoles in good to excellent yields. Cu2ONPs synthesized using hydrolysed Rice, an active catalyst for synthesis of mono-, bis- and tris-1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles via one pot multicomponent reactions in water.

There is a changed perspective regarding the development of cities and increasingly many countries in the West and some developing countries, as in South Africa, are making concerted attempts to transform their cities to smart cities. Using the context of the city of Bloemfontein, South Africa and drawing on the perceptions of stakeholders, the objective of the paper is to offer a perspective on such a transformation. The study first assessed the performance of various factors and attributes that influence three important aspects of a smart city: economy, mobility and governance system. It then recorded the viewpoints of stakeholders about how these aspects can contribute to the development of a smart city. Further, Applied Systems Analysis (ASA) linked System Dynamics (SD) conceptual models based on the interlinkage and causal feedback relationships among various factors under each aspect were developed, which could assist in offering perspectives that would enable eliciting of policy interventions to develop smart cities. Findings indicate that there are potentials and positive indicators in all three aspects. It is emerged that reinforcement of the inter-relationship among entrepreneurship, innovation, productivity, economic image and international embeddedness will foster a smart economy. Efficient public transportation and advancement of Information Communication Technology (ICT) system will strengthen local accessibility and ensure an innovative, sustainable and safe transportation system that will result in smart mobility. Effective participation of stakeholders in the decision-making process alongside the elected city council and transparency will aid smart governance. The combined effect of these attributes should enable the transformation of the city to a smart city.

A noncovalent interaction based self-assembled ruthenium (II) phthalocyanine (RuPc) and N-pyridyl-peryleneimide (PyPMI) dyad has been exploited to fabricate n-type dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This supramolecular dyad design is an alternative method to replace the most challenging synthesis of covalent-linked dyads. Metal-coordinated-based dyad complex improved the light-harvesting properties of the photoanodes as opposed to when individual dye anchored on TiO2 surface alone. DSSCs comprise of RuPc⋅PyPMI dyad convert light-to-electrical energy more efficiently (η = 2.29%) than those made of single dye under one sun irradiation (100 mW cm−2) condition. The enhanced photovoltaic performance of the dyad-based devices is due to the broader light absorption of the dyad in the longer wavelengths, enabling better electron injection into the conduction band of TiO2. The combined effect of efficient electron-hole charge separation and the long-lived charge-separated states facilitated the higher short-circuit current density (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) of the devices. The enhancement of Voc and Jsc of the devices is confirmed by measuring current–voltage (I–V) curve and incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) spectrum of each device.

Our understanding of crop response to elevated [CO2] concerning its growth and yield has improved significantly. However, little is known about the germination and vigour of seeds harvested from mother plant grown under elevated [CO2], particularly in rice. Since elevated [CO2] influences the physiological functions of crop and seed development process, it is expected that such changes will alter the quality of the seed. To test this hypothesis, rice crop (IR 36) was grown in open top chamber (OTC) with varying [CO2] [410 (ambient), 510, 610 and 720 ppm] and seed quality in terms of germination and vigour [accelerated ageing test (AAT) and electrical conductivity (EC)] was assessed. Elevated [CO2] up to 610 ppm had no effect on seed germination; but, [CO2] at 720 ppm reduced the germination of freshly harvested seeds. Elevated [CO2] at 610 and 720 ppm reduced seed vigour. An increase in abnormal seedlings and dead seeds were symptomatic of the seed physiological deterioration associated with loss of seed vigour. Elevated [CO2] at 720 ppm reduced seed nitrogen content, substrate availability, and its subsequent translocation. Thus, atmospheric [CO2] above 610 ppm reduced seed vigour of rice.

A series of binuclear palladium(II)-based self-assembled metallomacrocycles of Pd2L′2L2 type compositions were synthesized by complexation of an imidazole appended non-chelating bidentate ligand L with different cis-protected palladium(II) components (i.e. PdL′). The complexes [Pd2(en)2(L)2](NO3)4, 1, [Pd2(tmeda)2(L)2](NO3)4, 2, [Pd2(bpy)2(L)2](NO3)4, 3, and [Pd2(phen)2(L)2](NO3)4, 4 were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and their nuclearities were established with the help of ESI-MS. Solid state structures of the complexes 2, 3 and [Pd2(phen)2(L)2](OTf)4, 4′, were established by the single-crystal XRD technique. These metallomacrocycles could act as tectons for crystal engineering by using the available π-surface on their architectures. The crystal packing of these molecules revealed the importance of the π-surface on the ligand moiety as well as on the cis-protecting moiety. Utilization of the π-surfaces afforded 1D to 3D supramolecular networks in solid state.

Hypothesis Evaporating sessile drops containing surface active colloids is a promising route to self-assemble two-dimensional nanostructures. The standard protocol is to first self-assemble surface active nanoscale particles at the water-vapour interface and subsequently transfer it on to a solid surface. Colloidal monolayers with very few morphologies have been fabricated, exploiting this bottom-up self-assembly technique. However, the evaporation kinetics under controlled humidity conditions may dramatically alter the microstructure of self-assembled colloidal monolayers at the liquid–vapor interface and that on the solid surfaces, an aspect that has not been fully addressed in the prior studies. Experiments To this end, we present an experimental study of evaporation driven self-assembly of soft poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) microgel particles loaded in a sessile drop. The surface-active microgel particles spontaneously populate the water-vapour interface facilitating the suppression of the coffee-ring effect and the formation of monolayer stains. The role of evaporation kinetics under controlled humidity conditions on the colloid’s microstructure adsorbed to the solvent-air interface and on the morphology of the colloidal monolayer transferred onto the solid surface are studied in detail. Findings The formation of particle-free and particle-rich regions at the water–vapor interface is observed for sessile drops evaporated under saturated humidity conditions. We show that the evaporation induced shrinkage of the interface area and the enhancement of the areal density of microgel particles adsorbed onto the interface leads to a restructuring of the particle-laden interface. The rearrangement of microgel particles along the water–vapor interface resembling the de-wetting assisted patterns is transferred to the solid substrate upon complete evaporation of the solvent. The microgel particles in the deposit assemble into domains with enhanced crystalline order. The evolution of Voronoi entropy across the monolayer deposit patterns obtained by the standard and slow evaporation routes are presented.

Conformations of disulfide and diselenide were compared in (Boc-Cys/Sec-NHMe)2 and (Boc-Cys/Sec-OMe)2 using X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, density functional theory (DFT), and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Conformations of disulfide/diselenide in polypeptides are defined based on the sign of side chain torsion angle χ3 (-CH2 -S/Se-S/Se-CH2 -); negative indicates left-handed and positive indicates right-handed orientation. In the crystals of (Boc-Cys-OMe)2 and (Boc-Sec-OMe)2 , the disulfide exhibits a left-handed and the diselenide a right-handed orientation. Characterization of cystine and selenocystine derivatives in solution using 1 H-NMR, natural abundant 77 Se NMR, 2D-ROESY, and chemical shift analysis coupled to DMSO titration has indicated the symmetrical nature and antiparallel orientation of Cys/Sec residues about the disulfide/diselenide bridges. Structural calculations of cystine and selenocystine derivatives using DFT further support the antiparallel orientation of Cys/Sec residues about disulfide/diselenide. The far-ultraviolet (UV) region CD spectra of cystine and selenocystine derivatives have exhibited the negative Cotton effect (CE) for disulfide and positive for diselenide confirming the difference in the conformational preference of disulfide and diselenide. In the previously reported polymorphic structure of (Boc-Sec-OMe)2 , the diselenide has right-handed orientation. In the X-ray structures of disulfide and diselenide analogues of Escherichia coli protein encoded by curli specific gene C (CgsC) retrieved from Protein Databank (PDB), disulfide has left-handed and the diselenide right-handed orientation. The current report provides the evidence for the local conformational difference between a disulfide and a diselenide group under unconstrained conditions, which may be useful for the rational replacement of disulfide by diselenide in polypeptide chains.

Temperatures have a major effect on potato crop growth and yield attributes during the crop growing season. In this study, the SUBSTOR-Potato model was used to simulate the potato crop growth and yield in a sub-tropical region of West Bengal comprising of three districts, namely West Medinipur, Bankura and Birbhum in India. Also, the effect of temperature and planting dates scenario on potato crop growth was evaluated by using 30 years historical weather data of the aforesaid districts. Field experiments were conducted on potato crops of cultivar Kufri Jyoti under two planting dates (10th and 25th of December) and different fertilizer treatments in the years 2013–2014 and 2014–2015, respectively. The statistical results showed the satisfactory performance of the model with an R2 of 0.82 to 0.98 and d-stat of 0.94 to 0.98 for the year 2013–2014 and an R2 of 0.89 to 0.98 and d-stat of 0.97 to 0.98 for the year 2014–2015. Evaluation of planting dates with past 30 years historical data showed planting dates 20th and 30th of November resulted in average higher yield than planting dates 10th, 25th and 30th of December, respectively, in current climate scenario. Furthermore, the study suggests that amending the planting dates is an effective climate change adaptation strategy for reducing the effect of temperature on the yield of a potato crop in the near future.

Eumelanins are melanocyte-derived natural pigments with inherent electrical cues and outstanding physicochemical properties, which enhance the electroconductivity of the synthetic polymeric scaffold, upon incorporation as nanoparticles. Electrospun nanofibrous meshes generated from such composite polymers are of great interest for muscle tissue engineering applications. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of fabricating nanofibrous scaffolds of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated with eumelanin nanoparticles (EUNp) by electrospinning and further assessed their impact on myogenic differentiation of skeletal myoblasts. Morphological and physicochemical analysis of EUNp-PVA nanofibrous mesh showed uniform, bead-free, thermally stable, and randomly oriented nanofibers (450 ± 10 nm) with effective retention of the incorporated EUNp, without any chemical cross-reactivity. Voltammetric measurements of EUNp-PVA mesh exhibits stable electrical conductivity (∼4.0 S cm

Supramolecular gels prepared from low-molecular-weight gelators have been extensively explored. However, the exploitation of discrete or polymeric metal complexes as gelators is a relatively recent trend. The synthesis of self-assembled coordination complexes from palladium(II) and selected ligands is well established, but the potential of these complexes as gelators is a less explored treasure. Herein we focus on the gelation abilities of some self-assembled palladium(II) complexes and the resulting unique properties. First, discrete complexes with PdL, PdL2 , Pd2 L, Pd2 L2 , Pd2 L4 , and Pd3 L6 compositions are discussed. Second, gelation behavior promoted by coordination-polymer-like gelators formed in situ is explored. These gel samples have been employed in catalysis and the uptake of organic and dye molecules from the solution and gas phases. It is concluded that untapped unique properties can be realized by further exploration of designer palladium(II) complexes.