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In recent years, perovskite materials have gained immense popularity due to their role in energy-based applications. Calcium manganese oxides are analogous to the systems that perform water-splitting in the natural photosynthesis process. In this work, we report a convenient method to synthesize CaMnO3 perovskite. Biomineralized vaterite was used as the calcium source to synthesize pure CaMnO3 efficiently. In contrast, commercial CaCO3, which contains the calcite phase, led to the formation of a mixture of calcium manganese oxides. The low bandgap energy of pure CaMnO3 (1.21 eV) enabled it to absorb visible light and be employed as a photocatalyst in the photolytic degradation of toxic dyes viz. rhodamine 6G, rhodamine B, methylene blue and methyl orange. The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine 6G was studied in detail, and 72% dye degradation was observed within 2 h in the presence of pure CaMnO3 in contrast to 46% in the presence of the mixed-phase calcium manganese oxide. The mechanistic pathway of dye degradation was also analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caterpillar complex is the major pest (diamond back moth, cabbage butterfly and tobocco caterpillar) that attack cabbage and reduce marketable yield. In the present study, field efficacy of some biorational insecticides and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) was evaluated individually as well as alternate applications against this caterpillar complex. In individual application method, buprofezin (Award 40SC), spinosad (Libsen 45SC), emamectin benzoate (Suspend 5SG) and Bt were applied in their recommended doses. In alternate applications method, Libsen 45SC, Suspend 5SG and Award 40SC were sprayed at their lower doses after 3 days of Bt application. Data on head infestation (%) and diameter (cm), leaf infestation (%) and area damaged at 5 and 10 DAT (days after treatment), and yield (t/ ha) at harvest were collected. The results reveal that alternate application was found more effective in all the parameters studied, with maximum head yield (t/ ha) and least infestation being observed with Bt alternated (alt) spinosad treated plots. It was followed by spinosad 45SC alone, Bt alt emamectin benzoate 5SG and spinosad 5SG alone. Buprofezin 40SC was found comparatively less effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Travel accessibility is a crucial factor in examining travel and transportation services. However, the lack of suitable transportation facilities often severely affects the daily working schedule of the local inhabitants. Thus, this study aimed to record and examine the accessibility criterion of the commuters of Hyderabad, Pakistan. The data were randomly procured with the help of a questionnaire survey. Total 384 questionnaires were filled from the study to record the accessibility parameter of the local inhabitants. Correlation and frequency tests were performed to analyze data. It was found that local inhabitants in Hyderabad were facing accessibility problems and struggled to reach their destinations efficiently. This study can assist the development authority and traffic department of Hyderabad in formulating relevant policies to mitigate the accessibility problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable recycling and safe disposal of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are growing concerns worldwide. We have synthesized green fluorescent carbon nanodots (CDs) utilizing waste PET bottles as carbon precursors following a greener solvothermal synthetic route in this work. The obtained CDs (∼6 nm) exhibited excellent photoluminescence properties and displayed high selectivity for lead ions (Pb2+) through a fluorescence quenching effect. Besides, the CDs possessed a highly negative zeta potential value of −40 mV, which suggests good colloidal stability of the nanosuspension. The synthesized optical nanosensor demonstrated excellent anti-interference activity for Pb2+ detection despite the presence of co-existing cations or anions. The calculated low detection limit of ∼21 nM and fast response time of the synthesized nanoprobe displayed its significant potential in trace level detection of Pb2+ ions from the aqueous medium. Furthermore, the synthesized CDs proved their excellent practicality in sensing Pb2+ ions from actual water samples. Therefore, the present work's findings illustrate the CDs as a promising fluorogenic probe for environmentally benign and cost-effective detection of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomineralization of calcium-based biominerals is influenced by organic molecules containing oxygen donor atoms. In this work, we were able to synthesize and stabilize the least stable crystalline phase of CaCO 3 , vaterite , using the biologically useful organic molecule curcumin as the template. The vaterite phase formed was stable in solution at least for 18 h. A comparative study with chemically similar molecule quercetin , a flavonoid, was performed. Though quercetin as a template could not stabilize the vaterite phase, an interesting observation was made in terms of the morphology of the calcite particles obtained. A dumbbell-shaped morphology, different from the usual rhombohedral morphology of the calcite crystals was obtained under ambient conditions. The maturation of the CaCO 3 crystals in solution with time was studied to observe the changes in terms of phase and morphology of the particles. Additionally, extended studies were performed to investigate the influence of the change in parameters such as; template concentration, the sequence of addition, temperature and ionic strength on the phase, morphology and size of the particles in the presence of both the templates. A comparative study between the organic molecules curcumin and quercetin as templates in the in vitro biomineralization of CaCO 3. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 34-year-old female presented with unilateral, localized, linear, and brown lesion over the left upper eyelid causing cosmetic blemish. On clinical examination, upturning of the eyelash under the involved skin was seen and diagnosed as a case of cilium incarnatum externum. A simple excision followed by electrolysis for this unusual abnormality provides satisfactory results for both patient and the treating physician. Only 9 cases have been reported till date in world literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Sujit. Jagtap, Gopal. Das, Harsha. Kambale, Ashalatha. Radhakrishnan, M.D.. Nair Introduction: Limbic encephalitis (LE) is characterized by rapidly progressive short-term memory loss, psychiatric symptoms and seizures. We describe the [...]

The present study was conducted on 30 Swamp buffalo cows maintained at Network Project on Buffalo improvement (Swamp), College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam from September 2016 to March 2017 to accumulate data on parturition behavior. Parturition behavior was studied based on direct observations on 30 parturient cows. Restlessness, reduced interest in food and water, lying down and getting up, abdominal straining with arching of the back and frequent urination were the behavioral signs exhibited by all Swamp buffalo cows at first stage of parturition, which continued in the second stage. Licking of the newborn and interest in food and water were exhibited by all cows at the third stage of parturition. Total time required for expulsion of the fetus was 29.00 ± 4.06 min. Lochial discharge was free-flowing in quantity and dark yellow in color and ceased from 9 days of parturition. The weight of placenta and the total number of cotyledons in Swamp buffalo averaged 4.20 ± 0.10 kg and 111.60 ± 2.77, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highlight mainly consolidates the overview of research related to the F−/OH−-induced fixation of atmospheric CO2 as air-stable carbonate/bicarbonate anion(s) within the neutral or charged self-assemblies of artificial receptors in the solid state. The detailed and comprehensive account of the structural aspects amongst one or more host/host-assemblies and respective anions (CO32−, HCO3−)/hydrated-anions/anionic associations are systematically discussed throughout the highlight. Special emphasis has also been given to the construction of some typical supramolecular self-assembled host–guest architectures, such as molecular barrels, capsules, and cages, having arisen due to the uptake of atmospheric CO2 by either acyclic (monopodal, dipodal, tripodal) or cyclic hydrogen-bond donor scaffolds with these planar anions. Studies on the differential binding behavior of these environmentally and biologically relevant anions in aqueous or organic medium, followed by some other significant anion recognition applications, such as extraction and sensing, by utilizing some of these aerial CO2 fixed complexes have also been included in this highlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although research demonstrates the importance of ethical product attributes for consumers, a prior study has not examined the role of consumption target (i.e. self-purchases vs gift-giving) on consumers' preference for products with ethical attributes. Notably, consumers' preference for quality can differ between self-purchases and gifts, and the presence of ethical attributes can impact product quality perceptions. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the presence of ethical attributes alters decision-making in a gift-giving context using perceptions of product quality as an explanatory variable for these differences. Design/methodology/approach: One field study and two controlled experiments test the proposed hypotheses. The experiments were conducted across different product categories and samples. Findings: Results showed that the presence of an ethical attribute leads to higher purchase intentions for products in a gift-giving context compared to self-purchase. Perceived quality mediates this effect. Further process evidence through moderation, including resource synergy beliefs, support the findings. This paper discusses the theoretical, managerial and societal implications of these results. Research limitations/implications: Although care was taken to select products to enhance generalizability, the studies presented here are limited to two products. Further, although the present research includes a field study with actual charity-related purchases, the role of time pressures is not explicitly explored. Finally, the role of brand-self connections is not explored in the current research. The ability for a donor to integrate the mission of a charity into their self-perception or the potential for social normative influences to impact behaviors remains open for exploration. Practical implications: Charities are facing increasing pressures to raise sustainable funds to support their missions. The research provides guidance to marketers and fundraisers in the non-profit sector that allows them to direct more focused fundraising appeals to donors and adapt their fundraising efforts to create a fit between their audience and fundraising appeals. Originality/value: This research demonstrates that consumption target (purchasing for the self versus purchasing for others) is a vital contextual factor that influences customer preference for ethical attributes. These results complement the extant literature by exploring the underlying mechanism behind consumers' responses to the ethical attributes in the case of self-purchase and other-purchase. The underlying effect is supported theoretically by resource synergy beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four neutral dipodal receptors have been purposefully designed and synthesized by varying the substituents from a phenyl to naphthyl moiety to investigate the anion coordinating activities of bis-urea receptors. Crystal structure investigation of the complexes correctly validates the fact that the receptors L1–L4 form halide as well as hydrated halide complexes. Most interestingly in complex 2a, the phenyl based neutral bis-urea receptor L2 binds with two chloride ions via participation of N–H⋯Cl− interaction from the adjacent urea group and aromatic C–H⋯Cl− interaction along with the construction of a halide–water–halide bridged architecture supported by another identical receptor moiety. Meanwhile, another phenyl-based bis-urea receptor L1 binds to one bromide ion (1b) which is coordinated with two water molecules (from the lattice) forming a suitable 2 : 1 anion–receptor interaction. In all cases, the coordinated –NH protons from adjacent urea moieties play an important role in terms of coordination, and are oriented in a trans fashion with respect to the core substituent. The transformation from the phenyl to naphthyl ring shows a clear distinction in halide binding which is very much consistent with the size as well as hydrophobic nature of the substituent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the achievable total throughput of an energy harvesting cooperative cognitive radio (CR) network. A CR transmitter cooperates with a primary user (PU) transmission if PU is found to be present in the given channel while it transmits its own data in the absence of PU. The CR transmitter is an energy harvesting node which harvests simultaneously from non-RF signal as well as RF signal of PU. The CR transmitter uses the harvested energy on shared basis for cooperation and transmission. The same study is also extended for cooperation of multiple CRs in multiple PU band scenario. In cooperation in muti-band scenario, all CRs sense all PU channels and sensing informations are fused at fusion centre to know about the status of PU. Performance is investigated in terms of total network throughput for several parameters such as sensing time, energy splitting parameter, and energy allocation ratio etc. Novel analytical expressions for total useful throughput and optimal energy allocation ratio parameter under the considered network scenario are developed. Useful throughput and optimal energy allocation ratio parameter are also estimated for a target secondary network (CR network) throughput under a quality of service constraint of PU such as collision probability. It is observed that the value of optimal energy allocation parameter gets reduced if the number of CRs in cooperation increases or the number of PU channels increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease affecting microvascular circulation causing complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Nail fold capillaroscopy (NFC) is an in vivo study of microvascular circulation. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe and quantify NFC changes in type 2 diabetics. Materials and Methods: NFC was done for all 10 fingernails for 96 patients with T2DM (as per the American Diabetes Association criteria) and 40 healthy controls. The diabetics were further subdivided into two groups: those with microvascular complications (Group 1, n = 46) and those without any (Group 2, n = 50). Results: Demographic profile was comparable in both the groups. Overall, 80.2% (77/96) of the patients with T2DM showed NFC changes as compared to 12.5% of the healthy controls. Unique morphological alterations in T2DM were angulated and receding capillaries. Mean capillary density was overall reduced, especially in Group 1 (6.57 ± 1.02 capillary/mm) as compared to Group 2 (7.03 ± 1.09 capillary/mm) (P = 0.67). Overall, 89.13% of Group 1 patients had NFC changes as compared to 72% in Group 2 (P = 0.035). Specific morphological changes were also significantly more common in Group 1 than Group 2, including tortuosity (P = 0.035), meandering capillaries (P = 0.004), capillary dropouts (P = 0.012), and bizarre capillaries (P = 0.002). Limitations: A larger sample size study with different demographic populations could have provided a broader picture of NFC changes in T2DM. Conclusion: Our study suggests that NFC changes are correlated with microvascular complications in type 2 diabetics, possibly helping in noninvasive identification of patients at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of porous organic materials for removing radiotoxic iodine from nuclear plant waste is significantly relevant to environmental remediation as well as the detection of trace amounts of nitroexplosive picric acid for environmental safety is challenging. To achieve reversible iodine adsorption by the porous material, we have synthesized a highly stable porous organic polymer POF-1 by Schiff base condensation of tris(4-aminophenyl)methane and 2,2′-bithiophene-5,5′-dicarbaxaldehyde under microwave irradiation. POF-1 showed high affinity towards iodine adsorption due to electron-rich sulfur and nitrogen atoms in the porous structure which interact with iodine and form polyiodide ions by electrostatic interactions. POF-1 showed a remarkable iodine uptake capacity of 4.25 g g−1 in the vapor phase and could efficiently remove iodine from an iodine-cyclohexane solution with an adsorption efficiency of 141.0 mg/L. The iodine adsorption follows Langmuir's isothermal model i.e. monolayer adsorption and Pseudo second-order kinetics. POF-1 exhibited good recyclability towards reversible iodine capture even after five cycles. Furthermore, the luminescence characteristic of POF-1 has been employed for the selective detection of picric acid with high sensitivity with a detection limit of 8 μM among a range of nitroaromatic. The Fluorescence quenching mechanism is mainly attributed to photo-induced electron transfer and the inner filter effect. The porous organic polymer (POF-1) exhibits high iodine uptake capacity in the vapor phase and also adsorbed iodine from the solution. The polymer can selectively detect picric acid in aqueous media. [Display omitted] • The Synthesized porous organic polymer exhibits high iodine uptake capacity. • The polymer exhibits high iodine uptake capacity after five recycle. • The polymer also shows good iodine adsorption capacity in solution. • The luminescent polymer shows high selectivity towards picric acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]