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The binary image reconstruction has been adressed for many years by discrete tomography.The Dirac Mojette transform allows for a more general framework with any kind of values and any number of projections. This paper mainly adress the 4 materials scene reconstrction by the line Mojette algorithm.The line Mojette uses the characteristics that the scene under reconstruction is composed of 4 material values. Since a projection line might contain a unique material value, then the pixels of this line can be back-projected directly with the unique material value. The inverse line Mojette can always solve more than one pixel at a time contrarily to the Dirac Mojette inversion. The constraint solver as the second part of the algorithm can make the reconstruction continue while there is no correspondence bin can be used. Under the Farey-Haros series and the Stern-Brocot tree projection sets, the experimental results demonstrated that line Mojette algorithm can complete the 4 materials scene reconstruction with the limited projection sets, which the Katz’s criterion is far to be checked.

This paper presents the nonlinear static analysis of circular cylindrical sandwich shells using a higher-order thickness and shear deformation theory with nine kinematic parameters. The sandwich shell consists of a functionally graded porous core perfectly bonded with two carbon nanotubes (CNT) reinforced composite face sheets. The gradation is done in the thickness direction using three different types of distributions. An equivalent single layer theory is adopted to develop the model by assuming continuous displacements and strain functions across the thickness of the shell. The in-plane displacements and transverse deflections are expanded as third and fourth-order functions of thickness coordinate, respectively. The governing differential equations for the circular cylindrical shell are derived using the principle of minimum total potential energy and further discretized into algebraic equations by employing the Galerkin's method. These equations of motion are solved by adopting the arc-length continuation method, and the shell is analyzed for both the cases of displacement independent (radial distributed load) and displacement dependent (actual pressure) static pressurization . A parametric study is conducted to see the effect of different porosity coefficients, core-to-face sheet thickness ratios, porosity distributions, and boundary conditions.

A geometrically nonlinear forced vibration analysis of circular cylindrical sandwich shells with open/closed cellular core using higher-order thickness and shear deformation theory is presented. The proposed sandwich shell comprises two thin face-sheets perfectly bonded to a functionally graded porous core. The face-sheets are made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced composites. Three different types of porosity distribution, including two non-uniform and a uniform variation through the thickness, are considered. The effective mechanical properties of the core material, having open cells or closed cells, are determined using the Gibson and Ashby model. The rule-of-mixture, which includes efficiency parameters to account for scale-dependent properties of nanocomposite media, is adopted to obtain the mechanical properties of the face-sheets. The in-plane and transverse displacements of a generic point are assumed as a third and fourth-order polynomials of the through-the-thickness coordinate. The model is derived within the framework of an equivalent single layer (ESL) theory. Hamilton's principle is employed to obtain the nonlinear governing differential equations and further discretised by adopting the Galerkin method. Finally, the incremental harmonic balance (IHB) method, in conjunction with the arc-length continuation method, is used to solve the nonlinear system of coupled ordinary differential equations and compute the frequency-amplitude response. An extensive numerical study is carried out to examine the effects of the porosity coefficient, porosity distribution, core-to-face ratio and the volume fraction of CNTs in the face-sheets on the frequency-amplitude response of circular cylindrical sandwich shells.

Background: Hypospadias is a common congenital anomaly in which the anterior urethra is incompletely developed and does not extend to the tip of the glans penis. The present study was aimed to study the clinical prole of hypospadias. Settings and Design:This was a prospective, observational study. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Department of General Surgery, LLR & Associated Hospitals, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, India, from January 2019 to October 2020, on 72 patients of hypospadias, after taking clearance from the Institutional Ethical Committee, and taking proper informed consent for participation. Data collected for each patient included age, sex, demography, symptoms with duration, and relevant past and treatment history. Results: The most common age of presentation was between 1-5years of age (48.61%, n=35). Distal hypospadias (DH) was the most common site. (47.22%, n=34). 4.16% (n=3) patients presented with urethrocutaneous stula. Chordee was more commonly seen in patients with mid & proximal penile hypospadias (64.70%, n=33). In the present study, 4.1% (n=3) had associated undescended testis, 4.1% (n=3) had an associated bid scrotum and 1.3% (n=1) had an associated congenital hernia. Conclusions: Most cases of hypospadias present before 10 years of age. Distal hypospadias is the most common type. Chordee is associated most commonly with proximal penile and mid penile hypospadias. It may also be associated with other congenital anomalies like, undescended testis, bid scrotum or congenital hernias

Present analysis deals with nonlinear flexural-torsional vibration and dynamic instability of thin-walled stiffener beam with open section subjected to harmonic in-plane loading. The static and dynamic components of the applied harmonic in-plane loading are assumed to vary uniformly. A set of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) describing the vibration of system is derived. Using Galerkin's method, these partial differential equations are reduced into coupled Mathieu equations. The steady state response of the system is determined by solving the condition for a non-trivial solution. The principal regions of parametric resonance are determined using the method suggested by Bolotin. The numerical results are presented to investigate the effect of aspect ratios, boundary conditions and static load factor on the frequency-amplitude responses and instability regions.

Development of printable and flexible energy storage devices is one of the most promising technologies for wearable electronics in textile industry. The present work involves the design of a printable and flexible all-solid-state rechargeable battery for wearable electronics in textile applications. Copper-coated carbon fiber is used to make a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based polymer nanocomposite for a flexible and conductive current collector layer. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) are utilized to prepare the cathode and anode layers, respectively, with PEO and carbon black composites. The PEO- and Li salt-based solid composite separator layer is utilized for the solid-state and safe electrolyte. Fabrication of all these layers and assembly of them through coating on fabrics are performed in the open atmosphere without using any complex processing, as PEO prevents the degradation of the materials in the open atmosphere. The performance of the battery is evaluated through char...

This paper presents the nonlinear flexural-torsional vibration and instability analysis of thin-walled column with different mono-symmetric open sections subjected to periodic axial load. Non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs) governing the dynamic instability behavior of the considered sections are derived. Galerkin's method is employed to reduce the coupled partial differential equations to a set of coupled Mathieu equations. The amplitudes of steady state vibrations are determined from the non-trivial solution of Mathieu equations in terms of excitation frequency. Following Bolotin's method, principal instability regions are determined for different mono-symmetric section columns having various boundary conditions. Numerical results for the natural frequencies, instability regions and frequency-amplitude responses for thin-walled columns are presented. Influence of eccentricity, shape of the cross-section and boundary conditions on frequency-amplitude responses and instability regions are investigated.

tudies were conducted at Instructional farm, College of Agriculture, SKRAU, Bikaner during rabi, 2016-17. Among the nine insecticides/botanicals evaluated against O. phaseoli, the treatment of cartap-hydrochloride was found the most effective followed by phorate 10, acephate, oxydemeton–methyl, quinalphos and dimethoate whereas, NSKE was found the least effective followed by neem oil (0.5%) and azadirachtin (5.0 ml/ltr). The maximum seed yield was obtained in the treatment of cartap-hydrochloride whereas, it was minimum in control. The maximum incremental benefit-cost ratio was obtained in the treatment of acephate (33.22) while, minimum in NSKE. The maximum net return of RS. 25846 ha-1 was obtained from the treatment of cartap-hydrochloride while, the minimum net return of Rs. 3856 ha-1 was obtained from NSKE.

Present investigations were carried out during Kharif season of 2013-14 and 2014-15 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi to monitor the population of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) by using pheromone traps and to start appropriate control measures in time. The maximum numbers of moth catches were recorded during 44th (16.8 pheromone trap-1) and 45th (19.5 pheromone trap-1) standard week in all the modules during Kharif 2013 and 2014. Relationship between pheromone trap catches and egg population was found significant and positively correlated in all modules except M3 during 2013. In the succeeding year 2014, the correlation between pheromone trap catches and egg population was positive and significant only in case of M5. The correlation between pheromone trap catches and larval population was positive in all modules but significant in case of M1 during 2013. In the succeeding year 2014, the correlation between pheromone trap catches and larval population was positive in all modules but significant only in M5.

While previous studies have examined the impact of informal institutions to determine entrepreneurial activities, this paper explores the different configurational paths of informal institutions to promote men’s and women’s entrepreneurial activities across factor-driven and efficiency-driven economies. We collected data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for 56 countries for the years 2008–2013 and employed fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to conduct the empirical analysis. The results confirm that a single antecedent condition is unable to produce an outcome while combination of different conditions can produce an outcome. We find that cultural-cognitive institutional antecedents in combination with social-normative antecedents create configurations of conditions that lead to the higher levels of men’s and women’s entrepreneurial activities in factor-driven and efficiency-driven economies. Moreover, this study shows that these causal conditions configure differently to promote men’s and women’s entrepreneurial activities in factor-driven and efficiency-driven nations. This paper may create awareness in potential entrepreneurs regarding specific sets of institutional antecedents that can increase the emergence of entrepreneurship in different economic clusters. We show that institutional antecedents which are essential to promote entrepreneurship combine distinctly for men’s and women’s entrepreneurship and this combination varies in different stages of economic development.

Background: National estimates of tobacco and alcohol use are insufficient to guide policy at sub-national and district level. This study examines sub-national and district-level prevalence and tobacco and alcohol use and its variations in India. Methods: Data on smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco (SLT) and alcohol use in adults aged 15-49 was analysed from the National Family Health Survey. Sex-stratified prevalence of each types of tobacco and alcohol use at sub-national administrative units was estimated. We fitted multilevel logistic regressions to quantify the variation at the district and community level in tobacco and alcohol use. Findings: Overall, men used any form of tobacco or alcohol (53%, 52.5–53.4) more than women (7.4%, 95% CI 7.3–7.5). 23.4% (95% CI 23.1-23.9) smoked tobacco, with higher use of any SLT (29%, 28.6-29.4) and alcohol (29.2% 28.7-29.6). Women mostly used SLT (5.6%). Cigarette (13.6%, 13.3–14.0) and bidi (13.2%, 12.9–13.5) were most commonly and almost equally used types of smoking tobacco among men. Gutkha/paan masala with tobacco was the most consumed SLT product among both men (15.3%, 15.0–15.6) and women (2.2%, 2.1–2.3), followed by khaini. Beer was the most commonly used alcohol among men, followed by hard liquor. We found that considerable unexplained variation in tobacco and alcohol use attributed to between-population differences at districts (3.5% in smoking, 4% in alcohol and 6% in SLT) and community level (14.9% in smoking, 19.7% in alcohol and 21.5% in SLT) among males. Among females, between-population differences were even larger at districts (16.6% in smoking, 18% in SLT and 29.9% in alcohol) and community level (35.4% in smoking, 32.8% in SLT and 44% in alcohol). Interpretation: Regular assessment of sub-national tobacco and alcohol consumption across different population groups along with development of local cessation interventions must be integrated with health policy to reduce disease burden and preventable deaths. Funding Statement: No specific funding received for this study Declaration of Interests: All the authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was reviewed by the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research Institutional Ethics Committee and was exempted from full review as the study was based on an anonymous public use dataset with no identifiable information on the study participants.

The present paper focuses on integrating Ontology with in a DSS for extracting efficient knowledge. The paper carried out the process of building an integrated model through integrating the knowledge management and decision support processes by making use of knowledge discovery. The paper explains an approach for integrating decision support model and ontology that can be reused and contributes to several decision making tasks and activities. Based on the approaches for building decision support environment using ontologies an integrative framework is presented. This framework is expected to be helpful in guiding future research work on the development and evolvement of decision support environments of the next generation.

The heart of the current wireless communication systems (including 5G) is the Fourier transform-based orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM). Over time, a lot of research has proposed the wavelet transform-based OFDM as a better replacement of Fourier in the physical layer solutions because of its performance and ability to support network-intensive applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT). In this paper, we weigh the wavelet transform performances against the future wireless application system requirements and propose guidelines and approaches for wavelet applications in 5G waveform design. This is followed by a detailed impact on healthcare. Using an image as the test data, a comprehensive performance comparison between Fourier transform and various wavelet transforms has been done considering the following 5G key performance indicators (KPIs): energy efficiency, modulation and demodulation complexity, reliability, latency, spectral efficiency, effect of transmission/reception under asynchronous transmission, and robustness to time-/frequency-selective channels. Finally, the guidelines for wavelet transform use are presented. The guidelines are sufficient to serve as approaches for tradeoffs and also as the guide for further developments.

Internet of things [IoT] enables realization of the development of various intelligent systems and devices. In this scenario, intelligent waste management occupies an indispensable part in building smart cities. Furthermore, for improving the intensity and efficiency of waste monitoring system, we investigate the ways by which the garbage can be collected in the city and imitating new techniques to monitor all these processes. This paper proposes an idea of wireless garbage monitoring system with IoT as an underlying architecture. We can use this system to meet the actual garbage monitoring needs, and use of corresponding software system to achieve remote monitoring, that aims to minimize human intervention and improve the efficiency of human activities. Meanwhile, we have proposed a technical solution to build a simple garbage monitoring hardware and software system as a reference. It is believed that this trivial reference will give the platform to build a better design and its implementation.

Owing to increased performance capabilities over their LED counterparts, Gallium Nitride (GaN) based Laser Diodes (LDs) are becoming more prevalent in several applications, including lighting, visible light communications, medical spectroscopy, and atom cooling. For many of these applications, a tunable, precise wavelength is necessary such that chromatic aberrations are minimized and that specific wavelengths with narrow linewidth can be utilized for atomic transitions or filtered communications systems. This paper discusses one method of achieving single-mode lasing operation in GaN LDs, namely the deeply-etched sidewall grating Distributed Feedback (DFB) LD. Optical characteristics of such devices will be discussed, as well as their feasibility for optical communications.

Symptoms of excessive shoot proliferation were observed in the Njallani cultivar of small cardamom accompanied by stunting of stalks with fewer degenerated capsules at Nedumkandam Panchayat of Idukki district of Kerala in 2017. Five symptomatic Elettaria cardamomum shoot proliferation (ECSP) plant samples were collected and processed for DNA extraction and PCR assays utilizing universal phytoplasma 16S ribosomal-specific primers pair, P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2. Sequence comparison analysis of the R16F2n/R16R2 region of 16SrRNA gene showed 100% sequence identity with the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma australasia’- related strain. Phylogeny and virtual RFLP analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed the association of ‘Ca. P. australasia’ strain subgroup D with ECSP disease. The association of 16SrII group was further established and validated by amplifying phytoplasma-specific multilocus candidate genes by utilizing specific primers of secA, secY, SAP11, and tuf genes. The multilocus gene sequence comparison analysis again confirmed the association of ‘Ca. P. australasia’ with the ECSP phytoplasma isolate. This is the first report of phytoplasma association with small cardamom. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13205-019-1944-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Over the past 20 years, research into Gallium Nitride (GaN) has evolved from LED lighting to Laser Diodes (LDs), with applications ranging from quantum to medical and into communications. Previously, off-the-shelf GaN LDs have been reported with a view on free space and underwater communications. However, there are applications where the ability to select a single emitted wavelength is highly desirable, namely in atomic clocks or in filtered free-space communications systems. To accomplish this, Distributed Feedback (DFB) geometries are utilised. Due to the complexity of overgrowth steps for buried gratings in III-Nitride material systems, GaN DFBs have a grating etched into the sidewall to ensure single mode operation, with wavelengths ranging from 405nm to 435nm achieved. The main motivation in developing these devices is for the cooling of strontium ions (Sr+ ) in atomic clock applications, but their feasibility for optical communications have also been investigated. Data transmission rates exceeding 1 Gbit/s have been observed in unfiltered systems, and work is currently ongoing to examine their viability for filtered communications. Ultimately, transmission through Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is desired, to ensure that data is communicated more coherently and efficiently. We present results on the characterisation of GaN DFBs, and demonstrate their capability for use in filtered optical communications systems.

Introduction The dual use of smoked and smokeless tobacco (SLT) poses a serious challenge to tobacco control efforts. This article examines the trends and patterns of this usage in India during the period 2009–2010 and 2016–2017. Methods Data from two rounds of nationally representative cross-sectional Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2009–2010 and 2016–2017 have been used. Dual use was assessed based on current smokers and SLT users in both rounds. Results Findings reveal that dual use in India has dropped from 5.3% during 2009–2010 to 3.4% during 2016–2017, a decline of nearly 10 million dual users. However, some states have added nearly 4.6 million new dual users during this period. While dual use continues to remain high in rural areas, there has been a manifold increase in urban areas. Findings revealed that intention to quit tobacco was lower among dual tobacco users as compared to single users with considerable difference between urban and rural areas. Conclusion Easy availability and affordability of SLT products compared to smoking products and restrictions on smoking in public places may have pushed current smokers and dual users to take to or intensify their SLT consumption. Measures relating to awareness, pricing, taxation, and enforcement of tobacco control laws should focus on all forms of tobacco, especially targeting high dual burden in rural and urban settings. Implications Dual form of tobacco users represent 12% of all tobacco users in the country. The study reveals that intention to quit tobacco among dual users is significantly lower than that among single tobacco product users. This requires improving public awareness about the morbidity and mortality that arises from the use of all forms of tobacco products. Efforts to restrict the availability of tobacco products should focus on licensing the sale of all tobacco products. Reduction in dual tobacco use will not only result in multiplied health benefits but also help in achieving the Non-Communicable Diseases targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In this work, we explore the nonlinear pulse dynamics in a SESAM-free, mode-locked electrically-pumped (EP) VECSEL. The laser setup is illustrated in Fig. 1 (left) and includes an EP-VECSEL chip, a curved output-coupler with a radius of curvature of 75 mm and 10 % out-coupling, and an adjustable intracavity slit directly in front of the output-coupler. The output-coupler is placed on a translation stage to allow for variation of the cavity length and a polarizing isolator is used for suppression of back-reflections.

Silica-based luminescent materials have gained significant attention over the last several years primarily to be used under integrated photonics. In this context Ce-doped silica are particularly interesting due to their potential to be used as Si-based light emitting sources [1]. In this work we have prepared a Ce-doped silica fiber that is drawn from a preform which is prepared using standard MCVD technology. In this work we study the spontaneous lifetime and fluorescence parameters of a Ce-doped silica fiber when pumped with 405 nm continuous wave laser.

Smokeless tobacco is consumed by 356 million people globally and is a leading cause of head and neck cancers. However, global efforts to control smokeless tobacco use trail behind the progress made in curbing cigarette consumption. In this Policy Review, we describe the extent of the policy implementation gap in smokeless tobacco control, discuss key reasons on why it exists, and make recommendations on how to bridge this gap. Although 180 countries have agreed that the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is the best approach to control the demand and supply of smokeless tobacco, only 138 (77%) Parties define smokeless tobacco in their statutes. Only 34 (19%) Parties tax or report taxing smokeless tobacco products, six (3%) measure content and emissions of smokeless tobacco products, and 41 (23%) mandate pictorial health warnings on these products. Although awareness of the harms related to smokeless tobacco is growing in many parts of the world, few Parties collect or present data on smokeless tobacco use under global or national surveillance mechanisms (eg, Global Tobacco Surveillance System and WHO STEPwise). Only 16 (9%) Parties have implemented a comprehensive ban on smokeless tobacco advertisement, promotion, and sponsorships. Globally, a smaller proportion of smokeless tobacco users are advised to quit the use of smokeless tobacco products compared to tobacco users. Use of smokeless tobacco is becoming a global cause of concern, requiring a greater commitment on the full implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control measures.

We investigate the fluorescence characteristics of a purely Ce-doped silica fiber and demonstrate broad-bandwidth fluorescence across the visible and near-infrared. The Ce-doped fiber is fabricated using standard modified chemical vapor deposition technology. Trace metal analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry confirmed the purity of Ce-doping. The Ce valence state of 3+ was revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optimum pump wavelength for the broadest luminescence from a fiber is scanned between 405 nm to 440 nm wavelength of diode lasers operating under continuous-wave regime. The strongest pump absorption is observed at the wavelength of 405 nm. Variation of pump power and fiber length results in the demonstration of broad-bandwidth fluorescence with spectral widths up to 301 nm (at -10 dB). The measured fluorescence spectra cover the wavelength range from ∼458 nm to ∼819 nm with spectral power densities of up to 2.4 nW/nm. publishedVersion

National estimates on tobacco and alcohol consumption are insufficient to guide policy at the sub-national level. This study assessed the sex-stratified prevalence of different types of smoking and smokeless tobacco and alcohol consumption among adults aged 15-49 using the National Family Health Survey (2015-16) at sub-national administrative units. Three-level logistic regression models were applied to quantify the variation at district- and community-level in smoking and consumption of smokeless tobacco and alcohol. A higher prevalence of smoking, smokeless tobacco and alcohol consumption was observed among men. The study found that the considerable unexplained variations in two different forms of tobacco and alcohol consumption among men attributed to between-population differences at district-level and community-level. The between-population differences were even larger at the district- and community-level in tobacco and alcohol consumption among women. Continious assessment of tobacco and alcohol consumption at lower administrative units and the development of evidence-based localised cessation interventions must be integrated with health policy to reduce disease burden and preventable deaths.

Aim The aim is to compare the extent of irrigant penetration into root canals up to the working length and in simulated lateral canals after passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and manual dynamic agitation (MDA). Materials and methods Root canals of 36 single-rooted extracted teeth were shaped using rotary files. Irrigation was done with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid. Teeth were decalcified in 5% nitric acid. Lateral canals were created by inserting 10 K-files and then, the teeth were cleared using methyl salicylate. Samples were randomly divided into three groups of 12 teeth each: Group I — Control, group II — PUI, and group III — MDA. A contrast solution was delivered to the root canals during final irrigation and activation. Specimens were photographed using dental operating microscope, and the mean length of dye penetration was measured. Results Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Passive ultrasonic irrigation group showed the highest penetration of the irrigant upto the working length followed by MDA. Manual dynamic agitation and PUI groups had equivocal results in lateral canal irrigation. Conclusion Passive ultrasonic irrigation technique is the most effective in delivering the irrigants up to the working length. The effectiveness of PUI and MDA is equivocal in lateral canal irrigation, and hence, MDA can be considered an alternative to PUI, in the case of nonavailability of PUI. Clinical significance The clinician can consider the use of MDA technique for irrigant agitation in root canals as an alternative to PUI, based on the extent of irrigant penetration. How to cite this article Khare M, Suprabha BS, Yadav A, Shenoy R, Boaz K, Rao A. Effectiveness of Ultrasonic and Manual Dynamic Agitation Techniques in Irrigant Penetration: An in vitro Study. World J Dent 2017;8(3):207-212.

The future generation of modern illumination should not only be cheap and highly efficient, but also demonstrate high quality of light, light which allows better color differentiation and fidelity. Here we are presenting a novel approach to create a white solid-state light source providing ultimate color rendition necessary for a number of applications. The proposed semi-hybrid device combines a monolithic blue-cyan light emitting diode (MBC LED) with a green-red phosphor mixture. It has shown a superior color rendering index (CRI), 98.6, at correlated color temperature of around 3400 K. The MBC LED epi-structure did not suffer from the efficiency reduction typical for monolithic multi-color emitters and was implemented in the two most popular chip designs: “epi-up” and “flip-chip”. Redistribution of the blue and cyan band amplitudes in the white-light emission spectrum, using the operating current, is found to be an effective tool for fine tuning the color characteristics. (Figure presented.).

This study presents a semi-analytical solution of nonlinear vibrations of circular cylindrical shells made of carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber-reinforced composite (CNT-FRC). Vibrations are produced by a radial harmonic force and viscous structural damping is considered. The effective properties of a lamina of the CNT-FRC shell are evaluated in two steps. The elastic properties of randomly distributed CNTs in a polymeric matrix (i.e., hybrid matrix) are computed by the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka/Voigt scheme to consider the CNTs agglomeration effect in the hybrid matrix. Then, the resulting hybrid matrix is reinforced with aligned fibers in order to prepare the lamina of the CNT-FRC shell; its effective properties are estimated by the Halpin Tsai homogenization approach. The CNT-FRC shell is modelled incorporating the von Karman geometric nonlinearity and first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The nonlinear governing partial differential equations (PDEs) of the CNT-FRC shells are derived by the Hamilton’s principle. These PDEs are discretized into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using the Galerkin’s method. The ODEs are solved by incremental harmonic balance method (IHB) in conjunction with the arclength continuation method to obtain the frequency-amplitude response of the shell. The effect of different types of CNT agglomeration models, CNT mass fraction, agglomeration parameters and stacking sequence of laminates on the frequency-amplitude curves corresponding to forced and free nonlinear vibrations of the CNT-FRC shell are studied in detail.

Aluminum (Al3+) doped manganese (Mn)/copper (Cu) ferrite impregnated rGO hybrids are verified for photo-electrocatalytic water-splitting and super-capacitor electrode applications. Energy band gaps of 2.17 eV (Mn) and 2.25 eV (Cu) confirm photocatalytic activity in the visible-band. High anodic photo-currents around 18–40 and 2–9 mA/cm2 (1 V vs. Ag/AgCl) are observed for Mn and Cu systems. Formation of oxygen vacancies due to aluminum doping assisted in efficient charge transfer behavior both at surface and lattice orders due to the structural adjustments. 2-D rGO surface disorders (ID/I2D) emphasized the retardation of the charge recombination at the metal-oxide and rGO junction. During visible-light irradiation current densities are increased by 0.7–9.2 mA/cm2 with a better redox behavior. The difference in transient currents are observed around 0.01–0.02 mA/cm2 at 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl [0.7 mA/cm2 at 0.5 V]. Intrinsic photo-current at zero voltage infers built-in potentials at the hybrid and electrolyte interface (Schottky- junction). Impedance study implicates better electron-transfer/ion diffusion characteristics during photon irradiation with a semi-infinite diffusion rate-limiting step. Specific-capacities (Three-electrode) are observed around 216 F g−1 (Mn), 142 F g−1 (Cu) with combined pseudo-capacitance and EDLC characteristics. Li+-intercalation results in ultrahigh stability up to 100,000 cycles (t ~ 69.4 h) at 0.8 V s−1 with a capacity retention of 127%. Two-Electrode performance shows 99.1% capacity retention after 5000 cycles with decrease in the impedance (1.38 Ω to 1.06 Ω), and a maximum areal energy density of 0.54 μWh cm−2 at power density of 50 μW cm−2.

Flexible wire shaped energy storage devices grab tremendous attention due to the emergence of wearable and portable electronics markets. Herein, the design principles (fabrication and assembly process) and device performance (electrochemical performance in static and bending conditions) of the lithium-ion capacitor in core-shell wire topology are described. The wire shaped lithium-ion capacitor (WSLIC) assembly consists of multi-walled carbon nanotubes coated carbon fibers (CNT-CFs) core electrode, polymer electrolytes, lithium titanium oxide (LTO) composite outer electrode, helically wrapped current collectors and protective outer covering. This 2.7 V device exhibits a maximum energy density of 1.85 mWh/cm3, comparable to the energy densities of other reported wire-shaped batteries. WSLIC exhibits excellent safety at a high temperature of 60 °C due to plasticized polymer electrolytes of non-volatile composition, challenges may arise if flammable organic electrolytes were employed. The device also exhibits excellent electrochemical performance under different deforming and repeated bending conditions, attributed to unique properties of CNT-CF core electrode and helically wrapped current collectors. Therefore, WSLIC has excellent potential for implementation in wearable applications.

Laser diodes based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) are useful devices in a wide range of applications including atomic spectroscopy, data storage and optical communications. To fully exploit some of these application areas there is a need for a GaN laser diode with high spectral purity, e.g. in atomic clocks, where a narrow linewidth blue laser source can be used to target the atomic cooling transition. We report on the continuous wave, room temperature operation of a distributed feedback laser diode (DFB-LD) with high-order notched gratings. The design, fabrication and characterization of DFB devices based on the (Al,In) GaN material system is described. A single peak emission at 408.6 nm with an optical power of 20 mW at 225 mA and a side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of 35 dB was achieved. Additionally, we demonstrate the use of a GaN DFB-LD as a transmitter in visible optical communications system. We also present results from a DFB-LD optimized for laser cooling of Sr+.

Synergistic Mn-Al-Fe impregnated rGO hybrid (MAF-rGO) is developed and verified for arsenic remediation. Preliminary adsorption studies are observed through vibrational spectroscopy and morphological tools. Adsorption isotherms are fitted by Freundlich model multilayer sorption with a loading of 402 mg g−1 [As(III)], and 339 mg g−1 [As(V)]. Adsorption kinetics study in competing ion environment [SO42−, PO43−, NO3−, CO32−] confirms the PSO model-controlled chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. The irradiation of white light (> 420 nm) in adsorption kinetics study shows a two-fold increase in the arsenic loading parameters (5–10 min). Multiplet peaks in As3d spectra (XPS) confirm the transformation of arsenic species in the near-surface region of hybrid [i.e., As(III), As(V)]. The occurrence of redox-active, ligand-exchange reactions are confirmed by individual Mn2p, Fe2p, Al2p, O1s, and C1s spectra. The dedicated electrochemical study confirms arsenic decontamination occurred through both reduction and sorption (i.e., electrosorption). An energy bandgap (Eg) of 2.17 eV resulted in the photocatalytic activity, which enhanced the arsenic remediation. Photo-electrocatalytic synergism resulted in high photocurrent densities (0.2–0.9 mA cm−2) with charge separation [e−–h+], and built-in potential abilities (Schottky-junction; Water-splitting). Arsenic-treated hybrid (i.e., sludge) is observed with an ultra-high stable charge–discharge cyclic performance for 100,000 cycles (~77 %) with improved specific-capacity of 125 F g−1 over pristine hybrid (92 F g−1). The better electrochemical parameters of sludge are due to the efficient lithiation/de-lithiation process supported by adsorbed arsenic. This work proposes sustainable approach towards environmental remediation and energy storage applications.

A pure Ce-doped silica fiber is fabricated using modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) technique. Fluorescence characteristics of a Ce-doped silica fiber are experimentally investigated with continuous wave pumping from 440 nm to 405 nm. Best pump absorption and broad fluorescence spectrum is observed for ~ 405 nm laser. Next, the detailed analysis of spectral response as a function of pump power and fiber length is performed. It is observed that a -10dB spectral width of ~ 280 mn can be easily achieved with different combinations of the fiber length and pump power. Lastly, we present, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, a broadband fluorescence spectrum with -10dB spectral width of 301 nm, spanning from ~ 517.36 nm to ~ 818 nm, from such fibers with non-UV pump lasers.

Microsized and shape-versatile flexible and wearable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are promising and smart energy storage devices for next-generation electronics. In the present work, we design and fabricate the first prototype of microsized fibrous LIBs (thickness ≈ 22 μm) based on multilayered coaxial structure of solid-state battery components over flexible and electrically conductive carbon fibers (CFs). The micro coaxial batteries over the CF surface were fabricated via electrophoretic deposition and dip-coating methods. The microfiber battery showed a stable potential window of 2.5 V with an areal discharge capacity of ∼4.2 μA h cm-2 at 13 μA cm-2 of the current density. The as-assembled battery fiber delivered a comparable energy density (∼0.006 W h cm-3) with solid-state lithium thin-film batteries at higher power densities (∼0.0312 W cm-3). The fibrous batteries were also connected in parallel and in series to deliver large current and high voltage, respectively. The fibrous battery also retains up to 85% discharge capacity even after 100 charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, these battery fibers performed well under both static and bending conditions, which shows the robustness of the battery fiber. Therefore, this type of fibrous microbattery can be used in advanced flexible and wearable microelectronics, bioelectronics, robotics, and textile applications.

The discrete tomography which focuses on the binary image reconstruction from two orthogonal projections, whereas the Mojette transform allows for a more general framework with any kind of values and any number of projections. The line Mojette was derived to focus on the limited number of materials scene reconstructions. Meanwhile, the scene only contained limited number of materials. So projection line might contain a unique material value, and then pixels of this line can be back-projected directly with the unique material value. The merits of the inverse line Mojette compare the Dirac Mojette that it can always solve more than one pixel at a time. In this paper, we discussed the line Mojette algorithm performances for the 2, 3, and 4 materials images. After comparison of analysis, results show the line Mojette performance ought to be paramount in the 3 materials case.

Self-starting pulsed operation in an electrically pumped (EP) vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting-laser (VECSEL) without intracavity saturable absorber is demonstrated. A linear hemispherical cavity design, consisting of the EP-VECSEL chip and a 10% output-coupler, is used to obtain picosecond output pulses with energies of 2.8 pJ and pulse widths of 130 ps at a repetition rate of 1.97 GHz. A complete experimental analysis of the generated output pulse train and of the transition from continuous-wave to pulsed operation is presented. Numerical simulations based on a delay-differential-equation (DDE) model of mode-locked semiconductor lasers are used to reproduce the pulse dynamics and identify different laser operation regimes. From this, the measured single pulse operation is attributed to FM-type mode-locking. The pulse formation is explained by strong amplitude-phase coupling and spectral filtering inside the EP-VECSEL.

We present a wavelength-tunable, external-cavity GaSb-based quantum-well laser operating near 3.2 $\mu \text{m}$ . The laser setup consists of an intra-cavity grating in Littman–Metcalf configuration and a cascade pumped GaSb-based gain chip with a narrow-ridge waveguide. The narrow-ridge waveguide has a length of 2 mm and width of 7.5 $\mu \text{m}$ . Cascade pumping is realized with three type-I quantum-wells, using one quantum-well per cascade stage. The laser provides continuous-wave output powers up to 8 mW and slope-efficiencies of 13% at room temperature. Laser operation is demonstrated over a wavelength range of more than 300 nm, using continuous-wave and pulsed operation regimes.

Background & objectives: Over the past decade, the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has served as a powerful tool to initiate and advance global tobacco control efforts. However, the control strategies have mainly targeted demand-side measures. The goal of a tobacco-free world by 2040 cannot be achieved if the supply-side measures are not addressed. This analysis was undertaken to examine the tobacco control legislations of various Parties ratifying WHO FCTC with an objective to ascertain the status of prohibition of importation, sale and manufacturing of smokeless tobacco products. Methods: All 180 Parties to WHO FCTC were included for the study. A comprehensive database of all the parties to FCTC was created and tobacco control legislations and regulations of all parties were studied in detail. Results: Overall, the sale of smokeless tobacco (SLT) products was prohibited in 45 Parties. Eleven Parties prohibited manufacturing of SLT products and six Parties imposed a ban on importation of SLT products. Australia, Bhutan, Singapore and Sri Lanka banned all three. Interpretation & conclusions: Comprehensive tobacco control strategy with effective tobacco cessation programme should complement strong legal actions such as prohibition on trade in SLT products to meet the public health objective of such laws and regulations. In addition, multisectoral efforts are needed for effective implementation of such restrictions imposed by the governments.

India implemented larger 85% pictorial health warnings on all tobacco products from 1 April 2016. However, to remove the last bit of glamour and attraction from the tobacco packs, it must now embrace plain packaging. Plain packaging prevents tobacco packs from carrying the tobacco industry brand imagery as mobile billboards. Postimplementation of larger 85% pictorial health warnings on all tobacco products, this analysis was undertaken to assess the feasibility of plain packaging as the next logical tobacco control policy measure in India. As part of this analysis, the research team reviewed the available literature on legal and policy challenges to plain packaging as a tobacco control policy initiative for India. Literature from 2010 to 2016 in English language was reviewed, which reveals that, India has taken several preparatory steps implemented by other countries like Australia and the UK that have introduced plain packaging, for example, stronger smoke-free laws, ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, increase in taxes and a report from civil society task force on plain packaging. The trade and investment agreements signed by India are also within the international trade norms relating to public health. A Private Member’s Bill on plain packaging is also pending in the Parliament of India. Other potential challenges against such policy decision, for example, freedom of trade, right to property, violation of competition law and other laws including consumer protection laws, were found unsubstantiated by the research team. Plain packaging is the next logical step for tobacco control policy in India.

We demonstrate a single wavelength operation from an InGaN/GaN distributed feedback (DFB) blue laser at 42X nm. The 39th order grating is etched in the sidewall to achieve single wavelength. The laser has a FWHM of ~ 25 pm at 500mA pulsed current with 15 mW output power.

We investigate the wavelength-tuning of cascade quantum-well GaSb-based diode lasers emitting at 3.2 µm. An external-cavity setup is used to demonstrate wavelength-tuning over a range of 250 nm with a maximum output power of 8.4 mW.

Bacterial strains with poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) degradation potential were isolated from waste yard soil samples of selected industrial sites in Uttarakhand, India, and two microbial consortia were developed, i.e. Consortium I comprises Pseudomonas sp. strain Rb10, Pseudomonas sp. strain Rb11 and Bacillus sp. strain Rb18, and Consortium II is composed of Lysinibacillus sp. strain Rb1, Pseudomonas sp. strain Rb13 and Pseudomonas sp. strain Rb19. The current study involved enrichment selection via liquid and semi-solid media, followed by isolation and screening of bacterial strains using PHB pellets and films. Furthermore, the identification and characterisation was done by triphasic approach. The utilisation of PHB by the characterised strains was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration of solubilised PHB was found to be 2.5 mg/mL, which was detected through ‘clear zone assay’. Further, the selection a...

Strong interfacial bonding is necessary between carbon fiber and polymer matrix to take advantage of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites in structural applications. An attempt has been made to improve the interfacial bonding by coating coiled carbon nanotubes on carbon fiber surface through a single-step chemical vapor deposition process. Coiled structures were synthesized on nickel-coated carbon fiber by using thiophene as a sulphur impurity and acetylene as a carbon precursor. The coiled carbon nanotube-coated carbon fiber and epoxy were used, respectively, as the reinforcement and the matrix to form carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The role of coiled carbon nanotubes on thermo-mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites was investigated using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis in three different modes of deformation. Unsized carbon fiber (carbon fiber heat-treated to remove sizing agents)/epoxy composites were used as the reference to evaluate the enhancement due to coiled carbon nanotubes. Substantial improvements in viscoelastic properties of coiled carbon nanotube/carbon fiber/polymer composites over unsized carbon fiber/polymer composites were observed in all of the deformation modes. Coiled Carbon nanotube composites in shear mode exhibit highest enhancements in both storage as well as loss moduli due to superior mechanical interlocking between coiled carbon nanotubes and polymer matrix.

Background Article 16 of WHO FCTC focuses upon limiting the supply and exposure of tobacco products to Minors. Implementation of Article 16 has been researched by few local and regional studies, primarily focusing on Cigarettes. This paper evaluates global progress in the area of access of SLT products to minors and compares with cigarettes. Methods A cross-sectional database of notified policies in FCTC ratified countries (n = 179) was prepared for SLT and CIG. Indicators studied were: Ban on Sale to minors; Treaty requirements (under the Ban on Sale to Minor); ban on sale by minor, prohibition on distribution of free tobacco products and prohibition on sale of loose/individual tobacco products. Countries were categorized according to World Bank Income groups and WHO regions. Data was analyzed using SPSSv17.0. Results Unequal implementation of provisions under Article 16 has been implemented for CIG and SLT products (nearly 79% Parties for CIG and 67% for SLT). Most countries have a partial (or none) policy in place (only 12% Parties have notified all provisions under Article 16(1) for CIG, and 10% for SLT). Implementation has been evaluated for CIG through indicators in GYTS, but not for SLT. Conclusions A comprehensive policy formulation on banning sale of tobacco to minors and its proper enforcement is required to prevent access and availability of tobacco including SLT to minors.

Background Until 1990, spitting was an offence in United Kingdom carrying a £5 fine. Spitting was also banned in other developed countries especially in Europe early in the 20 th Century as a preventive measure against tuberculosis and later to maintain cleanliness. Several health experts consider spitting a public health concern and smokeless tobacco in all its forms induces spitting, thereby causing risk for communicable diseases like tuberculosis. Methods A comprehensive review of existing literature on prohibition of spitting in public places was undertaken. Legislative and policy publications were reviewed for the reasons of such prohibition and punishments thereon. Results Spitting has been considered a public inconvenience and a nuisance. Spitting of chewing and other smokeless tobacco stains and defaces public vehicles, buildings and other public property and is a public nuisance. In a scientific study done in India the most frequent cited reason for quitting tobacco use was spitting and ash dropping which was embarrassing in-front of others. Several states in India have banned spitting by law. Nepal has banned use of any kind of tobacco products in public places. Bhutan prohibits smearing lime and spitting doma in public area. Hangzhou- a province in China has banned spitting in public places. Countries like Singapore, Myanmar and Australia also have imposed ban on spiting in public and impose hefty fine for violation of the provisions. Conclusions Several countries and cities have promulgated norms against spitting in public places, including spitting after SLT use. There is a need to undertake further research to study impact of spitting ban on SLT use.