bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incoherent control of Goos–Hänchen shifts in a tunneling quantum dot molecule
Authors: Darkhosh Ahad , Sahandi Rima
Published: April 2022

In this letter, we propose a novel model for adjusting the Goos–Hänchen shifts (GH) from a fixed cavity. A three-level double quantum dot (QD) molecule is doped in the cavity, which interacts with a probe laser field and an incoherent pumping rate. We initially investigate the refraction index of double QDs utilizing the quantum mechanical density matrix approach in order to achieve negative and positive refractive indexes. The GH shifts of reflected and transmitted light beams in positive and negative refraction indices of the intracavity medium were then studied. The improved negative or positive GH shifts in reflected and transmitted light beams may be accomplished by changing the incoherent pumping rate and tunneling effect. Our findings reveal that the magnitude of the GH shifts is greatly influenced by the absorption of incoming probing light in double QDs. The enormous GH shifts for the perfect tuning cavity have been seen at a given incidence angle.
Characterizing the short-latency evoked response to intracortical microstimulation across a multi-electrode array
Authors: Sombeck Joseph T , Heye Juliet , Kumaravelu Karthik , Goetz Stefan M , Peterchev Angel V , Grill Warren M , Bensmaia Sliman , Miller Lee E
Published: April 2022

Objective. Persons with tetraplegia can use brain-machine interfaces to make visually guided reaches with robotic arms. Without somatosensory feedback, these movements will likely be slow and imprecise, like those of persons who retain movement but have lost proprioception. Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) has promise for providing artificial somatosensory feedback. ICMS that mimics naturally occurring neural activity, may allow afferent interfaces that are more informative and easier to learn than stimulation evoking unnaturalistic activity. To develop such biomimetic stimulation patterns, it is important to characterize the responses of neurons to ICMS. Approach. Using a Utah multi-electrode array, we recorded activity evoked by both single pulses and trains of ICMS at a wide range of amplitudes and frequencies in two rhesus macaques. As the electrical artifact caused by ICMS typically prevents recording for many milliseconds, we deployed a custom rapid-recovery amplifier with nonlinear gain to limit signal saturation on the stimulated electrode. Across all electrodes after stimulation, we removed the remaining slow return to baseline with acausal high-pass filtering of time-reversed recordings. Main results. After single pulses of stimulation, we recorded what was likely transsynaptically-evoked activity even on the stimulated electrode as early as ∼0.7 ms. This was immediately followed by suppressed neural activity lasting 10–150 ms. After trains, this long-lasting inhibition was replaced by increased firing rates for ∼100 ms. During long trains, the evoked response on the stimulated electrode decayed rapidly while the response was maintained on non-stimulated channels. Significance. The detailed description of the spatial and temporal response to ICMS can be used to better interpret results from experiments that probe circuit connectivity or function of cortical areas. These results can also contribute to the design of stimulation patterns to improve afferent interfaces for artificial sensory feedback.
Fast-ion orbit sensitivity of neutron and gamma-ray diagnostics for one-step fusion reactions
Authors: Järleblad H. , Stagner L. , Salewski M. , Eriksson J. , Nocente M. , Rasmussen J. , Štancar Ž. , Kazakov Ye.O. , Simmendefeldt B. , JET Contributors
Published: April 2022

Fast ions in the MeV-range can be diagnosed by neutron emission spectroscopy (NES) and gamma-ray spectroscopy (GRS). In this work, we present orbit weight functions for one-step fusion reactions, using NES and GRS diagnostics on perpendicular and oblique lines-of-sight (LOS) at Joint European Torus (JET) as examples. The orbit weight functions allow us to express the sensitivities of the diagnostics in terms of fast-ion (FI) orbits and can be used to swiftly reproduce synthetic signals that have been computed by established codes. For diagnostically relevant neutron energies for the D(D, n)3He reaction, the orbit sensitivities of the NES diagnostics follow a predictable pattern. As the neutron energy of interest increases, the pattern shifts upwards in FI energy. For the GRS diagnostic and the T(p,γ)4He reaction, the orbit sensitivity is shown to be qualitatively different for red-shifted, blue-shifted and nominal gamma birth energies. Finally, we demonstrate how orbit weight functions can be used to decompose diagnostic signals into the contributions from different orbit types. For a TRANSP simulation of the JET discharge (a three-ion ICRF scenario) considered in this work, the NES signals for both the perpendicular and oblique LOS are shown to originate mostly from co-passing orbits. In addition, a significant fraction of the NES signal for the oblique LOS is shown to originate from stagnation orbits.
Applications of Vedic multiplier - A Review
Authors: Khubnani Rashi , Sharma Tarunika , Subramanyam Chitirala
Published: April 2022

Vedic Multiplier is a key tool in rapidly growing technology especially in the immense domain of Image processing, Digital Signal Processing, real-time signal. Multipliers are important block in digital systems and play a critical role in digital designs. Along with accuracy demand for minimizing time area, power, and delay of the processor by enhancing speed is the focus point. Vedic mathematics rules and Algorithms generate partial products concurrently and save time. This paper is a review of the application and modification of Vedic multiplier in different fields and a comparison of Vedic multiplier with other multipliers for enhancing performance parameters.
Phosphate sealing improvement of the corrosion resistance of thin cerium oxides coatings electroless deposited on aluminium
Authors: Andreeva R , Stoychev D
Published: April 2022

The corrosion-protective ability was investigated of electroless deposited ceria conversion coatings on substrate(s) of technically pure aluminium. By applying different electrochemical methods, a comparative study of the investigated samples was conducted regarding the effect of pre-treatment of the Al substrate and the type of phosphate post-treatment on the change of: E
OCP values, monitored EOCP vs. time plot; course of i
a transients at the Epit of Al, i.e., ia vs. time plot; Rp vs. time of exposure of the samples in a corrosion medium and connected with this change in the CR of the systems studied. The juxtaposition of the obtained results showed the order of stabilities of the investigated systems towards the appearance and development of pitting corrosion. The presented results can be connected with and explain the data obtained earlier about the calculated stoichiometry of the elements in the so-formed compounds in the surface layers ascertaining that they are built of phosphate and oxide compounds of Ce3+, Ce4+ and Al3+, as well as with the influence of the concentrations of Cu and Fe around them.
Morphological evolution of thin AlN films grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Beshkova M , Blagoev B S , Mehandzhiev V , Yakimova R , Georgieva B , Avramova I , Terziyska P , Strijkova V
Published: April 2022

Thin AlN films were grown using a Beneq TFS-200 ALD reactor. TMA (trimethylaluminium) and NH3 were used as precursors. The substrate temperature was 330 °C, the ALD cycles, 550. The TMA and NH3 doses (pulses) lasted 180 ms and 90 ms, followed by 2-s and 9-s nitrogen gas purge, respectively. In order to study the morphological evolution of the thin AlN films, substrates providing different surface kinetics were used: Si-face and C-face of 4°-off axis and on-axis 4H-SiC, and graphene grown on 4H-SiC by sublimation. As revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), the lowest RMS surface roughness of about 0.8 nm was exhibited by the AlN film deposited on Si-face on-axis 4H-SiC due to its higher surface energy which provides for better film nucleation. The chemical composition and bonding states were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The existence of AlN is justified by the presence of the XPS peaks of Al 2p and N 1s at about 73.3 eV and 396.6 eV, respectively. These results are promising in view of further studies of thin AlN films properties for application in surface acoustic wave devices (SAW).
Study of the structure and mechanical properties of electron-beam-welded dissimilar joints of copper and stainless steel with and without offset
Authors: Kaisheva D , Anchev A , Dunchev V , Stoyanov B , Valkov S , Ormanova M , Kotlarski G , Todorov V , Atanasova M , Rabadzhiyska S , Petrov P
Published: April 2022

We present the results of an investigation of the structure and mechanical properties of dissimilar joints of copper and 304L stainless steel formed by electron-beam welding. The samples studied were welded without a beam offset and with a beam offset towards either welded materials to a distance of 0.3 mm. The phase composition was determined via X-ray analysis. The structure was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties, including hardness and tensile strength, were measured. The phase composition of the considered specimens consisted of a double-phase structure of face-centered cubic (fcc) and body-centered cubic (bcc) phases. The sample welded without offset exhibited the highest yield strength and tensile strength values. The microhardness of all samples increased in the fusion zone on the steel side and decreased in the fusion zone on the copper side compared to the initial hardness of the two materials.
Study of the structure, roughness and optical properties of HfO2 coatings deposited on microscopic glass substrates
Authors: Rabadzhiyska S , Ormanova M , Valkov S , Dechev D , Terziyska P , Petrov P
Published: April 2022

In this work, we deposited HfO2 films on microscopic glasses by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering for different deposition times, namely 120 min and 180 min. The phase composition of the coatings was assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface roughness, the optical constants, the refractive index n, the extinction coefficient k and the thickness of the prepared HfO2 coatings were estimated by ellipsometric measurements. The XRD results pointed to the presence of a polycrystalline monoclinic phase. A slight difference was found in the surface roughness of the two HfO2 films, which was 5.1 nm and 5.7 nm, respectively, for the deposition times of 120 minutes and 180 minutes. The optical constants n and k were determined at the wavelength of 630 nm by using the Cauchy model. The results showed almost the same value of the refractive index for both films (1.88 and 1.89), but a higher extinction coefficient (0.01) for the film grown for 180 minutes, compared to a value of 0.007 for the one deposited for 120 minutes. The films thickness was 410 nm and 780 nm for deposition times of 120 minutes and 180 minutes, respectively. The deposited HfO2 films were transparent, with the longer deposition time corresponding to an improved reflection (57%), compared to the 28% reflection for the film deposited for 120 minutes.
Comparative analysis of cavitation erosion of Cr-C carbide coatings depending on the carbon content
Authors: Safonov V , Zykova A , Steller J , Seremak T , Donkov N
Published: April 2022

The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the cavitation erosion resistance of thick (up to 20 μm) Cr-C coatings by means of the rotating-disk testing method. An experimental study was carried out of the process of cavitation destruction of Cr18Ni10Ti stainless steel samples with Cr-C thick coatings depending on the carbon concentration in the coating. Nanocrystalline thick coatings of Cr-C were deposited by using the cathodic arc evaporation (Arc PVD) method. The results showed that the erosion rate of the coated samples was more than four times less than that of the uncoated sample. The Cr-C samples coated with 28.8 at % carbon content demonstrated less surface damage compared to the other coated samples and the reference samples.
Low temperature quaternary hard coatings with Cr- to Ti-based transition composition
Authors: Chitanov V , Kolchev St , Cholakova T , Kolaklieva L , Kakanakov R , Pashinski Ch , Hristeva N
Published: April 2022

A new quaternary hard coating based on Cr/CrN adhesion layers and a TiCrAlN main coating layer was developed for low-temperature applications. It was deposited in a closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering equipment. The nanohardness, adhesion and thickness of the coating were characterized by Anton Paar’s nano-indenter tester, scratch tester and calotester. The chemical composition and surface morphology were investigated by a Hitachi SU 500 scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersion analyzer. The coating showed a low coefficient of friction and a good adhesion strength between the substrate and the Cr/CrN transition layer, as well as between the transition layer and the TiCrAlN layer. The nanohardness achieved was 33 GPa. The research results showed that the quaternary Cr/CrN/TiCrAlN hard coating deposited at 200 °C has mechanical properties comparable to coatings with a similar composition deposited at standard deposition temperatures.
Study of biogenic iron oxyhydroxide for application in electronics and biotechnology
Authors: Angelova R , Slavov L , Blagoev B , Ghelev Ch , Kovacheva D , Iliev M , Groudeva V , Nedkov I
Published: April 2022

The object of this study is a biogenic material obtained from neutrophilic sheath-forming iron bacteria of the genus Leptothrix cultivated in a specific medium. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the biogenic product. The X-ray diffraction spectrum of the control sample (without inoculated bacteria) is presented to demonstrate the important role of the bacteria in the Fe2+ transformation. Unlike the biogenic product, where nanoparticles of lepidocrocite are present, no traces of stable single-phase iron oxide or oxyhydroxide were detected in the control sample. The study of the biogenic sample showed a lack of significant differences between the naturally obtained and the artificially produced sheaths. Magnetostriction effect measurements were conducted to probe how the different magnetic behavior at temperatures below and above the Neel temperature (50 - 77 K) could be used in possible applications of the material in actuating and sensing devices.
Silver nanoparticles synthesis and their effect on the SOPC lipid structure
Authors: Slavkova Z , Genova J , Chamati H , Boev V , Yancheva D
Published: April 2022

We focus our attention on the influence of hydrophobic silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on the 1-Stearoyl-2-oleoylsn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (SOPC) model system. Results obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy were compared to their counterpart for lipid systems with incorporated hydrophobic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and pure SOPC lipid in a water environment. The results show a strong effect of hindering the gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition for both types of noble metal hydrophobic NPs. The effect of the phase transitions shift to the lower temperatures is more pronounced for the silver particles for the concentrations studied. According to the IR spectral analyses, no negative effect is observed of the NPs on the lipid hydration for the concentration studied, and the plasmon effect of the Ag NPs appears to be more pronounced.
Aerosol types identification during different aerosol events over Sofia, Bulgaria, using sun-photometer and satellite data on the aerosol optical depth and Ångström exponent
Authors: Evgenieva Ts , Gurdev L , Toncheva E , Dreischuh T
Published: April 2022

A series of data was analyzed on the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the Ångström exponent (AE) over Sofia, Bulgaria, obtained using a Cimel CE318-TS9 ground-based sun/sky/lunar photometer and a space-born Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The results show that in cases of Saharan dust passages over the city the values of AOD440 at the wavelength of 440 nm fall mainly between 0.15 and 0.50, while those of AE440/870 are mainly below 1.1, which is in accordance with the existing AOD- and AE-based classifications of the aerosol types. It is shown as well that a reasonable correlation exists between the data on the AOD provided by the CE318-TS9 Cimel sun photometer and those provided by the MODIS mounted on board of Aqua satellite.
Conversion of CO2 in stabilized low-current arc discharge at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Ivanov V , Lazarova S , Iordanova S , Paunska Ts , Georgiev N , Kolev St
Published: April 2022

One of the direct ways to achieve CO2 conversion is through the use of a non-isothermal plasma environment. In this work, we present an experimental study of the dissociation of CO2 in a magnetically-stabilized arc discharge in a cross-flow configuration, where the CO2 gas flow is perpendicular to both the arc and the external magnetic field. The system works at atmospheric pressure. The study examines the effect of the gas flow and discharge current on the quantities of most interest, namely, the CO2 conversion percentage and the energy efficiency of the process. The experimental results show that the conversion tends to increase with the current, while it drops as the gas flow rate is increased. The efficiency seems to decrease with the conversion percentage, as it increases with the flow rate.
Turbulent flow influence on the discharge parameters of a magnetically-stabilized gliding arc discharge
Authors: Tsonev P , Ivanov V , Kolev St , Tarnev Kh , Paunska Ts
Published: April 2022

A DC gliding arc discharge stabilized by a magnetic field in a gas flow is studied. The discharge is bounded by dielectric walls channeling the gas flow. The arc, the magnetic field and the gas flow are mutually perpendicular so that the Lorentz force arising due to the arc current and magnetic field interaction is directed in a direction opposite to the gas flow. The effects of the gas flow turbulence on the plasma parameters and the discharge behavior are investigated by means of a numerical simulation. The results pertain to different intensities of the turbulence and two distances between the dielectric plates where the arc is stabilized, namely, 2 mm and 4 mm. The results show the significant effect of the turbulent transport on the arc stabilization and, in general, the need of a stronger magnetic field for stabilizing the arc for the same gas flow.
Multicriterial optimization strategies for electron beam welding processes
Authors: Koleva E , Koleva L , Trushnikov Dm , Kolev G , Petrova Z
Published: April 2022

The electron beam welding process is analyzed of high-strength steel type 15Cr5Mo samples with deflection oscillations along the zone of interaction. The geometries of the molten and the heat affected zones are studied in order to investigate the influence of the deflection oscillations parameters and to improve the seam quality. A robust engineering approach is implemented for the case of production conditions considering the errors in the process parameter settings. The problem of quality improvement through fulfilling pre-set technological and quality requirements is solved by scalarization of the vector criteria by implementing a reference point strategy. Other multicriterial optimization strategies are also proposed.
Synthesis, characterisation and AC conductivity study of PANI/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites
Authors: Jabnoor Rahul , B Manjunatha , AmbikaPrasad M V N , Lagashetty Arunkumar , Basavarajappa Vijaykumar , Kalyane Sangshetty
Published: April 2022

The disperse α-Fe2O3 in polyaniline matrix to form its nanocomposite enhances the structure and properties of PANI for wider applications. Present study reports the preparation of alfa iron oxide dispersed PANI nanocomposite (α-Fe2O3/PANI NC) with the help of oxidize agents APS by technique insitue method. t. Composite of PANI with 10%, 20 %, 30%, 40% & 50% of α-Fe2O3 has been synthesized by adding iron oxide powder gradually in the reaction mixture during oxidative polymerisation with APS. The composites were well characterized like as XRD,SEM,FTI. AC conductivity of the pure polyaniline & α-Fe2O3/PANI NC with 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% & 50% is studied as function of frequency. The value of ac conductivity increases as frequency increased from 1 KHz – 1MHz.
Structural and Mechanical characteristic study of HPMC polymer composite films
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Dongre Sandeep , S Raghu , Demappa T. , Sannappa J
Published: April 2022

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were extensively known material in packaging, agriculture, medicine, electrolytes in solid state batteries and other areas due to the exceptional biocompatibility and easy production, however shows lower mechanical behaviour. The current investigation was embraced to delineate the effect of potassium iodide (KI) on structural and mechanical properties of biopolymer electrolyte films grounded on Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The liquidation of the salt into the polymer crowd is done by solution cast technique and the X – Ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used to fix the structural properties of pristine HPMC and composite HPMC films. The crystallinity (Xc) was calculated, the pristine HPMC films shows high level of crystallinity. However improved amorphous spaces of HPMC polymer crowd were exposed in HPMC composite films. The addition of KI had a considerable impact on break elongation. In HPMC, KI showed good intercalation, and large concentrations of KI resulted in crater-like pits on the film surfaces. Reductions in the tensile strength and elastic modulus along with an increase in elongation were noticed in film integrated with KI.
Role of Scanning Speed in Morphological and Optical Properties of Nanosecond Laser Textured Silicon Surfaces
Authors: Rajendran Rajeev , John Lekha Mary , Anoop K. K.
Published: April 2022

Laser surface texturing (LST) is a rapid single-step method for surface functionalization. Different micro and nanoscale structures can be fabricated by controlling the laser parameters, ambient conditions, and material properties. In this work, we investigated the role of laser scanning speed in the morphological and optical properties of nanosecond laser textured silicon surfaces. Keeping the laser flounce just above the threshold, we controlled the laser scanning speed in the range 50-100 μm/s to monitor the morphological and optical changes. Morphological analysis shows various randomly arranged microstructures in the processed area, and the induced structures strongly depend on the scanning speed. The total reflection spectrum (specular+diffuse) from laser textured silicon shows that a significant reduction (≈60%) in reflectivity is possible with the decrease in scanning speed from 100 μm/s to 50 μm/s. These highly absorptive and large-area microstructures have numerous possibilities in photovoltaics, optoelectronic devices, and other material science applications.
Structural, capacitive and impedance properties of graphene oxide-PVDF composites for flexible electronics
Authors: Pandey Richa , Singhal Naveen , Kumar Parveen , Dahiya Sajjan
Published: April 2022

Flexible composite thick films of polyvinylidene fluoride ‘PVDF’ loaded with graphene oxide ‘GO’ as reinforcement were prepared using solution casting method. The PVDF:GO ratio was selected as 100:0 (R0), 50:50 (R5) and 40:60 (R6). The structural properties were analysed using X-ray diffraction investigations. Dielectric constant ‘ɛ’ and tangent loss ‘tanδ’ was measured as a function of frequency (1kHz to 1MHz) at different temperatures from 30 to 150°C for all the samples. Impedance ‘Z’ and capacitive modulus ‘M’ was calculated. The compositional effect on the electrical properties was investigated and a correlation was developed between the composition and property. The evaluated results suggest that the prepared composites for flexible electronic applications.
Simulation of Optical Emission Spectra of Cu-Sn-Zn Alloy Plasmas for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Applications
Authors: Suryan Sivadas M S , John Lekha Mary , Anoop K K
Published: April 2022

Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is a potential tool for qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of multi-element materials. The emission spectrum is composed of the characteristic lines of the constituent species, and their intensities are proportional to the population of their energy states and transition probability. We simulated the emission spectrum of copper-tin-zinc alloys under typical laser-induced plasma conditions (e.gTe= 1 eVand Ne
= 1017cmr3). Saha LTE equation determines the population of neutral and ionised species for each of these constituent elements. The Boltzmann distribution is used to calculate the strength of their probable transitions, and each line is given a broadened Gaussian profile. Their sum will approximate an ideal plasma spectrum of the alloy. Spectra are generated for varying temperatures, electron density, and compositions and show variations based on these parameters. This simulation provides a simple and convenient way to perform laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) applications on any alloy sample.
Investigation on Electrical properties of PEO/CMC solid polymer blend electrolyte
Authors: B N Samartharama , N Nagaiah , T Demappa , M R Ambika , H Devendrappa
Published: April 2022

The solid polymer blend sample films of Poly (ethylene Oxide) (PEO)/Sodium Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) with 10/90, 30/70, 50/50, 70/30 and 90/10 compositions were prepared by solution cast technique and electrical properties were investigated by Dielectric studiesassociated with dielectric constant (ɛ′) and dielectric loss (ɛ′')including AC conductivity (σac) measurements. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss are found to decrease with the increase of frequency, and laterremains constant for all blend compositions in higher frequency range. Conductivity studyreveals that,the blend of 10/90 composition exhibits higher electrical conductivity of 2.707X10−5Sm−1and is found to be decreased with increase inwt.% of CMC in the blend matrix. The deviation in the trend of conductivity has been observed at 70/30 and 90/10 composition due to the miscibility.
Study of Dielectric Constant of Glycine Doped Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate (ADP) Crystal
Authors: Khan A Z , Khan Z S , Pathade A
Published: April 2022

To enhance the properties of Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) crystals, it has been doped with simplest amino acid, Glycine. ADP with Glycine dopant and Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) crystals have been grown by slow conventional, rotation and SR methods and subjected to dielectric characteristics. The dielectric constant has been measured which increases with rise in temperature for pure ADP crystals and conventional, rotation and SR method grown Glycine doped ADP crystals. It is beingnoted that doped crystals have higher dielectric constant than pure ADP crystal and found to agree with the reported values. SR method grown crystals were found to possess highest dielectric constant among all the grown crystals. Higher dielectric constant directs that the grown crystalspossess good crystalline quality with lesser defects.
Photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4/Bi2S3/MWCNT ternary nanocomposite
Authors: Swathi A C , Chandran Maneesh
Published: April 2022

Graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4), has gained significant attention in the field of photocatalytic dye degradation during the past decade, owing to its simple preparation method and visible light response. In this study, g-C3N4/Bi2S3/MWCNT ternary heterostructure was prepared via a simple hydrothermal method, and its photocatalytic performance was compared with g-C3N4, Bi2S3, and g-C3N4/Bi2S3 heterostructures, using malachite green dye as a test pollutant. The result showed that g-C3N4/Bi2S3/MWCNT heterostructure photocatalyst exhibit improved photocatalytic activity, compared to other catalysts, owing to the improved electron-hole separation efficiency and strong visible light absorption. The study offers a simple way to develop g-C3N4/Bi2S3/MWCNT visible-light-driven ternary heterostructure for dye wastewater treatment.
Ag2O Decorated ZnO Nanorods Demonstrating Two-Step Visible-Light Photocatalytic Dye-Degradation Phenomena
Authors: Sahu Payel , Das Debajyoti
Published: April 2022

ZnO/Ag2O heterostructures, as the functional materials for photodegradation of MB dye under visible light irradiation, have been grown using inexpensive hydrothermal and ultrasonic-assisted synthetic routes. The heterostructures have revealed wurtzite ZnO peaks that demonstrate its highly crystalline and hexagonal structure, as well as the cubic Ag2O peaks. The ZnO/Ag2O photocatalyst has demonstrated two-step dye degradation slopes, with the higher-slope arising later in the process when the metallic-Ag traps the valence electrons of Ag2O nanoparticles and advances e–/h+ separation across the ZnO/Ag0/Ag2O heterojunction structures, making them readily accessible for superior dye degradation.
Estimation of the nano-pores diameter by conductometric measurements
Authors: Chander M , Kumar S , Kumar S
Published: April 2022

Abstracts. Ionic transport properties and diameter of asymmetric conical nano-pores in polyethylene terephthalate membranes were calculated. These nano-pores were synthesized by chemical etching method in irradiated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films. After etching, the transport characteristics weredocumented under stepping voltage with 2M ionic concentrations of Potassium halides i.e. KCl, KBr and KI. The symmetric bathing condition (same temperature and same pH value solution in both side of chamber) in electrochemical cell were accomplished. It is investigated that diameter of nano-pores is also evaluate by measuring the current rectification properties of track etched nano-pores.
Mosquito Larvicidal Activity of DNA Capped Colloidal Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: V N Reena , M Shanasree , K Subin Kumar , G S Bhagyasree , B Nithyaja
Published: April 2022

Mosquitoes spread terrible diseases like chikungunya, yellow fever, malaria, dengue, Japan encephalitis and lymphatic filariasis in human beings even causes many deaths in every year. Chemical insecticides cause adverse effect in human beings, also to the environment. In this work, we sought a credible, eco friendly tool to control the vector mosquitoes at their larva stage. It reveals an eco-friendly and effective larvicidal activity of the Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) capped colloidal Silver nanoparticles. Characterizations of the Silver nanoparticles were done using absorption spectra and SEM. Spectra shows a predominant peak at 425nm and the SEM image shows the particles size is about 45nm. The third instars of Culex larvae were treated using these colloidal Silver nanoparticles, also the mortality rate for 24 hours was observed with 100% mortality rate at 10 ppm. The LC50, LC90 and confidence interval at 95% were investigated. Colour analysis and the SEM image of the treated larva were performed and confirm that the colloidal Silver nanoparticles were accumulated all over the skin surface of the larva which causes death.
The structural and optical properties of combustion synthesized Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Mahesha A , Nagaraja M , Satyanarayana Reddy S , Madhu A , Srinatha N
Published: April 2022

We report the combustion synthesis of Ag (1 to 5 mol%) doped ZnO nanoparticles and their structural and optical characteristics as a function of dopant concentration in this work. The phase, purity, structure, and optical characteristics of the produced samples were thoroughly investigated using XRD and UV-Visible spectroscopy methods. The production of polycrystalline nanoparticles in their as-synthesized condition is confirmed by XRD findings. To estimate the different structural parameters and examine the structure of the produced samples, Rietveld refinement was used. The optical properties were evaluated using Tauc’s plots (band gap energy). With increasing dopant concentration, the band gap was determined to be increasing.
Dye degradation study of Malachite green and Congo red by using ZnIn2S4
Authors: Chand Mool , Rawat A.S. , Khanuja Manika , Rawat Seema , Ranwa Mitesh
Published: April 2022

In this manuscript, we demonstrate photocatalytic study of ZnIn2S4 powder sample under visible light irradiation on Malachite green and Congo red dye. The powder sample was synthesized usingIndium (III) sulphate, thioacetamide andZinc sulphate in aqueous solution. X-ray diffraction and FESEM were used to identify the hexagonal crystal structure and microspheres shape, while UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to acquire absorption and reflectance spectra under visible-light (λ = 420 nm) irradiation, the effects of process factors such as contact duration and adsorbent dose were studied on Malachite green and Congo red. Degradation efficiency of Malachite green and Congo red are 96.33%, 99.79% respectively.The results revealed that visible light photocatalytic degradation of dyes was highly efficient.
Solid multifunctional granular bioink for constructing chondroid basing on stem cell spheroids and chondrocytes
Authors: Zhang Lei , Tang Hai , Xiahou Zijie , Zhang Jiahui , She Yunlang , Zhang Kunxi , Hu Xuefei , Yin Jingbo , Chen Chang
Published: April 2022

Stem cell spheroids are advanced building blocks to produce chondroid. However, the multi-step operations including spheroids preparation, collection and transfer, the following 3D printing and shaping limit their application in 3D printing. The present study fabricates an ‘ALL-IN-ONE’ bioink based on granular hydrogel to not only produce adipose derived stem cell (ASC) spheroids, but also realize the further combination of chondrocytes and the subsequent 3D printing. Microgels (6–10 μm) grafted with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) (MGβ-CD) were assembled and crosslinked by in-situ polymerized poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) to form bulk granular hydrogel. The host-guest action between β-CD of microgels and PNIPAm endows the hydrogel with stable, shear-thinning and self-healing properties. After creating caves, ASCs aggregate spontaneously to form numerous spheroids with diameter of 100–200 μm inside the hydrogel. The thermosensitive porous granular hydrogel exhibits volume change under different temperature, realizing further adsorbing chondrocytes. Then, the granular hydrogel carrying ASC spheroids and chondrocytes is extruded by 3D printer at room temperature to form a tube, which can shrink at cell culture temperature to enhance the resolution. The subsequent ASC spheroids/chondrocytes co-culture forms cartilage-like tissue at 21 d in vitro, which further matures subcutaneously in vivo, indicating the application potential of the fully synthetic granular hydrogel ink toward organoid culture.
Soft pneumatic actuators for mimicking multi-axial femoropopliteal artery mechanobiology
Authors: Fell Cody , Brooks-Richards Trent L , Woodruff Maria A , Allenby Mark C
Published: April 2022

Tissue biomanufacturing aims to produce lab-grown stem cell grafts and biomimetic drug testing platforms but remains limited in its ability to recapitulate native tissue mechanics. The emerging field of soft robotics aims to emulate dynamic physiological locomotion, representing an ideal approach to recapitulate physiologically complex mechanical stimuli and enhance patient-specific tissue maturation. The kneecap’s femoropopliteal artery (FPA) represents a highly flexible tissue across multiple axes during blood flow, walking, standing, and crouching positions, and these complex biomechanics are implicated in the FPA’s frequent presentation of peripheral artery disease. We developed a soft pneumatically actuated (SPA) cell culture platform to investigate how patient-specific FPA mechanics affect lab-grown arterial tissues. Silicone hyperelastomers were screened for flexibility and biocompatibility, then additively manufactured into SPAs using a simulation-based design workflow to mimic normal and diseased FPA extensions in radial, angular, and longitudinal dimensions. SPA culture platforms were seeded with mesenchymal stem cells, connected to a pneumatic controller, and provided with 24 h multi-axial exercise schedules to demonstrate the effect of dynamic conditioning on cell alignment, collagen production, and muscle differentiation without additional growth factors. Soft robotic bioreactors are promising platforms for recapitulating patient-, disease-, and lifestyle-specific mechanobiology for understanding disease, treatment simulations, and lab-grown tissue grafts.
Mathematical and artificial neural network model in composite electrode assisted electrical discharge coating
Authors: Elaiyarasan U , Satheeshkumar V , Senthilkumar C , Nandakumar C
Published: April 2022

The present paper is studied the mathematical and artificial neural network (ANN) model in electrical discharge deposition of magnesium alloy. Surface coating is covering the workpiece surface with desired coating materials to improve the surface properties. Electrical discharge coating (EDC) is an electro thermal process, used for creating hard coating over the workpiece. In this present study, magnesium alloy is deposited using WC-Cu composite electrode by EDC. RSM is used to develop design matrix for carrying out EDC experiments. Compaction load, discharge current and pulse on time are controlled, whereas material deposition rate (MDR) and surface roughness (SR) are measured as response. The objective of this investigation is to predict the MDR and SR using neural network technique. ANN model developed by back propagation algorithm is proposed in this study for predicting the responses. ANOVA is conducted to identify the dominating parameter, which significantly affects the responses. Correlation coefficient between the ANN and RSM is 0.99, which is close to the unity for ANN. It was revealed that the prediction of proposed ANN was found to be excellent to the RSM model. MDR increased with increasing discharge current and pulse on time. SR decreased with increasing compaction load.
Black and white art: emotion, intellect and functional specialization in the visual brain
Authors: Schott G. D.
Published: April 2022

Throughout history, artists and photographers who are also superb practitioners in colour, have often selected black and white for their creations. GD Schott considers why this might be, and the implications for understanding brain function.
Gene activation in Caenorhabditis elegans using the Campylobacter jejuni CRISPR-Cas9 feeding system
Authors: Luo Zhenhuan , Dai Wenyu , Wang Chongyang , Ye Qunshan , Zhou Qinghua , Wan Qin-Li
Published: April 2022

Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats-based activation system, a powerful genetic manipulation technology, can modulate endogenous gene transcription in various organisms through fusing nuclease-deficient Cas9 to transcriptional regulatory domains. At present, this clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats-based activation system has been applied to activate gene expression by microinjection manner in Caenorhabditis elegans. However, this complicated and time-consuming injection manner is not suitable for efficient and high-throughput gene regulation with clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats-Cas9 system. Here, we engineered a Campylobacter jejun clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats-Cas9-based gene activation system through bacteria feeding technique to delivering gene-specific sgRNA in C. elegans. It enables to activate various endogenous genes efficiently, as well as induce the corresponding phenotypes with a more efficient and labor-saving manner. Collectively, our results demonstrated that our novel dCjCas9-based activation feeding system holds great promise and potential in C. elegans.
Genetic Analysis Reveals a Distinct Lineage of Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) in Kratie Province, Cambodia
Authors: Gupta Sandeep Kumar , Kumar Ajit , van Berkel Tim , Emsens Willem-Jan , Singh Bhim , Puls Sam , Rin Naroeun , Jocque Merlijn
Published: April 2022

The hog deer (Axis porcinus) is an endangered cervid with drastic population declines. There are 2 recognized subspecies of hog deer: A. p. porcinus, ranging from Punjab Province in Pakistan, Nepal, and the Northern part of India to Myanmar, and A. p. annamiticus found in Indo-China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The current geographic range of A. p. annamiticus is still ambiguous. We analyzed variation in the mitochondrial DNA control region (mtDNA CR) to investigate the intra-species structure, differentiation, and demographic history of hog deer from Cambodia (Kratie Province), which we compared with the populations from India and Thailand. We also generated divergence time estimates using a concatenated dataset of complete Cyt b and partial CR. The CR data showed that Cambodian hog deer are genetically differentiated from the mainland Indian and Thai populations, forming a distinct basal clade. The time of divergence indicates that the Cambodian lineage split from the other 2 hog deer lineages around 0.51 Mya, during the Late Pleistocene. The results also suggest strong phylogeographic structure among hog deer: lineage A extends from Terai Arc (foothills of the Himalayas) to Assam, India (A. p. porcinus), lineage B from Manipur, India to Thailand (A. p. annamiticus), and lineage C is only known from Kratie Province, Cambodia. Lineage A exhibited a higher level of genetic diversity than lineages B and C, with recent demographic stability. Thus, the hog deer population in Kratie Province appears to be a distinct lineage that should be treated as an evolutionarily significant unit.
The Aftercare Survey: Assessment and intervention practices after brain tumor surgery in Europe
Authors: Sierpowska Joanna , Rofes Adrià , Dahlslätt Kristoffer , Mandonnet Emmanuel , ter Laan Mark , Połczyńska Monika , Hamer Philip De Witt , Halaj Matej , Spena Giannantonio , Meling Torstein R , Motomura Kazuya , Reyes Andrés Felipe , Campos Alexandre Rainha , Robe Pierre A , Zigiotto Luca , Sarubbo Silvio , Freyschlag Christian F , Broen Martijn P G , Stranjalis George , Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Liouta Evangelia , Rutten Geert-Jan , Viegas Catarina Pessanha , Silvestre Ana , Perrote Federico , Brochero Natacha , Cáceres Cynthia , Zdun-Ryżewska Agata , Kloc Wojciech , Satoer Djaina , Dragoy Olga , Hendriks Marc P H , Alvarez-Carriles Juan C , Piai Vitória
Published: April 2022

Background

People with gliomas need specialized neurosurgical, neuro-oncological, psycho-oncological, and neuropsychological care. The role of language and cognitive recovery and rehabilitation in patients’ well-being and resumption of work is crucial, but there are no clear guidelines for the ideal timing and character of assessments and interventions. The goal of the present work was to describe representative (neuro)psychological practices implemented after brain surgery in Europe.

Methods

An online survey was addressed to professionals working with individuals after brain surgery. We inquired about the assessments and interventions and the involvement of caregivers. Additionally, we asked about recommendations for an ideal assessment and intervention plan.

Results

Thirty-eight European centers completed the survey. Thirty of them offered at least one postsurgical (neuro)psychological assessment, mainly for language and cognition, especially during the early recovery stage and at long term. Twenty-eight of the participating centers offered postsurgical therapies. Patients who stand the highest chances of being included in evaluation and therapy postsurgically are those who underwent awake brain surgery, harbored a low-grade glioma, or showed poor recovery. Nearly half of the respondents offer support programs to caregivers, and all teams recommend them. Treatments differed between those offered to individuals with low-grade glioma vs those with high-grade glioma. The figure of caregiver is not yet fully recognized in the recovery phase.

Conclusion

We stress the need for more complete rehabilitation plans, including the emotional and health-related aspects of recovery. In respondents’ opinions, assessment and rehabilitation plans should also be individually tailored and goal-directed (eg, professional reinsertion).
Quantitative Proteomics at Early Stages of the Symbiotic Interaction Between Oryza sativa and Nostoc punctiforme Reveals Novel Proteins Involved in the Symbiotic Crosstalk
Authors: Álvarez Consolación , Brenes-Álvarez Manuel , Molina-Heredia Fernando P , Mariscal Vicente
Published: April 2022

Symbiosis between cyanobacteria and plants is considered pivotal for biological nitrogen deposition in terrestrial ecosystems. Despite extensive knowledge of the ecology of plant–cyanobacterium symbioses, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in recognition between partners. Here, we conducted a quantitative sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry pipeline to analyze protein changes in Oryza sativa and Nostoc punctiforme during early events of symbiosis. We found differentially expressed proteins in both organisms linked to several biological functions, including signal transduction, adhesion, defense-related proteins and cell wall modification. In N. punctiforme we found increased expression of 62 proteins that have been previously described in other Nostoc–plant symbioses, reinforcing the robustness of our study. Our findings reveal new proteins activated in the early stages of the Nostoc–Oryza symbiosis that might be important for the recognition between the plant and the host. Oryza mutants in genes in the common symbiosis signaling pathway (CSSP) show reduced colonization efficiency, providing first insights on the involvement of the CSSP for the accommodation of N. punctiforme inside the plant cells. This information may have long-term implications for a greater understanding of the symbiotic interaction between Nostoc and land plants.