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AI/ML-based data-driven methodologies are becoming increasingly effective in understanding and predicting plasma disruption in tokamaks by identifying critical signatures present in various diagnostic signals obtained from tokamaks. A high-performance ML-based disruption predictor requires large accurately labelled data. Until now, plasma shots from the ADITYA tokamak have primarily been classified (labelled) as disruptive or non-disruptive manually. Here, we present three computational techniques, namely the Sorted-array approach, the Interval comparison approach and the Threshold-Straight line method for automatic labelling of the ADITYA shots as disruptive or non-disruptive based on the plasma current dropdown time. Statistical analysis and comparison between automatic labelling and manual labelling indicate the promising potential of the proposed techniques. A correlation analysis is also conducted by incorporating plasma diagnostics such as Plasma current, Loop voltage, Bolometer, Mirnov, Hard X-ray, Soft–X-ray, Radiation from Hydrogen-alpha, ionised oxygen and ionised carbon. This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into diverse physical phenomena associated with disruptions. Furthermore, correlation analysis based on current quench time highlights the significance of different diagnostics in providing distinct signatures related to plasma disruption. The insights obtained from this work can play a pivotal role in advancing the development of data-driven disruption prediction systems for ADITYA tokamak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel embedded machine learning (ML) framework was employed to analyze interfacial characteristics in dissimilar-alloy impact welding. While keeping the substrates constant, i.e., stainless steel and Ti alloy, the influence of interlayer types on the resultant morphology of impact-welded bonds was also highlighted. The dataset was meticulously generated through numerical simulations, utilizing materials properties and processing parameters as primary inputs. These inputs were used to predict various interfacial features, including the extent of wave formation (L), specific welding zone area (S), average waveform amplitude (A), and maximum interface temperature (Tmax). Impressively, exceptional predictive capabilities were demonstrated by the ML model, with determination coefficients of 0.938, 0.924, 0.967, and 0.909 for S, L, A, and Tmax, respectively. Based on the results, strong dependencies between interfacial features and the weight functions of materials properties and processing parameters were unveiled. Intriguingly, as the weight function of materials properties for a specific output objective increased, a corresponding decrease in the weight function of processing parameter inputs was observed. These findings emphasize the complex connection between input parameters and output characteristics, revealing previously unexplored intricacies in the impact welding process, facilitated by our advanced ML methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While soil organic carbon (SOC) is instrumental in soil fertility and soil productivity, thus offers an extremely imperative part in sandy soils of foothill Himalayas, scarce documentation has been surfaced regarding the short-term SOC changes and carbon stocks. The current study was conducted over two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) to assess the soil organic carbon changes under varied fertilization practices in black gram monoculture. A total of 13 treatments were replicated thrice in randomized block design in sandy loam soil. The results revealed that application of farmyard manure @ 2 t ha−1 (FYM) and inorganic fertilization under T13 recorded the highest labile carbon (LC), particulate organic carbon (POC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and soil organic carbon. Further, it has recorded lowest bulk density, while the treatment T2 marked the highest value for bulk density. A significant and positive relationship was observed among different carbon fractions. The sensitivity index (SI) of MBC, POC, KOC and SOC varied from 3.14 to 15.37%, 2.42 to 5.06%, 1.87 to 17.40% and −0.40 to 4.45%, respectively and differences were greatest in FYM treatments. The results inferred that application of FYM holds a prime prominence and should be preferred in the nutrient management to boost soil fertility and properties of soils, for maintenance of soil quality and crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of reflection of attenuated waves is considered at the boundary of a transversely isotropic piezothermoelastic composite. Identical horizontal slowness for all waves at the boundary defines Snell's law, which ensures the continuation of wave-field at a scattering boundary. Relations from this law are solved to relate the propagation characteristics of reflected waves to those of the incident wave. Any outcome from these relations should conform to the relevant mathematical principles. Else, the phenomenon of reflection wanders in incorrect domain and does not make a true contribution to existing knowledge. Any study with incorrect reflection procedure should be marked for its lapses and corrected so as to restrict the spread of wrong information on wave propagation in real materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A circularly polarized (CP) slot antenna is implemented utilizing a Y-shaped radiating strip connected to a quarter wave microstrip feed line for better impedance matching. A parasitic strip, and an antipodal Y-shaped strip are used here to obtain wide axial ratio bandwidth. Utilizing of two optimized spring notches and a rectangular slit on the trapered slot ground plane enhanced circularly polarized radiation. The compact antenna (28 × 28 mm2; 0.277λ0 × 0.277λ0, λ0 is free space wavelength at 2.965 GHz) gives wide measured impedance bandwidth (IBW) from 2.965 to 13.461 GHz, center resonating frequency (fr) 8.213 GHz, IBW 127.8% and a total of 10.496 GHz and measured wide CP band of 2.473 GHz (4.209–6.682 GHz, center CP resonating frequency (fcp) 5.445 GHz, 45.41%). The maximum measured peak gain of this antenna is 4.672 dBi at 6.5 GHz. Implemented antenna is suitable for some part of "S", "C" and "X" band wireless communication applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study illustrates the preparation of graphene oxide (GO) impregnated cellulose acetate (CA) ion exchange membrane (IEM). The compositional ratio of GO/CA/polyethylene glycol for preparing cation exchange membranes was optimised for ion exchange capacity (IEC), fixed charged density, water uptake, swelling degree and proton conductivity. Proton conductivity of 0.273 S cm−1 and IEC of 1.08 m mol/g at 30°C was obtained for the membrane with highest GO% (CAG3). The modified CAG3 membrane had better hydrophilicity with a contact angle of 53.4°. Based on the ion exchange property, the membrane was utilised to study the rejection behaviour of both cationic and anionic dyes along with its acid recovery performance in the presence of different salts. It was observed for highest GO-incorporated membrane CAG3 that the acid recovery increased to 61% (1.78 × 102 moles H+ ions/m2h). Low rejection rate for cationic dye (~20%) and high rejection for anionic dye (~92.5%) was obtained. The selective higher rejection of anionic dye along with better acid recovery confirms the formation of a better IEM with enhanced proton conductivity. Furthermore, on analysing for real-life water samples, obtained results showed that the rejection percentage and H+ ion molar flux rate decreased to 1.7% and 17.4%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2,4-Disubstituted quinoline derivatives were designed based on a 3D-QSAR study, synthesized and evaluated for antimalarial activity. A large dataset of 178 quinoline derivatives was used to perform a 3D-QSAR study using CoMFA and CoMSIA models. PLS analysis provided statistically validated results for CoMFA (r2ncv = 0.969, q2 = 0.677, r2cv = 0.682) and CoMSIA (r2ncv = 0.962, q2 = 0.741, r2cv = 0.683) models. Two series of a total of 40 2,4-disubstituted quinoline derivatives were designed with amide (quinoline-4-carboxamide) and secondary amine (4-aminoquinoline) linkers at the -C4 position of the quinoline ring. For the purpose of selecting better compounds for synthesis with good pEC50 values, activity prediction was carried out using CoMFA and CoMSIA models. Finally, a total of 10 2,4-disubstituted quinoline derivatives were synthesized, and screened for their antimalarial activity based on the reduction of parasitaemia. Compound #5 with amide linker and compound #19 with secondary amine linkers at the -C4 position of the quinoline ring showed maximum reductions of 64% and 57%, respectively, in the level of parasitaemia. In vivo screening assay confirmed and validated the findings of the 3D-QSAR study for the design of quinoline derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considers to solve the complex dispersion equation for propagation of Rayleigh waves in a dissipative porous composite. This porous medium is a viscoelastic porous solid frame saturated with a viscous fluid. Seepage of fluid at the boundary is controlled through pore-fluid pressure and its normal gradient. A complex irrational equation governs the propagation, attenuation and dispersion of the Rayleigh waves. A complex analysis technique is used to solve this equation into an explicit expression for complex phase velocity. Effects of porosity and seepage from surface pores are analyzed numerically on the velocity of Rayleigh wave in a saturated poroelastic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of drug-resistant epilepsy. Blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage occurs during epileptogenesis and several pieces of evidence suggest that this might contribute to the progression of epilepsy. Seizures trigger a pathway involving glutamate signalling through cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). This pathway leads to BBB leakage and induces the expression of drug efflux transporters, leading to drug resistance. Therefore, this study aims to determine the mRNA and protein levels of cPLA2, along with its functional activity, in the hippocampus of pilocarpine model of TLE as well as in the surgically resected hippocampal samples of patients with TLE. mRNA levels and protein levels of cPLA2 were evaluated by real-time PCR and western blot analysis respectively in animal model of TLE as well as surgically resected hippocampal tissue specimens of TLE. cPLA2 functional activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Significant up-regulation of cPLA2 mRNA was observed in the hippocampal samples obtained from TLE rats (p < 0.05) and-TLE patients (p < 0.01). Increased protein expression of cPLA2 was also demonstrated in the hippocampal samples of TLE rats (p < 0.01) as well as TLE patients (p < 0.01). Similarly, functional activity of cPLA2 was found to be up-regulated in the hippocampus of pilocarpine model of TLE rats (p < 0.01) as well as in the TLE patients (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that alterations in cPLA2 expression and activity level in the hippocampus could potentially be a part of dynamic changes associated with TLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted for two successive seasons July 2018 to November 2018 and July 2019 to November 2019 at the Fruit Instructional Farm, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar district under Rajasthan state of India. The experiment consisted of different treatments of Azospirillum brasilense (AZS) and Vermicompost (V.C.). It was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The 16 different treatment combinations of AZS and Vermicompost were applied to soil canopy of custard apple cv. Balanagar plants during first week of July 2018 and July 2019 in canopy rhizosphere of black vertisols in custard apple plants. Among different treatment combinations, T10 treatment consisting of AZS @ 50 g + V.C. @10 kg/plant was found relatively better over all other treatments with respect to most of the plant growth characteristics, including soil health properties and microbial population density in soil availability in canopy of custard apple cv. Balanagar plants. The pooled results of two years revealed comparative better plant growth parameters viz. rootstock girth (74.20 mm), scion girth (61.52 mm), plant height attribute (3.46 m), number of nodes per shoot (13.00), number of nodes per branch (86.17), number of shoots per branch (26.00), number of shoots per plant (151.00) have shown augmenting response in improvement of plant growth parameters under T10 treatment (AZS @ 50 g + V.C. @ 10 kg /plant) in custard apple cv. Balanagar plants. However, key soil parameters concerning bulk density (1.32 g/cm3), soil pH (7.39), and electrical conductivity (0.46 dS m−1) reduced significantly under T10 treatment over other treatments. The soil physico-chemical properties especially change in porosity (55.04%), organic carbon (0.55%), available nitrogen content (350.55 kg/ha), available phosphorous content (46.51 kg ha−1) and available potassium content (322.34 kg ha−1), bacterial population (26.67 cfu g−1), fungi population (15.00 cfu g−1) and actinomycetes population (10.00 cfu g−1) have shown tremendous response in improvement of soil parameters under T10 treatment (AZS @ 50 g + V.C. @ 10 kg /plant) with respect to overall soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small-size broadband circularly polarized (CP) two-element multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) slot antenna with a very low envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) is proposed for ultra-wideband (UWB) applications. Broadband circular polarization is attained by embedding the identical pair of spiral slots, rectangular slot, and grounded-L stub on the I-shaped slot antenna. Isolation is achieved through embedding two different slots between mirrored CP square slot antenna elements. The proposed MIMO antenna provides 58.82% (4.8–8.8 GHz) 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW), 138.32% (3.17–17.39 GHz) impedance bandwidth (IBW), and more than 16 dB port isolation over the operating band. The MIMO slot antenna size is 40 × 20 mm2 with a measured peak gain of about 4.41 dBi and efficiency more than 70%. The diversity performance is computed and presented in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propagation of Rayleigh waves is considered in an isotropic thermoelastic semi-infinite medium with isothermal or insulated boundary. This requires to solve an irrational complex equation for an implicit complex velocity. A complex analysis technique is used to solve this implicit equation so as to derive an explicit expression for the velocity of the Rayleigh wave in thermoelastic materials. The same expression allows calculation of the velocity of Rayleigh wave in thermo-viscoelastic medium as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid bio-assessment of River Ujh has been carried out using benthic macro-invertebrates based on the Hindu-Kush Himalayan (HKH) rapid field bio-assessment protocol. Meanwhile, the assessment of water quality in the river was performed using the weighted arithmetic water quality index (WA-WQI), based on physiochemical parameters. Furthermore, the biotic indices (such as Nepalese Biotic Score (NEPBIOS), modified NEPBIOS, HKHBIOS, Stream Invertebrate Grade Number-Average Level (SIGNAL), SIGNAL 2, biological monitoring working party and biological water quality class criteria) were used for biological assessment of water quality. The water samples were collected from eight sampling stations during the month of February in year 2015. The results indicate that the overall water quality in the river was poor (i.e. not suitable for drinking), as average WA-WQI was 78.65 in the sampling month. During the analysis of micro-invertebrate occurrence, a total of 10 taxonomic groups, 36 families and 2193 individual organisms were identified. Among all organisms, the members of taxonomic groups Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera were found in abundance at all sampling stations. However, the NEPBIO score was found to be decreasing from 6.1 at first sampling stations (S1, located in upstream) to 4.8 at last (S8, located in downstream), which indicate the decline in abundance of organisms due to deterioration of water quality in the river. Therefore, it has been suggested the river water must be treated prior to use for drinking. It is recommended that biotic indices developed for bio-assessment of water bodies in the central Himalayan region can also be applied suitably to assess the water quality status in River Ujh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to test direct and indirect antagonistic effect against Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (FOC), and plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits of bacteria isolated from rhizosphere soils of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). A total of 40 bacterial isolates were tested for their antagonistic activity against FOC and of which 10 were found to have strong antagonistic potential. These were found to be Streptomyces spp. (five isolates) and Bacillus spp. (five isolates) in the morphological and biochemical characterisation and 16S rDNA analysis. Under both greenhouse and wilt sick field conditions, the selected Streptomyces and Bacillus isolates reduced disease incidence and delayed expression of symptoms of disease, over the non-inoculated control. The PGP ability of the isolates such as nodule number, nodule weight, shoot weight, root weight, grain yield and stover yield were also demonstrated under greenhouse and field conditions over the non-inoculated control. Among the ten isolates, Streptomyces sp. AC-19 and Bacillus sp. BS-20 were found to have more potential for biocontrol of FOC and PGP in chickpea. This investigation indicates that the selected Streptomyces and Bacillus isolates have the potential to control Fusarium wilt disease and to promote plant growth in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenomenon of reflection and refraction is considered at the plane interface between a thermoelastic medium and thermo-poroelastic medium. Both the media are isotropic and behave dissipative to wave propagation. Incident wave in thermo-poroelastic medium is considered inhomogeneous with deviation allowed between the directions of propagation and maximum attenuation. For this incidence, four attenuated waves reflect back in thermo-poroelastic medium and three waves refract to the continuing thermoelastic medium. Each of these reflected/refracted waves is inhomogeneous and propagates with a phase shift. The propagation characteristics (velocity, attenuation, inhomogeneity, phase shift, amplitude, energy) of reflected and refracted waves are calculated as functions of propagation direction and inhomogeneity of the incident wave. Variations in these propagation characteristics with the incident direction are illustrated through a numerical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of thidiazuron (1-phenyl-3-(1, 2, 3-thiadiazol-5-yl) urea (TDZ) in the micropropagation ofPicrorhiza kurroa, a western Himalayan herb was studied. The roots and rhizomes of this plant are rich in medicinally important glycosides i.e., picroside I, picroside II and kutkoside. Nodal segments (2.0–2.5 cm) from plants were pretreated with 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 μM TDZ for 7, 15 and 30 days. Maximum shoot multiplication was recorded after 60 days, provided, the nodal segments pretreated with 0.5 μM TDZ for 15 days were transferred to 0.8% agar gelled MS medium containing 3.0% sucrose. The shoots also showed profuse rooting having maximum length. When these plantlets were incubated at 15°C for 10 days and transferred to sand under polyhouse conditions, 100% survival was recorded after one month. In contrast, when the plantlets were not incubated at 15°C, only 86% survival was recorded. While the stomata and chlorophyll content of the tissue culture-raised plantlets treated at 15°C were comparable to that of plants growing in the field, the ones that were not treated at 15°C showed lower number of stomata and chlorophyll content. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) is a vertical pressure tube¿½ype, heavy water¿½moderated, and boiling light water¿½cooled natural-circulation¿½based reactor. The fuel bundle of AHWR contains 54 fuel rods arranged in three concentric rings of 12, 18, and 24 fuel rods. This fuel bundle is divided into a number of imaginary interacting flow passages called subchannels. Transition from a single-phase-flow condition to a two-phase-flow condition occurs in the reactor rod bundle with increase in power. Prediction of the thermal margin of the reactor has necessitated the determination of intersubchannel mixing due to void drift. Void drift is due to redistribution of the non-equilibrium void fraction to attain an equilibrium void fraction. This redistribution occurs in the reactor rod bundle until it reaches the state of equilibrium void fraction. Hence, it is vital to evaluate void drift between subchannels of AHWR rod bundles. In this paper, experiments were carried out to investigate the void drift phenomena in simulated subchannels of AHWR. The size of the rod and the pitch in the test section were the same as those of the actual rod bundle in the prototype. Three subchannels are considered in 1/12th of the cross section of the rod bundle. Water and air were used as the working fluid, and the experiments were carried out at atmospheric condition without the addition of heat. The void fraction in the simulated subchannels was varied from 0 to 0.8 under various ranges of superficial liquid velocities. The void drift between the subchannels was measured. The test data were compared with existing models in the literature. It was found that the existing models could predict the measured equilibrium void fraction in the rod bundle of the reactor within the range +8% to -14%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate changes are likely to be significantly affected by reservoirs/lakes due to emission of greenhouse gas (GHG), change in the magnitude and seasonality of river runoffs and severe extreme events. In this study, a coupled GHG Risk Assessment Tool (GRAT) and Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) are used to predict the GHG risk of Koteshwar reservoirs located in Uttarakhand, India. Before running the GRAT model, SWAT model was used to simulate the runoffs (one of the major input of GRAT). The model was calibrated (2004–09) and validated (2010–13) at Uttarkashi station using monthly discharge data. The model performance was checked by R2, NSE, RSR, and p-value as 0.785, 0.60, 0.63, and 0.04, respectively, during calibration and 0.790, 0.66, 0.57, and 0.06 during validation and shows satisfactory model performance on monthly time step. Further, GRAT model is also applied and the results show that Koteshwar reservoir is found to be under high risk of CO2(CO2> 645 mg m−2d−1) and medium risk of CH4(CH4< 45 mg m−2d−1) till 2023. Subsequently, the GHG risk is minimized after passage of time over 100 years. These models may be used by the policy-makers to know the potential of GHG and its vulnerability to the reservoirs after the impoundment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents systematic methods of construction of optimal block designs for a double cross experiments for both even and odd values of “p” parental lines. The both even and odd values of designs are derived by using initial block of unreduced balanced incomplete block designs and initial block of row–column designs given by Bose et al. (1953) and Gupta and Choi (1998), respectively. In this attempt we have found some new universally optimal block designs for double cross experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the largest active terrestrial carbon reservoir, which behaves both as a sink and source for atmospheric carbon. The same is maximum in the forest soil ofAbies pindrow(128 t ha−1) and minimum inPinus roxburghii(69 t ha−1). The mitigation potential is also found to be maximum in Alpine forest soil (i.e., 1.84) inAbies pindrowand minimum in the chir (i.e., 1.00) inP. Roxburghii. This indicates that alpine forest soil can hold nearly two times more SOC than chir and hence it behaves as a CO2sink. The overall average content of SOC and carbon dioxide equivalent under all land use was estimated at 91.29 t ha−1and 334.11 t ha−1, respectively. The objective of this study is to estimate the spatial variability of SOC stocks in the catchment of both the Tehri and Koteshwar hydroelectric reservoir using field investigations, laboratory measurements, and geostatistical methods. The study provides an estimation for the amount of carbon reaching to the reservoir through various sources, where it undergoes aerobic and anaerobic degradation, thereby releasing green house gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere. The information provided in this article will be useful for policy-makers and environmentalists for undertaking appropriate conservation plans to mitigate GHGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to study the friction and wear behavior of Ti3Al2.5V alloy sliding against EN-31 steel under dry condition using a multi-tribotester. The effect of variation in load and sliding velocity on wear rate, average coefficient of friction, and contact temperature has been studied and analysis of wear debris has been carried out. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to study the morphology of the wear tracks and deduce microchemical information at the elemental level of worn samples, respectively. Results reveal that the wear rate of Ti-3Al-2.5V increases with increasing sliding velocity and increasing normal load with few exceptions. The average coefficient of friction decreases as the normal load increases with exceptions at some loads. SEM micrographs of worn samples obtained at different loads and sliding velocities show the formation of wear tracks on the surface due to ploughing and flaking of the matrix. The main mechanism responsible for wear of Ti3Al2.5V alloy sample is rupture of the matrix and abrasion. Wear debris analysis shows irregular-shaped wear particles with very sharp edges that appeared to be plastically deformed at high sliding velocity, whereas the wear debris is very loose and fine at lowest sliding velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is described by insulin resistance and high fasting blood glucose. Increased levels of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) enzyme result in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 decreases glucose production and increases hepatic insulin sensitivity. Use of selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors could prove to be an effective strategy for the treatment of the disease. It was decided to identify the essential structural features required by any compound to possess 11β-HSD1 inhibitory activity. A dataset of 139 triazoles and tetrazoles having 11β-HSD1 inhibitory activity was used for the development of a 3D-QSAR model. The best comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) model was generated with databased alignment, which was further used for comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). The optimal CoMSIA model showed = 0.809 with five components,= 0.931, SEE = 0.323 andF-value = 249.126. The CoMSIA model offered better prediction than the CoMFA model with= 0.522 and 0.439, respectively, indicating that the CoMSIA model appeared to be a better one for the prediction of activity for the newly designed 11β-HSD1 inhibitors. The selectivity aspect of 11β-HSD1 over 11β-HSD2 was studied with the help of docking studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydropower reservoirs, considered as a green source of energy, are now found to emit significant quantities of greenhouse gas (GHG) to the atmosphere. This article attempts to predict the vulnerability of Tehri reservoir, India to GHG emissions using the GHG risk assessment tool (GRAT). The GRAT is verified with experimental GHG fluxes. The annual mean CO2fluxes from diffusion, bubbling, and degassing were 425.93 ± 122.50, 4.81 ± 1.33, and 7.01 ± 2.77 mg m−2d−1, whereas CH4fluxes were 23.11 ± 7.08, 4.79 ± 1.08, and 7.41 ± 4.50 mg m−2d−1, respectively, during 2011–12. The model found that Tehri reservoir emitted higher CO2and CH4(i.e., 790 mg m−2d−1and 64 mg m−2d−1, respectively) in 2011, which came within vulnerability range causing more climate change impact. By the year 2015, it would scale down to medium risks necessitating no further assessment of GHG. Significant difference between predicted and experimental GHG emission are assessed, which may be due to insufficient data, spatial and temporal variations, decomposition of flooded biomass, limitation of GRAT model, and inadequate methodology. The study reveals that GHG emission from Tehri reservoir is less than predicted by the GRAT. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hypoxia is a well-known threat to neuronal cells and triggers the pathophysiological syndromes in extreme environments such as high altitudes and traumatic conditions such as stroke. Among several prophylactic molecules proven suitable for ameliorating free radical damage, NAP (an octapeptide with initial amino acids: asparagine/N, alanine/A, and proline/P) can be considered superlative, primarily due to its high permeability into brain through blood-brain barrier and observed activity at femtomolar concentrations. Several mechanisms of action of NAP have been hypothesized for its protective role during hypoxia, yet any distinct mechanism is unknown. Oxidative stress is advocated as the leading event in hypoxia; we, therefore, investigated the regulation of key antioxidant genes to understand the regulatory role of NAP in providing neuroprotection. Primary neuronal culture of rat was subjected to cellular hypoxia by limiting the oxygen concentration to 0.5% for 72 h and observing the prophylactic efficacies of 15fM NAP by conventional cell death assays using flow cytometry. We performed real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to comprehend the regulatory mechanism. Further, we validated the significantly regulated candidates by enzyme assays and immunoblotting. In the present study, we report that NAP regulates a major clad of cellular antioxidants and there is an involvement of more than one route of action in neuroprotection during hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the applicability of catechin-specific-reagent (CSR) for histochemical evaluation of catechins. The diazotized arylamine moiety in CSR reacts specifically with the A-ring of catechins to yield a golden yellow complex. This makes it highly specific for spectrophotometric quantification of catechins. Therefore, microtome cut sections of untransformed and osmotin-expressing transgenic leaves and stem of tea were stained with CSR. We found catechins in the form of golden yellow globules. The catechin globules increased in the structurally intact and highly turgid cells of osmotin expressing transgenic tea plants after stress treatment with 20% PEG; by contrast, the cells in non-transgenic plants accumulated fewer catechin globules. Spectrophotometric quantification of catechins also confirmed higher levels in transgenics compared to untransformed plants. We found elevated accumulation of catechins in stress tolerant cells of tea leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) of spherical shape have unique antioxidant capacity primarily due to alternating + 3 and + 4 oxidation states and crystal defects. Several studies revealed the protective efficacies of CNPs in cells and tissues against the oxidative damage. However, its effect on mitochondrial functioning, downstream effectors of radical burst and apoptosis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether CNPs treatment could protect the primary cortical cells from loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and Δψm-dependent cell death. CNPs with spherical morphology and size range 7-10 nm were synthesized and utilized at a concentration of 25 nM on primary neuronal culture challenged with 50 μM of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We showed that optimal dose of CNPs minimized ROS content of the cells and also curbed related surge in cellular calcium flux. Importantly, CNPs treatment prevented apoptotic loss of cell viability. Reduction in the apoptosis could be successfully attributed to the maintenance of Δψm and restoration of major redox equivalents NADH/NAD+ ratio and cellular ATP. These findings, therefore, suggest possible route of CNPs protective efficacies in primary cortical culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Vasospasm plays a major role in the morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The preliminary studies suggest that statins protect against cerebral vasospasm. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the role of simvastatin in preventing clinical vasospasm and improving functional outcome in patients with aSAH. Methods. All patients with aSAH admitted within 96 h of ictus were randomized to receive either Simvastatin or placebo - 80 mg/day for 14 days. Thirty eight patients were recruited in the study- 19 received Simvastatin and 19 placebo. All the patients underwent surgical clipping of the aneurysm. The primary outcome of the study was the development of clinical cerebral vasospasm. The secondary outcomes included Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS), Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) and Barthel Index Score (MBI) at follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months. Results. 16% of the patients in the simvastatin group had high Middle Cerebral Artery velocities (> 160 cm/sec) on transcranial Doppler on one or more than one day during the study duration as compared to 26% of the patients in the placebo group ( p = 0.70). Neurological deterioration occurred in 26% and 42% of the patients in simvastatin group versus placebo group, respectively ( p = 0.31). There was an improvement in the functional outcome in the simvastatin group at 1, 3 or 6 months in the follow-up; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions. There was benefit of simvastatin in terms of reduction in clinical vasospasm, mortality or improved functional outcome, however, this was not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elimination of sugarcane grassy shoot disease (SGSD) through apical meristem culture technique for producing clean planting material of sugarcane has been attempted in the present study. The results showed that meristems length of 2 and 3 mm were free from the SGSD pathogen at higher frequency than larger meristem length of 4 mm. However, the frequency of survival of explants during initiation of shoot cultures was higher in larger meristems (60%) in comparison to smaller ones (40%). The micropropagated plantlets raised from meristem culture were confirmed for disease-free by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis at monthly interval up to 6 months. This is the first report on the elimination of SGSD phytoplasma through meristem culture in India. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study was conducted to evaluate the antifertility potential of Thevetia peruviana (Apocynaceae) in male albino rats with their phytochemical evaluations. Phytochemical examination showed that plant is rich in active constituents, i.e. αα-amyrin acetate, lupeol acetate, αα-amyrin, ββ-amyrin, lupeol and thevetigenin. T. peruviana stem bark methanol extract (TPMtE) administered orally to male rats at the dose level of 100 mg/rat/day did not cause any significant reduction in body weight, while the weight of reproductive organs reduced significantly. A significant fall in the total protein and sialic acid content of the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate, as well as in the glycogen content of testes was also observed; however, cholesterol was increased significantly. TPMtE also caused a decline in spermatogenic elements, i.e. preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, round spermatids and mature Leydig cells. At this dose level Leydig cell nuclear diameter, seminiferous tubular diameter and Sertoli area were significantly reduced (p < 0.001). The reduction in sperm density and motility resulted in 18% residual fertility. In conclusion, T. peruviana inhibited spermatogenesis in rats, indicating the possibility of developing a herbal male contraceptive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A room temperature solution process for synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles demonstrated. It is shown that the particle size can be controlled with low concentration of oleic acid. The structure of as grown particles using X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement are discussed. Fe3O4 samples showed reduction in particle size for decreased concentration of oleic acid employed during synthesis. The as grown nanoparticles were found to possess a preferential (311) orientation of the cubic phase. The X-ray diffraction and the Rietveld refinement confirm the inverse spinel structure of cubic phase of magnetite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel terpenoid coumarin, clausmarin-C (1), has been isolated from Clausena pentaphylla. Its structure has been established by extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR analysis and chemical transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a prospective, randomised trial, 100 pregnant women with ≥ one prior spontaneous pre-term birth were randomised into two groups. Group 1 women received 100 mg natural micronised progesterone intravaginally once daily from 20-24 weeks' gestation until 36 weeks. Group 2 women did not receive progesterone. Both groups were regularly supervised until delivery. Pre-term birth (<37 and <34 weeks) and other maternal, neonatal outcomes were primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used to compare categorical variables. Independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare continuous variables and multiple comparisons, respectively. Pre-term births <37 weeks were significantly lower in Group 1 (12% vs 38%, p = 0.002), but pre-term births <34 weeks were similar. The mean birth weight of neonates born to women in Group 1 was significantly higher (2800 vs 2,500 g, p = 0.023). We concluded intravaginal administration of 100 mg of natural micronised progesterone significantly reduced the incidence of pre-term birth <37 weeks in women with ≥ one prior pre-term birth. Future research is warranted to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of progesterone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the predominant causes of poor reproduction in buffaloes is low levels of ovarian estrogens. A rate limiting enzyme in estrogen biosynthesis is cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450 AROM), the product of CYP19 gene. In the present study CYP19 cDNA was cloned and its 5'UTR was characterized by 5'RACE in granulosa cells of large follicles. CYP19 transcripts with four different 5'UTRs (206, 114, 90 and 3 bases) were found in buffalo granulosa cells of large ovarian follicles. Interestingly, a predominant aromatase transcript with short 5'UTR (3 nucleotides) was found. Further studies are required to understand the relevance of these transcripts and their translational efficiency in granulosa cells of large follicles during folliculogenesis of buffalo ovary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparations of Echinacea (Asteraceae) are frequently consumed for the control and prevention of rhinovirus-induced colds and other respiratory disorders. Since it is now generally believed that the symptoms of rhinovirus colds are due to the enhanced secretion of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, we decided to analyze the effects of rhinovirus infection and Echinacea treatment [defined extracts of E. purpurea (L.) Moench] on cytokine/chemokine gene expression and protein secretion in a line of human tracheo- bronchial epithelial cells. Among the collection of more than 50 cytokines and chemokines present in the gene arrays, 12 showed significant induction of expression by the virus (> 2-fold), some of them by more than 5-fold. However, not all of these resulted in similar changes in the corresponding proteins, presumably as a consequence of post-transcriptional changes. A total of 16 cytokines, mostly chemokines, showed substantial protein increases, including several, such as the well known pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 (CXCL8), which were induced in the absence of additional transcription. These results support the concept that virus-induced multiple inflammatory cytokines are responsible for the cold symptoms. In most cases, one or both Echinacea preparations reversed the viral stimulation, thus providing a basis for the anti-inflammatory properties attributed to Echinacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB-P) is well known but poorly delineated due to unclear definition. We retrospectively studied 78 patients with SAB-P using a stringent definition (bacteremia for ≥7 d), in a single teaching hospital, during 1 January 2002 to 30 June 2003 and 1 November 2005 to 31 December 2006 to determine whether the frequency, risk factors and outcome changed over time. SAB was encountered in 354 and 259 instances during the 2 periods, respectively. Patients' characteristics changed with increasing organ dysfunction score (2.9±1.7 vs 3.4±1.4; p <0.001), patients with invasive devices (27.7% vs 41.3%; p=0.001), hemodialysis dependence (19.2% vs 27.8%; p=0.04), MRSA (50.8% vs 64.5%; p=0.001), and vancomycin treatment (57.9% vs 67.2%; p=0.02). SAB-P frequency increased slightly (11.0% vs 15.1%). Risk (associated) factors for SAB-P (identified by logistic regression) were metastatic infection (OR=5.60; 95% CI 3.00 - 10.47), vancomycin treatment (OR=4.17; 95% CI 2.14 - 8.11), endovascular sources (OR=3.35; 95% CI 1.92 - 5.85) and diabetes (OR=2.14; 95% CI 1.26 - 3.64). SAB- and SAB-P-associated case-fatality did not change (23.2% vs 18.5% and 25.6 vs 30.8%, respectively). All survivors ultimately achieved clearance. These findings suggest that patients with SAB are changing over time. Additionally, SAB-P frequency is higher than previously reported. SAB-P rise is probably due to increasing SAB, MRSA, and patients at risk for complications. Innovative approaches should target novel treatment modalities and risk reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the role of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and SCCmec type in community associated (CA) and healthcare associated (HC) Staphylococcus aureus (SA) skin/soft-tissue infections (STI). We prospectively monitored microbiology results (11 January 2005 to 6 January 2006), screened inpatients with SA in tissue samples or blood, and selected adults with STI. We recorded clinical/microbiological characteristics, and tested saved isolates for PVL genes (real time PCR) and SCCmec type (conventional multiplex PCR). We encountered 204 patients. MRSA strains that accounted for 70.5% CA and 66.0% HC cases, caused more abscesses (55.7% vs 29.7%; p=0.001) and were often PVL-positive (68.9% vs 4.8%; p <0.001). PVL-positive isolates caused more abscesses (72.9% vs 26.5%; p<0.001) but similar bacteremia (7.3% vs 7.1%). SCCmec IVa made up 95.8% of PVL-positive strains and accounted for 69.8% of the abscesses. SCCmec II caused higher mortality (14.8% vs 0-3.1%; p=0.02). PVL was a predictor of abscesses (p<0.001). Predictors of bacteremia were age>=65 y (p=0.004), necrotizing infection (p=0.014), and head/neck location (p=0.05). These findings suggest that SCCmec type and PVL status influence STI manifestations and contribute to MRSA-MSSA differences. PVL is implicated in abscess formation but not bacteremia. Bacteremia is likely related to host condition and/or other virulence factors that were not studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil-based muds have shown great success in preventing borehole instability in shale formations. The presence of a threshold capillary entry pressure between oil-based muds and low permeability shales is considered to be the main factor in preventing chemical interactions between the drilling mud and the shale which can lead to shale failure. This article presents experimental data for the capillary entry pressure of several shales when exposed to oil-based muds. It is clearly shown that the entry pressure depends on the interfacial tension between the oil and water phases and shale permeability and cation exchange capacity. Data suggests that incorporating "emulsifiers" in oil-based mud formulations reduces the minimum capillary entry pressure. Non-polar oils show significantly higher entry pressures, indicating the importance of surfactants present in the oil-based mud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinacea (Asteraceae) extracts have been advocated traditionally for use in individuals suffering from sore throats, coughs, and various other respiratory symptoms that could be due to bacterial infections. We therefore evaluated six different commercial Echinacea extracts, with defined composition of standard marker compounds, for their ability to inactivate 15 different human pathogenic bacteria and two pathogenic fungi. The extracts were derived from E. angustifolia roots or mixtures of E. purpurea roots and aerial parts and contained different relative amounts of alkylamides and polysaccharides and similar overall concentrations of caffeic acid derivatives. Five bacteria, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, Clostridium difficile, and Propionibacterium acne, were very sensitive to one or more of the extracts, but the patterns of sensitivity were quite different for the various extracts. Furthermore, there were no correlations between bacterial sensitivity and the concentrations of marker compounds in the extracts. The other bacteria and fungi were either slightly sensitive to one or more extracts or were totally resistant. In conclusion, certain preparations of Echinacea, especially ethanol formulations, could provide useful protection or symptom alleviation in cases of various upper and lower respiratory infections, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and pneumonia, as well as cutaneous infections, by means of their selective bactericidal activities, although we do not know which components of the extracts are responsible for these activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional ophthalmic solutions have demonstrated poor bioavailability and low therapeutic response due to rapid precorneal elimination of drug, which could be overcome by the use of in situ gelling systems that are instilled as drops into the eye and undergo a sol-gel transition in the cul-de-sac. The present work describes the formulation of an ophthalmic delivery system of an antibacterial agent, Gatifloxacin, based on the concept of ion-activated in situ gelation; the rheological properties of the formulation and in vitro release of the drug were evaluated. Gelrite gellan gum, a novel vehicle for ophthalmic delivery system, which gels in the presence of mono/divalent cations present in the tear fluid, was used as the gelling agent. The developed formulation showed pseudoplastic rheology and was therapeutically efficacious and provides sustained release of the drug over a 12-hour period. The developed system is thus a viable alternative to conventional eye drops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's era of globalisation, managing information systems (IS) for operations management has become one of the key strategic issues for increasing organisational effectiveness and optimal achievement of goals. The globalised competition and business supply chain management has forced many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India to adopt IS practices to manage their day-to-day business operations. Most of the SMEs realised the need of an efficient and effective IS as a strategic weapon for competing in the globalised market. One of the important issues for SMEs is to follow the proficient practices for business operations and management of IS that can provide an efficient and effective IS performance. This article presents the findings of a survey study of leading SMEs operational in the three states of the western part of India. The survey focused on the prevalent practices for management of IS and their relationship with IS performance measurement. The study reduced these routine IS management practices of SMEs to a smaller set of constructs and then related these constructs to IS performance measurement. The results show that many constructs were correlated with the IS performance and that some constructs were found to adversely affect the IS performance. The correlated constructs can help SMEs to improve the IS performance by following proper IS management practices. Therefore, considering the importance of correlated constructs with IS performance, an attempt has been made to discuss the implications of IS practices on its performance. Finally, concluding remarks and directions for future research are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance measurement of supply chain management (SCM) is a rapidly growing multi-criteria decision-making problem owing to the large number of factors affecting decision-making. The right choice of performance metrics and measures is critical to the success and competitiveness of the firms in the era of globalisation. Recognising the multiple objective nature of the problem, this paper proposes the use of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methodology as aid in making SCM evaluation decisions. For pair-wise comparison in AHP, a survey methodology is used. The methodology presented can help firms to prioritise and formulate viable performance measurement strategies in the volatile and complex global decision environment from different balanced scorecard (BSC) perspectives. A demonstration of the application of this methodology in a real life problem is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An explicit solvent Langevin dynamics (LD) simulation method is employed to investigate the effect of frictional force on the solute-solvent interactions in urea and thiourea, which are subjected to varied degree of frictional forces akin to diffusional transport across the membrane system. Utilizing the frictional force concept in LD method, the effect of increasing frictional coefficient is studied on the microscopic properties such as single-point energy and N-C-N bond angle of urea and thiourea in aqueous solutions. The present work follows a self-conscious approach by explicitly including the solvent molecules in the LD simulations. The results are further compared with the standard Langevin approach without explicitly specifying solvent molecules. An analysis of the results reveals that the two cases differ strongly in the intermediate (Brownian) regime of frictional coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a novel approach to determine the optimal capacitors for maximum power output of a single-phase self-regulated self-excited induction generator (SEIG) using a three-phase star connected induction machine. Single-phase power at 230 V can be obtained using a suitable combination of capacitors with a three-phase star connected 415 V induction machine. The generator consists of three-phase star connected induction machine and three capacitors connected in series and parallel with a single-phase resistive load. The voltage regulation of this generator is very small due to the effect of three capacitors. In this article, an algorithm has been developed for determination of optimal capacitors for maximum power output using the steady-state model of this SEIG and sequential unconstrained minimization technique (SUMT). This algorithm directly gives the optimum value of the capacitors for maximum power output and the maximum power available. Experimental results, performed in the laboratory, indicate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal constants and frequency are grouped together to define two thermal coefficients that steer the thermoelastic effects on wave propagation. The four quasi-waves propagate in generalized thermoelastic anisotropic media. The complex value of one of the thermal coefficients makes the four waves attenuating. The complex slowness vector of attenuating waves is resolved into propagation and attenuation vectors. The attenuation part is, further, separated into homogeneous and inhomogeneous waves. The simple procedure is presented to obtain such a specification of complex slowness vector, for given direction of propagation. A non-dimensional inhomogeneity parameter defines the strength of inhomogeneous waves. The propagation velocities, magnitudes and angles of attenuation of inhomogeneous waves depend on inhomogeneity parameter and direction of propagation. The variations of propagation characteristics of attenuating waves, with the inhomogeneity parameter, are computed, for the numerical model of a reservoir rock. The effects of frequency, thermal conductivity, thermoelastic coupling, relaxation time, specific heat on the velocities and attenuations of quasi-waves are exhibited numerically through the different values of thermal parameters defined in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project aimed to quantitatively measure the ability of first year science students to transfer their mathematical skills and knowledge to a physical context. An instrument used in earlier studies to measure transfer of mathematical knowledge was modified for this project, and tested with 49 student volunteers. This paper presents the Transfer Index, a novel way of measuring the degree of transfer of the students' mathematics skills and knowledge. It is demonstrated that the Transfer Index is a useful way of quantifying transfer and that it has predictive validity in a natural educational setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Indian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are competent enough to produce and supply internationally acceptable quality goods and services, they are yet to get sufficient economic returns. According to the survey results presented in this study, one of the reasons for this is the absence of proper information systems (IS) architectures that can provide the required information at the right time to help them become more competitive in today's era of globalisation. In the absence of a proper IS, Indian SMEs are unable to reap the benefits for which they are the deserving candidates. This issue has been addressed in this paper by investigating the SMEs' IS-related practices by conducting a survey of 210 select SMEs of the western part of India. The survey results observed an increasing trend in using information technology (IT) in the SME sector, but SMEs lack the capabilities to exploit it optimally for their development in the present competitive market. Further, this research effort contributes an IS architecture for a cluster of SMEs, which includes information modules to support the business operations of SMEs from strategic to operation level. The proposed IS architecture can help SMEs not only operate internally but also provide information externally, to compete in the global market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemopreventive effect of Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) methanol leaf extract (LCLE) on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer was investigated in Swiss albino mice. The skin lesions were induced by the twice-weekly topical application of DMBA (100 nmol/100 µL acetone) for 8 weeks on the shaved backs of mice. LCLE was administered at the maximal tolerated dose of 400 mg/kg twice a week, 1 week before DMBA application, and continued for 20 weeks thereafter. The results of the study revealed a significant decrease in incidence of skin papillomas in mice, slight weight gain in mice, and reduced death rate in comparison with DMBA alone at the end of 20 weeks. These results were supported by histopathologic studies. The skin section of LCLE-treated mice showed hyperplastic papillomatous lesions without the evidence of infiltration or cytological atypia. From the current study, it can be inferred that LCLE possesses potential chemopreventive activity in this experimental model of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal preparation has become a very important technique for preparation of high-quality metallurgical coke, the quality characteristics of which play a major role in the performance and economics of blast furnaces. Since availability of good quality metallurgical coals are meager in India, coal charge blends for carbonization in slot-type coke ovens are prepared from blending of various indigenous and imported sources of diverse characteristics. Preparation of coal blends for carbonization assumes paramount importance in terms of cost, quality, and resource utilization. Judicious coal-blending techniques based on intrinsic quality parameters coupled with various precarbonization steps to maintain blend homogeneity, granulometry, caking and coking properties of the blend are practiced under Indian conditions. The quality of metallurgical coke depends on type of coal, its physico-chemical properties including its granulometry, and its thermochemical behavior. Quality parameters of coke produced from a particular coal blend can be significantly influenced by the coal preparation technique adopted particularly when the blend comprises several sources of diverse quality parameters. Groupwise crushing of coal was developed with the aim to reduce the heterogeneity of different size fractions in terms of distribution of inerts and reactive contents. The groupings were based on their grindability indices, caking/coking properties, and dilation properties of individual size fractions. This article discusses in detail new coal preparation methodologies for improvement in coal charge blend granulometry and flowability, reduction in microfines content, and improvement in blast furnace coke quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wave propagation phenomenon in anisotropic thermoelastic media is represented by two systems of equations. One of them represents modified Christoffel equations for the medium and the other relates the temperature of the medium to the displacement of its particles. The frequency and thermal coefficients are grouped together to define three thermal parameters that steer the whole effect of thermodynamics on the wave propagation. The procedure is presented for the exact evaluation of the velocities and attenuations of four quasi-waves propagating in such a medium. Reduced cases are obtained for isotropic thermoelastic propagation and anisotropic elastic propagation. Analogy is established between thermoelastic propagation and poroelastic propagation of waves in the presence of general anisotropy. The variations of phase velocities and attenuation factors with the direction of phase propagation are computed, for a realistic numerical model. The effect of frequency, thermal conductivity, relaxation time, specific heat and anisotropic symmetries on the velocities and attenuations of quasi-waves are exhibited numerically through the three thermal parameters defined in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]