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Sports video classification (SVC) is now considered a challenging topic, therefore, developing an automatic sports scene classification technique has received tremendous interest. This research develops an efficient key frame extraction method and hybrid Wavelet Convolution Neural Network (WCNN) framework with optimization scheme to classify sports videos. Initially, input videos are converted into number of frames, and keyframes are extracted using Enhanced threshold with Discrete Wavelet Transform (ETDWT) method. Then, Cross Guided Bilateral Filter (CGBF) method eliminates the noise from the keyframe. After that, segmentation process is performed by the Fuzzy Equilibrium Optimizer (FEO) algorithm, and then motions are detected using the Farneback optical flow (OF) method. Finally, classification process is performed using Hybrid Wavelet Convolutional Manta Ray Foraging Optimization (HWCMRFO) algorithm to categorize different sports videos. The overall work is implemented using Python language. Simulation results proved that the proposed work achieved the highest accuracy (93.17%) compared to existing approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysprosium (Dy3+) ion substituted 0.8BaTiO3-0.2Bi0.5K0.5TiO3 (here after abbreviated as BTBKT-20) lead free ceramic materials with composition 0.8BNa0.2(Bi0.5(1-x)Dy0.5xK0.5)TiO3 (where x = 0.01,0.03,0.05) were prepared by conventional solid state reaction method and followed by high energy ball milling process. The X-ray diffraction studies confirm the tetragonal structure of the material at the room temperature. Microstructure studies have been carried out with the help of scanning electron microscope. Temperature and frequency dependent dielectric studies indicate that dielectric constant decreasing with the substitution of Dy3+. The substitution of Dy3+ effect the Curie temperature and it is decreasing with increase of Dy3+ substitution. Relaxor behavior is observed in all the Dy3+ substituted samples. Degree of diffuseness is calculated from the modified Curie-Weiss law and it has been found to be increasing with the substitution of Dy. AC conductivity is calculated and it is found to be obey the universal Jonscher's Power law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-strength materials fabricated from biodegradable resources are in demand due to their renewable nature, lightweight, and environmental friendliness. The current experimental investigation aims to examine the influence of Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica tree trunk bark nano-powder on properties of milkweed fiber-reinforced polymer composites (MFPCs). The composites were prepared by compression molding method, and the properties such as mechanical strength and water absorption behavior were analyzed; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation were also carried out. Results revealed that the inclusion of V. indica tree trunk nano-powder had a considerable effect on the properties of MFPCs, and it could act as an impending nano-filler for the polymer matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experimental work, the influence of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) powder on thermo-mechanical, water absorption, and morphological properties of Tindora (Coccinia grandis) tendrils fiber-reinforced epoxy composites is investigated. The Coccinia grandis fibers (CGFs) were extracted from tendrils of the Tindora plant, and composites with and without Haritaki powder (HP) are fabricated by using hand layup and compression molding techniques. The mechanical strengths, water absorption studies, and the characterization techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction studies, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy studies are conducted. From the results, it is found that the mechanical strengths of the HP filled C. grandis fiber-reinforced composites (HPCGFRCs) are 14.26–26.59% higher than that of those without HP composites. The maximum weight gain percentages of CGFs and their composites due to water absorption varied between 6.32% and 10.63%. Findings of the experiments reveal that the inclusion of HP has a significant influence on the properties of CGFRCs and ascertained that HP could be the potential nanofiller formost of the polymer matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the influence of silane treatment on characterization of Ipomoea staphylina plant fiber composites reinforced with epoxy matrix are studied. The silane treated I. staphylina fiber reinforced composites (ISFRCs) are fabricated through hand layup and compression molding methods. The composites are subjected to characterization techniques, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, thermo-gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction studies, and field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. Results revealed that the silane treatment has a significant influence on characterization of ISFRCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present era, natural fiber composites are replacing synthetic fibers because of their wide range of advantages. The present research concerns the manufacturing and characterization of hybrid composites containing banana/pineapple fibers with different stacking sequences produced by the hand layout process. Manufactured stacking sequences were tested for (tensile, flexural, impact, interlaminar shear) strength, Shore D hardness, flammability and water absorption properties. The thermal properties of the manufactured composites have been analyzed using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to study the tensile-fractured surface. The results showed that the tensile strength, flexural and impact strength increased when the stacking sequence was Pineapple-Banana-Pineapple-Banana. The hybrid composites with Pineapple–Pineapple- Pineapple–Pineapple have better interlaminar properties and high thermal resistance. The hybrid composite made up of Banana–Banana- Banana–Banana has improved shore D hardness. The image obtained from the SEM studies was also in correlation with the experimental results. It can be extended to light load conditions for automotive and building equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ripe Bulrush fibers (RBFs) is one of the grass fibers that have the potential to replace synthetic fibers. This work focuses on the effect of alkalization on characterization of Ripe Bulrush fiber-reinforced composites (RBRCs). The composites are fabricated by compression molding process and the characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies have been carried out. From the results, it is found that the significant improvement in properties and more thermal stability due to the alkalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zirconium substituted 0.8BaTiO3-0.2Bi0.5K0.5TiO3 lead free ceramic materials were prepared by solid state reaction followed by high energy ball milling process. To understand its frequency dependent electrical properties, impedance spectroscopic studies were carried out. From the impedance studies it is observed that relaxation taken place from 375 °C. Single depressed semicircle was observed from the Cole-Cole plots. This indicates non-Debye kind of relaxation process. Grain resistance value was calculated from the Cole-Cole plots and it is found to be increasing with increase of Zr substitution. Modulus spectroscopic studies also confirm the non-Debye kind of relaxation process in the material. Variations in normalized values of Z ″ / Z ″ max & M ″ / M ″ max as a function of logarithm of frequency indicates short range conductivity in the present material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sn doped Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)1-xSnxO3 (x = 0. 0.05, 0.1) were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method. Raman spectroscopic studies confirm the tetragonal structural of the material. Impedance spectroscopic studies were carried out to understand temperature and frequency dependent properties which shows the non-Debye kind of relaxation process. Cole-Cole plots reveal the contribution of grain and grain boundary to the conduction process. The values of activation energy suggests that conduction is ionic in nature. AC conductivity was found to obey the Johnscher's power law. Ferroelectric studies were carried out and it was observed that the values of remnant polarization (Pr) increased with Sn substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis research investigates the strategy for developing large-scale solid aluminum structures with multi-bead multi-layer (MBML) overlapping using wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). The study addresses challenges, i.e. material accumulation, surface irregularities, and inter-bead and inter-layer gaps, by examining deposits’ geometrical characteristics, process parameters, and deposition methods. Initial test coupon solid blocks are printed and analyzed using optical microscopy, and subsequent statistical optimization leads to the successful printing of a defect-free 140 mm × 150 mm × 28 mm solid block. The flat surface achieved in the MBML structure is attributed to maintaining an optimal overlap coefficient and a parabolic profile with the maximum width at the base. Microstructural analysis reveals the absence of fusion gaps, with an average porosity of 11.7 ± 2.45%, due to hydrogen evolution and reheating effects, with few larger pores near fusion lines. The microstructural and mechanical analyses confirm the homogeneity of properties along the overlapping direction (OD), with microhardness averaging 85.80 ± 6.63 HV0.1 and tensile strength of 161.55 ± 1.19 MPa with 2.18 ± 0.08% elongation. Microhardness fluctuations along the OD are attributed to fusion boundaries, partially melted and heat-affected zones. The research revealed that careful consideration of bead geometry and process parameters is crucial for achieving defect-free aluminum solid structures in WAAM through MBML overlapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Getting the incentives (and disincentives) right in order to ensure proper levels of compliance with government initiatives is a vital assumption of much of the writings on policy design. The assumption, however, overlooks or underestimates other critical factors that affect compliance. This includes policy-makers' behaviour in the social and political construction of policy targets and it also minimizes the complex objective and subjective conditions that affect the target population's attitudes and behaviours in relation to policy-maker aims and goals. The notion of policy-takers as static targets who passively receive policies without trying to evade or even profit from them is as misguided as the assumption that policy-makers only consider evidence on policy tools' effectiveness before selecting them. This article highlights the critical issue surrounding the choice and workings of policy tools and introduces the papers in this special issue. It indicates how they contribute to filling the gaps in our existing understanding of policy tools and advance our understanding of both policy-maker and policy-taker behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless Sensor Networks have been used for sensing and gathering data about an environment from a remote location for many years in a variety of engineering applications. In WSN, nodes must overcome energy consumption to function efficiently. To resolve these issues and extend the usefulness of the network, clustering and routing algorithms are promising. One of the main issues with WSNs is that they lack restricted energy sources. To overcome this issue, a Hybrid Optimized Energy-Efficient Adaptive Clustered Routing approach (HOEEACR) has been proposed for WSNs. This paper presents the Genetic Bee Colony (GBC) Algorithm for Cluster Head Selection by considering distances to neighbors, residual energy, node degrees, and node centralities. Furthermore, an optimal routing path for the cluster heads is found by utilizing the Aquila with African Vulture Optimization (AAVO) algorithm. The AAVO optimizes network performance using residual energy, node degree, and distance. The proposed HOEEACR method has been extensively tested to ensure network lifetime and energy efficiency. According to experimental results, the proposed HOEEACR method consistently outperforms existing techniques on a variety of performance metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites made from renewable sources have become important alternative materials for designing and manufacturing engineering and industrial products. Natural fiber composites have become superior materials compared to conventional fiber composites, due to their easy manufacturing process, high-fiber content, reduction in the polluting base content, lightweight, and incineration. Environmental cleanliness is an increasing concern to look for sustainable alternative materials that can replace conventional materials that are being used now. Natural fibers constitute a good alternative reinforcement material, since they are readily available in fibrous form, and can be extracted at very low costs. In the present study, environment friendly green composites have been prepared and the mechanical properties of these composites are evaluated. The results indicated a significant improvement in the tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the hybrid composites, and the effect of hybridization reduces the environmental effects. The internal structure of the broken surface, delamination of fibers, and the failure morphology are analyzed using the scanning electron microscopy analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the paper is to assess the usefulness of conceptions of different modes of governance for understanding policy outcomes by studying the experience with hierarchical and non-hierarchical governance modes in the health care sector in China, India, and Thailand. The paper shows their experience with non-hierarchical modes to have been largely disappointing and that all three, but especially Thailand, are in the process of reverting to a more hierarchical mode of service delivery. The conclusion from this study is that non-hierarchical governance is not a substitute for or an improvement upon hierarchical governance in health care due to the many market and government failures that afflict the sector and affect the ability of different governance modes to function effectively. The hierarchical mode of government is also imperfect but less so than the alternatives in delivering health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A selective extraction–spectrophotometric method has been developed for determination of selenium(IV) usingO-methoxyphenyl thiourea (OMePT) as a chelating agent. The basis of the proposed method is the spectrophotometric determination of selenium(IV)–OMePT complex obtained after extraction of selenium(IV) from 3.5 M hydrochloric acid media using OMePT in chloroform solvent. The complex shows maximum absorbance at 350 nm against the reagent blank. The Beer’s law was obeyed over the concentration range 5–60 µg mL−1of selenium(IV). The optimum concentration range was 20–50 µg mL−1as evaluated from Ringbom’s plot. The molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity of the selenium(IV)–OMePT complex in chloroform were 3.312 × 102L mol−1cm−1and 0.2384 µg cm−2, respectively. The composition of selenium(IV)–OMePT complex was 1:2 established from slope ratio method, mole ratio method and Job’s continuous variation method. The complex was stable for more than 72 h. The interfering effect of various foreign ions was studied and suitable masking agents were used wherever necessary to enhance the selectivity of the developed method. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of selenium(IV) from real samples, viz. pharmaceutical formulations, shampoo, vegetable sample, synthetic mixtures and environmental samples. Repetition of the method was checked by finding the relative standard deviation (RSD) for 10 determinations which was 0.35%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to analyse and assess health care reforms in Vietnam since the late 1980s. It will argue that shortcomings of the reforms centre on three related sets of measures: substitution of budgetary allocation with user charges, expansion of social insurance and promotion of decentralisation. Reduction in fiscal support for providers offered them the motive to concentrate on revenue-generating activities while user charges provided them with the means to do so. With both the motive and the means for maximising revenues in place, providers vigorously pursued income-maximisation which had the effect of raising overall expenditures while reducing access. To deal with the problem of declining access due to rising user charges, the government is in the process of vigorously expanding social insurance. However, social insurance does not deal with the root causes of the problem of rising expenditures which lie in paying providers on a fee-for-service (FFS) basis. The paper will further argue that decentralisation has aggravated the adverse effects of FFS by diluting control and accountability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of signal-processing algorithms implemented in hardware depends on the efficiency of datapath, memory speed and address computation. Pattern of data access in signal-processing applications is complex and it is desirable to execute the innermost loop of a kernel in a single-clock cycle. This necessitates the generation of typically three addresses per clock: two addresses for data sample/coefficient and one for the storage of processed data. Most of the Reconfigurable Processors, designed for multimedia, focus on mapping the multimedia applications written in a high-level language directly on to the reconfigurable fabric, implying the use of same datapath resources for kernel processing and address generation. This results in inconsistent and non-optimal use of finite datapath resources. Presence of a set of dedicated, efficient Address Generator Units (AGUs) helps in better utilisation of the datapath elements by using them only forkernel operations; and will certainly enhance the performance. This article focuses on the design and application-specific integrated circuit implementation of address generators for complex addressing modes required by multimedia signal-processing kernels. A novel algorithm and hardware for AGU is developed for accessing data and coefficients in a bit-reversed order for fast Fourier transform kernel spanning over log 2Nstages, AGUs for zig-zag-ordered data access for entropy coding after Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), convolution kernels with stored/streaming data, accessing data for motion estimation using the block-matching technique and other conventional addressing modes. When mapped to hardware, they scale linearly in gate complexity with increase in the size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The government of Hong Kong has been trying to reform the territory's health care financing system since the early 1990s and is finally on the verge of succeeding. The objective of this paper is to assess the reform efforts and explain the causes of repeated failures and eventual success. It will argue that the government's fortunes changed only after it abandoned the core reform goal and decided to pursue peripheral objectives. It will explain the abandonment with reference to the peculiar political system in Hong Kong that makes it difficult for the government to adopt substantial policy reforms in the face of even moderate opposition. The reason for the government's policy incapacity is the existence of liberalism in a non-democratic setting, which allows the government to neither suppress opposition nor mobilize popular support. This has been illustratively evident in its health care reforms when its proposals to improve the system's fiscal sustainability invariably met an early death because they imposed costs on employers, the population or both. The current proposal has fared better not only because it addresses a simpler peripheral problem but also because it offends almost no one and pleases many among the powerful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares health policy trends in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand with the purpose of drawing usable lessons in reform. The study finds that governments in the region are rapidly privatizing the provision of healthcare at the same time as they are expanding the government's role in financing. The paper argues that expansion of public financing at the same time as private provision is misconceived as the combination would aggravate instances and severity of market failures peculiar to the sector. The dysfunctional trend is particularly evident in Indonesia and the Philippines. In Thailand, in contrast, the expansion of public financing has occurred in the context of a health system dominated by public providers, which has had the effect of restraining healthcare costs. Malaysia occupies a mid position between Indonesia and the Philippines on the one hand and Thailand on the other. All four cases underline the value of state capacity in designing optimal policies and implementing them effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the design of a compact branch line coupler based on defected ground structure (DGS) in microstrip medium. Unit cell's (of DGS) equivalent circuit has been used to evaluate the performance of coupler. Based on this approach, a compact coupler has been realized at 2.4 GHz yielding a size reduction of 33% over the conventional coupler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on processing of foods focusing on low oxygen and inert gas processing. Oxidation of food ingredients as pigments, vitamins, and aroma compounds is one of the most significant causes of quality loss during food processing and is the primary deteriorative reaction in microbiologically safe foods as dry and frozen products.

Examines the relationship between states and globalization, using the case of Singapore as an example. Predictions on the impact of globalization on Singapore's economy; Structuralist and agent-centric perspectives on state-globalization relations; Impact of globalization on state-society relations.

Examines the conventional and reciprocal approaches to the electroencephalography forward problem. Computation of surface potentials; Resolution of the electric field at the source dipole; Use of a common weighted-residual formulation.

Offers a look the social security programs in Indonesia and Thailand, which include retirement and health care programs. Factors distinguishing the two Southeast Asian countries in terms of social security programs they offer; Stances which make it politically unnecessary to provide comprehensive social security to the rest of the population.

The paper examines income maintenance and health policies in Singapore. It finds that, contrary to widely-held perceptions, the state is heavily involved in these areas. There exist generous schemes for government employees and a miserly programme for the hard-core poor. Private sector workers are looked after by programmes that they themselves and their employers pay for. The paper explains the patterns with reference to the nature of political competition in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline compounds of Sn substituted Pb0.9Mn0.1(Zr0.52Ti0.48)1-xSnx O3 (where x = 0.05,0.1) are synthesized by conventional ceramic method. Raman spectroscopy study reveals the tetragonal structure of Sn substituted samples. Impedance spectroscopic studies reveal the non-Debye kind of relaxation process in the material. Grain and grain contribution to the electrical conduction was observed. The observed P-E hysteresis confirmed the ferroelectric nature of all the samples. With the increase of Sn doping, Pr, Ps and Ec values also increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, research attention on composite materials accentuates where not only was their unique attributes agglomerated-alleviated weight and density, elevated impact and specific strengths, but also on where their bio-degradability and eco-friendliness transpires. In these, the alkali treated composites, to meet the needs of the aforementioned attributes and economy, with significant applicability in the market avenues. Hence, the present experimental study endeavors on investigating the effect of alkali treatment on mechanical and thermal properties of Tapsi fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Further, their characterization was done using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. From the results, it is found that 15 gms Tapsi fiber reinforced with NaOH treated specimens exhibited 43.02 MPa and 160 MPa of tensile and flexural strengths, respectively, which is notable and 10 gms Tapsi fiber reinforced with NaOH treated specimens revealed more thermal stability. The results are witnessed that showcase the effect of alkali treatment on the aforementioned properties through different characterization techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-parameter inverse Gaussian distribution is found to have useful applications in a wide variety of fields. The uniformly minimum variance estimator of its mean is known and is the sample mean; however, no such estimator of the variance is reported in the literature. Here the uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimators of the variance and its reciprocal are derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many visions of governance, governments are portrayed as playing a “steering”, rather than “rowing”, role. The widespread use of privatization, deregulation, decentralization and third-party governments are often mentioned as concrete manifestations of the broad transformation which has led to new forms of governance. Examined more closely, however, the large and growing body of literature on governance has done little to clarify what is “new” about “new governance”. Does it indicate a clean break from institutions and processes of the past, or is it merely chronicling an assortment of instrument changes necessary for governments to adapt to changing socio-economic conditions? Do the changes really indicate the emergence of a new system in which the government is merely another player on a par with societal and international counterparts? More fundamentally, is governance a normative framework reflecting the hopes and desires of those who prefer smaller governments, or an empirical description of an existing reality? This article briefly surveys existing studies in the field as an introduction to the articles in this special issue. These articles provide strong arguments in support of the view that governments continue to play a pivotal role in policy-making, and that if this fact is not taken into consideration then the perception is of governance risk being anchored to a merely normative or prescriptive view rather than an empirically robust one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a new design of microstrip directional coupler with high directivity. This directional coupler uses corrugated coupled lines and floating conductor in the ground plane of microstrip to enhance coupling. Based on this structure, directional coupler having 4.4% bandwidth has been designed at 4500 MHz with 10 dB coupling and 35 dB directivity. The designed directional coupler has been fabricated and tested for the validity of the design. Measured results are presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: In patients referred with blepharoptosis, the possibility of an underlying systemic cause for their ptosis can warrant a more detailed evaluation. The purpose of this study is to determine both the incidence and demographic characteristics associated with different types of ptosis in patients referred to the oculoplastics division at a tertiary care center. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients referred to the oculoplastics division between 2007 and 2010. Final etiology for each patient's ptosis was determined based on history, standard eyelid measurements, and ancillary testing. Based on etiology, ptosis was categorized as aponeurotic, neurogenic, myogenic, traumatic, congenital, or mechanical. Demographics, including median age and sex were analyzed for patients in each category of ptosis. Results: Of the 251 patients, aponeurotic ptosis was the most common type of ptosis (60.2%), followed by traumatic (11.2%), congenital (10.4%), mechanical (8.8%), neurogenic (5.6%), and myogenic (4.0%). Of the neurogenic group, 35.7% of patients had cranial nerve 3 (CN 3) palsy, 28.6% had myasthenia gravis, 14.3% had aberrant regeneration, and 7.1% had Horner's syndrome. Thirty percent of the myogenic group had chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO). The congenital group had the youngest median age (10.5 years), yet the aponeurotic group had the oldest (62 years). Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients referred with ptosis had more serious conditions such as neurogenic or myogenic ptosis. Thus, clinicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion and thoroughly evaluate all patients with ptosis in order to properly assess for underlying systemic associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Closed-form expressions for the propagation characteristics of coupled microstrip lines with a symmetrical aperture in the ground plane are derived. Expressions for the regular microstrip coupled lines have been modified using physical insights to incorporate the effect of the aperture. The accuracy of these expressions has been verified by full-wave simulations and compared with conformal mapping analysis. These expressions are accurate within 5% for a substrate whose thickness varies from 0.2 to 1.6 mm and permittivity in the range of 2–10. Designing a broadband filter based on planar multi-conductor coupled lines with aperture in the ground plane is demonstrated in this paper using the proposed expressions for its practical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-linked polymer (CLP) composed of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate has been used in synthesizing gel electrolyte. A set of electrolyte samples was synthesized using gel casting method by varying the weight percentage ratio of cross-linked polymers from 2–14 % in an incremental order (2 %) with respect to poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) and evaluated its performance by employing in the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells. The synthesized polymer was subjected to different analytical techniques such as NMR, TGA, DSC, GPC, and FTIR to confirm the materials. The molecular weight of the CLP has been measured using GPC and the obtained value is found to be 3.655 KDa with polydispersity of 1.94. The CLP-PEO gel electrolyte with 10 % weight ratio has obtained the highest ionic conductivity of 3.07 × 10−6 S/cm−1 at room temperature and best photo-conversion efficiency of 5.1 % was achieved for the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to improve knowledge of the transnational diffusion of public policies. It argues that existing studies on the subject do not provide an adequate understanding of the mechanisms through which diffusion takes place, nor do they sufficiently address the roles specific organizations and individuals play in driving or determining the policy transfer process. We address these shortcomings by studying the diffusion of conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes from Latin America to Ghana and the Philippines over the past decade. We use the concept of ‘instruments constituency’ to delineate and trace the various actors and channels involved in the diffusion of CCTs. The comparative case studies show that these constituencies, dedicated to the articulation, adoption, and expansion of particular policy instruments, are central players in transnational diffusion of policies. This finding has significant implications for the study of policy transfer and diffusion, identifying a heretofore neglected actor in these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nilgirianthus ciliatusis a globally endangered aromatic slender shrub of Western Ghats with extensive applications in Ayurveda. It is endangered due to its indiscriminate collection and overexploitation to meet the requirements of the pharmaceuticals. This study deals with the preservation of this endangered plant throughin vitronodal culture. Nodal explants were initially cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) or 6-furfurylaminopurine individually for primary shoot induction. For multiple shoot induction, primary shoots were transferred onto MS medium containing BA individually or in combination with auxins. Clusters of multiple shoots (up to 24.3) occurred with highest frequency (93.2%) on MS medium fortified with BA (3 mg l−1) and indole-3-acetic acid (0.1 mg l−1).In vitroregenerated plantlets were rooted on half-strength MS medium with maximum rooting frequency (82.2%) obtained in the presence of indole-3-butyric acid (1.0 mg l−1). The rooted plantlets were acclimatized to soil with 100% survival rate. Results of this study allowed us to develop an efficient regeneration system that will permit to carry out restoration programmes ofN. ciliatusin Western Ghats. In future, this protocol will be an invaluable tool to produce synthetic seeds for cryopreservation and long-term conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A precise and selective method has been developed for extraction spectrophotometric determination of osmium(IV) and ruthenium(III) usingo-methoxyphenyl thiourea (OMePT) as a chromogenic ligand. The basis of the proposed methods are osmium(IV)-OMePT complex was formed in 0.8 mol L−1at room temperature while ruthenium(III)-OMePT complex was formed in 3.4 mol L−1aqueous hydrochloric acid media after 5.0 min heating in boiling water bath. The osmium(IV)-OMePT and ruthenium(III)-OMePT complex were measured at 518 and 640 nm against the reagent blank, respectively. Complexes were also extracted in 10 mL chloroform and showed comparable absorbance values. Beer’s law was obeyed up to 110.0μg mL−1for osmium(IV)-OMePT complex and up to 50.0μg mL−1for ruthenium(III)-OMePT complex. Molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity of osmium(IV)-OMePT and ruthenium(III)-OMePT complexes were 2.12 × 103L mol−1cm−1, 0.089μg cm−2and 2.34 × 103L mol−1cm−1, 0.043μg cm−2, respectively. The stoichiometry of osmium(IV)-OMePT and ruthenium(III)-OMePT complex was 1:1 and 1:2, respectively. Stability of osmium(IV)-OMePT complex was > 8 days and that of ruthenium(III)-OMePT complex was > 48 h. The proposed method was successfully applied for determination of osmium(IV) and ruthenium(III) from synthetic mixtures corresponding to platinum-osmium alloy and fissium alloy, respectively. The method was successfully applied for sequential separation of osmium(IV), ruthenium(III), and platinum(IV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. An 'open access' generic high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed for different combination sets each containing specific cytochrome P450 probe substrate and the corresponding metabolite. Method development, optimization and validation were carried out with the following combinations: phenacetin + paracetamol + internal standard (IS, celecoxib), bufuralol + hydroxybufuralol + IS, testosterone + 6β-hydroxytestosterone + IS, chlorzoxazone + 6-hydroxychlorzoxazone + IS, coumarin + 7-hydroxycoumarin + IS, tolbutamide + hydroxytolbutamide + IS, and diazepam + desmethyldiazepam + IS. 2. The assay procedure involved a simple one-step liquid/liquid extraction followed by reverse phase chromatography (Inertsil ODS 3V column) employing a ternary gradient system and the eluate was monitored by a photodiode array/fluorescence detector. The standard curve for each compound, in the concentration range 0.1-10 μg ml -1 , in various sets was linear ( r 2 >0.99) and absolute recoveries of all analytes were >90%. The lower limit of quantification was 0.1 μg ml -1 . The intraday precision and accuracy in the measurements of quality control were <15% relative standard deviation and <15% deviation from nominal values, respectively. 3. Each combination set was tested with individual chemical inhibitors (furafylline, quinidine, ketoconazole, disulfiram, diethyldithiocarbamate, sulphaphenazole and tranylcypromine) and all analytes were well resolved. Overall, the assay is simple, uses conventional instrumentation and provides a scope to analyse all cytochrome P450 combination sets continuously. The application of the method in the cytochrome P450 liability screen of novel compounds is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]