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Abstract The importance of supercapacitors has grown significantly in recent times due to several key features. These include their superior power density, faster charging and discharging capabilities, eco-friendly nature, and extended lifespans. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), on the other hand, have become a well-established and essential technology in the field of energy storage. However, BESS still faces challenges such as lower power density, limited cycle stability, and potential chemical hazards. Additionally, batteries perform poorly during transient events (sudden changes in power) due to their larger time constants, which can also shorten their lifespan. By strategically combining supercapacitors with BESS, their combined strengths can optimize battery performance. This study explores the role of supercapacitors in enhancing battery performance through both simulation and experimentation. The results obtained experimentally matched with simulated results.

Abstract Temperature-dependent dc-magnetization and ac-susceptibility curves have been recorded for series of single and double layered Ruddlesden-Popper multicomponent perovskites with chemical formula A2BO4 and A3B2O7, respectively, with (La, Sr) on A-sites and up to 7 different cations on the B-sites (Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu). The phase purity and chemical homogeneity of the compounds were investigated by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Independently of the composition, spin glassiness is observed in both systems. Scaling analyses suggest the materials undergo spin glass phase transitions at low temperatures. Yet, qualitative differences are observed between the single-layered and double-layered systems, which are discussed in the light of the spatial dimensionality and magnetic interaction in layered oxide perovskites.

Structural strengthening is vital to improve the load-carrying capacity of partially or severely damaged Reinforced Concrete (RC) elements. Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) are widely used for strengthening purposes. In this study, use of Stainless-Steel Wire Mesh (SSWM) is explored, as FRPs are having limitations like high cost, less fire resistance, and brittle behavior. The experimental studies are conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the SSWM, to explore its feasibility as a strengthening material. Three different variants of SSWM i.e., 30�32, 40�32 and 50�34 are considered for the study. SSWM used in present study is a woven mesh made from stainless-steel wires manufactured in India. Important mechanical properties such as tensile strength and bond strength with concrete surface is experimentally evaluated in this study. Response of test specimens are evaluated with respect to ultimate load carrying capacity, corresponding deformations, rupture strain, and failure pattern. SSWM exhibits a tensile strength of 489.134-658.375 MPa which is comparable to tensile strength of various types of fibers used for strengthening. Based on experimental studies, it is found that SSWM 40�32 performs better in different aspects, so it can be a good alternative for strengthening of RC elements compared to other FRP materials

Abstract Exploration of the gold-rich part of the ternary Gd–Au–Al system afforded the intermetallic compound GdAu6.75−xAl0.5+x (x ≈ 0.54) which was structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (Pnma, a = 18.7847(4) Å, b = 23.8208(5) Å, c = 5.3010(1) Å). GdAu6.75−xAl0.5+x crystallizes in a previously unknown structure type featuring layers of Gd2(Au, Al)29 and Gd2(Au, Al)28 clusters which are arranged as in a close-packing parallel to the ac plane. The Gd substructure corresponds to slightly corrugated 36 nets (dGd–Gd = 5.30–5.41 Å) which are stacked on top of each other along the b direction with alternating short (5.4, 5.6 Å, within layers) and long distances (6.4 Å, between layers). The title compound has been discussed with respect to a quasicrystal approximant (1/1 AC) GdAu5.3Al in the same system. The magnetic properties of GdAu6.75−xAl0.5+x were found to be reminiscent to those of some ternary ACs, with sharp peaks in the temperature dependent magnetization, and metamagnetic-like transitions. The material becomes antiferromagnetic below 25 K; magnetometry results suggest that the antiferromagnetic state is composed of ferromagnetic ac planes, coupled antiferromagnetically along the b direction.

White seeded finger millet is known to have higher acceptability in the baking and food industry compared to the brown seeded finger millet genotypes. The available white seeded finger millet genotypes are late maturing and blast susceptible thereby reducing their farmer’s acceptability in the north western Himalayan region particularly in Uttarakhand. Keeping this in view, the development of early maturing, blast resistance white seeded finger millet breeding programme was initiated at ICAR –VPKAS, Almora in 2003-04, which resulted in the release of VL Mandua 382in the year 2021, the first early maturing white seeded finger millet cultivar of finger millet suitable for rainfed and organic agro-ecology of the Himalayan region. It was derived from the cross between late maturing, white finger millet genotype WR 2 (obtained from UAS Bangalore) and early maturing and locally adapted blast tolerant brown seeded genotype VL 201. It recorded an average grain yield of 1,198 kg/ha, which was at par with the brown seeded check VL Mandua 324 (1,197 kg/ha) and out yielded the brown seeded check PRM-1 (1,163 kg/ha) by 3.0 per cent in State Varietal Trials (SVT) conducted under organic conditions of the Himalayan region. The grains contain higher calcium (340 mg/100g) and protein (8.8%) in comparison to the brown seeded check variety VL Mandua 324 (294 mg/100gand 6.6%, respectively). It exhibited moderate resistance to leaf, finger and neck blast in the multilocation trials conducted over 9 locations. Considering the speciality trait (white grains), excellent grain quality, matching yield potential with brown seeded check varieties and blast tolerance, the variety was released for cultivation in rainfed organic agro-ecology of Uttarakhand hills.

Crop yield estimation before harvest is required for marketing, pricing, storage, import, export etc. Productivity of cropping systems under various weather, management and policy scenarios can be predicted successfully by simulation models. Due to increase in input cost of agricultural operation, agriculture produces become costly. Therefore, crop yield estimation in the agriculture becomes essential. Weather variability causes the losses in the yield. Therefore, model based on weather parameters, soil parameter and crop parameters can provide reliable crop yield estimation in advance. For estimating the multi stage wheat crop yield, experiments were conducted at research farm of IARI, New Delhi during Rabi 2016–17 and Rabi 2017–18. Crop yield were estimated by weather based and crop simulation model. Percentage deviation of estimated yield by observed yield at flowering and grain filling stage was −5.1 and 2.0 by weather based model, 4.3 and 2.1 by InfoCrop model, 10.2 and 9.0 by DSSAT model during Rabi 2016–17 and 5.3 and 5.9 by weather based model, 2.3 and 2.2 by InfoCrop model, −10.8 and −9.6 by DSSAT model during Rabi 2017–18 respectively. Among the three models opted for estimating the yield at flowering and grain filling stage, InfoCrop model gave better results followed by weather based and DSSAT model. Therefore, this model can be used for multi stage wheat crop yield estimation at district as well as regional level.

An experiment on combining ability for yield and its contributing traits in wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.)]” was carried out through Line x Tester analysis at Centre for Crop Improvement, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. Experimental materials comprising twelve parents, thirty-two crosses and one tester, GW 496 as standard check were planted in a randomized block design with two replications during rabi 2012-13 season. The analysis of variance for experimental design revealed that highly significant differences were existed among genotypes, parents and hybrids for most of traits. The analysis of variance for combining ability revealed specific combining ability variances for m x f interaction were highly significant for plant height, number of effective tillers per plant and grain yield per spike. The magnitude of general combining ability variances was higher than the specific combining ability variances for all the characters which indicated preponderance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. This was further supported by high magnitude of σ2 gca / σ2 sca ratios. On the basis of general combining ability (gca) effects none of the parent was good general combiners for all the characters. Among female GW 11 and male GW 322 was found to be good general combiner for grain yield per plant, harvest index and protein content, respectively. Six males showed significant general combining ability effects of which, GW 190 (4.85) and GW 322 (3.13) showed significant positive general combining ability effects for grain yield potential. In case of GW 503 (1.00) exhibited significant positive general combining ability effect for grain yield per plant. The results of specific combining ability effects of different cross revealed that none of the crosses showed significant and negative specific combining ability effects for days to 50 per cent heading, days to maturity and plant height and significant and positive specific combining ability effect were observed for number of effective tillers per plant, length of main spike and grain yield per spike. In case of SCA hybrids viz., GW 11 x GW 273 (0.42), GW 11 x GW 190 (0.35) and GW 173 x GW 438 (0.34) exhibited significant positive specific combining ability effects. Therefore, these crosses are revealed as good general combiner and can be utilized in breeding for improvement in yield and its contributing traits in wheat crop.

CR-39 detectors, widely used for neutron dosimetry in accelerator radiation environment, have also been applied in tissue microdosimetry by generating the linear energy transfer (LET) spectrum. In this work, the neutron dose has been estimated via LET spectrometry for 9 Be (p, n) reaction which is useful for personnel monitoring around particle accelerators and accelerator based therapy facilities. Neutrons were generated by the interaction of protons of 6 different energies from 4-24 MeV with a thick Be target. The LET spectra were obtained from the major and minor radii of each track and the thickness of removed surface. From the LET spectra, the absorbed dose (DLET ) and the dose equivalent (HLET ) were estimated using Q-L relationship as given by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) 60. The track density in CR-39 detector and hence the neutron yield was found to be increasing with the increase in projectile (proton) energy. Similar observations were also obtained for absorbed dose (DLET ) and dose equivalents (HLET ).

Aim: To identify the anti-mutagenic effect of Nigella sativa on the experimentally induced chronic diabetes (type – II) in Wistar rats.Materials and Methods: The anti-mutagenic effect was evaluated in Nigella sativa treated diabetic rats against the streptozotocin - nicotinamide (STZ-NA) (at a dose rate of 45-110 i.p mg/kg b.wt for 90 days) induced type-II diabetes mellitus using bone marrow micronucleus tests. The antioxidant status was tested by estimating the serum levels of lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase.Results: Our results indicated that diabetic rats treated with Nigella sativa decreased the frequency of micronuclei in the erythrocytes of bone marrow (P < 0.05) and enhanced the antioxidant status (P < 0.05) in the treated diabetic rats as compared to controls.Conclusion: The observations indicated that the diabetic patients are more prone to cell mutations which are related to the level of cellular oxidative status and it could be reduced by Nigella sativa.

Aim: The study was conducted to find out the possible toxic effect of mercuric chloride (HgCl2 ) at the histological, biochemical, and haematological levels in the wistar rats for 28 days. Materials and Methods: The biochemical and hematological alteration were estimated in four groups of rat (each group contain ten animals), which were treated with 0 (control), 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg body weight of HgCl2 through oral gavage. At the end of study all rats were sacrificed and subjected for histopathology. Result: A significantly (P < 0.05) higher level of serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), gamma Glutamyle Transferase, and creatinine were recorded in treatment groups, while the level of alkaline phosphtase (ALP) was significantly decreased as compared to the control group. The toxic effect on hematoclogical parameter was characterized by significant decrease in hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocytes count, and total leukocyte count. Gross morphological changes include congestion, severe haemorrhage, necrosis, degenerative changes in kidneys, depletion of lymphocyte in spleen, decrease in concentration of mature spermatocyte, and edema in testis. It was notable that kidney was the most affected organ. Conclusion: Mercuric chloride (HgCl ) caused dose-dependent toxic effects on blood parameters and kidney. [Vet World 2013; 6(8.000): 563-567]

The present study was carried out to study pathology and virulence of Pasteurella multocida B:2 isolated from natural outbreak of Pasteurella infection in rabbits. Healthy Pasteurella multocida B:2 free rabbits (12) were divided in control and challenged group. The challenged group rabbits were inoculated intra-nasally by spraying of 0.5 ml of inoculum in each nares, containing 1 × 105 CFU of Pasteurella multocida B:2 in BHI. The control group of rabbits was inoculated with 0.5 ml uncultured BHI broth in each nares in the same manner. Live animals were observed for atleast 14 days. The main clinical signs observed in infected rabbits comprised of conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, pyrexia, sneezing, dyspnoea and abdominal breathing. The pathomorphological changes in lungs comprised of acute fibrinous and/or fibrino suppurative bronchopneumonia/pleuropneumonia. Trachea showed acute inflammatory changes with multifocal erosion/ulcer and necrosis. Nasal cavity showed acute inflammation with accumulation of cellular debris in nasal meatus. Three infected rabbits showed meningitis characterized by congestion, infiltration of heterophils and minimal oedema. Pasteurella multocida B:2 was successfully detected in blood and tissues of infected rabbits by PCR. The organisms were also demonstrated in blood/impression smear from different organs.

Bone grafting is the process by which bone is transferred from a source (donor) to site (recipient). Due to trauma from accidents by speedy vehicles, falling down from height or gunshot injury particularly in human being, acquired or developmental diseases like rickets, congenital defects like abnormal bone development, wearing out because of age and overuse; lead to bone loss and to replace the loss we need the bone grafting. Osteogenesis, osteoinduction, osteoconduction, mechanical supports are the four basic mechanisms of bone graft. Bone graft can be harvested from the iliac crest, proximal tibia, proximal humerus, proximal femur, ribs and sternum. An ideal bone graft material is biologically inert, source of osteogenic, act as a mechanical support, readily available, easily adaptable in terms of size, shape, length and replaced by the host bone. Except blood, bone is grafted with greater frequency. Bone graft indicated for variety of orthopedic abnormalities, comminuted fractures, delayed unions, non-unions, arthrodesis and osteomyelitis. Bone graft can be harvested from the iliac crest, proximal tibia, proximal humerus, proximal femur, ribs and sternum. By adopting different procedure of graft preservation its antigenicity can be minimized. The concept of bone banking for obtaining bone grafts and implants is very useful for clinical application. Absolute stability require for successful incorporation. Ideal bone graft must possess osteogenic, osteoinductive and osteocon-ductive properties. Cancellous bone graft is superior to cortical bone graft. Usually autologous cancellous bone graft are used as fresh grafts where as allografts are employed as an alloimplant. None of the available type of bone grafts possesses all these properties therefore, a single type of graft cannot be recomm-ended for all types of orthopedic abnormalities. Bone grafts and implants can be selected as per clinical problems, the equipments available and preference of the surgeon. A search for ideal bone graft is on and may continue till time to time. [Vet World 2010; 3(4.000): 198-200]

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Oxidation decreases consumer acceptability of food by changing its organoleptic properties, destroying essential nutrients and producing toxic compounds. Antioxidants delay oxidation of lipids in foods as well in human systems. Studies reveal that synthetic antioxidants may trigger diseases in human when consumed over a certain concentration. The toxicological effects of synthetic food antioxidants have been the focus of controversy in recent years. There is scope to use natural antioxidants, present in many components of food and plant sources, as a preservative. In this review different synthetic and natural antioxidants present in various foods, reactions with food and the biological system, extraction techniques and their pitfalls as well as legal implication are discussed.

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2010-2011 in a sandy loam soil at the Research Farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India to study the relationship of canopy reflectance with the yield and protein content of wheat as infuenced by different irrigation and nitrogen levels. Three spectral reflectance indices (SRI) related to canopy photosynthetic area were calculated using spectral reflectance values viz., Red normalized difference vegetation index (RNDVI), Green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) and Simple ratio (SR). The RNDVI, GNDVI and SR increased from Crown Root Initiation (CRI) to booting stage and there after decreased progressively till maturity. Among the three SRIs, GNDVI at milking stage was most closely related to grain yield (r=0.97**) and biomass yield (r= 0.93**) of wheat and at booting stage it was most closely related to the protein content (r=0.90**). The GNDVI was the best index for prediction of grain yield, biomass yield and grain protein percentage in wheat.

Keeping in view of high prevalence of tuberculosis in far western development region in different reports, a door to door survey of 125 household was carried out randomly in Mahendra Nagar municipality ward no 13 of Kanchanpur district to pick up symptomatics suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis and find the prevalence in the target population. A total of 200 sputum specimens from 70 symptomatics within the age range of 10-80 years were collected and subjected to smear microscopy by Ziehl - Neelsen's method. Out of 10 positive cases (14.28%), infection in males and females was 80% and 20% respectively. The infection was found in the productive age group 20-69. The highest prevalence was obtained in 20-29 age group (25%) followed by 40-49 (11%), 30-39 (9%), 50-59 (8%) and 60-69 (8%). The diagnostic yield of single sputum specimen examined was insufficient in field condition, especially where the sputum positivity was low. Of the three sputum smears examined, the early morning specimen had the best result. Key Words: Pulmonary tuberculosis, prevalence, sputum smears.

The objective of the study is to diagnose suspected human cystic and alveolar hydatidosis cases in Nepal. In this present study diagnosis of active clinical cases of cystic and alveolar hydatidosis referred to our centre by different hospitals, nursing homes and private clinics of Kathmandu were carried out from August 1999 to March 2001 by using ELISA. Among 44 samples including 31 samples from male and 13 samples from female. 35 (79.54%) were found positive. Regarding the age group maximum 13 samples were collected within 6-15 years age of which 12(27.3%) were found serrologically positive. Ultrasonogram (USG) and computerised tomography (CT scan) are the method of choice to image the hepatic and other abdominal cysts. In this study 75% of CT scan suspected cases were found positive by ELISA. Hence these imaging techniques must be used to detect the shape, size and location of the cyst but not as confirmative. Blood examination results, biochemical tests and stool and urine examination have basically no relation with hydatidosis. Key Words: Cystic, alveolar hydatidosis, ELISA, genotype, strain.

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Abstract

As part of developing an international network of community-based ecosystem approaches to health, a project was undertaken in a densely populated and socio-economically diverse area of Kathmandu, Nepal. Drawing on hundreds of pages of narrative reports based on surveys, interviews, secondary data, and focus groups by trained Nepalese facilitators, the authors created systemic depictions of relationships between multiple stakeholder groups, ecosystem health, and human health. These were then combined to examine interactions among stakeholders, activities, concerns, perceived needs, and resource states (ecosystem health indicators). These qualitative models have provided useful heuristics for both community members and research scholars to understand the eco-social systems in which they live; many of the strategies developed by the communities and researchers to improve health intuitively drew on this systemic understanding. The diagrams enabled researchers and community participants to explicitly examine relationships and conflicts related to health and environmental issues in their community.