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Aim, Design and Methodology: A research with 21 soybean genotypes including three checks was carried out in kharif 2021 at Research Farm of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CSK HPKV Palampur to estimate the genetic variation, heritability and genetic advance for 13 agro-morphological & seed yield component traits that can be used as selection criteria in breeding programmes. RBD design was used to set up the experiment with a plot size of 3 × 1.35=4.05 m2 and replicated three times. Results and Conclusion: The results of the analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes varied considerably for days to 50 percent flowering, days to 75 percent maturity, plant height (cm), number of nodes per plant, inter-nodal length (cm), number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, seed yield per plant (g), 100-seed weight (g), biological yield per plant (g) and harvest index (%) showing the genetic divergence of the planting materials from one another. According to the estimates of genetic variability, the phenotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits were greater than the genotypic coefficient of variation explaining the important role played by environmental factors in the manifestation of the traits. Higher values of PCV coupled with moderate GCV values were detected for harvest index (27.93%, 11.84%) indicating the presence of sufficient genetic variation for selection in such traits. High heritability estimates along with high genetic advance (as percent of mean) were recorded for plant height and 100-seed weight which could be ascribed to predominance of additive gene action and high selective index and therefore, selection pressure could be applied profitably to such traits for genetic modification in soybean.

Down scaling bulk materials can cause colloidal systems to evolve into microscopically dispersed insoluble particles. Herein, we describe the interesting applications of coinage metal nanoparticles (MNPs) as colloid dispersions especially gold and silver. The rich plasmon bands of gold and silver in the visible range are elaborated using the plasmon resonance and redox potential values of grown metal microelectrode (GME). The gradation of their standard reduction potential values (

The correlation between creativity and mental illness has been at the centre of ongoing debates for quite some time. This has its roots in the Romantic era (late 18th to mid-19th century), when melancholia and madness were considered to be the signs of creativity and genius. Because of this, writers like Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and many other prominent creative minds have been represented in popular narratives as having reached the heights of their creative careers while struggling with their mental health. This paper addresses the need for moving away from Romantic era notions of the relationship between madness, genius, and melancholia that reinforce the inseparability of the writer and the text, thereby trivialising the real causes and effects of mental illness. The paper also addresses the need for a health humanities intervention within the Indian literary public, using examples from the existing narratives on the late Malayalam writer Rajelakshmy ‒ an established woman writer in the 1960s ‒ who died by suicide in her mid-thirties. This paper will also reflect on the author’s own experience of reading and working with Rajelakshmy’s writings over the years.

A novel visible-light-responsive 2D/2D g-C3N4/Bi4NbO8Cl nano-composite photocatalyst was hydrothermally synthesized using g-C3N4 and Bi4NbO8Cl. Various characterization techniques were employed to characterize the as-synthesized g-C3N4/Bi4NbO8Cl nano-composites. The photocatalytic efficiency of the nano-composite materials was assessed by the degradation of an emerging pharmaceutical pollutant, oxytetracycline (OTC), under visible LED light irradiation. It was observed that at an optimum mass ratio of 20% (g-C3N4 to Bi4NbO8Cl), the 20g-C3N4/Bi4NbO8Cl nano-composite produced the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency toward OTC. The photocatalytic degradation of OTC (20 mgL−1) by 20g-C3N4/Bi4NbO8Cl (1 gL−1), under 60 min of visible LED light irradiation was 87%, which was about 1.2 and 1.8 times higher as compared to that of pure Bi4NbO8Cl and g-C3N4, respectively. This improved performance was associated with the formation of type-II heterojunction, which resulted in better visible-light absorption and reduced recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Moreover, it was observed that after four cycles of degradation experiments, the nano-composite was stable. The results of this work not only demonstrate the construction of 2D/2D g-C3N4/Bi4NbO8Cl nano-composite for successful low-cost and energy-efficient photocatalytic degradation of recalcitrant pollutant but also motivate the production of similar photocatalysts targeting environmental remediation.

In the present work, a novel approach has been made to prepare a new catalyst for Fenton-type degradation of dye. In the first step alumina is modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate (an anionic surfactant). Under suitable conditions the surfactant forms bilayer (admicelle) on alumina surface. The surfactant-modified alumina (SMA) can adsorb metal ions such as Co(II), Fe(II), Cu(II), Mn(II) and Ni(II) on its surface. Among all the metal ions Co(II) shows the best catalytic activity when supported on SMA. The newly formed catalyst is named as Co-SMA. In this report, we described the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under heterogeneous photo-Fenton condition by application of Co-SMA as the catalyst and in the presence of H2O2 and visible light. Effect of various independent variables such as dose of catalyst, initial concentration of the dye, H2O2 concentration, intensity of visible light, pH have been studied. The process parameters were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) approach. Under the optimum conditions of 30 mg/L MO, 29.92 g/L Co-SMA, 37.9 mM H2O2 and pH 4.31, the maximum response for MO decolorization efficiency was 94.79%.

External influence is essential for any change to occur in this world. Similarly, the reaction path of a chemical reaction can be changed with the addition of a catalyst from outside. Sometimes a catalyst performs better when it remains associated with an inert substance, which is called a support material (SM). Improved catalyst accomplishment arises from the 'proximity effect'. Even inert supports play a role in better product formulation or environmental remediation. In this review, it has been shown how the SM, as a nest, aids the catalyst particle synergistically to perform a good job in a chemical reaction. The structure-function relationship of SM helps in catalyst activation to some extent, and produces active centres that are difficult to fully ascertain. In the text, Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H), Mars-van Krevelen (MVK), and Eley-Rideal (E-R) mechanisms are highlighted for the adsorption processes as the case may be. Again, the importance of SM for both catalyst and substrates has been consolidated here in the text. Finally, the role of the initiator and the promoter is also discussed in this review.

Abstract: Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a well-known carcinogen, and hence its removal from aqueous media is an important area of research in the field of environmental engineering. Adsorptive removal and catalytic reduction are the two most common techniques applied for this purpose. In this regard, nanoparticle-mediated technology has contributed significantly. In the current review article, a systematic investigation has been carried out to find the latest developments that took place in the domain of Cr(VI) removal by nanotechnology. The major portion deals with the advancement and application of the new-age materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), g-C3N4, MXenes, zero-valent iron (ZVI), and their composites, for the Cr(VI) remediation purpose. Various interesting mechanisms, as proposed by different research groups, have been covered. Applications of the nanocomposites in the real wastewater scenario have also been highlighted. Different characterization techniques often conducted in order to get insight into Cr(VI) removal process have been mentioned. Some patents related to this field have been discussed. Lastly, the future scope of the nanomaterials, current challenges, feasibility of using these nanomaterials in large-scale treatment plants, etc., have been addressed before concluding the article.

Family planning is one of the essential health care services to promote and ensure reproductive health. Nearly 40.2 percent of men think it as a woman's responsibility as per the National Family Health Survey 4. Not much attention has been given to the male partners in the usage of contraceptives. So, this study was conducted to assess the male participation in family planning among married males in a rural area of Chhattisgarh.A sample of 365 married males were interviewed through a semi-structured questionnaire at a primary health care center.Only 48 (13.1%) participants were using condoms or male sterilization as a method of contraception at the time of the study. Good involvement of males in family planning was found to be (10.9%) in our study. Those who were above the poverty line and educated (graduation and above) had good involvement in family planning. The chief reason cited for not opting for male sterilization by participants was fear of physical weakness followed by family opposition.The socio-cultural barrier in itself demotivates men from getting involved in the family planning program. This study recommends increasing health literacy regarding family planning among men by including it in the school curriculum and through awareness activities and counseling that influences them positively and motivates them to accept contraceptive services and shared decision making. Sterilization facilities should be made accessible to them to further encourage them.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has emerged as the most favored photocatalyst owing to its intriguing electronic band structure, stability, cost effectiveness, unique layered structure and facile synthesis procedure. But, the pristine g-C3N4 suffers from a limited photocatalytic activity because of its low charge carrier separation efficiency. Construction of a Z scheme photocatalyst could enhance the charge carrier suppression efficiency and increases the photocatalytic performance significantly. In this review, the design aspects of g-C3N4 based Z scheme photocatalysts and the considerations in the selection of synthesis procedures of g-C3N4 based Z scheme photocatalysts have been analyzed critically. The characterization methods of Z scheme photocatalysts have also been discussed. Further, the recent environmental applications of g-C3N4 based Z scheme photocatalysts have been explored. The review finishes with the concluding remarks and a brief discussion on future challenges and prospects of g-C3N4 based Z scheme photocatalysts.

Pharmaceuticals are one of the persistent emerging contaminants that are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment due to their extensive application as human and veterinary medicines. The ecotoxicity and microbial resistance are considered to be major adverse environmental and health impact of pharmaceuticals even in trace amounts, which raise global concern. The recalcitrant nature of these pollutants restricts the application of the conventional treatment system for their remediation and triggers extensive research on the various advanced oxidation processes as a promising treatment system. Among them, visible-light-assisted semiconductor photocatalysis has significant potential as an efficient, low-cost, and green technology, which can use even solar energy as a clean and sustainable light source. A comprehensive review on the application of various visible light photocatalysts on the degradation of aqueous pharmaceutical pollutants was attempted to highlight their physiochemical properties, reaction mechanism, and catalytic activity in the laboratory- as well as field-scale operations. The challenges and gaps in the current literature have been identified, and recommendations for prospective research opportunities have been placed based on the findings.

Contemporary research on electrochemistry revolves around fabricating cost effective catalysts using non-precious compounds for environmentally benign energy storage and production. Aiming at the engineering of such a proficient catalyst we report a novel synthesis of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) particle decorated on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets. We used low cost precursors like graphene oxide (GO), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) thioacetamide (Tha) and an inexpensive Keggin compound, ammonium phosphomolybdate (APM) powder, in aqueous medium using simple hydrothermal procedures at the different stage of the synthesis. The as-prepared MoS2/rGO exhibits high catalytic ability for hydrogen evolution electrochemical reaction with ∼140 mV overpotential for a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for a catalyst loading of 0.1 mg cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 50 mV dec−1 measured in glassy carbon electrode. The low charge transfer resistance value Rct 26.56 Ω, is manifested in the enhanced HER performance due to faster electron transfer. In-house reduction of APM to MoS2 on in situ reduced rGO by Tha in aqueous medium, produced the effective 2D catalyst. This is the first report of one-pot synthesis of an in situ produced electrocatalyst i.e. MoS2 onto rGO from aqueous SDS solution using solid phase dispersion of the simplest Keggin compound.

Chitosan (CS) beads of d=3.7 ± 0.32 mm diameter containing 97–98% water content were prepared and modified using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in such a way to form surfactant bilayers on CS beads surface to fabricate surfactant-modified chitosan (SMCS) beads. The characterization of adsorbents was carried out by advanced analytical tools. Adsorption isotherms over a particular range of Cd2+ concentration (10–100 mg/L) in Cd2+ containing distilled water (CCDW) and with varied dose (0.18 to 1.8 g/L) in real wastewater (RWW) were obtained in batch conditions. Kinetic data complied with pseudo-second order model for both the waters. The isotherm data showed that Langmuir model better fitted to the experimental data for CCDW while followed Freundlich isotherm for RWW. Maximum adsorption capacity obtained for CCDW was 125.0 mg/g (C0 = 10–100 mg/L) and 18.0 mg/g when applied to the RWW containing 10.0‐11.0 mg/L of Cd2+. The adsorption parameters for Cd2+ removal in RWW were quite different from CCDW. For instance, the optimum dose value increased from 0.45 to 0.9 g/L due to the presence of other contaminants in RWW. It was found that the adsorption of Cd2+ onto SMCS beads was favorable and spontaneous in CCDW as well as in RWW.

Two different sized As(0) nanoparticles As1 (50 ± 7 nm) and As2 (70 ± 10 nm) are prepared by reducing arsenite with NaBH4 in the pH range 7–9, at controlled temperature (10 and 40 °C). Further, galvanic replacement reaction is used exploiting the reducing nature of As(0) to prepare two different sized hollow gold nanoparticles (HGNPs) AuNP1 (55 ± 7 nm) and AuNP2 (72 ± 7 nm). These HGNPs exhibit high catalytic activity towards 4-nitrophenol reduction under various conditions following first-order kinetics. AuNP1 shows ~6.6 time higher turnover frequency compared with that of AuNP2 due to its smaller size. Both catalysts are recycle able.

In this article, a brief outlook of different kinetic models employed in batch adsorption study has been discussed. As the adsorption kinetic modeling has so far been inadequately addressed in the literature, therefore the equilibrium kinetic profiles of adsorption study were portrayed into an innovative sigmoidal expression q t q e = 0.637 tan − 1 sinh 5.233 × t t e G n G , using the Gudermannian function with significant mathematical hypotheses. The kinetic data obtained from methylene blue and acridine orange dye adsorption studies using Abelmoschus esculentus seed powder were utilized to evaluate the adequacy of the proposed model. The extent of model compatibility was evaluated through six non-linear error functions represented as composite fractional error, residual root mean square error, Marquardt's percent standard deviation, average relative error, average percentage error and Chi-square error. This aforesaid three-parametric sigmoidal model was compared with pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intra-particle diffusion, Elovich, Bangham, modified-Freundlich and hyperbolic tangent model, which are known as the well-recognized kinetics. According to the comparison of different error functions and to the assessment of corrected Akaike information criterion, the developed model was ranked as the best fitting kinetic model illustrating the experimental data. It also demonstrated that the normalized Gudermannian kinetic equation has the ability to predict the equilibrium adsorption time at different initial dye concentrations, which can be exploited for configuring the large-scale industrial reactors.

In the present work glutaraldehyde crosslinked gelatin (Type-A and Type-B) nanoparticles were fabricated following a microemulsion crosslinking technique. The structural, morphological, and...

In this work we report the use of benzophenone (BP) for the synthesis of a palladium (Pd) embedded on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite (Pd/rGO) using a simple aqueous solution and UV irradiation. The simple and facile evolution of thermodynamically unstable branched Pd(0) nanodendrites was achieved by BP photoactivation, circumventing the growth of more stable nanomorphologies. The synthesis of Pd(0)-embedded rGO nanosheets (PRGO-nd) was made possible by the simultaneous reduction of both the GO scaffold and PdCl2 by introducing BP into the photoactivation reaction. The nanocomposites obtained in the absence of BP were common triangular and twinned Pd(0) structures which were also implanted on the rGO scaffold (PRGO-nt). The disparity in morphologies presumably occurs due to the difference in the kinetics of the reduction of Pd2+ to Pd0 in the presence and absence of the BP photoinitiator. It was observed that the PRGO-nd was composed of dense arrays of multiple Pd branches around nucleation site which exhibited (111) facet, whereas PRGO-nt showed a mixture of (100) and (111) facets. On comparing the catalytic efficiencies of the as-synthesized nanocatalysts, we observed a superiority in efficiency of the thermodynamically unstable PRGO-nd nanocomposite. This is due to the evolved active facets of the dendritic Pd(0) morphology with its higher surface area, as testified by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Since both PRGO-nd and PRGO-nt contain particles of similar size, the dents and grooves in the structure are the cause of the increase in the effective surface area in the case of nanodendrites. The unique dendritic morphology of the PRGO-nd nanostructures makes them a promising material for superior catalysis, due to their high surface area, and the high density of surface atoms at their edges, corners, and stepped regions. We investigated the efficiency of the as-prepared PRGO-nd catalyst in the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction and showed its proficiency in a 2 h reaction at 60 °C using 2 mol% catalyst containing 0.06 mol% active Pd. Moreover, the electrochemical efficiency for the catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was demonstrated, in which PRGO-nd provided a decreased overpotential of 68 mV for a current density of 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 57 mV dec−1 and commendable stability during chronoamperometric testing for 5 h.