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• Aging for 24 h favor complete hydrolysis and network formation in TiO 2 sol. • Post-deposition annealing above 150 °C favors regular structure formation in TiO 2 films. • Thickness induces phase change from rutile to anatase in very thin TiO 2 films. • 100 MeV ni ion irradiation can precisely reverse the thickness induce phase change. • Ion irradiation can produces continuous and dense morphology in very thin TiO 2 films. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2) thin films of thicknesses in the range of 20–60 nm were deposited by sol-gel dip coating method, and their structural and morphological properties before and after irradiation with 100 MeV Ni7+ ions were investigated. A systematic analysis of the hydrolysis reaction in the sol and films showed that complete hydrolysis of the precursor in the films can occur at room temperature in air ambient. However, aging of the sol for a minimum of 24 h prior to coating and drying / annealing the films at temperatures above 150 °C after deposition can favor the formation of regular –O–Ti–O– structural framework. The structural studies revealed a thickness dependent phase change in the films. Then it was found that this phase change can be precisely reversed by ion irradiation. The mixed rutile-anatase phase evolved towards pure anatase phase with increase in the thickness of the films, and that exactly traced back up on irradiation with increase in the ion fluence. The morphological studies showed a progress of the large island like structure with voids in the pristine film towards homogeneous nanosized particles and continuous morphology upon irradiation with increase in the ion fluence. The observed thickness and ion irradiation dependent structural and morphological changes of the TiO 2 films can be used for tuning precisely their structural phase and morphology, which is relevant for photo-catalysis and sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Composite electrolyte films consisting of poly(vinylchloride), poly(acrylonitrile), ethylene carbonate, LiClO4 and also TiO2 particles have been prepared by solution casting technique. The effect of inorganic filler on the conductivity of the blended polymer electrolyte was studied. A conductivity of (7.57×10−5 Scm−1) is achieved at room temperature for the composition PVC–PAN–LiClO4–EC (4.8–19.2–8–68), whereas it improves two orders of magnitude (4.46×10−3 Scm−1) upon dispersing fine particles of TiO2 as inert filler. The role of ceramic phase is to reduce the melting temperature which is ascertained from the thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hybrid, solid polymer electrolyte films consisting of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly (acrylonitrile) (PAN) and, propylene carbonate (PC) with different concentrations of LiClO4 are prepared by means of a using solvent-casting technique. The structure and complex formation are studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The temperature dependence of the ionic conductivities of the polymer films is explained in terms of a free volume model. The conductivities of PVC–PAN–LiClO4–PC complexes are determined at different salt concentrations. The highest ionic conductivity (8.35×10−5 Scm−1) is obtained for 8wt.% LiClO4 in the polymer complex at 304K. The thermal stability of the electrolyte is examined by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Charge transfer in Ytterbium Selenide (YbSe) is analyzed by using experimental and theoretical XRD data. The direction and amount of charge transfer are inferred by plotting and comparing the structure factors of the components. The charge transfer parameters thus obtained are 0.36ē from Yb to Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes are prepared along the gravity direction in a spray pyrolysis setup over the silica-supported Fe-Co-Ni catalyst. The silica-supported Fe-Co-Ni catalyst coated over the copper strip is inserted in such a way the coating surface faces downward so that carbon nanotubes can grow along the direction of gravity. Plant-based natural precursor, Pine oil, is used as a carbon source for the preparation of carbon nanotubes by spray pyrolysis method. The effect of precursor flow rate on yield, morphology and structural properties of carbon nanotubes prepared along gravity are discussed. At an optimum flow rate, carbon nanotubes are formed in good yield. The carbon nanotubes synthesized are characterized using appropriate techniques. The scanning electron microscope results show that the synthesized carbon nanotubes are long, straight and well graphitized multi-walled type. The carbon nanotubes diameters are around 50 nm and the average length 20µm. Raman spectroscopy studies revealed that carbon nanotubes are well graphitized multi-walled type with defect-free. A mechanism for the growth of carbon nanotubes along gravity is proposed. Spray pyrolysis of the natural precursor, Pine oil, along with gravity over inversely placed support catalyst material is a promising technique for the growth of long and narrow carbon nanotubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite membranes based on sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)/phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) have been prepared by solution casting technique. SPEEK/PMA membrane surfaces are modified with polyaniline (PANI) by in situ polymerization. The structural and electrochemical properties of the surface modified membranes are studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, water uptake, ion-exchange capacity, proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and tensile strength. The AFM image shows that the hetero polyacids are better compatible with SPEEK matrix. The SPEEKs/PMAs membranes achieved acceptable proton conductivity with increasing in weight ratios of PMAs and reached highest proton conductivity of 5.5 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature. With Lower swelling ratio, high thermal stability, proton conductivity, and relative selectivity, SPEEKs/PMAs-PANI membranes can be a promising material as Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on Psilorhynchus amplicephalus, a new species of fishes from Balishwar river in Assam, India. It states that the new species can be easily recognized by the shape of its body, scale-less abdomen and the brownish spots in the predorsal region. A table showing the comparison of morphometric and meristic characteristics of the new species and related species is provided. It notes that Psilorhynchus amplicephalus seems to be closely related to Psilorhynchus balitora.

A solar active hybrid photocatalyst is synthesized and applied for detoxification and degradation of dye molecules in an aqueous medium. Synthesis of rGO from GO using carica papaya leaf extract and nano-sized CeO2is coated over the rGO to make the hybrid photocatalyst. Prepared hybrids evaluated using SEM, XRD, EDX, IR, surface area (BET) and UV-DRS. Synthesized hybrid is used as photocatalyst for the degradation of Direct Violet 51 (DV 51) dye under both UV and solar irradiations. The surface area of the synthesized composite (CeO2/rGO-HYBD) is 95 m2/g. The Langmuir kinetics for the reaction is also studied. The basic algorithm is used to fit the curves for the LH isotherm; deviations from the experimental values and the reaction order are enumerated for three different hypothetical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on hydraulic simulation techniques for water distribution networks to treat pressure deficient conditions. Further discusses about considering demand-driven analysis (DDA) and pressure-driven analysis (PDA); and also mentions about involving all nodes with a computed negative pressure irrespective of whether a total head reverse will occur or not after the pressure at those nodes is put equal to zero.

The present studies demonstrate the synthesis of nanocarbon ball-like structures with an approximate size of 50 to 80 nm diameter. A visible light active photocatalyst was achieved by co-doping Y/Fe/TiO2 on the nanocarbon structure. The carbon nanostructure acts as a host material for the Y/Fe/TiO2 composite and its synergetic effect makes the titania to generate electron-hole pair under the irradiation of visible light. The composition and morphological structures were studied using XRD and FESEM. From UV-DRS analysis, the calculated optical band gap for the composite catalyst is 2.73 eV. The photo-induced fragmentation of the Rhodamine-B dye was studied and the actual kinetics was evaluated using linear and non-linear methods. The non-linear kinetic model found more appropriate to describe the kinetics and the linear model has some limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of fresh water scarcity is growing all around the world due to the over utilization and pollution. Discharge of pollutants especially dye bearing wastewater drastically affects the life of flora and fauna. Finding a suitable technology for the treatment of wastewater is highly warranted in the present context. Photocatalytic degradation using metal and metal oxide composite has lot of advantages like negligible by-products, simple to operate and economically very cheap. This manuscript reviews the potential photocatalytic applications of Ti, V, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, Zr, Pd, Sn and inner transition metal doped catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Srirangam interfluve, formed between the Kaveri and Kollidam Rivers in southern India, has been a religious and cultural human settlement for over 2000 years of recorded history. It contains thousands of ancient, yet in use, man‐made structures. Owing to its geographic location, and episodic catastrophic floods from the Kaveri and Kollidam Rivers, the region has been inundated frequently leading to the burial of many smaller structures. Thematic maps of geomorphology, vegetation index, land use, digital elevation model, slope, etc., have been generated through multi‐temporal remote sensing satellite images. A compilation of historic (stone inscriptions, temple documents) and literature data followed by detailed survey of the region using vertical electrical sounding (VES) and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) through 200 and 400 MHz shielded antennas has led to the discovery of several buried manmade structures at various depths ranging from 0.54 to 3.55 m below ground level (b.g.l.) that were known only in the literature, hearsay and folklore. The VES, GPR and field surveys delineated four major soil/sediment horizons below the ground surface. Sedimentological characteristics of a massive river sand bed found overlying a weathered zone suggest deposition during a major catastrophic flood. The occurrence of flood deposits burying historic structures especially adjoining the regional tectonic structure indicate episodically active climatic and tectonic processes that played a significant role in the burial of ancient‐historic land surface and manmade structures that were under desolation after invasion and desecration by war‐lords of yore. This study demonstrates the potential of combining traditional knowledge and modern technologies to gain insights to locate historic/archaeological sites and discover buried structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a fuzzy logic--based jamming detection algorithm (FLJDA) is proposed to detect the presence of jamming in downstream data communication for cluster-based wireless sensor networks. The proposed FLJDA keeps an eye on the existing nodes and new node to determine their behavior by applying fuzzy logic on measured jamming detection metrics. To monitor the behavior of the nodes, the FLJDA computes the jamming detection metrics, namely, packet delivery ratio and received signal strength indicator. The major features of this paper are the following: (1) The jamming detection algorithm is specifically implemented for downstream data communication, (2) cluster head estimates jamming detection metrics for detecting the jamming unlike the existing algorithms where individual nodes explicitly collect the jamming detection metrics, and (3) the proposed algorithm optimizes the jamming detection metrics on the basis of fuzzy logic unlike the existing approaches, which uses merely jamming detection threshold alone for jamming detection. The simulation results of the proposed system provide the true detection ratio as high as 99.89%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV)/domestic violence is one of the significant public health problems, but little is known about the barriers to disclosure in tertiary care psychiatric settings. Methodology: One hundred women seeking inpatient or outpatient services at a tertiary care psychiatric setting were recruited for study using purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview was administered to collect the information from women with mental illness experiencing IPV to know about their help-seeking behaviors, reasons for disclosure/nondisclosure of IPV, perceived feelings experienced after reporting IPV, and help received from the mental health professionals (MHPs) following the disclosure of violence. Results: The data revealed that at the patient level, majority of the women chose to conceal their abuse from the mental health-care professionals, fearing retaliation from their partners if they get to know about the disclosure of violence. At the professional level, lack of privacy was another important barrier for nondisclosure where women reported that MHPs discussed the abuse in the presence of their violent partners. Conclusion: The findings of the study brought out the need for mandatory screening of violence and designing tailor-made multicomponent interventions for mental health care professionals at psychiatric setting in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel non-conventional activated carbon with good surface characteristics was synthesized using Wrightia tinctoria fruits as a precursor material under two stage microwave heating. The synthesized activated carbon has a BET surface area of 911m2/g. The adsorptive capability of the prepared adsorbent (WAC) was tried using Ni(II) as an adsorbate. The adsorbent WAC removes 36.64 mg of Ni(II) per gram of adsorbent at an initial nickel concentration of 50 mg/L. On increasing the solution temperature from 30 to 45°C, the amount Ni(II) adsorbed by WAC increases from 24.17 to 25.81 mg/g, which substantiates the endothermic nature of adsorption. Freundlich model describes the adsorption with good correlation coefficient of 0.9971 < r2 < 0.9997, indicating the heterogeneous nature on the adsorbent surface. Thermodynamic studies indicates the endothermic (positive ΔH°), spontaneous (negative ΔG°) nature as well as the increased randomness (positive ΔS°) at the solid liquid interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, nano-size calcium-based heterogeneous catalyst derived from lime sludge was used for biodiesel production. Its catalytic activity in transesterification ofCalophyllum inophyllum(C. inophyllum) oil and the physicochemical properties of synthesized biodiesel were systematically investigated. Due to high free fatty acids two-step acid esterification and alkali transesterification were performed. Transesterification reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics and their rate constants were determined. Activation energy and frequency factor were found to be 20.69 kJ mol–1and 0.219 s–1, respectively. The fuel properties of the derived biodiesel was analyzed according to ASTM methods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This investigation focuses on the effect of metakaolin (MK) on the fresh, micro- and macrolevel properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC). Cement content of 500 kg m − 3 was considered, while the MK was used to replace cement by 5, 10 and 15 wt.%. To assess the fresh concrete properties tests like slump flow, T 50 cm time, V-funnel flow times, L-box and blocking ratio were performed. The macrolevel properties studied were compressive strength and split tensile strength. The microstructural changes were studied using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX). The fresh concrete results show that SCC mixes prepared at different Water:Powder (W:P) ratios satisfied the rheological properties without addition of Viscosity Modifying Admixture (VMA). MK inclusion enhanced the macrolevel properties. The microlevel studies indicated that microcrack width was reduced due to inclusion of MK in the control mix. In addition pozzolanic action of MK reduces the calcium hydroxide (CH) and lowers the calcium:silicate (Ca:Si) ratio of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H). The optimum replacement of MK was 10 wt.% regarding micro- and macrolevel properties. As a result of this evaluation, inclusion of MK improved the micro- and macrolevel properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consider a PRV placed in pipe HT ht to control the pressure at its downstream node. [Extracted from the article]

Background/objectives Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition where in early diagnosis and interventions are key policy priorities in dementia services and research. We studied the functional and structural connectivity in mild AD to determine the nature of connectivity changes that coexist with neurocognitive deficits in the early stages of AD. Methods Fifteen mild AD subjects and 15 cognitively healthy controls (CHc) matched for age and gender, underwent detailed neurocognitive assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Rest fMRI was analyzed using dual regression approach and DTI by voxel wise statistics. Results Patients with mild AD had significantly lower functional connectivity (FC) within the default mode network and increased FC within the executive network. The mild AD group scored significantly lower in all domains of cognition compared with CHc. But fractional anisotropy did not significantly ( p < 0.05) differ between the groups. Conclusion Resting state functional connectivity alterations are noted during initial stages of cognitive decline in AD, even when there are no significant white matter microstructural changes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Spectral investigation on electron transfer reactions of organic sulphides with metal ions were studied. [•] Biological system was stimulated with model compounds, iron(III)-bipyridyl complex and thio-diglycolic acid. [•] Parameters affecting the reaction, kinetics and thermodynamics were analyzed. [•] A model was proposed regarding the electron transfer reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following corrections should be made to the original paper: Step 3 in the "Methodology" section should read: 3. Run the GGA until the sum of all link flow and emitter outflow changes divided by the sum of all link flows and emitter outflows is less than a specified stopping tolerance HT ht . [Extracted from the article]

• Nickel ferrite microsphere (NFO) sensing materials were prepared. • It exhibited 3D-microsphere nanostructure. • The NFO-550 offered the highest electrocatalytic activity. • NFO-550 achieved maximum gas response = 115.4. • Achieved maximum deviation< 2% for repeated tests over 30 days. Wet chemical strategically prepared nickel ferrite (NFO) microsphere electrodes were synthesized which shows improved electroanalytical performance. [Display omitted] Rationally designed gas sensing materials have become essential for modern efficient gas sensor with enhanced performance. This study designed and prepared ordered porous, three-dimensional hierarchical NiFe 2 O 4 (NFO) nanoarchitectures for highly selective and sensitive toluene sensors. Two hierarchical NFO nanostructures including nanospheres and microsphere were fabricated by facile hydrothermal (NFO-Hy) and temperature-programmed calcination (NFO-550), respectively. Physicochemical characterization confirmed structure, composition, and morphology for the as-prepared materials. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption revealed improved surface area and porous properties for NFO-550 compared with NFO-Hy sensing materials, and the NFO-550 sensor achieved the maximum response 5.65 higher than NFO-Hy at optimal operating temperature. Primary analyses for carcinogenic analyte detection suggest NFO as a gas-sensitive material to be potential applicants for real-world toluene gas sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxides with unique nanoarchitectures are being appraised as plausible candidates for the highly selective detection of contaminating organic gases due to their earth abundance, high surface area, and outstanding miniaturization potential. Here, two different nanoarchitectures of nickel molybdate (NMO), namely 3D-honeycombs (NMO-HCs) and 3D-rectangular nanosheets (NMO-RNS), are proposed and synthesized via a two-step wet-chemical process and characterized for their potential application in ethanol gas sensors. The successful formation of the different nanostructures and the even distribution of all the elements are demonstrated using various morphological and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDAX) analyses. In addition, N 2 -adsorption/desorption analysis is performed to confirm the highly porous nature and maximum surface areas of 30.4 m2 g−1 and 91.3 m2 g−1 at 77 K for the NMO-HCs and NMO-RNS, respectively. Furthermore, gas sensing analysis reveals that the NMO-HCs-based sensor provides a maximum gas response (R a /R g) of ~15.2 while the NMO-RNS-based sensor exhibits a 5.5 times higher maximum gas response of ~78.9 at the optimal operating temperature. Further, using R a /R g = 1.2 as the detection limit point, the lower limit of ethanol gas detection is found to be 0.2 ppm for the NMO-RNS-based device. Finally, the probable gas-sensing mechanism of the NMO-RNS is discussed. The present study indicates that the NMO-RNS sensor can sense ppb-levels of ethanol and is suitable for the monitoring of outdoor and indoor air quality in practical applications. Wet-chemical process assisted nickel molybdate (NMO) rectangular nanosheets were synthesized which demonstrates enhanced sensing performance towards ethanol. [Display omitted] • Nickel molybdate (NMO) nanosheets were prepared through wet-chemical process. • It exhibited 3D-hierarchical rectangular nanosheets morphology. • The NMO-RNS delivered the superior electrocatalytic activity. • The NMO-RNS achieved maximum gas response = 78.9. • The low detection limit of 0.2 ppm was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are emerging as promising alternative for liquid electrolytes. However, one of the drawbacks of SPEs is incompatibility between lithium metal anode / electrolyte that leads to the low ionic conductivity and lower cycling performance of LIBs. The present study show that fabrication of free-standing flexible hybrid solid polymer electrolyte (HSPE) based on poly(vinylidene fluoride- co -hexafluoro propylene)/poly(vinyl acetate) polymer blend electrolyte with TiO 2 nano-ceramic filler (NCF). The incorporation of TiO 2 -NCF aids in simultaneous improvements of the ionic conductivity and mechanical properties of host matrix. HSPE with 7.5 wt% TiO 2 exhibits highest ionic conductivity of 2.69 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 30 °C, which is ~2.5 time higher than ceramic free HSPE. In addition, the incorporation of TiO 2 enhances the high thermal stability (thermal degradation at 350 °C) and mechanical strength (stress 8.4 MPa) of the HSPE. Remarkably, HSPE with 7.5 wt% TiO 2 -NCF possess large Li+ transference number (0.53) with extended electrochemical stability window (5.4 V) and superior compatibility with lithium metal which is highly desirable for high voltage LIBs. The Li/HSPE/LiFePO 4 cell showed superior charge discharge properties, cycling stability and rate capability. Suppression of growth and proliferation of Li dendrites was demonstrated by time dependent impendence analysis. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm the mutual interactions between TFSI− and ions in electrolytes and that between TiO 2 segments and polymer segments. This work exemplifies the significant role of TiO 2 -NCF in enhanced electrochemical performance of polymer based free standing flexible HSPE. • Hybrid solid polymer electrolyte (HSPE) fabricated using TiO 2 nano-ceramic filler (NCF). • P(VdF- co -HFP)-PVAc-EC-LiTFSI with NCF show enhanced ionic conductivity and flexibility. • The use of HSPE has effectively suppressed the growth of Li-dendrites, with high Li t +. • DFT calculations confirms interaction of NCF with ions in electrolytes and polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to degrade the synthetic effluent containing ethyl benzene, comparative studies were carried out on electrochemical and photo oxidation processes. The galvanostatic mode of electrochemical oxidation was carried out with lead oxide as anode and stainless steel plate as cathode in the presence of 2 g/L of NaCl as a supporting electrolyte. The technique of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the process which results in 73.42% COD removal. The optimum conditions were satisfied at current density 1.82 A/dm², time 2 hrs, flow rate 10 L/hr, and volume 3.63 L occurring with a minimum power consumption of 15 Kw.hr/kg COD. It was followed by the photo oxidation process carried out in the presence of Ultra Violet radiation emitted from Ultra Violet source. From this study, the percentage of COD reduction and Biodegradability Index was found to be a maximum of 98.42 % and 0.712 respectively. The optimized irradiation time was 45 minutes for pretreated effluent. This combined method appears to be a promising technology and has budding application for ecological remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Purple sweet potato (PSP) is a special type of sweet potato having high anthocyanin pigment in the root. The starch contents of PSP (root/water homogenised in 1:1 ratio) were enzymatically saccharified [using commercial thermostable enzymes Termamyl® (0.2%) and Dextrozyme®GA (1%)] to fermentable sugars, and the filtrate was ameliorated with cane sugar to achieve 20° Brix, for subsequent fermentation into a red wine using 2% yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as starter culture. The wine had the following proximate compositions: total soluble sugar (TSS), 2.25° Brix; starch, 0.15 g per 100 mL; total sugar, 1.35 g per 100 mL; TA, 1.34 g tartaric acid per 100 mL; phenol, 0.36 g (caffeic acid equivalent) per 100 mL; anthocyanin, 55.09 mg per 100 mL; tannin, 0.64 mg per 100 mL; lactic acid, 1.14 mg per 100 mL; ethanol, 9.33%(v/v); and pH, 3.61. 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of the wine was 58.95% at a dose of 250 μg mL−1. Principal component analysis reduced the eleven original analytical and proximate variables (TSS, starch, total sugar, TA, phenol, anthocyanin, tannin, lactic acid, ethanol, pH, DPPH) to four independent components, which accounted for 76.65% variations. Sensory evaluation was carried out by sixteen trained panellists on various attributes such as clarity, colour, viscosity, odour, flavour, spritz and finish. Independent ' t' test confirmed that all the sensory attributes of the PSP wine scored closely (within 10% variation) to that of a commercial grape wine. The red wine produced contains essential antioxidants and acceptable sensory qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the diversity of selected faunal groups of Megamalai landscape, southern Western Ghats, India, based on a field study from March 2006 to January 2009 and published information were collated and analysed. Greater species richness of tree species (157 species), amphibians (34), reptiles (87), birds (211) and mammals (62) and endemicity in the area appear to be due to the availability of various vegetation types and greater elevational gradient (200-1800 m msl). High proportion of endemic species with respect to sampled taxa was observed in wet zones (> 800 m). Annexing area with various vegetation types and elevation gradients to the recently declared Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is critical for biodiversity conservation in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double layered grid space structures are well known in the building industry for their ability to cover large areas. This paper presents the results of a parametric study on the various factors affecting the flexural behavior of double layered grid space structures, considering (i) various support arrangement (ii) concrete slab at the top and (iii) an experimental investigation on a full scale space grid. Based on the study it was concluded that top concrete slab enhances not only the strength of top chord compression members but also increase the strength and stiffness of the system with a fail safe system. It was found from the study that atleast 20% saving in steel is possible with a mid edge supported system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dementia is one of the most disabling disorders afflicting the elderly, with a staggering emotional and economic impact. Antidementia agents have been used for delaying cognitive decline. Antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. Objectives: To explore the use of anti-dementing agents and antipsychotics used in patients with a diagnosis of dementia Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review method; geriatric clinic of tertiary care setting. Results: The study sample included 51 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of dementia. The commonest subtype of dementia that was diagnosed was Alzheimer's disease (45%), followed by Frontotemporal dementia (25%). The commonest antidementia drug that was used was donepezil, which alone was prescribed in 27 patients (52%). The commonest antipsychotic used was quetiapine, which was used in 24 patients (47%). Conclusions: The study found donepezil to be the most commonly prescribed antidementia drug and quetiapine to be the most commonly used antipsychotic in a tertiary care geriatric clinic, in a developing country. There is a need to study the cost-effectiveness of antidementia and antipsychotic drugs in patients with dementia, in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant defense system induced by the methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa L.(MEBR) against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wister albino rats. The effects of MEBR on surface visible macroscopic (Morphometry) liver lesions (neoplastic nodules) and the levels of serum enzymes, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were evaluated in NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. In rats treated, with NDEA, significantly elevated levels of serum enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP), bilirubin and decreased levels of protein and uric acid were observed. Significantly elevated amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipidperoxidation, indicated higher levels of lipid peroxidation, which was accompanied by significantly decreased levels of antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Administration of MEBR was able to suppress nodule development/hepatocellular lesion formation in rats. The extract treatment increases in antioxidant levels and dramatic decreases in lipid peroxidation levels. MEBR also produced a protective effect by decreasing the level of serum enzymes, bilirubin and increased the protein and uric acid levels. The results suggest that MEBR exert chemopreventive effects by suppressing nodule development and decreasing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the levels of antioxidants in NDEA carcinogenesis by reducing the formation of free radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initially, sphere shaped SiO 2 was explored by adopting simple sol-gel method without any template. Later, the sphere like SiO 2 was modified with cadmium sulfide (CdS) semiconductor and porphyrins. The formation of composites (CdS/SiO 2 -porphyrins) brought out by diverse characterization techniques that include XRD, Raman, FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDS, DRS and PL measurements. The photocatalytic activity of CdS/SiO 2 was slightly influenced by porphyrins such as meso-tetra-phenyl-porphyrin (TPP) and 5,10,15,20- meso -tetra-(para -amino)-phenyl-porphyrin (TPAPP). The mechanism which has been proposed for Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) degradation by CdS/SiO 2 - porphyrins under sunlight. Image 1 • Sphere shaped SiO 2 was prepared by a simple sol-gel method without any template. • Photoluminescence intensity of CdS/SiO 2 is slightly enhanced on doping with porphyrins. • Both porphyrins modified composites were found to be very efficient toward RR 120 degradation when compared with pristine CdS/SiO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This technical note presents a hybrid simulator designed for water distribution networks with control valves. The simulator is a modification of EPANET 2 that can handle valves using both the EPANET 2 heuristics and a recently proposed alternative method that models valves as pipes whose resistance is adjusted to meet the valve setting. The method copes with cases where the EPANET 2 heuristics fails, but it requires a larger number of iterations. The hybrid simulator starts with running the EPANET 2 heuristics and switches to the alternative method only if the former fails (cannot find a solution or produces incorrect results), thus using to advantage the fast convergence of the EPANET 2 heuristics and the more stable yet slower convergence of the alternative method. Verification tests demonstrated the ability of the hybrid simulator to deal with ill-posed problems and large networks with thousands of nodes, pipes, and valves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a simple valve simulation method integrable into the global gradient algorithm (GGA), which is widely used in hydraulic analysis of water distribution systems. In the proposed method, valves are treated as pipes whose resistance is adjusted in the course of the GGA iteration to meet the valve setting. This method features a unified approach to pressure control and flow control valves. Comparison tests on example networks have shown that the proposed method computes the same results as an independent optimization-based method in a comparable number of iterations and copes with the cases where EPANET 2 produces incorrect results. The proposed method may easily be integrated into existing GGA-based hydraulic solvers, in particular into that of EPANET 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition-metal dichalcogenides (WTe2 and MoTe2) have recently drawn much attention, because of the nonsaturating extremely large magnetoresistance (XMR) observed in these compounds in addition to the predictions of likely type-II Weyl semimetals. Contrary to the topological insulators or Dirac semimetals where XMR is linearly dependent on the field, in WTe2 and MoTe2 the XMR is nonlinearly dependent on the field, suggesting an entirely different mechanism. Electron-hole compensation has been proposed as a mechanism of this nonsaturating XMR in WTe2, while it is yet to be clear in the case of MoTe2 which has an identical crystal structure of WTe2 at low temperatures. In this Rapid Communication, we report low-energy electronic structure and Fermi surface topology of MoTe2 using angle-resolved photoemission spectrometry (ARPES) technique and first-principles calculations, and compare them with that of WTe2 to understand the mechanism of XMR. Our measurements demonstrate that MoTe2 is an uncompensated semimetal, contrary to WTe2 in which compensated electron-hole pockets have been identified, ruling out the applicability of charge compensation theory for the nonsaturating XMR in MoTe2. In this context, we also discuss the applicability of other existing conjectures on the XMR of these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]