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Fiber-reinforced polymer is an advanced composite material composed of fibers and resin. It is a cost-effective and efficient material for repairing both existing and new structures. Additionally, these composite materials exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, including strength, Impact resistance, stiffness, load-bearing capacity and flexibility. This experimental research aims to investigate the behaviour of AFRP and CFRP materials wrapped in different layers when subjected to mechanical and non- destructive testing. Concrete confirming to the M30 grade is used for this experimental study. To ensure consistent concrete quality throughout the study, various test specimens were cast and subjected to standard tests, including compression tests, split tensile tests, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and impact tests on hardened concrete. Additionally, Rebound hammer and UPV test are two important NDT methods used to determine the quality of concrete. The tests were conducted using various specimens, including cubes (150mmx150mm), cylinders (150mmx300mm), prisms (100mmx100mmx500mm), and discs (63.5mm x 152.4mm). The experimental results indicate that concrete specimens confined with CFRP exhibit higher strength compared to those confined with AFRP and unconfined specimens, in both single and double ply wrappings.

This study investigates the kinetics of rhodamine B diffusion over a multilayer membrane composed of silk fibroin hydrogel and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nonwoven fabric. To evaluate the impact of varying membrane structure thicknesses on dye diffusion rate, we used 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 layers. The research indicated that the 32-layer membrane significantly slowed dye penetration. An initial linear release was seen until 2500 minutes, after which the rate of diffusion decelerated. Validation of the controlled diffusion behavior across the hydrogel layers was achieved by UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis, specifically targeting the absorbance peak at 554 nm of rhodamine B. The results of this study provide crucial insights for the advancement of hydrogel- based materials in sensor technologies, drug delivery approaches, and regulated dye release.

This study delves into the ground-breaking applications of optical fiber grids for material analysis. In it, we look at the correlation between light intensity and temperature, analyze the material composition, and conduct a comprehensive examination into sensor calibration. Optical fiber grids are quite accurate in detecting changes in temperature and refractive index, as shown by the calibration results, which showed an outstanding average accuracy of 98%. The grids were able to distinguish between different materials with an average accuracy of 96%, according to the material composition research. The correct identification of a polymer sample with 45% polyethylene and 55% polypropylene demonstrated this. Also, the grids were able to properly react to changing temperatures since there was a strong linear relationship between light intensity and temperature (92 percent explanatory power). Taken together, the findings highlight optical fiber grids’ versatility and reliability, showing how they might revolutionize material research across several industries.

This study explores the reuse of industrial by-products in construction through geopolymerization, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials. In light of the growing demand for environmentally friendly building practices, this research aims to evaluate geopolymer concrete made with industrial by-products as a viable substitute for traditional concrete. The introduction highlights the importance of sustainable construction and the potential of geopolymer technology in reducing environmental impacts. A comprehensive review of the composition, properties, and previous studies on geopolymer concrete using industrial waste materials is provided. The research methodology outlines the objectives, materials used, experimental framework, and testing protocols. Results on compressive strength, flexural strength, and durability of the geopolymer concrete samples are discussed in detail in the results and analysis section. The discussion interprets the findings, focusing on the enhanced strength and durability achieved through the incorporation of industrial by-products. The study concludes with a summary of key outcomes, implications for the construction industry, and recommendations for future applications and research on geopolymer concrete using industrial waste.

This study explores the catalytic conversion of greenhouse gases (GHGs) using sustainable nanocatalysts, with the goal of addressing climate change and decreasing human-caused emissions. Four different types of nanocatalysts were synthesized, each with distinct compositions and properties. These include metal oxide, carbon-based, zeolite-based, and perovskite nanocatalysts. The characterization of these materials unveiled their nanostructured composition, significant surface area, and adjustable surface chemistry, which are crucial for their catalytic activity in greenhouse gas conversion reactions. The catalytic performance was evaluated, revealing different levels of efficiency in converting CO2 and CH4. The nanocatalysts made of metal oxide demonstrated the highest efficiency, while carbon-based, perovskite, and zeolite-based nanocatalysts followed suit. In addition, the reaction rate constants were found to be influenced by the composition and structure of the nanocatalyst. Metal oxide and carbon-based nanocatalysts exhibited higher rate constants in comparison to zeolite-based and perovskite nanocatalysts. Upon conducting stability assessments over multiple reaction cycles, it was observed that nanocatalysts made of metal oxide and carbon exhibited superior durability compared to those made of zeolite and perovskite. In summary, the findings highlight the promise of sustainable nanocatalysts in catalytic greenhouse gas conversion. These catalysts provide effective and eco-friendly solutions for tackling climate change and progressing towards a sustainable future. Further research and innovation in nanocatalyst design, synthesis, and performance evaluation are crucial for fully harnessing the potential of nanotechnology in reducing GHG emissions and attaining global sustainability objectives.

Dhananjay Shukla,1 Jay Kalliath,2,* Anuradha Dhawan3,* 1Retina- Vitreous Service, Ratan Jyoti Netralaya, Gwalior, India; 2Department of Ophthalmology, NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; 3Retina- Vitreous Service, Centre for Sight Group of Eye Hospitals, N. Delhi, India*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Dhananjay ShuklaRetina-Vitreous Service, Ratan Jyoti Netralaya, Gwalior, 474002, IndiaTel +917745963548Email Daksh66@gmail.comAbstract: Ocular tuberculosis (OTB) is a rare, extrapulmonary manifestation of systemic TB, which has been a global etiology of uveitis for centuries, though concentrated in the developing world. OTB remains difficult to diagnose clinically despite a plethora of conventional and modern investigations. Tubercular retinal vasculitis (TRV) is a common and specific presentation of OTB but is variably defined in the literature in terms of clinical profile and the investigations essential for diagnosis and treatment. Ironically, the need and duration of antitubercular treatment is uncertain for this manifestation of ocular TB. The rationale and utility for corticosteroids is similarly equivocal for TRV. This review attempts to tease out a commonsense approach from the best available evidence and consensus in the literature to suspect, investigate and diagnose TRV with reasonable certainty, and institute appropriate treatment with due ethnic and geographic considerations.Keywords: ocular tuberculosis, tubercular uveitis, occlusive retinal periphlebitis, tuberculin skin test, chest radiography, antitubercular treatment

Krupa Kansara, Pal Patel, Ritesh K Shukla, Alok Pandya, Rishi Shanker, Ashutosh Kumar, Alok Dhawan Institute of Life Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India Abstract: Over the last decade, there has been growing interest in developing novel nanoparticles (NPs) for biomedical applications. A safe-by-design approach was used in this study to synthesize biocompatible iron oxide NPs. The size of the particles obtained was ~100 nm. Although these NPs were significantly (P

Pal Patel, Krupa Kansara, Ragini Singh, Ritesh K Shukla, Sanjay Singh, Alok Dhawan, Ashutosh Kumar Division of Biological and Life Sciences (Formerly Institute of Life Sciences), School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India Abstract: Overproduction of free radicals contributes to oxidative stress and inflammation leading to various disease conditions. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) have been shown to scavenge free radicals and have the potential for being used as a therapeutic agent in disease conditions. Therefore, in the present study, human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) were used as a model to evaluate the uptake and free radical scavenging activity of nanoceria. Our data showed a significant (P

Darshini Shah, Reema Savaliya, Pal Patel, Krupa Kansara, Alok Pandya, Alok Dhawan, Sanjay Singh Institute of Life Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India Abstract: Curcumin has a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, one of them is anticancer activity that is mediated through multiple mechanisms. The major disadvantage associated with the use of curcumin is its low bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility. Nanoformulations of curcumin provide an effective solution for this problem. In this study, we have synthesized curcumin Ag nanoconjugates and evaluated their anticancer potential. Keywords: curcumin, anticancer, nanoconjugate, AgNPs

Vishal Pandya,1 Lokesh Baweja,1,2 Alok Dhawan1,2 1Division of Biological & Life Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences, (Formerly, Institute of Life Sciences), Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 2Nanotherapeutics & Nanomaterial Toxicology Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India Abstract: Amyloid beta (Aβ) deposits are implicated in the pathogenesis of debilitating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. In the present study, the interactions of carbon-based nanoparticles (NPs) such as fullerene and fullerenol having different surface chemistry with Aβ were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations and docking studies. A detailed analysis of docking results showed that in 68% of the Aβ conformations, fullerene and fullerenol showed interactions with the N-terminal region of the peptide. However, the high-affinity binding site (E=−48.31 kJ/mol) of fullerene resides in the hydrophobic middle region of the peptide, whereas fullerenol interacts favorably with the charged N-terminal region with a binding energy of −50.42 kJ/mol. The above differences in binding could be attributed to the surface chemistry of fullerene and fullerenol. Moreover, the N-terminal and middle regions of Aβ play an important role in Aβ aggregation. Therefore, the binding of fullerene and fullerenol could inhibit amyloid aggregation. This information will be helpful in designing NPs for targeting amyloid-related disorders. Keywords: fullerene, fullerenol

This paper targets estimating and evaluating the Indian Cities on the natural execution rules across an expansive scope of classifications and supporting markers. Metropolitan urban areas have different Environmental issues like never-ending suburbia, Deprive of green and characteristic gaps, insufficient H2O supply, sewage water, solid refuse, contamination of air and soil. To combat such issues, the urban communities are being modified by presenting shrewd feasible procedures. There are various advantages straightforwardly joined to the manageability estimating apparatus such as to limit the natural impression of city, oblige populace development, and protect personal satisfaction of metropolitan occupants today and in future. It additionally assists financial backers with settling on a decision of their area, helps urban communities by being a directing soul to enroll different qualities and shortcomings of the urban communities and in this way helping them in progress by chipping away at their shortcomings and in characterizing and arranging their objectives and to plan pointed toward supporting their involved position and to foster arrangement for what’s to come.

Introduction: The quality of life (QOL) of substance users is known to be impaired. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a yogic breathing program has potential to improve QOL and needs evaluation in an Indian setting. Aims: Study aimed to assess changes in QOL in treatment seeking male opioid dependent users following practice of SKY program. Settings and Design: Users were randomized into study (n = 55) and control group (n = 29). Study group besides standard treatment (long term pharmacotherapy with buprenorphine in flexible dosing schedule) underwent a 3 days, 12 h SKY program while control group received standard treatment alone. Materials and Methods: World Health Organization QOL-brief scale was used to measure QOL and urine tested to assess recent drug use. Assessments were made at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using generalized estimation equation to assess within group change with time and the overall difference between groups for changes at assessment points. Results : Overtime within study group, all four QOL domain scores were significantly higher at 6 months. Between group comparison showed significant increase in physical (P < 0.05); psychological (P < 0.001) and environment domains (P < 0.001) for study group while control group showed significant changes in social relationship domain only. Urine screening results were negative for study group indicating no drug use at 6 months. Conclusion: SKY as a complementary therapy was found beneficial in improving QOL for group practicing it and is recommended for use as low cost and low-risk adjunct in substance treatment settings in India.