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Purpose: Globally, consumer's inclination towards functional foods had noticed due to their greater health consciousness coupled with enhanced health-care cost. The fact that probiotics could promote a healthier gut microbiome led projection of probiotic foods as functional foods and had emerged as an important dietary strategy for improved human health. It had established that ice cream was a better carrier for probiotics than fermented milked due to greater stability of probiotics in ice cream matrix. Global demand for ice cream boomed and probiotic ice cream could have been one of the most demanded functional foods. The purpose of this paper was to review the technological aspects and factors affecting probiotic viability and to standardize methodology to produce functional probiotic ice cream. Design/methodology/approach: Attempt was made to search the literature (review and researched papers) to identify diverse factors affecting the probiotic viability and major technological challenge faced during formulation of probiotic ice cream. Keywords used for data searched included dairy-based functional foods, ice cream variants, probiotic ice cream, factors affecting probiotic viability and health benefits of probiotic ice cream. Findings: Retention of probiotic viability at a level of >106 cfu/ml is a prerequisite for functional probiotic ice creams. Functional probiotic ice cream could have been produced with the modification of basic mix and modulating technological parameters during processing and freezing. Functionality can be further enhanced with the inclusion of certain nutraceutical components such as prebiotics, antioxidant, phenolic compounds and dietary fibres. Based upon reviewed literature, suggested method for the manufacture of functional probiotic ice cream involved freezing of a probiotic ice cream mix obtained by blending 10% probiotic fermented milk with 90% non-fermented plain ice cream mix for higher probiotic viability. Probiotic ice cream with functional features, comparable with traditional ice cream in terms of technological and sensory properties could be produced and can crop up as a novel functional food. Originality/value: Probiotic ice cream with functional features may attract food manufacturers to cater health-conscious consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of inlet freestream turbulence (FST) on the boundary layer transition over the suction surface of a controlled-diffusion compressor blade is demonstrated here by employing a well-resolved large-eddy simulation. Inherent to low Reynolds number conditions, a laminar separation bubble (LSB) forms on the suction surface, attributing to substantial flow diffusion. Inlet FST levels ranging from 1.5% to 7.6% are systematically varied, while maintaining a constant Reynolds number based on axial chord and inlet velocity at 2.1 × 105. Transition of the shear layer is initiated via Kelvin–Helmholtz instability with the amplification of selective frequencies until an inlet FST of 2.3%. Secondary instability emerges in the second half of the LSB, attributed to the amplification of perturbations in the braid region, ultimately leading to breakdown near the reattachment. At a moderate FST level of 4.2%, longitudinal streaks in the first half of the blade elongate downstream, causing the LSB to disappear, while the flow becomes inflectional at the mid-chord. Thus, the boundary layer transition in the second half of the blade is attributed to the high receptivity of the inflectional layer and breakdown of streaks, leading to an exponential growth of disturbances. Finally, at an inlet FST of 7.6%, the boundary layer appears pre-transitional in the first half of the blade, exhibiting significant turbulence levels. In the latter half, excitation occurs primarily through the breakdown of streaks, reflecting an algebraic growth of disturbances. Flow features and oscillations in the Nusselt number in this case suggest the outer mode of streak-induced instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper represents a simplistic hydrothermal method for the synthesis of lanthanide (Ln3+)-doped (Ln= Eu, Dy) alkaline earth metal fluoride, i.e., CaF2 nanocrystals coated with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The structural and optical characterization of as-prepared nanocrystals is performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and PL lifetime measurements. It is observed that CaF2 exhibits strong red emission when doped with Eu3+ (5 mol%) ions, whereas it shows strong blue and yellow emission when doped with Dy3+ (2 mol%) ions. PAA coating helps to enhance the stability as well as water dispersibility of the nanocrystals. Moreover, this method can be extended to make other lanthanide-doped alkaline earth metal fluoride nanocrystals. The high photoluminescence efficiency and water solubility of the nanocrystals make the material to be used in many fields of optical devices as well as biological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exotic neutron-rich nuclei play an important role in r -process nucleosynthesis. We study the effect of including proper nuclear structure to calculate neutron capture and photodisintegration rates, especially for 19C and 20N, under the aegis of post-form distorted wave Born approximation (FRDWBA). Considering a network of neutron-rich C–N–O isotopes, we show the effect on abundance calculations in a neutrino-driven wind environment of a core-collapse supernova at two critical temperatures T 9 = 3.4 and 0.62. The results are compared for nuclear physics inputs sourced from the FRDWBA, statistical estimates, and standard databases. At temperatures T 9 = 3.4, where alpha capture, or at T 9 = 0.62, where the neutron capture dominates, one can distinguish the effect of accounting for the exotic nature of the nuclei involved. Furthermore, we assess the impact of varying neutron capture and photodisintegration rates involving halo or bubble structures on the abundances within the network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of a separated boundary layer on the rough surface in the vicinity of a leading edge of a model airfoil is documented at varying angles of attack. Particle image velocimetry and hotwire data are analyzed to elucidate the flow feature, depicting the manifestation of the shear layer, its rollup, growth of perturbations, spectral response, and intermittency. For a hydrodynamically smooth surface, a laminar separation bubble often appears near the leading edge, where the shear layer becomes inviscidly unstable. Wall roughness amplifies the near-wall perturbations, resulting in earlier transition and reattachment. This leads to a reduction in bubble length and laminar shear layer length compared to the smooth surface at the corresponding angle of attack. Notably, despite the amplification of selective frequency, the inviscid instability is bypassed on the rough surface for varying angles of attack. Moreover, the linear stability analysis proves inadequate in predicting the most amplified frequency and the growth of disturbances. Furthermore, the universal intermittency curve formulated for the bypass transition is valid for the separation-induced transition, illustrating the significance of viscous effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of hot forging and heat treatment parameters (austenitization temperature, quenching medium and tempering temperature) on the microstructure and mechanical properties (hardness, impact strength and wear resistance) of AISI D2 steel has been studied. It has been established that during hot forging, the primary M7C3 carbides in the steel structure are transformed into secondary M23C6 carbides. This leads to hardening of the steel, since the secondary M23C6 carbides are the main factors in its increased strength and wear resistance. Carrying out of quenching after forging contributes to an increase in the number of secondary carbides and their more uniform distribution in the steel structure, which leads to an increase in its hardness, toughness, and wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A well-resolved large eddy simulation is employed to study the transition of spatially developing boundary layer when excited by distributed blade-riblets that are arranged in different configurations: one is two-dimensional spanwise riblets (denoted as R1), and the other being three-dimensional herringbone pattern of alternating converging and diverging riblets (denoted as R2). The inlet Reynolds number based on momentum thickness and freestream velocity is 360. The flow characteristics vary considerably between the two configurations. A transition delay is observed over R1-riblets owing to the recirculation bubbles occupying the entire cavity space between the consecutive riblets. The appearance of T–S waves over R1-riblets is manifested through the modal analysis, which, in concurrence with streaks, leads to the development of Λ-vortices and, thereby, exhibiting characteristics associated with the mixed-mode transition. Contradictorily, the T–S waves are bypassed when subjected to R2-riblets attributed to enhanced spanwise disturbances. The roughness-induced streaks destabilize via a lift-up mechanism and interact with background disturbances, leading to flow transition. Post-transition conditions for self-similarity are met for both configurations, albeit earlier for R2-riblets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have explored the relativistic stellar model considering pressure anisotropy. An anisotropic solution of the Einstein Field Equations (henceforth EFE) has been presented for charged strange quark stars considering the interior space-time geometry described by the Durgapal I V t h metric. In the case of a strange quark star, if the equation of state p r = 1 3 (ρ − 4 B g) as prescribed in the MIT bag model is applicable, then at the surface, one may consider that the surface energy density ρ s = 4 B g . Imposing the constraint value of B g within the range of 57.55 - 95.11 M e V / f m 3 required for stable quark matter with respect to a neutron when the external pressure is zero, we have determined the maximum mass and radius of the strange quark star and other relevant properties. It is noted that the maximum mass and radius for B g = 57.55 M e V / f m 3 are M m a x = 2.92 M ⊙ and b m a x = 13.749 k m , respectively, whereas those for B g = 95.11 M e V / f m 3 , are M m a x = 2.27 M ⊙ and b m a x = 10.695 k m for an isotropic uncharged star. In the presence of pressure anisotropy and charge, the value of maximum mass increases. We have predicted the radii of a few recently observed pulsars from our model and found that the radii agree with the predictions from observations. Furthermore, stability and energy conditions are also satisfied in the present model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the spatial development of a laminar separation bubble (LSB), its transition, and eventual breakdown under the influence of adverse pressure gradients (APGs) similar to those experienced by low-pressure turbine blades. The investigation combines a comprehensive experimental approach with a well-resolved large eddy simulation (LES). The streamwise pressure gradients were varied by manipulating the upper wall within the test section. The Reynolds number (Re), based on the plate length and inlet velocity, was 0.2 × 106 with a freestream turbulence intensity of 1.02%. The particle image velocimetry (PIV) and hotwire data were used to illustrate the vortex dynamics, growth of perturbations, and intermittency. The onset and end of transition progressively shift upstream, resulting in a reduction of the laminar shear layer length and bubble length with increasing APG. Interestingly, the flow features exhibit self-similarity in velocity profiles and the growth rate of velocity fluctuations when normalized against the bubble length. The formation of two-dimensional Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) rolls is apparent in the beginning, resulting in the selective amplification of frequency and exponential growth of fluctuations. Linear stability theory explains the most amplified frequency and phase speed of convective vortices, apart from the growth of disturbances. Analysis of LES data reveals intricate inviscid–viscous interactions that trigger shear layer breakdown. In brief, evolving perturbations within the braid region of vortices in the latter half interact with the advecting K–H rolls, culminating in the breakdown and the onset of turbulent flow downstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Top-submerged nozzles with lateral holes find applications as passive mixing devices in radiochemical/hazardous industries. We report the mechanism of bubble formation and detachment at a lateral hole in such a nozzle for the first time. Three distinct phases – a growth phase, an elongation phase and finally a rise/detachment phase – could be observed during bubble formation. Effect of gas flow rate, diameter of lateral hole (1, 2 and 3 mm) and physical properties of liquid-liquid system on bubble detachment time and bubble equivalent diameter are reported. Three different liquid-liquid systems (DM water, 2 N and 4 N nitric acid) have been considered. Bubble diameter first reduced, reached a minimum and then started to increase in an oscillatory manner with increase in air flow rate. Before the onset of oscillatory behaviour an increase in hole diameter was seen to reduce bubble diameter. Such a behaviour is typical to bubble formation at lateral hole and is not seen for top-submerged nozzles with central opening. A detailed analysis of the results was carried out and it was observed that inertial forces played a major role. The work also reports a fundamental criterion which must be achieved for onset of oscillations in bubble diameter with flow rate. We also report a 2D CFD model that can simulate bubble formation dynamics at a lateral hole. The model was validated qualitatively as well as quantitatively against the experimental data. • Mechanistic picture of bubble detachment form a top-submerged nozzle with lateral hole. • Bubble diameter reduces to a minima, then increases in an oscillatory manner with air flow. • A fundamental criterion for onset of oscillations determined. • 2D CFD model reveals presence of asymmetric re-circulatory patterns in liquid phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cost-effective and robust diagnosis of an infectious agent is essential during a pandemic outbreak. While RT-qPCR-based methods are widely used, alternative methods that can be used outside the laboratory setup would enable better disease control and widen the surveillance efforts. The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method is an alternate method that has not yet been commercially deployed widely. The colorimetric LAMP can be adapted for various pathogens and would be helpful for high-throughput screening in a limited resource setting. Moreover, it is quicker and less labor-intensive. In our study, improved RT-LAMP assay primer sets were designed to detect SARS-CoV-2: N gene and ORF1a gene fragments. RT-LAMP assay primers were also designed to detect human RNase P to ensure RNA integrity. RT-LAMP reaction tubes/plates were incubated at 65°C for 30 min. Cell phone cameras were used to record results. RT-LAMP results were assessed by comparing the results obtained with RT-qPCR. RT-LAMP detected ~100 RNA copies, and its sensitivity was on par with RT-qPCR. Out of 60 patient samples with extracted RNA, a positive agreement of 98.2% was observed between RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR. On a cautionary note, severe discrepancies were observed if the same oligos were procured from different vendors, drastically affecting the test results. Therefore, mandatory quality control of primers is indispensable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell counting is fundamental measurement in the biosciences and is critical for cell-based assays, as well as in the manufacturing control of cell-derived products and release of cell-based products. An inaccurate or imprecise cell count can lead to significant bias and variability in cell-based assays. There are many approaches to measure a cell count however there is no consensus on a reference method. Imaging and flow-based methods rely on user-based gating of cells, debris, and various cell populations. In contrast, cell count based on the number of genome copies provides a biologically based definition of cells that can easily be transferred from site to site. Additionally, this approach can identify and count cell populations with specified genomic markers. We are implementing droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) to quantify the number of genome copies and then convert this value to a cell count. Digital PCR is becoming a common technique in cell-based product testing, and this approach allows the critical cell count value to be obtained simultaneously with other dPCR assays. For method development, we are using a set of clonal Jurkat cell lines with defined copy numbers of a reference lentiviral vector integrated into their genomes. DNA extraction and purification was conducted using the Qiagen column-based DNeasy kit. We characterize the cell cycle population distribution and incorporate this analysis in the calculation of cell count by estimating an average genome copies per cell. We have also incorported a method using a DNA control spike-in to quantify DNA recovery during extraction that is independent of assumptions of starting cell count. Elution volume was also accounted for in our calculation of cell count from ddPCR analysis. Using the ISO 23091-2:2019 Dilution series experimental design and statistical analysis for evaluating cell counting quality, we compared the proportionality and precision of the ddPCR based cell count with trypan blue based and AO/DAPI based cell counting methods. We found that proportionality and precision of ddPCR based cell counts can be similar to that of more traditional cell counting methods. Bias was detected between ddPCR based counts and trypan blue and AO/DAPI measurements, however the level of bias was highly dependent on the % recovery correction applied to the ddPCR data. Variability in the ddPCR cell counts was improved when accounting for elution volume in column-based DNA purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case of intralobar pulmonary sequestration in a 60-year-old female patient. Intralobar pulmonary sequestration is a congenital lung abnormality where non-functional lung tissue is isolated from the bronchopulmonary system and receives blood supply from a systemic artery. The patient presented with symptoms of exertional dyspnea and cough, and imaging tests revealed a lesion in the left lower lobe. The patient underwent surgical resection of the sequestration. The article provides information on the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of pulmonary sequestration. [Extracted from the article]

The nonparametric estimation of covariance lies at the heart of functional data analysis, whether for curve or surface-valued data. The case of a two-dimensional domain poses both statistical and computational challenges, which are typically alleviated by assuming separability. However, separability is often questionable, sometimes even demonstrably inadequate. We propose a framework for the analysis of covariance operators of random surfaces that generalizes separability while retaining its major advantages. Our approach is based on the expansion of the covariance into a series of separable terms. The expansion is valid for any covariance over a two-dimensional domain. Leveraging the key notion of the partial inner product, we generalize the power iteration method to general Hilbert spaces, and show how the aforementioned expansion can be efficiently constructed in practice at the level of the surface observations. Truncation of the expansion and retention of the leading terms automatically induces a nonparametric estimator of the covariance, whose parsimony is dictated by the truncation level. The resulting estimator can be calculated, stored and manipulated with little computational overhead relative to separability. Consistency and rates of convergence are derived under mild regularity assumptions, illustrating the trade-off between bias and variance regulated by the truncation level. The merits and practical performance of the proposed methodology are demonstrated in a comprehensive simulation study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black silicon (BSi) is a synthetic nanomaterial with high aspect ratio nano protrusions inducing several interesting properties such as a very large absorptivity of incident radiation. We have recently shown that heavily doping the BSi in volume enables to significantly enhance its mid-infrared absorptivity and tune its spectral range of interest up to 20 μm. In the present letter, we explore the effect of surface doping on BSi radiative properties and its absorptance in particular since surface doping enables reaching even larger dopant concentrations than volume doping but at more limited penetration depths. We considered 12 different wafers of BSi, fabricated with cryogenic plasma etching on n- and p-type silicon wafers and doped using ion-implantation with different dopant types, dosages, and ion beam energies, leading to different dopant concentrations and profiles. The different wafers radiative properties, reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance are experimentally measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We show that doping an n-type BSi wafer with phosphorous with a dose of 1017 atm/cm2 and an energy of 100 keV increases its absorptivity up to 98% in the spectral range of 1–5 μm. We propose a simple phenomenological explanation of the observed results based on the dopant concentration profiles and the corresponding incident radiation penetration depth. Obtained results provide simple design rules and pave the way for using ion-implanted BSi for various applications, such as solar energy harvesting, thermo-photovoltaics, and infrared radiation sensing, where both high absorptance and variable dopant concentration profiles are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive disease with high mortality rates of about 60 per cent. The increasing incidence of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in coronavirus disease 2019 patients in India and worldwide has become a matter of concern owing to the case fatality rate. This study explored the use of low dose aspirin in decreasing the mortality rate of coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis. Method: This was a retrospective observational study. Patients suffering from post-coronavirus disease 2019 mucormycosis were included in the study. Each patient was treated with surgical debridement and systemic amphotericin B. Low dose aspirin was added, and mortality rates were compared with the patients who did not receive aspirin. Results: The demographic data and rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis staging between the two groups were not significantly different. There was a statistically significant difference in mortality outcomes between the two groups (p = 0.029) and a 1.77 times higher risk of dying for patients not receiving aspirin. Kaplan–Meier survival indicated that patients receiving aspirin had better survival rates (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Low dose aspirin improves survival rates in coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its emergence, COVID-19 has caused severe health problems, and reached more than 220 countries. The viral genome is prone to mutations leading to the appearance of new variants that might be more infectious. Many new genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 are uploaded to the public database; monitoring these sequences for possible variations can significantly help in the process of vaccine development and prevention plans. This study aimed to explore whole genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 that are recently submitted to global databases from different geographical areas for possible new mutations. For this purpose, forty complete genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 from 20 countries were downloaded from GISAID (12 Dec 2020 -20 Mar 2021) and converted to their corresponding amino acid sequences using Expasy online software. Both the DNA and amino acid sequences were aligned with the reference genome (Accession number; NC_045512) by the multiplesequence alignment tool Clustal Omega. The aligned sequences were then examined for any change compared to the reference genome. The results showed a total of 1264 nucleotide variations; 93.43% were SNPs, 6.49% deletions, and 0.08% insertions. About 59% were non-synonymous mutations and 41% were synonymous mutations. Most of the non-synonymous mutations that lead to amino acid changes were in the Spike (36.63%) and Nucleocapsid (15.60%) genes. Among these changes 24 unique amino acid variations were repeated more than five times, dispersed among the following proteins NSP3, NSP6, NSP12, Spike, ORF3a, and Nucleocapsid. The analysis in this study revealed an increase in the number of variations accumulated throughout the pandemic, and most of the non-synonymous mutations were in the Spike and Nucleocapsid genes. Sustained molecular surveillance of SARSCoV-2 is essential to identify new variants and their impact on control measures of the pandemic and also important in the process of vaccine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separation-induced transition is discussed here on a suction surface of a controlled-diffusion compressor blade using a large eddy simulation, where the Reynolds number based on the chord is 210 000. The filtered, incompressible Navier–Stokes and energy equations in the covariant form are solved with second-order spatial and temporal accuracy, where the subgrid stress tensor and temperature flux are assessed by a dynamic model. Flow features are resolved with appreciable accuracy, exhibiting a separation bubble on the suction surface in the vicinity of mid-chord. Excitation of the shear layer is evident with the evolution of Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) rolls, depicting amplification of the selective frequency in the first half of the bubble, where the normalized shedding frequency based on the momentum thickness at the point of separation becomes 0.011. The secondary instability appears in the second half of the bubble, which is attributed to the spanwise deformation of K–H rolls. This leads to significant growth of perturbations in the braid region, resulting in breakdown near reattachment. In brief, outer shear layer activities are initiated via inviscid instability, while the near-wall region might be susceptible to the viscous effect in the second half with increasing levels of velocity fluctuations, production, and wall-normal turbulent heat flux. The validity of the universal intermittency curve also bears evidence of a significant viscous effect. The instantaneous temperature contours closely follow the vorticity field, illustrating a strong correlation between species and momentum transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A typically new semi-analytical finite element approach has been used to calculate the force and moment of permanent magnet bearing (PMB) in this article. PMB stator and rotor consist of ring-type cylindrical magnets having an axial magnetization. This article focuses on the characterization of magnetic moment, stiffness matrix, model validation, and comparisons of the moment with other simulating software. This article also explains how angular stiffness or resisting magnetic moment of PMB improves with the change of rotor magnet length and positional shift of the rotor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The trajectory and nature of depression in patients with alcohol use disorder as they enter treatment needs to be understood better. This study assessed the nature and course of depressive features among male patients with alcohol use disorder. METHODS: Adult male patients with alcohol use disorders seeking treatment at an addiction treatment facility were recruited. They were assessed for depressive features using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), a clinician-rated instrument, and the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms - Self Report (IDS-SR), a self-rated instrument. The Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) was used to ascertain the severity of their alcohol dependence. The study participants were followed up and reassessed at two weeks and four weeks after recruitment, and depressive features were assessed using HRSD and IDS-SR. RESULTS: Of the 43 participants recruited for the study, 33 could be assessed at two weeks and four weeks. The mean age of the sample was 35.7 years. The mean HDRS and IDS-SR scores at the baseline were 5.8, and 9.3 respectively, which came down to 2.5 and 4.4 respectively at four weeks. The decrease in the scores was significant. The most common depressive features at the baseline were related to the HRSD items covering work and interests, depressed mood, and feelings of guilt. The most common IDS-SR items related to feeling irritable, feeling sad, and the view of oneself. The HDRS and IDS-SR scores were highly correlated at the baseline and two and four weeks (Rho = 0.879, 0.937, 0.820 respectively; all p < .01). The reduction of depressive symptoms at four weeks was found to be higher among those who were abstinent from alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: There was a reduction of depressive features over the first four weeks of treatment among the patients with alcohol dependence. Clinicians should consider waiting for this period before starting any additional treatment for depression among patients with alcohol dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let f be a transcendental entire function defined in the open complex plane ℂ. A difference-monomial generated by f is an expression of the form F = fn(fm -1) ... (f (z+cj))..., where n, m and Vj are all non-negative integers. Now for the sake of definiteness let us take, Mi[f ] = fn(fm -1) ... (f (z+cj))..., where 1 ≤ i ≤ d. If M1 [f], M1 [f ],..., Mn [f] are such monomials in f as defined above, then ψ[f] = a1M1[f] + a2M2[f] + ... + anMn [f] where ai ≠ 0 (i = 1, 2,..., n) is called a difference-polynomial generated by f. In this paper, we compare the Valiron defect with the relative Nevan-linna defect of a particular type of differential-difference polynomial generated by a transcendental entire function with respect to integrated moduli of logarithmic derivative. Some examples are provided in order to justify the results obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tolerance mechanisms for breeding wheat against heat stress. • Understanding about the effect of heat stress tolerance in wheat. • Genetic improvement of heat tolerance in wheat. Heat stress is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting the growth and yield-related characters of wheat. Using various genetic approaches we can develop heat tolerant wheat varieties in order to mitigate the effect of heat stress on wheat production. Currently different strategies have been adopted to develop thermotolerance in wheat. Development of thermotolerant wheat varieties is one of the major steps toward the improvement of wheat yield against heat stress. For this purpose, it is important to have a complete and clear concept of the morpho-physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of heat tolerance in wheat. This review may provide better knowledge about heat tolerance through discussing the morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of heat tolerance in wheat based on different parameters such as grain filling duration, grain yield, leaf senescence, canopy temperature depression, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, membrane thermostability, translocation of photo-assimilates, starch synthesis, antioxidant response, protein synthesis and omics approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting thermal Unruh radiation from accelerated electrons has presented a formidable challenge due not only to technical difficulties but also for lack of conceptual clarity about what is actually seen by a laboratory observer. We give a summary of the current interpretations along with a simpler heuristic description that draws on the analogy between the Unruh effect and radiation from a two-level atomic system. We propose an experiment to test whether there is emission of thermal photons from an accelerated electron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has posed a new challenge for medical educators worldwide. While teaching and learning shifted online, assessment posed a roadblock. A pilot study was performed to check the feasibility and acceptability of online open-book examination. Methods: A pilot study was carried out on sixth semester (fourth year) students. An online open-book examination was conducted on an ENT topic, and feedback was obtained using a pre-validated questionnaire. Two teachers scored and collated the answers, and the marks were averaged for each candidate. Results: Ninety-eight students appeared for the examination: 21.4 per cent failed and 78.6 per cent passed. Eight students scored above 75 per cent correct. Only 55 students volunteered to give feedback; most agreed that the best advantage of this assessment was that it was stress-free. The disadvantage most complained of was network connectivity issues. Conclusion: Online open-book examination has the potential to be the new normal in the present circumstances and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now-a-days use of environment-friendly alternative energy has become a common practice, as the conventional fossil fuel energy is being depleted exponentially. Also, the by-products generated from the fossil fuel have posed serious threat to the environment, which has propelled researchers to find eco-friendly and non-conventional energy sources. Solar, wind, and tidal energies are some of the very common examples of such eco-friendly energy sources. It was not long ago that people realized that hydrogen gas, which has the highest mass-energy density when compared to other fuels, could be used as a clean energy source. Hydrogen can easily be generated by splitting of water through different catalysis reactions i.e., in presence of photon, or electric field or other energy sources. Numbers of catalysts have already been found for large scale hydrogen production that includes noble metals like platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), etc. However, these noble metals are highly expensive and scarce, which has initiated the search to find low-cost and abundantly available materials for such purpose. Silicon nanowire (SiNWs) is one of such material which has established itself an excellent photo-catalyst for initiation of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, there are few scattered reports showing when SiNW is subjected to electric field it can also initiate HER through electro-catalysis. This review describes some of the basic synthesis scheme and properties of SiNWs along with the application of SiNWs in HER through different catalysis process. The article also highlights a comparative study related to merits and demerits of SiNWs induced electrocatalysis reaction compared to the other existing methods regarding HER. [Display omitted] • This review establishes silicon nanowires (SiNWs) and hybrid as efficient material for hydrogen evolution. • Detail schemes of SiNW synthesis through various methods have been discussed. • Basic features/properties of SiNWs have also been elaborated. • Focus has been given to hydrogen generation by SiNWs through electro-catalysis only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progressive shrinking of MOS dimensions confronts critical issues while designing low power consuming computational devices. The Single Electron Technology is one of the emerging technological solutions to cope up with the scaling challenges and support Moore's law. Apart from the miniaturization, another concern is the energy efficiency of the designed circuit. Use of reversible logic in place of the conventional Boolean logic can serve the purpose. The works so far in this field mainly concentrated upon the application aspect of different reversible gates and reversible circuits rather than proper technological approach or device based design.Different reversible gates such as Fredkin, Toffoli and Double Feynman Gate implementation with Single Electron device and their simulation results are presented in this paper. The power consumption, stability and the size are mainly considered as the different performance metrics. The circuit stability and its temperature dependency is also analysed through the Stability plots generated in SIMON simulator. A new reversible gate PE1 for even parity generating circuits is also proposed along with the supporting simulation results.The design issues and power consumption are compared with the SET-CMOS hybrid-based designs of the same circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Indian Institute of Pulses Research Vision document, India's population is expected to touch 1.68 billion by 2030 and the pulse requirement for the year 2030 is projected at 32 million tonnes with anticipated required annual growth rate of 4.2%. Pigeon pea is an important legume crop cultivated across several countries throughout the tropics and subtropics. They are cultivated in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Caribbean, East and West Africa. Commonly known as 'Arhar' in Northern India, this protein rich pulse crop has growing demand in Asia. Among the pulses pigeon pea is the second most important kharif grain legume after chickpea in India and grown predominantly under rainfed conditions. The kernels are nutritionally rich containing 20-22% protein. Its cultivation would be able to provide 40-60 kg N/ha to the subsequently grown crop. The leaves and immature stems can be used as a green manure. Fallen leaves can also be used as mulch and thus help to enhance the water holding capacity of soil. Its beneficial effect as an intercrop has also been reported. Sometimes ground dry peas are mixed with wheat flour just to improve the flour quality and its protein content. Additionally, pigeon pea shares a vital part in India's pulse import and export. Keeping all these in view the present review depicts the various aspects of pigeon pea cultivation and its status in Indian trade on pulse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europium (Eu) doped graphitic carbon nitride has been synthesised using a simple chemical method with two different concentrations of guest material. The as prepared pure and doped samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction and the proper phase formation was confirmed. SEM micrographs showed the microstructure of the samples, whereas the attached energy dispersive x-ray analysis confirmed the successful doping. The optical properties of the samples were studied from UV-visible spectroscopy whereas the different chemical bonds present were confirmed from Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic analysis. The samples showed good photo-luminescence (PL) property with PL intensity decreases with increasing dopant concentration. It is seen that the sample has potential as the remover of textile dyes like Rhodamine B in the presence of photons in UV range. The removal efficiency increases with increasing doping concentration up to a certain value. The doped sample with 2.65 weight percentage of Eu present, can remove the dye with efficiency more than 90% and almost 100% for contact time 3 and 4 h, respectively. Effort has been given to proposing a mechanism behind the observed photocatalysis performance of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to analyze the heat and mass transfer with entropy generation during magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow of non-Newtonian Sisko nanofluid over a linearly stretching cylinder under the influence of velocity slip, chemical reaction and thermal radiation. The Brownian motion, thermophoresis and activation energy are assimilated in this nanofluid model. Convective boundary conditions on heat and mass transfer are considered. The physical model may have diverse applications in several areas of technology underlying thermohydrodynamics including supercritical fluid extraction, refrigeration, ink-jet printing and so on. Design/methodology/approach: The dimensional governing equations are nondimensionalized by using appropriate similarity variables. The resulting boundary value problem is converted into initial value problem using the method of superposition and numerically computed by employing well-known fourth-order Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg approach along with shooting technique (RKF4SM). The quantitative impacts of emerging physical parameters on the velocity, temperature, concentration, skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, Sherwood number, entropy generation rate and Bejan number are presented graphically and in tabular form, and the salient features are comprehensively discussed. Findings: From graphical outcomes, it is concluded that the slip parameters greatly influence the flow characteristics. Fluid temperature is elevated with rising radiation parameter and thermal Biot number. Nanoparticle concentration is reported in decreasing form with activation energy parameter. Entropy is found to be an increasing function of magnetic field, Brownian motion and material parameters. The entropy is less generated for shear-thinning fluid compared to shear-thickening as well as Newtonian fluids in the system. Originality/value: Till now no study has been documented to explore the impact of binary chemical reaction with Arrhenius activation energy on entropy generation in an MHD boundary layer flow of non-Newtonian Sisko nanofluid over a linear stretching cylinder with velocity slip and convective boundary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in various changes in knowledge, attitude and practice among doctors. A survey was conducted of otolaryngologists in India regarding these aspects in relation to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Method: Otolaryngologists from West Bengal (India) were invited to participate in an online self-administered survey. Data were collected and analysed using appropriate methods. Results: Responses from 133 participants, grouped into 4 groups by their career stage, were collected and analysed. Of the participants, 36.8 per cent were directly involved in treating a known or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 patient, although 66.2 per cent considered the personal protective equipment inadequate. Ninety-four per cent indicated that their willingness to perform procedures depended on personal protective equipment availability. Of the respondents, 83.5 per cent revealed additional mental stress due to the pandemic. Of the participants, 41.4 per cent took hydroxychloroquine as coronavirus disease 2019 prophylaxis. Conclusion: This study provides an insight into which issues may need attention, to help ENT surgeons tackle the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic more effectively based on analysis of responses in the survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum many-body systems have been extensively studied from the perspective of quantum technology, and conversely, critical phenomena in such systems have been characterized by operationally relevant resources like entanglement. In this paper, we investigate robustness of magic (RoM), the resource in magic state injection based quantum computation schemes, in the context of the transverse field anisotropic XY model. We show that the the factorizable ground state in the symmetry broken configuration is composed of an enormous number of highly magical H states. We find the existence of a point very near the quantum critical point where magic contained explicitly in the correlation between two distant qubits attains a sharp maxima. Unlike bipartite entanglement, this persists over very long distances, capturing the presence of long range correlation near the phase transition. We derive scaling laws and extract corresponding exponents around criticality. Finally, we study the effect of temperature on two-qubit RoM and show that it reveals a crossover between dominance of quantum and thermal fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of impurity atoms introduced into bosonic gases in an optical lattice have generated a lot of recent interest, both in theory and experiment. We investigate to what extent measurements on either the impurity species or the majority species in these systems are affected by their interspecies entanglement. This arises naturally in the dynamics and plays an important role when we measure only one species. We explore the corresponding effects in strongly interacting regimes, using a combination of few-particle analytical calculations and density matrix renormalisation group methods in one dimension. We identify how the resulting effects on impurities can be used to probe the many-body states of the majority species, and separately ask how to enter regimes where this entanglement is small, so that the impurities can be used as probes that do not significantly affect the majority species. The results are accessible in current experiments, and provide important considerations for the measurement of complex systems with using few probe atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recent societal interest in healthful foods has led to the development of functional dairy products that basically provide health benefits in addition to their fundamental nutrients. Yoghurt being most popular fermented milk product due to its healthy image can be an excellent carrier for probiotics. Functional properties of yoghurt can be enhanced with the inclusion of functional ingredients such as probiotics and its conjugate application with prebiotics may be advantageous as it favors probiotic growth. Nutritional and medicinal value of honey coupled with presence of oligosaccharides has projected honey as a functional additive in yoghurt. Design/methodology/approach: Attempt has been made to review the literature on the biochemical activities of yoghurt cultures and probiotics in presence of honey. Both review and research papers related to biochemical activities and functional properties of yoghurt cultures and probiotics in presence of honey and their health benefits published in diverse journals under Pub Med and Science Direct have been considered. Keywords used for data search included functional foods, yoghurt, probiotic, health benefits, honey, etc. Findings: Functional properties of yoghurt can be further enhanced with the inclusion of probiotic cultures and honey. Honey can be safely used in association with different probiotic cultures during yoghurt manufacture for augmenting functional properties of yoghurt to extend health benefits. Honey may not be equally a suitable matrix for all yoghurt cultures or probiotic cultures. Research limitations/implications: Reviewed literature indicated that limited research on animal or human feeding trials with honey containing yoghurt has been done. Clinical trials with honey containing yoghurt are emerging prior to its marketing as functional food. Originality/value: Application of honey as a functional additive during the manufacture of probiotic yoghurt is suggested to extend the functional properties of normal yoghurt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the renewable energy sector of India, the system of Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) is being rapidly replaced by the mechanism of e-reverse auctions to discover the lowest tariff. 23.375 GW of solar, wind and hybrid capacity has been auctioned by central and state agencies during the period 2017–2018. The auctions resulted in historical low bids, due to the expectation of low price of capital goods like solar modules. The highest winning bids in solar auctions were, on an average, 36.49% less than the ongoing solar FIT in the states that held the e-reverse auctions. Consequently, the FIT has been revised downward. While the auctions proved to be cost effective, commissioning of projects remains a suspect. Only 58.6% of solar capacity allocated through the auctions held in 2017 got commissioned by the end of 2018. Project developers face the winner's curse due to increased import price of solar modules. The bids were revised upward in 2018, due to expected cost escalation because of safeguard duty imposed on import of solar panels. 8 GW solar bids got cancelled in FY 2018–19. Deployment of projects got affected as the distribution companies attempted to force winners of auctions to match tariff with lowest bids in subsequent auctions. This article evaluates the e-reverse auctions on account of their impact on price, deployment and financing of projects. • 23.375 GW of renewable capacity has been allocated via e-reverse auctions. • Winning bids were up to 58.19% lower than ongoing feed-in-tariff. • Developers will encounter the winner's curse due to rising capital cost. • Commissioning of projects may suffer because of safeguard duty on solar panels. • Financing the projects may be a problem for smaller developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diurnal warm layers (DWLs) form near the surface of the ocean on days with strong solar radiation, weak to moderate winds, and small surface-wave effects. Here, we use idealized second-moment turbulence modeling, validated with large-eddy simulations (LES), to study the properties, dynamics, and energetics of DWLs across the entire physically relevant parameter space. Both types of models include representations of Langmuir turbulence (LT). We find that LT only slightly modifies DWL thicknesses and other bulk parameters under equilibrium wave conditions, but leads to a strong reduction in surface temperature and velocity with possible implications for air–sea coupling. Comparing tropical and the less frequently studied high-latitude DWLs, we find that LT has a strong impact on the energy budget and that rotation at high latitudes strongly modifies the DWL energetics, suppressing net energy turnover and entrainment. We identify the key nondimensional parameters for DWL evolution and find that the scaling relations of Price et al. provide a reliable representation of the DWL bulk properties across a wide parameter space, including high-latitude DWLs. We present different sets of revised model coefficients that include the deepening of the DWL due to LT and other aspects of our more advanced turbulence model to describe DWL properties at midday and during the DWL temperature peak in the afternoon, which we find to occur around 1500–1630 local time for a broad range of parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural best management practices (BMPs) reduce nonpoint-source pollution from cropland. Goals for BMP adoption and expected pollutant load reductions are often specified in water quality management plans to protect and restore waterbodies; however, estimates of the needed load reductions and pollutant removal performance of BMPs are generally based on historic climate. Increasing air temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns and intensity are anticipated throughout the U.S. over the 21st century. The effects of such changes on agricultural pollutant loads have been addressed by several studies, but how these changes will affect the performance of widely promoted BMPs has received limited attention. We used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to investigate potential changes in the effectiveness of conservation tillage, no-till, vegetated filter strips, grassed waterways, nutrient management, winter cover crops, and drainage water management practices under potential future temperature and precipitation patterns. We simulated two agricultural watersheds in the Minnesota Corn Belt and the Georgia Coastal Plain with different hydroclimatic settings under recent conditions (1950-2005) and multiple potential future mid-century (2030-2059) and late-century (2070-2099) climate scenarios. Results suggest future increases in agricultural source loads of sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorous. Most BMPs continue to reduce loads, but removal efficiencies generally decline due to more intense runoff events, biological responses to changes in soil moisture and temperature, and exacerbated upland loading. The coupled effects of higher upland loading and reduced BMP efficiencies suggest that wider adoption, resizing, and/or combining practices may be needed in the future to meet water quality goals for agricultural lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vision impairment, blindness in particular is a devastating complication in patients with tuberculous meningitis. However, information regarding ophthalmological manifestation and its impact on vision is sparse in the literature. This study evaluated the spectrum of ophthalmological manifestations in tuberculous meningitis, including retinal nerve fiber layer thickness assessment by optic coherence tomography and its correlation with visual and clinical outcome. Methods This was a prospective observational study done from October 2015 to March 2017. Consecutive patients of tuberculous meningitis, diagnosed as per consensus case definition were included in the study. The patients were divided into two categories: uncomplicated and complicated tuberculous meningitis. Clinical evaluation, cerebrospinal fluid examination and contrast enhanced MRI of brain was done. Detailed ophthalmological evaluation including optic coherence tomography was done in all patients. All the patients were followed for 6 months. The primary outcome was blindness or low vision after 6 months. The secondary outcome was death or severe disability after 6 months. It was defined as modified Barthel index (MBI) ≤ 12 at 6 months (including disability plus death). Appropriate statistical analysis was done. Results Out of 101 patients of tuberculous meningitis, 47 patients of TBM belonged to uncomplicated category, while 54 patients were of complicated group. The visual impairment was present in 24 out of 101 (23.76%) patients out of which 20 (19.8%) patients had low vision while 4 (3.96%) had blindness. The visual impairment was more evident in complicated group, low vision 0.03 (1.2–31.5). The most common abnormality on fundus examination was papilledema (22.8%). The complicated group had more incidence <0.0001 (19.6–48). Optic atrophy was found in three patients while choroid tubercles were found in eight patients (all complicated TBM group). RNFL thinning was noted in 10 patients in both the eyes. On univariate analysis, presence of diplopia at baseline, impairment of color vision at baseline, visual impairment at baseline, cranial nerve VIth involvement, optic atrophy and papilledema at baseline, RNFL thinning, abnormal VEP and baseline MBI were associated with poor visual outcome. On multivariate analysis, none of the factors were found to be independently associated with poor visual outcome. On univariate analysis, many factors including baseline MRC staging, altered sensorium, seizure, hemiparesis, basal exudates, infarcts, optochiasmaticarachnoiditis, visual impairment at baseline were found to be associated with poor clinical outcome at 6 months. On multivariate analysis, presence of seizure (P  = 0.047, odds ratio = 78.59, 95% confidence interval (1.07–578.72)) was the only factor found to be independently associated with poor outcome. Conclusion Wide spectrum of ophthalmological manifestation was observed in patients of tuberculous meningitis. The visual impairment was more evident in complicated tuberculous meningitis. Ophthalmological findings like optic atrophy, papilledema and RNFL thinning were associated with poor visual outcome on univariate but not multivariate analysis. Visual impairment at baseline, among other factors was associated with poor clinical outcome on univariate analysis, whereas seizure was the only factor independently associated with poor outcome on multivariate analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Yoghurt is most popular and more acceptable throughout the world because of its general positive image among consumers because of its diverse nutritional and therapeutic properties and can be the most suitable probiotic carrier. Key factors for consumer's inclination towards functional foods are increased awareness for healthy foods because of health deterioration resulting from busy lifestyles, growing healthcare cost and the aspiration for an improved quality life in later years. Yoghurt is still not consumed in certain parts of the world because of a lack of a cultural tradition of consuming yogurt and further people are not aware of the health benefits associated with yogurt consumption. In this study an attempt has been to project probiotic yoghurt as a functional food in the current era of self-care and complementary medicine.Design/methodology/approach Attempt has been made to review the literature on the biochemical activities of yoghurt cultures and their behavior in association with diverse probiotic cultures. Both review and research papers related to biochemical activities and functional properties of yoghurt cultures in association with probiotics and their health benefits published in diverse journals under Pub Med and Science Direct have been considered. Keywords used for data search included functional foods, yoghurt, probiotic, health benefits, etc.Findings Functional properties of yoghurt can be further enhanced with fortification of minerals and vitamins or inclusion of probiotic cultures. Diversity in biochemical behavior yoghurt cultures in association with different probiotic cultures has been reported. Conjugated application of probiotics with yoghurt cultures would result in a product with enhanced functional properties to extend health benefits.Originality/value Inclusion of probiotic cultures in yoghurt is suggested to extend the functional properties of normal yoghurt, thus providing necessary nutrients, improving health and preventing or reducing nutrition-related diseases. Regular intake of probiotic yoghurt is suggested for healthy lifestyles, as it will help in retaining their health and reduce the potentially long-term risk of disease. Food industries can have profit-driven business by projecting the probiotic yoghurt as a functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Research farm, BCKV, West Bengal during rabi 2010-11 and 2011-12 to evaluate the effect of irrigation and mulch on growth, nodulation, yield and water use efficiency of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Chickpea irrigated at IW/CPE of 0.6 showed 7.14% and 23.53% higher seed yield compared to IW/CPE of 0.4 (0.98 t/ha) and Rainfed (0.85 t/ha), respectively and was significantly superior. Maximum seed yield of about 1.01 t/ha under the treatment receiving black polythene mulch, which was about 3.59%, 7.45% and 9.78% higher over the treatments receiving straw @ 5 t/ha, water hyacinth @ 5 t/ha and no mulch, respectively. Straw mulch @ 5 t/ha performed best regarding nodule dry weight and number per plant. Water use efficiency was highest with rainfed treatment and treatment receiving black polythene. Irrigation applied at IW/CPE of 0.6 maintained its superiority with highest net return, B:C, production and economic efficiency. Among mulches, highest return, B:C and efficiencies were recorded with the application of black polythene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To determine the chemical composition of minerals on planetary surfaces from spectroscopic data, it is required to establish the link between mineralogy, spectroscopy and chemical composition of rock forming minerals on Earth. To meet this requirement, we performed integrated mineralogical and spectroscopic (Visible-Near Infrared and micro Raman) characterisation of chromite from the chromitite layer in the mantle section of the Nidar ophiolite complex, SE Ladakh, J&K, India. Chromite commonly occurs as monominerallic chromitite layers (up to 1 meter wide) and disseminated grains within the dunites and harzburgites. The Cr 2 O 3 content is generally high (>60 wt%) and chemically homogeneous across the grains. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses show highest peak intensity at ∼36° 2θ, followed by other diagnostic peaks for chromite. Micro-Raman of chromite yields very strong diagnostic Raman active vibrational modes at 685 cm−1 (A 1g), followed by 520 cm−1 (F 2g(2)). The other peaks, viz. 446 cm−1 and 610 cm−1 are rather weak and correspond to E g and F 2g , respectively. VNIR (0.4μ to 2.4μ) reflectance spectroscopy of chromite suggested strong absorption near 2 μm and could be useful to quantify the chemical composition (especially Cr 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 and Cr#). We found a good correlation of VNIR absorption and chemical composition of chromite (e.g. band positions versus Al 2 O 3 and Cr# are well within 95% correlation interval). The intense Raman peak at 685 cm−1 corresponds to higher Cr content. This study, therefore, implies a significant understanding in determination of mineral chemistry (especially Chromites) by VNIR and micro Raman spectroscopy, which could be a useful tool for the future planetary exploration. Highlights • Chromites from ophiolite are common and their chemistry and structure can be linked to spectroscopic observations. • Spectroscopic (VNIR and micro-Raman) and mineral chemical studies of chromite can be correlated. • VNIR and micro Raman spectroscopy can be a useful tool in future planetary exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss connections between the three problems mentioned in the title. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation reports a systematic study of the effect of Pb addition on microstructural evolution and tribological behavior of equiatomic CuCrFeTiZn high entropy alloy (HEAs). Versatile and interesting properties such as high hardness, reasonable ductility and fracture toughness make HEAs suitable candidates for wear resistance applications. Pb being immiscible with the other alloying elements of the HEA in the solid state is expected to form soft dispersoid in harder HEA matrix, which can act as a lubricant during wear. Different amount of Pb (5, 10 and 20 at%) were incorporated in the HEA by mechanical alloying (MA) followed by consolidation of MA powder using spark plasma sintering. The X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM investigations reveal uniform dispersion of Pb in the dual phase HEA matrix. The mechanical and tribological properties of the composites show a good combination of hardness (3.5–6 GPa), compressive strength, plasticity (15–20%) and wear resistance. Efforts are made to relate mechanical properties and wear resistance with microstructure of these novel composites designed by CALPHAD modeling. Computational modeling of surface temperature rise during wear was performed to study the effect of temperature on wear mechanism. Surface and subsurface wear mechanism have been elucidated to explain excellent wear resistance. The excellent tribological properties of the present alloy render it as a potential candidate for bearing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the vertical stellar distribution of the Milky Way thin disk in detail with particular focus on the outer disk. We treat the galactic disk as a gravitationally coupled, three-component system consisting of stars, atomic hydrogen gas, and molecular hydrogen gas in the gravitational field of the dark matter halo. The self-consistent vertical distribution for stars and gas in such a realistic system is obtained for radii between 4–22 kpc. The inclusion of an additional gravitating component constrains the vertical stellar distribution toward the mid-plane, so that the mid-plane density is higher, the disk thickness is reduced, and the vertical density profile is steeper than in the one-component, isothermal, stars-alone case. We show that the stellar distribution is constrained mainly by the gravitational field of gas and dark matter halo in the inner and the outer Galaxy, respectively. We find that the thickness of the stellar disk (measured as the half-width at half-maximum of the vertical density distribution) increases with radius, flaring steeply beyond R = 17 kpc. The disk thickness is reduced by a factor of 3–4 in the outer Galaxy as a result of the gravitational field of the halo, which may help the disk resist distortion at large radii. The disk would flare even more if the effect of dark matter halo were not taken into account. Thus it is crucially important to include the effect of the dark matter halo when determining the vertical structure and dynamics of a galactic disk in the outer region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of x-ray diffraction data of liquid ethanol at room temperature shows the existence of hexamer molecular clusters due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Assuming hexamer domination in the intermolecular structure, the center structure is derived, which in turn reproduces closely the available data on neutron diffraction for this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of x-ray diffraction data of liquid methanol at room temperature reveals a distinct possibility of the presence of hexamer molecular clusters due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding. On the assumption of hexamer domination in the structure, the center structure is derived, which in turn reproduces closely the available data on neutron diffraction and computer simulation for this system. The center–center correlations show special features of bonded structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents calculations of high-frequency response of two-dimensional hot electrons in gallium arsenide (GaAs) quantum wells. Description of the alternating current; Incorporation of the electron energy loss via the longitudinal optic (LO) phonons and the momentum losses via LO, acoustic and ionized impurity modes of scattering; Material parameters of GaAs.