Search

Abstract Exploring the potential of iron/iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) to act as fertilizer is an area of immense interest. This paper reports the green synthesis of IONPs using aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves and its characterization with XRD, HRTEM and FTIR. This environmentally benign route avoids hazardous and toxic chemicals commonly employed in nanoparticle synthesis. The IONPs formed (Fe2O3) are stabilized by the phenolic and aromatic compounds found in the aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum and are of small crystallite size (5–30 nm). Peanut seedlings treated with these IONPs exhibited a superior growth performance at lower application rates (100 mg L−1), as evidenced by better growth parameters, which also corroborated with gibberellic acid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. The differential activity of green synthesized IONPs, highlighted in this study, compared to already reported chemically synthesized IONPs, reveals their functional superiority.

In the present study, Coconut Husk Biochar (CHB) was synthesize from widely available, locally sourced agro waste, coconut husk and characterized using different techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). CHB was tested for its ability to adsorb crystal violet (CV), a commonly used cationic dye, from water. It was capable of adsorbing more than 98 % of CV from water and follows Freundlich isotherm model with pseudo second order kinetics though the overall process was unfavourable. Moreover, separation of CHB from water after adsorption is a cumbersome process. Thus, unmodified CHB is not suitable for use as an adsorbent for CV. Magnetic nano iron oxide Biochar Composite (MBC) was synthesized by deposition of nano iron oxide (Fe3O4) onto its surface by co-precipitation method and characterized using SEM, XRD and FTIR. SEM analysis provided visual evidence of this deposition which was further confirmed by XRD and FTIR analysis. MBC was also effective in adsorbing more than 90 % of CV from aqueous solution though a decrease in adsorption capacity was observed. Adsorption data followed Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo second order kinetics. MBC is superparamagnetic and is strongly attracted to a small bar magnet, facilitating easy removal from water after CV adsorption.

Boron and calcium are essential plant nutrient and their deficiency affects vegetative and reproductive growth of plants. Supplementing deficient nutrients by fertilizer application is essential but is accompanied by environmental pollution. Replacing conventional fertilizers with nanofertilizers may help in mitigating pollution as their nutrient use efficiency is higher. The synthesis of nanoparticles often utilizes chemicals that are detrimental to the environment. Thus use of greener alternative methods of synthesis of calcium borate nanoparticles is of special interest. In this study we synthesised nano calcium borate utilising the aqueous extract of sugarcane bagasse, a cheap, nontoxic, easily available agricultural waste, as a source of capping agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by powder XRD, FTIR and TEM. The calcium borate synthesized was amorphous in nature and of nanoscale. Priming cowpea seeds and misting them with synthesized calcium borate nanoparticle proved to be effective, resulting in enhanced seed germination, increased root length, and an improved vigour index compared to using bulk counterparts.

Abstract The ultra-thin heterostructure of Pr0.6Sr0.4MnO3(15 nm)/Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3(15 nm)/SrTiO3 fabricated using pulsed laser deposition technique exhibits the phase-segregated nature wherein the ferromagnetism of Pr0.6Sr0.4MnO3, and the antiferromagnetic state of Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3 coexist in proximity. The observation of two exciting phenomena in the grown ultra-thin heterostructure, namely, the kinetic arrest and training effect, confirms its phase-segregated nature. The melting of the antiferromagnetic state in Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3 into a ferromagnetic state due to the interfacial interaction arising from the magnetic proximity of the ferromagnetic clusters of Pr0.6Sr0.4MnO3 have been observed. A metal–insulator transition (TMIT) found at 215 K, close to its Curie temperature (TCurie) observed at 230 K, reveals a strong correlation between the electrical transport and the magnetization of the ultra-thin heterostructure. The electrical conduction in the high-temperature regime is explained in terms of the adiabatic small polaron hopping model. While the resistance in the metallic regime for temperatures above 100 K is contributed by the inelastic scattering due to the two-magnons, in the metallic regime below 100 K, the one-magnon inelastic scattering contribution is prevalent. An enhanced colossal magnetoresistance property near room temperature is obtained in the ultra-thin heterostructure arising from the proximity-driven interfacial interaction, making it a suitable candidate for technological applications near room temperature.

Abstract Boiled drinking water is carried by students to schools and colleges in plastic containers. However, the risk associated with drinking water stored in plastic containers is very real especially the question of leachates finding their way into the water stored in these containers. In this pilot study, we identified the most common plastic container used by students to carry water and the factors that govern their choice. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was identified as the most favored plastic used to carry water. PET bottles were then subject to treatments that mimic conditions representative of normal consumer usage. The water sample collected was tested for the presence of phthalates, antimony & titanium, and their content estimated by gas chromatography and atomic absorption spectra. Although phthalates and antimony leach into water from PET bottles their concentration was not high enough to pose a threat to human life. However, the trend of increasing antimony concentration with temperature and time is a cause of concern because of its role as endocrine disruptors. Prolonged and repeated use of PET bottles to carry water, especially warm water may lead to health problems in the community.

Polycrystalline YBaCo4O7 compounds are synthesized by solid state reaction in air atmosphere. X-ray powder diffraction at room temperature indicates its single phase nature. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data shows distortions in bond lengths in the cobalt-oxygen tetrahedra. Electrical resistivity of YBaCo4O7 suggests a variable range hopping type of conductivity from 80 K up to room temperature. Raman scattering spectra exhibit several broad phonon modes at ambient temperature. Raman spectroscopic measurements are carried out as a function of temperature to look for any structural phase transitions from 80 to 823 K. Raman scattering results show no phase transitions, supporting low temperature conductivity measurements. From temperature variation of Raman spectra, it is found that the structure is stable in the temperature range of present study.

This paper presents the cost optimization of a reinforced concrete abutment of a cantilever type using a genetic algorithm (GA). During the optimization process, six design variables, including two geometrical design variables and four cross-sectional design variables, were considered. The objective function consists of the cost of steel, concrete, and labor. Computation programs have been developed in JAVA to find an economical design adhering to Indian Road Congress (IRC) standards. To get an optimal solution in reasonable computational time, an attempt is carried out to evaluate the optimal GA parameters for the abutment model. A parametric study was conducted to understand the effect of the angle of friction, grade of concrete, and height on the cost optimization of the abutment. From the parametric study, it is observed that optimum cost of the abutment is obtained with a higher value of the angle of friction and concrete with a lower compressive strength. The results of the optimization are further discussed in detail. Key words: abutment, cost optimization, genetic algorithm, population size, generation size Cet article presente l'optimisation des couts d'une culee en beton arme (BA) de type cantilever, et ce, a l'aide d'un algorithme genetique (AG). Au cours du processus d'optimisation, six variables de conception, dont deux variables de conception geometrique et quatre variables de conception en coupe transversale, ont ete prises en compte. La fonction d'objectifs se compose du cout de l'acier, du beton et de la main-d'oeuvre. Des programmes de calcul ont ete developpes en JAVA pour trouver une conception economique conforme aux normes de l'<< Indian Road Congress >> (IRC). Dans le but d'obtenir une solution optimale dans un temps de calcul raisonnable, on tente d'evaluer les parametres d'AG optimaux pour le modele de culee. Une etude parametrique a ete menee pour comprendre l'effet de l'angle de frottement, de la qualite de beton et de la hauteur sur l'optimisation des couts de culee. L'etude parametrique a permis d'observer que le cout optimal de culee est obtenu avec une valeur plus elevee de l'angle de frottement et un beton avec une resistance a la compression inferieure. Les resultats de l'optimisation sont discutes plus en detail. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : culee, optimisation des couts, algorithme genetique, taille de la population, taille des generations, Introduction An abutment is a substructure used to support a superstructure at the ends of a bridge span. It also holds the soil that is unstable in its natural slopes. [...]

While T1DM has been traditionally seen as a minor concern in the larger picture of pediatric ailments, new data reveals that the incidence of T1DM has assumed alarming proportions. It has long been clear that while the disease may be diagnosed at an early age, its impact is not isolated to afflicted children. The direct impact of the disease on the patient is debilitating due to the nature of the disease and lack of proper access to treatment in India. But this impact is further compounded by the utter apathy and often times antipathy, which patients withT1DM have to face. Lack of awareness of the issue in all stakeholders, low access to quality healthcare, patient, physician, and system level barriers to the delivery of optimal diabetes care are some of the factors which hinder successful management of T1DM. The first international consensus meet on diabetes in children was convened with the aim of providing a common platform to all the stakeholders in the management of T1DM, to discuss the academic, administrative and healthcare system related issues. The ultimate aim was to articulate the problems faced by children with diabetes in a way that centralized their position and focused on creating modalities of management sensitive to their needs and aspirations. It was conceptualized to raise a strong voice of advocacy for improving the management of T1DM and ensuring that "No child should die of diabetes". The unique clinical presentations of T1DM coupled with ignorance on the part of the medical community and society in general results in outcomes that are far worse than that seen with T2DM. So there is a need to substantially improve training of HCPs at all levels on this neglected aspect of healthcare.