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The present article introduces an innovative solution to improve performance efficiency while shaving the demand during peak hours. The idea focuses on efficient gas turbine and Rankine cycle hybridization for power and hydrogen production based on high-temperature heliostat solar towers. The proposed model is simulated via TRNSYS software to assess the performance transiently and then optimized through the artificial neural network in MATLAB program to minimize the calculation time. The key economic, environmental, and energy indicators are evaluated, compared, and optimized for this. According to the effect of main design parameters, including gas turbine inlet temperature, mass flow rate, and heliostat area, on the system's indicators, there is a conflictive trend among the power productivity, cost, and emission index, signifying the optimization significance. The optimization results show that the net power, efficiency, cost, and CO 2 emissions are 298,300 GJ, 30.7%, 3.6 M$, and 20,760 tonnes under optimal conditions. This working condition is obtained by electing turbine inlet temperature, solar area, and airflow rate of 1087 °C, 91,200 m2, and 68,817, respectively. At this condition, while 71.18% of the yearly primary energy is provided by the sun, biomass meets the rest, showing the importance of renewable combination to achieve the highest independence from the grid. Finally, the system can generate an additional 585 kg/day of hydrogen that could be used in relevant industries. • A novel smart system based on biomass and solar hybridization is introduced. • A new hydrogen production/injection method is applied to improve the efficiency. • An artificial neural network model is added to the optimization to reduce the time. • The proposed smart system can generate an extra hydrogen of 585 kg per day. • The optimization achieves an efficiency of 30.7% and emissions of 20,760 tonnes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluates the potential of airborne hyperspectral and space-borne multispectral satellite datasets to determine alpha (α) and beta (β) diversity combining in-situ floristic composition in tropical deciduous forests (TDFs) of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), India. 43 forest plots (each of 0.04 ha) were sampled to record the species diversity in MTR. The very high-resolution AVIRIS-NG hyperspectral images and temporal Sentinel-2 multispectral images were used to extract spectral variables by associating each field plot with corresponding pixels of the satellite images. A high positive correlation of field-based α-diversity (Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′)) with AVIRIS-NG based α-diversity (R2: 0.83 (2016); R2: 0.82 (2018)) was observed compared to Sentinel-2 based α-diversity (R2: 0.50 to 0.63) with high correlation during post-monsoon (R2: 0.63). Principal coordinate analysis of AVIRIS-NG based β-diversity signifies a low diversity (H′: <1.00) in the eastern parts (0.13% of MTR) in contrast to moderate (H′: 1.00 to 2.00; 13.39% of MTR) to high diversity (H′ >2.00; 86.49% of MTR) in the remaining parts of MTR. The study highlights the application of high spectral-spatial AVIRIS-NG images for precise tree diversity mapping and the high temporal-spatial Sentinel-2 satellite images for assessing the phenological variations of the forest species. The integration of high spatial-hyperspectral and temporal multispectral satellite datasets with field-based observations for fine-scale tree species diversity mapping at geographical and temporal scales is the novelty of the study that may effectively contribute in devising effective forest management plans for biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study highlights delineation of the distribution of understorey invasive plant species (IPS) in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), Western Ghats, India using very high resolution airborne imaging spectroscopy images by evaluating the performance of a Multiple Endmember Spectral Mixture Analysis (MESMA). Lantana camara L. and Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. have imposed a serious threat to natural ecosystems in MTR by altering the ecosystem processes. The Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-Next Generation (AVIRIS-NG) based analysis delineated the distribution of understorey IPS, viz., L. camara and C. odorata in MTR, with an overall accuracy of 87 % (k = 0.84) and 84 % (k = 0.8), respectively, with minimal root-mean-square error (RMSE) of MESMA classification (0.001 to 0.0025). In MTR, both the IPS were distributed in large parts and in association with all dominant canopy tree species barring Eucalyptus species. L. camara was majorly found in the southern parts of central MTR with 'high' to 'very high' presence covering 23.09 % and 11.51 % of the total area of central MTR, respectively, in association with Terminalia anogeissiana Gere & Boatwr. and Tectona grandis L.f. Whereas, C. odorata was dominantly found with high (18.11 % area of central MTR) to very high (11.85 % area of central MTR) intensity in the south and southeastern parts within the vicinity of T. anogeissiana and Terminalia elliptica Willd. The study highlights the utilization of high spectral agility in mapping of understorey IPS through spectral differentiation of the patchy distribution of IPS and its intermixing with other local species may be helpful in ecological restoration, conservation of biodiversity, and provisioning long-term management of ecosystem services in highly invaded tropical forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diesel engine process including fuel injection, fuel spray, air and fuel mixing, ignition and combustion which influences its performance and emission characteristics. The fuel injection and fuel spray are important process as they are directly related to the quality of fuel which results into fluctuating the ignition and combustion characteristics. Ignition in a diesel engine occurs at the edge of the spray depending on the in-cylinder pressure and temperature. Experiments were conducted on a modified dual-fuel diesel engine (3.5 kW power) with fuel additives, diesel and hydrogen (gaseous fuel) at a stable speed of 1500 rpm. Spray behavior and ignition delay were analyzed to determine the impact of fuel additives in neat diesel combined with hydrogen. Additionally, for dual-fuel Cases, the ignition delay correlations provided for diesel engines have been modified as per the experimental results. The injection velocity was maximized with a 15–25% hydrogen substitution range because the fuel density was reduced to a minimum, but it was decreased with the addition of fuel additives. The SMD for hydrogen with neat diesel and diesel with fuel additives both increased up to 20% hydrogen substitution, whereas for higher hydrogen substitution, the Sauter mean diameter decreased. It was found that the addition of fuel additives in diesel resulted into an increased fuel injection velocity (3.3%) with reduced sauter mean diameter of 3.4% while with the lower substitution of H 2 (15%), a maximum increment of 32% in the injection velocity was seen as compared with neat diesel operation. With 15% hydrogen substitution, the change in pressure and density of diesel along with fuel additives accommodated the optimum spray penetration equivalent to neat diesel. In all Cases of hydrogen substitution, the experimental and theoretical values obtained for the chemical ignition delay were found to be consistent with one another except for 35% H 2 showing a maximum deviation of 0.2%. • Addition of fuel additives with higher hydrogen reduced the chemical delay. • TID reduced up to 25% hydrogen, increased with higher hydrogen substitution. • Injection velocity was found optimum in the range of 15–25% hydrogen substitution. • Spray penetration and sauter diameter increased up to 20% hydrogen substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is focused on the combustion behavior, performance and emissions of a modified diesel engine working on dual fuel mode with hydrogen as a gaseous fuel by the inclusion of tri-ethylene glycol mono methyl ether and alumina nanoparticles as fuel additives. The inclusion of tri-ethylene glycol mono methyl ether, alumina and hydrogen separately and simultaneously improved the net heat release with reduced cylinder pressure at high loads as compared with neat diesel. The brake thermal efficiency increased by 22.5% and 11.6% by the inclusion of tri-ethylene glycol mono methyl ether and hydrogen respectively at 50% load, when combined together, it was improved remarkably by 28.15%. The addition of alumina was responsible for a slight reduction in NO x formation at all loads, while it was incremented by hydrogen enrichment at the highest load as compared to pure diesel. The CO formation was incremented by the addition of alumina, while the CO 2 and HC formations were reduced up to 50% load, increased at 70% load. The CO, CO 2 , HC and smoke opacity were reduced with TGME and hydrogen enrichment, while the NO x formation was reduced up to 50% load, then increased at the higher load. • The H 2 enrichment incremented NHR by 21.7% at 356°CA. • A minimum ID of 11°CA was observed in case of D + TGME @5%. • BTE increased by 28.15% at a load of 50% for D + TGME @5% +H 2@35%. • For D + TGME @5% , combustion efficiency improved by 10.4%. • The HC formation was reduced by 21.8% for D + TGME @5% at 50% load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snake envenomation results in a range of clinical sequelae, and widely used animal-based conventional antivenoms exhibit several limitations including the adverse immunological effects in human snake bite victims. Therefore, human monoclonal anti-snake venom antibodies or fragments can be an alternate therapy for overcoming the existing limitations. We developed venom-neutralizing humanized scFv antibodies and analyzed biochemical mechanisms associated with the inhibition of toxicity. Tomlinson I and J human scFv antibody libraries were screened against Naja naja and Echis carinatus venoms, and seven unique scFv antibodies were obtained. Further, specific toxins of snake venom interacting with each of these scFvs were identified, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was found to be prominently captured by the phage-anchored scFv antibodies. Our study indicated PLA2 to be one of the abundant toxins in Naja naja and Echis carinatus venom samples. The scFvs binding to PLA2 were used to perform in vivo survival assay using the mouse model and in vitro toxin inhibition assays. scFv N194, which binds to acidic PLA2, protected 50% of mice treated with Naja naja venom. Significant prolongation of survival time and 16% survival were observed in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice treated with scFv E113 and scFv E10, respectively. However, a combination comprised of an equal amount of two scFvs, E113 and E10, both interacting with basic PLA2, exhibited synergistically enhanced survival of 33% in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice. No such synergistically enhanced survival was observed in the case of combinatorial treatment with anti- Naja naja scFvs, N194, and N248. These scFvs demonstrated partial inhibition of venom-induced myotoxicity, and E113 also inhibited hemolysis by 50%, which corroborates the enhanced survival during combinatorial treatment in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice. • Conventional antivenoms exhibit adverse effects in snakebite victims. • Seven human scFvs antibody fragments against two prominent Indian snake venoms were isolated. • Majority of antibodies were specific to phospholipase A2, which is an abundant toxin in both venoms. • These antibodies partially inhibited venom-induced myotoxicity, and one of them also exhibited partial hemolysis inhibition. • Antibodies developed against PLA2 exhibited partial in vivo venom neutralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single-flash geothermal cycle (SFGC) is not without its limitations, featuring drawbacks like diminished efficiency, restricted power generation capacity, and the incapability to yield multiple outputs concurrently. Furthermore, the SFGC requires a substantial water supply, potentially leading to adverse environmental consequences. In a concerted effort to enhance overall performance and facilitate the concurrent production of multiple valuable products, this study introduces a multigeneration system (MGS). By integrating additional subsystems into the SFGC framework, including a branched GAX cycle enabled by a thermoelectric generator (TEG), a domestic water heater (DWH), and a reverse osmosis unit, the objective is to surmount these limitations effectively. A thermodynamic and exergoeconomic analysis of the system is conducted and a bi-objective optimization is employed to minimize system cost and maximize exergy efficiency. The parametric study reveals that when degassing ranges are in the range of 0.2–0.37, the system product cost varies from $27.07/MWh to $28.44/MWh. In the optimized scenario there is a decrease of 67.7% in cooling provided by the system. This leads to an increase of 3.5% in generated electricity and a 3% increase in water purification compared to the base scenario. Through optimization the exergy efficiency of the system improves from 61.84% to 62.90% while the multigeneration gain output ratio (MGOR) decreases from 1.40 to 1.38. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported that the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 (PTPN6) negatively regulates insulin signaling, but its impact on hepatic glucose metabolism and systemic glucose control remains poorly understood. Here, we use coimmunoprecipitation assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, in silico methods, and gluconeogenesis assay, and found a new mechanism whereby SHP-1 acts as a coactivator for transcription of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) gene to increase liver gluconeogenesis. SHP-1 is recruited to the regulatory regions of the PCK1 gene and interacts with RNA polymerase II. The recruitment of SHP-1 to chromatin is dependent on its association with the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5). Loss of SHP-1 as well as STAT5 decrease RNA polymerase II recruitment to the PCK1 promoter and consequently PCK1 mRNA levels leading to blunted gluconeogenesis. This work highlights a novel nuclear role of SHP-1 as a key transcriptional regulator of hepatic gluconeogenesis adding a new mechanism to the repertoire of SHP-1 functions in metabolic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are heme-containing enzymes that are present in all kingdoms of life and share a structurally homologous, globular protein fold. CYPs utilize structures distal to the heme to recognize and coordinate substrates, while the necessary interactions with redox partner proteins are mediated at the opposite, proximal surface. In the current study, we investigated the functional allostery across the heme for the bacterial enzyme CYP121A1, which utilizes a non-polar distal-to-distal dimer interface for specific binding of its dicyclotyrosine substrate. Fluorine-detected Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (19F-NMR) spectroscopy was combined with site-specific labeling of a distal surface residue (S171C of the FG-loop), one residue of the B-helix (N84C), and two proximal surface residues (T103C and T333C) with a thiol-reactive fluorine label. Adrenodoxin was used as a substitute redox protein and was found to promote a closed arrangement of the FG-loop, similar to the addition of substrate alone. Disruption of the protein–protein interface by mutagenesis of two CYP121 basic surface residues removed the allosteric effect. Moreover, 19F-NMR spectra of the proximal surface indicate that ligand induced allostery modulates the environment at the C-helix but not the meander region of the enzyme. In light of the high degree of structural homology in this family of enzymes, we interpret the findings from this work to represent a conserved allosteric network in CYPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the fabrication of scaffolds for bone regeneration, it is difficult to concurrently achieve bioactivity, mechanical performance, and ease of fabrication. Additionally, implant surface functionalization is a topic of intense research to improve bone-to-implant interaction and augment bone repair. Accordingly, this study reports additively manufactured (AM) 45S5 Bioglass scaffolds reinforced with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that were dip-coated with cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used as an ink carrier that showed suitable shear thinning behavior. The fabricated scaffolds were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). 45S5 Bioglass reinforcement with CNTs and coating with CNWs led to an increase in the compressive strength from 20.5 to 27 MPa (∼32% enhancement), while the toughness increased from 2.08 to 3.92 MJ/m3 (∼88% enhancement). Additionally, structural analysis based on microcomputed tomography images showed that the AM-fabricated scaffolds exhibited suitable porosity, pore size, pore throat size, and interconnectivity. Moreover, the coating of the scaffold with CNWs increased the surface roughness, which may aid in bone cell attachment on the scaffold surface. Finally, these scaffolds were found to be bioactive, as revealed by in vitro studies in simulated body fluid (SBF). These results show the potential for efficient fabrication of hybrid scaffolds with controlled structure, bioactivity, and required toughness as well as strength for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of hydrogen as a gaseous fuel in CI engines in dual fuel mode, has gained significant interest due to its clean-burning nature, high energy share, and higher availability in nature. In this experimental study, hydrogen was used as a secondary fuel along with tri-ethylene glycol mono methyl ether (TGME) as a fuel additive in diesel to investigate the effects on the engine performances and emissions using a modified duel fuel diesel engine (power of 3.5 kW at 1500 rpm). It revealed that addition of hydrogen (30–35%) enhanced the brake thermal efficiency of the engine at each load conditions, but in accordance it also reduces with the lower hydrogen (15–25%). Reduction in oxides of nitrogen was observed with the hydrogen insertion up to 50% load while carbon mono oxide, carbon dioxide and un-burnt hydrocarbon were significantly reduced at entire load conditions. Further, the addition of fuel additive (TGME) enhanced the brake thermal efficiency at each loads. A reduced ignition delay was also observed by the inclusion of TGME and hydrogen due to pre-ignition of the fresh charge. Moreover, this study concluded that addition of 1% fuel additive in diesel with 25% of hydrogen at 30% load, performance and emissions were optimum. • Addition of TGME with higher H 2 enhanced the BTE at entire loads. • NO x reduced up to 50% loads with TGME, increased at highest load. • CO and HC emission at all loads reduced with 5% TGME and 35% H 2. • Use of 1% TGME with 25% H 2 at all loads, BTE and emissions were optimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preservation of horticultural produce is vital for quality products to be delivered to customers long after harvest. Product qualities are maintained when field heat is removed. Prompt forced-air cooling (FAC) is preferred for various products to remove this field heat and delay ripening. Packaging modifications are vital in enhancing the FAC process and minimizing energy consumption. The detailed characteristics of fluid flow and heat transfer inside packaging can be best analyzed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, which helps develop better packaging designs. This comprehensive review highlights various numerical models used to study the pre-cooling process and discusses different evaluation methods for analyzing the performance of FAC processes. The procedure to develop a CFD model for pre-cooling studies is also discussed in detail. The effect of various parameters like vent hole size, shape, airflow velocity, and cooling temperature on cooling efficiency and uniformity is accentuated through literature. Different boundary conditions, new performance parameters, and guidelines for future studies are also deduced. Further, the study emphasizes the importance of multi-parameter analysis in designing better packaging for optimum cooling performance. This study thus demonstrates the use of CFD methods to study the effect of various parameters on pre-cooling performance and energy consumption while simultaneously comparing various packaging designs to find sustainable design solutions for different horticulture products. • CFD modeling of fruits and vegetables' forced-air cooling (FAC) was reviewed. • Different boundary conditions for CFD modeling of various fruits were discussed. • Newly introduced performance criteria were explained with future challenges. • Recent developments and future challenges are highlighted for the FAC of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on urban damage and surface deformation in the Kathmandu city region that occurred due to the massive earthquake in Nepal in 2015. The deformation was estimated from pre-and post-earthquake C-band Sentinel-1A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite images employing the Interferometric SAR (InSAR) technique. The study highlighted a latitudinal pattern in deformation from the north to south directions, most likely directed by the structural alignments (ridges and valleys) in the Himalayan region. The city-scale study exhibited an increase in the intensity of displacement from the north (<-5cm) to the south (>-20 cm) direction in Kathmandu city. Major parts of the city observed moderate subsidence (-10 cm to −15 cm), while the south-eastern and central parts observed severe subsidence (>15 cm) due to structural damage and collapse of buildings. The incidences of land subsidence and damage to buildings were recorded in the entire Kathmandu Municipal Corporation (KMC) area - a large part (86%; 43.84 km2) of which was built-up land and inhabited population (49% of 1,744,240 people) in 2015 - affecting built structures, transport networks, and world heritage monuments. The earthquake hazard-risk analysis demonstrated that the built-up land in the south-eastern and north-western parts were the severely affected areas due to high population and high built-up density. The study elucidates the potential application of InSAR technology using freely available concurrent Sentinel-1A SAR data in the estimation of earthquake induced damage study at urban scale and hazard-risk assessment that aid in the formulation of an effective disaster risk reduction policy framework for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) contamination in rice poses a significant threat to human health due to its toxicity and widespread consumption. Identifying and manipulating key genes governing As accumulation in rice is crucial for reducing this threat. The large NIP gene family of aquaporins in rice presents a promising target due to functional redundancy, potentially allowing for gene manipulation without compromising plant growth. This study aimed to utilize genome editing to generate knock-out (KO) lines of genes of NIP family (OsLsi1, OsNIP3;1) and an anion transporter family (OsLsi2), in order to assess their impact on As accumulation and stress tolerance in rice. KO lines were created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and the As accumulation patterns, physiological performance, and grain yield were compared against wild-type (WT) under As-treated conditions. KO lines exhibited significantly reduced As accumulation in grain compared to WT. Notably, Osnip3;1 KO line displayed reduced As in xylem sap (71–74%) and grain (32–46%) upon treatment. Additionally, these lines demonstrated improved silicon (23%) uptake, photosynthetic pigment concentrations (Chl a: 77%; Chl b: 79%, Total Chl: 79% & Carotenoid: 49%) overall physiological and agronomical performance under As stress compared to WT. This study successfully utilized genome editing for the first time to identify OsNIP3;1 as a potential target for manipulating As accumulation in rice without compromising grain yield or plant vigor. [Display omitted] • Study focuses on targeting various As transporters - OsLsi1, OsLsi2 and OsNIP3;1 by genome editing. • Knock-out (KO) plants showed reduced As content in various parts of rice including grain. • OsNIP3;1 edited lines (KO Osnip3;1) showed reduced arsenic content in xylem sap by 71-74%. • Enhanced physiological and agronomic traits were observed in Osnip3;1 under As stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of the novel dissimilar metal welded (DMW) joint, utilizing Inconel 617 and P92 steel, was showcased in the advanced ultra-supercritical (AUSC) boiler. The work has been performed to investigate the effect of Inconel 82 (ERNiCr-3) buttering layer on microstructure and mechanical properties (high-temperature tensile strength, impact strength and microhardness) of gas tungsten arc welded (GTAW) dissimilar joint between Inconel 617 and P92 steel fabricated using the Inconel 617 (ERNiCrCoMo-1) filler. For optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), samples were machined along a transverse direction which comprised the butter layer, weld metal, and heat-affected zone of both sides. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to map the interface of the buttering layer and weld metal and butter layer and P92 steel. The high-temperature tensile testing and Charpy impact testing at room temperature were conducted for the integrity assessment of the welded joint. The examination of microstructure and hardness revealed that the buttering layer of Inconel 82 filler successfully mitigated a significant portion of the brittle martensitic microstructure from the coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ), along with hardness peaks on the side of P92 steel. The conventional method of DMW joint fabrication, without the use of a buttering layer, has been demonstrated to be less favourable compared to the new fabrication method, which incorporates a buttering layer. The TiC/NbC carbides were identified in the Inconel 82 buttering layer, whereas M 23 C 6 and Mo 6 C carbides were found in the Inconel 617 filler weld. Near the interface of the Inconel 82 buttering layer and P92 steel, the formation of peninsula and island structures, as well as Type I and Type II boundaries, were confirmed. Additionally, element diffusion of Ni, Cr, and Fe was observed. The tensile test results indicated an ultimate tensile strength of 620 ± 4 MPa and % elongation of 19 ± 4 % at room temperature, with fracture occurring in the buttering layer near the interface of the buttering layer and P92 steel. At temperatures of 550 °C and 650 °C, the ultimate tensile strength decreased to 448 MPa and 326 MPa, respectively, with fractures occurring in the P92 steel, irrespective of temperature. The hardness of the Inconel 82 buttering layer and Inconel 617 filler weld were 219 ± 10 HV and 248 ± 11 HV, respectively. The Charpy impact toughness of the Inconel 82 buttering layer and Inconel 617 filler weld were 138 ± 6 J and 115 ± 4 J, respectively. The study comprehensively investigates and discussed the correlations between microstructure and mechanical properties. • A dissimilar welded joint of buttered P92 steel and Alloy 617 was fabricated using the GTAW process. • The structural integrity of the welded joint was tested using high temperature tensile tests, hardness tests and Charpy impact tests. • A detailed investigation of the dissimilar weldments was performed using the SEM/EDS and optical microscopy. • A relation between microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst worsening water scarcity in the urban region, exploring alternative water sources is crucial. Atmospheric water extraction (AWE) technology emerges as a cost-effective and efficient remedy for the escalating issue of water scarcity. The objective of this research is to experimentally explore a novel AWE system that incorporates phase change material (PCM). This system is designed to facilitate uninterrupted water generation, even when there is no solar energy. It comprises of a solar air heater based on both-sides open evacuated tube collector having an area of 4.86 m2, which is encapsulated with acetamide-PCM. Additionally, it incorporates a silica gel filled desiccant bed and an air-cooled heat exchanger for vapor condensation. The system is investigated for two different desiccant bed weights of 15 kg (case 1) and 20 kg (case 2), respectively. The system's effectiveness is examined based on rate of adsorption, rate of regeneration, thermal, overall & exergy efficiency. The economic, environmental & enviro-economic analysis is also presented to ensure the system's sustainability & feasibility for its practical use. The results demonstrate that for case 2 the system extracts 4.1 L/day (0.843 L/m2/day) fresh water with 12.65%, 10.48% and 5.65% thermal, overall and exergy efficiency, respectively, for 20 kg desiccant bed weight. The fresh water cost is 0.12 $/L with 2 years & 1 month of payback time and 4 years & 7 months of energy payback period. The environmental & enviro-economic analysis ensures the system's eco-friendliness. Additionally, rigorous quality testing of the extracted water is carried out to affirm its suitability for safe consumption. • PCM encapsulated solar air heater for atmospheric water extraction. • Both sides open evacuated tube collector produces hot air of 130.10 °C. • Maximum water extracted is 4.1 L/day using air-cooled heat exchanger. • Thermal & exergy efficiency reported is 12.65 % & 5.65 %, respectively. • Water generation cost is 0.12 $/L, with system payback time of 2 years & 1 month. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The pH-swing cold capture chloralkali process improves energy efficiency threefold over the benchmark process. • Integrating pH-swing cold capture chloralkali in eFuel synthesis moves most of the energy consumption to the electrolyzer. • We attain ∼ 76 % carbon capture efficiency and 79.5 % overall process efficiency. Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs, a.ka. "eFuels") are drop-in replacements for fossil fuels in the "hard-to-abate" sectors, and utilise existing distribution and storage infrastructure, but suffer from low synthetic efficiency. In particular, the low efficiency and high energy consumption of hydrogen synthesis by freshwater electrolysis remains a problem to be addressed. In the current study, we explore the potential of saltwater electrolysis (chloralkali) for the synthesis of eFuels generally, and specifically eMethanol. The study explores the use of chlorinated water in carbonate-loop pH-swing "cold capture" of carbon dioxide, and the resulting synergetic integration of the chloralkali process in eFuel syntheses. Doing so eliminates the high energy consumption of the calciner and the slaker of the benchmarked carbonate-loop thermal-swing method. It is replaced with a spontaneous chemical process in which chlorine is neutralized in the presence of carbonates. This allows the simultaneous solution of "The Chlorine Problem" of saltwater electrolysis, and a lower overall energy consumption of direct air capture when combined with green hydrogen synthesis. The only limitation on the comparison is that a large amount of carbon dioxide is over-captured when using chloralkali. That is, the ratio of hydrogen generated to carbon dioxide captured is fixed by the stoichiometry of chloralkali and not that of the eFuel. This results in an excess of carbon captured and thus a carbon-negative eFuel. We examine one configuration of secondary revenue and use it to inform the marginal cost of CO 2 capture. In the system proposed by Aeon Blue Technologies (ABT), carbon dioxide is absorbed into caustic according to the standard method. Hydrogen gas is produced in a standard chloralkali electrolyzer, along with caustic for the contactor, and chlorine. Water oxidation by chlorine gives the strong acid, hydrochloric acid, and the weak acid, hypochlorous acid, which react directly with wet carbonate to release CO 2. H 2 and CO 2 react in a methanol reactor to produce eFuel. H 2 is the limiting reagent for eFuel synthesis, giving an excess of cold captured CO 2. Thus, the current study underscores significant advancements in renewable fuel synthesis, particularly eMethanol, and evaluates the carbon capture and energy efficiency of a novel method. The simulation indicates that the marginal energy cost for a tonne of CO 2 is ∼ 184kWh. This gives ∼ 76 % theoretical carbon capture efficiency and an overall process efficiency of 79.5 % (approximately a threefold improvement over the benchmark). The authors are unaware of a comparable method. The overall system yields a tonne of carbon-neutral e-methanol (eMeOH) while capturing an additional 3 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which means the modelled process captures over 300 % more carbon dioxide than is released upon combustion of the eFuel. In summary, this research contributes valuable insights into carbon-negative eFuel production, representing a significant scientific step in sustainable fuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pursuit of advancing photocatalysts for superior performance in water treatment and clean energy generation, researchers are increasingly focusing on layered double hydroxides (LDHs) which have garnered significant attention due to their customizable properties, morphologies, distinctive 2D layered structure and flexible options for modifying anions and cations. No review has previously delved specifically into ZnCr and NiCr LDH-based photocatalysts and therefore, this review highlights the recent surge in ZnCr and NiCr-based LDHs as potential photocatalysts for their applications in water purification and renewable energy generation. The structural and fundamental characteristics of layered double hydroxides and especially ZnCr-LDHs and NiCr-LDHs are outlined. Further, the various synthesis techniques for the preparation of ZnCr-LDHs, NiCr-LDHs and their composite and heterostructure materials have been briefly discussed. The applicability of ZnCr-LDH and NiCr-LDH based photocatalysts in tackling significant issues in water treatment and sustainable energy generation is the main emphasis of this review. It focuses on photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater, elucidating the principles and advancements for enhancing the efficiency of these materials. It also explores their role in H 2 production through water splitting, conversion of CO 2 into valuable fuels and NH 3 synthesis from N 2 , shedding light on their potential for clean energy solutions. The insights presented herein offer valuable guidance for researchers working towards sustainable solutions for environmental remediation and renewable energy generation. [Display omitted] • Fundamentals and properties of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs). • ZnCr and NiCr LDHs as photocatalysts-Properties and Performance. • Water treatment and clean energy production-Mechanism and issues. • ZnCr and NiCr LDH based water treatment & clean energy production. • The challenges and future development direction for sustainable use are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fibres are in great demand as a clean and green material as reinforcement in sustainable and environment-friendly biodegradable composites. The study aimed to extract palm grass leaf fibres through water retting, a cleaner and greener approach compared with the use of 5–10% NaOH. The physicochemical characterisation was done by SEM, optical microscopy, FT-IR, XRD, TGA, bundle strength, moisture content and standard biochemical tests for cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and ash. New natural fibres extracted from Curculigo capitulata by water retting showed a smooth surface of uniaxial fibres under SEM and optical microscope compared to eroded surfaces of chemically extracted fibres. Both the fibres extracted by water retting and with 5% NaOH showed nearly similar crystallinity index (84–85%) and size (2.44nm), whereas the former contained 64% cellulose with bundle strength 154MPa compared to 72% and 219.11MPa with the latter. While using 10% (NaOH) showed cellulose 82.29 ± 0.63%, crystallinity index 87.43%, and bundle strength 256.46 ± 15.81MPa. Approximately similar lignin content (20.30 ± 0.91–21.66 ± 1.18%) and mass degradation (%) were obtained in water-retted and 5%–7.5% NaOH extracted fibres. FT-IR spectra showed the characteristic bands at 3421cm−1 for O–H stretching and 2917cm−1 for alkyl C–H stretching in cellulose; at 1630cm1 for C C stretching in lignin. All the extracted fibres showed industrial potential similar to successful natural fibres for fine rope, yarn, handmade paper, and fabrics aiming for a circular bioeconomy. [Display omitted] • New natural fibres were extracted for the first time from Palm grass leaves (Curculigo capitulata), a bio-waste by biological and chemical methods • A sustainable cleaner and greener biological retting resulted smooth surface of uniaxial fibres • Physicochemical characterization was done with SEM, FT-IR, TGA, contents of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and bundle strength • New natural fibres showed similarity with commercial natural fibres used in biodegradable fabrics and as reinforcement in green composites [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Overview of fundamentals of Nb 2 O 5 as photocatalyst-structure and properties. • Heterojunction photocatalysts -Z and S scheme- charge transfer routes. • Recent advances in Nb 2 O 5 based heterojunctions for photocatalytic applications. • Strategies for improving the photocatalytic performance Nb 2 O 5 based heterojunctions. Significant advancements in the field of photocatalysis in recent years have highlighted the heterojunctions based on Nb 2 O 5 as a focal point of research. This comprehensive review diligently analyses the progress in Nb 2 O 5 -based heterojunctions for their application in photocatalysis, focusing on synthesis, characteristics and their pivotal role in addressing crucial energy and environmental challenges. The review emphasizes the fundamental principles of photocatalysis in pollutant removal and H 2 generation, elucidating key processes such as light absorption, charge generation and surface reactions. The different types of heterojunctions, their basic principles and role in enhancing the charge separation and overall photocatlytic performance have been discussed. The recent advances in Nb 2 O 5 -based heterojunctions are extensively discussed for the photocatalytic applications such as pollutants removal and H 2 evolution. Furthermore, the review delves into strategies employed to enhance the photocatalytic activity of Nb 2 O 5 -based heterojunctions such as doping, oxygen vacancies modification, morphological engineering and atomic control, as well as loading with support materials. Each strategy is explained, emphasizing its impact on charge separation and overall efficiency. The review concludes by highlighting existing challenges and providing insights into potential future directions that integrates synthetic processes, novel methods for photoelectric characterization, and an in-depth understanding of the local structure of Nb 2 O 5. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers in the field, offering a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in Nb 2 O 5 -based heterojunctions for advanced photocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Bi3+ doped Ba 0.98-3 x /2 Bi x Ca 0.02 Zr 0.02 Ti 0.976 Cu 0.008 O 3 [0 ≤ x ≤ 0.03] lead free ceramics, to be employed for structural, dielectric and ferroelectric studies, have been synthesized via conventional solid state reaction method. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data evidences the existence of a pure perovskite phase with tetragonal symmetry for all ceramics. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) reveals that the grain size, which is 16.14 μm for x = 0 reduced to 2.11 μm for x = 0.03. Dielectric studies demonstrate excellent dielectric behavior with high Curie temperature (T C ∼159 °C), high dielectric constant (ε r ∼834, ε max ∼ 3146), and a low dielectric loss (tanδ ∼ 0.019), for an optimum value of x = 0.02. The analysis of temperature coefficient of the dielectric permittivity indicates the applicability of these materials in multilayer ceramic capacitors. Impedance studies, conducted to understand the underlying physical mechanisms, are found to be in good agreement with the results of structural and dielectric studies. Furthermore, the ferroelectric measurement confirms the ferroelectric nature for all samples with an energy storage efficiency (η) of ∼42% for x = 0.02 composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to numerically investigate a new curved design of a counter flow double-pass solar air heater with arched baffles placed in the second duct. Due to high inertia of the flow and curved nature of design, fluid in second channel tend to move away from the absorber plate and thus, reduces the thermal efficiency significantly. In order to overcome this deficiency, new design parameters are introduced in the second duct in terms of arched baffles and their design is optimized for various geometric parameters such as angle of attack, variable pitch ratio etc. for best thermo-hydraulic performance. It was observed that arched baffles accelerate the flow near the absorber and facilitate the formation of large secondary vortices that enables multiple attachment zones at the absorber plate. Enhancement in thermal and hydraulic performances are discussed in terms of flow visualization, local Nusselt number, thermal effectiveness and friction factor ratio. Maximum enhancement of Nu in roughened curve counter double-pass solar air heater with baffle angles α/90 = 0.5 at P/d = 6 are found in the range of 20–28%, higher than without baffles. Moreover, two new regression correlations are developed for prediction of thermo-hydraulic performance in terms of geometrical and flow parameters. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wave packet enriched finite element (FE) formulation featuring electrothermomechanical coupling is presented for solving two-dimensional wave propagation problems in functionally graded elastic and piezoelectric media. The FE equations for the Lord-Shulman and Green-Lindsay theories of generalized piezothermoelasticity are derived, where the standard Lagrangian interpolation functions of the temperature, electric potential, and displacement field variables are extrinsically enriched with element-domain sinusoidal wave-packet functions and are solved using the Newmark– β direct time integration. The effective properties of the functionally graded material (FGM) are computed using the volume-fraction-based micromechanics models, the Mori-Tanaka model and Voigt's rule of mixture (ROM) model. A variety of wave propagation problems, including the mechanically and electrically excited high-frequency Lamb wave propagation in FGM plates, impact waves in FGM bars, and thermal shock waves in functionally graded piezoelectric cylinders, are solved using the present formulation, and results are validated with available solutions. The efficacy of the current solution in comparison with the conventional FE is evaluated for all the studied problems. The effect of the inhomogeneity parameter on the transient wave behaviour is also presented for all the problems. The results of the Mori–Tanaka model are compared with those of the widely used ROM. • Wave packet enriched finite element developed for wave propagation problems in functionally graded media. • Accurately captures the sharp discontinuities at wavefronts in the solutions of thermoelectric shock problems. • Considers Mori-Tanaka and rule of mixtures for effective properties of functionally graded piezoelastic materials. • Accurately captures wave modes in an FGM cylinder under axial impact without the spurious oscillations shown by standard FEM. • Amplitudes of Lamb wave modes caused by material inhomogeneity in the FGM plate are maximum when n = 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kaladgi basin is one of the major Paleoproterozoic rift basins in Peninsular India. Here we attempt to reconstruct the architecture of the basin and evaluate the deep tectonics using magnetotelluric evidence. We identify thermo-tectonic rejuvenations of the lithospheric structure, with the continental lithosphere showing tectonic channeling of the thermo-magmatic fluxes in lateral and vertical directions. Our magnetotelluric profile passes adjacent to the Ramdurg, Kaladgi and Bilgi areas, crossing different geological formations. The 2-D electrical model was constructed from broadband magnetotelluric and long-period magnetotelluric data. The maximum thickness of the basin is identified as ∼4,500 m with sediment resistivities less than 2,000 Ω-m overlying the high resistivity crystalline basement. The anticline and syncline-type structures of the basin were well-imaged, and an expansion of the basin was identified beneath the Cretaceous Deccan volcanic provinces. Deep-seated faults divide the crust into major blocks, representing an extension of the NW-SE trending faults (Bagalkot fault) towards the northwestern region. The low resistive area between the depth ranges of ∼40–60 km defines the crust-mantle transition zone. The diffuse nature of the electrical Moho is evident beneath the basin, which suggests the decoupling between the crust and upper mantle lithospheric structure, which we correlate with the northward migration of the Indian plate during the Cretaceous-Tertiary period. We correlate the artifacts of the crustal conductive features with the fissure eruption of basalts. We also image the Archean Chitradurga Suture Zone (CSZ) beneath the entire Kaladgi rift basin. Our study provides important insights into the architecture of one of the major Paleoproterozoic rift basins. [Display omitted] • Maximum thickness (∼4,500 m) of the Paleoproterozoic intracratonic Kaladgi rift basin is revealed. • The basin sedimentary strata occur beneath the Deccan volcanic province. • The diffused nature of electrical Moho beneath the basin supports decoupling between the crust and upper-mantle structure. • The Kaladgi rift basin is related to the Paleoproterozoic rifting of Columbia supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Oxygen vacancies fundamentals and importance in photocatalysis. • Oxygen vacancies rich heterojunction-Synthetic strategies. • OVs rich Z-scheme and S-scheme heterojunctions- Photocatalytic mechanism. • Applications for Hydrogen production and water treatment. • The existing challenges and future perspectives. Photocatalytic removal of pollutants and energy production is a green, low cost and environment friendly technology for addressing the mounting pressure of energy crisis and environmental deterioration. Developing efficient photocatalysts is still a big challenge for accelerating the photocatalytic hydrogen production and pollutant degradation especially utilizing solar light. Therefore, constructing oxygen vacancies rich Z-scheme and S-scheme semiconductor heterojunctions emerged as a promising approach to enhance the light harvesting and increasing the redox capability of photocatalysts. This review comprehensively summarises the state of art focus on oxygen vacancy's role in photocatalysts especially in Z-scheme and S-scheme heterojunctions including synthesis process and modifications. In particular, the functions of oxygen vacancy in supporting the main processes in photocatalytic energy production and pollutant removal, such as light absorption, charge separation and conversion are highlighted in this review. The current issues and future prospective in oxygen vacancies rich heterojunctions for efficient photocatalytic removal of pollutant and energy production are also addressed. Finally, a brief discussion on challenges and future prospects is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pristine cotton fabric was screen printed with tungsten disulfide (WS 2) nanoparticles (NPs). The ability of the resulting fabric to degrade dye and inhibit bacterial growth through piezo- and photocatalysis was examined. During a 2 h bacterial contact time, the piezocatalytic study of unwashed WS 2 -printed fabric reduced E. coli and S. aureus by 93% and 90%, respectively. During photocatalysis, the modified cloth reduced the growth of E. coli and S. aureus by 91% and 88%, respectively. After washing (15 cycles), both the piezo- and photocatalytic performance of the modified fabric demonstrated more than 83% bacteria inhibition. The maximum piezocatalytic Rhodamine B (RhB) dye mineralization of 65% was attained in 240 min as opposed to 11% in pure cotton. The photocatalytic study of WS 2 -coated fabric degraded RhB dye by 46%, while only 11% of the RhB dye was mineralized by the pure cotton fabric in 240 min. • WS2 nanoparticles were screen-printed onto the cotton. • Fabric catalytic antibacterial and dye degradation performance was assessed. • Modified cloth inhibited bacteria growth by more than 83% after washing. • Effective RhB dye degradation was demonstrated by modified samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 outbreak has accelerated the usage of online platforms for grocery shopping, resulting in lasting changes in shopping behaviour. Even as the severity of the pandemic subsides, online grocery shopping continues to grow. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) and surveyed 1650 households in Nagpur city (India) to understand these changes. Results show increased online grocery shopping, reduced in-store visits, and shorter trip distances post-pandemic. Socio-demographics, internet usage, accessibility, and shopping attitudes influence these changes. Positive attitudes towards online shopping and online search behaviour drive the shift to online grocery purchases, impacting brick-and-mortar store visits. Positive attitudes towards online shopping, internet usage, store distance, and changes in offline trips also influence store choices. These findings highlight the substantial influence of online shopping on demand for travel and land use, emphasising the need for comprehensive planning integrating these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a comprehensive study on the flammability of typical tropical broad-leaf forest litter using bench-scale cone calorimetry. For comparison, similar tests are conducted on native pine forest litter. The tests are carried out for the litter bed densities ranging from 25 to 75 kg/m3 in standard and perforated walled sample holders. Tests are also carried out on forest litter treated with fire retardant, Ammonium Poly Phosphate(APP). The broad-leaf tropical litter ignites earlier and burns longer than pine litter but with lower heat release rates. Smouldering combustion, which ensues after flaming combustion, is also longer for the tropical litter. The heat release rate decreases with increase in bed density; however, it increases especially at low litter bed densities, when sample holder walls are made porous. These effects are less drastic for the tropical litter. The heat release rate for tropical litter exhibits sporadic peaks not observed in pine litter. In contrast, forest litter treated with fire retardant has reduced flame duration in porous holders compared to tests in standard holders, and the heat release rate may be lower for high bed densities. Critical heat flux is higher for the untreated tropical litter, but with APP treatment, it is higher pine litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things (IoT) has a crucial role in advancing various fields such as Industry 4.0, Big Data, and Machine-to-Machine technologies. All systems continuously gather information on various parameters such as temperature, speed, pressure, health data, environmental conditions, and consumption. Considering this, we've developed a novel fabrication method for H 2 S gas sensor prototypes. These sensors are based on noble metal-functionalized on metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) chemiresistors. The fabrication process involved growing CuCrO 2 sensing thin film on SiO 2 /Si substrates using the RF sputtering method. Subsequently, Pd nanoparticles, known for their excellent gas-sensing catalyst properties, were functionalized onto the CuCrO 2 films using DC sputtering with varying sputtering times of 3, 6, 9, and 12 s. Nanorice morphology boosts gas absorption, capturing more target molecules. A 9 s Pd sputtering time greatly improved H 2 S sensing over other gases. CuCrO 2 film with Pd showed the highest 72.3% response to 50 ppm H 2 S, detecting down to 0.5 ppm. These results were achieved at the optimal working temperature of 150 °C. After optimizing parameters, we transferred the technology to develop a sensor module for the prototype with IoT integration. The prototype sensor connects to NODEMCU-ESP8266 Wi-Fi, which links to a smartphone through a mobile hotspot. [Display omitted] • Fabrication of Pd anchored CuCrO 2 nano rice morphology for highly toxic H 2 S gas sensors. • Pd NPs increase surface-to-volume ratio and improved the sensing performance due to spillover effect. • The measured sensing response was 72.3% at 150 °C for 50 ppm of H 2 S around with a lower detection limit of.5 ppm. • In Pd/CuCrO 2 better selectivity as compared to pristine CuCrO 2 and drastic improvement in sensitivity is observed. • Optimized sensor is interface with IoT platform for the real-life application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Renewable natural gas (RNG) production through biomass gasification was assessed. • Six feedstocks (corn stover (CS), wheat straw, whole forest, forest residues, cow manure, and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) were studied. • Data-intensive process models were developed to understand the mass and energy balances of the conversion process. • RNG production costs are lowest for the OFMSW and CS. • The lowest cost of RNG production, $6.28/GJ, is higher than natural gas price in North America. Renewable natural gas (RNG) from biomass can be used as an alternative to natural gas. However, there is limited understanding of the economic viability of RNG production from a wide range of feedstocks. In this study, a comprehensive comparative techno-economic assessment of RNG production via gasification from six biomass feedstocks with a wide range of moisture contents and characteristics was conducted. The feedstocks studied are corn stover (CS), wheat straw (WS), whole forest (WF), forest residues (FR), cow manure (CM), and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). The RNG production plants were simulated and the simulation results were used to develop techno-economic models for each feedstock to estimate the production cost of RNG. The pathways were compared in terms of RNG yield, RNG production quantity, electricity generation, as well as RNG production costs and cost components. Sensitivity analyses were conducted on a wide range of factors and effect of including cardon credit on the production cost were studied. RNG production costs from the gasification of the OFMSW and CS were lower than those of other feedstocks at 6.28 $/GJ and 6.32 $/GJ, respectively. If the avoided cost (as a source of revenue) of landfilling of the OFMSW or carbon credit (minimum 90 $/t CO 2) is considered, the RNG production cost can be competitive with natural gas price (1.4 $/GJ). The information developed in study is critical for decision makers in policy formulation and investment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A matric flux potential-based non-linear root water uptake model is developed. • The study proposed an improved objective function to estimate model's parameters. • Soil-column lysimeter experiment is conducted to calibrate model's parameters. • The compensated root water uptake reduces with increasing salinity in root zone. It is important to delineate the root water uptake (RWU) response to salt and water stress for assessing future water availability under extreme climatic conditions. The process of RWU in salt-affected soils is highly complex and not well understood. The present study proposed a matric flux potential based non-linear RWU model capable of calculating reduced RWU in water and salt stressed conditions. The study incorporates a sensitivity analysis of the model's parameters. For the inverse estimation of these parameters, an objective function has been formulated, utilizing data derived from the highly sensitive model's response. The proposed objective function provides unique estimates for these parameters. Using this objective function in an optimization process, the model is calibrated with observed data obtained from a soil column lysimeter experiment conducted on berseem crop (Trifolium alexandrium). The parameters are optimized through the coupling of the model with a genetic algorithm-based optimizer tool. Simulated data for soil moisture, electrical conductivity, and percolation are then compared to observed data. The simulated model's responses are found to be closely aligns with the experimentally observed values. The RWU under four irrigation of different salinity levels is simulated. The results highlight a reduction in RWU compensation under high-salinity irrigation treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Rift basin thickness varies over a highly fractured crystalline basement, and fault/fracture complex geometry of the Paleoproterozoic intracratonic Kaladgi rift is revealed. • Sedimentary units of the basin with resistivities in the ranges of ∼100-2000 Ω-m are revealed beneath the Deccan volcanic province. • Electrical Moho is imaged at ∼50 km depth underneath the formations of the eastern Dharwar craton. • Deep-seated crustal fault zones are identified and match well with the geological faults, and the Chitradurga Suture Zone Archean boundaries are revealed in the upper-mantle structure. Peninsular India is traversed by several major Paleoproterozoic rift basins, among which the Kaladgi rift basin is a prominent one. Here, we present results from Magnetotelluric (MT) studies in the eastern section of this rift basin. The data were acquired along a ∼120 km long profile passing through Belavanik-Bagalkot-Ukkali regions covering the Paleoproterozoic intracratonic Kaladgi rift basin, the Cretaceous Deccan volcanic province and the Archean gneisses/granites/greenstones of the Dharwar craton. The lithospheric electrical structure was obtained from joint inversion of TE- and TM-modes data using a 2-D nonlinear conjugate gradient algorithm. The results reveal that the Kaladgi sediments are ∼500–1000 m in thickness overlying a highly fractured crystalline basement. Proterozoic sediments are exposed beneath the Deccan basalt cover and in the shallow fractured zones. The conductive-resistive transitions in the model at the crustal depths correspond to major tectonic faults and deformed crustal rocks. The transition boundary at ∼50 km depth defines the electrical Moho. At the same time, a ∼25 km wide, steep conductive feature from ∼75 km to upper mantle lithosphere depths (∼180–200 km) is interpreted as the trace of the Chitradurga Suture Zone (CSZ). The observed crustal heterogeneity, conductivity variations, and resistive lithosphere are attributed to the geological history of the region, including Archean collisional events and subsequent reactivation associated with the Reunion hotspot. The crustal conductors are associated with mafic intrusions from the underplated basalts, and also the high conductivity may be due to the sulfide mineralization in the fault zones. The MT study provides valuable insights into the deep tectonic framework of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Indian pig breeds were found to be evolutionarily closer to Chinese than European pig breeds. • · Genetic diversity in Indian and Chinese breeds was found to be lower than European breeds. • In Indian pigs genes for adaptation to tropical climate and low input scavenging system were under positive selection. In the present study, the genetic diversity measures among four Indian domestic breeds of pig namely Agonda Goan, Ghurrah, Ghungroo, and Nicobari, of different agro-climatic regions of country were explored and compared with European commercial breeds, European wild boar and Chinese domestic breeds. The double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) data of Indian pigs (102) and Landrace (10 animals) were generated and whole genome sequencing data of exotic pigs (60 animals) from public data repository were used in the study. The principal component analysis (PCA), admixture analysis and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Indian breeds were closer in ancestry to Chinese breeds than European breeds. European breeds exhibited highest genetic diversity measures among all the considered breeds. Among Indian breeds, Agonda Goan and Ghurrah were found to be more genetically diverse than Nicobari and Ghungroo. The selection signature regions in Indian pigs were explored using iHS and XP-EHH, and during iHS analysis, it was observed that genes related to growth, reproduction, health, meat quality, sensory perception and behavior were found to be under selection pressure in Indian pig breeds. Strong selection signatures were recorded in 24.25–25.25 Mb region of SSC18, 123.25–124 Mb region of SSC15 and 118.75–119.5 Mb region of SSC2 in most of the Indian breeds upon pairwise comparison with European commercial breeds using XP-EHH. These regions were harboring some important genes such as EPHA4 for thermotolerance, TAS2R16 , FEZF1, CADPS2 and PTPRZ1 for adaptability to scavenging system of rearing, TRIM36 and PGGT1B for disease resistance and CCDC112, PIAS1, FEM1B and ITGA11 for reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fundamentals of phosphorene (PN) and graphdiyne (GDY) are briefly discussed. • Structure, fabrication routes and modification strategies. • Advances in PN and GDY based heterostructures for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. • Environment stability, challenges and future perspectives. Hydrogen evolution from water splitting using semiconductor photocatalysis is regarded as a sustainable and clean energy solution. Among various new age materials, the two-dimensional (2D) monoelemental materials as graphdiyne (GDY) and phosphorene (PN) showing excellent performance owing to their 2D atomic structure and unique properties, have drawn considerable attention. Graphdiyne (GDY) is a two-dimensional carbon-based compound having sp and sp2 hybridized carbon, diacetylene linkage, triangular holes framework and customizable band gap. Different stacking arrangements and homogenous pores in GDY can produce electronic characteristics, opening the door to intriguing energy applications. On the other hand, phosphorene derived from black phosphorous (BP) exhibits strong hole mobility, a variable band gap and broad optical absorption spectrum. With a significant increase in photo-excited charge-separation efficacy, the development of heterostructured photocatalysts driven by BP/PN and GDY has recently become the subject of study in photocatalysis. The recent advancements in development of phosphorene and graphdiyne and their accompanying heterostructured photocatalysts is outlined here, along with their structure, characteristics, synthetic routes and photocatalytic applications. In addition, the photocatalytic applications of PN and GDY based composites and heterostructures have been reviewed and summarised for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution through water splitting. Environmental stability of these heterostructured photocatalysts and the difficulties they pose have been thoroughly investigated for their more effective and extensive uses in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population explosion and rapid economic development has led to tremendous increase in the per capita use of fossil fuel energy resulting in major environmental consequences. To tackle these significant energy and environmental concerns, semiconductor photocatalysis is viewed as a promising environmentally friendly and sustainable solution. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution utilizes solar energy into clean hydrogen energy which makes it green, environmentally friendly and effective technique to meet energy demands. This process requires workable catalysts to reach a significant reaction rate because of their multiple electrons and multiple proton nature. Among various visible light active photocatalytic materials, metal molybdates have been reported as emerging class of materials owing to their outstanding features as stable crystal structure, photo-corrosion inhibition, high redox efficiency, low cost and toxicity and suitable band structure. The present research provides an extensive review of the most recent advances and new insights into the utilization of metal molybdates in photocatalytic clean energy production and environment challenges. This review article summarizes the recent progresses in advanced strategies applied in metal molybdate based photocatalysts to enhance the photocatalytic performance. The advanced strategies are categorized as control over morphology and surface modification, doping of heteroatom, co-catalyst loading, noble metal deposition and construction of heterojunction, which are devoted to photocatalytic H 2 production and CO 2 reduction and to overcome the fast recombination of charge carriers and increasing the light absorption capacity. The fabrication strategies of metal molybdates and based materials are discussed in detail, as well as their usage as catalysts for H 2 evolution and CO 2 reduction have been analysed. Metal molybdates are promising photocatalysts for addressing present environmental issues, and this work paves the way for future photocatalytic research and development, which may assist in the development of highly effective photocatalysts for sustainable energy needs. [Display omitted] • Metal molybdates as photocatalysts-Structure and properties. • Introduced the synthetic routes: Effect on properties and photocatalytic performance. • Discussed strategies to improve the photocatalytic potential of metal molybdates. • Application for superior hydrogen evolution and CO 2 conversion-Recent advances. • Fundamentals and bottlenecks along with future prospects are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we developed a novel, enzyme-free electrochemical biosensor that can directly quantify creatinine within complex biological fluids in a highly specific and sensitive manner. Our approach utilizes the synergistic effects of zwitterion-functionalized Cu 2 O-Au core satellite nanohybrids with sophisticated 3D granular structures, which were synthesized via a rapid room-temperature combinatory protocol. Through nanoscale zwitterion surface engineering, outstanding antifouling capabilities were obtained and interferents were effectively eliminated by generating a pseudo proton exchange membrane (PEM). This pseudo-PEM can potentially serve as an alternative to traditional methods of removing interference; thus, analytes can be directly detected in untreated biofluids. The optimized biosensor platform demonstrated a linear response to creatinine with exceptional reproducibility and an excellent limit of detection (LOD) in the following sensing ranges: (i) 10.0–200 µM (R2 =0.99, RSD=1.22 %, n = 10, LOD=0.72 µM) and (ii) 1.00–35.0 mM (R2 =0.99, RSD=1.32 %, n = 10, LOD=2.41 mM). These ranges are clinically relevant and cover the entire physiological range of creatinine in human serum and urine, respectively. Furthermore, we successfully detected creatinine directly in untreated human urine samples and observed a high correlation with clinically determined values (r = 0.98). Overall, our proposed biosensor platform offers significant improvements over existing methods and provides a reliable and efficient approach for practical point-of-care (POC) creatinine quantification. [Display omitted] • Rapid synthesis of Au decorated Cu 2 O nanohybrid. • Highly specific and enzymeless biosensing platform. • Zwitterion based pseudo proton exchange membrane as a method for high specificity. • Creatinine quantification directly in complex biofluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Plastic pyrolysis oil is the alternative potential fuel for the CI engine. • Al 2 O 3 nanoparticle is the vital additive for waste plastic derived fuel. • Multi-objective RSM is a real and efficient tool for optimization. • Engine performance of the CI engine was provocatively improved using the optimized process parameters. This study provides the prediction that plastic pyrolysis oil (PPO) is equivalent to petroleum diesel in CI engines. The four input parameters have been considered to enhance performance and reduced emissions. The input parameters of engine trials, like fuel blend (PPO and diesel), compression ratio, nanoparticle concentration, and injection timing, were studied with the response surface methodology (RSM) using the central composite rotating design (CCRD) matrix. The main goal is to identify the ideal values of input parameters that will provide the highest achievable brake thermal efficiency (BTE), the lowest possible brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), and the lowest possible emission like carbon monoxide (CO), unburnt hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NO x). The optimal engine output responses for BTE, BSFC, in-cylinder pressure, heat release rate (HRR), and ignition delay, respectively. Along with a composite desirability of 0.89 under optimum operating conditions. After the regression analysis, 16.56% PPO blend ratio, 53.53 ppm Al 2 O 3 nanoparticle concentration, 18.06 compression ratio, and 20.95 °bTDC injection timing were received the optimized engine settings. Optimal engine input parameters were validated through actual engine trials and compared with optimized responses and found satisfactory and acceptable errors (less than 5%). The current study establishes vital input parameters providing the best engine performance, combustion characteristics, and lower emissions during engine trials. So current investigation declared PPO with Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles is potential fuel for the CI engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ozone treated ZnO surface analysed in term of crystallinity, and structure by SEM and XRD. • Charge transport in ozone treated ZnO surface studied by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. • Comparison of the electrical parameter of the organic solar cell under different ozone treatment time. • Defect state and its impact on performance of organic solar cell identified using capacitance spectroscopy. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has great potential as an electron transport layer (ETL) for producing efficient and stable organic solar cells. The effect of ozone treatment on ZnO working as the ETL in the organic solar cell has been studied by analyzing crystallinity, the defect density of states, and charge carrier dynamics from transient absorption spectroscopy to understand its role in the improvement in the interface between ETL and active layers. We have observed that a 10-minute continuous ozone treatment of ZnO film demonstrates improvement in its crystallinity leading to a 23% increment in short circuit current. The improvement in the crystallinity has been confirmed by the morphological and structural analysis using SEM and GIXRD. These analyses reveal the formation of a flake-like structure and an increase in peak intensity in GIXRD. It has been observed that ozone exposure has significantly affected the carrier recombination resistance, ideality factor of the device. From transient absorption spectroscopy, it has been found that for 10 min ozone-treated ZnO film has an average carrier transport time (661.79 ps), which is smallest as compared to untreated film or over treated film leading to faster carrier extraction through ETL. Further, the study of defect density of states shows that optimized ozone-treated film show 22.08% decrease in defects as compared to the control device, which primarily reflected as the improvement in the current density leading to increase in device efficiency from 2.95% to 3.75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae and sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani, are the two major diseases of rice that cause enormous losses in rice production worldwide. Identification and utilization of broad-spectrum resistance resources have been considered sustainable and effective strategies. However, the majority of the resistance genes and QTLs identified have often been found to be race-specific, and their resistance is frequently broken down due to continuous exposure to the pathogen. Therefore, integrated approaches to improve plant resistance against such devastating pathogen have great importance. Silicon (Si), a beneficial element for plant growth, has shown to provide a prophylactic effect against many pathogens. The application of Si helps the plants to combat the disease-causing pathogens, either through its deposition in different parts of the plant or through modulation/induction of specific defense genes by yet an unknown mechanism. Some reports have shown that Si imparts resistance to rice blast and sheath blight. The present review summarizes the mechanism of Si transport and deposition and its effect on rice growth and development. A special emphasis has been given to explore the existing evidence showing Si mediated blast and sheath blight resistance and the mechanism involved in resistance. This review will help to understand the prophylactic effects of Si against sheath blight and blast disease at the mechanical, physiological, and genetic levels. The information provided here will help develop a strategy to explore Si derived benefits for sustainable rice production. • Silicon is widely accepted as a beneficial element for plant growth. • Numerous reports confirmed prophylactic effect of silicon against rice diseases. • Silicon helps to combat devastating rice diseases like sheath blight and blast. • Molecular understanding will be helpful to better explore silicon derived benefits. • Different molecular mechanisms are involved in silicon mediated disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of digital signal processing has been receiving justified attention over the years because of a number of reasons including sophisticated algorithms, high computational speed and wider area of applications. In connection to this, design of finite impulse response (FIR) filter has drawn the attention of researchers throughout the globe. A number of promising developments has been carried out over the last few decades which emphasize on the design of hardware efficient filter structure. In this paper, a new technique of FIR filter design has been addressed by virtue of genetic algorithm. Filter coefficients have been searched over the discrete space in such a way that the architecture consists of shifts and only two adders. As a matter of fact, the proposed FIR filter involving shift and only two additions (ISOTA) results in minimal hardware cost during its implementation. This has been illustrated by means of a few example filters in this work. Some of the recently proposed FIR ISOTA filters have also been taken for the purpose of comparison. Finally, the proposed filter has been implemented on Altera Cyclone IV FPGA board. • Design of finite impulse response (FIR) filter involving shift and only two additions (ISOTA) has been accomplished in this work. • FIR ISOTA filter has been designed with the aid of Genetic algorithm. • Performance of the designed filter has been evaluated in terms of frequency response, full adder count, memory unit and delay time. • Proposed FIR filter ISOTA has been implemented on Cyclone IV FPGA board. • Proposed design has finally been compared with state-of-the-art FIR ISOTA filters for the sake of completeness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As conventional sources of energy are depleting fast, solar energy based devices can only be mass adopted in future if suitable design innovations are conceptualized and investigated to improve its extremely low energy conversion efficiency. In a first, apart from two important components: a collector and chimney, a third component called bell-mount inlet is proposed, investigated and optimised to enhance system thermal performance. Results show that with suitable design changes in collector, chimney and integrating an efficient bell-mouth at the inlet can substantially increase the air velocity by about 270% and hence drastically enhance the turbine power output compared to the conventional design. Further investigations on physics behind such a high increase in air velocity revealed that total pressure potential or the static pressure recovery becomes high and uniform along the chimney height in the new design, which is entirely absent in the conventional design. The lab-scale design was further analysed by scaling to a 50 kW power plant. Results show that the proposed new system can produce electrical power up to 1738 kW for the same collector area and chimney height of the conventional design. The proposed design is compact, efficient and a step towards making the solar device more viable. Image 1 • Investigated new designs of bell-mouth integrated solar chimney power plant. • Bell-mouth orientation alone brings additional performance improvement of 33%. • Best combination is bell-mouth inlet with tapered collector - chimney divergence. • Chimney uniform static pressure recovery inhibits reverse flows at outlet. • A 50 kW conventional SCPP could produce 1738 kW with new design modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane reactors are a potential tool to produce high purity hydrogen on-site but sufferfrom immense losses in hydrogen recovery under reaction conditions. For high-temperature operations, these losses mostly occur due to the presence of lesser permeable gases in the reformate that develop into a concentration polarization barrier around the membrane. Based on our previous findings, a multi-pass design was manifested to alleviate hydrogen losses through the membrane tested with synthetic gas mixtures. The same design is currently employed to establish improvement in hydrogen recovery under reaction conditions. Having a catalyst and membrane integrated into a single unit termed as a membrane reactor, its performance is optimized with varying membrane assembly and catalyst bed configurations. This study shows that a packed bed multi-pass membrane reactor is an optimal design to target high hydrogen recovery. Further, multi-pass membrane reactor design also improves the hydrogen recovery in fluidized bed operations which opens immense scope for future studies. [Display omitted] • Methanol fed membrane reactor in a multi-pass reactor design is presented. • Multi-pass reduces concentration polarization barrier effect on hydrogen permeation. • Optimal membrane-gas contacting with multi-pass design improves hydrogen recovery. • Optimally designed packed bed membrane reactor showed best performance. • Multi-pass membrane reactor design improves hydrogen recover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laccases or benzenediol oxygen oxidoreductases (EC 1.10.3.2) are polyphenol multicopper oxidases that are known for their structural and functional diversity in various life forms. In the present study, the molecular and physico-chemical properties (redox-potential and secondary structures) of fungal laccase isozymes (FLIs) isolated from a medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum were analyzed and compared with those of the recombinant bacterial laccases (rLac) obtained from different Yersinia enterocolitica strains. It was revealed that the FLIs contained His-Cys-His as the most conserved residue in its domain I Cu site, while the fourth and fifth residues were variable (Ile, Leu, or Phe). Evidently, the cyclic voltammetric measurements of Glac L2 at Type 1 Cu site revealed greater E° for ABTS/ABTS+ (0.312 V) and ABTS+/ABTS2+ (0.773 V) compared to the E° of rLac. Furthermore, circular dichroism-based conformational analysis revealed structural stability of the FLIs at acidic pH (3.0) and low temperature (<30 °C), while the isozymes were destabilized at neutral pH (7.0) and high-temperature conditions (>70 °C). The zymographic studies further confirmed the functional inactivation of FLIs at high temperatures (≥70 °C), predominantly due to domain unfolding. These findings provide novel insight into the evolution of the catalytic efficiency and redox properties of the FLIs, contributing to the existing knowledge regarding stress responses, metabolite production, and the biotechnological utilization of metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forced-air cooling of apples is typically a unidirectional flow process which often leaves the apples downward of the flow passage at elevated temperatures causing non-uniform temperature distributions at the process end. Previously, package vent and flow parameter modifications have often been investigated to improve these non-uniform temperatures and cooling characteristics with more focus on cooling rate improvements rather than cooling uniformity. This work analyzed the effects of periodic airflow reversal on cooling characteristics (i.e., cooling rate, uniformity, and energy consumption) and highlighted the challenges faced while using it as an optimization strategy. Compared to conventional designs available in the market, an improved vent design is proposed and used for comparing different flow reversal strategies at three constant cooling velocities (i.e., 1 m/s, 2 m/s, and 3 m/s). Also, the overall heterogeneity index (OHI) based on surface heterogeneity maps and energy consumption based on fan power and seven-eighth cooling times (SECT) were used to quantify the whole process uniformity and conspicuously compare different strategies. The results show that the periodic flow reversal improves precooling time, energy consumption, and cooling uniformity within the package and fruit for all flow velocities. Especially for higher velocities (i.e., 3 m/s) generally preferred for faster cooling, a significant improvement (i.e., 43.89% reduction in OHI with three reversals) in cooling uniformity was observed with more flow reversals. In addition, it is observed that OHI calculations provide a superior understanding of the cooling uniformities and properly handle experimental irregularities when compared with the other methods, which might show different results for different experiments. Therefore, for a process with intermediately seizing or warming periods like the present study, OHI can be an appropriate choice to compare the cooling uniformities. Finally, some cooling strategies and guidelines for utilizing flow reversals are proposed to achieve more uniformities at different flow velocities. • Experimental analysis of precooling using periodic flow reversals was carried out. • Enhancement in cooling rates by flow reversals was demonstrated. • Cooling uniformity was compared using various tools for different cooling schemes. • Guidelines for changing cooling strategies using flow reversals were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]