bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance amelioration of concerted voltage‐frequency regulation of multiarea hybrid power systems under restructured pattern using electric vehicles and interline power flow controller
Authors: Dekaraja Biswanath , Saikia Lalit C. , Ramoji Satish K.
Published: February 2023

Electric power consumers need a stable and reliable electricity supply for their appliances. Voltage and frequency fluctuate owing to the gain in intermittent renewable energy sources in hybrid power systems (PSs). To mitigate these issues, this article proposed a new cascade controller named proportional‐derivative with filter and fractional‐order tilt‐integral‐derivative with filter (CPDN‐FOTIDN), controller for combined voltage and frequency control of three areas hybrid PS under deregulated environment. Hybrid PS comprises hydro, thermal, and geothermal power plant, modern electric vehicles (EVs), and interline power flow controller (IPFC). To make the analysis more realistic of the hybrid PS, more appropriate nonlinearities are considered. The artificial flora algorithm is employed for tuning controller parameters with several studies to obtain the desired response. Comparative analysis of dynamics responses reveals the superiority of the CPDN‐FOTIDN controller relative to PIDN and FOTIDN controllers under the three different power transactions. Investigations exhibited the performance enhancement of combined voltage and frequency control of hybrid PS after the integration of EVs into the considered system. Simulation results show that the EVs are a quick response in the presence of a CPDN‐FOTIDN controller compared to TID, and FOTID controllers during the system disturbance. Inter‐area oscillations improve after integration of IPFC into the system and the optimal location was found between area 1 and 2. Sensitivity studies demonstrated the sturdiness of the proposed controller against a wide variation of the system loading.
Opportunities and challenges of hole transport materials for high‐performance inverted hybrid‐perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Ru , Liu Xue , Chen Jiangzhao
Published: February 2023

Inverted perovskite solar cells (inverted‐PSCs) have exhibited advantages of longer stability, less hysteresis, and lower fabrication temperature when compared to their regular counterparts, which are important for industry commercialization. Because of the great efforts that have been conducted in the past several years, the obtained efficiency of inverted‐PSCs has almost caught up with that of the regular ones, 25.0% versus 25.7%. In this perspective, the recent studies on the design of high‐performance inverted‐PSCs based on diverse hole transport materials, as well as device fabrication and characterization are first reviewed. After that, the authors moved on to the interface and additive engineering that were exploited to suppress the nonradiative recombination. Finally, the challenges and possible research pathways for facilitating the industrialization of inverted‐PSCs were envisaged.
Understanding governance barriers and enablers for municipal and regional transition towards sustainability—Presenting a comprehensive diagnostic tool based on six case studies in Sweden
Authors: Wälitalo Lisa , Callaghan Edith , Robèrt Karl‐Henrik , Broman Göran
Published: February 2023

Municipal and regional leaders' achievements for synchronised sustainability transitions are still not enough. Systemic, systematic and strategic cross‐sectoral collaboration and co‐creation are needed. However, sectors isolated in silos leads to suboptimal measures and strategies, and a reductionist view on what hinders and enables joint action towards full sustainability. Consequently, methodological support for addressing the coordinative challenge is often not asked for. This study investigates the observed reductionist perspective as foundation for developing enhanced methodological support for strategic sustainable development (SSD) and further aimed to gain insight into how leaders can be better supported to understand their current reality of barriers and enablers for cross‐sectoral SSD work and to prototype such support. Results from fieldwork with leaders in six municipalities and regions suggest that both frequency and depth of barriers and enablers in relation to elements for SSD are insufficient. Nine categories were identified and combined with SSD core elements into a diagnostic tool.
Pharmacist‐delivered comprehensive medication management in a substance use disorder clinic, an 18‐month descriptive study
Authors: Tran Loan , Hager Keri D.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Pharmacists have expanded their roles within interprofessional teams in substance use disorder (SUD) care, but data characterizing pharmacist‐delivered comprehensive medication management (CMM) in outpatient SUD treatment are limited.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to characterize the patient population, and medication therapy problems (MTPs), and describe considerations for CMM development and implementation in an outpatient SUD treatment setting.

Methods

An observational, prospective, descriptive study was conducted in an outpatient SUD center. A clinical pharmacist provided CMM services to referred clients and documented data elements after each visit. The pharmacist comprehensively assessed clients' complete regimens to optimize medication use through collaboration with the clients and other healthcare providers. A post‐CMM electronic survey was sent to the clients' care teams to assess their attitudes and collect feedback regarding the collaboration process. Descriptive statistics were employed to describe the population, CMM services, MTPs, and survey responses.

Results

From April 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, a total of 187 CMM encounters were delivered to a total of 112 clients with SUD. Nearly all patients (99%) had opioid use disorder as their primary diagnosis and the vast majority (95%) were receiving methadone treatment. Clients’ mean age was 39‐years‐old with an average of eight medications and six medical conditions. Of 201 MTPs identified, 54 MTPs (27%) were marked as “resolved” at follow‐up visits. The most commonly identified MTP category was the need for additional drug therapy (31%). The care team survey showed 100% agreed or strongly agreed that the CMM consult was helpful to the clients and the care team members.

Conclusion

Pharmacist‐delivered CMM in a SUD treatment setting was feasible and well perceived by care team members as helpful to bridge existing gaps in access to biomedical care, medication optimization, and medication use care coordination.
Novel ferrocene‐containing triacyl derivative of resveratrol improves viability parameters in ovary cells
Authors: Kmetič Ivana , Murati Teuta , Kovač Veronika , Jurčević Irena Landeka , Šimić Branimir , Radošević Kristina , Miletić Marina
Published: February 2023

Besides the use of resveratrol as a drug candidate, there are obstacles mainly due to its poor pharmacokinetic properties. Numerous studies are being conducted on the synthesis of resveratrol derivatives that exhibit enhanced biological activity. The aim of our research was to investigate activity of the newly synthesized ferrocene‐containing triacyl derivative of resveratrol to achieve cell protection from endo/exogenous ROS and reduction in cell death by assessing multiple endpoints. Our research showed that both resveratrol and the resveratrol derivatives (1–100 μM) lower the levels of ROS in CHO‐K1 cells. Resveratrol at doses <20 μM had little or no effect on cell proliferation, while at higher doses, a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and viability has been noticed. The activity of the new derivative was significantly altered compared to resveratrol—cellular viability was not suppressed regardless of the concentration applied, and the extent of apoptosis was low. In summary, the new ferrocene‐resveratrol derivative has the potential to protect cells from oxidative stress due to its low cytotoxicity and retained antioxidant properties, whereas caution should be exercised with resveratrol at higher doses, as it significantly impairs cell viability and induces cell death. By linking ROS to specific diseases (relevance in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and neoplastic diseases), we can assume that the new resveratrol derivative can prevent or alleviate the mentioned disorders. Furthermore, recognition of the resveratrol derivative as an anti‐apoptotic chemical could be useful in the cultivation of various cell lines on a large scale in the industrial biotechnology.
3D‐Printed conductive polymeric scaffolds with direct current electrical stimulation for enhanced bone regeneration
Authors: Dixon Damion T. , Gomillion Cheryl T.
Published: February 2023

Various methods have been used to treat bone defects caused by genetic disorders, injury, or disease. Yet, there is still great need to develop alternative approaches to repair damaged bone tissue. Bones naturally exhibit piezoelectric potential, or the ability to convert mechanical stresses into electrical impulses. This phenomenon has been utilized clinically to enhance bone regeneration in conjunction with electrical stimulation (ES) therapies; however, oftentimes with critical‐sized bone defects, the bioelectric potential at the site of injury is compromised, resulting in less desirable outcomes. In the present study, the potential of a 3D‐printed conductive polymer blend to enhance bone formation through restoration of the bioelectrical microenvironment was evaluated. A commercially available 3D printer was used to create circular, thin‐film scaffolds consisting of either polylactide (PLA) or a conductive PLA (CPLA) composite. Preosteoblast cells were seeded onto the scaffolds and subjected to direct current ES via a purpose‐built cell culture chamber. It was found that CPLA scaffolds had no adverse effects on cell viability, proliferation or differentiation when compared with control scaffolds. The addition of ES, however, resulted in a significant increase in the expression of osteocalcin, a protein indicative of osteoblast maturation, after 14 days of culture. Furthermore, xylenol orange staining also showed the presence of increased mineralized calcium nodules in cultures undergoing stimulation. This study demonstrates the potential for low‐cost, conductive scaffolding materials to support cell viability and enhance in vitro mineralization in conjunction with ES.
A practical and environmentally friendly protocol for synthesis of α‐deuterated carboxylic acids
Authors: Wennerberg Johan , Dreisch Klaus
Published: February 2023

α‐deuterated carboxylic acids have been synthesized from the corresponding malonic acids via hydrogen/deuterium exchange and decarboxylation in presence of D2O. The method is general, mild and efficient and does not require organic solvents or other additives. Yields range between 83% and 94% and purification was not necessary. Starting materials were easy accessible and the α‐deuterated carboxylic acids may easily be transformed to other labeled compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, esters, and amides. Characterization with NMR confirmed purity and isotopic purity.
Anatomical changes of the beetle digestive tract during metamorphosis correspond to dietary changes
Authors: Chiang Min‐Rou , Shelomi Matan
Published: February 2023

During pupation, the tissues of holometabolous insects change in preparation for the adult lifestyles, although little literature exists examining this hidden process in detail. Using beetles as a model, we hypothesized that species where the adult and larva have the same diets will show less pronounced changes of the digestive tract during metamorphosis than species where the adults diets differ. We also wanted to observe these changes and document them at a level of detail missing from the current record. We compared the structure of the digestive tracts of scarab beetles Oryctes rhinoceros, Thaumastopeus shangaicus, and Protaetia spp. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)—where the larvae eat wood, soil, or compost while the adults feed on soft plant matter, tree sap, and rotting fruits—with the tortoise beetle, Cassida circumdata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), which feeds on leaves as both larva and adult. In the scarab beetles we observed considerable changes in the digestive tracts during the pupal stage, which we could divide into distinct stages, while in the leaf beetle pupae, the gut did not change. This information can provide new insight into metamorphosis, and the illustrations of what occurs during pupation are novel contributions to this field that will facilitate future work.
Deep‐Learning Models for Detection and Localization of Visible Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer on Multi‐Parametric MRI
Authors: Sun Zhaonan , Wu Pengsheng , Cui Yingpu , Liu Xiang , Wang Kexin , Gao Ge , Wang Huihui , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoying
Published: February 2023

Background

Deep learning for diagnosing clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) is feasible but needs further evaluation in patients with prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels of 4–10 ng/mL.

Purpose

To explore diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), alone and in combination with T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI), for deep‐learning‐based models to detect and localize visible csPCa.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

One thousand six hundred twenty‐eight patients with systematic and cognitive‐targeted biopsy‐confirmation (1007 csPCa, 621 non‐csPCa) were divided into model development (N = 1428) and hold‐out test (N = 200) datasets.

Field Strength/Sequence

DWI with diffusion‐weighted single‐shot gradient echo planar imaging sequence and T2WI with T2‐weighted fast spin echo sequence at 3.0‐T and 1.5‐T.

Assessment

The ground truth of csPCa was annotated by two radiologists in consensus. A diffusion model, DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as input, and a biparametric model (DWI, ADC, and T2WI as input) were trained based on U‐Net. Three radiologists provided the PI‐RADS (version 2.1) assessment. The performances were determined at the lesion, location, and the patient level.

Statistical Tests

The performance was evaluated using the areas under the ROC curves (AUCs), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The lesion‐level sensitivities of the diffusion model, the biparametric model, and the PI‐RADS assessment were 89.0%, 85.3%, and 90.8% (P = 0.289–0.754). At the patient level, the diffusion model had significantly higher sensitivity than the biparametric model (96.0% vs. 90.0%), while there was no significant difference in specificity (77.0%. vs. 85.0%, P = 0.096). For location analysis, there were no significant differences in AUCs between the models (sextant‐level, 0.895 vs. 0.893, P = 0.777; zone‐level, 0.931 vs. 0.917, P = 0.282), and both models had significantly higher AUCs than the PI‐RADS assessment (sextant‐level, 0.734; zone‐level, 0.863).

Data Conclusion

The diffusion model achieved the best performance in detecting and localizing csPCa in patients with PSA levels of 4–10 ng/mL.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Ion‐selective electrodes for quick on‐farm determination of ammonium and potassium concentrations in pig slurry
Authors: Piepel Max‐Frederik , Dittert Klaus , Olfs Hans‐Werner
Published: February 2023

Background

Pig slurries account for a large proportion of the organic manure available worldwide. Because of the large range of slurry compositions, farmers need fast and accurate alternatives to laboratory methods to assess nutrient concentrations in these farm‐based fertilizers. In this way, nutrient emissions into the environment can be reduced and targeted nutrition of crops can be implemented, while mineral fertilizers can be saved.

Aim

The objective was to evaluate whether it is possible to rapidly determine ammonium and potassium concentrations in pig slurries on‐farm using ion‐selective electrodes (ISE) and to compare the measurement with established methods.

Methods

A total of 391 pig slurry samples were collected from farms in north‐west Germany, and ammonium and potassium concentrations were analyzed in the laboratory. Then the composition of pig slurries was measured with ISE, the Quantofix‐N‐Volumeter (QV) and an electrical conductivity (EC) meter and regression models were used to evaluate the on‐farm quick tests.

Results

For the 391 pig slurries studied, regressions with an R2 of 0.92 for ammonium and 0.91 for potassium were achieved for concentrations measured with the ISE in comparison with laboratory analyzes. The model fits for the electrodes were significantly higher than those based on the EC for ammonium and potassium, and it was equivalent to the QV method for the assessment of the ammonium concentration.

Conclusion

Due to the simple and rapid measurement, ISE offer high potential for on‐farm quantification of ammonium and potassium concentrations in pig slurries.
Land acquisition in rural tourism destinations: How social relations influence cooperative behaviours?
Authors: Wang Xinrui , Sun Jiuxia
Published: February 2023

Land acquisition is becoming prevalent in most rural destinations. This study investigates the dynamic interaction process between rural residents regarding tourism‐led land acquisition and analyses how social relations influence cooperative behaviours by using social network analysis. The findings suggest that informal social relations between rural residents transmit influence and information, generating significantly positive impacts on individuals' land acquisition decisions. The multiple regression‐quadratic assignment procedure results further show that residential ties and political ties positively relate to the second land acquisition decision and that dynamic changes in formal political relations significantly facilitate the cooperative behaviour of rural residents. Our study suggests that building diverse social linkages between local governments and rural residents is conducive to promoting cooperation, shedding light on rural cooperative behaviours and sustainable tourism development.
Euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 facilitates radioresistance in prostate cancer by repressing endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 transcription
Authors: Huang Zhi‐Chao , Huang Jun , Huang Chang‐Kun , Hou Yi , Zhu Bin
Published: February 2023

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. This study was conducted to investigate the role of euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) and endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERP29) in the progression of radioresistance in prostate cancer. The expression of EHMT2 and ERP29 in prostate cancer cells and during the progression of radioresistance was detected using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, and the interaction between EHMT2 and ERP29 was investigated. The proliferation of transfected cells under x‐ray irradiation was determined using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptosis of the transfected cells under x‐ray irradiation. Nude mice were subcutaneously injected with prostate cancer (DU145) cells stably transfected with sh‐ERP29 or sh‐NC. The effect of ERP29 expression on radioresistance in nude mice was assessed by x‐ray irradiation. The expression of EHMT2 was upregulated and that of ERP29 was downregulated in prostate cancer cells during radioresistance progression. EHMT2 downregulation suppressed radioresistance in DU145 and androgen‐sensitive prostate cancer (LNCaP) cells. In irradiated DU145 cells, EHMT2 inhibition decreased the number of colonies and accelerated apoptosis. The transcription of ERP29 was suppressed by EHMT2 by upregulating H3K9me2 and downregulating H3K4me3, thereby regulating radioresistance in prostate cancer cells. In addition, the downregulation of ERP29 promoted the progression of radioresistance in prostate cancer cells in nude mice. EHMT2 promotes radioresistance in prostate cancer cells by repressing ERP29 transcription.
Microplastic Detection and Analysis from Water and Sediment: A Review
Authors: Sajad Samreen , Allam Bharat Kumar , Mushtaq Zainab , Banerjee Sushmita
Published: February 2023

The presence and distribution of microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) has been reported worldwide in the aquatic ecosystem and is identified as emerging pollutant that can adversely affect the health of aquatic environment. The production and consumption of plastics has increased tremendously worldwide because of their properties including pliability, low cost, versatility, durability, and lightweight. Currently, the global production of plastics exceeds 320 million tonnes (Mt) per year, with single‐use plastic accounting for more than 40% of this total. Because plastic is non‐biodegradable, the majority of its annual production accumulates and finally enters the aquatic systems. Aquatic biota may suffer physical damages, fatigue, reduced appetite, blockage of metabolic channels, and altered feeding behavior due to consumption of MPs. Occurrence of MPs in air and food samples has been documented across the world. Thus, the MPs may also pose a great risk to the health of human beings, because of the human exposure to MPs and their concerned harmful contaminants through food chain or ingestion through the air. Due to the vast abundance and deleterious effects of MPs, more studies are focusing on MPs to estimate their dispersion, fate, quantity, and transport in the global aquatic systems. Through this work we have reviewed various analytical techniques of MPs including the collection of samples from surface water and sediments, identification, and quantification. One of the most prevalent techniques for recognizing MPs is visual categorization, which can be improved by combining it with other techniques viz. spectrometry and thermal methods. This review provides an insight about the following objectives: (1) the global occurrence and distribution of MPs, (2) the extensive analysis of effects of MPs on aquatic biota, and (3) the assessment of the current methods for MP sampling and analysis.
Tea Plant Leaves for Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Ismael Alaa Falih , Ahmed Naser M. , Ibrahim Khalid H. , AL‐Kubaisi Ahmed A.
Published: February 2023

Synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using tea plant leaves is a well‐recognized and non‐toxic method. During the last few decades, synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extract is useful not only because of its reduced environmental but also because it can be used to produce large quantities of nanoparticles. Plant extracts may act both as reducing agents and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of nanoparticles, this has motivated the researchers to synthesis the nanoparticles using this route that allows better control of shape and size for various applications. This paper reviews the methods of synthesizing by using metals (e.g., gold [Au], silver [Ag], Iron [Fe], Cadmium [Cd], Palladium [Pd], copper [Cu]), nanoparticles from tea plant leaves extracts as well as their characteristics and some applications. The aim of this review is to report the effect of tea extraction for synthesis metallic nanoparticles (NPs) and compare the nanoscale properties and its applications.
Electro‐Optical Properties of MBBA Liquid Crystal Surrounded by Acetonitrile Medium Enhanced under the Presence of Electric Field: An Ab Initio Study
Authors: Sahu Teekendra Kumar , Chauhan Madan Singh , Sharma Dipendra , Tiwari Sugriva Nath
Published: February 2023

This study has used ab initio technique to investigate the electro‐optical and electronic properties of N‐(4‐methoxybenzylidene)‐4‐butylaniline (MBBA), a nematic liquid crystal between 21 and 48 °C, surrounded by gas and acetonitrile medium, in the presence and absence of electric field. The optimization and analysis of various electro‐optical and electronic parameters along with absorption spectrum have been performed using ωB97xD/6‐311+G(d,p) and M062X/6‐311+G(d,p) methods. Under the electric field, electro‐optical parameters of MBBA surrounded by acetonitrile are increased, indicating its suitability for display device development application. Global reactivity descriptors reveal that electronic properties of the MBBA LC also high in acetonitrile medium as compared to that of the gas. Furthermore, using second order perturbation theory and the multicentered‐multipole expansion technique, the mutual interactions between a pair of MBBA molecules are examined, revealing the nematic behavior of MBBA molecule.
Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory, AIM Analysis, NLO, and Thermodynamic Properties of Propofol and Adsorption Effects of Propofol Drug over Carbon Nanotube (C56H16) as the Factor of Drug Delivery System
Authors: Dwivedi Apoorva , Narayan Vijay , Singh Vijay , Singh Vinod Kumar , Pandey Anoop Kumar
Published: February 2023

This article presents a comprehensive quantum chemical study of the Propofol molecule using the Density Functional Theory (DFT). The UV (Ultra Violet)plots, Non‐Linear Optical (NLO) properties' calculations, and Density Of State (DOS) plots are studied with the help of DFT using 6–311G (d, p) as the basis set. Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) analysis shows weak intramolecular interactions of CH….O. The NLO calculations show that the molecule is a good candidate as a future nonlinear optical material. The parameters of NLO Propofol and Propofol (CH2)n, n = 1–5 are also calculated with the same level theory. During this study, we have mainly focused on the profile of its electronic properties, the vital vibrational modes during movement in the isolated gas phase, and a better understanding of the unbound interaction between drug propofol and carbon nanotubes [C56H16].
Humidity Effect on Ionic Conductivity of Composite Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Raj Ashish , Mehrotra Kushal , Pandey S. P. , Jayakumar S. Venkatesan , Saxena Amit , Bhattacahrya Bhaskar
Published: February 2023

The solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) based electrochemical devices are an area of attention for more than two decades. The ability of thin‐film preparation and leakage proof over the liquid counterpart are the key factors of SPE. In the present work, two different compositions, 80–20 and 85–15, of PVA:KI has been used as a host polymer complex. Where further 10 wt% of p‐Si dispersed with PVA:KI complexes. Polymer films have been prepared with standard solution cast techniques, which are further characterized for their electrical conductivity by Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Also, the humidity effect on the ionic conductivity of these thin films is calculated. It is observed that the ionic conductivity of these polymer electrolytes films increases with 58%, 74%, and 89% humidity. To understand the change in this ionic conductivity, the concentration and mobility of ions are also calculated, and it is found that the change in conductivity are predominately influenced due to the mobility of charge carriers.
Effect of Series Resistance and Temperature on PCE of Double Perovskite La2NiMnO6‐Based PSC
Authors: Raj Abhishek , Kumar Manish , Kumar Arvind , Khan Ziaul Raza , Anshul Avneesh
Published: February 2023

In the present work, lead‐free double perovskite material La2NiMnO6 is used as a light‐harvesting layer in device configuration of FTO/TiO2/LNMO/CuI/Au and simulates through solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS‐1D). The series resistance and operating temperature are varied from 0 to 6 Ω and 250 to 350 K respectively to investigate the device output under ambient atmospheric conditions. The designed perovskite solar cell (PSC) based device helps to optimize the chemical and physical parameter of PSC during the fabrication. The present study exhibits that the developed device can show maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.07% at the device approach to zero resistance and further, at operation temperature 250 K the device has shown superior PCE 26.79%.
Acid‐Based Polymer Gel as an Efficient Electrolyte
Authors: Tripathi Mukta , Dixit Aparajita , Bobade Santosh M. , Kumar Anuj , Singh Pramod Kumar
Published: February 2023

Present studies basically focused on preparation a system by using polymer which can show high value of conductivity and can be used as an efficient electrolyte in the formation of electrostatic double layer capacitor cell (EDLC). Here, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer‐H2SO4 acid‐based electrolyte system have been synthesized. H2SO4 as acid is diluted using double distilled (DD) water for maximum conductivity. Various wt% of PVP as polymer added in optimized H2SO4 (1.0 M). Different types of electrical studies such as: electrical conductivity, dielectric analysis, potential window stability have been analyzed for good results. Selected system (PVP‐H2SO4) shows highest conductivity in the range ≈10−1 S cm−1.
A Nonlinear Hybrid Diffusion Model for Image Denoising
Authors: Alam Khursheed , Kumar Santosh , Kumar Nitendra , Pandey Shri Prakash , Pal Surya Kant
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a denoising technique is proposed based on a nonlinear anisotropic diffusion model with two diffusivities parameters, i.e., Charbonnier and total variation. These diffusivities are dependent on the diffusivity function for balancing. Furthermore, proof of the existence and uniqueness theorem of the model are presented. The convergent iterative scheme is proposed for the diffusion model. To discretize the diffusion model, the finite difference method with forward‐backward diffusivities is used. The numerical results are given in terms of peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) as a metric.
Temperature Dependent Enlargement of Photonic Bandgaps in a Superconductor Photonic Crystal
Authors: Pandey Alok Kumar , Pandey Girijesh Narayan , Kumar Narendra , Pandey J. P.
Published: February 2023

In the present simulation, the study theoretically investigates the effect of temperature on the bandgaps of a 1D superconductor‐dielectric photonic crystal with different thicknesses of the semiconducting layer, for a fixed lattice parameter d. For this study, the alternate layers of superconductor and dielectric materials are taken as the SPC. In this work, 3D transmission spectra of the SPC against wavelength and temperature is plotted, for three chosen values of the thickness of the semiconducting layer. The study finds that, an increase in temperature causes enlargement in the two bandgaps obtained for a fixed thickness of the semiconducting layer, while there is less impact of temperature on the first bandgap. On the other hand, the study notices that a decrease in the thickness of the semiconducting layer decreases these two obtained enlarged bangaps. Hence, it is demonstrated that temperature and semiconducting layer thickness are the controlling factors for the bandgap widths, and these two parameters also tune the band locations, particularly of the second band obtained in higher wavelength range. This analysis can be employed in designing bandgap based temperature sensors and in switching devices.
Physico‐Chemical Characterization of Ethyl Propionate with Butanol at Different Temperatures Using Ultrasonic Technique
Authors: P. Padmavathi , Gopal A. Mathana , Lancy A. Irudaya Sahaya , Pandey Krishna Kumar , J. Poongodi , Fernando Jessie
Published: February 2023

In this analysis, the ultrasonic velocity, density, and viscosity in ethyl propionate with butanol are measured at different temperatures of 308, 313, 318, 323, 328, and 333 K. Acoustical parameters such as adiabatic compressibility (βa), intermolecular free length (Lf), relaxation time (τ), acoustic impedance (Z), internal pressure (πi) have been determined from these. The variety of derived parameters is used to analyze the form and scope of interactions between the binary molecules.
Structural and Electrical Studies on ZnS Quantum Dots Using PEG as Capping Agent
Authors: Sharma Harit Kumar , Shukla Pushpendra Kumar , Agrawal Shanker Lal
Published: February 2023

Zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles are produced in this study utilizing a simple wet‐chemical precipitation procedure using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a capping agent. To analyze the structural, morphological, electrical, and electronic properties of the material, the ZnS nano powder is studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR, UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy techniques. The XRD patterns confirm the formation of the cubic phase in as‐prepared ZnS samples, whereas SEM and AFM images show the formation of prismatic and spherical morphology of nano crystallites, confirming the XRD results. FTIR spectra confirm formation of ZnS stoichiometric compound with a partial shifting of vibration bands in the presence of PEG in precursor solution. Optical band gap spectra show a blue shift of band gap with decrease in particle size. The controlled growth kinetics in the presence of PEG the ZnS synthesized nanoparticles show a better quantum confinement effect and enhancement of electrical conductivity behavior as predicted from impedance measurements. For the temperature range of the current investigation, the temperature dependence of conductivity is found to obey the Davis‐Mott model.
Pseudo‐Gruneisen Parameters for Binary Liquid Mixtures at Different Temperature
Authors: Arunachalam Mathana Gopal , Paulraj Padmavathi , Sreedharan Irudaya Sahaya Lancy , Pandey Krishna Kumar , Jawaharlal Poongodi , C. James
Published: February 2023

The binary liquid mixtures of ethanol and benzene are used to understand the behavior of alcohol mixtures by using the ultrasonic waves at different temperatures. The Gruneisen parameter which is originally defined for solids to study the internal structure and other quasi crystalline properties of liquids. For the liquid mixtures, the pseudo counter part of Gruneisen parameter is defined for many liquids, pseudo‐Gruneisen parameter (Г) decreases with increase of temperature except for liquids, water, and for alkali metals. For ethanol and benzene liquid mixtures at 308, 313, 318, and 323 K over the entire range the ultrasonic velocity and also the other acoustical parameters have been measured. The various temperatures starting from 308 K up to 323 K, the thermodynamic interaction of binary liquid mixtures is studied experimentally by using the ultrasonic interferometer at 2 MHz. The study has also measured the density and viscosity in the given temperature range. In addition to this, adiabatic compressibility (βa), free length (Lf), internal pressure (πi), enthalpy (H), solubility parameter (δ), activation energy (G), isothermal compressibility (βT), specific heat ratio (γ), volume expansivity (αT), pseudo‐Gruneisen parameter (Г), reduced volume (Ṽ), and specific heat capacity (C) are calculated. The variations of interactions in binary liquid mixtures have been investigated using these values. The measurement of ultrasonic velocity of the pseudo‐Gruneisen parameter for the liquid mixture at different temperatures is highlighted in conclusion.
Optical Properties of One‐Dimensional Photonic Crystal Composed of Superconductor and Dielectric Layers with Liquid Crystal Layer as Defect
Authors: Pandey Girijesh Narayan , Kumar Narendra , Singh Pawan , Thapa Khem B. , Shukla Anil Kumar
Published: February 2023

In this article, the optical properties of 1DPC composed of superconductor and dielectric layer with an introduced defect layer of liquid crystal are discussed. To design the 1DPS, the study considers Bi‐2223 of Bismuth Strontium Calcium Copper Oxide (BSSCO) and silica (SiO2) materials as superconductor and dielectric layers, and E7 liquid crystal (LC) as a defect layer. For the theoretical study of the considered periodic structure, transfer matrix method (TMM) is employed, which gives the transmittance and reflectance for the structure. The periodic structure shows tunable transmission and reflectance properties under variations of the temperatures of superconductor and LC and incident angle. The variations of temperatures of superconductor and LC show red and blue shifts in the defect mode peak, respectively. Also, the tuning of the photonic bandgap (PBG) with incident angle, in the three‐dimensional (3D) reflectance, for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes, is discussed in the article. The PBG in TM polarization disappears at the incident angle nearly 50°, and reappears with further increase in the incident angle above 60°. Further, the defect mode always exhibits blue shift with increase in the incident angle in TE and TM mode both. This simulation work can be beneficial in analysis of dispersive media and tunable optical devices.
Graphene Oxide–Doped PVDF/PSSA/PVP Polymer Blend Polymer Thin Film for Actuation Application
Authors: Rachna Km , Mehra R. M. , Singh Ram Chandra , Pandey Shri Prakash , Singh Pramod K. , Alheety Mustafa A. , Zakariya Ibrahim , Bag Dibyendu Sekhar
Published: February 2023

PVDF/PSSA/PVP blend membrane in the blend ratio of 60/15/25 and 50/30/20 are prepared by solution cast technique. The actuating performance of PVSD/PSSA/PVP 60/15/25 and water uptake (WUP) of blend membrane is found to be higher than blend ratio of 50/30/20. PVDF/PSSA/PVP 60/15/25 characterized by different techniques such as XRD, SEM, FTIR, and electrical conductivity is determined at different frequencies. Ionic–polymer composite (IPC) actuator displays continuously large actuation displacement without back relaxation and with large blocking force at direct current (DC) voltage (1–30 V). In this membrane, PSSA is the polyelectrolyte, PVP is the hydrophilic basic polymer, and PVDF is the hydrophobic polymer.
Adulteration Detection in Khoya Using UV Spectroscopy Techniques
Authors: Kaushal Avinash , Gupta Pallavi , Kumari Rachna , Panday S. P.
Published: February 2023

Khoa is a heat desiccated milk product, which is traditionally prepared by boiling milk in an open pan. Similar to milk, khoa is highly vulnerable to adulteration due to its high demand during Indian festivals and its authentic taste. The adulterants usually spiked with milk are same for khoya, such that starch, detergent, hydrogen peroxide, colostrum, and wheat flours are few of the substances used for forming synthetic milk. Khoya prepared from such adulterated milk will also be adulterated in nature. This research addresses the need to develop a novel method to finding the adulteration in khoya using UV spectroscopy techniques.
Molecular Docking and ADMET Study of Spice‐Derived Potential Phytochemicals against Human DNA Topoisomerase III Alpha
Authors: Sarkar Paratpar , Alheety Mustafa A. , Srivastava Vivek
Published: February 2023

Small phytochemicals play an important role in therapeutics hence potential molecules in different spices are screened using Lipinski's and Veber's rule. Pharmacodynamics studies are carried out against the cancer target, DNA topoisomerase III alpha. In silico ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) studies are done with these compounds. Lipinski's and Veber's rule indicates that all 10 small phytochemicals have the potential to behave as oral drug‐like molecules. A molecular docking study shows that shogoal, demethoxycurcumin, capsaicin, ellagic acid, 6‐paradol, 6‐gingerol, carnosic acid, and curcumin bind strongly with the cancer target: human DNA topoisomerase‐III alpha. In silico absorption, a study reveals that only cinnamic acid, allicin, alpha turmerone, cinnamyl acetate, and carnosic acid have more than 96% human intestinal absorption, but only alpha turmerone can cross both the blood–brain barrier and central nervous system. In silico phase‐I, the metabolism study shows 6‐paradol and carnosic acid as substrates for cytochrome 450 enzyme (CYP450 3A4) and curcumin and dillapiol as inhibitors for CYP 450 2D6. Overall the study concludes that small phytochemicals present in different spices have the potential to be proposed as oral anti‐cancer drugs against cancer targets DNA topoisomerase III alpha.
Manganese and Iron Doped Cadmium Gallate Spinel as a Multifunctional Inorganic Material
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Baliyan Khushboo , Chaudhary Shreya , Tomar Richa
Published: February 2023

Manganese and iron doped cadmium gallate has been synthesized by sol–gel approach. PXRD pattern shows the cubic arrangement of cadmium gallate spinel. Raman spectrum concludes the complete structural analysis of undoped and doped samples. Additionally, morphology and elemental ratio is obtained using FESEM and EDS spectroscopy. Blue indigo and green emission bands are shown in photoluminescence spectra. An excellent antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic behavior of manganese and iron doped cadmium gallate are shown in the magnetic study. Low band gap of doped samples has made this material as a prominent catalyst for the degradation of methylene blue dye when exposed to UV–visible irradiation.
Size Determination in Chemically Grown PbS Nano Particles Using Different Theoretical Approach
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Kumar Pranav , Bhattacharya B. , Alheety Mustafa A. , Zakariya'u Ibrahim , Kumar Pawan
Published: February 2023

Chemical bath method is adopted for growth of lead sulfide nano particles in methanolic solution of Pb(No3)2. Sulfur exchange is achieved by the controlled reaction of Na2S. The optical absorption studies have been done for obtained colloidal solution. The prepared particles are characterized by UV/Visible absorption spectra in the range 700–250 nm and the corresponding energy band gaps have been calculated assuming the effective masses of the electrons and holes in the nano particles to be same as that of bulk. The particle size has been determined by using the Wang Mahler and Brus L.E. Theoretical approaches. It is found that without using any capping agent the band gap of the compound gradually increases as the size of the particle decreases.
Effects of Dihydropyridines on the Motor and Cognitive Outcomes of Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Jung Jin Ho , Na Han Kyu , Jeong Seong Ho , Chung Seok Jong , Yoo Han Soo , Lee Yang Hyun , Baik Kyoungwon , Kim Sang Jin , Sohn Young H. , Lee Phil Hyu
Published: February 2023

Background

Dihydropyridines (DHPs) may have neuroprotective effects against Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective

This study investigated the effects of DHPs on nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation and longitudinal motor and cognitive outcomes in PD.

Methods

We classified 476 patients with drug‐naive PD who had undergone dopamine transporter imaging into three groups. They were selected according to a prior diagnosis of hypertension and use of DHPs and were matched using propensity scores: patients without hypertension (HTN−; n = 50) and patients with hypertension treated without DHP (HTN+/DHP−; n = 50) or with DHP (HTN+/DHP+; n = 50). Multiple linear regression and linear mixed model analyses were performed to determine intergroup differences in baseline dopamine transporter availability and longitudinal changes in the levodopa‐equivalent dose, respectively. Using Kaplan–Meier analyses, we compared the risks of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia, wearing off, and dementia‐free survival during the 5.06 years of the mean follow‐up period. The Cox regression model determined the independent effects of DHPs on dementia conversion.

Results

Dopamine transporter availability in all striatal subregions was comparable between the HTN−, HTN+/DHP−, and HTN+/DHP+ groups. The risks of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia and wearing off, as well as longitudinal changes in the levodopa‐equivalent dose, did not differ between the groups. The HTN+/DHP+ group had a lower risk of developing dementia than the HTN+/DHP− (Bonferroni‐corrected Plog‐rank = 0.036) group. The use of DHP was independently associated with a lower risk of dementia conversion after controlling for other antihypertensive drugs and confounding factors (hazard ratio, 0.242; 95% confidence interval, 0.087–0.668; P = 0.006).

Conclusions

DHPs may be associated with better long‐term cognitive outcomes in hypertensive patients with PD. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Analyses of solutions of Riemann‐Liouville fractional oscillatory differential equations with pure delay
Authors: Pan Renjie , Fan Zhenbin
Published: February 2023

This paper first finishes off the exact solutions of Riemann‐Liouville fractional differential time‐delay oscillatory system of order
by using two newly defined delayed perturbations of Mittag‐Leffler matrix functions and constant variation method. In the light of the exact solutions, we explore the finite time stability of the nonhomogeneous fractional oscillatory differential equations with pure delay. Ultimately, an example is cited to verify the rationality of the results. Through our method, the public problems left by Mahmudov in 2022 were partially solved.
Ground state solution for a periodic p&q‐Laplacian equation involving critical growth without the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition
Authors: Shen Liejun
Published: February 2023

We study the ground state solutions for the following p&q‐Laplacian equation

where
is a parameter large enough,
with
denotes the
‐Laplacian operator,
and
. Under some assumptions for the periodic potential
, weight function
and nonlinearity
without the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition, we show the above equation has a ground state solution.
Nanoscale crack propagation in clay with water adsorption through reactive MD modeling
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Song Xiaoyu
Published: February 2023

The atomic‐scale cracking mechanism in clay is vital in discovering the cracking mechanism of clay at the continuum scale in that clay is a nanomaterial. In this article, we investigate mechanisms of modes I and II crack propagations in pyrophyllite and Ca‐montmorillonite with water adsorption through reactive molecular dynamics (MD) with a bond‐order force field. Clay water adsorption is considered by adding water molecules to the clay surface. During the equilibration stage, water adsorption could cause bending deformation of the predefined edge crack region. The relatively small orientating angle of water molecules indicates the formation of hydrogen bonds in the crack propagation process. The peak number density of adsorbed water decreases with the increasing strains. The atomistic structure evolution of the crack tip under loading is analyzed to interpret the nanoscale crack propagation mechanism. The numerical results show that the crack tip first gets blunted with a significant increase in the radius of the curvature of the crack tip and a slight change in crack length. The crack tip blunting is studied by tracking the crack tip opening distance and O–Si–O angle in the tetrahedral Si–O cell in modes I and II cracks. We compare bond‐breaking behaviors between Al–O and Si–O. It is found that Si–O bond breaking is primarily responsible for crack propagation. The critical stress intensity factor and critical energy release rate are determined from MD simulation results.