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A MANET is a decentralized type of wireless network of mobile devices, and it can also be defined as an autonomous system of nodes. All the nodes in the network are connected by wireless links and are mobile. They can come together and form a network without any support from any existing network infrastructure. MANET is a new field of study based on blockchain in a wireless ad hoc environment. However, the main challenge for blockchain applications in ad hoc networks is how to adapt to the extreme computational complexity of block validation while preserving the characteristics of the blockchain and including nodes in the validation process. This article proposes a blockchain-based mobile network (MANET) with an ensemble algorithm. The proposed scheme provides a distributed environment for MANETS routing using a blockchain based on the Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT) protocol. Taking advantage of the better approach of mobile ad hoc networking (BATMAN) to incorporate the concept of blockchain into the MANET as a representative protocol. The proposed method named Extended-BATMAN (E-BATMAN) incorporates the concept of blockchain into the BATMAN protocol using MANET. As a secure, distributed, and reliable platform, Blockchain solves most BFT security issues, with each node performing repeated security operations individually. The experimental analysis of the proposed ensemble algorithm is based on four parameters such as packet delivery rate, average end-to-end latency, network throughput, and energy. All of these parameters show better results with the proposed ensemble protocol than with existing state-of-the-art protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-D assessing of intracanal anatomy in the clinical endodontic practice is always challenging. Although computed tomography could visualize intracanal anatomy but, they all use harmful ionized radiation and presented low sensitivity in detection of fine canal anatomy images. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution imaging technique that allows micrometer scale imaging of biologic tissues over small distances, uses infrared light waves that reflect off the internal microstructure within the biologic tissues and gives high resolution images. In studies OCT has previously been shown to be a valuable tool in assessing intracanal anatomy, cleanliness of the canal after preparation, and even perforations. Aim: To evaluate the ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to image root canal walls, and to identify confounding factors in root canal treatment. Histological validation of data acquisition for root canal lumen dimensions (area and diameter) obtained from OCT scan. Methodology: Maxillary incisors with poor prognosis for endodontic treatment outcome were scanned for canal lumen dimension using Intra coronary OCT probe modality. The same tooth were extracted, was sectioned to get a total number of 20 slices (n=20). Root canal lumen dimension of each slice was validated and compared histologically, double blindedly using Nikon digital microscope software (NIKON DS -Ri2) with dimensions obtained by OCT scan. The mean data acquired by OCT were correlation with histological slices using co-relation regression test. Results: A strong correlation was found between the data acquired by using OCT and histology for area of canal lumen r (area) = 0.97, max and min diameter r= 0.95, 0.93 respectively. Conclusion: Optical coherence tomography is a non-invasive and non-destructive technique for endodontic imaging. It proved to be suitable for analysing the anatomy and cleanliness of root canal walls, and has a high sensitivity and specificity for detection of internal anatomy of canals. OCT generates high-resolution, real-time, intra-canal microscopic images, and holds great potential for in-vivo application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast growth of the web generates a significant amount of heterogeneous information such as images, text, audio, and video through various applications. These applications use different layouts to represent significant information. The layouts of table information are overloaded with anomalies that have given rise to intensive research into the semantification of web content and organizing tabular data for knowledge sharing and acquisition. Moreover, there are many anomalies present in tabular layouts that lead to the lack of semantic representation in tabular form and new challenges in data modeling. In this paper, we have discussed the various anomalies present in the tabular data that pertain to ontology learning and population tasks and provide the semantification of tabular data. To complete this task, (1) we provide the list of anomalies that pertain to semantification and provide the resolution to anomalies along with the semantification of tabular data, and (2) we have established the algorithm to interpret the table structure into a formal representation to analyze anomalies and provide the resolution. Furthermore, the proposed approach has been compared with existing approaches using ontology elements, the ability to resolve the anomalies, and the time complexity of the ontology population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Neurological disorders are the world's most distressing problem. The adverse effects of current medications continue to compel scientists to seek safer, more effective, and economically affordable alternatives. In this vein, we explored the effect of D-Pinitol on isoproterenol-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Materials and Methods: Forty-two mice were randomly distributed into 7 groups each having 6 animals. Group I; received saline. Group II; received isoproterenol (ISO) 15 mg/kg/day, s.c. for 20 days. Group III, IV; received 50 and 100 mg/kg/day/oral of D-Pinitol, respectively along with ISO for 20 days. Group V; received D-Pinitol 100 mg/kg/day/oral for 20 days. Group VI; received propranolol 20 mg/kg/day/oral and ISO for 20 days. Group VII; received propranolol 20 mg/kg/day/oral for 20 days. On the 21st day after behavioral tests, blood was collected and mice were sacrificed for various biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: Chronic administration of isoproterenol caused neurotoxicity, cognitive dysfunction, and histopathological changes in the brain as evidenced by increase in GFAP, oxidative stress (via SOD, CAT, TBARS, and GSH), neuroinflammation (NF-kB, TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-10), and decrease in AchE and BDNF. Co-administration of D-Pinitol (100 mg/kg) significantly prevented these pathological alterations. The cognitive improvement was also observed through the forced swim test, elevated plus maze test, and rotarod test. Conclusion: Our findings on D-Pinitol thus clearly established its neuroprotective role in ISO-induced neurodegeneration in Swiss albino mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a semi-analytical technique based on Taylor's series method namely DTM has been used to solve the differential equation which governs the motion of three types of annular FGM plates. The differential equation has been obtained using Hamilton principle and classical plate theory. The mechanical properties of the plate (Young's modulus and density) are considered to be graded in thickness direction and vary following the power-law. The behaviour of volume fraction index and radii ratio has been investigated onto first three modes of frequency parameter for all three plates. Moreover, the novelty of this paper is the application of the versatile technique DTM to study the effect of radii ratio and volume fraction index on three different types of annular FGM plates. A comparison has been made between the obtained numerical results and the results are available in the literature. A good agreement of the results verifies the accuracy of the present technique. Three-dimensional mode shapes for all three plates are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ontology is a significant data model for identifying semantic information for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) discovery. Large-scale biological and general datasets have recently been more readily available for study and to support the development of COVID-19 repositioning, but efficiently utilizing and standard metadata modeling of these datasets still remains challenging. Coronavirus disease is a deadly disease. Researchers have focused on the different aspects of COVID-19, such as studies about COVID-19, symptoms, treatment, prevention, resources, infected cases, patient information, global impact, and related research. Compilation and analysis of metadata by knowledge gathered in various field studies can help in efficient data sharing and better decision-making of data related to COVID-19. However, considering the heterogeneous nature of data sources, it is challenging and innovative to make the COVID-19 information human and machine understandable and to provide answers to user queries at all possible aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper propose a COVID-19 ontology named as CovidO metadata model that provides a common conceptual model to facilitate interoperability between metadata ontologies from various heterogeneous data sources. The CovidO has the following objectives: (1) The ontology serves as a reference schema for reporting COVID-19 data. (2) It also offer a customized schema of the existing ontologies to build a standard global data model. (3) It covers all the possible aspects/dimensions of COVID-19. (4) the proposed model aims to utilize findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR) principles by providing common conceptualization metadata and thereby abstracting from heterogeneous structures of existing sources of (static) data. The experiments are conducted over CovidO using OOPS, OntoMetric, and RDF/SPARQL query to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed model. The result shows that the proposed model has a broad scope with fewer pitfalls than existing COVID-19 ontologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical characteristics of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposite were investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Different types of CNT used in this study are pristine CNT, functionalized CNT with NH2, CH3, CONH2, functional groups, and defective CNT with a vacancy and Stone Wales (SW) defect. The NBR-CNT-CONH2 composite showed the best mechanical properties where Young's modulus was increased by 112.9%, bulk modulus was increased by 201.81%, and shear modulus was increased by 72.09%. Composite containing five vacancy defects has Young's modulus decreased by 37.46%, bulk modulus by 51.59%, and the shear modulus by 22.13%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phagraphene is a newly proposed two-dimensional allotrope of carbon. Its structure resembles that of a defective graphene sheet. The unit cell structure of phagraphene consists of a 5–6–7 ring sequence due to which it possesses lower energy than most carbon allotropes. Phagraphene has properties, namely thermal conductivity of 218 ± 20 W/mK and 285 ± 29 W/mK, along armchair and zigzag directions, respectively, a tensile strength of 85 ± 2 GPa, the elastic modulus of 870 ± 15 GPa along armchair and 800 ± 14 GPa along zigzag direction, and fracture strain of the same order as that of pristine graphene. Density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations have proved the unique electronic properties of phagraphene, namely direction-dependent Dirac cones, tunable Fermi velocities, quasi-direct band gap, to be comparable with pristine graphene. Based on molecular dynamics and density functional theory investigations, phagraphene is capable of being used in Li-based batteries and thermoelectric devices as anode material due to its good adsorption properties and remarkably good doping characteristics. Such characteristics can lead to a future trend of analyzing such allotropes because phagraphene can provide potential applications in atmospheric pollutant-detecting and drug-carrying properties in ailments like cancer. This paper is a nascent one discussing all the previous works on molecular dynamics simulations of phagraphene and tries to serve as the leading one for researchers interested in this field. This paper summarizes the mechanical and thermal properties of phagraphene estimated using molecular dynamics simulations as studied in previous works. The study shows that molecular dynamics has a good application in studying such a novel carbon allotrope. The discussions made in this paper thematize phagraphene's properties as a next-generation material and can help the researchers in a qualitative overview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kojic acid is a fungal secondary metabolite commonly known as a tyrosinase inhibitor, that acts as a skin-whitening agent. Its applications are widely distributed in the area of cosmetics, medicine, food, and chemical synthesis. Renewable resources are the alternative feedstocks that can fulfill the demand for free sugars which are fermented for the production of kojic acid. This review highlights the current progress and importance of bioprocessing of kojic acid from various types of competitive and non-competitive renewable feedstocks. The bioprocessing advancements, secondary metabolic pathway networks, gene clusters and regulations, strain improvement, and process design have also been discussed. The importance of nitrogen sources, amino acids, ions, agitation, and pH has been summarized. Two fungal species Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus oryzae are found to be extensively studied for kojic acid production due to their versatile substrate utilization and high titer ability. The potential of A. flavus to be a competitive industrial strain for large-scale production of kojic acid has been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Cardiovascular diseases are widespread across the globe, and heart failure (HF) accounts for the majority of heart-associated deaths. Target-based drug therapy is much needed for the management of heart failure. We have designed this study to evaluate icariin for its cardioprotective activity in the isoproterenol (ISO) induced postinfarction model. We have randomly distributed Wistar rats into seven groups, i.e., vehicle control; isoproterenol-treated; icariin per se; sildenafil per se; ISO + icariin 5; ISO + icariin 10; and ISO + sildenafil groups. ISO (85 mg/kg, subcutaneous) was administered at 24 hr for two consecutive days to produce cardiac injury, followed by icariin administration at 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg orally for 56 days. Materials and Methods: Rats were subjected to hemodynamic measurements biweekly. After 24 hr of the completion of dosing, animals were sacrificed, and markers for oxidative stress, fibrosis, inflammation, and cell death were measured. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), histopathology, and MT staining of cardiac tissue were also done to assess the pathological and fibrotic architectural damage. Results: A significant decline in hemodynamics and an anti-oxidant collapse were found in ISOintoxicated rats. Alterations in the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were also observed in serum. Up-regulation of caspase-3, nuclear factor (NF-ĸB), and decline in expression of nuclear factor (NrF-2) contribute to cardiac damage. The treatment with icariin and sildenafil considerably reversed the toxic changes toward normal. Conclusion: Increased cGMP and Nrf2 expression and suppressed NF-ĸB-caspase-3 signaling play a pivotal role in icariin-mediated cardioprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubber nanocomposites are being studied because of their unique characteristics. Fillers are used in rubbers and elastomers to increase certain qualities for their ultimate uses. Fillers are used to strengthen rubber such as graphene/graphene oxide for the majority of activities. The hardness, modulus, anti-ageing and gas barrier properties of nanofilled-reinforced rubber are greater than pristine rubber. Studies from the literature depicted 150% increment in elastic modulus, 27.6% increment in modulus of rigidity and 35% increment in hardness of nitrile butadiene rubber when reinforced with graphene oxide (GO). Bulk, shear and Young's modulus of vulcanised rubber rises by 19.13%, 21.11% and 26.89% when infused with carbon nanotube. Because of its unique electrical, thermal and mechanical characteristics, rubber nanocomposites loaded with GO are also in high demand in industrial applications. Rubber nanocomposites, different nanofillers like graphene and graphene oxide and their benefits have been discussed. The review also outlines the rubber/GO nanocomposites' production procedures, novel characteristics and possible uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of coatings depends upon various factors and adhesion of the coating to a metallic surface is one of them. Polyurethane (PU) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are widely used polymeric coatings for the protection of metallic surfaces. The adhesion of PU and PTFE films on the aluminium oxide substrate is investigated by employing MD simulations. The effect of temperature variation on both the polymeric films has been also studied. Results depict that as the temperature increases the adhesion energy of both the polymers increases in the range from 273.15 K to 298 K. However, there is no such applications of these polymeric coatings at higher temperature like 548 K, the interaction energy is also calculated at 548 K to predict the behaviour of these polymers at elevated temperatures. PU was found to be more thermally stable compared to PTFE. Moreover, PU adhesion with the aluminium oxide surface was much greater when compared to PTFE which possibly resulted from the existence of oxygen atoms in PU which are responsible for greater adhesion between polymer and metal surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of polymer composites, the research of nanoparticles has risen in prominence. Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the best nanofillers in natural rubber (NR). In this work, GO nanosheets are utilized as reinforcement in an NR composite to anticipate mechanical characteristics. The researchers project the effect of GO sheets in NR with varied volume percentages and defective GO sheet reinforcement in NR composites. When the volume percentage of GO sheet in the NR nanocomposite is 4.6% and 7.2%, respectively, the value of Young's modulus rose by 68.8% and 166.2%. GO/NR with a 7.2% volume fraction has the highest ultimate tensile strength as compared with lower volume fractions of GO/NR nanocomposites. An increase of 63.49% in ultimate tensile strength in GO/NR nanocomposites (7.2% vol fraction) is seen as compared with pristine NR. Creep characteristics of NR nanocomposites are also investigated. The results reveal that the addition of GO sheets considerably increases the creep resistance strength of NR nanocomposites. The zone of secondary creep grows narrower as the continuous stress level increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubber composites are used in many applications such as mats, shock absorbers for machinery, tires, gears, and tubes in the automobile sector, insulating transmission and elevator belts, tapes, gloves, and blankets in the industrial sector, adhesive and cementing elements in the construction sector. This paper reviews the experimental and molecular dynamics simulations of mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced rubber-based composites. Important mechanical properties of CNT with rubber nanocomposites have been described. This review will explain how CNTs can improve the mechanical properties of different rubber composites and will help the researchers working in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) provide effective protection against diseases spread through airborne infectious droplets and particles. The widespread use of FFRs during the COVID-19 pandemic has not only led to supply shortages, but the disposal of single-use facemasks also threatens the environment with a new kind of plastic pollution. While limited reuse of filtering facepiece respirators has been permitted as a crisis capacity strategy, there are currently no standard test methods available for decontamination before their repeated use. The decontamination of respirators can compromise the structural and functional integrity by reducing the filtration efficiency and breathability. Digital segmentation of X-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) scans of the meltblown nonwoven layers of a specific N95 respirator model (Venus-4400) after treatment with one and five cycles of liquid hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet radiation, moist heat, and aqueous soap solution enabled us to perform filtration simulations of decontaminated respirators. The computed filtration efficiencies for 0.3 µm particles agreed well with experimental measurements, and the distribution of particle penetration depths was correlated with the structural changes resulting from decontamination. The combination of X-ray microCT imaging with numerical simulations thus provides a strategy for quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of decontamination treatments for a specific respirator model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have presented real-time and label-free CYFRA 21–1 detection in artificial saliva using a tungsten oxide (WO 3) thin film transistor with wafer scale batch fabrication. In this work, we developed a miniaturized (FET) biosensing platform based on antibody-antigen interaction at the channel surface for real-time CYFRA 21–1 detection in artificial saliva. The fabricated FET device showed rapid and high response towards the CYFRA 21–1 antigen in artificial saliva, with the highest response of 122.88 at 1 pg/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.26 pg/mL. This device demonstrated the detection capability of different CYFRA 21–1 concentrations in artificial saliva with high specificity towards the targeted antigen to detect oral cancer biomarker and a response in real-time. Unlike other methods for oral cancer detection, this study demonstrates an innovative biosensing device platform for directly detecting oral cancer biomarkers in saliva without labeling or pre-processing the sample. This method shows the highest sensitivity with a minimum sample volume requirement (2 µL) for early-stage oral cancer diagnosis. Moreover, this work showed the prospect of batch fabrication and uniformity among batch-fabricated devices. • Real-time detection of CYFRA 21-1 antigen in saliva for oral cancer detection. • Scalable and wafer scale fabrication of Field Effect Transistor (FET) biosensors. • Tungsten trioxide (WO 3) thin film-based FET biosensor to detect oral cancer biomarker in saliva. • Development of biocompatible, miniaturized transistor biosensor with high sensitivity, selectivity and fast response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitroimidazole represents one of the most essential and unique scaffolds in drug discovery since its discovery in the 1950s. It was K. Maeda in Japan who reported in 1953 the first nitroimidazole as a natural product from Nocardia mesenterica with antibacterial activity, which was later identified as Azomycin 1 (2-nitroimidazole) and remained in focus until now. This natural antibiotic was the starting point for synthesizing numerous analogs and regio-isomers, leading to several life-saving drugs and clinical candidates against a number of diseases, including infections (bacterial, viral, parasitic) and cancers, as well as imaging agents in medicine/diagnosis. In the present decade, the nitroimidazole scaffold has again been given two life-saving drugs (Delamanid and Pretomanid) used to treat MDR (multi-drug resistant) tuberculosis. Keeping in view the highly successful track-record of the nitroimidazole scaffold in providing breakthrough therapeutic drugs, this comprehensive review focuses explicitly on presenting the activity profile and synthetic chemistry of functionalized nitroimidazole (2-, 4- and 5-nitroimidazoles as well as the fused nitroimidazoles) based drugs and leads published from 1950 to 2021. The present review also presents the miscellaneous examples in each class. In addition, the mutagenic profile of nitroimidazole-based drugs and leads and derivatives is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the activity concentration of radioactive nuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in different types of rocks in the lesser Himalayan mountainous region in Jammu and Kashmir, India have been measured using Sodium Iodide and High purity germanium detectors. The advanced smart RnDuo monitor was utilized for assessing radon and thoron exhalation rates and the results vary from 14.82 to 37.85 mBqkg−1 h−1 and 124–372 mBqm−2 s−1 respectively. The radium equivalent activities of the studied samples have been calculated to assess the radiation hazards arising due to the use of these rocks in the construction of dwellings. All the rock samples have radium equivalent activities lower than the limit set in the OECD report (370 Bq Kg−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) provide effective protection against diseases spread through airborne infectious droplets and particles. The widespread use of FFRs during the COVID-19 pandemic has not only led to supply shortages, but the disposal of single-use facemasks also threatens the environment with a new kind of plastic pollution. While limited reuse of filtering facepiece respirators has been permitted as a crisis capacity strategy, there are currently no standard test methods available for decontamination before their repeated use. The decontamination of respirators can compromise the structural and functional integrity by reducing the filtration efficiency and breathability. Digital segmentation of X-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) scans of the meltblown nonwoven layers of a specific N95 respirator model (Venus-4400) after treatment with one and five cycles of liquid hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet radiation, moist heat, and aqueous soap solution enabled us to perform filtration simulations of decontaminated respirators. The computed filtration efficiencies for 0.3 µm particles agreed well with experimental measurements, and the distribution of particle penetration depths was correlated with the structural changes resulting from decontamination. The combination of X-ray microCT imaging with numerical simulations thus provides a strategy for quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of decontamination treatments for a specific respirator model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary goal of integrating and deploying microgrids in India is to facilitate economic development, increase energy access, enhance energy security, and reduce environmental pollutions. Microgrids have the potential to provide solutions to the long-standing energy problems being faced by developing countries like Iran, India, Nigeria, etc. In this research paper, a review on different generation and storage alternatives of microgrids, major microgrid projects in India, challenges faced by microgrids, protection and control of microgrid, regulatory policies, monitoring of microgrid, and future prospective of microgrids have been presented. The paper also assesses specific software tools and theoretical review of various energy alternatives for microgrid design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomineral apatite (Ap) has been widely utilized in clinical bone graft procedures for over 25 years. However, its lower tensile strength and fracture toughness compared to natural bone limit its application in large load-bearing systems. This approach aims to enhance the mechanical performance of Ap while preserving its bioactivity, thereby expanding its potential clinical applications. In this study, the creation and processing of carbon nanofiller-based Ap nanocomposites, including pristine and vacancy-defective carbon nanofillers, are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanical behaviour of Ap nanocomposites reinforced with three types of carbon nanofillers (CNF) is examined: (i) three-dimensional metallic carbon nanostructure with interlocking hexagons T6B (beam-like), (ii) carbon nanotubes (CNT), and (iii) three-dimensional metallic carbon nanostructure with interlocking hexagons T6P (plate-like). The analysis encompasses detailing the methodology utilized for modelling the equilibrated structures of CNF/Ap nanocomposites, along with the characterization of their elastic parameters. Computational findings reveal the significant impact of CNT chirality, Aspect Ratio (AR) of T6B and orientation of T6P on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites and observed inclusion of CNF enhances the mechanical properties compared with those of pure Ap. The findings indicate that the lower diameter CNT and smaller cross-sectional area of T6B exhibit higher tensile strength compared to the larger CNT diameter and larger cross-sectional area of T6B of the same length. Further, the analysis highlights the substantial influence of vacancy defects concentration on CNF on the mechanical behaviour of nanocomposites, with an increase in defects correlating to a decrease in the mechanical strength of both CNF and CNF-based nanocomposites. • Mechanical properties of T6B/Ap, T6P/Ap and CNTs/Ap composites have been studied. • Increasing width of T6B and dia. of CNT causes tensile strength of fillers to decrease. • The strength of nanofillers decreases with increasing percentage of vacancy defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on casting self-healing metal matrix composites with aluminum alloy as a matrix, and Nitinol fiber as reinforcement. The shape memory effect of Nitinol fibers can cause them to shrink and narrow or close the crack in cast matrix material and in case of bend test restores the shape. Self-healing metal matrix composite samples were cast using (a) semi solid squeeze casting after Rapid Slurry Formation and (b) gravity die casting. Casting procedures, microstructures, and mechanical properties are reported. The cast aluminum-Nitinol fiber composite samples prepared by both techniques were cracked under tensile and bending, both types of samples exhibit a reduction in the width of the crack in the samples upon heating the sample above the transformation temperature of Nitinol. Under certain conditions, the cracks in permanent mold cast alloys reinforced with Nitinol have been completely sealed leading to self-healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical skills laboratories are educational facilities that have the potential benefit for undergraduate and postgraduate medical students and medical staff. They provide a safe and protected environment in which the learner can practice clinical skills before using them in real clinical settings. These skills laboratories help to ensure that all students acquire the necessary techniques and are properly assessed before practicing on real patients. In addition, they support the acquisition, maintenance and enhancement of the clinical skills of students in the healthcare profession. Teaching skills in skill lab require a standardized module for each skill that can be applied to all the students universally.The study was started with the aim to solve a problem that has arisen as National Medical Council (NMC) has announced implementation of Competency based medical education (CBME) a new syllabus for medical education from 2019 MBBS batch that includes skill teaching. Faculty in various Medical colleges is not trained in developing modules and teaching skills to students in skill lab. There are no standardized teaching modules for skills training in skill laboratories.As part of the project we decided to develop modules for the two competencies to be taught in the skill lab for the subject Otorhinolaryngology i.e. Otoscopy and Anterior Nasal packing; NMC guidelines being the benchmark in developing these modules. Later modules were also to be implemented on sample students to get a feedback on the structure of the module for further improvement.These modules developed as part of the project will help as a baseline tool for developing other modules in different subjects by various Institutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rendering any surface non-wettable requires it to be clean and dry after the droplet is deposited or impacted. Leveraging and quantifying the non-periodic or random topology non-wettable is intricate as the Cassie-Baxter state competes with the Wenzel or impaled state, which becomes further challenging for irregular and heterogeneous nonwoven materials. Herein, we report the fundamental insights of the impalement dynamics of droplets on metastable nonwovens and self-similar nonwoven-titanate nanostructured materials (SS-Ti-NMs) using laser scanning confocal microscopy in three dimensions. Our results represent the first example of liquid imbibition in metastable nonwovens and SS-Ti-NMs involving a complex interplay between a triumvirate of factors – the number of fibres in the defined cross-sectional area (volume), pore features, and intrinsic wetting properties of the constituent entities. Predictive models of the apparent contact angle and breakthrough pressure for nonwovens and their SS-Ti-NMs have been proposed based on micro- and nano-scale structural parameters. Enabled by X-ray microcomputed tomography analysis, a key set of three-dimensional fibre and structural parameters of nonwovens has been unveiled, which played a vital role in validating the predictive models of apparent contact angles. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient ethanol production using dilute acid pretreated rice straw was investigated in multiple-fed simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (mf-SSCF) for producing high titer ethanol at a low cost. The mf-SSCF was performed at very high solid loading (29.5% w/v) by multiple feeding of dilute acid pretreated rice straw without any detoxification, solid-liquid separation, and sterilization. After 72 h, an ethanol titer of 68.72 g L−1 was attained with higher ethanol yield (0.42 g g−1) and productivity (0.95 g L−1 h−1). Only magnesium sulfate (6 g L−1) was added as nutrient component and aqueous ammonia was used for pH adjustment of pretreated slurry to 5, which also provides ammonium ions as a nitrogen source for yeast during ethanol fermentation. Almost no water was added in the mf-SSCF process; therefore, higher ethanol titer (8.7 % v/v) was achieved, which further reduce distillation, water input, and treatment cost. These results suggest that the mf-SSCF process has great potential for the production of high titer ethanol on a commercial scale due to the consolidation and simplification of the process at a low cost. • Pretreated biomass used without detoxification and sterilization. • Aqueous ammonia plays a dual role: pH adjuster and nitrogen source. • Only MgSO 4 supplemented as nutrient. • Almost no water addition in the process after pretreatment. • High titer, yield, and productivity of 2G ethanol at lower CAPEX and OPEX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with industrialization and transportation, the higher living standard is also the main reason for the increase in energy demand. This increasing energy demand motivates researchers to find new alternative fuels that are eco-friendly and sustainable. In this concern, to analyze the performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics of an SI engine fueled by petrol-acetylene under DF mode is the main purpose of this study. For this purpose, a VCR spark ignition engine was used and operated at the engine maximum speed (1800 rpm). The experimental study was carried out at different acetylene gas flow rates and spark timing.In this study, the acetylene gas flow rate was first optimized on a performance basis. Furthermore, the engine was run at an optimized acetylene gas flow rate (100 LPH) to find out the optimum value of spark timing. In further experimentation, it is also found that the BThE to be maximum and emissions were significantly low or comparable at spark timing 20º CA bTDC (at 100 LPH) as compared to other spark timing and baseline case at all loads. The effects of NOx and smoke are not considerable. Hence, it is not covered in this study. The heat release rate and peak cylinder pressure are found to increase with the advancement of spark timing. But knocking was observed at higher spark advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Self-similarity is a scale-invariant irregularity that can assist in designing a robust superhydrophobic material. A combinatorial design strategy involving self-similarity and dual-length scale can be employed to create a new library of a doubly re-entrant, disordered, and porous network of superhydrophobic materials. Asymmetric wettability can be engineered in nonwoven materials by rendering them with superhydrophobic characteristics on one side. A facile, scalable, and inexpensive spray-coating technique was used to decorate the weakly hydrophobic stearate-treated titanate nanowires (TiONWs) over the self-similar nonwoven material. Laser scanning confocal microscopy was employed to image the impalement dynamics in three dimensions. With the aid of X-ray microcomputed tomography analysis, the three-dimensional (3D) nonwoven structural parameters were obtained and analyzed. The underwater superhydrophobic behavior of the prepared samples was investigated. A classic 'lotus effect' has been successfully endowed in self-similar nonwoven-titanate nanostructured materials (SS-Ti-NMs) from a nonwoven material that housed the air pockets in bulk and water repellent TiONWs on the surface. The finer fiber-based SS-Ti-NMs exhibited lower roll-off angles and a thinner layer of water on its surface. An asymmetric wettability and the unusual display of underwater superhydrophobic behavior of SS-Ti-NMs have been uncovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the benefits of low power, high bandwidth and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility, the design of optical circuits has spurred great attention among researchers in the domain of electronic design automation. With this motivation, all-optical combinational and sequential circuits such as adders, multiplexers, multipliers and flip-flops have been explored in recent times. In this paper, we have explored the designs of all-optical array multiplier and four types of parallel multipliers (carry save adder multiplier, Wallace tree multiplier, Dadda multiplier and reduced area multiplier) using two different design approaches named as Design1 and Design2. In order to design these multipliers, semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-based Mach–Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) have been used as the basic optical component. The basic MZI switch, full adder and 2-bit multiplier have been simulated using OptiSystem software to analyze the power loss. Furthermore, an all-optical merged multiplier has been designed, which is often used in digital signal processors. In comparison with other designed multipliers, it is evident from the simulation results that the MZI-based reduced area multiplier of Design1 approach has the highest performance in terms of speed, while the MZI-based carry save adder (CSA) multiplier with Design1 approach has the least optical cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, silicon photonics (Si-photonics) have received significant attention among researchers due to complementary metal-oxide semiconductor compatibility, and the characteristics of high-speed and low-power dissipation. The integration of electronic and optical circuits on a single chip has opened up new directions of research in the domain of digital logic design and synthesis of photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Several optical switching devices using different technologies have been designed and experimentally demonstrated, which further helps in implementing PICs. In order to efficiently design larger, complex and reliable PICs, the photonic design automation techniques are being explored as electronic design automation techniques have been investigated in case of very large-scale integration circuits. This paper presents an extensive survey of recent work reported in the literature on the domains of logic circuit design, synthesis, and physical design automation for implementing PICs. The aim of this survey is to start with the fundamental optical concepts and then move to the latest research domains of design and synthesis of PICs. Finally, we provide a discussion on the challenges and the future research directions toward practically realizing the Si-photonics and PICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied adsorption behaviour of cationic and uncharged surfactant molecules and their micelles at metal-water interfaces via all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our simulations reveal that unaggregated surfactant molecules adsorb strongly on to the metal surface without any free energy barrier. The adsorption behaviour of micelles is quite different. Micelles of cationic surfactants experience a long-range free energy barrier to adsorption, which is attributed to the presence of a corona of counterions and hydration water around these micelles, which gets disturbed as the micelles approach the surface. Micelles of uncharged surfactants do not have a corona of counterions around them and therefore show a barrierless free energy profile of adsorption. The micelles of both cationic and uncharged surfactants strongly adsorb by disintegrating at the metal surface. In the disintegrated state, the molecules comprising the micelles re-arrange to attain either a lying down configuration in which the molecular axis is parallel to the surface or a standing up configuration in which the molecular axis is perpendicular to the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Antibiotic-resistant infections are one of the leading threats to public health globally. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in food animal production is an important driver of resistance, particularly among foodborne pathogens such as non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica (NTS). While there has been extensive research on antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) S. enterica in India and China, there have been few studies in countries in South Asia, including Nepal. This is particularly important with the rise of commercial poultry farming in Nepal as a means of economic development and nutritional subsistence. This descriptive study seeks to identify the prevalence and resistance patterns of NTS serotypes focusing on Chitwan, Nepal's leading poultry producing district. Materials and Methods: A mixture of purposive and judgment sampling of 18 poultry farms and 20 slaughterhouses representing a broad geographic distribution across multiple municipalities in Chitwan was conducted in May 2019. Environmental samples taken from poultry farms included: Water, litter, feces, feed, farm swabs, and eggshell swabs. Biological samples taken from nearby slaughterhouses included: Muscle, heart, liver, skin, cecum, crop, and spleen. Samples were cultured and tested for the presence of NTS. Positive isolates were serotyped and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to seven antibiotics known to be important to both human and animal health regionally. Farm practices were also characterized through a survey, the results of which are detailed in the accompanying paper. Results: Out of 708 samples (288 environmental and 420 biological), 103 (15%) tested positive for NTS (9% of environmental; n=26, 18% of biological; n=77). The percentage of positive environmental and biological samples varied by source. Environmental sample positive rates were water (27.5%), feces (10.6%), litter (8.6%), farm swabs (5%), feed (1.8%), and eggshells (0%). Biological sample positive rates were skin (28%), heart (23%), crop (20%), muscle (15%), liver (15%), spleen (15%), and cecum (12%). Out of 103 positive S. enterica isolates, 48.5% were identified as Salmonella Typhimurium, 35% Salmonella Enteritidis, 7.8% Salmonella Gallinarum, 4.9% Salmonella Virchow, and 3.9% were Salmonella Agona. Of the 103 positive isolates, 80 (78%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 21 (20%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Conclusion: NTS is highly prevalent among Chitwan's growing poultry industry with higher rates of positivity found in slaughterhouse samples compared with environmental samples from farms. In addition, a high rate of AMR (78%) was revealed, and an extremely concerning number of those were shown to be MDR (20%). This baseline data has important implications for poultry production and consumption in the region. Further research will elucidate the extent to which this contamination and drug resistance is impacting the health of the local population and help inform treatment and management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Poultry is becoming an increasingly important source of protein in the Nepalese diet. The Chitwan region of Nepal is the hub of the emerging poultry industry. Little is known about the prevalence of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) on poultry farms or the role of farm management practices that may contribute to the presence of NTS on farms. The role of poultry in the transmission of Salmonella enterica to humans is also poorly defined. This descriptive study seeks establish baseline data through estimation of the prevalence of NTS on broiler and layer operations in various farms of the Chitwan district of Nepal. Materials and Methods: Based on district documents on poultry production and meat marketing, a purposive sampling of 18 commercial poultry farms comprising ten broilers farms and eight layers farms was conducted. Environmental samples including water, litter, feces, feed, farm, and eggshell swabs were randomly collected from each farm. Samples were cultured and tested for the presence of NTS; positives were serotyped, and antimicrobial susceptibility determined. A comprehensive farm and practice questionnaire was administered to each farm manager. Results: The farm level point prevalence rate was 55% (10 of 18 farms) for S. enterica. Of the total 288 farm environmental samples collected, 26 samples (9%) were positive. The rate of isolation varied according to the origin of samples: Water (27.5%), feces (10.6%), litter (8.6%), farm swabs (5%), feed (1.8%), and eggshells (0%). Farm management variables/risk factors are summarized and categorized as non-modifiable and modifiable for analysis. Broiler operations were more likely to be positive than layer operations as were poultry houses with two or less open sides. All-in/all-out management style was found to be protective. Due to the small sample size (18 farms), no associations reached statistical significance. Conclusion: Based on environmental sampling results, NTS is highly prevalent on the poultry farms in the Chitwan district of Nepal. Certain risk factors are associated with finding NTS on farms. Our findings are generally in agreement with other studies in similar countries with rapidly emerging poultry industries. The identification of risk factors provides owners, technicians, and veterinarians with some guidance to help reduce the prevalence of NTS on farms. This baseline data are critical to understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic strain of NTS in the region and are necessary for the design of future studies and mitigation plans and underlines the need for a one-health approach to protect public health-related to Salmonella spp. from poultry farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of vapor chamber (VC) is to spread heat from small concentrated heat sources. In practice, a protruding boss surface on the VC is used to meet the layout of printed circuit board assembly. This study numerically examines the effect of outwardly protruding boss on the performance of the VC subject to various geometrical design parameters under varying heat load conditions. The overall thermal resistance, spreading resistance, and temperature distribution are monitored to characterize the thermal performance. The experimentally validated numerical model is used to undertake parametric studies of the VC. It is found that the compound pillars and the area ratio in the boss region have significant effect on the thermal performance of the VC. The shape of compound pillars in the peripheral region, and the impact of the height of the vapor region are also studied. Pillar diameter and the number of pillars in the boss region impose the maximum effect on the performance of the VC as they directly influence the evaporative heat transfer and the surface temperature. The optimal design based on the compound pillar structures and area ratio in the boss region reduces overall thermal and spreading resistances by 18.2% and 18.9%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First-time demonstration of aerobic granulation technology for bioethanol production. • Yeast aerobic granules were developed in 4–6 days. • Activated charcoal, silica, and concrete aggregate column-based detoxification of rice straw hydrolysate. • Continuous bioethanol production was achieved for more than 60 days. For the first time application of aerobic granulation technology has been demonstrated for bioethanol production. A reactor was fabricated for ethanol production from rice straw hydrolysate (RSH) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae aerobic granules. The yeast granules were developed within 4–6 days by alternate aerobic mixing phase and settling phase without airflow of 8 h and 4 h, respectively. These yeast granules were found to produce ethanol (34.42 g/L) from pure glucose (80 g/L). A column filter was designed using activated charcoal, silica, cotton, and concrete aggregate to eliminate toxic impurities from RSH. Compared to unfiltered RSH, the filtered one was found to be more effective in ethanol production. A maximum of 16.18 g/L ethanol was produced from filtered RSH containing 10 g/L reducing sugar supplemented with pure glucose (40 g/L). It was possible to continuously run the process for more than 60 days. This study for the first time demonstrates continuous bioethanol production for an extended period by repeated use of yeast in the form of novel aerobic granules. This new concept has the potential to improve bioethanol production efficiencies of existing biorefineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method has been used to predict the interfacial behavior of single-wall carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced aluminum (Al) composites. At the interface of the CNT and the Al, only van der Waals interaction was considered. The effect of CNT volume fraction and chirality on CNT pull-out has been studied for the first time with a proper distinction between them. The length of all the CNTs was kept constant throughout the study. The approach used in this work was validated with an earlier study. The present study revealed that the average pull-out load was found proportional to both the CNT volume fraction as well as the diameter. The smaller diameter CNTs improved the interfacial shear strength (ISS) at lower volume fraction significantly in comparison to that of the larger diameter CNTs. The highest improvement of 38.7% was observed in the ISS during pull-out of (6, 6) CNT at a CNT volume fraction of 3.17%. The average energy increment was found to be increasing with CNT volume fraction and was higher for larger diameter CNTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new member of the class metallo-β-lactamase (MBL), New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) has emerged recently as a leading threat to the treatment of infections that have spread in all major Gram-negative pathogens. The enzyme inactivates antibiotics of the carbapenem family, which are a mainstay for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. This review provides information about NDM-1 spatial structure, potential features of the active site, and its mechanism of action. It also enlists the inhibitors/compounds/drugs against NDM-1 in various development phases. Understanding their mode of inhibition and the structure-activity relationship would be beneficial for development, synthesis, and even increasing biological efficacy of inhibitors, making them more promising drug candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of teacher support and student support in reducing speaking anxiety was explored in this research. The contribution of self-efficacy on the impact of teacher and classmate support in reducing speaking anxiety also was investigated among students at an international university in Thailand. The survey data were gathered from 345 students from the first to the fourth year. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis. The results showed a positive association between teacher support and self-efficacy. Furthermore, classmate support had a positive linkage with self-efficacy. The results revealed that the higher self-efficacy of the student the lower the degree of speaking anxiety they experienced during oral presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this case series, 3 unique cases of severe immune-mediated pathologies (primary ocular lymphoma, toxoplasmosis chorioretinitis, and syphilitic retinitis) after dropless cataract surgery with intraocular steroid injection are reported. Patient immune status and subsequent local immunosuppression after dropless cataract surgery played roles in the worsening of these pathologies. This report demonstrates the need for vigilance when administering immunosuppressive agents locally during cataract surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current examination, the ingestion and inhalation dose measurements for the particular body organs in light of the intake of radon through ground water used by the inhabitants have been surveyed in the various locations of Amritsar province, India, using an electrostatic collection type radon monitor (RAD7) analyzer with RAD-H2O accessory. The mean radon activity level in water was seen to be 5.93 ± 2.34 BqL-1. However, the radiation dose received by all different body organs significantly less than the UNSCEAR and WHO suggested a level of 100 μSvY-1. The annual effective dose for the diverse body organs in view of the intake of radon was additionally ascertained and found the maximum dose for lungs than other organs. The radiation dose received by bronchial epithelium by the means of inhalation was likewise high when contrasted with that by stomach walls through ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated analysis of leakage on fluorescein angiography is a measurable and clinically applicable endpoint that can be used to follow patients with posterior uveitis. A number of studies have analyzed the use of automated analysis of leakage on fluorescein angiography and are reviewed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat dissipation is very essential for the efficient working of electronic devices. There is a widespread demand for high thermal conductivity materials. Boron nitride nanotubes have high thermal conductivity but due to their poor interfacial adhesion with polymers, their use as heat dissipating material is restricted. In this study, a silane-coupling agent has been used to modify the boron nitride nanotubes. These tubes were then inserted in polymethyl methacrylate matrix. Various properties such as thermal conductivity, storage modulus, and loss factor have been predicted. Molecular dynamics simulations have also been used for accurate prediction of the properties of boron nitride nanotubes/polymethyl methacrylate composites. The boron nitride nanotubes weight percentage was varied from 0% to 70% for studying the effect on thermal conductivity, storage modulus, and loss factor. The experimentally obtained thermal conductivity increased rapidly from 0.6 W/mK at 40 wt.% of boron nitride nanotubes to about 3.8 W/mK at 80 wt.% of boron nitride nanotubes in polymethyl methacrylate matrix (an increase of nearly 533%). A similar trend was obtained using molecular dynamics simulations. The storage modulus increased from 2 GPa (for pure polymethyl methacrylate) to about 5 GPa (for 70 wt.% boron nitride nanotubes). The glass transition temperature of boron nitride nanotubes/polymethyl methacrylate composites shifted to higher temperatures with an increase in boron nitride nanotubes weight percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using computer simulations to model the folding of proteins into their native states is computationally expensive due to the extraordinarily low degeneracy of the ground state. In this paper, we develop an efficient way to sample these folded conformations using Wang Landau sampling coupled with the configurational bias method (which uses an unphysical 'temperature' that lies between the collapse and folding transition temperatures of the protein). This method speeds up the folding process by roughly an order of magnitude over existing algorithms for the sequences studied. We apply this method to study the adsorption of intrinsically disordered hydrophobic polar protein fragments on a hydrophobic surface. We find that these fragments, which are unstructured in the bulk, acquire secondary structure upon adsorption onto a strong hydrophobic surface. Apparently, the presence of a hydrophobic surface allows these random coil fragments to fold by providing hydrophobic contacts that were lost in protein fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been shown from simulation and experiment that locations of peaks in structural and thermodynamic quantities accompanying “phase” transitions of a single macromolecule (collapse or crystallization/melting) do not coincide. Thus, for chains with finite lengths these different measures yield apparently different results for transition temperatures. To resolve this issue we use scaling, verified by computer simulations, to conclusively show that these different locations for peak positions are simply a consequence of the finite chain length, as has been conjectured previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The pumped thermal energy storage (PTES) system is reviewed in this study. • This comprehensive review encompasses performance parameters, power cycles, thermal analysis, and different variations of the PTES system. • The various factors that affect the roundtrip efficiencies are studied. The global energy requirements increase every year and a major portion of that demand is borne by the non-renewable energy sources, especially by fossil fuels. Even though the share of renewable energy sources has increased substantially, the challenge of low energy density and long duration storage is still a major concern. One of the most matured power generation and energy storage technology is the pumped hydro-energy storage or PHES but it is limited by the geographical restrictions due to large water body requirements. Various energy storage technologies have been studied and developed in recent decades such as compressed air energy storage, liquid air energy storage, and electrochemical batteries, but these too are restricted either by geography or high costs. In this review we study a storage option that has garnered extensive interest in the recent years: pumped thermal energy storage or PTES. It is a highly versatile storage option which is not restricted by any geographical constraints. This is a comprehensive review of the PTES system encompassing performance parameters, power cycles, thermal analysis, and different variations of the system that make it versatile and robust. Roundtrip efficiencies greater than 60% have been reported in literature which make it a competitive resource for energy storage and power generation. Another major advantage of the system is its ability to be integrated with low-grade thermal energy sources that further improves the roundtrip efficiency. This review studies various factors affecting the roundtrip efficiencies and different variations of the PTES cycles, such as utilization of transcritical CO 2 cycles, aimed at enhancing the roundtrip efficiencies. Thermo-economic analyses show that PTES systems are quite cost-competitive to already mature technologies like PHES. With further investigations and performance enhancements, PTES will only improve its prospects of becoming a game changer in thermal energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study predicts the interfacial properties of the single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) reinforced natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites by using a series of pullout simulation using molecular dynamics. Material Studio 2017 has been used as the tool for predicting all the properties. The variations in the potential energy and the pull-out force for the SWCNT reinforced NR nanocomposites was determined and the effects of nanotube length and diameter were studied for the pullout. In addition, the interfacial shear stress (ISS) and the surface energy density (γ) were predicted. The results showed that the incremental energy change increased sharply to a peak value at a specified displacement in the first stage and remained steady between specified peak values in the second stage. The average energy increment in the second stage (∆EII) was independent of the nanotube length. ISS and γ decreased with increasing SWCNT diameter and got converged at 113.5 MPa and 0.1 N/m, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • CO 2 flux and evapotranspiration of non-native bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii) were measured. • Carbon fluxes and evapotranspiration were strongly dependent on growing season precipitation. • Enhanced respiration resulted in less net carbon uptake in year with above-normal precipitation. • The allocation of carbon to above ground biomass was approximately 23% of gross primary production. • Magnitude of carbon fluxes of bluestem in our study matched that of native prairies in the region. Abstract Old world bluestem cultivar WW-B Dahl [ Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz.), S. T. Blake] is a non-native perennial C4 bunch grass with biofuel production potential grown predominantly in the Southern U.S. Great Plains. Although this is a popular introduced grass cultivar, data on carbon fluxes and evapotranspiration (ET) from this warm-season grass is rare. In this study, the eddy covariance method was used to measure CO 2 and ET from an established stand of bluestem for three years (2013–2015). Year 2015 had the highest gross primary production (GPP; 1358 ± 143 g C m−2) followed by 2014 (1250 ± 31 g C m−2) and 2013 (1024 ± 91 g C m−2). The average loss of GPP as ecosystem respiration (R eco) was 76%. Annual NEE sums were -302 ± 15 g C m−2 in 2013, -265 ± 41 g C m-2 in 2014, and -287 ± 32 g C m−2 in 2015. Results from this study show that the NEE in grasslands in years with normal precipitation that is well distributed may not vary from years with above-normal precipitation. This is because precipitation enhances R eco along with carbon uptake, which may result in lower net carbon uptake in perennial grasslands in higher precipitation years than normal precipitation years. Gross primary production showed a linear relationship with ET (R2 = 0.90) and above ground biomass (R2 = 0.74). Only 26% of the GPP was allocated to above ground biomass indicating a higher allocation of carbon to below ground biomass. The water use efficiency of bluestem (2.9 g C kg-1 of water) matched well with that of native prairies and other dedicated biomass crops grown in the Southern Great Plains. As the demand for cellulosic biofuels is increasing, results from field experiments quantifying seasonal changes in carbon fluxes and ET could be important in understanding the contributions of large-scale production of novel biomass crops to regional carbon and hydrologic cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Design strategy to create auxetic nonwoven metamaterials using slit perforations. • Slit perforations have been induced in a stochastic manner. • Nonwoven metamaterials exhibited invariant behavior towards specimen dimensions. • Slit perforated nonwovens possessed geometrical frustration-free structures. Abstract Mechanical metamaterials are an extraordinary class of materials that harness their unusual characteristics from the geometrical features. Herein, we report a design strategy to decipher anisotropic and aperiodic nonwovens as auxetic metamaterials by carefully decorating with the slit perforations in a stochastic manner. These slit perforated nonwoven materials have been tested under uniaxial tensile deformation by altering the aspect ratio of the specimen dimensions. Ostensibly, the slit perforations in nonwovens created the invariant behavior towards the test direction and the aspect ratio of the specimen dimensions. These slit perforations have led to the geometrical frustration-free structures that are of paramount importance to avoid any hindrance to the desired functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]