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Field experiment was conducted at farmer field Lasalgaon in the state of Maharashtra, India to determine the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to reduce the doses of chemical fertilizer used in major allium crops (red onion, white onion and garlic) during winter cultivation. AMF inoculated and uninoculated onion and garlic seedlings/cloves were grown with recommended dose of fertilizer (100% RDF) and Mycorrhiza +75% RDF. AMF inoculated onion and garlic plant showed significant increase in plant growth parameters like plant height, total biomass, neck thickness, bulb diameters and bulb weight. AMF + 75% RDF treatments resulted into greater plant morphological characters, highest yield, height, TSS, quercetin and allin contents and AMF root colonization as compared to uninoculated control (100% RDF). The results reveal that AMF contribute to growth and development of onion and garlic plant under field conditions. In the present study, it can be concluded that AMF could reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers to enhancing overall performance of onion and garlic and provide a sustainable and environmentally safer option for cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-free perovskite Ba(Al1/2Nb1/2)O3 was prepared by conventional ceramic fabrication technique at 1350°C/5 h in air atmosphere. The crystal symmetry, space group and unit cell dimensions were determined from the experimental results using FullProf software whereas crystallite size and lattice strain were estimated from Williamson-Hall approach. X-ray diffraction analysis of the compound indicated the formation of a single-phase monoclinic structure with the space group P2/ m. EDAX and SEM studies were carried out in order to evaluate the quality and purity of the compound. Permittivity data showed low-temperature coefficient of capacitance ( TCC=14%) up to 100°C. To find a correlation between the response of the real system and idealized model circuit composed of discrete electrical components, the model fittings were presented using the impedance data. Complex impedance analyses suggested the dielectric relaxation to be of non-Debye type. The correlated barrier-hopping model was used to successfully explain the mechanism of charge transport in Ba(Al1/2Nb1/2)O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hyperbilirubinemia is most common normal physiological phenomenon in neonates affecting almost one third of newborn.it may lead to neuro disability leading to deafness and cerebral palsy which can be prevented if detected and treated as soon as possible. Albumin is produced in seventh week of intrauterine life and it can be measured by cord blood and in this study we can establish serum albumin with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and can be treated by phototherapy or exchange transfusion. Material and Method: The study consists of 55 randomly selected eligible term neonates delivered at Rajendra Institute of Medical sciences from March 2019 to August 2020. Conclusion: In this study, in term neonates, level of serum albumin in umbilical cord less than 2.8 g/dl has no correlation with occurrence significant hyperbilirubinemia, so a level <2.8 gm/dl of serum albumin in umbilical cord blood can be used as critical value indicator in triaging predict the risk of occurring of significant hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates.level >3.4 gm/dl is considered safe in neonates who are the candidates for early discharge in the absence of other risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: SARS COVID-19 infection leads to wide range of symptoms in comorbid pediatric patient. In view of its susceptibility affecting pediatric age groups with comorbidities and its potential to increase the mortality rate, it may have adverse effects on the outcome of such children. This study aims at better understanding of clinical profile and its outcome of pediatric population. Method: A total of 50 pediatric patients aged 1 to 17 years with comorbidities and laboratory confirmed COVID-19 that were admitted at the RIMS, Ranchi from 1st April 2020 to 31st December 2020 were studied. Result: 34 (68%) resided in the hot spot areas of the region, 8(16%) resided in the non- hot spot areas and 8(16%) had migrated from elsewhere. Higher proportion of males between 11-15 years of age were affected (64%).Our study shows that the majority of the children that were affected were of the age group 11-15 years (52%). 38(76%) of these children presented with fever as their major complaints, cough in 28(56%), sore throat in 2 (4%), diarrhea in 6(12%), vomiting in 11 (22%), breathing difficulty in 20 (50%) and 30 (60%) had other symptoms. Out of 50 patients admitted, 3 died. In our study majority of comorbid condition was thalassemia major. Conclusion: The presenting characteristics, comorbidities, and severity of illness of pediatric patients with COVID-19 were different, and milder, compared with adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is a clinically heterogenous condition with a wide range of etiological factors and causing significant public health burden. If diagnosed at an earlier age, early interventions can be started this leads to functional outcome of children with ASD with respect to social, behavior and occupational sphere. Therefore, early detection and intervention are widely recommended in these children. So screening of toddlers who were identified to be "at risk" can be diagnosed using screening questionnaires by interviewing parents. Overall with this study we can conclude that, toddlers identified to be "at risk" and those diagnosed with ASD were not uncommon and M-CHAT-R is a useful screening test for the identification of "at risk" toddlers for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Jharkhand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical impact‐based energy harvesting characteristics of 0–3ϕBa0.85Ca0.15Zr0.10Ti0.90O3/(1−ϕ)polyvinylidene fluoride–polytetrafluoroethylene (BCZT/PVDF–PTFE); volume fraction (0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.25) nanocomposites, fabricated using a melt‐mixing method, are presented. A scanning electron microscope is utilized to investigate the distribution of BCZT nanoceramic powder as filler in the blended polymer (PVDF–PTFE; 80:20). The X‐ray diffraction method is applied to ascertain the formations of BCZT and BCZT/PVDF–PTFE. The values of apparent porosity, water absorption, shore D hardness, dielectric constant (εr), tangent loss (tan δ), piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) and voltage constant (g33), and figure of merit (FM) are found to increase upon increasing ϕ. A significant increment in the impact‐generated electric voltage (25.38–77.73 V) and energy (9.42–243.9 nJ) is noticed with the increasing ϕ. In addition, the small values of water absorption (<0.091%) and tan δ (≈10−2) with relatively higher values of εr, d33, g33, FM, and shore D hardness, power out (Pdc = 0.47 mW using 470 Ω resistive load ϕ = 0.25 sample) as well as improved voltage generation and energy harvesting characteristics, prefigure the promise of the present composite system a superior lead‐free alternative for the applications in energy harvesting, detection/sensing, and structural health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study on Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) energy harvesting characteristics of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) of soft grade (SP 5 A) samples under drop weight impact load. In the present study, four samples having different diameter to thickness (d/t) ratio were used. A possible EMR energy harvesting mechanism from these samples under impact loading has been discussed. It is found that the EMR parameters viz. EMR voltage, generated EMR energy, and so on, depend on the dimension of the sample and applied mechanical energy. The sample having highest t/d2 (0.069) produces maximum EMR voltage, that is, 2.31 V. Also for the same sample, EMR parameters increase with the increase in applied mechanical energy. Also an increasing pattern of EMR energy was observed with the increase in the capacitance value of the capacitor. The results obtained suggest the possibility of using PZT as a better option for energy harvesting, sensing, and structural health monitoring applications. Also the results suggest EMR technique as an alternative option for harnessing energy from piezoelectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common childhood illness characterized by massive proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, and hypoalbuminemia. It is a disease of relapse, and therefore, it is a major problem to manage cases with frequent relapses. Prediction and prevention of risk factors is the key to successful management of childhood NS. An understanding of the risk factors that determine the course is useful in taking decisions regarding therapy and enables counseling. Materials and Methods: Sample size of 100 children of age 1-12 years of age with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome over duration of 1 year from April 2020 to May 2021. Results and Conclusion: Risk factors for relapse were presence of infection during initial attack and first relapse as well as less time interval between remission in first episode of nephrotic syndrome and first relapse.incresed risk was also associated with inadequate treatment duration and less serum albumin level and high cholesterol level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic nanobiochar (MNBC) is a sort of nanobiochar that has been enhanced with magnetic qualities. MNBC is made from a variety of feedstocks, including wood chips, agricultural waste, municipal sludge, animal manure, and other organic waste. These feedstocks are pyrolyzed at various temperatures to produce biochar, which is then mixed with magnetic precursors to create MNBC. Crystallinity, high porosity, specific surface area, and great catalytic activity are a few of the dynamic properties of MNBC. The major purpose of this review paper is to characterize MNBC, using the various biochar synthesis methods and how bulk biochar is converted into MNBC with their high-value applications discussed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are manifold effects on neuro-endocrine and metabolic systems due to critical illness. Abnormalities in thyroid hormone levels in a critically-ill patient with no pre-existing hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid dysfunction is seen in Euthyroid sick syndrome or Non thyroidal illness syndrome.The understanding of different endocrinal changes in acute phase of critical illness may help us to intervene early and improve by pharmacological intervention. Materials and Methods: Critically ill children admitted in PICU, RIMS,Ranchi, aged 29 days to 17 years. Results: In our study, it was seen that FT3 and FT4 were low at admission at admission in critically ill children. And among them, the non-survivors had significantly lower values compared to survivors. Discussion: Among this critically ill patient, more than 70% of patients have shown low free T3 (Type I NTIS) and around 50% of low free T4 levels and free T3 levels (Type II NTIS).We have done this study to assess the thyroid dysfunction in critically ill children admitted in our PICU and its correlation with disease severity and clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates the energy harvesting characteristics of 0–3 x (Na 1/2 Bi 1/2)TiO 3 /(1- x)PVDF; 0 ≤ x (volume fraction) ≤ 0.30 composites employing the drop weight impact method. The X-ray diffraction method was adopted for ascertaining the formations of (Na 1/2 Bi 1/2)TiO 3 ceramic and (Na 1/2 Bi 1/2)TiO 3 /PVDF composites. The values of bulk density, apparent porosity, free dielectric constant, piezoelectric coefficient (d 33), figure of merit (FoM), and Shore D hardness were found to increase, whereas the value of tanδ first decreases up to x = 0.025 and then increases upon increasing x. Also, the value of the piezoelectric voltage constant (g 33) increases up till x = 0.25 and it drops a little for x = 0.30. A remarkable increment in the contact voltage (from 7.71 V to 15.23 V for x = 0.30) with increasing impact height (h = 6–21 cm) and (from 5.37 V to 15.23 V for h = 21 cm) with increasing x was observed. The small values of water absorption (<0.099 wt%), apparent porosity (<2%), tanδ (∼10−2 at 1 kHz), and higher values of d 33 , g 33 , FoM , Shore D hardness, power output (P dc = 2.32 μW using 47 kΩ and C = 100 pF for x = 0.30) as well as improved voltage responses, prefigure the possibility of current composite system, a better lead-free alternative for energy harvesting, piezo-detection/sensing and structural health monitoring technologies. [Display omitted] • The 0-3 type (Na 0.5 Bi 0.5)TiO 3 /PVDF composites were prepared using a melt-mixing process. • The bulk density, porosity, water absorption, ε 33 T , d 33 , Shore D , and FoM values increase upon increasing NBT-content. • The g 33 was increased up to x = 0.25 and then dropped a little, while tanδ showed the opposite trend with increasing x. • A marked enhancement in the values of contact voltage due to increasing impact height was observed with increasing x. • Low values of water absorption, porosity, tanδ and high values of d 33 , g 33 , FoM , with better voltage responses were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infection of Aspergillus flavus and its aflatoxin production pose a severe threat to humans, animals as well as plants life. Their inhibition using green techniques are considered as one of the important challenges. The present study outlines the antifungal activity of the ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized from lemongrass leaf extract and their effect on the mycelial growth of Aspergillus flavus and its aflatoxins production. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of aflatoxins were determined, respectively using thin-layer chromatography and spectrophotometric methods. The X-ray diffraction as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies indicated the formations of hexagonal ZnO NPs having the sizes ranged between 7 and 14 nm. FTIR spectrum confirmed the formation of ZnO NPs. The ZnO NPs displayed 92.25% inhibition of the growth of A. flavus and 100% inhibition of the aflatoxins production at the concentrations of 200 μl/mL and 150 μl/mL respectively. The present biosynthetic method is a simple, cost-effective, eco-friendly, high yield, green and handy protocol capable of synthesizing ZnO NPs, which might have accomplished due to the activities of plant metabolites and phytochemicals available in the lemongrass leaves parenchyma. This study revealed that ZnO NPs have the potential to forbid the growth of A. flavus and its aflatoxins production. Hence, ZnO NPs could be used in the plant protection and as a preservative for safe storage of food commodities to prevent A. flavus contamination and aflatoxins poisoning in coming future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic responses of cement-PZT composites under impact loading have been presented in this work. The values of density, dielectric constant and EMR voltage increase while that of porosity and loss tangent decrease with increase in PZT content. Filler (PZT) concentration dependent dielectric constant as well as loss tangent data shows exponential variation. The emitted EMR voltage as well as average EMR energy release rate for 21 cm height of impact increase from 1.03 V to 2.24 V and 0.10092 V2-sec/sec to 0.4635 V2-sec/sec respectively with the increasing PZT content (5% to 40%). The EMR responses of the composites were also found to be proportional to the height of impact in all the composites tested, indicating that the measurement of EMR responses from the cement based composites may be useful for deformation monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) responses from cement–BaTiO 3 (BT) composites under impact loading have been presented in this paper. The bulk density, dielectric constant and piezoelectric charge coefficient of the cement-BT composites are observed to increase while the loss tangent decreases with increase in BT content in the composites. Measurements have been carried out using cylindrical, semi-cylindrical and quarter cylindrical antennae. Marked enhancement in the values of EMR voltage for all experiments at different heights of impact and with different antennae is observed as the content of BT is increased from 5% to 40% in the cement–BT composites. The EMR voltage increases, respectively from 0.58 V to 1.16 V, 384–732 mV and 259–520 mV for cylindrical antenna, semi-cylindrical antenna and quarter cylindrical antenna with the increase in BT content from 5% to 40% in cement–BT composites at the same level of impact (height of impact = 21 cm). Also average EMR energy release rate increases from 0.00007 V 2 –sec/sec to 0.00047 V 2 –sec/sec, 0.000065 V 2 – sec/sec to 0.000214 V 2 – sec/sec and 0.000032 V 2 – sec/sec to 0.000135 V 2 – sec/sec with the increase in BT content from 5% to 40% in cement–BT composites impacted from a height of 21 cm as measured by cylindrical antenna, semi-cylindrical antenna and quarter cylindrical antenna respectively. The EMR voltage is observed to decrease smoothly initially and then attain constancy with increase in distance of measurement location from the sample. In addition, the EMR responses were found to be proportional to the height of impact in all the cement–BT composites indicating that EMR measurement technique can effectively be used for structural health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are becoming increasingly important nosocomial pathogens worldwide. To study the evolution of non-fermenters in a tertiary care hospital, we undertook a retrospective 10 year (1999–2008) trend analysis of antimicrobial consumption and resistance in non-fermenters causing bacteraemia. Methods Antibiotic consumption and resistance were analysed by linear regression. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used for assessing correlation between them. Results A total of 69 010 blood cultures were performed, which grew 15 465 isolates (22% positivity rate), of which 1525 isolates (771 isolates of P. aeruginosa and 754 isolates of A. baumannii) were non-fermenters. Overall antibiotic consumption showed an increasing trend, from 158 to 319 defined daily doses (DDDs)/100 bed-days (r2 = 0.62, P = 0.007). The largest relative increase in antibiotic consumption was seen for carbapenems (r2 = 0.68, P = 0.022), followed by β-lactam/inhibitor combinations (r2 = 0.45, P = 0.033), whereas third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides showed no significant changes. A significant increase in resistance in A. baumannii to fluoroquinolones (r2 = 0.63, P = 0.006), aminoglycosides (r2 = 0.63, P = 0.011) and carbapenems (r2 = 0.82, P = 0.013) and in P. aeruginosa to aminoglycosides (r2 = 0.59, P = 0.01) was observed. Carbapenem consumption was associated with the development of resistance in A. baumannii (r = 0.756, P = 0.049), whereas no such association was observed for other antimicrobials among non-fermenters. Conclusions Our study highlights the growing problem of high antimicrobial consumption. The increasing prevalence of non-fermenters and the emergence of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii are associated with the consumption of carbapenems. The data cannot prove cause and effect. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• EMR from cement-mortar/lead zirconate titanate composites using drop-weight impact. • EMR due to accelerated movement of charged particles and oscillation of dipoles in PZT. • EMR parameters increase with PZT content in the composite and the height of impact. • EMR technique as a better option for non contact monitoring of civil structures. Investigation on the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emission from cement-mortar/lead zirconate titanate (cement-mortar/PZT) composites using a drop-weight impact technique has been undertaken to explore its possible applications in civil structures as a sensor. Unpoled soft grade PZT (SP-5A) powder, having a particle size of 1 µm is used for preparing the cement-mortar/PZT composite samples onto which the experiments were conducted in unpoled state. The EMR generation from cement-mortar/PZT composites is due to the accelerated movement of the charged particles in the pores of hydrated cement and due to oscillations of dipoles in the PZT. The values of EMR voltage, the average release rate of EMR energy, and dominant frequency are observed to increase with the rise of the PZT content and the height of impact. The deformation/strain in the composite could be sensed by measuring the EMR voltage. Also, the addition of PZT in mortar results in an increase in the compressive strength and bulk density and a decrease in the porosity of the composite. The effect of the separation of the antenna and the composite samples on the EMR voltage has also been studied. The results obtained, foreshadow the prospect of the present non-destructive technique, a better option for structural health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]