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This paper discusses the relation between the heavy metal and radionuclide activity concentration in beach sand samples collected from East Coast of Tamilnadu. The elemental composition in beach sands is determined by EDXRF technique. The mean concentrations of elements followed in the order of Si > Ca > Fe > Al > Mg > K > Ti > Mn > Zr > Sr > Zn > Pb > Ni > Cu > Cd > Co in the study area. A NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer has been used to determine activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in sand samples. The measured activity in the sand samples ranged from 3.0 to 1766.8 Bqkg−1, 3.0 to 8326.88 Bqkg−1 and 11 to 1434.9 Bqkg−1 for 238U, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The measured natural radioactivity concentration was compared with worldwide average values as reported by UNSCEAR. The interrelation between the natural radioactivity and heavy metal concentration is determined using Pearson correlation coefficient, factor and cluster analysis for finding existing relation between them. The results showed that there is a significant relation of heavy metals for heavy minerals which can contribute radioactivity concentration based on the correlation and factor analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary heat source from the sunlight is solar energy, which is used in photovoltaic panels, solar power plates, photovoltaic streetlights, and solar-based hybrid nanocomposites. A hybrid nanofluid is traversing an expanding sheet in this investigation. Maxwell fluid stream with two nanoparticles is going towards a trough with a parabolic form and is situated within the solar aircraft wing to investigate the phenomena of heat transfer rate. The term solar thermal radiation was introduced to describe heat transfer occurrence. The effectiveness of heat transmission from airplane wings is assessed by taking into account unique phenomena such as magnetic field and heat source. The bvp4c procedure was applied to quantitatively explain the energy and motion equations with MATLAB software. The copper (Cu) and graphene oxide (GO) nanosolid particles are mixed with sodium alginate (SA), a common liquid, to form the nanosolid particles. Numerous control variables are thoroughly examined, including temperature, shear stress, motion, friction component, and Nusselt number. The skin-friction coefficient upsurges with a growing magnetic impression. The upsurge in Deborah number reduces the skin-friction coefficient. The heat source impression declines the heat transport rate but upsurges the skin-friction coefficient. The skin-friction coefficient and heat transport rate increase with growing magnetic impression. When it comes to heat transfer analysis, hybrid nanofluid efficiency is substantially superior to that of regular nanofluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the thoron diffusion characteristic in soil is used as a tool to measure the porosity of the soil. The feasibility is demonstrated by a simple and compact experimental set up. The soil matrix, whose porosity is to be measured, is placed between the thoron source on side and an air chamber connected to thoron monitor on the other end. The methodology is based on reproducing the experimental results by theoretical modeling involving fixing of the input thoron diffusion coefficient by repeated trials. The porosity is estimated by using the empirical relation involving porosity and thoron diffusion coefficient in soil. The values are compared with porosity estimations through true density (particle density) measurements with pycnometer. A good agreement is observed between both the measurements techniques and the relative error is found to be within 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper conducts numerical studies on the response of a deep ocean rocket launching triceratops for five rocket launching cases at a water depth of 1055 m. It is observed that the relative response of the structure increases with the increase in the thrust force and moments; relative surge response of deck and buoyant legs are marginal compared to heave and pitch due to the ball and socket joint connecting the deck and the buoyant legs. Hence, the novel response characteristics offered by the ball joints are utilized for launching large rockets. As the launch varies from small to huge rockets, the variation in the tether tension is also increased. The Quadra-response spectrum for the launch shows the importance of the resonance condition under rocket launch. Parametric studies of varying sea states along with light air, moderate breeze, and strong breeze conditions were selected for the study. The worst scenario for a deck is observed under a strong breeze when large rockets are launched. The numerical analysis shows that the relative displacements due to the rocket launch depend on the environmental parameters and thus emphasize a holistic design approach incorporating the combined effects of wave, wind, and rocket. • Offshore triceratops is an ideal option for space launches. • Partial isolation inducted by ball joints enables desirable dynamic characteristics for such operations. • Ball joints restrain the transfer of impulse force to the legs during space launch. • Operational stability of offshore triceratops during rocket launch is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First principles calculations are performed on 3d-transition metal atom deposited (0001) surface of SmCo5 to understand the magnetic properties and the improvement of Curie temperature (Tc). Various atomic sites are examined to identify the energetically feasible adsorption of adatom and it is found that the void site of Co-rich (0001) SmCo5 surface is the most favourable one to deposit. The surface magnetic moments of various adatom deposited SmCo5 surfaces are larger than the clean surface except for Cu and Zn. Eventually, the surface exchange coupling of clean and adatom deposited surface is found to increase for Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu deposited surfaces and this improvement results in the increase in Tc of SmCo5 slab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardamom is an important spice crops used all over the world as a flavoring agent of food materials. The productivity is limited by insect pests and thus effective insecticide which does not leave residues in the produce is the need of the hour. Diafenthiuron 50 WP @ 300 g a.i ha−1 was found effective in managing both the cardamom shoot and capsule borer, Conogethes punctiferalis Guenee and thrips, Sciothrips cardamomi Ramk and thus can be recommended for pest management. Cardamom capsules were collected from the plants that were sprayed with diafenthiuron at the recommended dose of 200 g a.i ha−1 and double the dose (400 g a.i ha−1), which were then analyzed under HPLC with a normal phase column. The diafenthiuron residue was below the detectable levels of 0.05 µg g−1 in the harvested produce (both fresh and cured) after twelve and fourteen days of spray. So, capsules can be harvested safely without any risk of insecticide residues 12 days after spraying of diafenthiuron and thus can be recommended for usage in cardamom plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gadolinium, a strong neutron absorber is a good choice of material for use as soluble neutron poison for nuclear criticality control in nuclear fuel cycle facilities. During operation, it's availability has to be ensured in order to maintain the sub-critical state of the system. Towards this, periodic monitoring of presence of Gadolinium, a monitoring system was developed. The technique used is based on thermal neutron attenuation characteristics of the medium considered under study. As the design involves, choice of neutron source, moderator assembly and neutron detector sensitivity, Monte Carlo simulation was employed to optimize the design parameters. The details of simulation and experiments carried out to study the feasibility of the method is described. Results of measurements and comparison with computational model developed are also presented in detail. The results indicate that the proposed system can be successfully deployed for remote online monitoring of neutron poison in Fuel Reprocessing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the problem of reconstructing a function on a manifold satisfying some mild conditions, given data of the values and some derivatives of the function at arbitrary points on the manifold. While the problem of finding a polynomial of two variables with total degree ≤ n given the values of the polynomial and some of its derivatives at exactly the same number of points as the dimension of the polynomial space is sometimes impossible, we show that such a problem always has a solution in a very general situation if the degree of the polynomials is sufficiently large. We give estimates on how large the degree should be, and give explicit constructions for such a polynomial even in a far more general case. As the number of sampling points at which the data is available increases, our polynomials converge to the target function on the set where the sampling points are dense. Numerical examples in single and double precision show that this method is stable, efficient, and of high-order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Letter, the authors report a flexible CMOS chip converted by a novel chip transformation process. To realise a truly flexible CMOS chip, a two-step etching process was employed in the transformation process: (i) vapour etching to remove inter-dielectric layers followed by polymer encapsulation and (ii) plasma etching to remove the substrate of the chip. The I–V results measured after the chip transformation process show a voltage variance of <0.8% compared to the rigid chip. The bending test also revealed very small changes (0.6%) under strain conditions. Their results offer a viable route to use the foundry-fabricated CMOS chip for flexible chips; thus, a high-performance flexible chip can be realised. This technology will enable us to utilise various foundry-processed chips for future flexible applications such as health and environment monitoring, advanced mobile communication systems, and wearable electronics via a simple post-transformation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shingled magnetic recording (SMR) has been predicted as one of the novel technologies to extend the areal density beyond 1 Tb/in2. It was widely thought by many researchers that very wide writers could be used for SMR, as it involves corner writing and thus writability would no longer be an issue in SMR. However, in our experimental study, we reveal that there exists an optimal write width for a given writer design due to the erase band limitations. Also we propose the optimal write width for a given shingle track pitch condition [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wide difference in the diffusion lengths of 222Rn and 220Rn in air can be exploited to selectively measure the two isotopes using the solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) based passive technique. For selective thoron measurement, LR-115 films are mounted at two different distances. The farther film records tracks only due to radon and its progenies and this can be subtracted from the tracks on the nearer film to obtain the thoron contributed tracks. This scheme has been explored in a previous study reported in literature. Based on this, an optimization exercise has been taken up in the present study for selectively measuring the thoron exhaled from soil samples. The optimum distance at which the LR films have to be mounted for recording maximum tracks, is experimentally deduced and this exercise has been supported with simple Monte Carlo modelling inclusive of the alpha particle range-energy relation. The optimum source-detector distance (distance at which track density is maximum) predicted by the model agreed with the experimental result. • An optimization study of the LR-115 track detector based technique to measure thoron. • The source-detector distance plays a crucial role in maximising the track density. • The optimum distance for recording maximum tracks, is experimentally deduced. • Monte Carlo model has been developed to simulate thoron diffusion and alpha emission. • The optimum source-detector distance predicted by the model agreed with the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the significant potential of many natural products as anticancer agents, the present investigation was undertaken to explore the anticancer potential of Abrus precatorius. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to two active fractions, APH-11 and APM-3 exhibiting IC50 values of 14.64±1.84 and 20.90±3.58 μg/ml, respectively against the human acute monocytic leukaemia cell line. In vitro cytotoxicity of APH-11 and APM-3 against the human acute monocytic leukaemia cell line was compared with that against peritoneal macrophages and HEK-293 cells. These fractions significantly induced apoptosis, as evaluated by TdTmediated dUTP nick-end labelling assay. Accumulation of cells at sub-G0/G1 phase was demonstrated by cell cycle analysis. Western blot analysis further revealed that the cell death induced by APH-11 and APM-3 fractions occurred through apoptosis involving caspase-3/-7 and PARP cleavage. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry study was carried out for the identification of metabolites in these fractions. The overall results provided evidence that fractions from Abrus precatorius induced cell death of the human acute monocytic leukaemia cell line through apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiometric testing is one of the non-conventional non-destructive evaluation methods that has found wide applications, especially in the nuclear industry for evaluation of the integrity of components in nuclear reactors and fuel cycle facilities. In this method, the transmitted intensity of radiation is measured and then correlated to dimensional variations or gross defects, such as voids in materials. India has embarked on a three-stage nuclear programme, with the second stage focusing on sodium-cooled fast reactors. At Kalpakkam, an indigenously-designed 500 MWe prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) using mixed oxide as fuel and sodium as coolant is under construction. This is a pool-type reactor in which the entire in-core components will be immersed in sodium. As liquid sodium is opaque to visible light and conventional visual methods based on charge-coupled devices (CCD) cannot be used, ultrasound waves are used to visualise the components immersed in sodium. It is essential to know the position and protrusion of fuel sub-assemblies inside the core. An innovative, ultrasonic under-sodium scanner (USUSS) has been developed for this purpose. USUSS is a slender structure consisting of two detachable parts known as the lower and upper parts. This shield plug is designed to protect personnel and components from the intense gamma radiation. In this paper, the authors focus on the application of radiometric testing for evaluating the integrity and shielding effectiveness of the shield plug. A 60Co source of strength 31.5 MBq was used as the source and measurements were made using a NaI(Tl)-based portable gamma spectrometer. Radiometric testing confirmed that all dimensional variations were well within the 3% tolerance limits and the material was free from major voids and defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations on two different surface terminated (0001) slabs of RT 5 ( R = Y, Ce, Sm and T = Fe, Co, Ni) compounds are performed by first principles calculations, in order to compare their structural stability, magnetic, and electronic properties. In bulk RT 5 compounds, atomic sub-layers – RT 2 ( R -rich) and T 3 ( T -rich) – are alternatively stacked along z -axis. Therefore, two different RT 5 (0001) slabs are constructed with terminating R -rich and T -rich sub-layers at both top and bottom of surfaces. Our calculations show that T -rich slabs are having higher structural stability owing to charge smoothing and inward relaxations of atoms at the surface, whereas R -atoms presented in the surface of slabs, particularly 4 f elements experience outward relaxation as a consequence of corrugated surface charge density. The reason for inward and outward relaxations of respective atoms is quantitatively understood by the Bader charge analysis. Our results suggest that as the Co and Fe-rich surface slabs possess high structural stability and enhanced spin moment when compared to respective R -rich slabs, they can be potentially used for fabricating the multilayered exchange spring magnet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First principles density functional calculations are carried out to investigate the structural, electronic, and electrochemical properties of the bilayered nanocomposite, which is composed of Li M PO 4 ( M = Fe and Co) as a positive electrode and γ-Li 3 PO 4 as a solid-state electrolyte. The calculated interfacial energy reveals that the Li-O atomic layer terminated (010) Li M PO 4 surface gives better stability than its Fe-O layer termination, for constructing the solid state interface with γ-Li 3 PO 4 . Further, structural optimization shows that inter-layer distances at the interface and surface of the electrolyte are increased ≈0.1 and 0.06 Å, respectively, from its bulk value. Moreover, electronic structure calculations infer that the energy of top most occupied level in the electrode strongly depends on its thickness, whereas, this energy is almost constant for different thick electrolytes. Thus, our study suggests that by varying the thickness of Li M PO 4 -electrode, Li-ion vacancy formation and electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite can be altered favourably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of objective functions and an associated fast descent algorithm that generalizes the K-means algorithm is presented. The algorithm represents clusters as unions of Voronoi cells and an explicit, but efficient, combinatorial search phase enables the algorithm to escape many local minima with guaranteed descent. The objective function has explicit penalties for gaps between clusters. Numerical experiments are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physics of interface between the hard- and soft-magnetic phases play an important role in determining the performance of exchange-coupled multilayers towards development of high-energy permanent magnets. Herein, we employed first principles calculations to understand the magnetic and electronic properties of exchange-coupled hard and soft magnetic superlattices of (YCo 5 |Co) [0001] and (YFe 5 |Co) [0001] . The calculated spin moment and exchange-coupling parameter for the (YFe 5 |Co) [0001] superlattice are found to be higher than that of the (YCo 5 |Co) [0001] . The results of present study suggest that the (YFe 5 |Co) [0001] superlattice can be used as exchange-coupled magnet with enhanced magnetic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel non-centrosymmetric RCoSi 3 (R = Pr, Nd and Sm) compounds crystallize in tetragonal BaNiSn 3 type structure with space group I4 mm. The bulk magnetic ordering of all the compounds were confirmed from heat capacity data. Magnetization measurements indicate that PrCoSi 3 orders ferromagnetically at 5.9 K, while NdCoSi 3 and SmCoSi 3 order antiferromagnetically at 4 K and 8 K respectively. The magnetic transitions were also manifested by the slope change of temperature dependent resistivity at low temperatures. The energy level schemes created by crystal electric field splitting are determined from Schottky contribution to specific heat. The existence of magnon gap like features at low temperatures are consistent in both heat capacity and resistivity for NdCoSi 3 and SmCoSi 3 . Large magnetoresistance is observed in NdCoSi 3 and SmCoSi 3 . First principles electronic structure calculation based on density functional theory framework have been performed and compared with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary failure of eruption (PFE) is a rare condition that can lead to posterior open bites. It is difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat. PFE appears to be a condition that predominantly affects the molar dentition. The increased frequency of hypodontia in affected individuals and common findings of a family history regarding tooth eruption problems suggests a significant genetic component to the etiology of this rare condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the host-guest association of Morin hydrate (MO) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and C-hexylpyrogllol[4]arene (C-HPA) is reported in this paper. The iInclusion complexation of MO is studied by ultraviolet-visible, steady-state fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and two dimentional rotating-frame nuclear overhauser effect correlation (2D ROESY) spectroscopic techniques. The stoichiometry and the binding constant for the MO-β-CD complex are derived from the linearity of the Benesi-Hildebrand equation. The binding constant for the MO-C-HPA complex is calculated from the nonlinear curve fitting of fluorescence intensities. The effects of the acid strength on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of MO are studied in the absence and the presence of β-CD/C-HPA host molecules. The p K values of the ground and the excited states are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial differential equations (PDEs) are discretized into an under -determined system of equations and a minimum Sobolev norm solution is shown to be efficient to compute and converge under very generic conditions. Numerical results of a single code, that can handle PDEs in first-order form on complicated polygonal geometries, are shown for a variety of PDEs: variable coefficient div–curl, scalar elliptic PDEs, elasticity equation, stationary linearized Navier–Stokes, scalar fourth-order elliptic PDEs, telegrapher's equations, singular PDEs, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic glycolysis involves increased glycolysis and decreased oxidative catabolism of glucose even in the presence of an ample oxygen supply. Aerobic glycolysis, a common metabolic pattern in cancer cells, was recently discovered in both the healthy and diseased human brain, but its functional significance is not understood. This metabolic pattern in the brain is surprising because it results in decreased efficiency of adenosine triphosphate ( ATP) production in a tissue with high energetic demands. We report that highly aggressive honey bees ( Apis mellifera) show a brain transcriptomic and metabolic state consistent with aerobic glycolysis, i.e. increased glycolysis in combination with decreased oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, exposure to alarm pheromone, which provokes aggression, causes a metabolic shift to aerobic glycolysis in the bee brain. We hypothesize that this metabolic state, which is associated with altered neurotransmitter levels, increased glycolytically derived ATP and a reduced cellular redox state, may lead to increased neuronal excitability and oxidative stress in the brain. Our analysis provides evidence for a robust, distinct and persistent brain metabolic response to aggression-inducing social cues. This finding for the first time associates aerobic glycolysis with naturally occurring behavioral plasticity, which has important implications for understanding both healthy and diseased brain function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deepwater offshore structures have access to very powerful ocean waves by virtue of their location and site condition. Should the energy possessed by these waves be harnessed, it can be one of the popular green energy systems. Present study aims at the design and development of a new device, which can become a component of the offshore semisubmersible platform to produce electricity that is required for its operations, partially. Few wave energy devices are developed in the recent past; commonness amongst all is that they harness heave, or surge energy of the wave impact. In the present study, heave energy of the buoy is converted to mechanical work by deploying hydraulic cylinders and a motor. The experimental studies showed a few limitations in terms of its operational sea states; device needs to be parked under rough weather. The generated power from the waves will be utilized in the semi-submersible platform for deep-sea mining applications. Applicability is limited to calm sea state and deepwater conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics and residues of deltamethrin in a tea grown in an open field ecosystem were investigated. The quantification was performed using gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-ECD) and confirmed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The method was validated using blank samples spiked at three levels and the results showed that recoveries ranged from 87% to 101% with relative standard deviations (RSD) ranging of 0.7-7.1%. The residues of deltamethrin were found to dissipate following first order kinetics with half-life ranging between 3.04 and 3.54 d for two different rates of foliar application. The deltamethrin residues are present in the processed tea are not transferred into the tea infusion during the infusion process, since their water solubility is extremely low. These results can be utilized in formulating the spray schedule and safety evaluation on deltamethrin tea crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and sensitive QuEChERS method for the determination of imidacloprid residues in mulberry leaf was developed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This method was then evaluated for the residual level and dissipation rate of imidacloprid in mulberry leaves. A maximum initial deposits of imidacloprid on mulberry leaves was found to be 3.047 µg g−1and 6.490 µg g−1following two application rates of imidacloprid 17.8 SL at 0.6 and 1.2 mL L−1. The calculated half-life of imidacloprid in mulberry leaves was at recommended dose 3.81 d with a dissipation rate of 76% over 7 d; whereas, in double, the dose was 4.93 days with a dissipation rate of 84% over 10 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid, simple and selective gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS) method was developed and validated for simultaneously determining fipronil and its three major metabolites in vegetables, fruit and soil. The fipronil residues were extracted using QuEChERS technique with ethyl acetate and then were purified by dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) cleanup for cabbage, cauliflower, okra, tomato, grapes and soil. The linearity of the analytical response across the studied range of concentrations (0.01–0.5 µg mL−1) was excellent, obtaining correlation coefficients higher than 0.999. The average recoveries of the pesticide from all matrixes ranged from 86 to 112%, for fortification levels of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 µg g−1. The precision values associated with the analytical method, expressed as RSD values, were less than 10.15% for the pesticide in all matrixes. This method can be used to evaluate environmental residues and the safety of agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple analytical method was developed and validated to determine fluopicolide residues in grapes and soil using the “Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe” approach followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode. Fluopicolide residues were extracted from grape and soil samples with acetonitrile, and the extracts were cleaned up by dispersive solid-phase extraction with primary secondary amine sorbent. The limit of quantification was 0.02 mg kg−1with grape and soil samples spiked at three levels, and recoveries were from 95% to 101% and 94% to 101% with relative standard deviations from 0.2% to 4.4%. The method is less expensive and safer than existing analytical methods for grapes and soil. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Let be an integer, , and be the minimal separation among these points. Given the samples of a smooth target function f of q variables, -periodic in each variable, we consider the problem of constructing a q-variate trigonometric polynomial of spherical degree which interpolates the given data, remains bounded in the Sobolev norm (independent of or M) on , and converges to the function f on the set where the data becomes dense. We prove that the solution of an appropriate optimization problem leads to such an interpolant. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate that this procedure overcomes the Runge phenomenon when interpolation at equidistant nodes on is constructed, and also provides a respectable approximation for bivariate grid data, which does not become dense on the whole domain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We employ first principles calculations to understand the surface termination dependent structural and magnetic properties of (0001) SmCo5 surface slabs. For our study, three different sub-layer terminated surface slabs, namely Co3-(SmCo2-Co3) n, SmCo2-(Co3-SmCo2) n, and (Co3-SmCo2) n with thicknesses varying from n = 1 to n = 10, are considered. Our results revealed that the Co3 sub-layer terminated surface slab (first case) has higher structural stability, spin polarization, and work function when compared to the other two cases and such terminated surface slabs can be potentially used for fabricating exchange-coupled magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economically viable ZnS and Cd doped ZnS nanorods were synthesised in egg albumin matrix for drug carrier and bioimaging to develop a new generation of effective drug carrier and imaging for cancer therapy. This system is capable of overcoming biophysical, biological and biomedical barriers that the physiological system encounters against conventional cancer therapies. The sulphide nanorods were formed from the hydrolysis of thiourea, where the albumin acts as a structural agent that guides in the formation of nanorods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study deliberates on the numerical analysis of a new, bean-shaped, multi-body floating wave energy converter (BFWEC) using an open-source time-domain modeling tool called WEC-Sim (Wave Energy Converter SIMulator). The proposed device is a directionally-insensitive, floating-point absorber with a set of bean-shaped floats attached circumferentially around a central cylinder or buoy (CB or CS), extracting the wave energy under heave degree due to the relative motion of the floats with CB. The shape and arrangement of the floats around the CB make the BFWEC different from other existing devices. Authors propose three different layouts of BFWEC with multiple floats, namely: 4, 6, and 8, to study the influence of float's number on the device's overall performance. All layouts are incorporated with a linear damping power take-off (PTO) system to estimate absorbed power where the influence of damping on the performance is studied. The frequency-dependent parameters required to initiate time-domain analysis are obtained from the boundary element method (BEM). The influence of multi-float interactions on performance is assessed over an isolated single float arrangement. The Levelized Cost of assessment (LCoE) of BFWEC is calculated for various sea states of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. • Float number parametrization is performed using WEC-Sim • The multi-body interactions are accurately captured by the IRF method than SS • AEP & LCoE assessment is carried out for the Indian sea states [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Microwave heating has vast applications in the field of food processing such as cooking, drying, pasteurization and preservation of food materials. In this article, various applications of microwave food processing such as microwave cooking, microwave pasteurization and microwave assisted drying were extensively reviewed. The advantages and the factors affecting the microwave cooking of food materials have been reviewed. Microwave pasteurization of fresh juices, milk and various food products has been elaborately discussed. Microwave pasteurization has the ability to achieve destruction of microorganisms at temperatures lesser than that of conventional pasteurization due to significant enhancement or magnification of thermal effects. Applications of microwave drying include microwave assisted hot air drying, microwave vacuum drying and microwave freeze drying. Microwave drying combined with other conventional methods of drying enhances the drying characteristics of the sole effect of microwave drying. Modeling of microwave heating of food materials based on Maxwell's equations and Lambert's law equations have been reviewed along with their applications. Microwave modeling can be used to predict the temperature and moisture distributions during microwave heating of food materials. The factors affecting the dielectric property of food material and the applications of dielectric property measurements were also discussed. Various solution strategies to overcome non-uniform temperature distribution during microwave heating of food materials were proposed. It is required to obtain better end product qualities of food materials by conducting more research at pilot scale levels. It is also necessary to eliminate hot spots or non-uniform temperature distribution during microwave heating of food materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Active Power Filters (APF) are more effective than conventional passive filters with regard to mitigating harmonics and compensating reactive power. As a result, deployment of APF in the distribution network is ever increasing. The performance of APF mainly depends on the reference extraction technique adopted. This work proposes sliding Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) assisted single phase p-q theory for the extraction of reference current. The proposed algorithm exploits the inherent ability of sliding DFT (SDFT) to provide the fundamental and its quadrature component of signal (voltage or current) to derive the reference current with the help of a single-phase p-q theory. Furthermore, the algorithm involves the phase shifting of the fundamental component alone, and is suitable even for distorted utility voltage. Effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The patients who undergo Maintenance Haemodialysis (MHD) have a high prevalence of Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) and inflammation. Because these two conditions often occur concomitantly in the MHD patients, they have been referred to together as the Malnutrition-Inflammation Complex Syndrome (MICS) or Malnutrition- inflammation atherosclerosis, to underscore the atherosclerotic complications of this entity. MICS is also reported to correlate with a poor outcome, including a decreased quality of life, refractory anaemia and significantly greater rates of hospitalization and mortality in the MHD patients .Indeed, MICS may be the major cause of the paradoxical exposure-outcome association, which is also known as reverse epidemiology of the cardiovascular disease risk factors in the maintenance dialysis patients. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues from the dentition, which results from the infection of and the interaction of selected bacterial species with the components of the host response in disease-susceptible individuals as the haemodialysis (HD) patients. Only in recent years, did an emerging evidence link the dental infection, especially periodontitis, to an increased risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. In the HD patients, studies have been showing a positive link between periodontal disease and systemic inflammation on correlation between the levels of CRP and immunoglobulin G of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Recent researches have confirmed that the periodontal health is poor in haemodialysis patients and that it correlates with the markers of malnutrition and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study is focused on the investigation of thermo-mechanical properties of an epoxy resin filled with thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) after exposure of samples to hot distilled water. Addition of low contents of TRGO and MWCNTs greatly reduces the water sorption capacity of the epoxy polymer and improves its resistance to hydrothermal ageing. The glassy and rubbery moduli of the neat epoxy decreased for about 20% and 80%, respectively, while TRGO-based epoxy filled with 0.3 wt.% of TRGO showed only 6% reduction of both moduli. Hydrothermal ageing resulted in an enormous drop in the glass transition temperature (T g ) of the neat epoxy, by about 90 °C, while the shift in T g of the nanocomposites did not exceed 8 °C. After re-drying of samples, the position and shape of the peak was completely recovered for the nanocomposites. Irreversibility of water influence on the neat polymer appeared in the broadened and shifted glass transition region. The improvement of the thermo-mechanical properties of the neat epoxy from the addition of TRGO is higher than that achieved by incorporating MWCNTs. This trend is valid in both unexposed state and after hydrothermal ageing of the nanocomposites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Economically viable copper oxide nano particles were prepared via a novel simplistic synthesis method using oleic acid as a solvent, surfactant and capping agent with varying reaction temperature (200°C, 300°C and 400°C) by solvothermal technique to develop a high efficiency solar cell. The influence of calcined temperature on crystalline size, purity, morphology, structural phase transition and stoichiometric formation of copper oxide powders were investigated by using powder X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The band gaps were calculated by optical studies. The luminescence spectra exhibit band to band transition of copper oxide nano particles. From TGA profile the mass reduction was occurred below 300°C. The growth mechanism of Copper oxide nano particles from copper chloride dihydrate with oleic acid (OA) investigated. The maximum overall conversion efficiency of 0.863% has been achieved from I to V characteristic study in favor of copper oxide nano particles calcined at 400°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of pile spacing, number of piles, and configuration on displacement and bending response of pile groups in clay under dynamic lateral loading were investigated. The displacement response of pile group in clay is strongly nonlinear. Pile-soil-pile interaction is predominant for the groups with closer spacing and with greater number of piles. Group interaction causes reduction in the group stiffness and increase in damping of the pile group. Strong group interaction leads to significant differences in bending profiles of different row piles of the groups. Dynamic lateral loading increases the maximum bending moment and active pile length. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Semiorganic tris thiourea copper (I) chloride (TTCC) single crystals have been synthesized from copper (II) chloride via slow evaporation technique. The stoichiometry of the grown anhydrous complex crystal has been confirmed by elemental CHNS (C, H, N and S) and atomic absorption spectrophotometric (AAS) analysis. The crystal structure with space group has been confirmed by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The FTIR study assigned the presence of functional groups and confirmed the co-ordination of metal ions with thiourea. It also confirmed the transition from Cu2+ to Cu+ when thiourea combined with Copper (II) chloride. The optical transparency of the crystal has been studied by UV-Vis spectrum and deduced the energy gap. The room temperature Photoluminescence (PL) spectrum reported maximum emission line at 410.92 nm and Stokes shift has been determined as 75 nm or 16.5 eV. Low temperature luminescence study from 300 K to 77 K exhibited three blue emission peaks and one green emission peak. The green emission band has been assigned to recombination of an electron in a shallow trap and Cu2+. Blue emission has been attributed to S2- vacancies. The interesting hysteresis loop has been exhibited by the variation of energy gap with low temperature. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experiments were conducted for microwave heating and melting of lead, tin, aluminium and copper with the aid of susceptors and the detailed results were presented for various microwave power levels and sample loading. Aluminium and copper samples were heated in presence of inert gas to minimize oxidation. Compared to conventional melting, microwave melting was twice as fast and more energy efficient. Lumped parameter model of the heating process showed that the conversion of microwave to thermal energy was enhanced at higher temperatures, justifying this a favourable process for metal melting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical Study on GaX, InX (X=As, P and Sb), AlxGa1-xAs, GaxIn1-xSb and SixGe1-x has been made for deducing electrical transport properties using only two parameters, namely lattice constant and activation energy. The calculated electrical properties electrical resistivity, carrier mobility, carrier concentration, carrier effective mass and dielectric constant are compared with the available experimental results. They are found to be in good agreement with each other. Then, the limitation of this theoretical study has also been discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that the numerical rank of the off-diagonal blocks of certain Schur complements of matrices that arise from the finitedifference discretization of constant coefficient, elliptic PDEs in two spatial dimensions is bounded by a constant independent of the grid size. Moreover, in three-dimensional problems the Schur complements are shown to have off- diagonal blocks whose numerical rank is a slowly growing function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of complex field problems, compatibility of an efficacious insecticide with other agrochemicals normally used in the field is essential. In this view diafenthiuron, a novel insecticide which inhibits ATP synthesis, used widely for pest management in cardamom, was tested for its compatibility with agrochemicals viz., fungicides and nutrients normally used in the crop. The results revealed that all the chemicals tested were physically and biologically compatible with diafenthiuron by means of physical stability and phytotoxicity ratings in the field. But the bioefficacy study on Conogethes punctiferalis in the laboratory and bioefficacy studies in the field against Sciothrips cardamomi reveal that diafenthiuron is incompatible and should not be sprayed along with fungicides like mancozeb and copper oxychloride. Another study on the compatibility of diafenthiuron with antagonistic microorganisms of plant pathogens viz., Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens revealed that diafenthiuron had some inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of T. viride. Diafenthiuron did not affect the growth of P. fluorescens and thus can be used simultaneously for the control of insect pests and seed- and soil-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]