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Here, it was explored how europium ions affected the physical, structural, and optical properties of alkali lead borotellurite glasses. The glasses were made using the standard melt quenching technique, and their structural properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy techniques. The physical properties of ready glasses were evaluated by quantifying density variations using the Archimedes approach. Using the Davis-Mott approach, optical properties such as optical energy band gap and Urbach energy were identified. The analysis of the refractive index, dielectric constant, molar refraction, and molar polarizability are reported. According to the results, the recently studied alkali lead boro tellurite glasses have demonstrated potential uses in the fields of optical materials

In this paper, the Enhanced Z-Source Switched Capacitor Multi-Level Inverter (EZSC-MLI) is presented, which can generate a greater number of levels and magnitude in output. The proposed MLI has greater recognition due to its low harmonic profile, fewer switching components, compact size, low switch stress, isolated DC supply, high efficiency, and low cost. A high voltage boost factor is achieved by using the Z-Source. The Switched Capacitor module is used for charging all the capacitors to equal voltage magnitude based on a self-balanced scheme. The proposed topology for grid integration requires dual control loops, a primary voltage control loop, and a secondary current control loop. The performance of the proposed 7-level topology for grid integrated systems is verified with multi-carrier advanced modulation schemes and by simulations carried out in Matlab/Simulink.

The application of a photocatalyst with effective adsorption capacity and higher photocatalytic activity under direct sunlight for the treatment of industrial effluent contaminated with dyes has received increased attention. In this work, mesoporous TiO2-NiO nanosheets were synthesized by a modified auto-combustion technique followed by thermal post-treatment at 400°C. The XRD pattern for modified auto-combusted resulting TiO2 (sc) and TiO2-NiO (sc) [5wt%NiO] nanosheets comprised of mixed-phase anatase and rutile for TiO2 and cubic for NiO. The result of SEM demonstrated that the morphology of TiO2 is a sheet and TiO2-NiO is a rod-like structure. UV-vis spectroscopy results imply that the bandgap of TiO2 and TiO2-NiO mixed phase is 3.1eV and 2.7eV. N2 sorption (BET) showed a mesoporous structure and interpret specific surface areas of 19.528m2/g and 63.215 m²/g. Adsorption of the dye on the solid catalyst is inexpensive and efficient but disposing of the adsorbed dye is challenging. Among various dye removal techniques, photocatalytic degradation under direct sunlight is significant, cost-effective, and sustainable. Photocatalytic experiments using alizarin yellow as a model pollutant showed that the degradation percentage of AY was 93.54% in 120min for 100mg of TiO2(sc) and 97% in 90min for 60mg of TiO2-NiO(sc). Degradation of AY using TiO2(sc) and TiO2-NiO(sc) follows a pseudo-first-order reaction, whereas adsorption of AY on TiO2-NiO(sc) follows the second-order kinetics, fits well in the Freundlich Isotherm model. Therefore, nanosized mesoporous TiO2-NiO(sc) nanosheets with a p-n junction are considered efficient photocatalysts under direct sunlight due to narrowing down in bandgap, larger surface, and mixed-phase.

Consumption of the fermented milk is on the rise due to its therapeutic benefits to human health. Several processes and technologies evolved to further enrich the fermented foods. In the present study, an Indian fermented milk product Lassi (sweet stirred curd) was selected for the experimental trials and optimized for the different process conditions. Lassi was prepared by adding sugar and water in curd and mixing them in the prefabricated mixing vessel. Three different impellers were tested in the preparation of Lassi. Two independent factors, namely off-bottom clearance (OBC) and impeller speed (IS) were selected to optimize the process conditions to yield a uniform good quality product. The quality of the finished product was assessed by sensorial and rheological attributes. Performance of the impeller was estimated by evaluating the mixing time, mixing index and power consumption. Three levels of OBC (3, 6, 9 cm) and IS (300, 400, 500 rpm) respectively were selected. Experiments were designed as per response surface methodology and accordingly trials were conducted. Constraints were optimized by setting up the goal for each of them. Based upon the solutions provided by the software, the product was prepared keeping the impeller positioned at 4.8 cm OBC and rotational speed of 389 rpm. The prepared product was validated against the experimental values and found no significant difference between theoretical and experimental values. Results indicated that the multivane churn impeller was found to be suitable for the preparation of good quality lassi. Mixing time and power consumption were optimized at 160±17.32 and 34.21±0.70, respectively. Overall acceptability of the product was 8.16±0.153 on 9-point hedonic scale. It can be concluded that the developed unit and impeller was able to deliver a uniform quality product with minimum mixing time and power consumption.

Journalism demands its outputs to be accurate, objective, and immaculate. Therefore, permitting prejudices to seep into work is staunchly condemned. Human beings are still vulnerable to cognitive biases based on individual characteristics, and hence, this paper attempted to identify if one such characteristic – gender – can influence the works produced by journalists. The study, through content analysis, examined whether there were any significant disparities in writing styles between the articles by male reporters and female reporters concerning story tones prevalent in the articles, the story structures used, and the gender of the sources selected. The results showed that there is no significant difference in story tone, story structure, and selection of sources in articles written by journalists of both genders, thus indicating that gender might not influence news writing. This conclusion provides reassurance that hiring more female journalists in newsrooms will not dilute the quality of work, nor threaten to weaken the existing power that journalism possesses. The resulting data can reinforce the need to erase gender stereotypes about female journalists and encourage them to become part of newsrooms

This study examines the effect of advancing the breeding season on the reproductive performance of dromedary camels under an intensive management system. Using a synchronization protocol, timed natural mating in female camels was carried out either in September (2 months ahead of the natural breeding season, n = 182) or December (peak breeding season, n = 115). The ovarian responses (size of the dominant follicle at the time of mating and ovulation), pregnancy rate, and pregnancy losses were evaluated using ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected after mating to assess progesterone concentrations by RIA. The libido of male camels (n = 13) was evaluated objectively. Results showed that the percentage of female camels with an optimal sized follicle (11-17 mm) for breeding at the time of mating was lower in September compared to December (81.9 vs 91.3%, P = 0.03). The libido of male camels was lower in September than in December (P0.001). The ovulation rate (86.3 vs 93.9%, P = 0.04), size of the ovulated follicle (12.7 ± 0.1 vs 13.7 ± 0.2 mm, P0.001), pregnancy rates on Day 14 (47.8 vs 72.2%, P0.001) and Day 90 (38.5 vs 60.9%, P0.001) after mating was lower in September compared to December. However, pregnancy loss was not affected between months (15.7 vs 19.5%, P = 0.3). Among pregnant camels, the progesterone concentrations on Days 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 after mating were lower in September as compared to December (P0.001). In non-pregnant camels, the progesterone concentrations on Days 6, 8 and 10 after mating were also lower in September as compared to December (P0.001). In conclusion, advancing the breeding season by two months, significantly affects the reproductive performance of dromedary camels, yet, acceptable pregnancy rates can be achieved.

In this paper, we consider an inflation scenario in which the inflation roll rate, defined by [Formula: see text] is supposed to be constant and study constant-roll inflation by a scalar field with minimal coupling to gravity in the presence of non-commutative (NC) parameters. For this purpose, we use the deformation approach and obtain the corresponding Lagrangian to the model by employing new variables. Then, we find exact solutions for the inflation potential, which include power-law, quadratic hilltop, and natural inflation. Further, we discuss the effect of parameters on the inflation model in NC space.

A permanent forest dynamics study plot was established in Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) to understand the impact of climatic variability on deciduous forest trees. A 1 ha (100 m × 100 m) Permanent Preservation Plot (PPP) was established following the Centre for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS) protocol. All the woody plants (trees, shrubs, climbers) greater than 1 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) were tagged and measured. A total of 1,586 individuals were identified, tagged and included trees, shrubs, and climbers belonging to 28 flowering plant families with Olea dioica, Cipadessa baccifera and Ziziphus oenoplia as the dominant species. The tagged 1,586 individuals included 68 species with the top 10 species accounting for 74% of total abundance. The most ubiquitous species were Hiptage benghalensis and Ziziphus oenoplia occupying 23 quadrats out of the total 25. Terminalia arjuna had the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) followed by Olea dioica and Terminalia bellirica. Combretaceae with three species had the highest Family Importance Value (FIV) followed by Euphorbiaceae, Oleaceae and Rhamnaceae. A large number of species showed random dispersion which is not significant. However, in species having aggregated dispersion, the dispersion pattern is significant (P

Purpose Waste foundry sand (WFS) is a by-product of the metal casting industries and is used for land filling purposes. Disposing of waste creates problems to environment and increases disposal values. To reduce environmental pollutions and solving disposal problems, several authors in worldwide are carried out research work by partial and complete replacing of natural sand with WFS in concrete mixtures. It is found that WFS can be used for production of structural grade concrete. The mechanical characteristics and flexural properties of RC beams has been reviewed in this paper. From this literature review, it has been noticed that there are improvements in concrete strength properties with WFS. Design/methodology/approach The results of various properties of concrete have been discussed in this review articles such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, SEM micro-structures and flexural strength properties of RC beams. Findings From the literature review, it is found that there is gap of research on flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beam with WFS. Originality/value By using WFS effectively, the environmental pollutions and dumping of waste can be reduced. WFS can be successfully used in structural concrete members.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the Bertotti–Kasner space-time and its geometric properties.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the features of λ-tensor and the technique of six-dimensional formalism introduced by Pirani and followed by W. Borgiel, Z. Ahsan et al. and H.M. Manjunatha et al. This technique helps to describe both the geometric properties and the nature of the gravitational field of the space-times in the Segre characteristic.FindingsThe Gaussian curvature quantities specify the curvature of Bertotti–Kasner space-time. They are expressed in terms of invariants of the curvature tensor. The Petrov canonical form and the Weyl invariants have also been obtained.Originality/valueThe findings are revealed to be both physically and geometrically interesting for the description of the gravitational field of the cylindrical universe of Bertotti–Kasner type as far as the literature is concerned. Given the technique of six-dimensional formalism, the authors have defined the Weyl conformal λW-tensor and discussed the canonical form of the Weyl tensor and the Petrov scalars. To the best of the literature survey, this idea is found to be modern. The results deliver new insight into the geometry of the nonstatic cylindrical vacuum solution of Einstein's field equations.

In this study, the damage tolerance behavior in terms of fatigue crack propagation behavior of an aero-engine material under a standard variable amplitude load sequence was predicted and compared with experimental results. The constant amplitude (CA) fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) behavior of GTM718, a nickel-based super-alloy, was determined at various stress ratios R = σmin/σmax ranging from R = 0.1 to 0.7. The empirical fatigue crack growth law was derived from this data in terms of two-parameter crack driving force, ΔK*. Then, the fatigue crack propagation behavior of GTM718 under a standard cold-TURBISTAN variable amplitude load sequence was predicted using cycle-by-cycle approach and using the CA fatigue crack growth law. Also, experimental fatigue crack growth behavior under the same cold-TURBISTAN variable amplitude load sequence was determined and compared with predicted results. A fairly good correlation was observed with predicted and experimental results.

In this investigation, the damage tolerance behavior of two different aero-engine materials i.e., GTM718 and GTM720 nickel base super alloys subjected to a turbine standard spectrum loads was experimentally determined and compared. Compact tension (CT) specimens as per ASTM test standard specifications were cut and prepared from the forged discs of these materials. Fatigue crack growth (FCG) tests were conducted using CT specimens in a 100 kN servo-hydraulic universal test machine at ambient temperature and lab air atmosphere. Constant amplitude cyclic fatigue loads were applied on CT specimen to initiate a pre-crack of about 2.0 mm in length from the notch root. Further, the fatigue crack was propagated under standard cold-TURBISTAN spectrum load sequence. The crack length was measured by compliance method as well as by using optical traveling microscope at regular intervals of completion of load blocks. Loading waveform employed during the test was triangular with a frequency of 2 Hz i.e., four reversals per second. The average fatigue crack growth life under turbine standard spectrum loads observed was observed to be lower in GTM718 when compared to GTM 720 material. The measured crack growth life was about 48 blocks and 38 blocks in GTM 720 and GTM 718 respectively. It was clear from these experiments that GTM720 is more damage tolerant than GTM718 material.

A large number of researches and studies have been carried out since ancient times to enhance the performance of concrete to make concrete environment friendly. Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) is one of those advances which offers a convenient, practical, and cost-effective method to overcome micro-cracks and similar deficiencies. In this research, the authors attempted to use naturally available chopped human hair (HH) as fibers in concrete to enhance the performance of concrete. Human hair is non-biodegradable material existence in nature. The study aims to find the optimum dosage of HH as a fiber in concrete in varying percentages like 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, & 3% by weight of cement in concrete. Authors investigated the effect of concrete properties like fresh, hardened, and durable properties using HH in varying percentages. This investigation's experimental outcomes indicate that using HH as a fiber enhances the better bonding between ingredients of concrete by exhibiting enhancement in properties of up to 2.5% dosage as fiber. Overall, the study reveals that 2–2.5% is the optimum use of HH as a fiber in concrete. The use of HH as a fiber enhances concrete performance and reduces the cost of concrete and disposal challenges.

Industrialization is blossoming gradually and has uplifted the living standard of human beings. Now it became hazardous to environment, because of disposal challenges due to waste by-products. Manufacturing of copper-based products consumes natural resources, energy, it emits various greenhouse gasses to the environment and causes natural depletion. Whereas, construction industry consumes natural resources like, river sand, aggregate, wood, lime and clay to manufacture cement to name a few on a wide scale to build infrastructure. In this research, to reduce the resource consumption, to overcome the environmental challenges due to waste by-products, authors used waste copper slag. Authors attempted use of waste copper slag (WCS) as a substitute for river sand in M40 grade concrete. Similarly, poly propylene fibres (PPF) are used to study the effect of fibres on concrete prepared with WCS. This research concentrates on mechanical and fresh properties of concrete prepared with and without PPF on use of WCS as a partial replacement of river sand. Experimental findings indicate that, use of WCS improves the fresh properties of concrete linearly. Also, mechanical properties of concrete prepared with up to 60% WCS by weight of sand enhances strengths of concrete in marginal rate. Use of WCS as a substitute for river sand, helps in reducing the cost of concrete preparation and consumption of natural resources. This research helps researchers and practitioners in making concrete sustainable and eco-friendly by using WCS.

Preparation of subgrade plays an significant role in construction of roads as it acts as the foundation to the flexible pavement. The soil subgrade can be utilized to its full extent only if it is well compacted, the subgrade strength is related to the CBR of soil. Determination of stiffness modulus and shear strength of the subgrade using California bearing ratio (CBR) test. The CBR values be contingent on the nature & other properties of soil. CBR test is very laborious, time overwhelming & always be performed on moulded soil samples which makes it difficult to get accurate values and also to implement in reality. In the present study the authors have made an attempt to calculate the CBR values and the index properties of the soil and to develop a relationship between them so that one can obtain reliable CBR values in less time. The authors have collected the samples from Chickballapur district, India and correlated unsoaked and soaked CBR value with maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, percentage fines, liquid limit and unconfined compressive strength etc. Experimental outcomes indicates that the soil properties influence the CBR value of soil. Correlations are developed between the California bearing ratio and maximum dry density with satisfactory R2 values with which CBR values can be predicted.

This research reports the experimental investigation, capturing the effect of engineered fibers on fresh and mechanical properties of M50 grade concrete blended with poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) waste powder with one mineral admixture and one chemical admixture as superplasticizer. In this experimental investigation fourteen mixes (seven mixes with fibers and seven mixes without fibers) are prepared using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as mineral admixture and PVC waste powder. In these mixes PVC waste powder content is varied in 0% (treated as reference mix), 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% by weight of cement whereas, 30% of GGBS is kept constant except reference mix. 0.6% of sulpho-naphthalene formaldehyde (SNF) as superplasticizer, by weight of cement are kept constant in all the mixes. Similarly, to study the effect of fibers on fresh and mechanical properties of concrete, 0.5% of engineered fibers are used along with 0.6% of superplasticizer. So that a comparison between with and without fibers could be prepared. Fresh properties of concrete are studied by using slump and compaction factor test for all the mixes. Similarly, the prepared test specimens are tested for the mechanical properties like compressive, flexural and split tensile strength as per Indian standard IS:516-1959 at 7, 14, 28and 90-days curing period. Test results indicates that up to 20% PVC waste powder can be used as a partial replacement of cement along with 30% GGBS, 0.6% of SNF superplasticizer, and 0.5% fibers in M50 grade concrete without compromising strength properties. Use of engineered fibers along with GGBS and PVC waste powder not only helps in reducing the cement consumption, but also improves strength properties and facilitates in lowering the cost of construction.

Natural fibers have grown extensively during the last few years and have become interesting to scientists and researchers as an alternative preference for wood dust fiber composites. As they have good mechanical properties, cost adequacy, non-abrasiveness, high particular quality, eco-accommodating, and biodegradability features. They are abused as a trade for traditional fibers like carbon and glass. In present correspondence, the study on the preparation and characterization of a new arrangement of green composites, including Tectona Grandis wood flour fiber as a strengthening material in polymer grid based on epoxy resin has been accounted. The stable mechanical properties of erratically orientated personally blended Tectona Grandis wood flour fiber-reinforced polymer green composites such as tensile, compression, and hardness properties were explored as a purpose of fiber loading. The reinforcement of resin with Tectona Grandis wood dust fiber is accomplished in particulate fiber by employing optimized resin. These fibers were blended with epoxy resin in diverse fortification strengthening percentages. The outcome of the above said mechanical properties were measured. It has demonstrated a development in these stable mechanical properties after reinforcement by fibers. The estimation of static mechanical properties will increment in an increasing percentage of reinforcement. The average ultimate tensile strength is 17.50 MPa, and the compression strength is 246.93 MPa. The microstructural behavior of these composites is studied with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the moisture absorption test is also carried out.

Many researchers have carried out works on use of various agricultural and industrial by-products to enrich the performance and strength characteristics of concrete. The study here reports and captures the use of coconut shell (CS) as partial replacement to coarse aggregate (CA). CS is a naturally available abundant agricultural waste material, which can be used as an alternate to CA. For this research, authors considered M20 grade concrete to investigate the rheological and strength characteristics of concrete incorporating CS as an alternate material for CA in varying percentages like 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. The study aims to find the optimum dosage of coconut shell that can be replaced partially in concrete to enhance the strength characteristics and to make concrete lightweight by overcoming the disposal challenges of agricultural waste. Total of seven mixes are considered for this investigation to attempt CS a substitute for CA. The rheological properties like slump & compaction factor tests are conducted for fresh properties. Similarly, strength characteristics of concrete like compressive, split tensile and flexural strength tests are performed to measure the structural performance of CS as a CA. Test outcomes of this investigation exhibits that, CS can be replaced up to 20% by weight of CA, without compromising the strength characteristics and rheological properties of concrete. Use of CS as a CA in concrete production not only contributes to performance and strength of concrete but also solves the solid waste disposal problem and helps in conserving natural resources.

The purpose of this review article is to effective utilization of alccofine as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in concrete. Concrete is the most extensively used man-made construction materials in the ecosphere. Cement is the binder material for producing the concrete. During the clinkering process in cement industry, large amount of CO2 is produced as a byproduct and emits into the atmosphere. This CO2 dominates the major share of total greenhouse gases (GHG) released in to the atmosphere. Hence to reduce GHG emission, research activities have been transforming from conventional materials to other supplementary materials. To support the recent research evident researchers are using, fly ash, GGBS, Rice husk ash (RHA), silica fume, Phosphogypsum, Metakaolin, etc. are widely used as a SCM in concrete due to pozzolanic reactivity. One among the SCM, alccofine (1203), is a recent trend microfine material that can be used in concrete as a partial replacement material for cement. This review paper presents a summary of the published literature by several researchers who have intended to highlight the importance of alccofine as a SCM in the various fields of the concrete industry. In this review article authors exhibiting a detailed review on utilization of alccofine as a SCM to improve the fresh, mechanical & durability properties of concrete. Each byproduct has a varying mineral content. Alternatively, there is huge problem for the disposal of the byproducts. They appraised the alccofine, when partly replaced with cement, showed a remarkable improvement in both mechanical as well as durability properties at all ages. But the micro structure and fire resistance properties were not yet approached by the current research, hence this gap is addressed as a future course of research.