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Glasses containing B2O3, Bi2O3, MoO3, Cr2O3, and ZnF2 are known to possess striking features for advanced optical and radiation shielding applications. This report presents the preparation and structural, physical, optical, and radiation shielding characteristics of xMoO3-(20−x)ZnF2-20Bi2O3-59.8B2O3-0.2Cr2O3 glasses for x = 0 (MZBBCR-0), 4 (MZBBCR-1), 8 (MZBBCR-2), 12 (MZBBCR-3) and 16 (MZBBCR-4) mol%. The glasses were produced through the melt-and-quench method. The glassy features of the prepared materials were observed using x-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrographs. The physical, optical, and structural parameters of the glasses were obtained by standard laboratory procedures. The FLUKA (fluktuierende kaskade) code and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) XCOM software were used to compute the gamma-photon mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of the glasses. Also, the fast and thermal neutron interaction cross-sections were computed with the aid of established theoretical models. The density of the MZBBCR glasses decreased nonlinearly with MoO3 concentration. The results of the Racah parameter study revealed that the strength of the crystal field was diminished when molybdenum was added to the glass system. The direct energy bandgap values of the samples also decreased with the decrease in ZnF2 amount from 16 mol% to 4 mol%. The values MAC of the glasses at 15 keV are 69.703 cm2/g, 68.330 cm2/g, 66.985 cm2/g, 65.667 cm2/g, and 64.376 cm2/g for MZBBCR0, MZBBCR1, MZBBCR2, MZBBCR3, and MZBBCR4, respectively. The fast neutron removal cross-sections of MZBBCR0, MZBBCR1, MZBBCR2, MZBBCR3, and MZBBCR4 are 0.1035 cm−1, 0.1030 cm−1, 0.1015 cm−1, 0.1002 cm−1, and 0.0995 cm−1, respectively. The MZBBCR0 glass had the best photon and neutron attenuation, and exhibited features that make it a better choice for photon shielding applications than conventional shielding glasses or concretes. The zero-lead content of the MZBBCR glasses, as well as their optical properties, makes them safer and more available for other optical-based applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbs used medicinally are a gift from nature to humans, helping to maintain, enhance, and protect our health in important ways. The current study investigates the phytochemical composition, FTIR spectral analysis, and hepatoprotective properties of Distimake dissectus (Jacq.) A.R. Simões & Staples. It is commonly called as ''alamo vine'' belonging to family Convolvulaceae, is a perennial herb, weed and climber native to the United States and distributed across the globe. Traditionally, it is used to snakebite, urinary infection, sprains, cold and scabies chest problems, anti-asthmatic, anti- hyperglycemic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic. Following a qualitative phytochemical extraction with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol, along with a hot continuous and successive extraction through a Soxhlet extractor. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, and glycosides, among other compounds, additionally the quantification of phytochemical content demonstrated the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and proanthocyanins content. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis revealed various characteristic peak values with various functional groups hydroxyl group, alkane, nitrile, alkyne, ester, aromatic, alkene groups and etc., The hepatoprotective activity of the methanolic extract was evaluated using the MTT assay, showing concentration-dependent inhibition of cancer cells. The study sheds light on the therapeutic qualities of Distimake dissectus and provides beneficial insights for pharmacology and drug development research. The discovery of hepatoprotective plant-based compounds in these plants may pave the way for the creation of novel therapeutic hepatoprotective agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass samples with compositional formula ZPBBCR: xZnF2-(25-x)PbF2-25Bi2O3-49.8B2O3-0.2Cr2O3 (where x= 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25) have been prepared by adopting melt quenching technique. To study the structural information and optical features of the prepared glass system XRD, UV-visible absorption was performed on the synthesized glass batch. With the help of absorption spectra, optical parameters such as absorption coefficient, transmittance, refractive index, extinction coefficient, skin depth, optical density, optical conductivity and dielectric constants (real and imaginary) were evaluated. By analysing these optical characteristics of the prepared glass system, it is intended to extend their possible applications in the field of optical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out at College of Horticulture, Anantharajupet, Y.S.R. District during the year 2013-2014 among fourteen cultivars of gladiolus to find out the commercial cultivar under Southern zone of Andhra Pradesh. The results revealed that cost of cultivating gladiolus per hectare amounted to Rs. 8,34,917.43 and there was significant difference among fourteen gladiolus cultivars with respect to B:C ratio. Arka Amar recorded maximum net returns (Rs. 28,70,083 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.41) followed by American Beauty (Rs. 24,80,083 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.02). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]