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The present work explores a systematic investigation of the microstructural, optical, and dielectric properties of W1−xNixO3 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) samples and their application in supercapacitors. The sol–gel auto-combustion process was used to synthesize these samples, and a number of analytical techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV–visible spectroscopy, dielectric measurements, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize them. The Rietveld refined XRD patterns confirm the monoclinic phase with space group P21/n in a single phase. FTIR spectroscopy confirms the functional groups associated with stretching and bending vibrational modes at various wavenumbers. Raman spectroscopy ensures the phase purity of the materials and shows a blue shift with Ni doping. SEM microscopy reveals a uniform surface morphology as well as particle agglomeration at the surface. UV–visible studies reveal a significant decrease in the bandgap (2.13–1.81 eV) as the Ni concentration is increased. Dielectric studies show that as the frequency rises, the dielectric constant decreases and becomes saturated at higher frequencies. The highest value of the dielectric constant (ε') is observed for the 4% Ni-doped WO3 sample. The electrochemical and capacitive properties have been characterized and studied using CV and EIS analysis. Cyclic voltammetry tests were carried out in the range of − 0.2 to 0.8 V with varying scan rates (5–100 mVs−1), exhibiting a significantly large area under the CV curve, hence higher values of specific capacitance. The maximum specific capacitance at a scan rate of 5 mVs−1 for each sample of W1−xNixO3 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) is found to be 126.671, 192.31, 278.52, and 128.58 Fg−1, respectively, in 2M KOH electrolyte. Thus, the synthesized samples exhibit potential for application as electrode materials for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the mathematical model of heat and porous media equations being considered in fractional form. The Laplace residual power series method and the Laplace Adomian decomposition technique are used to compare the solutions of the fractional heat transfer and porous media equations. For this reason, a few examples are presented to understand the fractional heat transfer and porous media equations in its more accurate form. The results show the simple and sophisticated procedures of the two proposed analytical approaches, where partial differential equations are considered with fractional derivatives. The outcomes of the described methods demonstrate that they have an accurate algorithm to construct with exceptionally precise cost calculation capabilities. The obtained results are presented through tables and graphs and the approximate results are found in great contact with exact solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties of bare BaTiO3 are weaker than the PbTiO3, which limits its magnetoelectric applications. To overcome these problems, a small amount of Pb was doped in BaTiO3 via a solid-state reaction route to improve the multiferroic properties of the compound. In this way, the modified single-phase Ba1-xPbxTiO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.075) samples have demonstrated improved characteristics and desirable application in the area of microwave tunable devices and multi-layered ceramics capacitors. Rietveld refinement technique ensures that the samples retain their parent perovskite tetragonal phase in P4mm space group. The presence of the metal oxide and several bands were finalized through the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy study. The elemental composition and the oxygen vacancies were confirmed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies suggesting two valence states, i.e., Ti3+ and Ti4+ of titanium, in both undoped and doped samples. In addition, XPS spectra also confirm that the Pb-doped BaTiO3 samples are less defective than the undoped ones. The Raman spectra reveal the distorted tetragonal perovskite structure of the samples in the P4mm space group by confirming the four fundamental Raman modes. The dielectric studies in the frequency range of 50 Hz to 5 MHz at room temperature reveal an increase in dielectric constant on Pb doping at the Ba site. The dielectric data analyzed in the framework of the universal dielectric response (UDR) model exhibit no deviation from linear behavior. The a.c. conductivity is found to enhance with the increase in Pb content due to the small polaron hopping conduction mechanism between the Pb and Ba ions. The field-dependent magnetization suggests the diamagnetic nature of the undoped BaTiO3 sample and feeble ferromagnetism in the doped samples. Ferroelectric hysteresis loops reveal linearly raised polarization parameters on Pb content. The existence of both ferromagnetic and ferroelectric phenomena confirms the multiferroic nature of Pb doped BaTiO3 system at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is concerned with the study of MHD non-Newtonian nanofluid flow over a stretching/shrinking cylinder along with thermal radiation effects. Two-component slip mechanism models, namely Brownian motion and thermophoresis of nanofluid for the mass and energy transportation, developed by Buongiorno, are used. Convective heat transfer and nonuniform magnetic field are retained for the expanding/contracting cylinder. Variable thermal conductivity and heat generation effects along with slip boundary conditions are utilized over the cylinder surface. By utilizing the similarity transformation, these governing partial differential equations are converted into nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). To obtain numerical results, these ODE'S are solved by the shooting method using MATLAB software. The impact of different parameters like variable thermal conductivity, radiation parameter, magnetic parameter, Prandtl number, Brownian motion parameter, the magnetic parameter, Weissenberg number, the viscosity ratio parameter and mass transfer parameter, on the velocity, temperature and concentration is discussed graphically. Further, the Sherwood number, Nusselt number, the skin friction coefficient are also discussed through figures. It is noted through analysis that the speed of the nanofluid reduces for the higher Weissenberg number and expanding cylinder. For the contracting cylinder, i.e., for the negative unsteadiness parameter, the velocity increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the main limitations of radiation therapy is the resistance of tumor cells. This study aimed at evaluating the relationship between the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) and tumor radiosensitivity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Medical case files, pathological results for EGFR and EML4-ALK, and computerized tomography scans of patients with NSCLC treated with thoracic radiation therapy were analyzed. Results: The sample size was 101 patients with mean age 58.43 ± 9.89 years. Statistically significant differences were observed in the mean reduction of long tumor diameter during the early treatment phase in EGFR-positive versus EGFR-negative patients (p value = 0.04) and in short tumor diameter during the late treatment phase in EGFR-positive versus EGFR-negative patients (p value = 0.04). Conclusion: Patients with overexpression of EGFR mutations are more radiosensitive during the early treatment phase, and EML4-ALK mutations were less radiosensitive regardless of phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate the physical mechanism of the electro-osmosis fluid flow within a non-uniform channel. Fluid model is characterized by the constitutive relation of the Oldroyd 4-constant fluid. We retrieved the Poisson equations by utilizing the mass and momentum conservation models in order to obtain the mathematical formulation of the given problem. The methodology used in obtaining the solution is classified into three different steps. Firstly, we linearized the given differential equations to ascertain the potential Debye–Huckel function. Secondly, we implemented the widely-used assumptions like low Reynolds number and long wavelength to reduce the momentum (partial differential) equations into a system of ordinary differential equations. Thirdly, we solved the simplified differential equations numerically by using the shooting method. Subsequently, we have calculated the graphical results to evaluate the influence of various emerging parameters such as the electroosmotic parameter, viscoelastic fluid parameters and non-uniform parameter on the fluid flow within a non-uniform channel. We have also computed several features of peristaltic pumping for the case of Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocity. Our results reveal that the behavior of velocity magnitude shows an increasing trend by enhancing the values of the electroosmotic parameter, whereas it also manifests a decreasing trend if the value of the non-uniform parameter is raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often have neurocognitive impairment. People with HIV make riskier decisions when the outcome probabilities are known, and have abnormal neural architecture underlying risky decision making. However, ambiguous decision making, when the outcome probabilities are unknown, is more common in daily life, but the neural architecture underlying ambiguous decision making in people with HIV is unknown. Eighteen people with HIV and 20 controls completed a decision making task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Participants chose between a certain reward and uncertain reward with a known (risky) or unknown (ambiguous) probability of winning. There were three levels of risk: high, medium, and low. Ambiguous > risky brain activity was compared between groups. Ambiguous > risky brain activity was correlated with emotional/psychiatric functioning in people with HIV. Both groups were similarly ambiguity-averse. People with HIV were more risk-averse than controls and chose the high-risk uncertain option less often. People with HIV had hypoactivity in the precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and fusiform gyrus during ambiguous > medium risk decision making. Ambiguous > medium risk brain activity was negatively correlated with emotional/psychiatric functioning in individuals with HIV. To make ambiguous decisions, people with HIV underrecruit key regions of the default mode network, which are thought to integrate internally and externally derived information to come to a decision. These regions and related cognitive processes may be candidates for interventions to improve decision-making outcomes in people with HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two new Wells-Dawson type polyoxometalatehybrids named as [(C4H9)4N]10H2[{C7H14O4C(CH2O)3P2V3W15O59] (D.Poms@Lig1), [(C4H9)4N)]5H2[C2H4OC(CH2O)3 P2V3W15O59] (D.Poms@Lig-2) have been synthesized with good percentage yields (65 and 75%, respectively). The newly prepared hybrids were characterized successfully by FT-IR, 1H, 13C, 31P, 51V NMR and UV-Visible spectroscopic methods. Parent Dawson polyoxometalates and ligands molecules display the strong metal-oxo (V–O) vibrational bands at 700 cm–1. After interaction, there is a little fluctuations in these vibrational bands and appeared at 757 and 750 cm–1 for V–O of D. Poms@Lig-1 and D.Poms@Lig-2, respectively. The strong peaks appeared at 824, 718 and 803, 754 cm–1 are assigned for ν(W–O–W) D.Poms@Lig-1 and D.Poms@Lig-2, respectively. In 1H NMR, the chemical shift value 2.95–2.94 ppm was observed C–CH2–O for D.Poms@Lig-1 and D.Poms@Lig-2, respectively. In 13C NMR, signal appears at 62.92 and 62.75 ppm are assigned for –CH2–C–CH2– for D.Poms@Lig-1, D.Poms@Lig-2, respectively. 51V NMR spectra showed peaks at –541.00 and –541.87 ppm for D.Poms@Lig-1 and D.Poms@Lig-2, respectively. 31P NMR spectra showed two peaks at δ = [–13.44, –7.19] ppm and [–13.44, –7.25] ppm for D.Poms@Lig-1, and D.Poms@Lig-1, respectively. The UV-Visible absorption spectra showed that there is just a little bit change in the intensity of the absorption bands among the absorption spectra of the ligands, hybrid compounds and parent Dawson POM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have synthesized BiFeO3 (BFO) and Bi0.5La0.5Fe1−xCrxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) samples via sol–gel process with the objective to explore the influence of La/Cr co-doping on the structural, optical, dielectric and multiferroic properties of BFO. Rietveld refinement analysis and Raman active modes affirm single-phase and rhombohedral crystal structure of the samples in R3c space group. The UV–visible-DRS data reveal a systematic reduction of the bandgap and increase in the Urbach energy (Eu) with the increase of La/Cr content in BFO matrix. The temperature-dependent dielectric measurements divulge that the BFO has the highest dielectric constant, and relaxation peak shifts with the rise in frequency that proposes the possibility of the thermally activated relaxation mechanism which also supported through the Vogel–Fulcher model. The magnetic hysteresis (M–H) loops exhibit ferromagnetic nature of all the samples at room temperature except BFO. The P–E hysteresis loops display ferroelectric behavior with higher values of polarization and coercive field in the doped samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt-substituted nickel–zinc ferrite nanoparticles, i.e., N i 0.5 - x C o x Z n 0.5 F e 2 O 4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) were prepared by the sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the prepared samples crystallized in cubic spinel structure, whereas the scanning electron microscopy study exhibited a change in the morphology of grains due to Co2+ substitution. 57Fe Mössbauer measurements suggested that the presence of iron is only in the Fe3+ oxidation state which is randomly distributed over the tetrahedral and octahedral sites. However, the fraction of Fe3+ ions present at the octahedral site strongly depends on the unusual site preference of substituted Co2+ ions for the tetrahedral site. Thus, the cationic distribution between both the sites altered with increasing Co2+ substitution. Significant enhancement in the resistive properties is found with increasing Co2+ substitution and the obtained values are ~ 104 times higher than that reported for their bulk counterparts. This improvement in the resistive properties is elucidated based on changes in the microstructure and cation redistributions due to Co2+ substitution. Here, we report that the colossal resistivity (3.82 × 1010 Ω cm) and diminished tangent loss (~ 0.01) for the sample with x = 0.2 make this composition interesting for high-frequency applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt-doped zinc oxide, i.e., Zn 1 - x Co x O (x = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06) nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of wurtzite structure in all prepared samples. Impedance spectroscopy was employed to understand the dielectric as well as resistive characteristics of synthesized samples. The partial replacement of Co at Zn lattice sites not only reduced the dielectric properties but also enhanced the resistive properties of prepared samples up to x = 0.04 of Co doping. The leakage current density curves displayed a significant reduction in leakage current for x = 0.04 sample, whereas the leakage conduction mechanism transformed from an ohmic to space-charge-limited conduction with increasing electric field. Moreover, the energy band gap was found to increase gradually up to x = 0.04 of Co doping and afterwards band gap started to decrease. Here, the observed variations in the obtained results are explained in term of variation in crystallite size and doping-induced defects. Based on the obtained results, it is proposed that the sample with x = 0.04 is a potential candidate for the optoelectronic and high-frequency applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the kinetics of biogas production by co-digestion of Eichhornia crassipes supplemented with sugar mill effluent. The influence of digester temperature (30 and 40 °C) on biogas production during the anaerobic digestion of mixed substrates was evaluated. Experimental values obtained in 15 days batch study revealed that the digester incubated at 40 °C produced higher biogas production (6771 mL) than the digester incubated at 30 °C (6325 mL). For digester incubated at 40 °C, value of kinetic constants i.e. µm (biogas production potential), λ (lag phase) and P (cumulative biogas production) were 0.21 day−1, 8.89 days and 6862.60 mL, respectively, while values of µm,λ and P for other digester (incubated at 30 °C) were 0.20 day−1, 9.47 days and 6426.47 mL, respectively. Modified Gompertz plot showed significant coefficient of determination (0.99) for co-digestion process at both temperatures. Digester incubated at 40 °C was found with maximum drop in pH (6.4), chemical oxygen demand (488.89 mg L−1), total solids (21.49%), total kjeldahl nitrogen (0.82%), total organic carbon (14.19%) and volatile solids (16.53%) on 15th day of hydraulic retention time. Analysis of co-substrate by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy further confirmed the presence of organic compounds responsible for biogas production. These results proved that biogas production can be enhanced in co-digestion process at 40 °C with simultaneous treatment of industrial effluent. The present study will be useful for the integrated management of biomass and industrial waste for energy recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron-based alloys are materials of choice for engineering applications such as bearings and gears owing to their low cost, ease of manufacture, high strength, availability, and good wear resistance and low coefficient of friction. In this study, Fe–Cu–Sn composite containing varying percentage of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is developed using simple single stage compaction and sintering. The friction and wear behaviors of these composites were studied ball-on-disc tribometer in which EN8 steel ball was used. It was found that with the increase in percentage of MoS2 from 0 to 3 wt% the coefficient of friction and wear rate substantially decreases from around 0.85 to 0.25. The wear mechanism in base composition (0% MoS2) is observed to be adhesive and abrasive, whereas mild abrasive wear was observed in the 3 wt% MoS2 composite. The hardness of composite was also found to improve with the increase in MoS2 weight fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to estimate age and growth of the spotted snakehead Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793) from the Ganga River, based on 390 fish samples collected during August 2016 to July 2017. Each of the 3 otoliths (lapillus, asteriscus and sagitta) were dissected out, cleaned and observed to identify the annual rings. Based on clarity of annuli and ease of reading, sagittae (whole as well as sectioned) were selected for age estimation. Standard procedures were followed to prepare and study the age structures viz., the otoliths and scales. The alternating opaque and translucent bands present on the ageing structures were interpreted as annuli. Amongst the 3 methods used for age estimation, the sectioned otolith exhibited highest percentage of agreement (92.4) between readers, and least values of average percent of error (2.68) and coefficient of variation (2.36). Age estimates from sectioned otoliths were taken to develop the von Bertalanffy growth equation [Lt = 31.5(1 – e–0.29(t+ 1.06))] for the target fish species. The observed and calculated lengths in the fish did not vary significantly. Thus, the sectioned otoliths may be used for precise age estimation as well as calculation of various age-based population parameters of C. punctata inhabiting the river Ganga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulase is the most important enzyme in the world enzyme market, which can be synthesized by growing fungi on lignocellulosic substrates. In this study, cellulase was produced by using Trichoderma species. Twenty-three Trichoderma species were isolated and screened out for their cellulase-producing ability. Selected species, Trichoderma reesei, was further optimized on Leptochloa fusca, a perennial grass. For the higher production of enzyme, different culture conditions were optimized in flask fermenters. Our study points out that overall cellulase production was highest as 1.165 IU/ml/min at 70% moisture level, 120-h incubation period, 30 °C incubation temperature, 6 initial pH, 20% inoculum size, 0.3% NH4NO3 concentration and 0.3% concentration of surfactant (Tween 80), respectively. Under solid-state fermentation, the recovery of the cellulase from fermented substrate was optimized which yielded 1.785 IU/ml/min. Among different solvents tested, optimal extraction was attained by using citrate buffer. The optimal conditions for extraction were 90 min soaking time, 1:5 solid-to-solvent ratio, 140 revolution per minute agitation. It was detected that two washes were enough for maximum leaching of the enzyme. Results specify the admirable scope of utilizing kallar grass for biosynthesis of cellulase in solid-state fermentation employing Trichoderma reesei commercially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biologically important triazole derived Schiff base ligand 2-[(1Z)-N-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)- etanimidoyl]phenol (SR) is synthesized by condensation of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole with 2-hydroxyacetophenone. The ligand forms the corresponding complexes upon reaction with salts of VO(IV), Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) in 2: 1 ratio. The Schiff base ligand coordinates to the metal atoms via nitrogen atoms of azomethine and triazole, and oxygen of acetophenone. Structures of the complexes are supported by physical and spectral data. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized triazole ligand and transition metal complexes is tested against several bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus. The complexes demonstrate substantial antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent glasses have a large number of applications in the industry of electronics as well as optical devices. xMnO-(25- x) BiO-75HBO (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.5 mol.%) transparent glasses have been prepared via melt-quench technique and characterized using dc electrical measurements, and by analyzing x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. These characteristics were examined to understand the role of modifier oxides, i.e., BiO and MnO in the BO glass network. Adding MnO into a glass network causes structural changes, which are responsible for any variations in electrical characteristics of bismuth borate glasses. Manganese bismuth borate glasses (MBBG) show Ohmic conduction at low fields; however, glasses with higher manganese content seem to conduct through bulk limited Poole-Frenkel mechanism. FTIR spectroscopy analyses depict the presence of BO and BO groups along with B-O-B and Bi-O-Bi bonding vibrations. Glasses with higher MnO content also show Mn-O bond vibrations. The reduction of BO groups and increase of BO units lead to the formation of non-bridging oxygens (NBOs) which are responsible for the variations in the electrical properties of these glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both Pd and Au metal particles are used in photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Yet while both act as electron sink only gold is poised to respond to visible light due to its plasmonic response. In order to quantitatively gauge their relative contribution into the reaction, the photocatalytic H production, from Au/TiO and Pd/TiO catalysts was studied under UV and UV-Vis light. While under UV light excitation, a weak dependence on the work function of the metal is observed, under UV-Vis light, Au is found to be twice more active than Pd. Under identical UV-Vis light irradiation, the turn over frequency calculated from XPS at.% is found to be 2.8 and 1.8 s for Au and Pd, respectively. The effect is far more pronounced when the rates are normalized to the number of particles of each metal. Both the semiconductor TiO (UV light) and the plasmonic metal (visible light) need to be excited for the enhancement to occur; visible light alone causes a negligible reaction rate. Photocurrent measurements further confirmed the difference in the photocatalytic activity under UV and UV-Vis light excitation. Moreover, because of the presence of Au particles responding to visible light the reaction rate is enhanced due to 'light penetration depth' effect. Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy is the ionizing radiation used for treatment of cancer and other diseases. Although radiotherapy is the major treatment for cancer, a lot of patients do not undergo radiation due to associated risks such as radiation pneumonitis, cardiovascular complications, development of secondary tumor, and lymphedema. However, the advantages of nanotechnology provide a unique potential to enhance radiotherapeutic performance, in particular by utilizing gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). In this review, we briefly describe the current direction of research towards the use of Au NPs for radiotherapeutic enhancement, combination, monitoring and in side effect reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of MASCC score (Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer Score) in patients with febrile neutropenia (as resultant treatment of hematological disorders) for risk assessment of morbidity and mortality. Patients and methods: Patients presenting with Febrile Neutropenia from November 2011 till December 2013 were enrolled in the study. Initially all patients were hospitalized and their MASCC score was calculated, however those with high risk stayed in hospital till full ANC recovery while low risk group was discharged earlier and keenly followed as out-patient while being on prophylactic oral antibiotics. The MASCC risk-index score was calculated and patients with risk score >21 were regarded as low-risk while <21 were labeled as high-risk. Results: On the basis of 226 febrile neutropenia patient 132(58.4 %) were categorized as low risk while 94(41.5 %) as high risk patients according to MASCC risk index score. In low risk group 123(93 %) had uncomplicated infection while 9(7 %) had complicated infections. There was no mortality documented in low risk group while eight patients died in high risk group. Conclusion: In this study we correctly predicted outcome of 123(93 %) low risk group patients. The study had positive predictive value of 93 % with both sensitivity and specificity of 65 and 75 % respectively. The MASCC risk score is a valuable tool in determining the outcome in patients with febrile neutropenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excitation functions of the Ni( $\alpha$ ,x)Zn, Ni( $\alpha$ ,x)Ni and Ni( $\alpha$ ,x)Co reactions were measured from the respective thresholds to 44MeV using the stacked-foil activation technique. The tests for the beam characterization are described. The radioactivity was measured using HPGe $\gamma$ -ray detectors. Theoretical calculations on $\alpha$ -particles-induced reactions on Ni were performed using the nuclear model code TALYS-1.8. A few results are new, the others strengthen the database. Our experimental data were compared with results of nuclear model calculations and described the reaction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ancient grain is becoming enormously popular in modern food regimen in many countries; the higher proportion of α-linolenic acid makes chia the superb source of omega-3 fatty (about 65 % of the oil content). Omega-3 fatty acid has been associated with a large number of physiological functions in human body. Chia seed is a potential source of antioxidants with the presence of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol which are believed to have cardiac, hepatic protective effects, anti-ageing and anti-carcinogenic characteristics. It is also a great source of dietary fibre which is beneficial for the digestive system and controlling diabetes mellitus with higher concentration of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, gluten free protein, vitamin, minerals and phenolic compounds. Therapeutic effects of chia in the control of diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-blood clotting, laxative, antidepressant, antianxiety, analgesic, vision and immune improver is scientifically established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroic composites of (1 − x)PbZrTiO + (x)CoFeO with x = 0.0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45 and 1.0 are synthesized by using ball milling method. Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns confirmed the single phase formation in x = 0.0 and x = 1.0 and two distinct phase formation in x = 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 composites. SEM images explored the effect of CFO content on the grain connectivity of each phase in the prepared composites. The dielectric properties showed dielectric dispersion with increasing frequency due to interfacial polarization; whereas the dielectric constant is found to increase with increasing CFO content which is attributed to the space charge effect. AC conductivity analysis suggested the mixed polaron hopping type of conduction mechanism. Magnetic hysteresis loops exhibited ferromagnetic like behaviour, indicating the presence of ordered magnetic structure in the prepared composites. Furthermore, with increasing CFO content, the saturation magnetization, magnetostriction and strain sensitivity is found to be increased which in turn have a significant effect on the magnetoelectric coefficient. The maximum magnetoelectric coefficient of 1.45 mV cm Oe is obtained for x = 0.30 composite. Here, the observed variation in the magnetoelectric coefficient is correlated with the microstructure as well as the amount of CFO content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel ferrite, i.e., NiFeO, nanoparticles are synthesized by sol-gel method using urea as a neutralizing agent. The formation of spinel phase and crystal structure of the as-prepared sample is analyzed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. In order to confirm phase formation and cation arrangement, room temperature Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy is employed. The degree of inversion ( i) estimated from the relative peak area is found to be 0.6, which confirms a mixed spinel structure of the as-prepared sample. Zero-field-cooled/field-cooled measurements showed evidence of superparamagnetic behavior associated with the nanosized particles. Hysteresis loop measurements revealed temperature-dependent magnetic properties: The coercive field ( H) decreases with increasing temperature and deviates from the Kneller's law for ferromagnetic nanostructures; and the saturation magnetization ( M) follows modified Bloch's law in the temperature range between 25 and 400 K. However, below 25 K, an abrupt increase in magnetization of nanoparticles is observed. In order to understand this behavior, an additional contribution has to be added to the core magnetization to properly fit the data. Hence, a surface correction term to the Bloch's law is found to describe the temperature dependence of magnetization in the core-shell NiFeO nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystalline nickel ferrite and copper nickel ferrite materials were synthesized through surfactant Tween 80-assisted hydrothermal reaction at low temperature using metallic copper, nickel, and iron as raw materials. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were used to determine the decomposition of the precursors. Phase composition, microstructural characterization, and distribution of cations in tetrahedral and octahedral sites of crystal structure properties of synthesized ferrite materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The impedance spectroscopic studies of copper nickel ferrite sintered ceramics were carried out at room temperature. TG and DTA of precursors revealed that the crystallization temperature for spinel ferrites phases formation was around 650 °C which were being synthesized through Tween 80-assisted hydrothermal process in highly basic reaction at 180-200 °C for 11-13 h in PTFE-lined stainless steel autoclave. XRD analysis and Rietveld refinement study confirm the formation of single-phase cubic spinel nickel ferrite (NiFeO) and copper nickel ferrite (NiCuFeO) with cell parameters 8.3385, 8.3595 Å and space group Fd3 m, respectively. The synthesized ferrite products showed extensive XRD line broadening, and the average crystallite sizes of NiFeO and CuNiFeO ferrites were in range of 21-29 nm and 18-23 nm, respectively. Mössbauer parameters are characteristic of substituted Cu-Ni-FeO ferrite material. Isothermal shrinkage characteristic and coefficient of thermal expansion were determined by dilatometry. The ferrite specimens showed excellent densification at 1,050 °C temperature, and uniformly fine grain-sintered ceramics with submicron grain size (10-18 μm) were obtained after sintering at 850 and 1,050 °C. Sintering at 1,050 °C, results in the formation of depletion layer at grain boundaries which act as trapping centers for the carriers and an increase in the impedance values are conferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnNiFeO (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) nanoparticles are prepared by sol-gel method using urea as a neutralizing agent. The evaluation of XRD patterns and TEM images indicated fine particle nature. The average crystallite size increased from 10 to 24 nm, whereas lattice parameters and density decreased with increasing Ni content ( x). Infrared spectra showed characteristic features of spinel structure along with a strong influence of compositional variation. Magnetic measurements reveal a maximum saturation magnetization for ZnNiFeO ( x = 0.5); however, reduced value of magnetization is attributed to the canted spin structure and weakening of Fe(A)-Fe(B) interactions at the surface of the nanoparticles. Impedance analysis for different electro-active regions are carried out at room temperature with Ni substitution. The existence of different relaxations associated with grain, grain boundaries and electrode effects are discussed with composition. It is suggested that x = 0.5 is an optimal composition in ZnNiFeO system with moderate magnetization, colossal resistivity and high value of dielectric constant at low frequency for their possible usage in field sensor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline BaMnO ceramic powders were prepared using the conventional mixed oxide route accompanied with several milling processes. Single phase formation was verified by recording the X-ray diffraction pattern of the powder as well as sintered pellet at room temperature. Scanning electron micrograph and energy dispersive X-ray spectrum of cross-sectional view have shown that sintered pellet is highly porous and contains only Ba, Mn and O elements, respectively. Analysis of impedance spectroscopy was carried out via the complex impedance and complex modulus formalisms. These results have shown that BaMnO behave as semiconducting material. Furthermore, as a consequence of electrically inhomogeneous nature of the sample, it was observed that the electroactive regions (such as grain, grain boundary and sample-electrode interface) are overlapped in the applied frequency domain with dominant grain boundary effect. An equivalent circuit model ( R C)( R Q)( R Q) was employed to fit the temperature dependent impedance spectroscopy data. Study of grain and grain boundary conductivities suggest that grains are more conductive than grain boundaries and conduction mechanism followed correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystalline magnesium chromite spinel was synthesized through hydrothermal reaction of metal nitrate solutions in stoichiometric amount at different pH, temperature and time intervals. The synthesized products were characterized for crystallinity, phase identification, and surface morphology by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). XRD patterns showed that as-synthesized product remained amorphous up to 250 °C. However, well-crystallized magnesium chromite spinel structure is formed after calcination at 850 °C. Rietveld refinement study confirms the formation of single-phase cubic structure MgCrO with lattice parameter a = 8.3347 Å, and Fd3 m space group. The as-processed MgCrO products showed extensive XRD line broadening, and the mean crystallite size of such crystals was found to be mainly in size range of 85-124 nm. Surface SEM images of calcined specimens revealed that the matrix is uniform, and no separation of secondary phase was detected. Thermal stability was examined by thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry. TG/DTA reveals that MgCrO is thermally stable above 700 °C. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra studies shows two strong bands, one around 600 cm which is attributed to the intrinsic vibrations of tetrahedral and other at 400 cm is due to octahedral one. FTIR confirms the formation of metal oxides. The bandgap energy was estimated by absorption spectroscopy in ultraviolet-visible range and was found to be 0.693 eV for MgCrO specimen sintered at 1,000 °C. Isothermal shrinkage characteristic and coefficient of thermal expansion were determined by dilatometry. The powder specimens showed excellent densification at 1,250 °C temperature and uniformly fine grain sintered ceramics (>90 % relative density) with submicron grain size (2-5 μm) were obtained after sintering at 1,000-1,250 °C. Impedance studies were carried out at room temperature and equivalent circuit model ( R Q) ( R Q) ( R Q) is used to explain different relaxation processes. We report largest impedance values i.e., 6.74 × 10 Ω, reduced dielectric constant (≈1.0), and low tangent loss (0.8) for MgCrO sintered at 1,250 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) inhabits the high, remote mountains of Pakistan from where very little information is available on prey use of this species. Our study describes the food habits of the snow leopard in the Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges in Baltistan, Pakistan. Ninety-five putrid snow leopard scats were collected from four sites in Baltistan. Of these, 49 scats were genetically confirmed to have originated from snow leopards. The consumed prey was identified on the basis of morphological characteristics of hairs recovered from the scats. It was found that most of the biomass consumed (70%) was due to domestic livestock viz. sheep (23%), goat (16%), cattle (10%), yak (7%), and cattle-yak hybrids (14%). Only 30% of the biomass was due to wild species, namely Siberian ibex (21%), markhor (7%), and birds (2%). Heavy predation on domestic livestock appeared to be the likely cause of conflict with the local inhabitants. Conservation initiatives should focus on mitigating this conflict by minimizing livestock losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic hydrogen production from renewables is a promising method for providing energy carriers in the near future. Photocatalysts capable of promoting this reaction are often composed of noble metal nanoparticles deposited on a semiconductor. The most promising semiconductor at present is TiO2. The successful design of these catalysts relies on a thorough understanding of the role of the noble metal particle size and the TiO2 polymorph. Here we demonstrate that Au particles in the size range 3-30 nm on TiO2 are very active in hydrogen production from ethanol. It was found that Au particles of similar size on anatase nanoparticles delivered a rate two orders of magnitude higher than that recorded for Au on rutile nanoparticles. Surprisingly, it was also found that Au particle size does not affect the photoreaction rate over the 3-12 nm range. The high hydrogen yield observed makes these catalysts promising materials for solar conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycopersicon esculantum sulfate transporter gene (LeST 1.1) encodes a high-affinity sulfate transporter (HAST) located in root epidermis. In this study, the LeST 1.1 gene was constitutively expressed in Indian mustard ( Brassica juncea cv. Pusa Jai Kisan). Transgenic as well as untransformed plants were grown in sulfur-insufficient (25 and 50 μM) and sulfur-sufficient (1,000 μM) conditions for 30 days. Two-fold increase was noticed in the sulfate uptake rate of transgenic plants grown in both sulfur-insufficient and -sufficient conditions as compared to untransformed plants. The transgenic B. juncea plants were able to accumulate higher biomass and showed improved sulfur status even in sulfur-insufficient conditions when compared with untransformed plants. Chlorophyll content, ATP sulfurylase activity and protein content were also higher in transgenic plants than untranformed plants under sulfur-insufficient conditions. Our results, thus, clearly indicate that constitutive expression of LeST 1.1 gene in B. juncea had led to enhanced capacity of sulfur uptake and assimilation even in sulfur-insufficient conditions. This approach can also be used in other crops to enhance their sulfate uptake and assimilation potential under S-insufficient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impedance and ac conductivity studies on parent Y–Ba–Cu–O and Na-, K-doped Tc-enhanced and other superconductors indicate that either the mechanism of ac conductivity or nature of charge carriers or both in the Na-, K-doped Y–Ba–Cu–O differ from the parent Y–Ba–Cu–O and other superconductors. This is indicated by the random walk type (RWT) model curve fittings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance switching characteristics of CeO2/Ti/CeO2 tri-layered films sandwiched between Pt bottom electrode and two different top electrodes (Ti and TaN) with different work functions have been investigated. RRAM memory cells composed of TaN/CeO2/Ti/CeO2/Pt reveal better resistive switching performance instead of Ti/CeO2/Ti/CeO2/Pt memory stacks. As compared to the Ti/CeO2 interface, much better ability of TaN/CeO2 interface to store and exchange plays a key role in the RS performance improvement, including lower forming/SET voltages, large memory window (~102) and no significant data degradation during endurance test of >104 switching cycles. The formation of TaON thinner interfacial layer between TaN TE and CeO2 film is found to be accountable for improved resistance switching behavior. Partial charge density of states is analyzed using density functional theory. It is found that the conductive filaments formed in CeO2 based devices is assisted by interstitial Ti dopant. Better stability and reproducibility in cycle-to-cycle (C2C) resistance distribution and Vset/Vreset uniformity were achieved due to the modulation of current conduction mechanism from Ohmic in low field region to Schottky emission in high field region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]