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Reactive Sintered Borides (RSBs) were fabricated to investigate the effects of carbon and chromium content producing a series of samples referred to as Gen 2 RSBs. These RSBs were tested and evaluated for various mechanical (bulk moduli, fracture toughness, nano and micro-hardness) and microstructural properties. It is the first time when the correlation between different RSB phases and mechanical properties are understood in detail, along with the CALPHAD assessment of RSBs. CALPHAD was used to investigate the effect of sintering pressure and composition on melting point and liquid volume at sintering temperature and was critical in understanding of phase differences in Gen 1 and Gen 2 RSBs. Effects of carbon and chromium addition on mechanical and microstructural properties of RSBs were also investigated. Optimal second generation RSBs have fracture toughness of 7–10.1 MPa m0.5 and hardness of 15.9–19.1 GPa. RSBs with relative sintered density >98 % were achieved in this work. Combined X-ray diffraction and EBSD-EDX techniques were used to determine and confirm phase presence in RSBs. This work has demonstrated tractability and reproducibility of RSB materials with suitable mechanical properties for potential applications in spherical tokamaks alongside existing cemented tungsten carbides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, two non-randomized scrambling models have been presented for estimation of mean of a quantitative sensitive attribute. Information on two unrelated non-sensitive qualitative attributes have been utilized for the purpose. An extensive simulation study has been conducted to compare the performance of the proposed models with respect to a contemporary model in terms of both percentage relative efficiency and privacy protection for various values of the parameters. The encouraging results suggest that the proposed models may be useful for survey statisticians in their field work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper glass/chicken feathers reinforced epoxy composite and glass/chicken feathers reinforced polyester composite was prepared in the laboratory at different percentage of the glass and chicken feathers. Tensile properties, flexural properties, shore hardness and impact strength of the glass/chicken feathers reinforced epoxy composite and glass/chicken feathers reinforced polyester composite was studied experimentally and compared at different percentage of the glass and chicken feathers. The composite will be used in humid and corrosive environment; therefore, water absorption and acid corrosion test were performed. To understand the degradation behaviour of the composite, soil test was performed. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was carried out to find the fracture and interfacial characteristics of the composites after tensile test. This hybrid composite can be used in automobile, structural and defense sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Efficient estimation of main and interaction effects under multi environment trials had been carried out by AMMI. Studies with low proportion of the variance explained by first interaction principal component IPCA1 under AMMI analysis had been reported biased interpretation for the stability of the genotypes. Methods: Weighted Average of Absolute scores (WAASB), quantitative stability measure had been recommended for selection of productive genotypes with broad adaptation. The selection of promising genotypes had been assisted by use of superiority index (WAASBY) that considered simultaneous use of yield and stability by allowing variable weighting mechanism for yield and stability. Result: Wheat GW509 and HI1633 genotypes had been identified by stability measure WAASB for the first year. While Superiority index considered stability and high yield settled for HI1633 and Raj4083 genotypes. Analytic measures of adaptability PRVG and MHPRVG observed suitability of HI1633 and Raj 4083. SI expressed positive linear behaviour with yield, MHPRVG and PRVG measures. While stability measure WAASB maintained moderate negative correlation with yield, SI, MHPRVG and PRVG. Wheat genotypes HI1633, HI1641 and HI1646 identified by stability measure for the next year of study. Superiority index selected HI1641, HI1633 and MACS6752 genotypes. SI expressed direct linear relation with yield, MHPRVG and PRVG. Stability measure exhibited indirect relationships with SI, MHPRVG, PRVG and yield Wheat genotypes HI1633, Raj 4083 for first year and HI1641, MACS6752 for the second year of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We calculate the 11 B (n , γ) 12 B reaction rate which is an important constituent in nucleosynthesis networks and is contributed by resonant as well as non-resonant capture. For the resonant rate, we use the narrow resonance approximation whereas the non-resonant contribution is calculated with the Coulomb dissociation method for which we use finite-range distorted wave Born approximation theory. We then compare our calculated rate of 11 B (n , γ) 12 B reaction with those reported earlier and with other charged particle reactions on 11 B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical estimators fail to be efficient in practical scenarios when data is riddled with extreme values known as outliers. Robust estimation strategies are insensitive to outliers and may be used in such cases. The current work is focused on developing a novel robust estimation strategy using Huber M-estimation. A new chain-product type estimator for population mean has been suggested utilizing data on two auxiliary variables. A numerical comparison has been carried out between the proposed robust estimator and the corresponding classical estimator using real and simulated data containing outliers. Recommendations have been made for its practical use based on the encouraging results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disc-shaped porous platinum sintered frits were fabricated employing a pore forming agent (PFA) via a powder-metallurgical process. Porous vent frits using several platinum-PFA compositions were prepared after characterizing the starting materials (platinum and PFA powders) for particle size (D50) and distribution (D10 to D90), morphology, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area, density (apparent and tap), etc. The sintered platinum vent frits were extensively characterized to evaluate their suitability for application in terms of surface microstructure analysis by scanning electron microscopy, helium/air permeability parameters, and particulate filtration characteristics. This paper reports for the first time on the measurement of retention efficiency of vent frits for particulate sizes 0.3, 0.5, and 1 µm. The platinum frits made using 10 and 20 vol % PFA were found to be suitable as a vent hole filter for radioisotope power sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) also known as 'rape' is bright yellow flowering member of family Brassicaceae, cultivated for its oil rich seed. It is third most important oilseed crop after soybean and oil palm. Despite an important oilseeds crop there is little advancement in suitable crop management strategies for improving crop productivity. The SRI has set of principles such as use of young seedlings, one seedling per hill, square planting, mechanical weeding, addition of organic matter. Recently the SRI is being successfully experimented in other crops such as wheat, maize, soybean, blackgram, kidney bean, potato in the name of System of Crop Intensification. Methods: This research experiment was carried out at the Student's Research Farm, Khalsa College, Amritsar during the rabi season of 2018-19. The Split plot design with three replications was carried under age of seedling in main plot treatments A1 [20 day seedling], A2 [30 day seedling] and A3 [40 day seedling] and four intra row spacing treatments in sub plots S1 [15 cm], S2 [30 cm], S3 [45 cm] and S4 [60 cm]. Result: Seed yield decreased progressively with increase in age of seedling. Wider spacing between plants (45 cm) observed high number of siliquae per plant than closer spacing (15 cm). Seed yield was significantly highest when crop was transplanted with 45 cm intra row spacing. The percent increase in seed yield in different SMI (System of Mustard Intensification) spacing treatments over closer spacing S1 (15 cm) were 21.62, 6.36, 4.89, per cent in S3, S4 and S2 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wheat improvement program of the country identify genotypes with specific and general adaptations to ensure sustain yield for food security of the people. Yield behavior of promising wheat genotypes were studied at twelve locations of Central Zone of the country under restricted irrigation timely sown conditions. Methods: Recent analytic measures of adaptability viz., Relative Performance of Genetic Values (PRVG), Harmonic Mean of Genetic Values (MHVG) and Harmonic Mean of the Relative Performance of Genotypes (MHPRVG) were compared by considering Best Linear Unbiased Predictors (BLUP) of genotypes based on mixed model approach. Result: Genotypes MP3288, BRW3775 and DBW110 had been marked by analytic measures PRVG, MHVG, MHPRVG, HM for high yield and better adaptability across locations as per first year (2016-17) findings. HI8791 and DBW110 genotypes occupied places near to the origin in Biplot graphical analysis. Specific adaptations of genotype HI8791 for Sagar and Dhanduka locations were observed. DBW110 would be suitable for Jabalpur, Gwalior and Udaipur locations, whereas BRW3775 identified for Kota, Sanosora and Vijapur. Genotypes GW495, GW322, HI8713 and GW1339 had achieved high yield and better adaptability during the year (2017-18). The genotype UAS466 had expressed specific adaptations to Jabalpur and Gwalior, whereas HI8627 for Bhopal and Udaipur, NIAW3170 were identified for Indore and Vijapur, DDW47 for Sansora, Dhanduka and Pratapgarh. The recent analytic measures based on harmonic means of the relative performance of predicted genetic values have been observed as an appropriate to identify the better adaptive genotypes with higher yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protective water barrier pillars (PWBPs) are inter-mine barrier pillars. An adequate PWBP can protect active mine workings from the danger of inundation from adjoining inundated workings. This paper discusses a hydro-mechanical coupled numerical modeling approach for the design of PWBPs, considering different flow regimes. The coupled model considers the effect of seepage through the roof, pillar, and floor on the mechanical strength of the rock mass and vice-versa. A statistical model based on the extent of positive volumetric strain zones (ZoPVS, %) was formulated to assess the mechanical stability of the pillar. The model considers the pillar width, cover depth, strength, modulus of elasticity of coal and roof/floor, and the extraction ratio as the input parameters. Based on the results of numerical modeling-based parametric studies, statistical models were developed to estimate the seepage rate for assessing the hydraulic performance of the pillar. The seepage rate of water through a PWBP was estimated in terms of the cover depth of the seam, compressive and tensile strengths and modulus of elasticity of the pillar system, mean in-situ horizontal stress, pillar width, extraction ratio, and permeability of the rock mass. A ZoPVS of 95% represented unstable behavior and piping failure of the pillar. The maximum seepage rate of 315 L/s/km (5000 GPM/km) was reckoned as the acceptable hydraulic performance of the PWBP based on the field experience in Indian geo-mining conditions. The validation of the model for two case studies with minimum pillar widths of 30–60 m at a cover depth of 84.5–134.5 m was in agreement with the field experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with an integrated charger of battery used in electric vehicles having a propulsion system equipped with an asymmetrical six-phase induction machine drive. Proposed charging system consists of a modified DC–DC (buck-boost) converter tropology, which is capable to charge the battery during plug-in and regenerative operation, and suitable to drive the propulsion system. Both step-up and step-down voltage regulation capability of the proposed tropology converter make it suitable to select a wide voltage range of battery with an adequate, but simple control in different operating modes (i.e., plug-in, regenerative and propulsion). Comparatively, proposed converter tropology uses a reduced number of components resulting in its smaller size, weight and cost. Furthermore, the propulsion system using multiphase (six-phase) induction machine drive also results in an overall improved performance of proposed system due to the implementation of efficient indirect field-oriented control. Complete system is developed on MATLAB/Simulink platform. Practical suitability, applicability and validity of control schemes of the proposed DC–DC converter on rectifier side and motor drive side converter in propulsion system have been tested on STM32F407G board employed during processor-in-loop simulation. Data transfer at high baud rate was achieved through externally connected USB-USART converter, i.e., FT32RL board between the target and host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various algorithms have been put forth for an efficiency estimation of an in-service induction motor with varying intrusion levels and accuracy. In the field, it is hard to reach the terminals of an in-service motor because of its location. This paper helps a field engineer to choose properly an efficiency estimation method for condition monitoring of an in-service induction motor. In this paper, the author put forth an approach based on symmetrical components to assess the efficiency of induction machine working on unbalanced power supplies at any loading condition. A comparison is done between two offline intelligence techniques like gravitational search (GS) algorithm and cuckoo search (CS) algorithm for estimating the efficiency of an induction machine by using limited measurements. The merit of these techniques is that the motor is not taken out from its place of installation for testing. Also, the highly intrusive no-load test is avoided. Simulations and experimental results support and validate the carried-out research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the late-time accelerated universe evolution in a flat, homogeneous and isotropic model in the context of f (Q , T) gravity, where Q and T are non-metricity scalar and trace of energy–momentum tensor, respectively. The scale factor, by construction, yields ekpyrotic contraction era followed by a non-singular bounce. The expanding era of the universe yields late-time dark energy era preceded by matter-dominating decelerating era. The model unifies an ekpyrotic, non-singular bounce with the present dark energy-dominated epoch. The model parameters in the functional form of f (Q , T) gravity affect the dynamical evolution of the equation of state (EoS) parameter. The theoretical value of EoS parameter is found to be ω 0 = − 1. 0 1 3 6 , − 1. 0 2 7 3 for n = 0 , 1 , respectively, and it lies in range of the estimated value of EoS parameter from the Planck+SNe+BAO observational data. Different aspects of this bouncing model including behavior of geometrical and physical quantities along with energy conditions have been discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct microwave sintering of natural uranium dioxide (UO 2) pellets at bulk scale is first time successfully demonstrated. The process of the microwave sintering is carried out at 1700 °C, 6h in reducing atmosphere with a sintering cycle spanning over 31h in an indigenously designed and developed sintering set-up deploying 2.45 GHz microwave radiation. The process is demonstrated for obtaining defect-free pellets (devoid of cracks and any plasma induced edge/surface melting or burnouts) in bulk quantity consisting of a batch size of 3 kg (500–550 pellets). The sinter density of pellets was found to be uniform and in the acceptable range of 92–96%TD for nuclear fuel. The comparison of optical microstructures prima facie indicates that the UO 2 grain size is smaller in microwave sintered pellets (5–20 μm) as compared to conventionally sintered UO 2 pellets (10–40 μm) under identical parameters. The axial and the diameteral shrinkages during densification were observed to be 18–20% which are comparable to the conventional sintering. The microwave sintered UO 2 pellets has O/U mole ratio as 2.002. The process is consistent and easily up-scalable to sinter large size of batches so as to meet the industrial scale demands. [Display omitted] • First time bulk scale direct configuration microwave sintering of natural UO 2 pellets. • Microwave sintering is carried out at 1700 °C, 6h in reducing atmosphere by flowing N 2 +7%H 2 gas mixture. • An indigenously designed and developed sintering set-up uses 6 kW output microwave 2.45 GHz. • Microwave sintered pellets are defect free and have uniform sinter density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a graph G = (V , E) , an edge connectivity λ is the minimum number of edges whose removal disconnects G. In this paper, we define property restricted edge connectivity. Then we appraise its particular case, more precisely k-restricted edge connectivity. Some of the basic properties of k-restricted edge connectivity are considered. We also discuss how k-restricted edge connectivity associates with graph coloring. In particular, we try to study how k-restricted edge connectivity relates with Tait's coloring theorem and thereby the famous Four-color conjecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the missing data in sample surveys, the imputation technique plays a significant role in estimating the population mean of the study variable. Clinical data, agricultural data and business data are well-suited examples for this. Keeping this in mind, we have suggested three exponential type imputation methods and the corresponding estimators by making the optimal use of an auxiliary variable. The properties of suggested estimators have been investigated under large sample approximations. The results obtained in this study have been compared with mean estimator, ratio estimator, Kadilar and Cingi (2008) estimators, Diana and Perri (2010) estimators, Al-Omari, Bouza, and Herrera (2013) estimators, and recently Bhushan and Pandey (2016) estimators, Singh et al. (2016) estimators and Singh, Pandey, and Sharma (2020) estimators. It has been shown empirically that the suggested estimators perform effectively over all other estimators. A simulation study is also evaluated in the validation of the present work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the issue of estimating the population variance of a study character in the joint presence of random non-response and measurement errors and its application for estimating variations in biological data. Additional information on two highly positively correlated auxiliary variables has been incorporated to develop a general class of estimators under stratified two-phase sampling scheme. Its properties, in terms of bias and mean square error, have been examined. Optimum strata weights have been determined by employing suitable calibration techniques. Simulations using artificial data, as well as real data involving the variation in prostate specific antigen in different age groups when information about prostrate cancer volume and prostate weight is available, demonstrate the performance of the proposed class of estimators with respect to a contemporary estimator. Relevant R codes have been provided as Appendix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the upper bound of various coefficient functionals for a certain subclass of analytic functions associated with exponential function in the open unit disc E = {z ∈ℂ : |z| < 1}. This investigation will motivate other researchers to work in this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambati, Sedory, and Singh (2018) proposed an estimator for estimating the population coefficient of quartile deviation in the presence of complete information. In this note, focusing on the same goal, we have considered the problem of missing data. We have proposed one ratio and three regression type estimators by introducing a new adjustment technique of missing information. We obtain the expressions of bias and mean square error of proposed estimators under large sample approximation, and compare the results via the efficiency comparisons. The merits of proposed estimators are investigated under a numerical study consisting of four real data sets. The efficient performances of the proposed estimators have also been discussed through a simulation study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reuse of treated wastewater is vital to increase green cover and bio-product and minimize environmental degradation. Seven tree species were planted and irrigated with borewell water at ½ET (Evapotranspiration, I1) and treated wastewater at ½ ET (I2), ¾ ET (I3), and 1ET (I4) to assess growth, productivity and efficient species in utilizing wastewater for more biomass. Wastewater was saline with high Na and low NH4-N, NO3-N and PO4-P. Irrigation from I2 to I4 enhanced (P < 0.05) height (6.7–11.1%), collar diameter (9.0–17.6%), crown diameter (14.7–20.8%) and total biomass (41.2–87.3%) over borewell water plants (I1). Increases in biomasses were greater in shoot (stem, branches and leaves) than roots reducing root-shoot ratio with plant age. Varying irrigation levels had no effects on shift in biomass allocation between components, but impact of species was significant with highest biomass allocation to stem in E. camaldulensis and A. indica, and branches in other species. Mean Annual Increments (MAIs) in growth and biomass were less in P. cineraria/T. aphylla, medium in Salvadora oleoides, E. camaldulensis and S. persica, and highest in A. indica and P. juliflora. Conclusively, indigenous P. cineraria, S. oleoides and S. persica along with T. aphylla tended to adapt wastewater irrigation by allocating greater biomass to roots. E. camaldulensis, A. indica and P. juliflora maximized root biomass to sustain above-ground productivity. S. persica, A. indica and P. juliflora were most efficient in utilizing treated wastewater and can be beneficially reused in afforestation, producing biomass for people and environmental amelioration in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter discloses two novel connection schemes of asymmetrical dual star transformer winding (i.e., asymmetrical six-phase transformer) with separate neutral points. The proposed transformer connection operates to transform three-phase input supply on primary to two sets of balanced three-phase on secondary, which are asymmetrical in nature (i.e., asymmetrical six-phase supply with separate neutrals) and vice-versa. Complete connection scheme with associated phasor diagram are presented, and experimental real-time results are provided to support the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large volume of overlying waste material is removed to access deep-seated mineral deposits and stored near mines or eventually dumped as backfill. Overburden is stored in stacked dumps due to space constraints and high stripping ratios. The height and slope of these overburden dumps are enormous. This study is a parametric evaluation of the impact of interface and blasting- induced seismic loading on the stability of dump structures having total heights varying between 60 and 120 m. The study reveals that for 20° of internal friction of the interface, a factor of safety (FoS) of the slope structure increases with increasing cohesion (10-30 kPa). However, as the friction angle increases from 20° to 25°, the relative increase in FoS is reduced. Thus FoS remains unchanged with increasing cohesion for a friction angle of 29°. The stability of the dump reduces when subjected to blasting-induced seismic loading. The damage is more due to the shock waves imposing seismic loading in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of the xZnO--30PbO--(70 - x)B2O3 (x = 5-20 mol%) glass system is investigated by analysing the physical parameters like molar volume and density. An increase in density (5.31-5.7 g/cm³) and consistent decrease in molar volume (20.95-20.03 cm³/mol) of glass samples is observed with the rise in ZnO content. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the amorphous nature of glass samples. The ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy technique is utilized to detect changes in optical parameters, like optical band gap and refractive index. The results depicted a reduction in optical band gap (2.63-2.41 eV) with an increase in ZnO content. Other parameters, such as oxygen packing density, ionic behaviour and average boron-boron separation of prepared glasses, have also shown a variation with a change in ZnO content. Infrared Spectroscopy measurements confirm the change of borate coordination from trigonal BO3 to tetrahedral BO4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alignment of third molars has largely been overlooked by orthodontists. Since difficulties arise during their eruption, a plethora of surgical procedures is advocated for their management, including prophylactic extraction. This case series describes the use of midfacial development in 4 patients and illustrates successful patterns of third molar eruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic modulus is the core of mechanical spectroscopy to study the actuation-based performance, lifetime, reliability, and stability of pure metals as well as alloys. In this investigation, a prototype system has been discussed for measuring the elastic properties of pure metals such as Cu (99.99%), Al (99.99%), and Ni (99.99%) using electrostatic force. The samples were processed by cold rolling producing specimens of 10–100 microns thickness. A variable potential difference ranging from 1 to 370 V DC was supplied, thus applying a variable electrostatic force to the specimen. The whole system is concentrated on the measurement of micro- to macroscale levels, and a powerful optical microscope evaluates the deflection. The current system has been used to estimate the samples' elastic moduli and then compare it with those obtained by the well-known tensile stress–strain testing method. Finally, the experimental principle of measuring elastic modulus was developed to conduct further research on the metallic materials that are induced by external stimuli like magnetic fields, lasers, and/or heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is one of the major limiting factors for wheat production. Mult-environmental evaluation is necessary to identify stable drought tolerant wheat genotypes. To identify stable drought tolerant wheat genotypes and reliable phenotypic and/or spectral markers for drought tolerance. One hundred ninety-six diverse wheat genotypes were evaluated at three different locations in India for two years (E1 to E12). Drought was imposed at the heading stage (Z59) by withholding irrigation until the moisture content reached <45% as compared to the control (100%). Various Morpho-physiological and phenological traits: Days to flowering (DTF) and maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), grain yield (GY), NDVI, canopy temperature depression (CTD), and chlorophyll readings were recorded. Different stress indices and stability models (AMMI - Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction; WAASB - Weighted Average of Absolute Scores from the singular value decomposition of the matrix of BLUPs; and MTSI - Multi-Trait Stability Index) were used to identify the stable and tolerant genotypes. In addition, discriminate function analysis (DFA) was performed to identify drought tolerant genotypes. Genotype performance reduced significantly under drought for all traits in all environments. Overall, GY was reduced by 35% under drought compared to control. Pooled ANOVA showed that 81% of the variation in grain yield was due to the environment and 10.6% due to its interaction with genotypes. MTSI and WAASBY identified 11 common genotypes with stable performance across all environments. Further, 29 stable genotypes selected by MTSI (with 15% selection intensity) had higher selection differential than other stability models. Further, NDVI at maturity showed a positive and significant correlation [r = 0.41** in E2 and 0.36** in E4) with the GY specifically under drought for two years. MTSI is an effective method for selecting stable wheat genotypes under drought conditions. NDVI may be a high throughput screening tool for drought tolerance. MTSI may be used to identify stable genotypes, while DFA is useful in selecting drought tolerant genotypes. Further, NDVI can be used in addition to yield traits to screen wheat genotypes for drought tolerance. • Drought stress significantly reduces wheat production. • AMMI, GGE, WAASBY and MTSI plots are effective in detecting G × E interaction. • MTSI is a reliable tool for selecting stable genotypes under drought. • NDVI appears to be a useful tool for high throughput screening under drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early life lead (Pb) exposure is detrimental to neurobehavioral development. The quality of the environment can modify negative influences from Pb exposure, impacting the developmental trajectory following Pb exposure. Little is known about the molecular underpinnings in the brain of the interaction between Pb and the quality of the environment. We examined relationships between early life Pb exposure and living in an enriched versus a non-enriched postnatal environment on genome-wide transcription profiles in hippocampus CA1. RNA-seq identified differences in the transcriptome of enriched vs. non-enriched Pb-exposed animals. Most of the gene expression changes associated with Pb exposure were reversed by enrichment. This was also true for changes in upstream regulators, splicing events and long noncoding RNAs. Non-enriched rats also had memory impairments; enriched rats had no deficits. The results demonstrate that an enriched environment has a profound impact on behavior and the Pb-modified CA1 transcriptome. These findings show the potential for interactions between Pb exposure and the environment to result in significant transcriptional changes in the brain and, to the extent that this may occur in Pb-exposed children, could influence neuropsychological/educational outcomes, underscoring the importance for early intervention and environmental enrichment for Pb-exposed children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have been conducted on maize to study the effect of drought on yield at the flowering stage, but understanding biochemical and photosynthetic response against drought at the seedling stage needs to be well established. Thus, to understand differential changes and interaction of biochemical and photosynthetic parameters at the seedling stage under drought, a greenhouse experiment with twelve maize genotypes under severe drought (30% field capacity) and irrigated (90-100% field capacity) conditions were performed. Drought differentially altered biochemical and photosynthetic parameters in all genotypes. A sharp increase in hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were seen and a positive association between H2O2 and TAOC, and MDA and transpiration rate (E) was observed under drought. Nonphotochemical quenching increased under drought to avoid the photosystem damage. PCA biplot analysis showed that reducing E and increasing photosynthetic efficiency would be a better drought adaptation mechanism in maize at the seedling stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with certain generalized subclasses of multivalent quasi-convex functions defined with subordination. Various properties of these classes in regard to the coefficient estimates, distortion theorems, growth theorems, argument theorems and inclusion relations are discussed. Also, the relations with the earlier known results are established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Retrospective analysis of real-world data for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with slow maxillary expansion using a unique expansion dental appliance (DNA)" by Dao et al. discusses a new technique for slow maxillary expansion. However, the author of this letter raises concerns about the study's literature review, clinical protocol, and data interpretation. They argue that the study's findings may not be reliable due to errors and limitations in the research. The author also discloses a conflict of interest, stating that they were the inventor of the DNA appliance but no longer hold any intellectual property associated with it. [Extracted from the article]

This paper considers the problem of estimation of population mean of the study character in two-occasion successive sampling in presence of non-response and measurement error. A logarithmic type imputation technique has been developed to reduce the nuisance effect of non-response in sample surveys. Utilizing information available on a highly positively or highly negatively correlated auxiliary variable, a logarithmic type estimator is proposed and its properties, including bias and mean square error, are discussed. An optimal replacement policy has been derived, and effect of measurement errors on the mean square error of the estimator has been studied. Empirical studies have been carried out using both real and simulated data, and suitable recommendations have been put forward to the survey statisticians for applications in real life problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, maize (Zea mays L.) production is under threat from climate change, drought, and pests such as fall armyworm (FAW) [Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)]. Since its first detection outside of its native range in 2016, FAW has spread into 76 nations across Africa and Asia adversely affecting maize production and, in turn, the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. Thus, there is a strong need for the development of cost‐effective and biologically based integrated pest management (IPM) practices including host‐plant resistance (HPR). However, most of the commercial maize cultivars have lost some defensive traits through selective breeding for yield during domestication. The majority of the commercially cultivated hybrids and cultivars in Asia and Africa are highly susceptible to FAW. Therefore, this review summarizes information about various maize landraces, native germplasm, and crop wild relatives (CWRs) possessing FAW resistance traits and about their potential resistance mechanisms, namely antibiosis, antixenosis, and tolerance. There is clear evidence of FAW resistance acting through diverse mechanisms in several maize landraces, germplasm lines, native populations, and CWRs such as Antigua race, FAW Tuxpeno, Zapalote Chico 2451F, Doce Flor da Serra, FAWCC (C5), CMS 14C, PopG (C2), MpSWCB‐4, Mp708, Mp 704, CML 67, and FAW 7050, as well as a few species of teosinte and Tripsacum L. Further, a scheme that outlines strategies and approaches for prebreeding and their introgression into elite cultivars for developing FAW‐resistant maize is proposed as a possible way forward. Core Ideas: Current maize production in Africa and Asia is under serious threat from fall armyworm (FAW).There is a strong need for deploying host‐plant resistance traits against FAW in maize.Maize diversity with reported resistance to FAW and their underlying mechanisms are summarized.An empirical prebreeding scheme for facilitating the development of FAW resistance maize is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, three new classes of log-type imputation techniques have been proposed to handle missing data when conducting surveys. The corresponding classes of point estimators have been derived for estimating the population mean. Their properties (Mean Square Errors and bias) have been studied. An extensive simulation study using data generated from normal, Poisson, and Gamma distributions, as well as real dataset, has been conducted to evaluate how the proposed estimator performs in comparison to several contemporary estimators. The results have been summarized, and discussion regarding real-life applications of the estimator follows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies the significant risk factors associated with crash frequency on expressways in India. For this crash data was collected from over 391 km of three expressways comprising a total of 13345 crashes. The expressways were divided into 981 segments based on uniform traffic and geometric characteristics, and traffic, geometry, and lighting conditions-related data from these segments was also gathered. The final dataset comprised 6577 data points, and it was analysed using M5P and random effect negative binomial (RENB) models. The results obtained from the modeling approaches were compared based on the correlation coefficient (CC), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). Although both models performed well in identifying the risk factors, the crash prediction of M5P model was better than the RENB model. It provided simple linear equations for sets of conditions defined by the tree. The findings of M5P model also suggest that it better explains the effect of various independent variables on crash probability under different circumstances. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis utilising the M5P model indicates that it can generalise and predict crashes' physical events well. The findings of this study suggest that modification in the design of horizontal and vertical profiles, median openings, interchanges, minor accesses, and bus bays/truck laybys are needed to increase traffic safety on expressways in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the studies on conditional connectivity by Harary [1], we worked on k-restricted edge connectivity of a graph G [4]. The k-restricted edge connectivity of a graph G is the cardinality of a minimum edge-cut whose deletion disconnects the graph G into components where each component has order at least k. In this work, we take into account some results on k-restricted edge connectivity and the novel parameter exact k-restricted edge connectivity. In the definition of k-restricted edge connectivity, we impose some extra constraints to achieve this parameter. In this paper, we consider some fundamental aspects of exact k-restricted edge connectivity and how they relate to the k-restricted edge connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted on four adult murrah buffaloes to evaluate the acclimatization process during simulated thermal stress. The animals were exposed to 25, 30, 35 and 40°C in climatic chamber, daily for five hours for 21 days at each treatment. Physiological variables i.e. respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and pulse rate (PR) were recorded daily, while blood collection was done every fifth day for biochemical and hormonal estimation. Digestibility trial (apparent) and methane collection was performed during last four days at all the treatments. The physiological variables increased significantly at 35°C and 40°C as compared to other treatments (P < 0.05). An increase in feed intake, dry matter and ether extract digestibility was confirmed while, the average methane emission decreased during heat stress than at optimum temperatures. Thyroid hormones declined and glucocorticoids increased at 35°C and 40°C. A decrease was also recorded for urea nitrogen and creatinine but, total protein and albumin initially decreased and then increased back to pre stress levels at 40°C. The physiological responses are immediately activated as acclimatory process followed by metabolic, digestive and endocrinal changes aimed at systemic acclimatization. It was observed that, for successful homeorhetic and homeostatic response to multi-stressors the buffaloes require more than 21 days acclimatization period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the problem of estimation of population variance of the study character in stratified successive sampling over two occasions under random non-response. Utilizing information available on a highly positively correlated auxiliary variable, a logarithmic type estimator is proposed and its properties, including bias and mean square error, are discussed. Calibration techniques have been applied for determining the optimum strata weight. Empirical studies have been carried out using both real and simulated data to show the efficiency of our proposed estimator over standard estimator, and suitable recommendations have been put forward to the survey statisticians for applications in real life problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Endophytes are a rich source for structurally complex chemical scaffolds with interesting biological activities. Endophytes associated with Brugmansia aurea L. (family: Solanaceae), a medicinal plant, have not yet explored for the bioactive metabolites. Method and Results: Hence, Macrophomina phaseolina, a fungal endophyte, was isolated from the roots of the plant. Its methanolic extract was found active against human cancer cell lines with IC50 <20 µg ml−1. Later, a di‐peptide compound, serine‐glycine‐betaine, was isolated and characterized. Serine‐glycine‐betaine consists of a unit of an N‐trimethyl glycine attached to serine. It exhibited potent activity against MIA PaCa‐2 and HCT‐116 cell lines with IC50 8·9 and 15·16 μmol l−1, respectively. Furthermore, it induced apoptosis in MIA PaCa‐2 cells confirmed by microscopy. The apoptotic cell death in MIA PaCa‐2 cells was evidenced biochemically with the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species level and leading to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential due to activation of the intrinsic pathway. This study describes the plausible biosynthesis of serine‐glycine‐betaine based on genomics (genome sequencing, annotation and genes alignment). Conclusions: A novel di‐peptide, serine‐glycine‐betaine isolated from M. phaseolina induced apoptosis in MIA‐Pa‐Ca‐2 cells. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study confirms that dipeptides like serine‐glycine‐betaine and tyrosine‐betaine might be specific to fungal genera, hence being used for diagnostic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the incidence of nasolacrimal duct injury after functional endoscopic sinus surgery radiologically, using computed tomography. Methods: Fifty patients of either sex who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery were evaluated for nasolacrimal duct injury by computed tomography. Computed tomography was conducted pre-operatively, and post-operatively at the end of four weeks, and nasolacrimal duct injury was analysed. Results: The prevalence of nasolacrimal duct injury dehiscence was 1.16 per cent, with a similar incidence of 1.16 per cent for nasolacrimal duct injury post-operatively. However, no cases of symptomatic nasolacrimal duct injury were recorded. Conclusion: Computed tomography scan is an effective, non-invasive method to evaluate nasolacrimal duct injury following functional endoscopic sinus surgery, in accordance with evidence-based medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stability analysis of wheat genotypes under rainfed timely sown trials in Northern Hills Zone of India by Additive main & multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analysis observed highly significant effects of the environment, GxE interaction and genotypes during 2018-19 and 2019-20. The ranking of genotypes had altered with utilization of more number of IPCA's in AMMI and WAASB measures. Environments contributed about 53%, GxE interaction accounted for 30.5% and Genotypes explained only 5.4% of the total sum of squares due to treatments in the first year. Wheat genotypes HS668, VL2035, VL2036, HS562 had been selected by Analytic measures of adaptability and Superiority indexes. Different quadrants comprised of a cluster of arithmetic, geometric, harmonic means along with corresponding adaptability measures. Superiority Indexes considering averages grouped separately. This group maintained the right angles with a group of MASV & MASV1 measures. Clustering of Adaptability measures as per arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means placed in a quadrant. Second-year reflected VL2041, HS675, HS676 & HS562, HPW471 genotypes selected by adaptability and superiority indexes. About 68% of the total variation with 38.4% and 30.2% contributions by PC1 & PC2. Adaptability measures maintained the right angle with other stability measures, with the exception of Superiority indexes. There is an additional advantage with these measures to assign variable weights to the yield and stability as per the goal of breeding trials. These indexes have the potential to provide reliable estimates of genotypes in future studies as they are considered more number of significant IPCA's in biplots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main sources of non-sampling errors is missing data due to non-response. Various methods are adopted to deal with this problem, one of which is the method of imputation. In this paper, a few logarithmic and sine type imputation techniques have been proposed for estimating the population mean and the effect of measurement errors on the resultant estimators has been examined. Their properties in terms of bias and mean square errors have been studied. Empirical studies have been carried out on real and simulated data sets to show the efficiency of the proposed estimators over contemporary estimators. Suitable recommendations have been put forward to the survey statisticians for applications in real-life problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The de-agglomeration characteristics of single agglomerate-wall impaction are examined using high-resolution shadowgraph imaging. Experiments are performed to investigate the effects of constituent particle size (D 50 from 3 to 7 μ m) and air velocity on the individual size and velocity of de-agglomerated fragments at conditions relevant to dry powder inhalation systems. De-agglomerated fragment area and trajectories were used to differentiate between pseudo-elastic and inelastic collisions during de-agglomeration. Advanced image processing techniques have enabled provision of joint population distributions of fragment area and aspect ratio, which identify a bimodal dispersion of fragments during de-agglomeration. The bimodality is destroyed with increasing air velocity and also generally diminishes with time after impact. The experiment presented forms a platform for the detailed quantitative characterisation of de-agglomeration behaviour and can be useful towards the development and validation of related computational models for pharmaceutical dry powder inhalers. Unlabelled Image • A new approach to study de-agglomeration of single agglomerate-to-wall impaction. • De-agglomeration at conditions relevant to dry powder inhalation are studied. • A bimodal behaviour in the de-agglomeration process is found. • Transient behaviour of fragment formation is investigated for different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface area data of feed oxide powders is of fundamental interest to optimize the process of nuclear fuel fabrication. The single-point Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) specific surface area of several recycled powders (synthesized from rejected scrap fuel pellets) was determined and compared with as-received and standard specified powders. Recycled UO2, ThO2, (U,Pu)O2 powders from bulk microwave dissolution-denitration process showed acceptable specific surface area for fuel pellet fabrication. The dry oxidation–reduction process recycled UO2 and (U,Pu)O2 powders demonstrated lower surface area than the standard specified due to larger particle size (D50). The surface area of ThO2 from bulk microwave dissolution-denitration (3.5–4.5 m2/g) was comparable to the standard and further enhanced in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) aided denitration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on biased interpretation for the stability of the genotypes under AMMI analysis, considering only the first two interaction principal components, has been observed in recent past. Simultaneous use of yield and stability of genotypes in a single measure had been advocated for identification of highly productive and broadly adapted genotypes. The performance of superiority index, allowed variable weighting mechanism for yield and stability, has been compared with AMMI based measures. For the first year (2018-19) Superiority index, weighting 0.65 and 0.35 for yield and stability, found UAS3002, MP3336 and HI1633 as of stable performance with high yield. Recent analytic measures the relative proportion of genotypic value (PRVG) and Harmonic mean of the relative proportion of genotypic value (MHPRVG) selected CG1029, HI1634 and HD2932 wheat genotypes. Indirect relations were expressed by Superiority Index (SI) with other stability measures. Superiority index saw stable performance along with high yield of HD2864 and HI1634 for the second year 2019-20. PRVG as well as MHPRVG measures observed suitability of CG1029 and HD2864 while MP3336 as unstable wheat genotypes. Values of SI measure had expressed only indirect relations of high degree with stability measures except with yield, PRVG and MHPRVG values. Stability measures by the simultaneous use of AMMI and yield would be more meaning full and useful as compared to measures consider either the AMMI or yield of genotypes only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was designed to study the effect of insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on cryopreservation of Hariana bull semen. For this purpose, semen ejaculates were collected from four Hariana bulls using artificial vagina at biweekly interval. The semen samples which possess more than 70% initial progressive motility and above 500 million/mL spermatozoa concentration was subsequently subjected to processing for experiment. Semen samples were extended in egg yolk tris glycerol (EYTG) extender and split into four groups. IGF-I was added at 50 ng/80 × 106 spermatozoa, 100 ng/80 × 106 spermatozoa and 150 ng/80 × 106 spermatozoa in the group II, III, IV respectively and group I as control (without IGF-I). Semen samples were evaluated at pre-freeze and post-thaw stage for percent individual progressive motility, percent live spermatozoa, percent hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) positive spermatozoa, percent spermatozoa with intact acrosome. A significant (P<0.05) higher individual progressive motility, viability, HOS response and acrosomal integrity was observed at pre-freeze and post-thaw stage by using 150 ng/ml IGF-I. Concentration of 150 ng/mL IGF-I was found to be more beneficial in cryopreservation of Hariana bull spermatozoa as evidenced by post-thaw seminal parameter. It was concluded that IGF-I can be added to extender for improving cryosurvial of Hariana bull spermatozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the estimation procedures of population mean related to the quantitative sensitive variable with the help of a randomized device which makes the use of blank cards in the randomization process. Two different randomized techniques are proposed which consisting the special models for each device. The proposed techniques provide the unbiased estimation procedures of population mean along with enhanced privacy protection of the respondents. The comparisons of the resultant estimators have been made with respect to the Perri (2008) estimator. Numerical illustrations are presented to support the theoretical results and suitable recommendations are put forward to the survey statisticians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our study, we estimated earthquake source parameters and spectral decay characteristics of 378 seismograms corresponding to 80 small earthquake events with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 3.5. These earthquakes occurred between July 2011 and May 2012 in the Siang region of the Arunachal Himalaya which is not well-studied. To estimate source parameters, the classical Brune model is employed and through the analysis, a scaling relationship is established between the estimated corner frequency ( f c ) and seismic moment ( M 0 ), which can be expressed as M 0 = 1 × 1 0 22 f c - 3.18 . This relationship is in close agreement with previous studies conducted in the Arunachal and Himachal Himalaya regions. It provides support for deviations from self-similarity in the study area, offering valuable insights into the tectonics and structural heterogeneity beneath the Arunachal Himalaya. Our analysis revealed variations in source radius, ranging from 154.4 m to 312.6 m, and seismic moment, spanning from 2.37 × 1011 N-m to 9.32 × 1013 N-m. Interestingly, we observed an increasing trend in stress drop, ranging from 0.013 MPa to 3.26 MPa, within the same range of seismic moment. This significant variation in stress drop primarily occurs in the upper 10–15 km of the Earth's crust, indicating shear brittle failure in this upper crustal region. Furthermore, we conducted an in-depth examination of spectral parameters, including f c high-cut frequency (fmax), and high-frequency spectral decay parameter kappa (κ). Our study highlighted the dependence of κ and fmax estimates on both source characteristics and propagation path, with the source having the most substantial influence. This observation was substantiated through statistical analyses. Additionally, we explored the effect of recording site characteristics on κ and observed a significant contribution of shallow geology at the recording site. This was evident through a negative correlation between the site component of κ (κ0) and VS30, indicating that the local geology of the recording site plays a significant role in spectral parameter estimation. Based on our comprehensive data analysis and statistical observations, we conclude that the variations in source and decay parameters for earthquakes of different magnitudes are attributed to the diverse structural heterogeneities and complex seismotectonic processes underlying the Arunachal Himalaya region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper extends the application of laser-induced fluorescence imaging of OH & CH 2 O (LIF-OH-CH 2 O) to provide a measure of heat release zones in turbulent, moderately dense spray flames of ethanol and biodiesel fuels. A custom filter is used to remove interference from stimulated Raman scattering arising from the liquid fragments. Mie scattering is measured jointly on a separate camera to co-locate the fluid fragments with respect to the reaction zones. It is found that while the overall spray flame structure is similar to that of a turbulent gaseous diffusion flame, additional complexities arise due to the continuous release of fresh fuel vapor from the evaporating fragments. Structures referred to as burning rings of different sizes are observed, and these are ignited by interfacing with a hot edge before they grow, propagate, and burnout. Statistics on the occurrence of these rings, with and without clouds of liquid fragments within them, are presented. These findings are common to both ethanol and biodiesel, although measurements in the latter were affected by strong fluorescence interference from the excited components in the biodiesel blend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a collocation method based on Hermite polynomials is presented for the numerical solution of the electric circuit equations arising in many branches of sciences and engineering. By using collocation points and Hermite polynomials, electric circuit equations are transformed into a system of linear algebraic equations with unknown Hermite coefficients. These unknown Hermite coefficients have been computed by solving such algebraic equations. To illustrate the accuracy of the proposed method some numerical examples are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]