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The present work demonstrates the development of an efficient catalytic hybrid model (Tyr-SS2) to synthesize various spiro-oxindoles derivatives. We have designed and synthesized a functionalized dipeptide molecule (SS2) that acts as an allosteric modulator by incorporating itself into the binding cavity of the widely spread orthologous tyrosinase enzyme (Tyr). The allosterically modified Tyr-SS2 hybrid is thoroughly characterized by using various spectroscopic techniques. Its structural stability and reusability were ensured using various analytical techniques viz. Circular Dichroism (CD), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fluorescence, and UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy. The Tyr-SS2 hybrid complex was used as a catalyst for the synthesis of a series of Spiro-oxindoles derivatives, and the final products obtained were characterized by NMR and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) techniques. The interactions within the Tyr-SS2 complex, the catalytic mechanism, and binding interactions between the reactants and Tyr-SS2 hybrid complex were investigated extensively by molecular docking and MD-Simulation studies. Green scale parameters like Eco scale and E-factor calculations, found to be 80 and 0.096, respectively, are the key features of the current work. Allosteric modulation of tyrosinase enzyme was achieved by incorporating functionalized dipeptide in its binding cavity and used it as hybrid catalytic assembly for the facile synthesis of spiro-oxindoles in good (%) yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents an experimental and mechanical study on the tensile response of 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane membranes, to be used as stretchable members of novel seismic isolators. The examined specimens have been 3D-printed by fused deposition modeling at the Rapid Prototyping Laboratory of the University of Salerno. Cyclic tests performed at different strain rates are employed to characterize the mechanical response of such members and the dependence of preconditioning effects on the recovery time and the initial pretension of the specimens. The presented results show a marked hysteretic response, the fast recovery of residual strains with time, and an appreciable increase of the tangent tensile modulus along the loading phase of the stress–strain curve with growing values of the applied strain rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital electronics is a fundamental subject for engineering students, and it enables the students to learn design-based approaches and solve complex engineering problems. Students learn about minimization techniques for reducing the hardware components and size of the circuit by solving complex Boolean equations. The Karnaugh map (K-map) is one such technique utilized in digital electronics to solve complex Boolean equations and design AND-OR-INVERT (AOI) logical diagrams. The K-map technique involves several steps to solve the Boolean expression, and students often find it difficult to follow the K-map process. In this study, an AR-based learning system was developed using Unity 3D and Vuforia SDK that aimed to teach the students about the step-wise operation of the K-map technique. An experimental study was conducted with 128 undergraduate engineering students to determine the impact of the AR learning system on the critical thinking skills, learning motivation, and knowledge gain of students. The students were divided into two groups: experimental group (N = 64) and control group (N = 64). The AR learning system was implemented in flipped learning mode and utilized to provide in-class activities during the learning. The experimental group students utilized the AR learning system for in-class activities whereas control group students performed in-class activities using the traditional approach. The experimental outcomes indicate that the use of AR technology has a significant positive impact on the critical thinking skills, learning motivation, and knowledge gain of students. The study also found that critical thinking skills and learning motivation have a significant positive correlation with the knowledge gain of students in the experimental group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, cupric oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using copper chloride and different concentrations of sodium hydroxide in an aqueous medium without the use of a surfactant or template. The crystal structure, purity, crystallite size, intrinsic strain, stress, and elastic energy of the as-synthesized samples were all determined using x-ray diffraction (XRD). CuO nanoparticles were confirmed to have a monoclinic structure through XRD analysis. From the XRD peak broadening analysis, the crystallite size and intrinsic strain were investigated using the Williamson–Hall plot (WHP), size–strain plot (SSP), and Halder–Wagner (HW) method. To determine physical and micro-structural parameters such as strain, stress, and energy density, the WHP used three different models: the uniform deformation model (UDM), the uniform stress deformation model (USDM), and uniform deformation energy density model (UDEDM). Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) micrographs revealed leaf-like, flower-like, and network-like morphologies. At room temperature, the optical properties of the CuO NPs were investigated using ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Using Tauc's plot, the estimated optical energy bandgap (Eg) was 3.70–3.80 eV. CuO nano-leaves had a strong green emission peak at 504 nm and a less intense emission peak at 757 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With Metaheuristic algorithms hybridization is used typically to improve the performances of original algorithm, so it became a recent trend of research is to hybridize two and several number of variants to find out better quality of solution of practical and to tackle with recent real applications in the field of global optimization problems. Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) is powerful optimization tool that is robust, has smooth transitions between exploration and exploitation, that permits to provide competitive results in complex problems. Also, the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) has been widely used to solve complex global optimization tasks due to its implementation simplicity and inexpensive computational overhead. However, SSA has premature convergence, is easily trapped in the local optimum solution and is ineffective in balancing exploration and exploitation. In this study, to overcome the shortcomings of HHO and SSA, a hybrid Salp Swarm Algorithm with Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) called (HSSAHHO) can be considered as a good choice for this purpose to solve these issues. Based on this consideration, hybrid SSAHHO is combination of SSA used for exploitation phase and HHO for exploration phase in uncertain environment. The movement directions and speed of the Salp' is improved using position update equations of HHO. To evaluate the effectiveness in solving the global optimization problems, HSSAHHO has been tested on 29-standard IEEE CEC 2017, 10-standard IEEE CEC 2020 benchmark test problems and also tested on six engineering design optimization problems. The numerical and statistical solutions obtained with HSSAHHO approach is compared with other meta-heuristics approaches such as Salp Swarm Optimizer (SSA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Moth-flame Optimization (MFO), Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA), Enhanced grey wolf optimisation (EGWO), Augmented Grey Wolf Optimizer (AGWO) Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization-Grey Wolf Optimizer (PSOGWO), Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) and Coot algorithm. The conducted experimental statistical and convergence prove that the proposed hybrid variant can highly be effective in solving benchmark and real life global optimization problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among various metal chalcogenides, metal oxides and phases of copper sulfide, copper(II) sulfide (covellite, CuS) nanostructures have enjoyed special attentiveness from researchers and scientists across the world owing to their complicated structure, peculiar composition and valency, attractive and panoramic morphologies, optical and electrical conductivity, less toxicity, and biocompatibility that can be exploited in advanced and technological applications. This review paper presents a brief idea about crystal structure, composition, and various chemical methods. The mechanism and effect of reaction parameters on the evolution of versatile and attractive morphologies have been described. Physical properties of CuS and its hybrid nanostructures, such as morphology and optical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, and thermoelectrical properties, have been carefully reviewed. A concise account of CuS and its hybrid nanostructures’ diverse applications in emerging and recent applications such as energy storage devices (lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitance), sensors, field emission, photovoltaic cells, organic pollutant removal, electromagnetic wave absorption, and emerging biomedical field (drug delivery, photothermal ablation, deoxyribonucleic acid detection, anti-microbial and theranostic) has also been elucidated. Finally, the prospects, scope, and challenges of CuS nanostructures have been discussed precisely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unprecedented rise in research interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and related areas, such as computer vision, machine learning, robotics, and cognitive science, during the last decade has fuelled the development of software platforms that can simulate embodied agents in 3D virtual environments. A simulator that closely mimics the physics of a real-world environment with embodied agents can allow open-ended experimentation, and can circumvent the need for real-world data collection, which is time-consuming, expensive, and in some cases, impossible without privacy invasion, thereby playing a significant role in progressing AI research. In this article, we review 22 simulation platforms reported in the literature. We classify them based on visual environment and physics. We present a comparison of these simulators based on their properties and functionalities from a user's perspective. While no simulator is better than the others in all respects, a few stand out based on a rubric that encompasses the simulators' properties, functionalities, availability and support. This review will guide users to choose the appropriate simulator for their application and provide a baseline to researchers for developing state-of-the-art simulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the generalizability of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that use deep learning methods to identify middle ear disease from otoscopic images, between internal to external performance. 1842 otoscopic images were collected from three independent sources: (a) Van, Turkey, (b) Santiago, Chile, and (c) Ohio, USA. Diagnostic categories consisted of (i) normal or (ii) abnormal. Deep learning methods were used to develop models to evaluate internal and external performance, using area under the curve (AUC) estimates. A pooled assessment was performed by combining all cohorts together with fivefold cross validation. AI-otoscopy algorithms achieved high internal performance (mean AUC: 0.95, 95%CI: 0.80–1.00). However, performance was reduced when tested on external otoscopic images not used for training (mean AUC: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.61–0.91). Overall, external performance was significantly lower than internal performance (mean difference in AUC: −0.19, p ≤ 0.04). Combining cohorts achieved a substantial pooled performance (AUC: 0.96, standard error: 0.01). Internally applied algorithms for otoscopy performed well to identify middle ear disease from otoscopy images. However, external performance was reduced when applied to new test cohorts. Further efforts are required to explore data augmentation and pre-processing techniques that might improve external performance and develop a robust, generalizable algorithm for real-world clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centrosymmetric species with AB2 boding motif where central atom (A) is relatively more electronegative than the end ligands (B atoms) have been predicted to exhibit an unusual form of three-center/four-electron (3c/4e) long-bonding where bonding/antibonding interactions occur between the two end ligands (B–B) bypassing the central atom albeit via sharing the latter's lone pair. Such a long-bond of sigma- and pi-type has so far been predicted as single bonds and mainly as linear (B–A–B) bonding motifs. This work, through computations based on density-functional theory (DFT) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, reveals pi-type long-bonding between carbon atoms separated by more than 2 angstroms in the gas-phase chain species, namely CnX (X = O,N; n = 2,4,6,8). Notably, this work, through DFT and NBO analysis, not only successfully predicts pi-type long-bonding in linear and nonlinear CnX species (mainly those where X is the central atom) but is also able to reveal multiple pi long-bonds particularly in the triplet-C2O as well as a pi long-bond in an isomer of C8N where N is not the central atom. However, preliminary computations using complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) multi-reference method performed in this work could only confirm antibonding pi long-bond orbital, whereas the validity of bonding pi long-bond orbital of the proposed long-bond could not be ascertained through the CASSCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-level synthesis of data paths in digital filters and model identification tasks are a most complicated optimization problem. Generally, the use of infinite impulse response (IIR) models for identification is chosen over their equivalent finite impulse response (FIR) models, because the former yield more perfect models of physical plants for real-world optimization problems. Additionally, infinite impulse response (IIR) model structures tend to make various multimodal error surfaces whose objective cost of the problems is significantly more difficult to minimize. For the solution of these types of issues, we needed more powerful methods that could resolve it perfectly. In this study, a novel hybrid variant of chimp and cuckoo search method has been developed for IIR related large-scale optimization issues, and it is known as chimp–cuckoo search algorithm (ChCS). The strength of the proposed method has been tested on the 23 standard functions and three types of infinite impulse response (IIR) models. Meanwhile, the numerical and statistical tabulated solutions of the ChCS method are also presented, showing the advantages of the proposed method over the competitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HLS of digital filters is a complex optimization task in electronic design automation that increases the level of abstraction for designing and scheming digital circuits. The complexity of this issue attracting the interest of the researcher and solution of this issue is a big challenge for the researcher. The scientists are trying to present the various most powerful methods for this issue, but keep in mind these methods could be trapped in the complex space of this problem due to own weaknesses. Due to shortcomings of these methods, we are trying to design a new framework with the mixture of the phases of the powerful approaches for high level synthesis of digital filters in this work. This modification has been done by merging the chimp optimizer with sine cosine functions. The sine cosine phases helped in enhancing the exploitation phase of the chimp optimizer and also ignored the local optima in the search area during the searching of new shortest paths. The algorithms have been applied on 23-standard test suites and 14-digital filters for verifying the performance of the algorithms. Experimental results of single and multi-objective functions have been compared in terms of best score, best maxima, average, standard deviation, execution time, occupied area and speed respectively. Furthermore, by analyzing the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm with the recent algorithms for the HLS digital filters design, this can be concluded that the proposed method dominates the other two methods in HLS digital filters design. Another prominent feature of the proposed system in addition to the stated enhancement, is its rapid runtime, lowest delay, occupied area and lowest power in achieving an appropriate response. This could greatly reduce the cost of systems with broad dimensions while increasing the design speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nasal saline irrigation is highly recommended in patients following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) to aid the postoperative recovery. Post-FESS patients have significantly altered anatomy leading to markedly different flow dynamics from those found in pre-op or non-diseased airways, resulting in unknown flow dynamics. Methods: This work investigated how the liquid stream disperses through altered nasal cavities following surgery using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). A realistic squeeze profile was determined from physical experiments with a 27-year-old male using a squeeze bottle with load sensors. The administration technique involved a head tilt of 45-degrees forward to represent a head position over a sink. After the irrigation event that lasted 4.5 s, the simulation continued for an additional 1.5 s, with the head orientation returning to an upright position. Results: The results demonstrated that a large maxillary sinus ostium on the right side allows saline penetration into this sinus. The increased volume of saline entering the maxillary sinus limits the saline volume available to the rest of the sinonasal cavity and reduces the surface coverage of the other paranasal sinuses. The average wall shear stress was higher on the right side than on the other side for two patients. The results also revealed that head position alters the sinuses' saline residual, especially the frontal sinuses. Conclusion: While greater access to sinuses is achieved through FESS surgery, patients without a nasal septum limits posterior sinus penetration due to the liquid crossing over to the contralateral cavity and exiting the nasal cavity early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypyrrole-based hybrid nanocomposites have drawn much attentiveness of the researchers and scientists owing to their superior and much improved physical, chemical and biomedical properties. This review article outlines the important synthesis strategies, properties and conduction mechanism of polypyrrole-based hybrid nanocomposites. Moreover, an exhaustive account of their diverse applications in energy storage devices, electronic devices, sensors, electromagnetic interference shielding and microwave absorption, actuators, protective or anti-corrosion coatings, catalyzed photo-degradation of dyes, removal of other environmental pollutants and biomedical field has been overviewed. At last, future prospects and challenges of polypyrrole-based hybrid nanocomposites have been highlighted precisely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wheat wild relative Aegilops tauschii was previously used to transfer the Lr42 leaf rust resistance gene into bread wheat. Lr42 confers resistance at both seedling and adult stages, and it is broadly effective against all leaf rust races tested to date. Lr42 has been used extensively in the CIMMYT international wheat breeding program with resulting cultivars deployed in several countries. Here, using a bulked segregant RNA-Seq (BSR-Seq) mapping strategy, we identify three candidate genes for Lr42. Overexpression of a nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NLR) gene AET1Gv20040300 induces strong resistance to leaf rust in wheat and a mutation of the gene disrupted the resistance. The Lr42 resistance allele is rare in Ae. tauschii and likely arose from ectopic recombination. Cloning of Lr42 provides diagnostic markers and over 1000 CIMMYT wheat lines carrying Lr42 have been developed documenting its widespread use and impact in crop improvement. The Aegilops tauschii-derived leaf rust resistance gene Lr42 has been widely used for breeding resistance wheat cultivars, but the molecular basis is unknown. Here, the authors show that Lr42 encodes an NLR-type of disease resistance gene by bulked segregant mapping in Ae. tauschii and confirm its function in common wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia / Journal Canadien d'Anesthésie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The salp swarm algorithm (SSA) has shown its fast search speed in several challenging problems. Research shows that not every nature-inspired approach is suitable for all applications and functions. Additionally, it does not provide the best exploration and exploitation for each function during the search process. Therefore, there were several researches attempts to improve the exploration and exploitation of the meta-heuristics by developing the newly hybrid approaches. This inspired our current research and therefore, we developed a newly hybrid approach called hybrid salp swarm algorithm with particle swarm optimization for searching the superior quality of optimal solutions of the standard and engineering functions. The hybrid variant integrates the advantages of SSA and PSO to eliminate many disadvantages such as the trapping in local optima and the unbalanced exploitation. We have used the velocity phase of the PSO approach in salp swarm approach in order to avoid the premature convergence of the optimal solutions in the search space, escape from ignoring in local minima and improve the exploitation tendencies. The new approach has been verified on different dimensions of the given functions. Additionally, the proposed technique has been compared with a wide range of algorithms in order to confirm its efficiency in solving standard CEC 2005, CEC 2017 test suits and engineering problems. The simulation results show that the proposed hybrid approach provides competitive, often superior results as compared to other existing algorithms in the research community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aegilops tauschii, the diploid wild progenitor of the D subgenome of bread wheat, is a reservoir of genetic diversity for improving bread wheat performance and environmental resilience. Here we sequenced 242 Ae. tauschii accessions and compared them to the wheat D subgenome to characterize genomic diversity. We found that a rare lineage of Ae. tauschii geographically restricted to present-day Georgia contributed to the wheat D subgenome in the independent hybridizations that gave rise to modern bread wheat. Through k-mer-based association mapping, we identified discrete genomic regions with candidate genes for disease and pest resistance and demonstrated their functional transfer into wheat by transgenesis and wide crossing, including the generation of a library of hexaploids incorporating diverse Ae. tauschii genomes. Exploiting the genomic diversity of the Ae. tauschii ancestral diploid genome permits rapid trait discovery and functional genetic validation in a hexaploid background amenable to breeding. Exploring the diversity of the wild progenitor of the wheat D subgenome allows for rapid trait discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing demand in industrialized and developing countries to provide people and structures with effective earthquake protection. Here, we employ architectured material concepts and a bio-inspired approach to trail-blaze a new path to seismic isolation. We develop a novel seismic isolator whose unit cell is formed by linkages that replicate the bones of human limbs. Deformable tendons connect the limb members to a central post carrying the vertical load, which can slide against the bottom plate of the system. While the displacement capacity of the device depends only on the geometry of the limbs, its vibration period is tuned by dynamically stretching the tendons in the nonlinear stress–strain regime, so as to avoid resonance with seismic excitations. This biomimetic, sliding–stretching isolator can be scaled to seismically protect infrastructure, buildings, artworks and equipment with customized properties and sustainable materials. It does not require heavy industry or expensive materials and is easily assembled from metallic parts and 3D-printed components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitinase-producing Trichoderma species have been recognized long ago against the phytopathogenic fungi. In this study, we evaluated the production of chitinase enzyme for seventeen isolates of Trichoderma isolated from onion growing districts of Punjab and assessed their bio-efficacy against damping-off in onion. In vitro, these Trichoderma isolates were screened for their antagonistic activity against the damping-off pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae by dual culture assay. These isolates were also screened for their chitinase enzyme activity; it was found that isolates T5 and T8 are showing higher antagonistic activity on Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae and also produced large amounts of chitinase enzymes in the presence of commercial colloidal chitin. The selected chitinolytic isolates were used in field studies to confirm the feasibility of their biological control efficacy against onion damping-off. In the field experiment, the seed+soil treatment of chitinolytic isolate (T8) showed a critical decrease of damping-off in onion by 88.75% over control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments designate the quick growing of optimization meta-heuristics in the domain of optimization. Sine–cosine optimizer is a stochastic technique that generates various preliminary random research agents global optimal solutions and involves them to fluctuate toward or outwards the superior global optima solution utilizing a mathematical model based on sine and cosine trigonometry functions. Nevertheless, standard SCA provides insufficient global optima results on complex dimension functions illustrating poor convergence rate. The search process of the SCA method holds various shortcomings such as slow convergence, weak balance amid exploration and exploitation, and inefficiency in convergence. To overcome these shortcomings in this work, we are trying to present a new heuristic approach based on merging the features of SCA (sine–cosine approach) with a HS (harmony search approach) known as HSCAHS algorithm. The existing approach integrates the merits of the sine–cosine algorithm and HS algorithm to reduce demerits, like the trapping in local optima and unbalanced exploitation. The new approach presents own work performance in two different stages; firstly, the sine–cosine algorithm starts the explore procedure to augment exploration capability. Secondly, harmony search part starts its search from SCA finds so far to augment the exploitation tendencies. Hence, hybrid approach can find best possible solution in which least time improves the exploitation and exploration. Hence, the newly existing hybrid approach can be quickly convergent, statistically sound and more robust. The capability of the hybrid approach is verified by applying it on eighteen tested benchmark, economic dispatch, three-bar truss design, rolling element bearing design, multiple disc clutch brake design, speed reducer design and planetary gear train design problems. The experimental solutions reveal that the hybrid approach is able to finding the superior quality of optimal goal (or solution) of the optimize functions in most cases in comparison with others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study was aimed to study and develop in-depth understanding of the effect of the coronal angulation of sacral vestibule S2 on morphometry of sacral vestibule in north-west Indian population presenting to our institution, which will go a long way in planning to treat the posterior pelvic injuries with percutaneous screws, thereby reducing the morbidity associated with open fixation. Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics and Radiodiagnosis at Dr Rajendra Prasad Govt.Medical College, Kangra at Tanda over a period of one year. All the patients of the age > 18 years and above submitting for either abdominal, lower spinal or non-orthopedic pathology of pelvic region, presenting for computed tomography to the Department of Radiodiagnosis were included in the study. Results: The coronal angulation of S2 vestibule ranged from 1° to 10° with a mean of 5.06° ± 2.77°. There was a weak relation between coronal angulation of S2 and age-groups 18–30 years (r = 0.105; P = 0.186), 31–40 years (r = 0.040; P = 0.715), 41–50 years (r = − 0.085; P = 0.330), 51–60 years (r = 0.119; P = 0.079), and > 60 years (r = − 0.166; P = 0.605). There was non-significant difference in coronal angulation of S2 (P = 0.913) between males and females. There was a weak relation between interspinus distance with coronal angulation of S2 (r = 0.069; P = 0.090). There was no relation between height with coronal angulation of S2 (r = 0.019; P = 0.631). Conclusion: The present study, the first of its kind in the north-western part of India arrived to help us anthropometric measurements of sacral vestibule, thereby, helping in development of local protocols for percutaneous fixation in sacral fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem rot, incited by Sclerotinia trifoliorum Eriksson is one of the most devastating soil borne fungal pathogens of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) inflicting significant fodder and seed yield losses. Eleven plant extracts, six organic inputs, one elicitor and five organic and inorganic salts were assayed for their effectiveness against S. trifoliorum under in vitro conditions. Extracts of Aegle marmelos and Cymbopogan citrates showed complete mycelial inhibition of S. trifoliorum at 5% concentration. Among organic inputs, panchgavya and fermented cow urine recorded 100% inhibition to mycelial growth of stem rot pathogen at 10% concentration. Elicitor (chitosan) and salts namely copper sulphate and potassium carbonate provided complete mycelial inhibition of test pathogen under in vitro conditions at 0.1, 2.0 and 5.0% concentrations, respectively. The plant extracts, organic inputs and salts that exhibited highest mycelial inhibition to S. trifoliorum under in vitro conditions were evaluated for their antifungal efficacy under greenhouse and field experiments during rabi 2017–18 and 2018–19. The extracts of chitosan (78.58; 77.15%), panchgavya (75.99; 67.14%), copper sulphate 71.38; 61.18%) and A. marmelos (71.75; 56.24%) have recorded highest percent disease control as compared to untreated control in greenhouse and field trials in rabi 2017–18 and 2018–19, respectively. Significant increase in green fodder yield of berseem from 9.87 to 33.38% was also recorded after treatment with plant extracts, organic inputs and some salts. The current study showed that plant extracts, organic inputs and salts have potential for the management of stem rot of berseem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foot rot/gummosis of citrus, caused by Phytophthora spp., is the most important disease of citrus, responsible for the yield losses of 10 to 30% in fruit production in major citrus growing countries. Considering the burden of disease, the present study was undertaken to evaluate different native potent strains of Trichoderma spp. against the foot rot/gummosis of citrus. Results: Based on molecular characteristics, i.e., ITS ribosomal DNA sequence analysis, 3 isolates of Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica and 7 isolates of Trichoderma (6 isolates of T. asperellum and one of T. harzianum) were identified. Trichoderma isolates and Metalaxyl-M + Mancozeb were used to assess antagonistic activity against the foot rot/gummosis under field conditions. T. asperellum T20 mutant reduced gummosis lesion size (95.67%), improved feeder root density (0.0236 cm3), increased number (990.16), and yield of fruits (168.83 kg). Conclusions: The talc-based bioformulation of T20 mutant (T. asperellum) strain, used as a soil treatment, was able to manage effectively the gummosis/foot rot of citrus and also exhibited the highest yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid nanocomposites (HNCs) of polypyrrole (PPy) and CuS were synthesized by an in situ chemical polymerization method. The HNCs were prepared by varying the CuS nanoparticles weight percentage (10–40%) in PPy matrix. The XRD and FESEM characterization indicated the uniform distribution of CuS nanoparticles in PPy matrix. The XRD pattern revealed the presence of hexagonal CuS peaks overlapped with amorphous PPy pattern. Williamson Hall method was employed to estimate intrinsic strain in HNCs. FTIR spectrum revealed the shifting of 1025 cm−1 peak toward higher wavenumber, indicating insertion of CuS nanoparticles in PPy. The room temperature electrical conductivity of PPy is found to be increased from 1.15 × 10−1 to 3.70 S/cm as the content of CuS nanoparticles increases up to 40 wt% in HNCs. To explore the charge transport mechanism in HNCs,the conductivity was measured in the temperature range of 300–15 K. The measured conductivity data was analyzed with the help of Arrhenius model and 3d Mott's variable range hopping (VRH) model in the temperature range of 35–300 K. The approximate values of Mott's parameters at 300 K such as the density of states at Fermi level, average hopping distance and average hopping energy of HNCs were estimated as ~ 4×1024 cm−3eV−1, ~ 1.7 Å and ~ 10 meV respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) has recently gained popularity for postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery (CD) as it provides both visceral and somato-sensory blockade of the abdomen. Aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the analgesic potential of QLB after CD. Methods: Electronic database from inception to December 2019 was searched systematically for randomized-controlled trials comparing QLB with injection of inactive solution in women undergoing CD. Primary outcome was consumption of morphine at 24 h. Morphine consumption at 48 h, dynamic and static pain scores at various time intervals were the secondary outcomes studied. Results: Seven trials met the inclusion criteria. Morphine consumption was reduced significantly with QLB in comparison to sham or no block at 24 h (mean difference [MD] − 9.84 mg; 95% confidence interval [CI] − 18.16, − 0.50; p = 0.04; I2 = zero). Adequate "information size" for above outcome was confirmed with trial sequential analysis, ruling out any possibility of a false-positive result. QLB significantly reduced pain scores at rest (MD − 1.13; 95% CI − 1.75, − 0.56; p = 0.00) and on movement (MD − 1.48; 95% CI − 2.5, − 0.46; p = 0.01) at 6 h. However, statistically significant difference in pain scores persisted only for dynamic pain at 24 h (MD − 0.55; 95% CI − 1.04, − 0.06; p = 0.03). QLB does not provide any additional analgesic benefit to the parturient receiving intrathecal morphine. Conclusion: QLB significantly reduces opioid requirements in CD and may have analgesic effects lasting 24 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Poultry semen cryopreservation remains an easy and promising way of preserving and transferring poultry germplasm. Standardizing and optimizing freezing procedure with natural extender may be a reliable step towards achieving better post-thawed sperm quality. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of four different freezing protocols (FP) on frozen rooster semen extended with tris coconut water extender (TCWE). A total of 20 roosters were used and trained for semen collection. TCWE was prepared by adding coconut water to tris buffer and kept at 37 °C. Semen was collected and pooled from the roosters and was evaluated for motility before dilution procedure. Three different concentrations (8, 10, and 15%) of two intracellular cryoprotectants glycerol and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) were supplemented in TCWE. Pooled semen was divided into six equal fractions, and TCWE containing cryoprotectants in different concentrations were diluted with the semen in ratio 1:2 (semen:extender). Diluted semen was manually filled in 0.25 ml straws and sealed. Semen straws were equilibrated for 4 h at 4 °C. Each straw fraction was further divided into four parts, and subjected to four FP (slow freezing 1, 2, 3 and fast freezing 4). Each FP was done on samples containing 8, 10, and 15% glycerol and 8, 10, and 15% DMSO. After each protocol, semen straws were finally deep into liquid nitrogen – 196 °C. After 48 h, the straws were thawed individually to evaluate post/thawed motility, viability, and membrane integrity. The experiment consists of three trials. Results: At 8% glycerol concentration, FP1 has significantly (P > 0.05) the highest percentage motility (73.33%) compared to FPs 2, 3, and 4 (56.68, 50.00, and 23.33% respectively). At 10% glycerol, FP2 had the highest motility (48.33%) and HOST (64.00%). At 15% glycerol, FP4 (fast freezing) had the highest percentage motility (71.67%), viability (76.33%), and HOST (71.67%). At 8%, DMSO concentrations FP4 had the highest significant (P > 0.05) motility, viability, and HOST. Ten percent and 15% DMSO revealed no significant (P > 0.05) difference in most parameters among all the FPS. DMSO performed better than glycerol irrespective of concentrations in all FPS on most parameters evaluated. Conclusions: Fast freezing performed better with 15% concentration of glycerol, while slow and fast freezing performed better with 10% and 15% DMSO concentrations, which implies that DMSO may serve as better cryoprotectant for poultry semen freezing irrespective of freezing protocols adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palladium nanoscale particles possessing distinct planes/facets for fuel cell applications are challenging to construct using simple methods. This work exhibits a facile-solution phase room-temperature synthesis of highly branched and exceptionally ordered 3D Pd nano-fractals (200–300 nm). Using high-resolution atomic imaging, we explain the mechanism of growth and proliferation of facets after twinning. Due to its unique and novel shape, there is an unprecedented 2.025 eV blue shift in d-region of XPS spectra of Pd nano-fractals indicating a phenomenal increase in surface electron density. This is highly favorable for utilizing this promising catalyst for enhanced surface activity. The Pd nano-fractal structures are tested as anodic material, and they show significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activity and superior long-term stability towards methanol oxidation reaction in alkaline media. Thus, low-index enclosed Pd nanostructures could be useful catalysis materials if uniquely shaped and morphologically controlled at nanoscales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foremost objective of this article is to develop a novel hybrid powerful meta-heuristic that integrates the salp swarm algorithm with sine cosine algorithm (called HSSASCA) for improving the convergence performance with the exploration and exploitation being superior to other comparative standard algorithms. In this method, the position of salp swarm in the search space is updated using the position equations of sine cosine; hence the best and possible optimal solutions are obtained based on the sine or cosine function. During this process, each salp adopts the information sharing strategy of sine and cosine functions to improve their exploration and exploitation ability. The inspiration behind incorporating changes in salp swarm optimizer algorithm is to assist the basic approach to avoid premature convergence and to rapidly guide the search towards the probable search space. The algorithm is validated on 22 standard mathematical optimization functions and 3 applications namely the 3-bar truss, tension/compression spring and cantilever beam design problems. The aim is to examine and confirm the valuable behaviors of HSSASCA in searching the best solutions for optimization functions. The experimental results reveal that HSSASCA algorithm achieves the highest accuracies with least runtime in comparison with the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomolecules like cysteine and cytosine play a significant role in many physiological processes, and their unusual level in biological systems can lead to many diseases including cancer. Indeed, the need for selective detection of these moieties by a fluorescence probe is imperative. Thus, thiophene based Schiff N,N′-bis(thiophene-2-ylmethylene)thiophenemethane (BMTM) was synthesized and then characterized using several analytical techniques before converting it into organic nanoparticles (ONPs). Then, fluorescent organic inorganic nanohybrids (FONs) were obtained after decorating ONPs with AuNPs to yield BMTM-Au-ONPs (FONPs). The morphology of the particles, analyzed using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), shows that AuNPs were embedded with low density organic matter (ONPs). FONPs were employed to recognize cysteine and cytosine simultaneously. No interference was observed from other moieties such as guanine, uracyl, NADH, NAD, ATP, and adenine during the detection. It means that the intensity of the fluorescence signal was significantly changed (enhanced for cytosine and quenched for cysteine). So, FONPs were used to detect cysteine and cytosine in real samples, like Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. As expected, no considerable fluorescence signal for cysteine was observed, while for cytosine, strong fluorescence signals were detected in the cells. DFT was used to explain the interaction of FONPs with cysteine or cytosine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A triazole-coupled benzimidazole-based fluorescent probe S1 with nitrogen and oxygen binding sites was synthesized and its properties as a probe for cations were investigated. Probe S1 was found to be highly selective toward Ag+ ions in aqueous media. The fluorescence intensity of S1 was quenched as a function of the concentration of Ag+ ions in the presence of potential interfering cations with a detection limit of 2.70 μM. The resulting S1-Ag+ complex was subsequently studied for its anion recognition abilities and found to recognize Br− and Cl− ions, revealing the concentration-dependent fluorescence enhancement with detection limits of 22.2 and 23.0 μM, respectively. Revival of the fluorescence profile of probe S1 indicated that Ag+ ion was released from the S1-Ag+ complex. Probe S1 is a sensor that can be single-handedly utilized for the qualitative and quantitative determination of Ag+, Br−, and Cl− ions in aqueous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disease resistance (R) genes from wild relatives could be used to engineer broad-spectrum resistance in domesticated crops. We combined association genetics with R gene enrichment sequencing (AgRenSeq) to exploit pan-genome variation in wild diploid wheat and rapidly clone four stem rust resistance genes. AgRenSeq enables R gene cloning in any crop that has a diverse germplasm panel. The treasure trove of disease resistance genes present in wild relatives of domesticated crops is rapidly discovered using association genetics and enrichment sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recycling of packaging materials such as low density polyethylene (LDPE) into useful product is one of the challenging tasks. Since waste LDPE has some issues like low mechanical strength and thermal degradation; some studies have been reported in recent past to improve these properties with ceramic/metallic reinforcements. In this work reusability of LDPE has been ascertained as functionally graded material (FGM) through aluminum (Al) matrix based investment casting (IC). This study highlights the use of SiC and Al2O3 as reinforcement in LDPE for IC applications as a novel method for development of FGM. The master patterns for IC were prepared from reinforced LDPE based feed stock filament (prepared on conventional screw extruder) on open source fused deposition modelling setup. The in-house prepared filament wire was subjected to mechanical and thermal testing to ensure recyclability and stability of the material. The photo micrographs and SEM images were collected to ensure the dispersion of SiC and Al2O3 reinforcements in Al based FGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An effective method for the detection of Cr3+ in multivitamin formulations has been developed by using fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONPs) based on N,N′-bis(5-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)ethylenediimine (BTED). In the study, FONPs selectively recognize Cr3+ without inferring other coexisting metal ions in the medium. Since the FONPs enhance the fluorescence intensity with respect to the concentration of Cr ion, they were applied in real samples like multivitamin formulations to detect Cr3+. The stoichiometry of FONPs/Cr3+ analyzed by a Job’s plot was 2:1 (FONPs:metal). The results show that FONPs accurately measure the concentration of Cr3+ in the vitamin tablets in aqueous medium, agreeing with the reported chromium content in the vitamin formulations, and the detection limit was found to be 7.2 μM. Furthermore, the binding nature of the ligand with Cr3+ was studied through the molecular orbital analysis, where a lower energy HOMO was observed for [Cr(BTED)]3+ than that for the free ligand, meaning that the lowering of the receptor HOMO energy enhances the fluorescence emission in the photo-induced electron transfer.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorder(CKD-MBD) is a systemic disorder of the mineral and bone metabolism seen in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD). It is manifested by either one or a combination of the following: (a) Abnormalities of calcium, phosphorus, PTH, or vitamin D metabolism. (b) Abnormalities in bone turnover, mineralization, volume, linear growth, or strength. (c) Vascular or other soft- tissue calcification. Renal osteodystrophy measures the skeletal component of CKD-MBD. To study the histomorphology of bone marrow biopsy in patients with CKD-MBD and correlate the histological features of bone biopsy with the clinicobiochemical parameters. 32 cases of diagnosed CKD-MBD formed the study group. Detailed clinical history and biochemical analysis was done for them. Bone marrow trephine biopsies were conducted and the histology was studied. The clinicobiochemical and the histomorphological findings were correlated. Based on the bone biopsy findings, Hyperparathyroid bone disease consisted of-14 cases (44%), Mixed uremic osteodystrophy of-16 cases (50%) and one case (3%) each of Low turnover disease (Adynamic bone disease) and Normal histology. The mean blood urea, S. Creatinine, S Phosphate and the S. Vit D3 were found to be statistically significant between the two major subgroups. The area of the bone trabeculae and the osteoid percentage was found to be more in the MUO group and was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: A trephine biopsy helps us in understanding the skeletal symptoms of the CKD when the clinical and biochemical parameters are not conclusive. A biopsy in unexplained bone pain/fractures, unexplained hypercalcemia and elevated phosphate levels helps in guiding the proper management of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioenhancers can increase the bioavailability of metabolism susceptible drugs. The present study was designed to understand the impact of bioenhancer on permeability and bioavailability of a biopharmaceutical drug disposition classification system (BDDCS) class II drug raloxifene (RLX). RLX undergoes extensive first pass metabolism by UGT enzymes in gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and has an oral bioavailability of about 2%. Self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) of RLX was developed using a designed approach and this formulation was loaded with reported bioenhancers: quercetin and piperine. These formulations were tested for improvement in permeability and bioavailability of the RLX. The apparent permeability using everted gut sac ( P ) for SEDDS (5.26 ± 1.10 × 10 cm/s) was found to be similar to that of SEDDS with bioenhancers (5.11 ± 1.05 × 10 cm/s). In oral bioavailability study in rat, SEDDS demonstrated a 4-fold and 2.5-fold higher AUC than RLX suspension (control) and marketed product, respectively. No additional improvement in permeability and bioavailability was offered by inclusion of piperine and quercetin (bioenhancers) in the SEDDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium and its alloys are being employed in various industries, e.g., aerospace, biomedical, dental, automobile, because of their very high strength, high hardness, low weight, resistance to corrosion, and very low wear rate. But its machining is always a matter of concern due to its difficult to machine nature by conventional means. Although electrical discharge machining (EDM) is suitable for machining titanium and its alloys, selection of machining parameters for higher machining rate and accuracy is a challenging task in machining micro-holes. The present research attempts to optimize micro-EDM process parameters for machining commercially pure (Cp) titanium. The metal removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR), and overcut (OC) were chosen as observed performance criteria to verify the optimal micro-EDM process parameters settings. In addition, the process parameters like current, frequency, and width (pulse on time) were adopted for evaluation by Taguchi method-based grey relational analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imidazolium salt stabilized copper nanoparticles were developed and characterized using TEM, DLS and EDX studies. Copper nanoparticles were further utilized as heterogeneous catalyst for the highly selective and efficient reduction of nitroarenes ( 1a- 10a) to the corresponding aromatic amines ( 1b- 10b) in aqueous medium. Imidazolium salt stabilized copper nanoparticles are not only causing the stability of the copper nanoparticles but also greatly enhancing the reactivity and selectivity of reduction reaction in presence of several functional group (-OH, -CHO and -NH) in aqueous medium with higher yield. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3 Dendrogram showing similarity coefficient of seven Trichoderma isolates based on sequencing analysis Reference 1 Choudhary AK, Singh N, Singh D. Evaluation of the bioformulation of potent native strains of Trichoderma spp. against the foot rot/gummosis of Kinnow mandarin. 1 DNA profile generated by Phytophthora genus and species by using specific primers, M= 100 bp and 50 bp Graph: Fig. [Extracted from the article]

A novel pyrrole-substituted salicylimine zinc (II) ion complex has been synthesized and evaluated its anion binding affinity. The probe 4 has high selectivity for HSO over other anions in CHOH:HO (70:30, v/ v) solvent system. The emission intensity of 4 was quenched upon addition of HSO. The probe 4 is highly selective for HSO with a detection limit of 40 nm. Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) is responsible for observed change. The binding affinity of 4 for HSO was further authenticated through ratiometric change in absorbance profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phthalazine based chemosensor 3 was developed for the highly selective and sensitive detection of Co2+ in the mixed solvent system, CH3CN–H2O (1 : 1, v/v). In the presence of Co2+, the colour of the solution 3 changed from yellow to green; the absorption maxima of 3 was red-shifted from 383 nm to 435 nm, and the fluorescence of 3 at 550 nm was significantly enhanced. The sensor 3 showed a detection limit down to 25 nM by forming a complex species with Co2+ in 1 : 1 stoichiometry. Furthermore, by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy experiments, it has demonstrated that it can be used as a fluorescent probe for monitoring Co2+ in living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide nanoparticle-coupled imine linkage-based receptors ( T4, T5 and T6) were studied for their voltammetric characteristics. T4 and T5 having electron withdrawing and electron donating substituents at meta position of the imine linkage showed prominent cathodic (reduction of imine group) peaks at −0.930 and −1.850 V, respectively, while T6 (without any substituent) showed a cathodic peak at −1.220 V. Voltammograms of the receptors indicated that T4 and T5 responded quantitatively for aluminium ions, while T6 responded for cobalt ions. All the three receptors exhibited linear dynamic concentration ranges between 0.1 and 0.42 µM with regression coefficients ≥0.98. Calibration curves for the determination of aluminium and cobalt ions based on DPV data are reported and supported with potentiometric studies. Energy minimization studies using Gaussian 03W software also supported stability of the complexes. The proposed analytical method has been validated with complexometric method for metal detection in real-time samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dipodal ligand 2,2′-((ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanediyl))bis(ethane-1,1-diyl))diphenol was synthesized through a condensation reaction and was characterized with IR, 1H NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectroscopy. The receptor 2 has shown marked enhancement in fluorescence intensity (emission signal at 341 nm) on binding with Zn2+ as compared to other surveyed metal ions. The sensor has shown dramatic changes in dual channel fluorescence emission with λmax at 300 and 341 nm. The successive addition of Zn2+ to the solution of the sensor led to a blue shift of the peak maxima and interestingly upon addition of higher equivalents of Zn2+ quenched the fluorescence intensity of the sensor, and ultimately the original fluorescent profile of sensor was restored. The structures of 2 and 3 were optimized with B3LYP/LanL2DZ basis sets. The receptor 2 successfully detect the Zn2+ ion in HeLa cells cultured in Zn2+ enriched medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presynthesized nanocrystalline Ni-20Cr powder was deposited on SA 516 and T91 boiler steels by a high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying process. Ni-20Cr powder was synthesized by the ball milling approach. The high-temperature oxidation behavior of bare and coated samples was then studied under cyclic isothermal conditions at 900 °C for 50 cycles. The kinetics of oxidation was established using weight change measurements for the bare and coated boiler steels. Uncoated and coated samples of T91 steel were exposed to the superheated zone of a power plant boiler at 750 °C under cyclic conditions for 15 cycles. Each cycle consisted of 100 h of heating followed by 1 h of cooling. Attempts were made to study the kinetics of erosion-corrosion using weight change and thickness loss data for the samples. Different characterization techniques were used to study the oxidized and eroded-corroded samples, including x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray mapping analyses. The Ni-20Cr alloy powder coating was found to offer excellent oxidation resistance to the base steels and was successful in reducing the weight gain of SA 516 steel by 98.5 % and that of T91 steel by 65 %. The coating was observed to reduce the erosion-corrosion rate of T91 steel by 86 % in terms of thickness loss. This indicates that the investigated nanostructured coating can be a better choice over conventional coating for erosion-corrosion control of boiler tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pyridine based imine-linked chemosensor has been synthesized and evaluated its binding affinity with library of transition metal ions. It has prominent selectivity towards Pb among other metal ions in DMF/HO (9:1, v/v) solvent system. The 1:1 stoichiometric was confirmed by job's plot and has a binding constant (K) = 5.142 × 10 M on fluorescence. A B3LYP/6-31G and B3LYP/LanL2DZ basis sets were employed for optimization of 3 and 3.Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urea based fluorescent chemosensor 1 was synthesized. Receptor 1 shows unique selectivity for the Feion and no such significant response was noticed with other metal ions (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb and Bi) in DMSO/HO (50:50,v/v) semi-aqueous solution. The binding features have been established by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. The binding constant (K) values obtained from Benesi-Hildebrand, Scatchard and Connor plot for receptor 1 is (8.3 ± 0.3) × 10 M and has good detection limit 0.7 μM. The stoichiometry of 1.Fe complex was confirmed by mass spectroscopy and Job's plot. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Present work reports the synthesis of poly2-ethyleaniline (PEANI) by oxidative polymerization of 2-ethyleaniline and its composite with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via in situ chemical synthesis route (simultaneous polymerization and precipitation). PEANI and its nanocomposite were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis-differential Scanning Calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform-infrared. The structural confirmation of the polymer was confirmed by FT-IR which shows strong absorption starting at ~1,600 cm and extended to near-IR, Attributed to the presence of free carrier in the polymer. XRD of Polymer shows large X-rays peaks indicating that the material is rather amorphous with a certain degree of crystallinity where as XRD of PEANI-Au nanocomposite confirms the incorporation of AuNPs in composite. The TEM image showed the formation of PEANI-AuNPs core shell nanostructure. From TGA-DSC studies it was confirmed that the decomposition of the polymer in the composite is lowered by 254 °C as compare to PEANI alone, resulting in weak structure. Whereas I-V characteristics' shows that the composite has about 10 % lower conductance values than the polymer alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]