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The lead-free dielectric capacitors with high-temperature stability, high energy storage density and high discharge efficiency are highly needed for pulse power and power electronic applications. In this regard, Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3–PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) ceramic-polymer composites have been synthesized using a cold sintering process. Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 (BST) nanopowder was synthesized using sol–gel combustion method. The BST nanopowder was used for synthesizing the Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3–PVDF composite with 80 wt% BST and 20 wt% PVDF. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed pure phase formation of BST and revealed presence of different phases of PVDF in certain conditions. Thermal stability and surface morphology of the composite has been studied using thermo-gravimetric analysis and SEM, respectively. Dielectric and ferroelectric properties have been studied. Polarization-Electric field hysteresis loop analysis of composite reveals that significantly higher dielectric breakdown strength (more than 400 kV/cm) have been achieved in comparison to pure ceramic which is the main criteria for a potential material for energy storage purpose. Discharge efficiency of BST/PVDF annealed composite upto 95% and high thermal stability up to 300 °C has been achieved in the present case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the functionalities of materials requires a profound understanding of the crystal structure. In this paper, room temperature crystal structures of a new solid solution (1 − x)Ba(Cu1/3Nb2/3)O3-(x)PbTiO3 have been investigated in the entire compositional span and different crystallographic phases and phase coexistence regions have been discovered. The confirmation of the symmetry of these crystal structures has been done with the help of Rietveld analysis of the high-resolution XRD data. Despite both the end components, Ba(Cu1/3Nb2/3)O3 and PbTiO3, having tetragonal (P4mm) symmetry, new cubic and monoclinic phases have been discovered for the intermediate compositions with multiple phase boundaries. The composition region 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.55 exhibits a cubic crystal structure and increasing PbTiO3 concentration to 0.62 results in a unique coexistence of two tetragonal phases with different tetragonalities. This transformation is mediated by coexisting cubic and tetragonal phases, for 0.59 and 0.60. The crystal structure of the solid solution later transforms into coexisting monoclinic and tetragonal phases for a wider compositional span i.e., 0.65 ≤ x ≤ 0.85. This composition region is very fascinating, as two phenomenologically different monoclinic structures have been observed in it. Finally, a tetragonal phase at x = 1 is achieved through the mediation of two coexisting tetragonal phases, for the region 0.85 < x ≤ 0.975. The evolution of different crystallographic structures and the coexisting phases are critically comprehended using the variations in the lattice parameters and unit cell volume. The presence of multiple phase boundaries spread across a wide range of compositions makes this solid solution very intriguing and a viable choice for exploring different properties with compositional tuning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper introduces a new definition of entropy on sequential effect algebras. Unlike the logarithmic behaviour of the entropy defined in the literature, the entropy considered here is of exponential nature. Conditional entropy and entropy on the dynamical system are also introduced and studied. It is also proved that entropy of the dynamical system is invariant under isomorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) in agricultural practices has led to a surge in demand for nano-based products. Herein, we investigate the dose-dependent impacts of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2)/nickel (Ni) NPs, synthesized using Asparagus racemosus Linn. leaf extract, on the seed germination and growth of Vigna radiata (Linn.) Wilczek. In all seed samples, 100% germination was observed in Treatment 1 (2.74 mg mL−1) and Treatment 2 (5.48 mg mL−1) of Ni/Ni(OH)2 NPs. However, in Treatment 3 (8.22 mg mL−1) and Treatment 4 (10.96 mg mL−1), the germination percentage was lower, reaching 80%. Further, Treatment 5 (13.70 mg mL−1) of Ni/Ni(OH)2 NPs showed a reduced germination rate of 60%, indicating a prolonged germination process at higher concentrations. Remarkably, the length of seedlings showed a significant increase in all experimental treatments compared to the control group, which received 5 mL of distilled water. Among the investigated parameters, Treatment 2 demonstrated the most promising outcomes, exhibiting the highest chlorophyll stability index (23.73%) and membrane stability index (67.89%) values, as well as the lowest root ion leakage (24.75%). These findings indicate that Ni/Ni(OH)2 has the capacity to enhance seed germination and foster seedling growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the impending warning of fossil fuel inadequacy, researchers' focus has shifted to alternative fuel generation. This resulted in the use of a wide variety of renewable biomass sources for making biofuels. Biofuels made from biomass are seen as the most promising long-term strategy for addressing issues associated with conventional energy sources, atypical climate change, and greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrocarbons may be efficiently extracted from biomass, which contains a lot of sugars. Biofuels including bioethanol, biodiesel, biohydrogen, and biogas can be produced from biomass for widespread usage in transportation, industry, and households. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of breakthroughs in the manufacturing of biofuels and biogas. This paper examines the big picture of biogas generation, with an emphasis on the many forms of biomass utilization in both commercial and residential settings in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-oncology is a branch of biomedical research and engineering that focuses on using nanotechnology in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Nanomaterials are extensively employed in the field of oncology because of their minute size and ultra-specificity. A wide range of nanocarriers, such as dendrimers, micelles, PEGylated liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles are used to facilitate the efficient transport of anti-cancer drugs at the target tumor site. Real-time labeling and monitoring of cancer cells using quantum dots is essential for determining the level of therapy needed for treatment. The drug is targeted to the tumor site either by passive or active means. Passive targeting makes use of the tumor microenvironment and enhanced permeability and retention effect, while active targeting involves the use of ligand-coated nanoparticles. Nanotechnology is being used to diagnose the early stage of cancer by detecting cancer-specific biomarkers using tumor imaging. The implication of nanotechnology in cancer therapy employs photoinduced nanosensitizers, reverse multidrug resistance, and enabling efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA molecules for therapeutic applications. However, despite recent advancements in nano-oncology, there is a need to delve deeper into the domain of designing and applying nanoparticles for improved cancer diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Advanced stage malignancies of oral cavity commonly result in complex full thickness defects with subsequent functional and aesthetic loss. Through this article we describe our center's experience in reconstruction of such defects with bipaddled pectoralis myocutaneous (PMMC) flap through an immediate, single-staged procedure. Materials And Methods: The study included a total of 54 patients who underwent composite resection and neck dissection followed by reconstruction of the defect with bipaddled PMMC flap. All patients were followed up post-operatively for 1 year and were monitored for flap and donor site related complications. Using University of Washington Quality of life v4 questionnaire (UW-QOL4), we assessed the QOL of 54 patients. The mean scores were compared to other similar studies. Results: The overall complication rate was 66.6%, whereas, 33.3% patients had no complications. The most common complication was wound dehiscence seen in 31.5% of cases in the recipient site and 12.9% in the donor site. Other complications were seroma, hematoma, plate exposure, orocutaneous fistula etc. Around 73.7% patients reported a good, very good or outstanding overall quality of life in the post-operative period. The mean composite QOL score was 65.84. Our study showed comparable domains of pain, appearance, activity, recreation, swallowing, chewing, speech, shoulder function and taste with other similar studies. Conclusion: Bipaddled PMMC flap proves to be a considerable alternative for microvascular free flaps in reconstruction of full-thickness defects of oral cavity owing to its reliable blood supply, accessibility, easier harvesting technique, cost effectiveness, high success rate and acceptable quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]