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Energy consumption and dependence on non-renewable resources is increasing over the years. The combustion of fossil fuels resulting in the emission of substantial amounts of CO2, NOX, SOX and some greenhouse gases. Biofuels are evolving as the primary alternatives to fossil fuels since they can be readily synthesised from discarded bioresources and yield lesser emission during the combustion process. However, the extraction of biofuels has thrown up new challenges that have widened the scope of the use of nano-particles in the synthesis of biofuels. From the literature, distinct findings concerning the use of nano-particles as a catalyst and process reactant during biodiesel production have been identified; this is majorly attributed to the fact that nano-catalysts enhance thermophysical properties, reaction speed and mass transport properties. Henceforth, the present paper aims to review, summarise and provide an insight into the research findings of effectively using nanocatalysts in biofuel production and consider the significance and its relevance for further researchers in the domain of biofuels.

Solution combustion was employed to create a series of ZrO2:Dy3+ (1-11 mol percent) nanoparticles (NPs) using oxalyl dihydrazide (ODH) as the fuel. ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs were subjected to calcination at about 700°C. ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs comprised of 1 to 11 mol% of Dy3+ were characterized by employing the X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopic (TEM), UV-visible, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) techniques. The crystallite diameters of 1 to 11 mol% ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs were observed to range from 8.1 nm to 16.3 nm, exhibiting spherical shape. According to BET tests, the pore volume of ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs was determined to be 100.129 cm3/g. The mean pore diameter of ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs was determined to be 4.803 nm from the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) plot. The photoluminescence and photocatalytic dye degradation properties of ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs were investigated. The acid red 88 (AR88) dye was applied to appraise the photocatalytic activities of the NPs under UV irradiation. ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs with 3 mol% Dy3+ exhibited improvised photocatalytic activity due to the operative departure of charge carriers. The electrochemical examination of ZrO2:Dy3+ NP modified carbon paste electrode in 0.1 N HCl demonstrated considerable redox potential output, as evidenced by cyclic voltammetric and amperometric measurements. The electrochemical sensor studies on ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs exhibited potentiality towards sensing of highly toxic metals like mercury and lead.

The present study aimed at using the co-integration analysis, to find out, if or not, there exists a long run relationship amongst the consumption of sunflower oil and the tariff rates, imports, production and domestic prices in India. The co-integration analysis was also used to confirm if there exists market integration for edible sunflower oil for domestic and international markets. Annual time series secondary data was collected for tariff rates, consumption, from various sources for this study. The test was carried out using E-Views software. The results indicate strong long run relationship of consumption of edible sunflower oil with all the independent variables taken into consideration as three cointegrating equations were obtained. Only one cointegration equation was obtained when international prices and domestic prices were subjected to this test, indicating a relationship amongst the domestic and international markets and suggesting the presence of market integration.

Rice crop is affected by different types of floods at different stages of the crop cycle. Constant efforts of researchers resulted in the development of rice varieties for anaerobic germination, flash floods and stagnant flooding by both conventional and molecular breeding approaches. Detection of QTLs for different types of floods in new genetic source (AC39416A) is needed to combat adverse effects of climate change. Present investigation was carried out to identify QTLs for flood tolerance using recombinant inbred lines derived from Indra and AC39416A. QTL mapping resulted in identification of QTLs, qAG3.1 on chromosome 3 for anaerobic germination and qSF10.1 on chromosome 10 for plant survival % under stagnant flooding. These QTLs explain 59.08 and 13.21% of phenotypic variance respectively. Two candidate genes were identified in qAG3.1 region, LOC_Os03g42130 gibberellin 20 oxidase2 and LOC_Os03g44170 glutathione S-transferase. The underlying mechanism might be the inhibition of gibberellic acid synthesis and thereby protecting seedlings from oxidative stress under anoxia condition. Genomic region of qSF10.1 revealed LOC_Os10g35020 glycosyltransferase and LOC_Os10g35050 aquaporin protein loci, which might be responsible for adaptive mechanism for plant survival % under stagnant flooding. This indicates that the new genetic resource AC39416A has an ability to adopt to different types of flood tolerance in response to environmental stress. Unveiling physiological and molecular mechanisms for flood tolerance in AC39416A using advanced omics studies would help in precise genomic selections for sustained production in flood-prone areas.

Aims: Based on the different temperature model, analysis the cotton mealy bug growth, developmental, survival, mortality, and reproduction rate. Place and Duration of Study: This secondary data were collected from Central Institute of Cotton Research, Coimbatore. Methodology: In this study, we used models like the Sharpe and DeMichele model, the Wang model, the Polynomial model, the Stinner model, and the Gaussian model. To measure the goodness-of-fit criteria, the model performance has been assured using Coefficient of Determination (R2), Alkaline Information Criteria (AIC), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Mean Absolute error (MAE), Relative Absolute Error (RAE) and Relative Standard Error (RSE). Result and Conclusion: From the Sharpe and Demichele and Polynomial models, male have highest R2 and least error values. From the Wang model, nymph 3 has highest R2 and least error values. When compare all models the Polynomial model have highest R2 and least error values. So it is the best fit model compare to all the models.

Magnetically separable lanthanum modified Ni-Zn spinel ferrite nanoparticles (Ni0.75Zn0.25La0.06Fe1.94O4) and Ni0.75Zn0.25La0.06Fe1.94O4@rGO nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by the sol-gel auto-combustion and sonication methods respectively, for the degradation of binary organic pollutants. The results of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of the face centered cubic (FCC) ferrites with the crystallite sizes ranging between 29.74 and 44.94 nm. The optical bandgap of the nano-composite was found to be 1.691 eV as revealed by the diffused reflectance spectral (DRS) study. The formation of the desired composition nanoparticles with a nearly spherical shape and their homogeneous distribution on sheets of rGO were verified by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive x-ray (EDAX) instrument. The HR-TEM/SEAD analysis also revealed the formation of spherical polycrystalline nanoparticles and their uniform dispensability with a little agglomeration on the sheet of rGO. The degradation studies were conducted using binary dyes (MB and MO) under the irradiation of visible light in the presence of peroxide. The effects of catalyst dose, irradiation time, initial dye concentration, pH value, and recyclability of nanocomposites have been systematically studied. The findings showed that as compared to La3+ substituted Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles (78% for MB and 85 % for MO), the magnetic Ni0.75Zn0. 25La0.06Fe1.94O4@rGO nanocomposite exhibited as a potential photocatalyst towards the simultaneous degradation of both dyes (95% for MB and 98% MO) within 40 min under the optimized conditions. The hydroxyl radical (•OH) play a key role for Ni0.75Zn0.25La0.06Fe1.94O4@rGO nanocomposite photocatalyst for photocatalytical degradation of the binary dyes (methyl orange and methylene blue).

Currently, plant templated synthesis of magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) was emerged for multifunctional purposes. In this study, the leaf extract of the plant Thymus schimperi was utilized to synthesize Fe3O4 NPs. The synthesized NPs were characterized by using technical tools such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (TGA-DTA). The XRD result corroborated the presence of desired phase formation having pure cubic face centered phase structure with average crystallite particle size ranging from 20 nm to 30 nm. SEM micrographs confirmed microstructural homogeneities and remarkably different morphology of Fe3O4 NPs. Mercury (II) and chromium (VI) removal efficiencies of Fe3O4 NPs were found to be 90% and 86% from aqueous solution at initial concentration of 20 mg/L, respectively. Various factors which affect the metal ion removal efficiency such as metal ion initial concentrations, pH, contact time, and adsorbent dosage were also studied. The optimum pH and contact time for chromium ion adsorption were pH 5 and 60 min and that of mercury were observed to be pH 7 and 90 min, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm was best fitted for sorption of Hg(II) ion, and the Freundlich isotherm was best fitted with sorption of Cr(VI) ion onto the surface of Fe3O4 NPs. The mechanism of adsorption of both Hg(II) and Cr(VI) ions was obeyed pseudo 2nd order kinetics. The recorded percent removal efficiencies revealed that these Fe3O4 NPs synthesized through leaf extract of the plant called Thymus schimperi have demonstrated excellent potentiality in the remediation of heavy metal ions. The synthesized Fe3O4 NPs were regenerated (reused) for adsorptive removal of Hg(II) and Cr(VI) for five consecutive cycles without significant loss of removal efficiency. Fe3O4 NPs were reused with only 4.17% loss of removal efficiency against Hg(II) and only 3% loss of removal efficiency against Cr(VI) metal ions.

A simple and low-cost and highly calibrated probe sonication method was used to prepare bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Bi2O3 NPs). The formation of a well-crystalline sample at the end of the product has been further calcined at 600°C for 2 hrs. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns of the NPs substantiated the monoclinic structure (space group P21/c), and the average crystallite size was found to be 60 nm, which was also confirmed by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images depicted highly porous Bi2O3 NPs with little agglomeration. Utilizing diffused reflectance spectra (DRS) data, the energy bandgap ( E g ) value of 3.3 eV was deduced for Bi2O3 NPs, and their semiconductor behavior has been confirmed. Two dyes, methylene blue (MB) and acid green (AG) were utilized for degradation studies using Bi2O3 NPs under UV light irradiation (from 0 to 120 min). The photocatalytic degradation was found to be maximum for MB (93.45%) and AR (97.80%) dyes. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) and sensor studies using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were performed. The specific capacitance value of 25.5 Fg-1 was deduced from the cyclic voltammograms of the Bi2O3 electrode in 0.1 N HCl with a scan rate of 10 to 50 mV/s. From the obtained EIS data, the Bi2O3 electrode showed pseudocapacitive characteristics. The prepared electrodes also exhibited high sensitivity towards the detection of ascorbic acid and lead. Hence, sonochemically synthesized Bi2O3 NPs are possibly hopeful for excellent photocatalytic and electrochemical sensing of biomolecules.

Therminol is a thermally stable heat transfer fluid with a high boiling point and low vapor pressure. Boosting the heat conductivity of therminol is a potential way for increasing the efficacy of therminol-based systems. It will improve performance while compensating for the drawback of poor thermal system performance. Nanofluids are believed to be more efficient than traditional fluids. In this study, experiments were conducted to examine the thermal properties of therminol, including thermal conductivity and viscosity, when a Lanthanum Oxide-Barium Oxide (LaO-BaO) nanocomposite was dispersed in it. LaO-BaO nanocomposite was created via chemical co-precipitation route. Structural and optical characteristics of the nanosamples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Therminol was used as the base fluid in the fabrication of LaO-BaO based nanofluid. When compared to the base fluid, therminol; the nanofluid exhibits a considerable shift in heat conductivity and viscosity. To assess the potential changes in the thermal conductivity of the base fluid, thorough tests were carried out at various temperatures and weight percentages of LaO-BaO nanocomposites. The results suggest that LaO-BaO nanofluids are a superior substitute against other regular fluids in heat transfer applications.

We report the synthesis of Ag/bentonite, ZnO/bentonite and Ag/ZnO/bentonite nanocomposites (NCs) using Hagenia abyssinica plant extract and their antibacterial study. The synthesized NCs were characterized by using many advanced techniques. The X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the formation of composites with different phases. The average crystallite size (D) values of pure Ag nanoparticles (NPs), ZnO NPs, and activated bentonite (Na-AB) were found to be 8.14, 18.1, and 37.6 nm, respectively. The Ag/bentonite NCs, ZnO/bentonite NCs, and Ag/ZnO/bentonite NCs exhibited the D values of 7.4, 9.4, and 9.4 nm, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and other functional groups on the surface of the synthesized NCs. The transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed the formation of Ag and ZnO NPs with hexagonal, rod-shaped, and spherical structures. HRTEM also revealed the presence of (102) plane of ZnO and (220) plane of Ag in Ag/ZnO/bentonite NCs. The antibacterial activities of the composites suspension were evaluated against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 by the disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. The ternary NC and Ag/ZnO/bentonite exhibited better zone of inhibition of 14.3 ± 0.3 and 17.3 ± 0.2 mm at 10 mg·mL−1 toward E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of Ag/ZnO/bentonite NCs were found to be 156.25 and 312.5 µg·mL−1 for E. coli. The investigation results revealed that the low temperature bio-synthesized Ag/ZnO/bentonite is a promising bactericide over the binary composites.

Background: Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) palm is an important cash crop in India and third-largest producer of coconut in the world. In general, the skilled workers climb to harvest the coconuts from the tree without any safety device. The coconut trees are very tall and injuries associated with coconut tree climbing, particularly falling from coconut trees is common in coconut plantations. In order to rectify the problem, an appropriate cutting system needs to be developed. Hence the characterizing physical and mechanical properties viz., peduncle thickness, width, shape, size, moisture content, density and also the cutting blade characteristics, were studied. Methods: The observed characteristics were used for the effective design of the cutting module. The cutting blades were selected for the investigation viz, circular saw blade and saw tooth blade. The parameters selected for the investigation are cutting speed (S) at three levels (15.70, 20.94 and 26.17 ms-1), the inclination angle of the blade (q) five levels (30, 45, 60, 75 and 90°), type of the blades (B) (regular tooth and ripped tooth pitch) and thickness of peduncle (T) three levels (30, 40 and 50 mm). Similarly for chain saw, the velocity of cutting speed (S) at three levels (500, 700 and 900 rpm), the inclination angle of blade (q) at three levels (45, 60 and 90°) and thickness of peduncle (T) three levels (30, 40 and 50 mm) were selected for the experiments. Result: The optimization of the selected levels of variables was done to achieve best performance to select the cutting speed, cutting angle and type of blade. The results showed that circular saw blades with irregular tooth pitch have higher cutting efficiency than circular saw blades with regular tooth pitch. It was found that cutting time increases linearly with decreasing cutting speed. It was observed that chainsaw gives better cut quality with minimum cutting time than saw blades.

Background: Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is a significant cash crop in the humid tropics of India. The quality, variety and types of coconut palm vary from one place to other. Nowadays, the lack of skilled climbers for tree climbing is a serious problem experienced by coconut farmers. The adoption of drone technology in coconut cultivation is considered to enhance the productivity of coconut. The current study aimed to study the biometrics of different varieties of coconut trees to design and develop a drone-based spraying and harvesting system which suits all types of coconut palms. Methods: The major parameters influencing drone spraying and harvesting design are crop, machine and meteorological parameters. The crop parameters for the palms were measured by using standard techniques. The prominent varieties include West coast tall, Coconut - ALR (CN) 1, Coconut - ALR (CN) 3, Chowghat orange dwarf, Chowghat green dwarf, Malaysian yellow dwarf, East coast tall and Chandra Kalpa were selected. The biometric data were observed from the randomly selected healthy coconut trees. Result: The eight major coconut varieties were selected and their biometric data was observed. It was concluded that the observations aided in deciding the design of the drone components as well as the spraying and harvesting mechanism suitable for coconut palms.