Search

Grid computing is a form of distributed computing but different from conventional distributed computing in a manner that it tends to be heterogeneous, more loosely coupled and dispersed geographically. Grid computing can involve lot of computational tasks which requires trustworthy computational nodes. Load balancing in grid computing is a technique which overall optimizes the whole process of assigning computational tasks to processing nodes. Optimization of this process must contains the overall maximization of resources utilization with balance load on each processing unit and also by decreasing the overall time or output. Evolutionary algorithms like genetic algorithms have studied so far for the implementation of load balancing across the grid networks. But problem with these genetic algorithm is that they are quite slow in cases where large number of tasks needs to be processed. In this paper we give a novel approach of parallel genetic algorithms for enhancing the overall performance and optimization of managing the whole process of load balancing across the grid nodes

Data Scientists nowadays make extensive use of black-box AI models (such as Neural Networks and the various ensemble techniques) to solve various business problems. Though these models often provide higher accuracy, these models are also less explanatory at the same time and hence more prone to bias. Further, AI systems rely upon the available training data and hence remain prone to data bias as well. Many sensitive attributes such as race, religion, gender, ethnicity, etc. can form the basis of unethical bias in data or the algorithm. As the world is becoming more and more dependent on AI algorithms for making a wide range of decisions such as to determine access to services such as credit, insurance, and employment, the fairness & ethical aspects of the models are becoming increasingly important. There are many bias detection & mitigation algorithms which have evolved and many of the algorithms handle indirect attributes as well without requiring to explicitly identify them. However, these algorithms have gaps and do not quantify the indirect bias. This paper discusses the various bias detection methodologies and various tools/ libraries to detect & mitigate bias. Thereafter, this paper presents a new methodical approach to detect and quantify indirect bias in an AI/ ML models.

This case report was submitted to the board under category II for the Indian Board of Orthodontics examination in November 2017. This case report illustrated the treatment of class II division 1 malocclusion by pre-adjusted appliance along with Forsus Fatigue Resistance Device (FRD) fixed functional appliance (single-phase treatment) in a 13.6 year-old female patient whose growth was about to cease. The summary of the treatment, various records, treatment progress, and critical appraisal are reprinted here with minimal editing and reformatting, and hence, the presentation resembles the actual documents submitted to the board.

In this paper, room temperature multiferroic behaviour in Ni (Nickel)-doped NBT (Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3) ceramics synthesized using solid state reaction technique have been investigated. Structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, magnetic and magneto-dielectric properties were consistently probed with the increment in transition metal doping. XRD peaks were indexed for the monoclinic Cc phase. SEM micrographs clearly depicted the reduction of grain size with addition of Ni content. Ferroelectric polarization (P) vs applied electric field (E) hysteresis curves shows an increase in lossy behaviour with an increase in Ni content. The room temperature magnetization (M) vs applied magnetic field (H) curves depict the weak ferromagnetic ordering on increasing the Ni doping. Enhanced magneto-dielectric change of 1.26% was observed in 25% Ni-doped NBT ceramic, which may be useful in the development of novel non-volatile lead-free multiferroic memory devices.

Giant cell tumour of bone accounts for 5% of all primary bone tumours. Multicentric giant cell tumour is an infrequent variety be it either synchronous or metachronous accounting for less than 1% of all giant cell tumours. Synchronous multicentric giant cell tumour of foot and ankle with epiphysiometaphyseal origin is unheard of. We delineate a case of soap-bubble appearance lytic lesions at left distal tibia and talus in an early adolescent woman with biopsy proven giant cell tumour for its rarity and its successful management by extended curettage and allogenic impaction bone grafting.

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have recently emerged as an ideal semiconductor for photovoltaic applications. Most of the advantageous properties of perovskites are dominated by their large charge carrier mobility (μ), which is a key parameter to gauge the photovoltaic performance and stability of MHPs. Simultaneously, the rich structural variation, form and crystallinity of perovskites underpin their carrier mobility. In this review article, we focus on the quantification of carrier mobility in perovskites with dimensional transformation and crystallinity. Furthermore, we have critically analyzed the variation in mobility values as probed by different analytical techniques. We also discuss the fundamental mobility limiting factors that hinder efficient charge transport in these materials and present the recent advancement with a special focus on the dimensionalities including reduced dimensional perovskites and single crystal systems. In addition, the present challenges and possible pathways for mobility enhancement are also discussed in detail.

In bulk hetero-junction organic solar cells (BHJOSCs), light absorption can be improved by employing techniques such as plasmonic effects which can lead to improved device efficiencies. In this manuscript, we demonstrate highly efficient devices obtained upon incorporation of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) of size 10–20 nm at various concentrations into solution processed ZnO (zinc oxide) electron transport layers (ETLs). The inverted OSC devices of configuration ITO/ZnO:Au NPs/PTB7-Th:PC71BM/MoO3/Ag show the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) for an optimum concentration of Au NPs (0.05 wt%) in ZnO ETL layer driven by plasmonic effects leading to improved light absorption and improved interface between the active layer and the ETL leading to improved carrier collection. The effects together cause enhancement in the short circuit current density (Jsc) and fill factor (FF) leading to a maximum PCE of 11.8% with an open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current density (Jsc), and fill factor (FF) of 0.80 V, 21.75 mAcm−2, and ~68%, respectively. This PCE is 24% higher than the control device (ZnO ETL without Au NPs) and is among the best observed values for widely explored bulk hetero-junction (BHJ) solar cells based on PTB7-Th:PC71BM.

Thermal annealing is an important process to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of bulk-hetero junction organic solar cells (BHJ OSCs) by inducing micro-structural changes within the active layer blend’s constituents leading to amelioration of charge transfer/transport dynamics and interfacial properties. This work investigates the impact of thermal annealing on the photovoltaic performance ofPoly[[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl][3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl]] (PTB7):[6,6]-Phenyl C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) (PTB7:PC71BM) thin film blend in the presence of DIO (1,8 –Diiodooctane) additive, at different annealing temperatures (40, 60 and 80 °C) and correlates with the performance of DIO-free devices investigated under similar annealing conditions. Our results show that DIO-containing (w/DIO)blends, annealed at moderate temperature (40 °C) for 1 h exhibit significantly improved short circuit current (Jsc)as well as fill factor (FF) and hence 25% improvement in PCE over bench dried (unannealed) DIO-containing blend films. Interestingly, thermal treatment of DIO containing blend films at a higher temperature of 80 °C results in significant reduction of FF. However, for without DIO (w/o DIO) devices, FF remains unchanged while decrease in Jsc is significant. The inferior performance of both (w/DIO and w/o DIO) the devices at higher temperatures ~80 °C emanates from an unfavorable distribution of the polymer- fullerene network, as shown by morphological and surface potential analyses. Specifically, in w/DIO devices, the decreased performance is possibly induced by the temperature driven, accelerated loss of DIO additive that produces the evolution of undesirable morphology thus deteriorating the performance.

Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate stress pattern and deformation in mid-palatal suture and posterior dentoalveolar area during maxillary expansion therapy with two different types of rapid maxillary expansion by finite element method study. Methods and Methodology: The finite element analysis was performed on a model of maxilla, with narrow maxillary base and teeth digitally reconstructed, based on CBCT images, acquired by child (age 12.5 years) but not in permanent dentition stage from available pool data. Result: More amount of stress was observed in mid-palatal suture and posterior dental alveolar area by using the Hyrax appliance as compared to the Haas appliance. Stress pattern evaluated in mid-palatal suture depicts maximum stress concentration on the anterior region of mid-palatal suture at the position of incisive papilla. Deformation in maximum quantity is observed in central incisors. Maximum stress generation and deformation are observed in lingual region of premolar and molar areas. Minimum stress generation and deformation are observed in the posterior part of last molars. Conclusion: Hyrax produces more stress and deformation in mid-palatal suture as well as in the posterior alveolar segment in comparison to Haas appliance. Better results in the immediate skeletal response were obtained by the Hyrax-type expander as compared to the Haas type.

Herein, we have successfully demonstrated the microstructural evidence of the inhomogeneous interfaces in multilayered capacitors and explained the role of interface activation in the dielectric pe...

Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells are considered as the potential third generation solar cells due to their suitable optoelectronic properties for photovoltaic response. The possibility of size and composition tunability makes quantum dots as relevant absorber materials to match the wider solar spectrum more efficiently. In conjunction, the possibility of multiple electron-hole pair generations at the cost of single photon i.e. multiple carrier generation is showing potential to overcome the theoretical single junction power conversion efficiency limitations. Quantum dot sensitized solar cells are showing power conversion efficiencies up to 12%, very close to its counterpart dye sensitized solar cells. However, QDSSCs efficiencies are still lagging behind the conventional solid state single junction solar cells. In this review, we will discuss the initial evolution of quantum dot sensitized solar cells with their microscopic working principles. The review will also address development of key building blocks and factors such as various interfaces in QDSSCs, carrier transport and recombination across different interfaces, affecting the power conversion efficiency. Further, fundamental concepts of carrier multiplication and possible theoretical models for multiple exciton generation are discussed towards their impact on the power conversion efficiencies of quantum dot sensitized solar cells.

Accurate assessment of LV systolic function remains a challenge, especially in the pediatric population. Myocardial strain measurement by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) is a relatively new modality for assessment of regional and global myocardial wall motion. This study aims to establish the normative value among various pediatric age groups at a large pediatric tertiary care institution and to describe the challenges encountered in establishing such strain data. Transthoracic echocardiograms were acquired in 121 healthy children (age 0–21 years) and were retrospectively analyzed. The global longitudinal strain (GLS) was obtained by 2D speckle tracking using Philips Epiq7® and QLAB post processing software. The normative value for left ventricular GLS (%) obtained in our study was − 20.8 ± 2.3 (

In this work, we have studied the role of a linker across the interface in a multi-layered polymer nanocomposite-based capacitor using barium titanate (BT) nanofibers (NFs) as nanofillers and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the polymer matrix. In a multi-layered device, the interface between the top and bottom layers is usually non-homogeneous and must be taken into consideration for high dielectric performance. The energy densities of single layered PVDF, single layered 1 vol% BT NFs/PVDF (1 vol% B), and bi-layered 1 vol% BT/PVDF-BT/PVDF (1 vol% BB) were 1.8, ∼2.0, and ∼1.7 J cm−3, respectively, at ∼210 MV m−1. To clearly investigate the effect of the interface between the top and bottom layers of BT NFs/PVDF films, a polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) linker layer was incorporated in the middle layer of the device (BT NFs/PVDF-PVP-BT NFs/PVDF abbreviated as BPB). The dielectric study revealed that the middle PVP adhesive layer plays a crucial role in tailoring the dielectric properties as the energy density was surprisingly enhanced to 8.7 J cm−3 for the 1 vol% BPB device at ∼210 MV m−1, which is ∼400% higher than that of the 1 vol% BB device. The present work provides an important finding that interface engineering in a multi-layered polymer nanocomposite helps in making homogeneous interfaces and hence enhancing the energy density at much lower electric fields. Furthermore, this work will provide a new path to fabricate large-scale, low-cost, and highly efficient capacitors using a simple device fabrication method.

In this study, we report on the development of triboelectric energy generators (TEGs) made of porous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and bacterial cellulose (BC) layers and their demonstration as a self-powered sensor for remote security applications. PVDF films are fabricated by room temperature solution casting at different relative humidity (RH) with denser, stronger, and transparent PVDF films obtained at lower relative humidity. Among all the PVDF film based TEGs, the triboelectric generator (TEG) made of the film prepared at a low relative humidity of 10% (PVDF10) shows the highest voltage, current and power density of 410 V, 14.8 μA (current density: 0.57 μA cm−2) and 3.5 mW, respectively and a maximum power density of 0.136 mW cm−2 at 33 MΩ. Enhancement in the value of power density is almost three-fold as compared to that of the PVDF film cast at a high relative humidity of 54% (PVDF54). The high output response of the PVDF10 based TEG is attributed to the rough surface, higher γ-phase fraction, and high dielectric constant of the PVDF10 film. Finally, the potential of a TEG device for practical application in biomechanical energy harvesting is demonstrated by lighting up more than 100 light-emitting diodes using a low-frequency foot strike as a mechanical stimulus along with lighting up of a 5-bit 7 segment LCD display. The device was also used as a self-powered motion sensor for application in wireless security, which could be practically realistic. Overall, the study demonstrates the possible applications of PVDF thin film based TEG devices, which can be fabricated using an easy, room temperature, and environment-friendly processing method.

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) lead to the progressive degeneration of the structural and physiological functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems, resulting in lifelong cognitive and motor dysfunction. Although comprehensive treatment of NDs is lacking, small interfering (si)RNA has shown therapeutic utility in the form of cellular nuclease-driven downregulation of mRNA levels. Various nanotechnologies have been used to modulate crucial physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of siRNA to provide protection and to enhance biomembrane interactions, residence times, tissue absorption, and cellular internalization for improved cytoplasm and/or nucleus interactions. In this review, we highlight advances in, and the role of, siRNA-based nanocarriers for the treatment of various NDs.

Surgical removal of mandibular third molars is associated with some degree of postoperative pain, trismus, and facial swelling. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation in reducing these postoperative side effects after surgical removal of mandibular third molars.This randomized, double-blinded, split-mouth pilot study was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India, among patients with impacted mandibular third molars. In each patient, 1 side was treated by photobiomodulation and the other side received placebo. Photobiomodulation was performed by intraoral and extraoral application of an 830-nm and 30-mW laser at different time points. Pain, trismus, and facial swelling were evaluated at all time points. The number of analgesics taken also was recorded. The data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistics.The study was conducted in 25 patients (56% male patients) with a mean age of 22.16 ± 4.60 years. There were 50 sites divided equally into both groups. The sites treated with photobiomodulation showed a significant reduction in pain and swelling (P .05) compared with the sites in the placebo group. Moreover, an increase in mouth opening was noted after photobiomodulation compared with that in the placebo group, but this was not statistically significant (P .05).The results of this study suggest that photobiomodulation is effective in reducing pain and swelling after mandibular third molar surgery. Hence, it can be used as an alternative and effective modality after surgical removal of mandibular third molars, thereby improving the quality of life of the patients.

The human microbiota is fundamental to correct immune system development and balance. Dysbiosis, or microbial content alteration in the gut and respiratory tract, is associated with immune system dysfunction and lung disease development. The microbiota's influence on human health and disease is exerted through the abundance of metabolites produced by resident microorganisms, where short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) represent the fundamental class. SCFAs are mainly produced by the gut microbiota through anaerobic fermentation of dietary fibers, and are known to influence the homeostasis, susceptibility to and outcome of many lung diseases. This article explores the microbial species found in healthy human gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. We investigate factors contributing to dysbiosis in lung illness, and the gut-lung axis and its association with lung diseases, with a particular focus on the functions and mechanistic roles of SCFAs in these processes. The key focus of this review is a discussion of the main metabolites of the intestinal microbiota that contribute to host-pathogen interactions: SCFAs, which are formed by anaerobic fermentation. These metabolites include propionate, acetate, and butyrate, and are crucial for the preservation of immune homeostasis. Evidence suggests that SCFAs prevent infections by directly affecting host immune signaling. This review covers the various and intricate ways through which SCFAs affect the immune system's response to infections, with a focus on pulmonary diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, asthma, lung cystic fibrosis, and tuberculosis. The findings reviewed suggest that the immunological state of the lung may be indirectly influenced by elements produced by the gut microbiota. SCFAs represent valuable potential therapeutic candidates in this context.

Here, we report the synthesis of pristine and fullerene (C60) modified zinc oxide (ZnO) films by the sol-gel method. Various compositions of C60 ranging from pristine to 0.25 wt%, 0.50 wt%, and 1.00 wt% have been chosen for the modification of ZnO film. The incorporation of C60 in pristine ZnO films modifies its structural, surface morphological, optical, and electrical properties. Structural characterization suggests that pristine and C60 modified ZnO films exhibit Wurtize crystal structure. Surface morphological characterization demonstrates that incorporation of C60 into ZnO leads to the formation of spherical nano-particles which varies on the doping of C60. The properties of C60 doped ZnO films show a reduction in the bandgap values from 3.11 eV to 2.73 eV with enhanced optical absorption and photoluminescence properties. Further, the surface potential and work function of pristine and C60 incorporated ZnO films, as investigated by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) show tuning of Fermi level in pristine and C60 modified ZnO films. The work function of the ZnO films changes from −4.38 eV to −4.46 eV on the incorporation of C60. The variations in work function may be due to reduced microstructural and localized defects offered during the incorporation of C60. Also, C60 modified ZnO Schottky diodes exhibited enhanced carrier mobility with better charge transport properties.

The Shepherd's crook deformity of the proximal femur is a characteristic radiologic feature of fibrous dysplasia. It may be limited to a single bone, which is called monostotic, or may be polyostotic involving multiple bones as seen in McCune-Albright Syndrome. We report a case of a 19-year-old male patient who presented to us with pain in the right hip for one year. He had dysmorphic facies and multiple cafe-au-lait spots over the back, which were suggestive of McCune-Albright Syndrome. The radiographs of the hip showed varus deformity of the proximal femur. A lateral closing wedge osteotomy was done and the defect was filled with morselised femoral head allografts and fibular strut allografts. At the 14-month follow-up, the patient remained functionally active without any symptoms. The use of morselised femoral head allograft combined with strut fibular allograft ensures both stability and improved biology at the site of the lesion without any donor site morbidity.

Background: Currently, cancer is rising as one of the dominant causes of human deaths worldwide. The application of nano-carriers may help to treat cancer through the delivery of anticancer drugs inside the tumor cells. Objective: The foremost objective behind this research was to formulate chondroitin sulfate tailored cellulose acetate phthalate (CSAC) core shield nanoparticles (NPs) containing 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) as an anticancer drug. Methods: The FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopic methods were used to analyze and characterize the formulation of CSAC copolymer. NPs were typified by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Entrapment efficiency and in-vitro drug release. Results: CSAC NPs were found to exhibit moderate release (95.59±0.15% in 34hrs) than CAP NPs (78.97±0.08% in 8 hours). In the course of cytotoxicity examination in A549 cancer cell line, the results revealed that these 5-FU loaded CSAC NPs showed an immense cytotoxic potentiality. Moreover, CSAC NPs exhibit least hemolytic activity when compared with CAP NPs and plain 5-FU. Conclusion: Conclusively, it was found that the CSAC NPs is an efficient carrier system for the better release of 5-FU in lung cancer.

In perovskite solar cell (PSC) devices, hole-transporting materials (HTMs) are vital components affecting the charge separation and playing an important role in achieving high efficiencies. These m...

Conventional ceramic based piezoelectric materials are brittle, which restricts their use in energy harvesting where flexibility is required. Polymer counterparts are flexible but exhibit comparati...

We report on the role of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) additives in PVP/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer blends on compositional transformation dependent dielectric behavior. Our results sho...

Propelled by the development of the Internet of things and other low-power devices such as in health care or sensing applications, there is growing emphasis on development of energy harvesting devi...

This work reports development of a new donor-acceptor–type star-shaped 4,4′,4″-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)tris(N,N-diphenylaniline) (TRZDPA) molecule towards detection of an ultratrace amount of picric acid (PA). TRZDPA showed solvent-dependent fluorescence spectra in an excited state owing to its strong intramolecular charge-transfer properties. As a fluorescent probe, TRZDPA shows remarkable sensitivity towards the PA in a highly selective manner compared with other nitroaromatic compounds. Furthermore, efficiency of the quenching process was evaluated by the Stern–Volmer equation. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of the probe during PA detection was evaluated from the photophysical and other spectral characterizations. The detection limit of PA was 0.37 nM, confirming the detection of PA in aqueous media at a trace level. To facilitate easy detection of PA, TRZDPA-modified fluorescent thin-layer chromatography (TLC) strips were developed as ‘turn-off’ sensors which can be visualized by the naked eye.

Rhabdomyoma of the fetal heart is a rare disease accounting for about 1% of all fetal cardiac structural anomalies. They are often found in association with tuberous sclerosis complex. Large cardiac rhabdomyomas can compromise the cardiac function. We report a case of multiple large rhabdomyomas of the right and left ventricles, affecting the cardiac function, which was successfully treated with the chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive medication everolimus, in a neonate with genetically confirmed tuberous sclerosis complex with multisystem manifestations. There was rapid involution of the tumors in response to everolimus therapy in this infant.

In modern electronic and electric appliances industries, polymer nanocomposites-based capacitors comprising of high dielectric constant ceramics (eg. BaTiO3 (BT), SrTiO3, CaCu3Ti4O12, etc.) and polymers (eg. polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), etc.) are becoming attractive for electrical energy storage applications. High dielectric constant fillers improve the energy density of the capacitors but at the cost of decreased efficiency, large dielectric loss as well as electrical conduction at high fields. In this paper, we present a novel dielectric core-satellite BT-gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) for high energy density capacitor application. Hydroxylated BT NPs (BTO NPs) were immobilized with Au NPs of size ∼4 nm and were used as fillers into PVDF polymer matrix. The results show that the incorporation of Au on BT NPs improved the dielectric constant, energy density as well as efficiency, while reduction in the dielectric loss. To further improve the dielectric properties, Au-BTO NPs were coated with 2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorothiophenol (PFTP) layer. The dielectric properties were further tuned with different PFTP concentrations. The PFTP serves as the bridge between NPs and PVDF polymer by forming hydrogen bonding. The dielectric properties were measured at two different PFTP concentrations (PFTP1 and PFTP1.5, where 1 and 1.5 refer to the molar ratios of PFTP and Au decorated BT NPs). The lower PFTP concentration results in improved dielectric properties while increasing the concentration decreases the overall performance of the capacitors. The energy density of PFTP1-Au-BTO/PVDF was 2.04 J cm−3 at ∼2100 kV cm−1 which was ∼21% higher than that of PVDF and 70% higher than biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), a present state-of-the-art dielectric polymer. Thus, the combination of both, Au decoration on BT NPs and hydrogen bonding of PFTP with PVDF chains are responsible for improved dielectric properties and make these nanocomposites a promising candidate for energy storage applications.