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Methamphetamine has been documented to be associated with pulmonary hypertension. Past studies have shown the association of methamphetamine abuse with pulmonary hypertension; however, cases of isolated acute to subacute right heart failure secondary to methamphetamine use have not been documented. Acute to subacute right heart failure, secondary to methamphetamine use itself represents a diagnostic challenge as there is no specific protocol in place for evaluation for pulmonary hypertension secondary to methamphetamine use and high degree of suspicion is needed to differentiate it from other cardio-pulmonary conditions. Echocardiographic findings of increased right ventricular systolic pressure along with morphological findings suggesting cardiac remodeling in the setting of methamphetamine use is highly suspicious of acute to subacute right heart failure. Early recognition and management, along with long-term abstinence from methamphetamine use is critical to prevent chronic effects on myocardium and to prevent further cardiac remodeling. Although dedicated cardiothoracic imaging and cardiac catheterization can be beneficial; neither of these modalities are needed to establish the diagnosis and to initiate primary interventions. Computed tomography (CT) scan however would be beneficial in excluding other causes of pulmonary hypertension, such as primary pulmonary conditions and pulmonary embolism.

Field surveys were conducted at ten days intervals from February 2016 to September 2017 in six Kinnow orchards at three locations (Ludhiana, Abohar, Hoshiarpur) in different agroclimatic zones of Punjab to evaluate the population dynamics of mites on kinnow. The study revealed the occurrence of Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), B. californicus (Banks), Tetranychus urticae Koch, Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) and Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) as the most common phytophagous mites. The predatory mites viz., Euseius alstoniae Gupta, E. finlandicus (Oudemans) and Cunaxa setirostris (Hermann) were also found. The study showed that weather factors affected mites similarly in different fruit zones of Punjab. There was a negative correlation between mite abundance and rainfall at all locations. The families viz. Tenuipalpidae, Tarsonemidae and Cunaxidae exhibited a negative correlation with temperature and a positive with maximum relative humidity (RH). Tetranychidae had positive relationship with temperature and a negative one with maximum RH. Mite species peaked differently during various months but were more abundant in the arid (Abohar) followed by central (Ludhiana) and submontane zone (Hoshiarpur) of Punjab.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The study was planned to determine the incidence and analyze various epidemiological factors tend to be associated with delayed adverse donor reactions (ADR). MATERIAL AND METHODS The prospective observational study was conducted in Department of Transfusion Medicine of tertiary care hospital from January 2019 to December 2019. Eligible blood donors were observed for any adverse reactions after 15 minutes of removal of phlebotomy needle. Further, telephonic calls were made to each enrolled blood donor on day-2 and day-7 of the whole blood donation. For each day, two calls were made at an interval of 4 hours before declaring the participant to be non-responder. RESULTS A total of 1540 (84.1%) blood donors responded on day-2 and 1610 (87.9%) responded on day-7 of follow-up. Total 180 (11.2%) blood donors experienced delayed ADRs. Two donors (1.1%) experienced on-site while 178 (98.89%) reported off-site delayed ADRs when followed-up telephonically. Commonest delayed ADRs reported were bruise (n=72; 30.9%), arm-pain (n=61; 26.2%) and generalised weakness (n=44; 18.9%). Female donors (27.3% vs. 11.2%; p=0.004), first time donors (15.2 vs. 9.9%; p=0.002), donors with low body-weight (range of 45-60 kg; 15.9% vs. 11.5% vs. 6.1%; p=0.011) and body mass index < 18.5 (24% vs. 12.5% vs. 9.7% vs. 11.3%; p=0.028) experienced more delayed ADRs. CONCLUSION Blood donors do experience delayed ADRs but these are not reported to the blood centers as these are usually mild. However, it is important to capture these delayed adverse donor reactions and report it to National Hemovigilance Program so that strategies can be formulated to prevent their occurrence and recurrence.

Capsicum is a popular vegetable crop grown under protected cultivation, but it provides congenial microclimate for insects and mites. The present study evaluates the seasonal incidence of mites on capsicum under nethouse conditions (2017, 2018). Simple, partial, and multiple correlation/regression coefficients of the incidence of mites with weather parameters revealed that the yellow mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) exhibits significant negative correlation with minimum temperature and significant positive correlation with morning relative humidity (RH). With two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch and predatory phytoseiid and stigmaeid mites, it was observed that there exists a significantly positive correlation with maximum, minimum and mean temperature but a negative one with morning RH. The weather parameters individually do not have much effect on mite incidence when other weather parameters were kept constant (partial correlation); however, all weather parameters had significant effect on mite incidence (multiple correlation). Preference of two spotted spider mite and yellow mite for different plant canopy level was also worked out; it was found that T. urticae preferred middle canopy followed by top and bottom ones, while P. latus preferred top canopy followed by others.

World health organization defined preterm as a live born infant delivered before 37 week from the first day of last menstrual period. These babies are also termed as immature or born early. There are three sub-categories of preterm based on gestational age: Extremely preterm (

Protocols for transfusion therapy in transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) children differ among various medical centers. In India, most centers consider only the patient's weight while calculating the volume of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) to be transfused. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of PRBC transfusions of different volumes calculated either by weight or by a formula using weight and pretransfusion hemoglobin of patient and hematocrit of PRBC.Sixty TDT patients in the age group of 3-9 years were enrolled and randomly allocated to two groups. Group A received PRBC transfusion volume based on the patient's weight, and Group B received PRBC volume calculated using a formula for 6 months.Average pretransfusion hemoglobin in Group A and Group B (9 ± 0.4 vs. 8.9 ± 0.4 g/dl) was not significantly different (p = .353). Although the average number of visits in 6 months was less for Group A compared to Group B (7 ± 1 vs. 8 ± 1; p = .001); the average volume transfused per visit was more (351 ± 78 vs. 287 ± 68 ml; p = .003). The calculated average annual pure red cell requirement of the patients was 178 ml/kg/year for Group A and 154 ml/kg/year for Group B (p = .000). Total donor exposures were significantly lower in Group B than Group A (11 ± 3 vs. 14 ± 3; p = .006).The number of donor exposures and annual pure red cell requirement was significantly lower in the formula-based group. Transfusions based on formula are recommended in TDT patients.

The ongoing challenge of research and development is focusing on increasing the overall capacity of the transmission medium, achieving a high bit rate, and designing long-haul optical communication systems. The main requirement of the transmission system in supporting high bit rates in optical communication systems is their tolerance to nonlinear fiber impairments. Optical soliton pulses that preserve their shape over long distances are the straightforward solution to this problem. In this paper, DWDM soliton-based optical communication system is designed to mitigate the nonlinear effects at a data rate of 10 Gbps with channel spacing of 100 GHZ by using a microring resonator (MRR) device which acts as an add/drop filter that generates a filter narrowband wavelength from a wider optical spectrum. The transmission link of the optical fiber has a total length of 180 km and MRR is inserted at the end of the loop which provides the required bandwidth. The high bit rate signals can be transmitted through this MRR system to get the filtered signal which is less affected by the nonlinearities. This filtered signal is observed at a total transmission distance of 54,000 km. Also, by using dispersion compensation techniques, the impact of four-wave mixing (FWM) is mitigated. The performance of the designed system is evaluated based on the quality factor (Q-factor) along with the bit error rate (BER) obtained.

Charge transport (p-channel and/or ambipolar) in thin film and single crystal OFET devices and efficacious NLO response of tetrathis/oxa[22]porphyrin(2.1.2.1)s and/or their air stable, supramolecular donor-acceptor dyads, present new possibilities in organic electronics.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The present study was planned to assess the clinical utility of reticulocyte haemoglobin content (CHr) and immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) in the early detection of latent iron deficiency in blood donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted using the purposive sampling method. Written informed consent was obtained and donors were allocated into the first-time (FTD) and regular donor (RD) group. The enrolled blood donors (n = 205 in each group) were followed up for two subsequent whole blood donations. Haemoglobin (Hb), CHr, IRF and serum ferritin values were recorded at enrolment and two follow-ups. RESULTS The sensitivity of CHr in detecting iron-deficient erythropoiesis (serum ferritin values ≤ 26 μg/dl) was 45% and 56.7%, specificity 96.7%, positive predictive value (PPV) 85.6% and 90.8% and negative predictive value (NPV) 80.1% and 78.7%, respectively in FTD and RD cohorts. The sensitivity of IRF was 45.1% and 44.8%, specificity 93.4% and 97.1%, PPV 74.8% and 90.4% and NPV 79.6% and 74.5%, respectively in both the cohorts. The sensitivity of CHr in detecting absent iron stores (serum ferritin values ≤ 15 μg/dl) was 66.2% and 74.4%, specificity 92% and 90.6%, PPV 56.7% and 68.7% and NPV 94.5% and 92.8% among FTD and RD cohort, respectively. The sensitivity of IRF was 72.7% and 65.3%, specificity 90.3% and 94.3%, PPV 54.4% and 76% and NPV 95.4% and 90.8%, respectively in both the cohorts. CONCLUSION Reticulocyte hemoglobin content and IRF can be used along with complete blood count for early detection of iron deficiency in blood donors using the same blood sample at no extra cost.

Islam is a universal and inspired religion. Islam is the second most widely practiced religion in the world after Christianity. It is a religion based on the ideology of the Qur’an. It is completely dedicated to the oneness and supremacy of Allah. From the earliest times man has been in search of truth. Muslims are one of those who have accepted the messages of the spiritual prophets in an effort to reach reality. Islam is also called the primary religion. It is a prophetic and Semitic religion. Its arrival is believed to have started with the arrival of Hazrat Adam (PBUH) and Eve. After this many prophets came and the last prophet was Hazrat Muhammad . This study seeks to consider the context of human rights in the light of the Qur’an.In this research article an attempt has been made to study the existence of human and human rights in Islam. Various aspects of human rights have been studied, including the Qur’anic qutoes and the special references to various scholars. The rights under the independent Charter for the basic rights of citizens under the Islamic State have been briefly studied, so that Islamic human rights can be analyzed.

Objectives During plateletpheresis, citrate induces hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, which are usually transient and self-limiting, but they can lead to significant donor discomfort. The aim of study was to determine the effect of citrate infusion on a multitude of biochemical parameters during plateletpheresis in healthy donors and to correlate changes with adverse donor reactions. Methods The study was conducted on 60 healthy plateletpheresis donors. Blood samples were drawn on three occasions, a baseline pre-donation sample, 30 min at start of procedure and 30 min post procedure. Heparinized samples were taken to measure ionized calcium and plain samples to measure serum calcium, serum magnesium, parathyroid hormone, total protein and serum albumin. Results There was statistically significant decline in mean total calcium (9.27 ± 0.66 mg/dl to 8.72 ± 0.87 mg/dl) and ionized calcium (3.8 ± 0.51 mg/dl to 2.9 ± 0.67 mg/dl) from baseline until 30 min after the start of procedure respectively. A significant fall in serum magnesium, total protein and serum albumin was observed. The mean parathyroid hormone showed significant increase from baseline levels till at the completion of procedure (19.94 ± 12.1 pg/ml to 92.08 ± 36.78 pg/ml). If the yield was set constant, there was negative correlation between ACD used and pre-donation platelet count. Majority of adverse donor reactions were hypocalcemic reactions, which were more with Amicus double yield plateletpheresis and were managed with calcium supplementation. Conclusion Plateletpheresis induces marked reduction in serum calcium and magnesium levels. Moreover, increase in parathyroid hormone levels was significant. In addition, decline in total protein and serum albumin may be a concern in donors also participating in plasmapheresis.

The development of selective and sensitive chemical sensors capable of detecting metal ions, anions, neutral species, explosives and hazardous substances, selectively and sensitively has attracted considerable interest of various research groups. The presence of such analytes within the permissible limits is often beneficial, but the excess amounts may lead to lethal effects to both the environment as well as the living organisms. Owing to the toxicity of the heavy metal ions, toxic anions and nitro-aromatics which are main constituents of explosives, the timely detection of these materials is most desirable to ensure safety and security of the mankind. In this personal account, we present several classes of molecular sensors that were specifically designed in our lab during the past decade for detecting several species in solutions, solid state as well as biological media. Modulation of the optical properties in response to the presence of guest species, led to selective and sensitive detection protocols, and was supported by the theoretical studies wherever possible. We have also extended the application of some of these probes for the on-site detection of analytes by developing the paper strips, glass slides and even the wool and cotton fabrics loaded with probes. One such development represents detection of palladium in human urine and blood samples collected from clinical samples. Additionally, the sensing events in some cases have successfully been reproduced in the live cancer cells. Based on the ease and cost-effective synthesis of the molecular probes, we hope that this account shall provide significant information to researchers in understanding the structure dependent sensing capabilities of the molecular probes.

A new julolidine-fluorene based excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)/aggregate induced emission (AIE) active Schiff-base (JDF) has been synthesized and evaluated for its photophysical properties in solution and aggregated/solid states. The correlation between the emission behavior and the solid state crystal packing structure revealed the interplay of ESIPT coupled excimer reaction occurring in the solid state, which is one of the rare examples reported so far. For a comprehensive comparison, we synthesized a non-ESIPT methyl derivative (JDF-Me) of JDF capable of showing excimer emission only in the solid state. Further, JDF exhibits normal as well as keto emission in solution, upon addition of water, its poor solvent, that promotes aggregation, the fluorescence emission shows the preponderance of the excimer band in the low energy region. It was also interesting to note that in the solid state (thin films), JDF shows emission beyond the excimer emission, which is wavelength dependent. This is attributed to the formation of diverse clusters leading to the extended delocalization beyond excimers, and represents a clustering-triggered emission ascribing bright red color to the solid JDF. Such mélange of emission characteristics of JDF are responsible for the multicolor emission covering a broad range of electromagnetic spectrum, which is demonstrated by the confocal microscopy images of the JDF recorded in different states. Further, in its aggregated state, JDF recognized Cu

Rationale: The implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the education sectors came as a call from the UN General Assembly that declared the years 2005 – 2014 as being Decade for ESD (DESD). Agenda 2030 is being pursued to meet the unfinished targets. The purpose of this study is to bring out the potential of Educational Practices [EPs] for ESD in schools of Delhi in order to make a contribution to the implementation of ESD in schools. Objectives of the Study:  To identify the EPs undertaken in schools to implement Education for Sustainable Development [ESD].  To examine the role of identified EPs to develop ESD competencies. Methodology of the Study: The study was qualitative and exploratory in nature. Framework for the UNDESD International Implementation Scheme was used to delimit a themes or perspectives of ESD for the study. Educational Practices [EPs] based on these delimited themes that are carried out in these 15 schools were then identified. The data from the interview was triangulated with observations. No attempt has been made in this study to compare between the sample schools for the implementation of ESD; as this was not the purpose of the study. Also, focus of the study has been kept on the school-wide programme; keeping in view that an isolated EP cannot achieve desirable outcomes. Findings: Educational Practices included a systematic array of school activities, related policies, and approaches to achieve learning in ESD. Within these practices, there are different levels of complexity. These Educational practices had a common element- these EPs engaged the learners actively. Competency-building is promoted as learners dwell in these educational problems that simulate real-life experiences. There is a tremendous amount of work happening on the ground but it is disconnected and not aligned to learning goals. In this regard, the competency based education emphasised in NEP should be carefully dwelled upon while giving form and structure to the EPs conducted for implementation of ESD.

Improvement in the first hyperpolarizability (β

The coronavirus pandemic confronted blood transfusion services with major challenges. The present study was conducted to explore the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood transfusion services including seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections.A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted and data on blood donation, utilization, camps, plateletpheresis and seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) was retrieved from software from March to September 2020 and 2021 and compared with corresponding time periods of three preceding non-pandemic years.There was a decline of 53.79% and 34.4% in blood donations in 2020 and 2021 respectively with a significant reduction in voluntary donations from 91.8% in the pre-pandemic period to 72.2% in 2020 and 77.7% in 2021. Replacement donors increased by 60.81% and 72.89% in 2020 and 2021 respectively. There was a decline of 48.4% in the number of plateletpheresis procedures in 2020 which increased in 2021 during the dengue outbreak. The decline in total blood donations and issue of packed red blood cells was statistically significant but supply and demand were balanced with no deficit. TTI seroprevalence increased from 1.01% to 1.49%(p0.001) and 1.51%(p0.001) in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Replacement donors showed a significantly higher TTI prevalence as compared to voluntary donors(p0.001). A significant increase in prevalence was observed for Syphilis (0.4%) in 2020 and HBsAg (0.54%), HCV(0.63%) and syphilis (0.25%) in 2021.The potential consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood safety cannot be undermined. Developing a strong database of regular voluntary donors can be instrumental in dealing with future waves and surges in infections.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has historically been a growing burden on the global public health system. Previously, literature on the trends associated with AF-related hospitalizations has been published. However, there seems to be a gap in up-to-date information, notably within the last decade.This study aims to investigate the trends, outcomes, and factors associated with AF hospitalization and the continued impact of AF on the United States health system.Patient data were collected from the years 2011 to 2018 from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 codes. We selected patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of AF. Descriptive statistics, statistical analysis, and Mann-Whitney U testing were employed to compare continuous dichotomous variables. After respective adjustments, multivariate hierarchical logistic regression was used to establish mortality rates, length of stay (LOS), and hospital charges.The study included 509,305 patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of unspecified AF. The mean age of patients hospitalized with AF was 71 years. AF hospitalizations were slightly higher in women as compared to men (51.7% vs. 48.2%). The predominant race involved was Caucasians at 77.9% followed by African Americans and Hispanics at 7.4% and 5.4%, respectively. The three most frequent coexisting conditions noted were hypertension (69.9%), diabetes mellitus (24.3%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (16.4%). Medicare/Medicaid was the primary payer associated with the majority of AF hospitalizations at 72.6%. Overall in-hospital mortality associated with AF hospitalizations was 0.96%. Comorbid conditions conferring the highest mortality risks included coagulopathies (644%) and cerebral vascular accidents (597%). Mean LOS was found to be 3.35 days. Hospitalization charges increased year-over-year and correlated with an increase in the national burden of cost for these patients of $3.6 billion.Our study investigates the national trends surrounding AF hospitalizations. Overall in-hospital mortality rates appear to be stable as compared to prior years and past literature. Comorbid conditions conferring significantly higher mortality rates included coagulopathies, cerebral vascular accidents, acute kidney injury, and end-stage renal disease. Additionally, suboptimal insurance status was also associated with increased mortality risk. The cost of hospitalization in AF patients has increased steadily, conferring a $3.6 billion burden on the US healthcare system.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is largely used in diversifed forms as a condiment, favouring and colouring agent and as a principal ingredient in Indian culinary as curry powder. For the higher productivity, identifcation of location specific production technologies is of prime importance. A study was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab for three consecutive years during kharif seasons of 2013–2015 to appraise the effect of planting methods and plant population on growth and yield of turmeric, and physical properties of the soil. The experiment was arranged in split plot design with four planting methods viz., fatbed, ridge spaced at 45 cm, ridge spaced at 60 cm and bed of 67.5 cm (2 rows per bed) in main plots and three plant populations viz., 1, 33, 334; 1, 66, 667 and 2, 00, 000 plants ha−1 in sub plots with four replications. The results revealed that bed (67.5 cm) planting method registered signifcantly better growth and yield attributes like plant height, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, number of rhizomes per plant and consequently fresh and dry rhizome yields than other planting methods except than fatbed during frst year. Plant height and leaf area index were signifcantly improved while dry matter accumulation and number of rhizomes per plant were signifcantly less with higher plant population than lower plant population. Fresh and dry rhizome yield were signifcantly higher with plant population of 2, 00, 000 and 1, 66, 667 plants ha−1 than plant population of 1, 33, 334 plants ha−1 due to more plants per unit area under higher plant population. Soil bulk density was signifcantly lowered under ridge and bed planting methods than fatbed planting method at shallow (0–15 and 15–30 cm) soil layers, however, no signifcant effect was observed at deeper soil layers of 30–45 and 45–60 cm. Water infltration rate was recorded in the lessening order of ridge spaced at 60 and 45 cm, bed 67.5 cm and fatbed planting methods, respectively.

Ageing is accompanied by several changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) system and older adults frequently present with GI problems. Ageing is a time of numerous illnesses and common disability. The most common health problems seen in all the elderly people are gastrointestinal disorders such as Gastro esophageal reflux disease, constipation, dyspepsia and peptic ulcer. A quantitative approach with pre experimental - one group pre and posttest research design was used to conduct the study.

Background The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the beta thalassemia trait (BTT) and differentiate it from iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) among blood donors. Methods A total of 1,000 samples from blood donors were subjected to complete hemogram with red blood cell indices. Further, Mentzer index (MI) was calculated for samples with mean corpuscular volume (MCV) below 80 fL and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) below 27 pg. Samples with Mentzer index ＜12 were subjected to naked-eye single-tube red cell osmotic fragility test (NESTROFT) followed by hemoglobin electrophoresis in positive cases. Serum ferritin was assessed in NESTROFT-negative cases. Results The prevalence of BTT among blood donors was 3.7% and that of microcytosis among donors was 8.6%. The prevalence of BTT among microcytic donors was 41.8% while that among those with IDA was 11.6%. A value of MI ＜13 was highly sensitive in the diagnosis of BTT. MI ＞13 was found to have both high specificity and high sensitivity for diagnosing IDA. Conclusion A moderately high prevalence of BTT was observed among blood donors. Presently, no screening program is mandatory for screening of BTT among blood donors. Indices like MCV, MCH, and Mentzer Index were thus found to be effective to screen for BTT and IDA among blood donors, and NESTROFT was a cost-effective mass screening method to differentiate BTT and IDA.

Green Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. frutescens Linnaeus) is a highly nutritious and commercial vegetable crop grown in open field and protected conditions throughout the world. However, two-spotted ...

There are various technological tools and software that can be used to enhance the language teaching-learning process. Research has shown that the integration of ‘gamification’ based software like Kahoot! has the ability to influence and enhance language learning outcomes and can be used as effective teaching and assessment tools in language classrooms. This study explores the language teaching and learning experiences of five teachers and 50 secondary students in an international school when they used Kahoot! in their English classes. The study employed a questionnaire with ten items using a five-level categorical Likert scale and a semi-structured interview to collect data. Almost all the teachers reported that Kahoot! was an effective teaching and assessment tool, and the use Kahoot! enabled the teachers to engage students actively in classes. The results from the questionnaire highlighted that almost all the students reported positive experiences when they had lessons integrated with the use of Kahoot!. The majority of students reported that they were able to engage actively in their language lessons when Kahoot! was used. Almost all the students reported positive experiences when they used Kahoot! in their language classrooms. Generally, it was found that Kahoot! enabled students to engage and actively participate in their language learning processes, and teachers used Kahoot! to create a more meaningful and rich language learning experience for their students.

Fine tuning and switching of nonlinear optical response of ferrocene chromophores has been an area of considerable significance as evidenced by a large number of reports in the current literature. In this personal account, we present linear/nonlinear behavior and structure-activity relationships of several classes of donor-π-acceptor designs using organometallic and organic materials, developed by our research group during the last decade. The results especially the electronic absorption spectral and the hyper-Rayleigh scattering have been supported by theoretical calculations. Exploiting the redox behavior of ferrocene donor, we have demonstrated switching of quadratic nonlinear optical responses with reversible redox chemistry, which is a useful attribute of nonlinear optical materials. Based on the ease in synthesis, structure diversification and structure-based large and switchable second-order optical nonlinearity, these materials are potential candidates for electro-optic applications.

Stimuli modulated photophysical properties of a new asymmetric multifunctional molecular probe, 2-(pyren-1-yl)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)thiazolo [5,4-d]thiazole (PYTZ-P) bearing electron-rich pyrene and electron-deficient pyridine units linked through a π-conjugated thiazolo [5,4-d]thiazole (TTz) bridge are reported. Its sensitivity towards protons (TFA) in solution is manifested in the form of bathochromically shifted emission that spreads all over the visible region, and is related to the increased acceptor strength of pyridine upon protonation and subsequent enhanced magnitude of intramolecular charge-transfer in the probe. Similar modulation of the luminescence behaviour of the probe was also observed in the solid state. These observations are well rationalised by the theoretical calculations. The applicability of the sensitivity of the probe towards TFA has been demonstrated by developing the ready-to-use portable paper strips. Furthermore, PYTZ-P showed different acid/base induced absorption/emission switching property. Interestingly, when the response of the probe was noted in the presence of several cations, modulation of the electronic properties was observed only in the presence of Hg

A microwave driven five-level X-type atomic system is proposed to diffract weak probe light into higher-order directions via the phenomenon of electromagnetically induced grating. In the proposed scheme, the effect of various system and field parameters on its higher-order diffraction efficiency is studied. The present atomic scheme offers excellent control over higher-order diffraction intensities by utilizing the microwave induced quantum interference effect. It is observed that the desired first-order diffraction efficiency can be attained through optimal selection of microwave field strength and relative phase factor.