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Clean air is essential for sustaining a healthy life and ensuring the well-being of the ecosystem. With rising levels of air pollution in the world, maintaining good air quality is a crucial requirement of the day. In this study, the effects of heatwave on the air pollutant level were observed and a correlation study was conducted demonstrating a positive association between temperature and the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and O3. The results of this study lead to the conclusion that temperature has the greatest impact on PM10 concentration levels compared to other pollutants.

Production and characterization of bio lubricating base oil from non-edible castor seed oil has been studied. Castor oil was extracted from castor seed by solvent extraction method. KOH catalyzed transesterification process was used to produce bio-lubricating oil. Ethanol was used as alcohol in the transesterification process. Optimum condition for bio-lubricating base oil production was 40% ethanol, 0.45% KOH at 75oC for reaction time of 90 min. and the yield was 98%. Important properties of produced bio-lubricating oil like acid value (0.58 mg KOH/g), flash point (235oC), density (0.890 g/cc), pour point (-15oC) and viscosity (131.90 and 16.5 cSt at 40 and 100 oC respectively) etc. were analyzed. The properties were found to be analogues to conventional commercial lubricating oil. This renewable base oil from castor seed could be an attractive and environment friendly alternative to base oil from petroleum sources. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 57(1), 7-14, 2022

Rainfall in India has very high temporal and spatial variability. The rainfall variability affects the livelihood and food habits of people from different regions. In this study, the rainfall trends in two stations in the north-eastern state of Tripura, namely Agartala and Kailashahar have been studied for the period 1955-2017. The state experiences an annual mean of more than 2000 mm of rainfall, out of which, about 60% occurs during the monsoon season and about 30% in pre-monsoon. An attempt has been made to analyze the trends in seasonal and annual rainfall, rainy days and heavy rainfall in the two stations, during the same period.Non-parametric Mann-Kendall test has been used to find out the significance of these trends. Both increasing and decreasing trends are observed over the two stations. Increasing trends in rainfall, rainy days and heavy rainfall are found at Agartala during pre-monsoon season and decreasing trends in all other seasons and at annual scale. At Kailashahar, rainfall amount (rainy days & heavy rainfall) is found to be increasing during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons (pre-monsoon season). At annual scale also, rainfall and rainy days show increasing trends at Kailashahar. The parameters are showing decreasing trends during all other seasons at the station. Rainy days over Agartala show a significantly decreasing trend in monsoon, whereas no other trend is found to be significant over both the stations.

An experiment was conducted at the Crop Botany Field Laboratory, Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during November 2007 to March 2008 to evaluate the effects of Gibberellic acid (GA3) on yield performance and siliqua shattering of mustard (var. BINA shorisha-6). Four concentrations of GA3 viz. 0, 25, 50 and 75 ppm were sprayed on canopy at 30 days after sowing. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed that different levels of GA3 significantly influenced the number of siliqua/plant, number of seeds/siliqua, percentage of shattered siliqua/plant, number of flowers/plant, setting of siliqua/plant (%), seed weight/plant and harvest index. The GA3 at 50 ppm significantly increased the number of fertile siliqua/plant, number of flowers/plant, setting of siliqua/plant (%), number of seeds/siliqua, seed weight/plant and harvest index. The highest seed yield/plant was recorded from 50 ppm GA3 application at optimum harvest date. The variety incurred 47.29% yield loss due to shattering of siliqua when harvested 10 days after optimum date without application of hormone but loss was reduced to 15.34% with the application of 50 ppm of GA3.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are moderately to highly heritable and are in part cross-transmitted genetically, as observed in twin and family studies. We performed exome-focused genotyping to examine the cross-transmission of four SUDs: alcohol use disorder (AUD, n = 4487); nicotine use disorder (NUD, n = 4394); cannabis use disorder (CUD, n = 954); and nonmedical prescription opioid use disorder (NMPOUD, n = 346) within a large nationally representative sample (n = 36,309), the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III). All diagnoses were based on in-person structured psychiatric interview (AUDADIS-5). SUD cases were compared alone and together to 3959 "super controls" who had neither a SUD nor a psychiatric disorder using an exome-focused array assaying 363,496 SNPs, yielding a representative view of within-disorder and cross-disorder genetic influences on SUDs. The 29 top susceptibility genes for one or more SUDs overlapped highly with genes previously implicated by GWAS of SUD. Polygenic scores (PGS) were computed within the European ancestry (EA) component of the sample (n = 12,505) using summary statistics from each of four clinically distinct SUDs compared to the 3959 "super controls" but then used for two distinctly different purposes: to predict SUD severity (mild, moderate, or severe) and to predict each of the other 3 SUDs. Our findings based on PGS highlight shared and unshared genetic contributions to the pathogenesis of SUDs, confirming the strong cross-inheritance of AUD and NUD as well as the distinctiveness of inheritance of opioid use disorder.

Jute (Corchorus spp. L.), the second most important fibre crop next to cotton, is a biodegradable and eco-friendly crop and one of the main cash crops of eastern India. India is the largest producer of raw jute in the world earning about `2200 crores per annum through export of diversified jute goods for which quality jute fibre is needed. The jute fibre quality depends directly on retting process. In India, more than 90% jute farmers do not have the access to free flowing water, so they carry out jute retting in stagnant water. The quality of jute fibre is deteriorated in stagnant water retting because of several factors like less rainfall, repeated retting, absence of efficient retting microbes, direct use of mud, soil etc. In this review paper we have discussed the views of various research workers about the efficient retting microbes, their utilization as microbial consortium for faster retting and quality jute fibre production even in stagnant water retting. Latest molecular approaches for identification of retting microbes including whole genome sequencing of retting microbes and their utilization as talc based formulation, spore based liquid formulation, use of immobilized strain of efficient retting microbes for faster environment friendly jute retting towards quality jute fibre production under farmers’ field conditions have also been discussed in detail.

A pot experiment was conducted at the Crop Botany Field Laboratory, Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural Universityduring November 2007 to March 2008 to evaluate the effectsof Gibberellic Acid (GA3) on morphological and biochemical features of mustard (var. BINAshorisha-6). Four concentrations viz. 0, 25, 50 and 75 ppm of GA3 were sprayed on canopy at 30 days after sowing. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.The results showed that different levels of GA3 significantly influenced the plant height; number of primary and secondary branches/plant; root, shoot andshell dry weight/plant; total drymatter/plant; total chlorophyll content of leaves; and protein and oil content in seeds. There were statistically similar effects between the application rate of 50 ppm and 75 ppm in all studied parameters except total dry matter/plant, while an increased value was recorded under the former application of GA3. The research findings concluded that, plant growth, dry matter and biochemical attributes in mustard can be increased through a moderately high dose of GA3 application.

Deng-Fan Potential is well known in describing diatomic molecular energy spectra and electromagnetic transitions. An irregular solution for the Deng-Fan potential is constructed by adapting the differential equation approach to the problem. The Jost function thus obtained is applied to find bound state energies and the scattering phase shifts for nuclear systems. Also phase function method has been applied in parallel with that of Jost function technique for similar investigation. Results show close agreement with the experimental ones. Exploiting the phase parameters the elastic scattering cross sections have been estimated.

International audience; A µBRDF goniospectrophotometer has been developed at LNE-CNAM. This device performs traceable BRDF measurement with a measurement surface of 30 µm of diameter. All angular configuration of measurement belonging to the hemisphere are possible. The spectral range is the visible. This device intends to help to progress in the effort to extent the BRDF metrological scale from the centimetre size to micrometre size. Traceable µBRDF measurement are requested today to validate physical based rendering models used in virtual prototyping and to progress in the comprehension of the appearance of natural material like wool, wood, or leather.

Despite its omnipresence in everyday interactions and its importance for mental health, mood and its neuronal underpinnings are poorly understood. Computational models can help identify parameters affecting self-reported mood during mood induction tasks. Here we test if computationally modelled dynamics of self-reported mood during monetary gambling can be used to identify trial-by-trial variations in neuronal activity. To this end, we shifted mood in healthy (N=24) and depressed (N=30) adolescents by delivering individually tailored reward prediction errors whilst recording magnetoencephalography (MEG) data. Following a pre-registered analysis, we hypothesize that expectation (defined by previous reward outcomes) would be predictive of beta-gamma oscillatory power (25-40Hz), a frequency shown to modulate to reward feedback. We also hypothesize that trial variations in the evoked response to the presentation of gambling options and in source localized responses to reward feedback. Through our multilevel statistical analysis, we found confirmatory evidence that beta-gamma power is positively related to reward expectation during mood shifts, with possible localized sources in the posterior cingulate cortex. We also confirmed reward prediction error to be predictive of trial-level variations in the response of the paracentral lobule and expectation to have an effect on the cerebellum after presentation of gambling options. To our knowledge, this is the first study to relate fluctuations in mood on a minute timescale to variations in neural oscillations with noninvasive electrophysiology.Significance StatementBrain mechanisms underlying mood and its relationship with changes in reward contingencies in the environment are still elusive but could have a strong impact on our understanding and treatment of debilitating mood disorders. Building on a previously proposed computational mood model we use multilevel statistical models to find relationship between trial-by-trial variations in model components of mood and neural responses to rewards measured with non-invasive electrophysiology (MEG). Through confirmatory analysis we show that it is possible to observe relationships between trial variations in neural responses and computational parameters describing mood dynamics. Identifying the dynamics of mood and the neural processes it affects could pave the way for more effective neuromodulation treatments.

We have illustrated the thermal oxidation of Ni as gate dielectrics to improve the characteristics of GaN-based metal oxide semiconductor high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). The oxide is formed by a pre-deposition of a thin film followed by oxidation in pure O2 ambient. The formation and thickness of the oxides are confirmed through x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. NiO x is found to have an energy band gap of 3.7 eV determined using O 1s energy loss spectra. NiO x is found to provide negative (1.7 eV) valence band offsets with AlGaN. The potential use of the oxides has been confirmed by the significant improvement in drive current, transconductance, subthreshold swing, unity current gain frequency, and gate current leakage over the Schottky barrier HEMTs (SB-HEMTs). We have observed a positive shift in threshold voltage for NiO x -based gate dielectric devices compared to that of the SB-HEMTs.

Purpose: This research serves the purpose of dealing with different types of Human Subjective Biases in Performance Management System by interview-based analysis and content analysis depending upon inputs from renowned HR professionals and then to determine if HR Analytics can help the HR practitioners in objective-decision making rather than intuition in PMS.Design/Methodology/Approach: Focused-Group-Interview approach is followed here to acquire in-depth information about Subjectivity Bias Elimination in Employee Appraisal Process and how the same can be mitigated with the help of People Analytics. Findings: This research will reveal the truth of erroneous subjective judgments based on instincts and how HR Analytics can help the HR practitioners in objective decision making rather than intuition in PMS. Originality/ Value: This research identifies factors leading to Subjectivity Bias in Employee Appraisal Process. It suggests updated criteria for HR professionals to mitigate subjectivity bias in Employee Appraisal Process with help of People Analytics.

Background: Onion is an economically important bulbous vegetable crop widely cultivated in India. Onion produced in West Bengal can only partially meet up its domestic need and thus extremely depends upon supply from other Indian States during lean period. Bringing more area under cultivation with improved varieties can boost the production and productivity of onion in West Bengal. The present situation leads to explore the scope of onion cultivation in non-traditional area. The objective of the study was to know the production and storage performance of onion varieties under Coastal Saline Zone of West Bengal, with the greater aim to explore this non-traditional onion growing area in future.Methods: Sixteen short day onion varieties were evaluated in Rabi 2014-15 and 2015-16 in Ramkrishna Ashram KVK, Nimpith following Randomized Block Design with three replications. Eight field parameters, three laboratory parameters and four storage parameters were studied. Result: Enough variation was noticed for different growth, yield, quality and storage attributes among the onion cultivars. The bulb yield, bulb weight, bulb equatorial and polar diameter was ranged from 62.8 to 124.5q/ha, 38.9 to 78.5 g, 32.5 to 47.6 cm and 34.7 to 47.3 cm respectively. The average TSS and pyruvic acid content was noted 12.7 ºBrix and 11.2 µmol/g respectively. After six month of storage in ambient condition, average PLW, rotting, sprouting and total losses was found 33.6%, 24.8%, 1.3% and 59.7% respectively. Among the varieties, Sukhsagar followed by Arka Niketan registered minimum storage losses of 20% and 35.1% at the end of storage period. Onion variety, Sukhsagar, Agrifound Light Red, Bhima Shakti, NHRDF Red-2, Pusa white Flat and NHRDF Red-3 were identified as top performers.

Passive continental margins are tectonically inactive, but a few of them including the East India Passive Margin (EIPM) show evidences for post-breakup deformations. This unusual process prompted us to investigate the post-rift deformations on EIPM and adjacent deep-water region for understanding the possible mechanisms. Seismic reflection images of the Bay of Bengal reveal a post-rift deformation with a manifestation of extensional faults in Krishna–Godavari (K–G) basin and on flanks of the 85°E Ridge. In K–G basin, one of the rift-related faults reactivated during the Early Miocene time (~16 Ma), while on flanks of the 85°E Ridge new normal faults originated at about 6.8 Ma. From detailed analysis of fault throws, it is observed that the fault in K–G basin recorded a cumulative throw of about 900 m between the basement and Early Miocene horizon (~16 Ma), later the fault was reactivated at 6.8 Ma and continued the activity progressively until 0.3 Ma before cessation. The fault system on the margin spatially extends for about 300 km between offshore extensions of the Pranahita–Godavari graben and Nagavali–Vamshadhara shear zone. The faults on 85°E Ridge, initiated at 6.8 Ma and continued until 0.8 Ma, have cumulative throws of about 60 and 110 m on western and eastern flanks of the ridge, respectively. Back-stripping analysis of the fault from the K–G basin discloses two distinct phases of subsidence history: (i) during the first phase (120–23 Ma) the basement subsided at a rate of 46–18 m/Myr due to thermal cooling of the lithosphere, (ii) during the second phase (23 Ma–Present) rapid subsidence rate (69.56 m/Myr) of basement is noticed as a consequence of deposition of copious amounts of Bengal Fan sediments. The thick sedimentary strata exerted vertical load on underlying heterogeneous crust that led to build excessive internal stress and release through weak zones (lying at intersecting planes of heterogeneous crustal blocks). The stress, thus released through fault planes has caused the deformation of crust as well as overlying sedimentary strata.

Background Maladaptive patterns of drinking are central to the development of AUD. However, no DSM-5 criteria ask about patterns of alcohol use, such as 5+/4+ binge drinking. It is important to examine whether such an item would improve the diagnostic utility of the DSM-5 instrument. Method Using a large representative sample of the US population, we used item response theory (IRT) methodology to examine the threshold, discrimination, and information value and differential criterion functioning of DSM-5 AUD criteria, along with a 5+/4+ drinking pattern criterion assessed at various levels of frequency. Results The best fit drinking pattern criterion (defined at 5+/4+ drinking at least once a week in the past year) tapped the milder end of that continuum, which was similar to the criterion of drinking in larger amounts or for longer than intended. The new DSM-5 craving criterion was associated with mid-level values of threshold and discrimination. The AUD criteria with the addition of the 5+/4+ drinking pattern criterion demonstrated invariance across important subgroups of the population. Conclusions Among the criteria with the lowest level of threshold, the drinking pattern criterion has demonstrated its utility of the DSM-5 classification by identifying clinically significant but milder AUD cases. Along with its relationship to AUD relapse, the new craving criterion tapped the moderate levels of threshold and discrimination and thus, argues for its continued inclusion in the DSM-5 AUD formulation. Study results showed that DSM-5 AUD criteria and the 5+/4+ drinking pattern criterion formed a unidimensional continuum of AUD severity.

Background Little is known about the sociodemographic profiles, the intensity of drinking, the severity of alcohol use disorder (AUD), and psychopathology among individuals with specific patterns of concurrent alcohol and drug use and AUD and other drug use disorders (DUDs) comorbidity. Methods Data were from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. We examined sociodemographic correlates and psychopathology among individuals with specific patterns of concurrent use of alcohol and drug and AUD-DUD comorbidity relative to alcohol use or AUD only, respectively, using multinomial logistic regression. We also examined whether concurrent alcohol and drug use and AUD-DUD comorbidity increased the intensity of drinking and severity of AUD, respectively. Results The majority (62.0%) of past-year drinkers used only alcohol. The 12-month prevalence of AUD only was 53.5%. Individuals with concurrent use of alcohol and drugs and AUD-DUD comorbidity were more likely to be men, younger, never/previously married, with lower education and income (odds ratios (ORs) ≥ 1.2). Concurrent use of alcohol and drugs and AUD- DUD comorbidity groups were more likely to experience psychopathology than the alcohol use only and AUD only groups, respectively (ORs ≥ 1.3). The intensity of drinking was greater among the concurrent use groups relative to the alcohol use only group, while the severity of AUD was greater among AUD-DUD comorbidity groups relative to the AUD only group. Conclusions Research on consequences and treatment outcome of concurrent use of alcohol and drugs and AUD-DUD comorbidity is warranted to inform the development of more effective prevention/intervention programs.

Objective The objective of this study was to present current information on the prevalence, correlates, comorbidity and quality of life among men and women with cannabis use disorder (CUD). Methods In 2012–2013, 36,309 respondents ≥ 18 years old participated in face-to-face interviews in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. Results Prevalence of 12-month CUD was greater among men (3.5%) than women (1.7%). Women experienced shorter duration from onset of cannabis use to onset of CUD than men (mean = 5.8 years, men; mean = 4.7 years, women). In both men and women, prevalences of CUD were greater among young adults, Blacks, and those with lower income and greater among Native American women relative to White women. CUD was highly comorbid with other substance use disorders, PTSD, ASPD and borderline and schizotypal PDs for men and women. Quality of life for individuals with CUD was low regardless of gender. Conclusions DSM-5 CUD among men and women is highly prevalent, comorbid and characterized by low quality of life. Results highlighted the need for integrated treatment of CUD and comorbid disorders and the urgency of identifying and implementing effective prevention and intervention approaches, especially for those sociodemographic subgroups for which both men and women are at greater risk for the disorder.

This study presents nationally representative data on the prevalence, correlates, psychiatric comorbidity and treatment (including pharmacological and nonpharmacological) among electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) users.Face-to-face interviews in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III.Prevalences of 12-month and lifetime ENDS use were 3.8% (SE=0.14) and 5.4% (SE=0.17). Odds of ENDS use were greater among men than women, regardless of timeframe. Rates were lower among Blacks, Hispanics and Asians/Pacific Islanders relative to Whites. Odds of 12-month and lifetime ENDS use was also higher among younger (65years) than older (≥65years) individuals and higher among individuals with high school education relative to these with some college education. Odds of 12-month and lifetime ENDS use was also higher among individuals with incomes$70,000.00 compared with those with incomes≥$70,000.00 and higher among the previously married relative to those who were currently married. Associations between 12-month ENDS use and severe nicotine use disorder were strong, whereas associations with other substance use disorders and borderline and antisocial personality disorders were modest (AORs=1.3-2.6). Rates of treatment seeking to cut down or quit tobacco or nicotine use (12-month, 25.0% (SE=1.6); lifetime, 24.4% (SE=1.4)) were low.ENDS use is substantially comorbid, especially with nicotine use disorder. Virtually all ENDS users smoked cigarettes. Research is needed to understand their role in smoking cessation, adverse effects on bodily systems and their potential for addiction and comorbidity.

The emergence of nano dielectrics for specialized high voltage applications sparked off a variety of research activities, which proved that nano-fillers are capable of improving the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of polymers. This paper primarily investigates the effect of addition of hBN (hexagonal boron nitride) nanoparticles into an epoxy polymer base by increasing fill-grade, from 0.2 to 5 % by volume, from two different standpoints: (a) characterizing the electrical space charge (S.C.) accumulation threshold under DC electrical fields, and, (b) demonstrating the alterations in material properties of the modified polymeric materials, from the unfilled polymer. Objective (a) is experimentally investigated by the pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) technique, well known for determining spatial charge distribution in dielectrics. Objective (b) is investigated by determining the ultrasonic velocity response of the modified composites and unfilled polymer. The obtained results suggest a relation between electrical threshold fields for S.C. accumulation & fill-grades, as well as the fact that incorporating stiff filler materials into brittle polymer bases leads to a tougher composite (capable of withstanding greater breaking stress levels), but with reduced ductility.

The 85°E Ridge, located in the Bay of Bengal of the northeastern Indian Ocean is an enigmatic geological feature as it possesses unusual geophysical signatures. The ridge's internal structure and mode of eruptions are unknown due to lack of deep seismic reflection and borehole data control. Here, we analyze 10 km of long-streamer seismic reflection data to unravel the ridge's internal structure, and thereby to enhance the understanding of how the ridge was originated and grew over a geologic time. Seismic facies analysis reveals the ridge structure consisting of volcanic vent and several stratigraphic units including packs of prograding clinoforms. The clinoform sequences are interpreted as volcanic successions, and led to the formation of lava-delta fronts. Interpreted features of lava-fed deltas and intervening erosional surfaces, and mass flows along ridge flanks suggest that the 85°E Ridge is a volcanic construct, and was built by both subaqueous and multiphase sub-marine volcanism during the Late Cretaceous (approximately from 85 to 80 Ma). At later time, from Oligocene-Miocene (∼23 Ma) onwards the ridge was buried under the thick sediments of the Bengal Fan system.