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Trap density (Nt), density of carriers (no) and mobility are extracted in Al/beetroot/Cu Schottky diode using the Poisson's equation. The trap density and carrier concentration were found to be 1.25 × 109 and 1.8 × 109 cm–3, respectively, with the mobility 124.54 cm2 v−1 s−1 for Al/beetroot/Cu. The device shows highly asymmetric current–voltage characteristics with a good degree of nonlinearity. The diode shows an acceptable low-voltage large signal and small signal nonlinearities with asymmetry of 17.6 at 0.85 V, maximum rate of change of nonlinearity of 6 and sensitivity of 25.6 A W–1 at 0.7 V. For Al/Beet/Cu the calculated zero bias resistance is 23.3 kΩ, which is much smaller than previously reported MIM diodes. For this device fNL > 3 and fSENS > 7 A W–1, so this present device has a great potential as a rectifier. We also proposed a one-dimensional Al/organic semiconductor/Cu diode with low capacitance. The cut-off frequency of the one-dimensional Al/beetroot/Cu device is estimated as 20.8 × 1012 Hz and if the beet layer is replaced by Cur-M then the estimated frequency becomes 29 × 1012 Hz. This article also reports the comparative study between a series of natural dyes-based diodes and finally the comparison with our fabricated inorganic Al/TiO2/Cu diode. The sensitivity of Al/indigo/Cu, Al/turmeric/Cu and Al/beetroot/Cu are 0.4, 4.3 and 25.7 A W–1 with their zero-bias resistances 2.57 MΩ, 12.8 kΩ and 23.26 kΩ. Again, it was proven by the parabolic behaviour of the dI/dV vs. V plot that all-natural dye-based Schottky diodes may be affected in some way by the quantum tunnelling phenomena. Finally, the simulation was utilized to develop predicted behaviour and a better understanding of the physical mechanisms determining the effectiveness of the device under research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present research, the effects of grain refiner (Ti-B) and eutectic modifier (Sr) on the microstructural feature, casting defects, and mechanical properties of Al-7Si alloys are studied. Addition of grain refiner (0.1 wt.% Ti) into Al-7Si melt can significantly change the morphology of dendritic α-Al phase to finer equiaxed grains and eutectic modifier (0.05 wt.% Sr) changes the plate-type eutectic Si particles into fine fibrous-/spherical-type particles leads to improve mechanical properties. AFM analysis reveals that combined effect of grain refiner and eutectic modifier on Al-7Si alloy can easily reduce the surface roughness and casting defects such as porosity and shrinkage. The formation of TiAl3 and Ti7Al5Si14 precipitates refines the α-Al grains, and SrSi2Al2 precipitate modifies eutectic Si particles during solidification. Both the precipitates are identified by XRD and TEM analysis. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS, MPa), yield strength (YS, MPa), and elongation to fracture (El, %) of developed AS4 alloy are 164, 91 MPa, and 30%, respectively, which are significantly higher than those of developed as-cast AS1 alloy (UTS: 117 MPa, YS: 78 MPa, and El: 16%). The developed microstructural features are correlated with mechanical properties of the alloy by using a liner equation. This correlation suggests that SDAS and morphology of eutectic Si particles play a vital role in the enhancement of mechanical properties (UTS, MPa) of the developed alloys. The grain-refined and eutectic modified alloy exhibit more dimple formation on the fracture surface indicating more ductility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high photoluminescence (PL)-based nanosensor based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) is fabricated for the detection of toxic ions Ag+, Ce2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Cr2+, Pb2+, Sn2+, and Fe3+, p-nitrophenol, and thioacetamide in water. The quenching of PL spectra indicates that the complex of GQDs/Fe(III) shows a high florescent quenching efficiency (~ 75%) toward the hydrophobic surface of the GQDs. The limit of detection for Fe(III) concentration 40 ± 2 nM, with high linearity and sensitivity. The change of the zeta potential value proves the attachment of Fe (III) ions to the surface of the GQDs. The GQDs/Fe(III) complexes can be utilized as a turn-OFF or turn-ON type fluorescence probe for p-nitrophenol (turn-OFF) detection with 5 ± 1 pM concentration and the sulfur (turn-ON) detection with 7.6 ± 1 pM. The proposed method is facile, sensitive and fast, which makes it ideal for nanosensors to detect water quality of rivers, ponds, or industrial wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, we have used cylindrical and spherical zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles to fabricate FTO/ZnO/Al and herbal dye-based FTO/Beet + ZnO/Al Schottky diodes. Electrical parameters of the reported organic Schottky diode have been measured in different methods to analyse the effect of ZnO nano morphology on the device performance. These approaches were found to be remarkably consistent with one another. The calculated values of the FTO/Beetroot/Al series resistance (Rs), barrier height (n), trap energy (Ec), and ideality factor (n) are 1.77, 0.65 eV, 0.052 eV, and 589, respectively. These values change to 1.7, 0.62 eV, 0.048 eV, and 61, respectively, after the inclusion of cylindrical ZnO with beetroot dye. The values of n and Rs drop from 1.7 to 1.4 and 61 to 52 correspondingly when spherical ZnO nanoparticles are used in place of cylindrical ZnO. Again, reduction of trap energy of the reported organic Schottky diode is much higher in presence of Spherical ZnO than cylindrical ZnO. Series resistance (Rs), trap energy (Et), and barrier height (ϕ) have all decreased, respectively, by 91%, 11.5%, and 8%. Using spherical ZnO instead of cylindrical ZnO results in a 17% greater reduction in Rs. The disclosed devices' mobility and current conductivity are enhanced by this lowering. In this article, the used ZnO nanoparticles are not spherically perfect; if they were, this increase would be more apparent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calf diarrhoea remains the biggest challenge both in the small and large farms. Infectious diarrhoea is associated with many pathogens, Escherichia coli being one, but majority are systematically treated with antibiotics. Since antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing menace, the need to find alternative prophylactic solutions using popular kitchen herbs such as Trachyspermum ammi (carom seeds), Curcuma longa (turmeric) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum sp.) extracts is been investigated against virulent form of E. coli isolated from calf diarrhoea. The virulence factors identified in these isolates were ST (32.5%), LT (20%), eaeA (15%), stx1 (2.5%) and stx2 (5%) with the occurrence of the most common serogroups as O18 (15%) followed by O111 (12.5%). Highest resistance was seen with beta lactam + beta lactamase inhibitor (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) followed by beta lactams (ampicillin, cefuroxime and cefepime). The zone of inhibition due to cinnamon (methanol) and carom seed (ethanol) extracts (500 to 250 μg/mL concentration) on E. coli bacteria was >19 mm, respectively. Turmeric, cinnamon and carom had the potency of inhibiting the pathogenic E. coli which maybe suggestive of its use in calf diets as prophylaxis against diarrhoea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil and groundwater of Asanpara village (Bhagobangola I block) of Murshidabad district are contaminated with non-permissible limit of arsenic and other elements that co-exist with arsenic in various chemical compounds like arsenopyrite, ferrous arsenate, ferric arsenate, etc. Arsenic resistant bacteria (ARB) were isolated from arsenic contaminated soil of Asanpara and biochemically characterized. These bacteria were identified as Lysinibacillus sp. and Bacillus safensis by 16S rDNA sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis. Isolated strains could grow in 76.98 mM and 88.53 mM of arsenite, and 560.88 mM and 721.13 mM of arsenate, respectively. ARB also show hypertolerance to other toxic metals like copper (Cu2+), cobalt (Co2+) and chromium (Cr3+). The level of arsenic and other heavy metal tolerance is unprecedented. Based on the inhibition of urease activity of isolated ARB by cadmium, the bacteria can be used to detect the presence of cadmium. These bacteria could biotransform arsenite into arsenate, which explains its uninhibited growth at very high arsenic concentration. The change in size of these bacteria depicted by scanning electron microscopy is a defence mechanism against arsenic stress Lysinibacillus sp. shows 32.33%, 31.29% and 31.20% bioremediation, whereas Bacillus safensis shows 37.54%, 35.26% and 35.24% bioremediation in the presence of 0.027 mM (2 ppm), 0.133 mM (10 ppm) and 0.667 mM (50 ppm) arsenic, respectively. Also, these bacteria could bioaccumulate or bioadsorb arsenic. The bioremediation potential of isolated ARB could be exploited for removal of arsenic from soil, groundwater and wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical parameters like barrier height (ϕ), series resistance (Rs), threshold voltage (Vth) and trap energy (Ec) of a herbal dye-based organic Schottky diode were investigated. Improvement in the outcome of the aforementioned parameters were investigated in the presence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. It has been observed that the preceding characteristics were likewise affected by ZnO nanoparticles. It has been calculated and shown that the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles lowered the ϕ of Al/Beet/Cu from 0.75 to 0.73 eV based on I–V characteristics. Analysis of the outcome by using Norde function shows the barrier height reduction from 0.78 to 0.75 eV for the same experiment. Hence, the results produced using two above-mentioned methodologies are in good agreement together. The incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles reduces trap energy and series resistance by 36.98 and 23.81%, respectively, improving current conduction in the bulk regime and lowering the Schottky diode’s threshold voltage (Vth) from 0.74 to 0.45 V. The impact of ZnO nanoparticles on a variety of natural dyes, such as turmeric and indigo, has also been studied. Validation of the results for experimental dyes reveals a wider range of relevance for the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Scaps-1d simulator was used to simulate a lead-free perovskite CH3NH3SnI3 based solar cell devices fabricated from different hole transport materials (HTM). This research looks at two organic and two inorganic HTM layers. The cell structure used in this study is FTO/TiO2/CH3NH3SnI3/HTM (variable)/Au(variable). Spiro-OMeTAD, PEDOT:PSS, CuO and Cu2O are the HTM materials used. The results show that utilizing CuO as an HTM produces better outcomes than other HTMs, with an efficiency of 28.45%. The thickness, acceptor concentration (NA), and defect density (Nt) of the perovskite layer on optoelectronic properties of the solar cell are focus of simulation studies. According to this study, an perovskite layer thickness of 1000 nm is suitable for a decent photovoltaic cell. Furthermore, by adjusting the HTM thickness and the defect density of HTM and absorber layer, promising findings of Jsc of 34.38 mAcm−2, Voc of 1.011 V, FF of 80.85% and PCE of 28.10% were obtained for Spiro-OMeTAD based PSC. Finally, in order to improve the device's performance, an anode material with high work function is required. Our findings reveal that using a thin absorber layer results in low photo generated charge carriers due to less absorption, but high carrier extraction. Although more carriers are created in the cell due to increased absorption, decreased collection efficiency is related to recombination, which decreases Voc for thick perovskite layers. Device efficiency is improved by increasing the doping density up to 1018 cm−3 in the perovskite layer due to built-in electric field across the solar cell. Again a very thin or thick HTL is not ideal for high PCE. For low recombination and a high fill factor, an HTM (Spiro-OMeTAD) of 1–100 nm is necessary. The great power conversion efficiency of organic HTM based lead-free PSC brings up the new possibilities for obtaining renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil carbon and its fractions are important in understanding the mechanism of soil carbon sequestration. The present study evaluated the impact of seven commercial bamboo species, viz., Bambusa balcooa, B. bambos, B. vulgaris, B. nutans, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, D. stocksii, and D. strictus, on labile and non-labile carbon fractions. In the 0–15-cm layer, B. nutans had the highest very labile C (7.65 g kg−1) followed by B. vulgaris > B. balcooa > D. stocksii > D. hamiltonii > B. bambos > D. strictus > open. The active carbon pool was significantly low under the control plot (i.e. the open) indicating the positive influence of bamboo in soil C build-up in the top 0–15 cm soil layer. Amongst the different species of bamboo evaluated in this study, D. strictus accumulated the highest active C pool in 0–30-cm soil layer followed by B. vulgaris. Of the total organic C in the 0–30 cm soil depth, majority (55–60%) was contributed by the passive C pool comprising the less labile and the non-labile fraction of SOC. A high value of carbon stratification ratio (> 2) was observed for D. strictus, B. bambos, and D. hamiltonii which proves their potential for restoration of the degraded lands. The majority of bamboo species except for B. balcooa and D. stocksii showed a higher carbon management index than open systems, thereby indicating higher rates of soil C rehabilitation. Of the seven bamboo species, B. vulgaris, D. strictus, and B. nutans can be adopted for cultivation in the northwest Himalayas given their ability to positively impact the SOC and its fractions in both surface and sub-surface soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-five superior genotypes (or "pipeline clones") of Para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) were screened for their adaptability to sub-optimal environments of India viz. Agartala (Tripura State) and Dapchari (Maharashtra State), which experience cold and drought stresses, respectively. The clones were evaluated for their growth and yield in clonal nurseries at the above two sites along with a comparative trial in a traditional environment (Chethackal, Kerala). Of the two sub-optimal environments, clones displayed better growth and yield at Agartala suggesting better adaptability of these clones to cold stress. Analysis of genetic parameters also supported this trend. The pipeline and control clones showed the lowest girth and yield in Dapchari environment which is prone to severe drought conditions. However, the clones had better girth and yield in Agartala, which is affected by cold stress, than in the conditions of Chethackal. For girth and yield, the broad-sense heritability estimated at the clonal level was lower in Dapchari than in the other two environments. Under cold-prone environment, five clones P 102 (35.8 cm), P 107 (35.6 cm), P 021 (34.7 cm), P 101 (32.1 cm) and P 059 (31.5 cm) achieved better or similar girth when compared to control clones, RRII 429 (33.9 cm), RRII 430 (32.8 cm) and abiotic stress-tolerant clone RRIM 600 (31.7 cm). Under drought stress environment, two clones P 102 (25.4 cm) and P 026 (21.8 cm) gave better girth than drought-tolerant clone RRII 208 (20.6 cm). Under traditional environment at Chethackal, control clone PB 260 (28.6 cm) along with RRII 414 (27.5 cm) achieved better girth. In terms of yield, P 107 (124.8 g/t/10t) gave maximum yield in the cold environment. In the same environment, P 057 (113.2 g/t/10t) gave a yield comparable with that of high-yielding control clone RRII 430 (114.5 g/t/10t). In the drought-prone region, control clone RRII 430 (57.1 g/t/10t) gave maximum yield. Three clones P 026 (52 g/t/10t), P 061 (47.6 g/t/10t) and P 015 (44.3 g/t/10t) also gave better yield as compared to control clone RRIM 600 (42.7 g/t/10t). Two clones P 027 (43.0 g/t/10t) and P 060 (42.7 g/t/10t) gave a yield which was comparable with RRIM 600 (42.7 g/t/10t). Eleven clones gave better yield than the region-specific control clone RRII 208 (38.2 g/t/10t). Under traditional environment, the control clone RRII 430 (130.8 g/t/10t) gave highest yield. Among clones, P 074 (112.1 g/t/10t) gave high yield as compared to control clone RRII 414 (111.9 g/t/10t). Two clones P 044 (106.0 g/t/10t) and P 026 (102.5 g/t/10t) gave better yield than control clone PB 260 (99.5 g/t/10t). Three clones P 015 (99.5 g/t/10t), P 110 (99.0 g/t/10t) and P 078 (98.4 g/t/10t) gave good yield comparable with control clone PB 260. Eleven clones gave better yield performance than control RRII 105 (66.6 g/t/10t). Twelve clones with superior growth and yield were identified as candidate clones for cold-prone environment. Similarly, twelve clones were identified as candidate clones for drought-prone environment. Eleven clones were identified as potential candidate clones for the traditional environment. Based on overall performance in terms of growth and yield under drought and cold environments, four clones P 020, P 026, P 102 and P 107 and the hybrid control clone RRII 430 were identified as having potential to evolve into climate-resilient clones. Two clones P 020 and P 026 along with the control clone RRII 430 appeared to possess multifarious adaptability for traditional as well as sub-optimal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboos due to high soil water conservation potential are gaining increased attention in plantation programs across the globe. Large-scale plantation of fast-growing bamboo, however, can have important hydrological consequences. The study aims to quantify the eco-hydrological parameters, viz., throughfall (TF), stemflow (SF), and interception (I) in seven important sympodial bamboo species in north western Himalayan foothills of India. The species selected include Bambusa balcooa, Bambusa bambos, Bambusa vulgaris., Bambusa nutans, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Dendrocalamus stocksii, and Dendrocalamus strictus. Throughfall versus gross rainfall (GR) relationship in different species indicated high throughfall production during high rainfall events with r2 > 0.90. Average throughfall was lowest (62.1%) in D. hamiltonii and highest in B. vulgaris (74.6%). SF ranged from 1.32% in B. nutans to 3.39% in D. hamiltonii. The correlation coefficient (r) between leaf area index (LAI), number of culms, and crown area with the interception were 0.746, 0.691, and 0.585, respectively. The funneling ratio (F) was highest (27.0) in D. hamiltonii and least in B. nutans. Canopy storage capacity was highest in D. strictus (3.57 mm) and least in D. hamiltonii (1.09 mm). Interception loss was highest (34.4%) in D. hamiltonii and lowest in B. vulgaris (23.5%) and D. strictus (23.6%). Higher interception in bamboos make them suitable for soil conservation, but careful selection of species is required in low rainfall areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensitivity of the hydrogen gas detector can be improved by using the extended-gate technique in nanowire FET. A ZnO-based extended-gate gate-stack junctionless nanowire field-effect transistor (EG-GS-JLNWFET) hydrogen gas device is considered for the first time in this work. Catalytic gate metal, palladium (Pd) on high-K dielectric reduces the overall work function; the concept is further used in sensor design. The presence of gate stacking and extended-gate structure together improve the gate controllability, which results in an improved current ratio. Sensitivity parameters, S I ON and S I OFF are considered for performance analysis. Results are compared with JLNWFET. The gate-stack junctionless nanowire field- effect transistor (GS-JLNWFET) shows enhancement compared to both the sensitivities in the proposed device. When compared to JLNWFET-based sensor, EG-GS-JLNWFET shows 2.59% and 24.85% improvement, respectively, in the sensitivity with respect to IOFF and ION for a change of 160 meV in the work function of palladium (Pd). Leakage in any device must be as low as possible, as it lowers the standby power losses in the device. In this work, the proposed design has lowered the leakage as compared to the rest of the two structures. The results also show an augmentation in sensitivity with the increase in gate material work function [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, dual-material dual-gate nanotube TFET (DMDG-NTTFET) is proposed. Dual gates in this regard are of the core–shell type, and dual-gate materials (GM1 and GM2) are used as control gate having work functions of φ tunnel and φ Auxiliary , respectively. The device is further explored with source pocket and various underlap gate lengths. When device characteristics are compared with the conventional NWTFET, significant improvements in ION, IOFF, ION/IOFF, transconductance (gm), recombination rate, and transconductance factor (gm/Id) are observed. The proposed structure also results in improved linearity and tunnelling in the device. The effects of the device variables, such as φ tunnel , φ Auxiliary , source pocket length (L1), gate underlap length (L2), and molar concentration in Si1-xGex (x), on various analog performance indicators, such as transconductance factor (gm/Id), transconductance (gm), unity gain cut-off frequency (fT), intrinsic device delay (τ ), transconductance frequency product ( g m / I d ∗ f T ), and gain–bandwidth product (GBWP), have been investigated. The ION and ION/IOFF in source pocket dual-material dual-gate nanotube TFET (SPDMDG NTTFET) is improved by a factor of 21.11 and 846.12, respectively. The subthreshold slope achieved using the proposed structure is 18.28 mV/decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To find out the effect of reducing energy intake during dry period on milk production, udder health, and body condition, the experiment was conducted on 14 Jersey crossbred cows during whole dry period and continued up to 120 days of lactation. Reduction in energy intake was done during far-off period for each dry cow of treatment group as compared to control group. Statistically analyzed data revealed that overall significantly (P < 0.01) lower DMI and WI were recorded in control than treatment group. Overall significantly (P < 0.01) higher total milk production was found in treatment than control group. Overall significantly (P < 0.01) lower milk SCC, MCMT, pH, and EC were found in treatment than control group. Nonsignificant difference in milk fat, SNF, total solid, total protein, and fat:protein ratio was found. Overall significantly (P < 0.01) better quality milk (MBRT) was found in treatment than control groups. BCS during dry period and at calving was significantly (P < 0.01) different between groups. Significantly (P < 0.01) higher plasma NEFA concentration was estimated in control than treatment groups in all stages. No significant difference was found for plasma concentrations of glucose, urea, and total protein. The coefficients of correlation indicated significant (P < 0.01) correlation among BCS, milk production, milk SCC, MCMT, pH, and EC. It can be concluded that reducing energy intake during far-off dry period can lead to achieve optimum BCS at calving. Suitable BCS at calving was beneficial to get higher milk production with improved quality, better maintenance of udder health and body condition of Jersey crossbred cows at tropical lower Gangetic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to extensive root system, connected rhizome bamboos are considered suitable for improving soil properties within a short period, though most of the claims are anecdotal and need to be supported with quantified data. The study evaluates seven bamboo species viz., Bambusa balcooa, Bambusa bambos, Bambusa vulgaris, Bambusa nutans, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Dendrocalamus stocksii and Dendrocalamus strictus for their rooting pattern and impact on soil health properties. Coarse and fine root intensity was maximum in B. vulgaris. Coarse root biomass ranged from 0.6 kg m−3 in B. nutans to 2.0 kg m−3 in B. vulgaris and B. bambos. Fine root biomass ranged from 1.1 kg m−3 in B. nutans to 4.5 kg m−3 in D. hamiltonii. Contribution of fine roots in terms of intensity and biomass was much higher than coarse roots. Fine root biomass showed declining trend with increase in soil depth in all the species. During sixth year, the litter fall ranged from 8.1 Mg ha−1 in D. stocksii to 12.4 Mg ha−1 in D. hamiltonii. Among soil physical properties significant improvement were recorded in hydraulic conductivity, water stable aggregates and mean weight diameter. Soil pH, organic carbon and available phosphorus under different species did not reveal any significant changes, while significant reduction was observed in total nitrogen and potassium. Significant positive correlation was observed between WSA and iron content. Soil microbial population and enzyme activities were higher in control plot. Considering root distribution, biomass, soil hydraulic conductivity and water stable aggregates, B. bambos, B. vulgaris and D. hamiltonii are recommended for rehabilitation of degraded lands prone to soil erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an accurate design approach for concentric circular antenna array (CCAA) synthesis to improve the far-field radiation characteristics using a meta-heuristic optimization technique called ant lion optimization (ALO). The far-field radiation pattern is improved with lower side lobe level (SLL) which is essential for the reduction of interference in the entire side lobe regions. The ALO algorithm is a recently proposed evolutionary technique which is applied to determine the optimal sets of current excitation weights and to find the optimal inter-element spacing between the array elements in the 3-ring structure of the CCAA design. In this context, the design examples of two 3-ring CCAAs, one having the set of (4, 6, 8) elements and the other having the set of (8, 10, 12) elements, with and without the centre element, are presented by optimizing the array parameters. The results obtained by using the ALO algorithm–based approach show considerable improvement of SLL with respect to that of the uniform array pattern and those of the methods reported in the recent literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Architectural style is a medium for the promotion of cultural identities and cohesion. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations provide a prism through which all forms of vernacular architecture can be viewed. This study is presented through the lens of the soul of the eye coupled with the power of technological probing. This synthesis affords a most appealing and lyrical exploration of the course of the development of cities within the SAARC nations. It showcases research results combining the above stated synergy—starting from some of SAARC's sophisticated historic cultures, cultures that ebbed and flowed along its shores and valleys. This paper shall touch upon unique cultural roots stretching back to the Dravidian civilization that flourished over 3500 years ago and also look at the grouping of houses within the Indus Valley Civilization in Lothal and the Sarasvati Valley Civilization in Kalibangan. The sensitivity underlying SAARC architecture and its traditions are seen in many communal settlements, profoundly so in the Indian subcontinent and in Sri Lanka. The paper shall showcase two specific, but nevertheless, distinct styles of communal functioning within unique architectural strongholds in the ancient Ratnagiri University in Odisha, India, and also touch upon a unique blend of styles of landscape architecture in Sri Lanka. The overarching emphasis of this study is that throughout SAARC's history, architecture has been creatively adopted to the need of its users and the characteristics of its climate and location. It has always fulfilled the needs and nourished the spirit of its people, promoting cultural cohesion even today. In this context, it is interesting to explore traditional techniques of vernacular architecture in houses in Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The common thread linking mass housing in Lothal, Kalibangan, Anuradhapura and Ratnagiri about 2 millennia ago, with present day housing patterns, is in the application of sustainable building practices using intelligent building forms, fabric and orientation. This paper explores this commonality from a modern perspective using CFD. As the SAARC countries still struggle to get a fuller understanding of their unique ecology and the complexity of their diverse cultures, revisiting the architectural legacy of their indigenous societies might prove insightful. The need for this revisit becomes even more relevant in the wake of the Paris Agreement and more recently the Kigali Agreement. The discourse on providing indoor thermal comfort to the SAARC people cannot be decoupled from the climate change story—heating, ventilation and cooling consume a large amount of energy and have a deep underlying link with the targets set at Paris and Kigali. The onus will be on a large number of stakeholders to meet these targets—engineers, architects, manufacturers, policy-makers, researchers and consumers. This paper aims at reminding the stakeholders of the richness and the usefulness of their vernacular architecture in upholding the ideal of sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of a low-power, high-gain, highly linear complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) cascode low-noise amplifier (LNA) with an inductive source degeneration circuit for use at 5.5 GHz frequency is optimized using a flower pollination algorithm (FPA) as an evolutionary technique. The FPA is applied to optimize the noise figure (NF) while validating all the design constraints, e.g., on the gain, power dissipation, linearity, stability, and input and output matching. Optimal sizing of the MOS transistors present in the LNA circuit is achieved by using the FPA. Moreover, the FPA helps to estimate the optimal values of the other elements in the LNA circuit. The FPA-based optimal design parameters are used to implement the CMOS LNA circuit in CADENCE IC 6.1.6 software at the UMC 180-nm technology node with a supply voltage of 1.8 V. The designed LNA achieves an input third-order intercept point (IIP3) of 1.77 dBm, power dissipation of 4.29 mW, NF of 0.686 dB, and gain of 24.42 dB at 5.5 GHz. The FPA-based optimal design for the CMOS cascode LNA yields remarkably improved results compared with those in previous literature in terms of the gain, noise figure, power dissipation, and area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canopy management practices viz. lopping, pruning, coppicing and pollarding in trees alter branch density, height, leaf area index and rooting pattern of the trees. The present study was conducted to quantify the impact of canopy management practices and intercropping on fine and coarse roots distribution in mulberry (Morus alba). In total, six treatments comprising of three management practices (pollarding, coppicing and lopping) and two cropping situations (intercropping and without intercropping) were evaluated. Vertical and lateral distribution of fine root biomass (FRB) was recorded through sequential core method in different seasons. Coarse root distribution and biomass was studied using excavation method. Results revealed that canopy management treatments viz., coppicing and pollarding reduced the FRB as compared to lopping treatment in both intercropped and non-intercropped situation. Results also revealed that majority of the fine root biomass (67.3%) was confined in 0-15 cm soil layer. All the canopy management treatments under non-intercropped plots showed higher production rate as compared to intercropped plots. Fine root turnover rate (yr−1) was highest (0.592) in lopping treatment in non-intercropped plots whereas, the minimum turnover rate was recorded in coppicing treatment (0.331) in non-intercropped plots. Coarse root biomass was highest in case of intercropped plots in all the three canopy management treatments. Pollarding + turmeric cultivation showed the maximum root biomass followed by lopping + turmeric intercropping treatment. The main and primary roots in all the treatments accounted for > 70% biomass except for coppicng + turmeric treatment, whereas secondary and tertiary roots contributed about 40% biomass. All the treatments showed a pronounced decrease in root biomass with increasing soil depth and 75-84% of the total root biomass (main + lateral roots) was allocated in the top 30 cm of the soil profile. From the study, it can be concluded that tree management practices have direct impact on fine and coarse root distribution and should be judiciously used for avoiding competition in intercropping situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present article is to introduce a kind of proximity structure, termed μ-proximity, on a set X, which ultimately gives rise to a generalized topology on the ambient set X. An alternative description of μ-proximity is given and it is shown that any generalized topology of a generalized topological space (X,μ) is always induced by a suitable μ-proximity if and only if (X,μ) satisfies a type of complete regularity condition. The notion of quasi μ-proximity is also introduced and the desired result that every generalized topology can be achieved from a quasi μ-proximity, is proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidal synthesis and size control of nickel (Ni) nanocrystals (NCs) below 10 nm are reported using a microwave synthesis method. The synthesised colloidal NCs have been characterized using x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). XRD analysis highlights the face centred cubic crystal structure of synthesised NCs. The size of NCs observed using TEM and DLS have a distribution between 2.6 nm and 10 nm. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy analysis of spin-coated NCs over a silicon dioxide surface has been carried out to identify an optimum spin condition that can be used for the fabrication of a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) non-volatile memory (NVM) capacitor. Subsequently, the fabrication of a MOS NVM capacitor is reported to demonstrate the potential application of colloidal synthesized Ni NCs in NVM devices. We also report the capacitance-voltage (C-V) and capacitance-time (C-t) response of the fabricated MOS NVM capacitor. The C-V and C-t characteristics depict a large flat band voltage shift (VFB) and high retention time, respectively, which indicate that colloidal Ni NCs are excellent candidates for applications in next-generation NVM devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a swarm intelligent optimization methodology based on swarming principle and collective behaviour of natural species termed as fish swarm optimization algorithm (FSOA). It is applied for the optimization for the design of a Complementary Metal Oxide semiconductor (CMOS) two-stage comparator and a folded cascode operational trans-conductance (FCOTA). The basic idea of FSOA is to model the traditional behavior of fish such as preying, swarming followed by local fish of individual optimization for global search. The suitably chosen control parameters of FSOA balance the exploration and exploitation of search space. Results obtained by SPICE for the two analog circuits, justify the capability of producing a desired result and the superiority of FSOA over other evolutionary optimization algorithms like HS (harmonic search), PSO (particle swarm optimization) and DE (differential evolution) in terms of convergence speed and design performances. The results obtained using FSOA show improved performances for the designed analog circuits. The circuits designed using FSOA take lesser areas for MOS transistors; both dissipate low powers and provide high gains. The performances of FSOA based designed circuits are significantly better than those of reported works. Simulation results obtained from SPICE also prove that FSOA is the best in comparison with the previously reported techniques in terms of the area occupied by CMOS transistors, gain, power etc. Cadence version 5.10.41 is used to perform the simulation using TSMC 0.35μm and TSMC 1.25μm technology parameters for two-stage comparator and FCOTA, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) machining has been widely explored as an alternative to cutting fluids, which are known to be major sources of operator health hazards and environmental pollution. However, the lubricants employed in MQL machining have limitations and quest for a more sustainable and effective lubricant continues. Ionic liquids, which have been explored for many engineering applications including tribology, can be strong candidates as environmentally friendly lubricants for sustainable machining applications due to their eco-friendly nature and flexible physical as well as chemical properties. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of ionic liquids as lubricants in MQL machining, and to study their action mechanism as lubricants in extremely demanding conditions encountered in metal cutting. This paper presents the results of a pioneering study conducted to investigate the effects of three representative ionic liquids on the tribology of machining when applied as additives to vegetable oil (Canola) in MQL milling of a plain medium carbon steel. The results demonstrate that the presence of even small quantities of ionic liquids significantly affects the tribological conditions of the machining process, has a great potential to be applied to metalworking fluids in near dry machining conditions, and can be considered as a potential way to reduce forces during machining, thus reducing energy usage and achieving sustainable machining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is the general law of nature that every organism in the earth ages and has a limited lifespan. With the passage of time, the leader of the colony becomes old and feeble. This old leader no longer has the capability to lead the colony unless or otherwise it is challenged by a new and young challenger with great deal of enthusiasm. Thus, aging provides opportunities for the other individuals of the colony to challenge the leadership capability of the leader. This natural aging mechanism of the organism has been modelled into particle swarm optimization (PSO) and termed as PSO with aging leader and challenger (ALC-PSO). The main objective of this paper is to efficiently design a high speed symmetric switching CMOS inverter. Here, ALC-PSO is used for the optimal symmetric switching characterization of CMOS inverter. The optimal symmetric switching characterization of ALC-PSO is compared with those of real coded genetic algorithm (RGA), and conventional PSO reported in the recent literature. ALC-PSO based design results are also compared with the SPICE based results. Extensive simulation results justify the superior optimization capability of ALC-PSO over the afore-mentioned optimization techniques for the examples considered and can be efficiently used for optimal CMOS inverter design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a novel and accurate approach is presented to identify varieties of nonlinear Hammerstein models (closed loop and open loop) with the help of an optimization algorithm that combines a recently proposed backtracking search algorithm with wavelet theory-based mutation scheme (BSA-WM). The optimum output MSE associated with each plant along with its statistical information justifies the better precision and accuracy of BSA-WM-based identification approach as compared to the other methods reported in earlier literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a hybrid population based meta-heuristic search algorithm named as gravitational search algorithm (GSA) combined with particle swarm optimization (PSO) (GSA-PSO) is proposed for the optimal designs of two commonly used analog circuits, namely, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) differential amplifier circuit with current mirror load and CMOS two-stage operational amplifier circuit. PSO and GSA are simple, population based robust evolutionary algorithms but have the problem of suboptimality, individually. The proposed GSA-PSO based approach has overcome this disadvantage faced by both the PSO and the GSA algorithms and is employed in this paper for the optimal designs of two amplifier circuits. The transistors' sizes are optimized using GSA-PSO in order to minimize the areas occupied by the circuits and to improve the design/performance parameters of the circuits. Various design specifications/performance parameters are optimized to optimize the transistor's sizes and some other design parameters using GSA-PSO. By using the optimal transistor sizes, Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis simulation has been carried out in order to show the performance parameters. The simulation results justify the superiority of GSA-PSO over differential evolution, harmony search, artificial bee colony and PSO in terms of convergence speed, design specifications and performance parameters of the optimal design of the analog CMOS amplifier circuits. It is shown that GSA-PSO based design technique for each amplifier circuit yields the least MOS area, and each designed circuit is shown to have the best performance parameters like gain, power dissipation etc., as compared with those of other recently reported literature. Still the difficulties and challenges faced in this work are proper tuning of control parameters of the algorithms GSA and PSO, some conflicting design/performance parameters and design specifications, which have been partially overcome by repeated manual tuning. Multi-objective optimization may be the proper alternative way to overcome the above difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a hybrid meta-heuristic search algorithm is proposed with the combination of harmony search (HS) algorithm and differential evolution (DE) algorithm, which is named as HS-DE. HS is an optimization method mimicking the music improvisation process where musicians invent their instruments' pitches searching for a perfect state of harmony. DE is a stochastic and population-based heuristic approach having the capability to solve global optimization problems. The main idea is to hybrid together the fine tuning capability of DE with the ability of exploration in HS to get better near-global solution by utilizing both algorithms' strengths. Here, HS-DE is used for optimal symmetric switching characterization of CMOS inverter. The performance of HS-DE is compared with conventional particle swarm optimization reported in the recent literature. HS-DE-based design results are also compared with the PSPICE results. Extensive simulation results justify superior optimization capability of HS-DE over the afore-mentioned optimization technique for the examples considered and can be efficiently used for optimal CMOS inverter design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the compl ex growth in very large scale integration circuits, the task of optimal analog integrated circuit design by hand is very difficult. Optimization is a time consuming process having many conflicting criteria and a wide range of design parameters. Characterization of complex tradeoffs between nonlinear objectives while assuring required specifications makes analog circuit design a tedious process. The design and optimization processes have to be automated with high accuracy. Evolutionary technique may be a proficient implement for automatic design of analog integrated circuits that has been one of the most challenging topics in VLSI design process. This paper presents a competent approach for optimal designs of two analog circuits, namely, complementary metal oxide semiconductor two-stage comparator with P-type metal oxide semiconductor input driver and n-channel input, folded-cascode operational amplifier. The evolutionary technique used is particle swarm optimization (PSO) with an aging leader and challenger (ALC-PSO). The main aim is to optimize the MOS transistors' sizes using ALC-PSO in order to reduce the areas occupied by the circuits and to get better performance parameters of the circuits. To exhibit the performance parameters of the circuits, simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis simulation has been carried out by using the optimal values of MOS transistor sizes and other design parameters. Simulation results demonstrate that design specifications are closely met and required functionalities are accommodated. The simulation results also show that the ALC-PSO is superior to the other algorithms in terms of MOS area, and performance parameters like gain, power dissipation, etc. for the examples considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt has been made during 2012-2014 at to enumerate the ethno-medicinal evaluation and socio-economic importance of underutilized and unexploited fruits among the Garo tribe of west Garo hills district, Meghalaya, north-east India. The study was based on extensive field surveys, sample collection and interviews with the traditional healers as well as old aged men and women and survey in rural markets regarding their market demand, price and season of availability. Altogether 66 underutilized and unexploited fruits belonging to 34 families have been enumerated in this paper. The documented fruits were mostly used by the rural people to cure a number of ailments. In addition, these fruits also have socio-economic importance in the rural life of the tribal people like use as constructional timbers, firewood, charcoal, fodder, making dye, yielding oil and a number of value added products. Although, these fruits play an important role in the social and cultural life of Garo people, but these valuable species have been vanishing at very faster rate due to lack of proper documentation. Therefore, the claimed therapeutic values of these species are to be critically studied to establish their safety and effectiveness and both in situ and ex situ conservation measures should be immediately undertaken to safeguard the valuable indigenous rural resources of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which examines the link between the single nucleotide polymorphism located in bovine aquaporins gene with semen quality parameters including semen volume, concentration, motility, post-thaw motility, viability, and hypoosmotic swelling response of Frieswal bull semen. Information about the materials and methods used in the study is presented such as DNA samples and semen collection.

The simplex particle swarm optimization (Simplex-PSO) is a swarm intelligent based evolutionary computation method. Simplex-PSO is the hybridization of Nedler-Mead simplex method and particle swarm optimization (PSO) without the velocity term. The Simplex-PSO has fast optimizing capability and high computational precision for high-dimensionality functions. In this paper, Simplex-PSO is employed for selection of optimal discrete component values such as resistors and capacitors for fourth order Butterworth low pass analog active filter and second order State Variable low pass analog active filter, respectively. Simplex-PSO performs the dual task of efficiently selecting the component values as well as minimizing the total design errors of low pass analog active filters. The component values of the filters are selected in such a way so that they become E12/E24/E96 series compatible. The simulation results prove that Simplex-PSO efficiently minimizes the total design error to a greater extent in comparison with previously reported optimization techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the manufacturing limitations, the task of optimal analog active filter design by hand is very difficult. Evolutionary computation may be a competent implement for automatic selection of optimal discrete component values such as resistors and capacitors for analog active filter design. This paper presents an efficient approach for optimal analog filter design considering different topologies and manufacturing series by selecting their component values. The evolutionary optimization technique used is particle swarm optimization (PSO) with Aging Leader and Challenger (ALC-PSO). ALC-PSO performs the dual-task of efficiently selecting the component values as well as minimizing the total design errors of low pass active filters. The component values of the filters are selected in such a way so that they become E12/E24/E96 series compatible. The simulation results prove that ALC-PSO efficiently minimizes the total design error with respect to previously used optimization techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, the comparison of steady, simple pulsatile flow and physiological pulsatile flow on flow reversal zone and hemodynamic wall parameters [wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI)] for the progression of the disease, atherosclerosis has been investigated numerically. The governing equations have been solved by finite volume method. For the numerical analysis, Womersley number, Reynolds number and percentage of restriction are taken as 10, 100 and 50 % respectively. From this study it is revealed that the separated flow from the stenosis strongly depends on inlet flow situations, the maximum chance of deposition of plaque material due to streamline contour is higher at time step t* = 0.75 for simple pulsatile flow and at time step t* = 0 for physiological pulsatile flow and this chance is lower in case of steady flow. The effect of WSS on the disease is higher in physiological pulsatile flow compared to steady as well as simple pulsatile flow. The maximum possibility of initiation as well as progression for atherosclerosis in arterial wall due to high WSS takes place at t* = 0.25 for physiological pulsatile flow. OSI indicates same length of separation for two cases of transient flow, but the rate of cyclic departure of WSS is higher in case of physiological pulsatile flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grewia optiva Drummond is one of important agroforestry tree species grown by the farmers in the lower and mid-hills of western Himalaya. Different models viz., monomolicular, logistic, gompetz, allometric, rechards, chapman and linear were fitted to the relationship between total biomass and diameter at breast height (DBH) as independent variable. The adjusted R values were more than 0.924 for all the seven models implying that all models are apparently equally efficient. Out of the six non-linear models, allometric model (Y = a × DBH) fulfils the validation criterion to the best possible extent and is thus considered as best performing. Biomass in different tree components was fitted to allometric models using DBH as explanatory variable, the adjusted R for fitted functions varied from 0.872 to 0.965 for different biomass components. The t values for all the components were found non-significant (p > 0.05), thereby indicating that model is valid. Using the developed model, the estimated total biomass varied from 6.62 Mg ha in 4 year to 46.64 Mg ha in 23 year old plantation. MAI in biomass varied from 1.66-2.05 Mg ha yr. The total biomass carbon stocks varied from 1.99 Mg ha in 4 year to 15.27 Mg ha in 23 year old plantation. Rate of carbon sequestration varied from 0.63-0.81 Mg ha yr. Carbon storage in the soil up to 30 cm soil depth varied from 25.4 to 33.6 Mg ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disturbance and propagation of SH-type waves in an anisotropic soil layer overlying an inhomogeneous elastic half-space by a moving stress discontinuity is considered. Stress discontinuity moves with non-uniform velocity and is impulsive in nature. The displacements are obtained in exact form by the method due to Cagniard modified by de Hoop. The numerical result is calculated for special cases and the natures are depicted graphically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, the effect of symmetrical and asymmetrical bell-shaped stenoses on wall pressure drop, streamline contour, and rise in wall shear stress for the progression of the disease, atherosclerosis has been investigated numerically. The governing equations have been solved by finite volume method. Both steady and pulsatile flow at inlet is considered in our study. It is revealed from the study that the impact of wall pressure and peak wall shear stress on progression of disease are always high for asymmetrical shaped stenosis for both steady and pulsatile flow. The impact of asymmetrical shape on plaque deposition zone is less, if the aggravation changes the shape of stenosis due to change in stricture length only keeping percentage of restriction same. Whereas, the impact of asymmetrical shape on plaque deposition zone will be high, if shape of stenosis changes by increasing both stricture length and percentage of restriction for both steady and pulsatile flow. Impact of pulsatile nature of flow on the aggravation of disease is higher at some timesteps in comparison to steady flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, the influence of austempering treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of silicon alloyed cast steel has been evaluated. The experimental results show that an ausferrite structure consisting of bainitic ferrite and retained austenite can be obtained by austempering the silicon alloyed cast steel at different austempering temperature. TEM observation and X-ray analysis confirmed the presence of retained austenite in the microstructure after austempering at 400 °C. The austempered steel has higher strength and ductility compared to as-cast steel. With increasing austempering temperature, the hardness and strength decreased but the percentage of elongation increased. A good combination of strength and ductility has been obtained at an austempering temperature of 400 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation is an effort to have a better understanding of the growth kinetics and morphology of the coating formed during the galvanizing process in pure as well as commercial grade zinc baths. The protective coating that is formed during hot dip galvanizing, normally between 450 and 480°C, consists of a series of Fe-Zn intermetallic layers, which have been identified as gamma (Γ), delta (δ), zeta (ξ) and an outer eta (η) layer, highly rich in zinc. There is apparently no delay in the formation of ξ or δ phases in both pure as well as the commercial grade zinc baths. The gamma (Γ) phase is formed after an incubation time of about 30 s at a bath temperature of 470°C in the pure zinc bath. Its formation is further delayed in the commercial grade zinc bath. The last morphological feature is the formation of a second ξ layer at the ξ/δ interface in the pure zinc bath. In the commercial grade zinc bath two different morphologies of ξ phase are seen starting from the lowest dipping time, and also the overall coating is considerably thicker due to formation of several iron-zinc intermetallics which degrade its ductility and outward appearance. Commercial grade zinc also enhances the dross formation in the bath and deteriorates the quality of the coating. Presence of transverse cracks as well as entrapment of dross particles in the coating is attributed to the less compact coating that is formed in the commercial grade zinc bath. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States. This is a complex disease with high heterogeneity and the exact causes are unknown in population-specific samples. Family history is a primary risk factor irrespective of race. Identifying prostate cancer families with multiple affected cancer cases is challenging. Herein we document recruitment techniques and present prostate cancer clinical factors described in a cohort of African Americans and Caucasians with or without a strong family history. A total of 521 prostate cancer patients (241 African Americans and 280 Caucasians) were identified using a novel cooperative methodology involving a combination of treating physicians and tumor registries. Higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA, P=0.0269) was found in familial cases as compared to sporadic cases in African-American men. In addition, PSA values for familial cases were higher (P=0.0093) in African-American as compared to Caucasian men. No differences were detected in Gleason score values in either race, regardless of family history. These findings remained the same after adjustment was made for age at diagnosis. In conclusion, methodologies for cohort acquisition, and clinical characteristics, are described for men with and without a family history of prostate cancer using both Caucasian and African-American populations.Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2008) 11, 274–279; doi:10.1038/pcan.2008.5; published online 12 February 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steel fiber reinforced aluminium composites are attractive materials of high specific strength but exhibit poor resistance against electrochemical corrosion. The study discusses the electrochemical corrosion behavior of uncoated, copper and nickel coated short steel fiber reinforced aluminium and Al–2Mg matrix composites in 1 (N) NaCl solution. Galvanic corrosion between the steel fiber and aluminium governs the corrosion behavior of these composites. It has been observed that open circuit potential (OCP) is shifted to more negative side with copper coating on the fibers and to the more positive side on coating the fibers with nickel. Compared to the uncoated fiber higher corrosion current density indicates corrosion rate was observed for the copper coated fiber reinforced composites where as a lower current density was noted for the nickel coated fiber reinforced composites was observed. Addition of 2 wt% magnesium to aluminium alloy matrix increased the corrosion current density. The corrosion mechanism in these composites is dominated by galvanic cell formation that is evident from the dissolution of Al matrix near the peripheral region of steel fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In experiments conducted in the Research Laboratory of Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati during 2002 and 2003, it was revealed that the best packing material for storing gur during monsoon season was heat-sealed LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) packet of 150 gauge followed by glass jars. LDPE packets prevented moisture ingress, fall in pH and inversion of sucrose in the stored gur to the maximum extent. However, colour of gur in LDPE packets was darker as compared to gur stored in glass jars. PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) jars were as good as glass jars but the stored gur darkened more in PET jars. Canisters were better in comparison to painted earthen pots provided those were with airtight lid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]