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Background: In developing countries, perinatal hypoxia is still a leading cause of mortality and disability. In 2011, the infant mortality rate dropped from 92 per 1000 live births in 1991 to 43 per 1000 live births. However, neonatal mortality in Bangladesh remains high, accounting for more than half of all deaths under the age of five and more than two-thirds of infant mortality. As a result, any qualities that can operate as a risk factor for prenatal asphyxia can be quite beneficial. The aim of the study was to observe the maternal characteristics of perinatal asphyxia in full-term pregnancies. Material Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Rangpur Medical Collage, and Hospital, Rangpur, Bangladesh. The study duration was 2 years, from January 2012 to December 2013. The study was conducted with a total of 60 cases of birth asphyxia, who were delivered or admitted into the study hospital. Results: In 70% of cases, the mother was Primipara. Among the neonates, 61.67% were male, and 38.33% were female. Only 33% of the case neonates had received regular antenatal check-ups, while 55% had irregular check-ups, and 11.67% had no antenatal checkups. According to the grading of asphyxia, 51.67% of neonates had moderate asphyxia, 20% had mild asphyxia, and 28.33% had severe asphyxia. The mean serum sodium value in mild, moderate, and severe asphyxia were 135.33, 123.42, and 121.53 mmol/L respectively. Mean serum potassium values were 4.11, 4.86, and 5.51 mmol/L respectively. Mean serum creatinine 0.72, 1.00, and 1.83 mg/dl respectively. Mean blood urea levels were 36.17, 58.97, and 88.06 mg/dl respectively. A significant difference was observed between the mean values of serum electrolytes and patients’ asphyxia grade. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that birth asphyxia was more common among vaginal deliveries and irregular or no neonatal care cases. Primipara patients had a higher likelihood of neonatal asphyxia. Serum electrolyte levels varied significantly based on the grade of asphyxia.

Internet-of-Everything (IoE) is defined as networked connections of things, people, data, and processes. IoE nodes, preferably shaped as printed flexible systems, serve as the frontier outpost of the Internet and comprise devices to record and regulate states and functions. To power distributed IoE nodes in an ecofriendly manner, a technology to scavenge energy from ambience and self-powered devices is developed. For this, piezoelectricity is regarded as a key property; however, the current technology typically based on polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) copolymers is expensive and produced via toxic protocols. We report piezoelectric characteristics of electrochemically poled cellulose nanofiber (CNF) thin films processed from water dispersions. Poling these films under humid conditions causes breaking and reorientation of CNF segments, which results in enhanced crystal alignment rendering the resulting material piezoelectric. Generators based on poled CNF show similar piezoelectric voltage and coefficient, here measured as d(33) = 46 pm V-1, to devices including PVDF copolymer layers of similar thickness. Our findings promise low-cost and printable ecofriendly piezoelectric-powered IoE nodes. Funding Agencies|Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation; Swedish Research Council [2016-06146, 2018- 04037, 2009-00971]; NCD- SWEET beamline of ALBA synchrotron in Barcelona, Spain; [VR 2016-05990]

Background: Zinc oxide Nanoparticles can be prepared by various chemical, physical, and biological methodologies. But biological approach is easier than the other methods and also eco-friendly. Purpose of study: Plant-mediated amalgamation of Zinc oxide nanoparticles is promising contrast to traditional method of physical and chemical synthesis. Method: In the current research work, Zinc oxide nanoparticles are synthesized by using Leaf extracts of Manilkara Zapota plant. Green synthesis was done utilizing the aqueous solution of Manilkara Zapota leaf extract as reducing agent and Zinc acetate salts along with Sodium hydroxide. Morphological, Structural and Antimicrobial properties of synthesized Zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterized using Scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared analysis, Differential scanning calorimetry and Disc diffusion method. ' Results: Biologically synthesized nanoparticles of Manilkara Zapota leaf extract revealed significant Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungal activities. Cocnclusion: The organically incorporated nanoparticles by Manilkara Zapota can be utilized as antimicrobial agent against various pathogenic organisms.

Radiative cooling passively removes heat from objects via emission of thermal radiation to cold space. Suitable radiative cooling materials absorb infrared light while they avoid solar heating by either reflecting or transmitting solar radiation, depending on the application. Here, we demonstrate a reflective radiative cooler and a transparent radiative cooler solely based on cellulose derivatives manufactured via electrospinning and casting, respectively. By modifying the microstructure of cellulose materials, we control the solar light interaction from highly reflective (> 90%, porous structure) to highly transparent (approximate to 90%, homogenous structure). Both cellulose materials show high thermal emissivity and minimal solar absorption, making them suitable for daytime radiative cooling. Used as coatings on silicon samples exposed to sun light at daytime, the reflective and transparent cellulose coolers could passively reduce sample temperatures by up to 15 degrees C and 5 degrees C, respectively. Funding Agencies|Linkoping University

The ranking of seeds represents remarkable transition phase for photosynthasis and sexual reproduction, this phase is complex & successful method for sexual reproduction in vascular plants. As we know that seed containe the genetic repository of past & potential for its perpetuation in the future. The dormancy in seeds induced by desciccation & the hormone abscisic acid (ABA) till the condition in growth become favorable. The well developed seeds eliminates requirement of water during sexual reproduction & allows fertilization events to occur over long distances. Germination of seeds in particular situation and season is determines the interaction between dormancy and relating factors like phytochemical development to give healthy bioactives, which strongly influence on the termination of dormancy or initiatin of germination and seedling in many plant species like photo-hormons, light, temperature, water, neutrients and mechanical cuse. Seeds of particular plants needs difreent pretreatment to give vigor seedlings even in production so far. The entiteled chapter represents amulgumation of agriculturists and life scientists. Recent significant progress has been endorsed in seed physiology to solve the practical issues constantly associated with the seeds. The aim & objective of this articale is to enlighten the reader, not only about the different aspects of the seed physiology it also includes the development of bioactive (secondary metabolites) in the healthy seeds. This resorce of pice will help researcher to sencitize about the type of healthy bioactive available in the shalls of seedlings. This could be the reason to isolate the biomolecules from a well evaluate seeds, seed evalution not only the sorce to get healthy crops in agricultural scince it also helps so for a phytochemist to get theuraputicaly active biomolecules, without destroying the nature, which could be the value added thought to combat with the burning issues associated with the existing situation (COVID Omicron, viral infection and all kinds of disorder associated with the immune system). Henceforth, endorsed personage to give real-time attention to plant propagation, particularly for indigenous tree species and seedling multiplication should be regarded as a primary need to make not only a sustainable environment but also become a treasure to fulfill the needs of industry application in the field of agriculture plus R & D.

The studies investigating gene-gene and gene-environment (or gene-behavior) interactions provide valuable insight into the pathomechanisms underlying obese phenotypes. The Pakistani population due to its unique characteristics offers numerous advantages for conducting such studies. In this view, the current study was undertaken to examine the effects of gene-gene and gene-environment/behavior interactions on the risk of obesity in a sample of Pakistani population. A total of 578 adult participants including 290 overweight/obese cases and 288 normal-weight controls were involved. The five key obesity-associated genetic variants namely MC4R rs17782313, BDNF rs6265, FTO rs1421085, TMEM18 rs7561317, and NEGR1 rs2815752 were genotyped using the TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. The data related to behavioral factors, such as eating pattern, diet consciousness, the tendency toward fat-dense food (TFDF), sleep duration, sleep-wake cycle (SWC), shift work (SW), and physical activity levels were collected via a questionnaire. Gene-gene and gene-behavior interactions were analyzed by multifactor dimensionality reduction and linear regression, respectively. In our study, only TMEM18 rs7561317 was found to be significantly associated with anthropometric traits with no significant effect of gene-gene interactions were observed on obesity-related phenotypes. However, the genetic variants were found to interact with the behavioral factors to significantly influence various obesity-related anthropometric traits including BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and percentage of body fat. In conclusion, the interaction between genetic architecture and behavior/environment determines the outcome of obesity-related anthropometric phenotypes. Thus, gene-environment/behavior interaction studies should be promoted to explore the risk of complex and multifactorial disorders, such as obesity.

Introduction: Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease is a major public health issue in Pakistan. It is considered to be a significant threat for the mankind in both developing and developed countries. The best way to prevent dengue endemic is to provide knowledge about dengue and preventive measures to people. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue fever and effectiveness of health education programme Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study. The sample was selected by using random sampling technique. For the present study, sample of 200 paramedical staff of Bilawal medical college was taken to survey the research objectives through pre-designed interview schedule Results: Most of the respondents had good knowledge (74.5%), good attitudes (80.5%) regarding dengue fever. However, practices to prevent dengue were (90%). Conclusion: It is evident that students & paramedics were aware about dengue fever However, they were not much concerned about significance of dengue control and its beneficial effect to community. It is evident from their lack of practices for community .More practical health education programmes along with continued medical education programs should be arranges for paramedics as they are crucial to control of diseases and an integral part of health care system. Keywords: Dengue fever, Awareness

Background: The development of an ideal doctor-patient relationship requires empathy. Empathetic conversation aids in the formation of an open and trusting equation between doctor and patient. Furthermore, this leads to accurate diagnoses and more compliance to the advised treatment. In this manner, empathy helps in overall recovery of the patient and improves global functioning and generalised well-being. This study aims to make note of the fluctuation in empathy levels during medical education. Studies done in various countries have found factors such as curriculum, clinical rotations timing and gender to progressively influences empathy levels in students throughout their medical training. The recent trend of violence against healthcare professionals in India calls for an urgent action into the gap between doctors and patients communication. Empathy towards patients and attendants will reduce such untoward events. In this current context, we should improve empathy levels among the training doctors. As a first step, we should assess various factors affecting empathy among health care professionals. Method: This cross sectional study was done among undergraduates of a rural medical college in Northern Telangana during the time period of October to December 2019. Their empathy levels were assessed using Jefferson’s Scale for Empathy- Student version (JSE-S). Result: Of the 470 students surveyed, 227 were males and 243 females. Female students were having higher empathy among first year and second years (p0.05). Conclusion: Female undergraduate students are found to be more empathetic than their male counterparts. A fall in empathy scores from the first to second year of MBBS is seen, which is when students enter their clinical rotations. Targeted intervention at this time may go a long way in the creation of a new generation of more empathetic physicians. Hence, there is a need for evaluation of teaching and learning techniques in medical education. Further, there is a call for more research into the determinants of decline in empathy amongst medical professionals.

Internet-of-everything (IoE) is defined as networked connections of things, people, data and processes. IoE nodes, preferably shaped as printed flexible systems, serves as the frontier outpost of the Internet and comprises devices to record and regulate states and functions. To power distributed IoE nodes in an ecofriendly manner, technology to scavenge energy from ambience and self-powered devices are developed. For this, piezoelectricity is regarded as a key-property, however current technology typically based on polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) co-polymers, are expensive and produced via toxic protocols. We report piezoelectric characteristics of electrochemically poled cellulose nanofiber (CNFs) thin films processed from water dispersions. Poling these films at humid conditions cause breaking and reorientation of CNF segments, which results in enhanced crystal alignment rendering the resulting material piezoelectric. Generators based on poled CNF show similar piezoelectric voltage and coefficient, here measured to d33 = 46 pm/V, as for devices including PVDF copolymer layers of similar thickness. Our findings promise for low cost and printable ecofriendly piezoelectric-powered IoE nodes.

The advantages of large output thermovoltage and sustainable constituent materials have generated a rapid growth in research about ionic thermoelectrics. Recently, giant values of ionic Seebeck coefficients up to 10-26 mV K-1 have been reported. However, the fundamental understanding of the ionic thermoelectric effect is still rudimentary and there is a lack of a well-established measurement standard. In this work, we systematically studied the ionic thermoelectric properties of gel electrolytes made of hydroxyethyl cellulose and an ionic liquid. We discovered that the absorbed water from the atmosphere into the cellulose/ionic liquid gel dramatically increases the apparent ionic Seebeck coefficient from 3 to 12.5 mV K-1. We identified the contribution of a hydrovoltaic voltage generated from water concentration difference as the main reason for the enhanced apparent ionic Seebeck coefficient, which depends on the kinetics of water absorption and desorption on the cold and hot side of the device. Finally, we demonstrated that it is possible to harvest electricity and charge a supercapacitor with intermittent temperature gradients by using this combination of ionic Seebeck voltage and hydrovoltaic voltage. Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council VRSwedish Research Council [2016-05990, 2018-04037]; Advanced Functional Materials Center at Linkoping University [2009-00971]; Vinnova for the Digital Cellulose Competence Center (DCC)Vinnova [2016-05193]

Internet-of-everything (IoE) is defined as networked connections of things, people, data and processes. IoE nodes, preferably shaped as printed flexible systems, serves as the frontier outpost of the Internet and comprises devices to record and regulate states and functions. To power distributed IoE nodes in an ecofriendly manner, technology to scavenge energy from ambience and self-powered devices are developed. For this, piezoelectricity is regarded as a key-property, however current technology typically based on polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) co-polymers, are expensive and produced via toxic protocols. We report piezoelectric characteristics of electrochemically poled cellulose nanofiber (CNFs) thin films processed from water dispersions. Poling these films at humid conditions cause breaking and reorientation of CNF segments, which results in enhanced crystal alignment rendering the resulting material piezoelectric. Generators based on poled CNF show similar piezoelectric voltage and coefficient, here measured to d33 = 46 pm/V, as for devices including PVDF copolymer layers of similar thickness. Our findings promise for low cost and printable ecofriendly piezoelectric-powered IoE nodes.

Obesity is a multifactorial disorder and requires favorable environment for its expression. However, some individuals are more prone to weight gain than others in an obesogenic environment. Thus, at individual level, who becomes overweight or obese is mostly determined by genetic factors. The current study was undertaken to explore for the first time the association of the TMEM18 rs7561317 variant with overweight/obesity and related anthropometric, metabolic, physical, and behavioral traits in a sample of Pakistani population with association between the rs7561317 and many traits was not investigated before in any population. The current study involved a total of 612 subjects including 306 overweight/obese and equal number of age- and sex-matched normal weight individuals. Obesity-related parameters were determined and the variant was genotyped by allelic discrimination assay. All the aforementioned associations were assessed by regression analyses adjusted for covariates and corrected for multiple comparisons. The results revealed a significant association of the TMEM18 rs7561317 with overweight/obese phenotype in more than one genetic model. Therefore, h-index (degree of dominance) was calculated, which indicated the recessive mode of inheritance for the above-said association. Similarly, a significant association of the rs7561317 with obesity-related anthropometric traits and clinical surrogate markers of visceral adiposity was observed. Thus, GG genotype of the rs7561317 was found to increase 1.74 times the risk of overweight/obesity in Pakistani population (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.210-2.496, p = 0.003) while low physical activity seemed to accentuate the TMEM18 rs7561317-associated risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 2.696, 95% CI 1.485-4.896, p = 0.004).

This paper reports a self-powered, flexible, piezo- and pyro-electric hybrid nanogenerator (NG) device that can be fixed on different locations of human skin for detecting static and dynamic pressu...

Radiative cooling passively removes heat from objects via emission of thermal radiation to cold space. Suitable radiative cooling materials absorb infrared light while they avoid solar heating by either reflecting or transmitting solar radiation, depending on the application. Here, we demonstrate a reflective radiative cooler and a transparent radiative cooler solely based on cellulose derivatives manufactured via electrospinning and casting, respectively. By modifying the microstructure of cellulose materials, we can control the solar light interaction from highly reflective (>90%, porous structure) to highly transparent (≈90%, homogenous structure). Both cellulose materials show strong thermal emissivity and minimal solar absorption, making them suitable for daytime radiative cooling. Used as coatings on silicon samples exposed to sun light at daytime, the reflective and transparent cellulose coolers could passively reduce sample temperatures by up to 32 °C and 15 °C, respectively.

The limited ionic conductivity is the main issue for the application of solid-state ionic conductors. In this work, we have shown that increasing the ferroelectric phase content in a polymer matrix could enhance the molar ionic conductivity of the incorporated ionic liquid by two orders of magnitude compared to the original films with the same composition. The ferroelectric polymer fiber mats were prepared through electrospinning to induce the ferroelectric phase that ensure the polarization of the dipoles. After analyzing the ferroelectric phase content and polarization of the fiber mats and films containing different ion concentration with FTIR spectroscopy and piezoelectric characterization, a detailed mechanism explaining the improved conductivity in the ferroelectric fiber mats was proposed. Benefiting from the good flexibility, improved ionic conductivity and high temperature coefficient of the fiber mats, we fabricated an organic ionic thermistor. The temperature tracking and mapping function of the ionic thermistor was demonstrated by using two devices with 4 and 16 pixels. Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council VRSwedish Research Council [2016-05990, 2018-04037]; Wallenberg Wood Science Center; Advanced Functional Materials Center at Linkoping University [2009-00971]; Knut and Alice Wallenberg FoundationKnut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation

This paper explains the solar grass cutter using hand gesture, solar powered robotic grass cutting machine that eliminates the obstacles and could be accessed from every direction by utilizing hand gesture through remote camera which is introduced to the highest point of the motor-vehicle to communicate remote gushing to the users end. The system uses a 6v batteries to drive both the motor vehicle movement and the grass cutter engine. The system also uses solar panels to charge the battery, so that no additional battery is required. The grass cutter and vehicle motors are interfaced with a microcontroller's family which controls all the motors running. It is also interfaced with ultrasonic sensor to track the object. There are essentially three parts of the framework; the transmitter; the receiver and the live gushing area.

In worldwide, security plays a significant role in preventing different assets and crimes. Education has become an essential right of human life as it has been transferred from one era to next. The examination is a significant part of the coaching structure. The key objective of the examination would be to select the suitable applicants for different positions. Every year the updates that exams have been postponed or canceled due to inquiry paper leakage are occurring. So, an innovative system is implemented to prevent this spillage of examination papers. This system is designed on the embedded system. The main types of equipment of this advanced system are Arduino Mega, solar panel, fingerprint scanner, GSM module, and GPS module.

Piezoelectric nanogenerators are forthcoming alternative choices for scavenging different types of wasted mechanical energies. An inorganic-organic hybrid piezoelectric nanogenerator (HPNG) has been realized by incorporating zinc sulphide nanorods (ZnS-NRs) into electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers for self-powered multifunctional sensing. As an acoustic energy harvester, the HPNG possesses a resonance frequency of 86 ± 3 Hz and an acoustic sensitivity of ∼3 V Pa−1. It can distinguish sound waves from low to mid frequency region that makes it suitable for noise detection. In addition, HPNG demonstrates the very high wind energy conversion efficiency of ∼58% that make it capable of detecting human exhalation. Apart from its noise detection and power generation capabilities, HPNG is possible to use as a self-powered microphone. This electromechanical coupling, integrated with their flexibility, makes it usable as a flexible electro-acoustic sensor for security purpose as well. These results establish the potential of hybrid piezoelectric structure, with their multi functionalities for several promising applications such as noise detection, wind energy harvesting, security monitoring and most promisingly to develop the self-powered system.

Flexible and wearable piezoelectric bio e-skin (PBio-e-skin) based on electrospun poly(L-lactic acid) PLLA nanofiber membrane is demonstrated for non-invasive human physiological signal monitoring and detecting dynamic tactile stimuli. The molecular orientations of the CO dipoles by electrospinning technique result in a longitudinal piezoelectric charge co-efficient (d33) value of ∼(3 ± 1) pm V−1 realized by piezoresponse force microscopy, allowing the PBio-e-skin for pressure sensing applications. The robust mechanical strength (Young's modulus ∼50 MPa) of nanofiber membrane ensures PBio-e-skin's superior operational stability over 375 000 cycles. Owing to the superior mechanosensitivity of ∼22 V N−1, PBio-e-skin has the ability to measure subtle movement of muscle in the internal organs such as esophagus, trachea, motion of joints and arterial pressure by recognition of strains on human skin. This flexible and light weight PBio-e-skin precisely detects vital signs and provides important clinical insights without using any external power source. Eventually, the low cost, environmental friendly PBio-e-skin will have a huge impact in a broad range of applications including self-powered wearable health care systems, human–machine interfacing devices, artificial intelligence and prosthetic skin.

In the contemporary world, security plays the major role to prevent various assets and thefts. Education is the integral part of every human life as it delivers from one age then onto the next. Examination is the heart of the training structure. The main aim of the examination is to pick the qualified applicants for various positions. We hear the news of postponed or cancellation of exams each year due to question paper spillage. So, to stop this leakage of question papers a smart system is proposed. This system is designed on the embedded system. The key components of the device are NodeMcu, Biometric Sensor and GPS Module.

A novel and simple method is proposed for the determination of tetracycline by adsorptive voltammetry in a droplet using a carbon nanotube paste rotating disk electrode (CNTP-RDE). An enhanced elec...

Methylammonium lead bromide (CH3NH3PbBr3) (MAPbBr) has been synthesized and then introduced in the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofiber made by the process of electrospinning. The β-phase composition, degree of crystallinity as well as mechanical, optical and energy harvesting properties of this composition has been investigated. Increased electroactive phase composition (91%) and dramatic improvement in tensile strength of the PVDF nanofiber mats is found by the addition of MAPbBr. This increase in electroactive phase composition can play a significant role in the enhancement of output power which is a premiere observation. The acoustic nanogenerator (ANG) made from MAPbBr doped PVDF nanofibers (NFs) can also be utilized in energy scavenging from acoustic vibration with a higher degree of acoustic sensitivity (~ 13.8 V Pa−1) and efficiency (58.5%). This suggests that ANG could be a potential tool for power generation in portable electronics. This fact may open up the prospect of using the MAPbBr doped PVDF electrospun nanofibers, with their multifunctional properties such as vibration sensitivity, piezoelectric energy harvesting, green light emission capability (quantum yield ~ 32.6%), for various promising applications in portable electronics, noise detection and security monitoring.

Conversion of temperature fluctuations to useable electrical energy is rendered by the pyroelectric effect. Waste of heat in our day to day environment and in industrial sector constitutes an abundant source of energy. Herein, we report a pyroelectric generator (PyG) that produces pyroelectric output up to 1.5 V and 1.5 µA. Its power density is 0.034 µW/cm2 upon exposure to heat-cool condition for a temperature variation from 310 K to 340 K. Due to the fast response time (121 ms) of the PyG, it is expected to be use as a self-powered temperature sensor. The generated electricity could also be stored in a capacitor up to 0.8 V in three heating–cooling cycles. It has been also demonstrated that PyG is possible to drive by water vapour where energy-consuming alternating devices is not necessary. The temperature oscillation achieved by spontaneous water condensation and evaporation from the surface of the PyG that produces open-circuit voltage of 1.6 V for a temperature variation from 303 K to 333 K. Thus the PyG driven by water vapour supports an efficient retrieval of energy from hot water vapour, which is wasted mostly. The linear increment of voltage as a function of temperature indicates PyG is also suitable to use a temperature sensor that may also work in self-powered mode. In addition, the PyG can also harvest the waste body heat, i.e., heat dissipation from human body surface and from the process of respiration. That promises an effective self-powered temperature sensor that might be useful in healthcare monitoring, safety and security sectors.

An integrated platform made with a piezoelectric nanogenerator (NG) is designed to convert daily human activities and acoustic vibration into useable electrical energy. The titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are playing a significant role as external fillers in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) electrospun nanofiber that improves the overall performance of the NG. It effectively enhanced the piezoelectric β-phase content (16% higher F (β)) and mechanical (148% increment of tensile strength) properties of composite PVDF nanofiber. The superior integration of NG has been demonstrated to generate electricity from a human gait. The acoustic sensitivity and energy conversion efficiency are found to be 26 V Pa–1 and 61%, respectively, which are superior in comparison to the reported results. By scavenging the mechanical energy, NG is capable of charging up a 1 μF capacitor; for example, ∼20 V is within 50 s that ensures its ability to power up commercial LED tape and a LCD screen. Thus, in this work, a ...

We report the synthesis procedure of hexagonal wurtzite structure of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles via hydrothermal route to use as a main component of piezoelectric nanogenerator. The ZnO nanoparticles are dispersed into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to fabricate the high performance flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (FPNG).The output voltage and power generated from the FPNG is around 20 V and 20 μW respectively. It is also capable to charge up the capacitors within very short span of time (for example, about 2V is reached at 96s). It is demonstrated that the output power generated from the FPNG can directly drive several commercial blue light emitting diodes (LEDs)that ensuring the applicability as a self-powered energy harvester.

Organic-inorganic nanocomposite film composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and zinc sulphide nanoparticles (ZnS-NPs) has been prepared. It is observed that composite film can stabilize the γ-phase. The PVDF-ZnS composite film exhibits superior dielectric property (ɛr∼14 at 1 kHz) than those of pure PVDF. Enhanced saturated polarization (Psat ∼0.38 µC cm-2) and remnant polarization values (Pr∼ 0.21 µC cm-2) are obtained in nanocomposite film that indicates to have potential to use as energy storage applications. In addition, ZnS-NPs incorporation also improves dielectric breakdown strength.

In this paper, we report an innovative technique for the rapid and simple synthesis of ZnO-containing paper ash (ZPA) within 30 min. It is demonstrated that as-synthesized ZPA can be an alternative for conventional semiconducting filler that is used to improve the electroactive β-phase content in the electrospun PVDF nanofiber (NF). Furthermore, the PVDF nanofiber-based nanogenerator (NFNG) that enables a high output voltage of 4.8 V under an exerted wind pressure of 145 Pa is fabricated. In addition, the detection capability of minute wind pressure, even from human mouth blowing, makes the NFNG an active sensor that might be utilized for charging a mobile phone during conversation. Thus, this strategy is expected to be a promising platform for harvesting wind energy that is beneficial for the design of integrated self-powered wearable electronic devices.

The study was aimed to investigate the sub lethal effect of insecticide, Chandika 505 mixture of chlorpyrifos 50% and cypermethrin 5% EC to zebra fish (Danio rerio). The acute toxicity LC50 of insecticide was determined at 96 hrs and the value is 22.7 ppb and sub lethal concentration is 7.56 µg. Behavioral changes were also observed when fish were subjected to different concentrations of the insecticide. The results of the present study indicate increase in the total lipids, free fatty acids and cholesterol in gills, viscera and body of zebra fish. Hence it can be concluded from the results that measures should be taken for the usage of insecticides in order to protect the aquatic environment because combined toxic effects of pesticides are important in ecotoxicology since mixtures shave a greater effect than the individual pesticides. Keywords: Zebra Fish, LC50, mixtures, Chlorpyrifos, Cypermethrin.

Enhancement of service quality and reliability is the major concern for the present electricity market. To enhance service reliability different types of protective devices are placed in distribution systems. Remote controlled switches (RCSs) reduces the time to detect, isolate and restore the fault. Moreover it improves the reliability of the system to a great extent. In this paper, a new model has been developed for optimal deployment of RCSs in a radial distribution system (RDS). The formulated problem includes the number and locations of RCSs to be optimally placed in a RDS. The objective of the formulation is to maximize the profit while minimizing cost of RCSs installation, operation, maintenance, outage costs and improvement of reliability indices. Reliability indices which include SAIFI (system average interruption frequency index), SAIDI (system average interruption duration index), CAIDI (customer average interruption duration index), ASUI (average service unavailability index), ASAI (average service availability index) and AENS (average energy not supplied) are evaluated for reliability assessment. Mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) is utilized to solve the formulated optimization problem. The obtained results show that optimal deployment of RCSs results in considerable improvement of reliability indices of a RDS. The proposed formulation has been implemented on 13-node, 58-node and IEEE 123-node radial distribution systems (RDSs) to verify its effectiveness.

The current case-control study sought the association of BDNF rs6265 and MC4R rs17782313 with metabolic syndrome (MetS), MetS components and other related metabolic parameters in a sample of Pakistani subjects. Fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity showed a significantly lower mean whereas body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol to HDL-C ratio, TG to HDL-C ratio, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, visceral adiposity index, lipid accumulation product and the product of TG and glucose showed a significantly higher mean in the presence of MetS. Reduced HDL-C appeared as the most frequent and hypertriglyceridemia as the least frequent component of MetS whereas clustering of reduced HDL-C + abdominal obesity (AO) + hyperglycemia appeared as the most prevalent combination of MetS components. Moreover, BDNF rs6265 showed BMI and gender independent association with increased risk of MetS in Pakistani individuals whereas MC4R rs17782313 showed BMI and gender dependent association with increased risk of MetS in Pakistani females. In addition, BDNF rs6265 and MC4R rs17782313 showed gender-dependent associations with decreased risk of having low HDL-C in males and increased risk of having abdominal obesity in females, respectively. However, no association was observed for metabolic variables other than components of MetS across genotypes of both BDNF rs6265 and MC4R rs17782313.

The current case–control study sought the association of BDNF rs6265 and MC4R rs17782313 with metabolic syndrome (MetS), MetS components and other related metabolic parameters in a sample of Pakistani subjects. Fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity showed a significantly lower mean whereas body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol to HDL-C ratio, TG to HDL-C ratio, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, visceral adiposity index, lipid accumulation product and the product of TG and glucose showed a significantly higher mean in the presence of MetS. Reduced HDL-C appeared as the most frequent and hypertriglyceridemia as the least frequent component of MetS whereas clustering of reduced HDL-C + abdominal obesity (AO) + hyperglycemia appeared as the most prevalent combination of MetS components. Moreover, BDNF rs6265 showed BMI and gender independent association with increased risk of MetS in Pakistani individuals whereas MC4R rs17782313 showed BMI and gender dependent association with increased risk of MetS in Pakistani females. In addition, BDNF rs6265 and MC4R rs17782313 showed gender-dependent associations with decreased risk of having low HDL-C in males and increased risk of having abdominal obesity in females, respectively. However, no association was observed for metabolic variables other than components of MetS across genotypes of both BDNF rs6265 and MC4R rs17782313.

This work introduces a piezoelectric–pyroelectric nanogenerator (P-PNG) based on methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) incorporated electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers that are able to harvest mechanical and thermal energies. During the application of a periodic compressive contact force at a frequency of 4 Hz, an output voltage of ∼220 mV is generated. The P-PNG has a piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of ∼19.7 pC/N coupled with a high durability (60 000 cycles) and quick response time (∼1 ms). The maximum generated output power density (∼0.8 mW/m2) is sufficient to charge up a variety of capacitors, with the potential to replace an external power supply to drive portable devices. In addition, upon exposure to cyclic heating and cooling at a temperature of 38 K, a pyroelectric output current of 18.2 pA and a voltage of 41.78 mV were achieved. The fast response time of 1.14 s, reset time of 1.25 s, and pyroelectric coefficient of ∼44 pC/m2 K demonstrate a self-powered temperature sensin...

This study based on the physicochemical parameters was conducted in order to determine the pollution status in the aquatic body of Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) area. A total of 5 water samples were collected on the basis of their distance from the effluent outlet and were examined. Physicochemical parameters like color, temperature, pH, electric conductivity (EC), total dissolved solid (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS), total hardness, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were measured via standard determination method. Physicochemical analyses revealed that most of the water quality parameters exceeded the recommended levels set by the Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh. The concentrations were found decreasing with increasing distance from the effluent outlet. A very strong positive correlation was found between BOD and COD in all sampling points. Both BOD and COD values had a strong negative correlation with dissolved oxygen (DO). The results indicated that the surrounding aquatic environment is exceedingly contaminated by various pollutants released from DEPZ which is highly vulnerable for the species on that ecosystem.

Hypertension results from increased peripheral vascular smooth muscle tone which leads to increased arteriolar resistance and reduced capacitance of the venous system. Elevated BP is an extremely common disorder and many of the individuals have no symptoms. Chronic hypertension either systolic or diastolic can lead to congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, renal damage and cerebro vascular accidents. The beta blockers are used individually or in a combination therapy to treat hypertension. The development of oral osmotic systems has a strong and good market potential. Atenolol is a cardio selective beta-1 blocking agent which is used to reduce systolic and diastolic B.P and it is widely used to treat hypertension, introduced in the year 1976. It reduces heart rate and cardiac output when resting and during exercise. The osmotic drug delivery system utilises the principle of osmosis and drug release is aimed to release by zero order kinetics, to prolong the release of the drug for longer duration of time, providing the treatment in controlled manner by reducing the multiple dosing of drug. Keywords: Atenolol, Beta -1 blocking agent, Diastolic, Hypertension, Systolic, Osmotic, Zero order.

A significant milestone in oral NDDS is osmotic drug delivery system. Osmotic system releases a drug at a predetermined zero order delivery rate based on osmosis. The osmotic pressure is a colligative property of a solution in which the magnitude of osmotic pressure of the solution is independent on the number of discrete entities of solute present in the solution. The release rate depends on solubility, molecular weight and activity coefficient of the solute i.e osmogens. Elevated BP is an extremely common disorder affecting millions of people world wide. In most cases rise in B.P is due to increase in total peripheral resistance while cardiac output and heart rate are not high. The beta blockers are used individually or a combination therapy to treat hypertension. The development of oral osmotic systems has a strong and good market potential and it is clear from the marketed products and number of patents granted in the last few years. Beta blockers continue to be first choice drugs recommended by JNC VI & WHO-ISH. Hypertension is termed as ‘Silent killer’ as its symptoms are invisible many times, long term hypertension causes atheroscelerosis, strokes, aneurysm, retinopathy in eyes and amputation of the parts. At this time focus was on developing zero order delivery system. Zero order kinetics would be superior as they maintain steady drug concentration in blood in treating hypertension effectively.

Two experiments were conducted in the Nematology Laboratory of the Seed Pathology Centre and experimental field of the Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during 2004 to examine the influence of physical and chemical treatments on the seed borne nematode disease of rice. The integrated control with physical and chemical treatments against seed borne nematode (Aphelenchoides besseyi) causing white tip disease of rice varieties BR11 and Nizersial (T. Aman) rice revealed that farmer’s saved seeds of both the varieties treated simultaneously with brine solution, hot water and Furadan 3G resulted in enhanced plant height, root length, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, total number of spikelet’s per panicle, grain yield and lower association of seed borne nematode. Better responses were found with farmer’s saved seeds treated with brine solution and hot water than field application of Furadan 3G, hot water treatment and treatment with brine solution having higher plant growth characters and yield of grains correspondingly with lower number of sterile and discolored spikelet’s and seed borne nematode compared to the control.The Agriculturists 2015; 13(1) 79-86

The Information and communication technology has transformed the old concept of libraries from traditional to digital form. In today’s world the most popular source of information is the Internet and electronic resources. The present study has been undertaken to assess the availability and use of library and web resources by Urdu faculty, research scholars and P.G. students in select university libraries of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. The particular study was under taken to assess the awareness, availability and use of library and Urdu web resources by the users. Their extent of satisfaction, impediment and impact of Internet and Urdu web resources were analyzed. The findings of the study revealed that there are scanty Urdu resources available online and also there is lack of knowledge among scholars about the use of web resources. To utilize the Urdu web resources to its maximum, it is necessary to build awareness among the research scholars and train them in browsing internet as well as searching information on the internet and using resources. This can be done by conducting user orientation/awareness program.

The study was conducted to explore the current status and the economical prospect of the solid waste management at Amin Bazar waste dumping site, Dhaka. A total of 48 waste samples were collected in both dry and wet season to study the physical composition, pH and moisture content of discarded wastes. The wastes were comprised of plastics (6%), paper (3.5%), glass (0.23%), garden waste (8.5%), food stuffs (72.25%), metals (0.16%) and textile products (3.25%). The pH values of the samples were ranges between 6.9-7.8 indicated the neutral condition. Larger portion of the wastes was organic (72%). About 14.38% of waste was recyclable but there is no recycling and composting facility. Proper recycling of the solid wastes at Amin Bazar can be a source of compost and useful metal resources which may contribute in safe and sustainable environmental management.

We demonstrate the requirement of electrical poling can be avoided in flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators (FPNGs) made of low-temperature hydrothermally grown wurtzite zinc sulfide nanorods (ZnS-NRs) blended with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). It has been found that conductive fillers, such as polyaniline (PANI) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), can subsequently improve the overall performance of FPNG. A large electrical throughput (open circuit voltage ∼35 V with power density ∼2.43 μW/cm(3)) from PANI supplement added nanogenerator (PZP-FPNG) indicates that it is an effective means to replace the MWCNTs filler. The time constant (τ) estimated from the transient response of the capacitor charging curves signifying that the FPNGs are very much capable to charge the capacitors in very short time span (e.g., 3 V is accomplished in 50 s) and thus expected to be perfectly suitable in portable, wearable and flexible electronics devices. We demonstrate that FPNG can instantly lit up several commercial Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (15 red, 25 green, and 55 blue, individually) and power up several portable electronic gadgets, for example, wrist watch, calculator, and LCD screen. Thus, a realization of potential use of PANI in low-temperature-synthesized ZnS-NRs comprising piezoelectric based nanogenerator fabrication is experimentally verified so as to acquire a potential impact in sustainable energy applications. Beside this, wireless piezoelectric signal detection possibility is also worked out where a concept of self-powered smart sensor is introduced.

A rapid and simple method for the determination of anionic surfactants based on an evanescent wave fiber optic was developed using ethyl violet. The sensor was prepared by removing the middle of the multimode fiber cladding. The optical signal from ethyl violet decreased with an increase in the sodium dodecyl sulfate concentration. The calibration curve was linear from 4 to 15 milligrams per liter with a limit of detection of 3.3 milligrams per liter. This simple fiber optic sensor requires a low volume of sample and does not employ extraction with organic solvents compared with conventional methods.

Methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) (MAPI)-embedded β-phase comprising porous poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite (MPC) films turns to an excellent material for energy harvester and photodetector (PD). MAPI enables to nucleate up to ∼91% of electroactive phase in PVDF to make it suitable for piezoelectric-based mechanical energy harvesters (PEHs), sensors, and actuators. The piezoelectric energy generation from PEH made with MPC film has been demonstrated under a simple human finger touch motion. In addition, the feasibility of photosensitive properties of MPC films are manifested under the illumination of nonmonochromatic light, which also promises the application as organic photodetectors. Furthermore, fast rising time and instant increase in the current under light illumination have been observed in an MPC-based photodetector (PD), which indicates of its potential utility in efficient photoactive device. Owing to the photoresponsive and electroactive nature of MPC films, a new class of stand-alone self-powered flexible photoactive piezoelectric energy harvester (PPEH) has been fabricated. The simultaneous mechanical energy-harvesting and visible light detection capability of the PPEH is promising in piezo-phototronics technology.