bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pencil graphite electrode modified with poly nicotinamide as a framework for the electrochemical detection of propranolol hydrochloride
Authors: Santhy A , Beena S , Krishnanunni Namboothiri U S , Anupriya S , Sreeranjini C V
Published: June 2020

Herein, a novel polymer film modified pencil graphite electrode as an electrochemical sensor for the propranolol hydrochloride (PROP) is reported. A poly nicotinamide modified pencil graphite (Poly-NA-PGE) electrode was used for the electrochemical detection of propranolol hydrochloride using differential pulse voltammetry. The modified electrode was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Furthermore, the experimental parameters like pH of the supporting electrolyte, concentration of the nicotinamide and polymerisation cycles were optimized. The cyclic voltammetry of propranolol hydrochloride showcased an irreversible oxidation peak at 0.9361V. The sensor showed a linear range from 1μM - 20μM with a correlation co-efficient of 0.99825. The repeatability of the electrode was excellent with an RSD of 3.5%. The sensor was utilized effectually for the determination of propranolol from the commercially available pharmaceutical tablet.
A commercially viable electrochemical sensor for the immunosuppressant drug mycophenolate mofetil utilizing pencil graphite electrode
Authors: Santhy A , Beena S , Krishnan Rajasree G , Greeshma S
Published: June 2020

An electrochemical sensor facilitating the electro oxidation of the immunosuppressant, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on pencil graphite electrode (PGE) has been developed. The electrochemical characteristics of the electrode was evaluated by virtue of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The PGE was characterized by XRD analysis and FE-SEM before and after the electrooxidation of MMF at the electrode. CV of MMF exhibited two irreversible oxidation peaks at about 0.66 V and 0.84 V. In the DPV studies, two linear ranges were observed towards the determination of MMF concentration from 20 nM – 300nM and 300 - 1000 nMin 0.1M phosphate buffer with pH 6. The limit of detection of the sensor was estimated to be 1.80nM. The proposed sensor exhibited acceptable selectivity for quantifying the MMF in pharmaceutical dosage forms and urine samples.
Electrochemical quantification of vitamin B9 on poly tyrosine modified pencil graphite electrode
Authors: Santhy A , Beena S , Veena  , Shahina Shaji
Published: June 2020

An electrochemically polymerized tyrosine film on pencil graphite substrate was found to be an affordable electrochemical sensor for vitamin B9 or folic acid. The electrochemical characteristics of the electrode was studied using cyclic and differential pulse voltammetric techniques in phosphate buffer (pH 7). The surface study of the electrode was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. The sensor showed a linear range from 1μM – 85 μM concentration range by means of differential pulse voltammetry. A good repeatability was obtained for the developed sensor and was utilized for the sustainable application in pharmaceutical tablets.
Gainful utilization of plastic waste in dense bituminous macadam
Authors: Garg Abhishek , Somani Prakash , Gaur Arun , Swami B L
Published: June 2020

Globally, as the users are increasing, there is a vital competition in Industries to make their products Cheaper, more durable, attractive and easily transportable. For these qualities most of the Industries are using plastics without considering its hazardous nature to the Environment and human beings. Different Types of plastics such as polyethelyene of High and Low density, polypropylene and other polymers are widely used in our daily consumable things such as water bottles, cups, rappers of food, carriage bags, and single used containers. So much use of plastics generates a huge waste worldwide. As this waste is non biodegradable in nature, it is a long lasting headache to avoid its hazardous impacts to ruined human health and degraded Environment. A lot of studies are going on efficient utilization of this waste to convert it into wealth. Highway industry has a big range for different material uses so it can be a smart way to use this waste into the construction of Highways. Studies on properties of plastics gives hint of its long lasting property which can be taken as durability on a positive Note and its presence in oceans from thousands of years shows that even water is impact less on this material which can prove a extraordinary property for Roads. Further on Investigation it was found that optimum percentage of this waste plastics in a particular form can be used for modifying the properties of Bitumen which is known as polymer modified Bitumen. For checking adequacy of required properties of Bitumen that modified bitumen is used in a layer of flexible pavement construction. In this research waste polymer is replaced by bitumen in variation from 2 to 10% at interval of 2% in dense Bituminous Macadam layer of flexible pavement. Marshall Stability test is performed to examine the strength and flow parameter to obtain the optimum doses waste polymer. It has been observed that 4 and 6 % of waste plastic in mix shows better results of Marshall Test as compare to conventional mix.
Evaluation of material performance of coir fibre reinforced quaternary blended concrete
Authors: Murthi P , Poongodi K , Gobinath R , Saravanan R
Published: June 2020

The experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the impact of coir fibre of quaternary blended concrete on strength and durability performance. M35 grade of concrete was considered in this study. Fly ash, Granite powder and Nano silica were considered for developing the quaternary blended concrete. Fly ash and Granite powder were added as partial replacement of cement by 25% and 10% respectively and Nano-silica was considered as third mineral admixture varies from 0 to 2% of cementitious content. In order to improve the ductility of concrete, the coir fibres are supplemented in concrete at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25% by volume of concrete. The performance of hardened concrete was examined in terms of compressive strength, rebound hammer test, flexural strength and durability was examined by sorptivity test. The results showed that the addition of coir fibres causes the reduction of slump value but improve the mechanical properties up to 1% addition of coir fibres in concrete. The sorptivity of Nano-silica blended quaternary blended concrete is increased up to 15% with the presence of 1% coir fibre
Heterogeneous photo catalytic process using TiO2 for removing Levetiracetam in water – A study
Authors: Chinnaiyan P , Thampi S G , Ananthkumar M , Krishnaa A C Bharath , Sasi Malavika , Tejashwi L
Published: June 2020

Of late, pharmaceutical contaminants in water are posing a negative impact on the environment In India, pharmaceutical contaminant Ciproflaxin was detected at a highest concentration of 31 mg/L from the wastewater effluent of bulk pharmaceutical production plant located in Hyderabad. To increase the overall removal of these emerging pharmaceutical contaminants pre-treatment of strong pharmaceutical wastewater at a higher concentration can be done. In this study one of the critical pharmaceutical contaminant in India, Levetiracetam (LEV) removal was investigated employing a UV/TiO2 based photo reactor. Three parameters were included in the study. The parameters include initial concentrations of LEV ranging between 50 and 100 mg/L, reaction time between 10 and 30 min, the photo catalyst concentration viz., TiO2 dosage between 500 and 1000 mg/L. The experimental data was used for performing the further analysis and was done using MINITAB software. An empirical equation was obtained correlating the LEV removal and the three parameters considered in the study.
Study on the efficiency of CFRP and GFRP in corrosion resistance of rebar embedded in concrete
Authors: Ananthkumar M , Mini K M , Prakash C , Sharma S Vishnu , Krishnaa A C Bharath
Published: June 2020

Efficiency of composite materials like carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) in controlling rebar corrosion is not studied much. In the present study, cylinders of size 300mm height and 100 mm diameter were casted by using CFRP as a wrap and GFRP in powdered form as an admixture in concrete. Anti-corrosive rubber coating is applied all over the rebar. The concrete cylinders are subjected to accelerated corrosion using 0.5M HCl and 3% NaCl solution for a period of 60 days. The corrosion rate was calculated at regular intervals using Half-cell potential, Linear Polarisation Resistance and Tafel plot measurements. The corrosion resistance of all the specimens are compared and the results have shown that both CFRP and GFRP performed well in corrosion resistance at varying levels. The appropriate protection material from corrosion is also proposed.
Properties of geopolymer bricks made with flyash and GGBS
Authors: Lavanya B , Kuriya Preet D , Suganesh S , Indrajith R , Chokkalingam Ramesh Babu
Published: June 2020

Geopolymer bricks is the new innovation in the field of brick industry. Geopolymer bricks contain flayash as the source material and an alkaline activator for the activation of polymerization reaction. In this study, experimental work has been performed on geopolymer bricks with flyash and GGBS as source material and sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate as an activator. The molarity of sodium hydroxide was maintained at 12M for all the mixtures and the ratio of sodium hydroxide to sodium silicate was kept as 1:2.5. The brick properties such as compressive strength, water absorption, acid resistance and efflorescence test were conducted on the test specimens. Test results indicated that geopolymer concrete with higher GGBS content resulted in higher compressive strength and better properties compared to flyash based geopolymer brick.
A study on emerging contaminant amiodarone removal in water - experimental investigations and modeling
Authors: Chinnaiyan P , Thampi S G , Prakash E Lalith , Abinaya K , Varshini P
Published: June 2020

In the recent times, pharmaceutical contaminants in water are posing a negative impact on the environment. In India, pharmaceutical contaminant Ciproflaxin was detected at a highest concentration of 31 mg/L from the wastewater effluent of bulk pharmaceutical production plant located in Hyderabad. To increase the overall removal of these emerging pharmaceutical contaminants pre-treatment of strong pharmaceutical wastewater at a higher concentration can be done. In this study one of the critical pharmaceutical contaminant in India, Amiodarone (AMD) removal was investigated employing a UV/TiO2 based photoreactor. Three parameters were included in the study. The parameters include initial concentrations of AMD ranging between 50 and 100 mg/L, reaction time between 10 and 30 min, the photocatalyst concentration viz., TiO2 dosage between 500 and 1000 mg/L. The experimental data was used for performing the further analysis and was done using MINITAB software. An empirical equation was obtained correlating the Amiodarone removal and the three parameters considered in the study.
Effect of molar content on GGBS based geopolymer pervious concrete
Authors: Malayali Anandh Babu , Chokkalingam Ramesh Babu , Hari Krishnan T , Nagaselvam P
Published: June 2020

GGBS based Geopolymer pervious concrete (G-GPC) with different molar ratio M8, M10 and M12 studied in this research work. Geopolymer concrete normal fly ash used but in this study GGBS is used, for maintaining the previous property in G-GPC without fine aggregate, 12mm size coarse aggregate utilized in this work, Alkaline solution (sodium silicate NaoH and sodium hydroxide Na2Sio3). Alkaline liquid to solid ratio 0.45. Ratio between Sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide is 2.5. The casted concrete kept in ambient curing. The specimens are attending compression test, Split tension test, Water absorption test, density tests are conducted in the specimen. The Experimental results are analyzed by ANNOVA analysis Method and compare the results of compression test split tension test water absorption test. Based on the above study M12R2.5 G-GPC is perform well when compared to other two molar ratio.
On the Bonding and Electrochemical Performance of Sputter Deposited WO3 Thin Films
Authors: Naveen Kumar K , Shaik Habibuddin , Sathish  , Madhavi V , Abdul Sattar Sheik
Published: June 2020

Tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films have attained a distinct and special place in the field of electrochromism. Therefore, any sort of study towards this material will invariably has lot of importance and technological significance. The films of WO3 were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering at various partial pressures and annealed at 475°C. There is a tremendous change in the bonding characteristics, which eventually shows significant change in the optical and electrochemical behavior. The bandgap of WO3 films is found to be increasing with different oxygen partial pressure. A systematic study of cyclic voltammetry has been done to analyze the electrochemical behavior of WO3 films. Oxidation and reduction peak currents have shown an increasing trend with the oxygen partial pressure. Raman spectroscopy has revealed the improvement in the atomic ordering in WO3 films.
Behaviour of laminated composite sandwiched structures under thermal conditions
Authors: Krishna H , Chalak H D
Published: June 2020

Laminated composite structures with their properties such as high specific strength, low self-weight and high stiffness to weight ratio along with their design flexibility made them widely used in the field of manufacturing of aircraft, structural engineering, aerospace and other engineering field. But the analysis of behaviour of laminated composite structures is very difficult due to their layered structural arrangement. In this study, 3-D finite element based model for the analysis of laminated composite and sandwich structures are developed using ABAQUS software and the behaviour of the model under different thermal stress condition along with various conditions such as aspect ratio thickness ratio and boundary condition is analysed.
Investigations on silver incorporated RF sputtered ZnO thin films
Authors: Francis Melda , Kuruvilla Anu , Francis P Martin , Lakshmi M
Published: June 2020

In this work, ZnO thin films were fabricated using RF Magnetron Sputtering technique on ITO substrates. The operating parameters time of deposition, Argon working pressure, distance between target and substrate, oxygen pressure, RF power etc. were optimized so as to get good quality ZnO thin films. The prepared films were characterised using various techniques like XPS, SEM, EDS etc. It was observed that the sheet resistance of the pristine ZnO film was around 200 MΩcm−1 even when coated on ITO substrates. For device level application the resistance of the film must be low. Therefore silver was incorporated by sputtering, and it served the purpose of reducing the sheet resistance of pristine ZnO film. The Ag incorporated films were also characterised by the above mentioned techniques. Detailed compositional analysis was done using depth profiling method of XPS. Resistance measurements were also done in these samples. The sheet resistance decreased (from ∼ 200 MΩcm−1) to a range of about 500 MΩcm−1 by silver incorporation.
Experimental investigation on strength properties of poly - propylene fibre reinforced concrete
Authors: Jagan D , Shankar V , Sundara Mahalingam T , Sathyan Dhanya , Mini K M , Sahai Garvit
Published: June 2020

The scope of the current investigation is to examine the mechanical properties of concrete with the addition of DURASTRAN Poly-propylene macro-fibres. The incorporation of highly engineered poly-propylene macro-fibre in concrete will result in improving many physical and mechanical properties of the concrete. Poly-propylene macro-fibre reinforced concrete has various applications such as tunneling & mining, commercial & industrial flooring and precast concrete structures. High strength (M40 grade) concrete with 0.36 water-cement ratio was used in this study. Poly-propylene macro-fibre was added only as an additional material, not as a replacement to aggregates. Various strength properties like compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength were studied and reported.
Mechanical behaviour of self compacting concrete with hybrid fibres
Authors: Prabu P S Lakman , Rambharath S , Vivek S S
Published: June 2020

Research lag on the stainless steel scrap (lathe waste) on the mechanical behaviour of self-compacting concrete was inferred. It is proposed to investigate the mechanical and flexural behaviour of self-compacting concrete completely under IS-10262:2019 (chapter 7: SCC). Here the effective utilization of materials namely steel fibre and lathe waste as an additive, cement is to be partially replaced with Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) along with High Range Water Reducers (ether-based superplasticizer) are to be compared with the control specimen of SCC. Adding fibre content to the volume of concrete by replacing 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% of steel fibre and constant replacing of 0.125% of stainless steel scrap with steel fibre and proceeds as a hybrid combination in SCC.
Investigation on the effect of steel fibers in geopolymer concrete
Authors: Chithambar Ganesh A , Sowmiya K , Muthukannan M
Published: June 2020

This research work throws lime light in mitigating the brittleness of GGBS based geopolymer concrete through the addition of high modulus fibers. This work invests the effects of incorporation of steel fibers in geopolymer concrete over workability, compressive, split tensile, flexural, ductility factor and energy absorption capacity. The steel fibers were added in proportions such as 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.25 percent of the volume of concrete. The results report that addition of steel fibers have positive impacts over mechanical properties, ductility and energy absorption capacity. This paves way for extending the scope of geopolymer concrete in various facets to replace the cement concrete effectively.
A novel method to predict pozzolanic nature of concrete with sintered clay using soft computing techniques
Authors: Archana Reddy R , Sivakrishna A , Gobinath R , Ramesh Babu D
Published: June 2020

This research focuses on studying the effect of different pozzolanic materials (Metakaolin, fly ash, silica ash, micro clay, ordinary clay and their combinations) on strength of concrete cured for a period of time - 56 days. This work primarily deals with the compressive strength and split tensile strength of concrete. First four mixes were made by adding 1-2% of pozzolanic materials in concrete. Next five mixes were made by increasing the percentage of clay and lime as a substitute of cement in concrete. A comparative study is done between experimental data and predicted data. Bountiful research works were done using soft computing tools to predict the strength characteristics of concrete, in this work we had employed Levenberg-Marquardt and Bayesian Regularization approach to predict. ANN is employed to measure the outcome performance of admixtures added while varying the curing period. Best fit models were arrived using back propagation method of ANN, R2 values were obtained in the range of 0.91 showing the effectiveness of the study. It is suggested that this proposed algorithm can be employed to predict the strength characteristics of concrete.
Flyash and carbon fibers reinforced aluminum-based matrix composite for structural applications
Authors: Patil Adarsh , Banapurmath N R , Hunashyal Anand M , Meti Vinod Kumar V
Published: June 2020

Aluminum alloy and its composite showed excellent physical and mechanical properties. But still, there is a scope in improving the mechanical properties of the composite for the structural, automobile, and aerospace industry. The composites have been prepared to reach the needs of the industry. In this present work, micro-fillers such as fly ash, and carbon fiber reinforcements were added to the base AA7076 matrix and fabricated the composite using a motorized stir casting technique. AA7076/fly ash and AA7076/carbon fiber composites were prepared by varying wt.% percent of fly ash and carbon fiber reinforcements (0.5, 0.75, 1, and 1.25 wt.%) and results were compared. The SEM micrographs revealed the homogeneous distribution of fly ash and carbon fiber reinforcements along the grain boundaries of the AA7076 matrix material. The composites with 1 wt.% of micro-fillers showed superior hardness and tensile strength as compared to other reinforcement composite and base matrix. The experimental test results revealed that the addition of fly ash and carbon fiber reinforcements improved the mechanical properties of the AA7076/fly ash and AA7076/carbon fiber composites as compared to the AA7076 matrix material. Among them, the comparative study revealed that the AA7076/carbon fiber composite has showed homogeneous distribution of reinforcements and improved mechanical properties.
Study on a revolutionary composite material: functionally graded material (FGM)
Authors: Gupta Simmi , Chalak HD
Published: June 2020

Functionally graded material (FGM) is a class of advanced materials which have dual phase composition with uniformly varying material properties in thickness direction. This paper describes the basic concepts, rules for assessment of material properties gradation, processing techniques, classification, application and design aspect of FGM. Based on analysis the present scenario of FGM is discussed and future research direction is suggested.
Effect on addition of Polypropylene fibers in wood ash-fly ash based geopolymer concrete
Authors: Arunkumar K , Muthukannan M , Dinesh Babu A , Hariharan A L , Muthuramalingam T
Published: June 2020

In this study, optimization of wood ash and fly ash by varying 0-100% of both in GPC were carried out by testing the concrete for compressive strength. From the previous literatures it could be noted that, GPC had a less brittleness and energy absorbent. To improve the brittleness and energy absorption capacity polypropylene fibre were added by 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 % of volume fraction. Further, effects on addition of polypropylene of the optimized wood ash-fly ash based Geopolymer were studied. In this study, the mechanical properties such as compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength of geopolymer concrete were investigated. The results showed that, 30% replacement of wood ash increased the compressive strength by 12.2% than the conventional mix. Further, addition of 1 % of PP fibre had also increased the compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength by 3.7%, 15.6% and 5.13% respectively.
Strain sensing capabilities of Ag-sandwiched ITO as transparent thin film resistor
Authors: Bhat Shreyas P , Bharathi S H , Nayak M M
Published: June 2020

Strain sensors with good sensitivity and high optical transparency are of notable use in smart and transparent electronics which demands opto-electromechanical application. In this work, strain sensing capabilities of thin film resistor with high optical transparency is evaluated. Transparent Thin Film Resistor (TFR) was prepared by sputtering trilayer of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and Silver (Ag) on flexible polyethylene terephthalete (PET) substrate. ITO thin film was optimized to achieve resistivity of ∼5.5 × 10−4 Ω.cm with ∼91% optical transmission in visible wavelength. Insertion of thin silver film (∼10 nm) between ITO films by sputtering at room temperature produced film resistivity ∼6 × 10−5 Ω.cm and resistance ∼4 K.Ω to serve as strain sensing layer. Longitudinal piezoresistive response was evaluated by cantilever beam bending method. Gauge factor of 3.5 ±0.3 and optical transmission of ∼87% in 400-800 nm wavelengths (visible region) was measured on the transparent TFR. Piezoresistive response was linear and reproducible with minimal hysteresis for strains up to 280 μƐ for the measurements carried out at ambient conditions.
Reduced graphene oxide nano particle based cryogenic sensor for measurement of liquid level and recording
Authors: Belthangadi Pavithra , Kedambaimoole Vaishakh , Prabhu Smitha G , Ramachandra A C
Published: June 2020

For nearly a decade, liquid level sensors have been on the market as white food or beverage products, manufacturing, medical, residential, farming, automotive, aerospace, defense and liquid leak detection or level measurement devices. The nano material-resistive sensor based on reduced graphene oxide is highly sensitive and highly reactive to level measurement. This rGO liquid level sensor was developed, and using screen printing process, nano material film is printed on Al2O3 substratum. For safety purposes the sensor film was coated with Parylene-C. The rGO-based nano material was synthesized using Modified Hummer process. A linear relationship between the rGO film’s resistances was observed due to the change in liquid level, which implies fast detection and therefore calibration. With its fast and cost-effective manufacturing process, this liquid level sensor has considerable potential in industries where liquid level sensing is mandatory e.g. pharmaceutical also, space, automotive and even for liquid storage, liquid levels using cryogenic fluids of H2O icewater, LCO2, LN2, LH2, LOX and LHe.
Behaviour of alkali activated concrete under marine conditions
Authors: Saravanakumar P , Kalaivani P
Published: June 2020

This study aims to investigate the mechanical and durability behavior of flyash and slag based alkali activated concrete mixes under marine conditions. To fulfil the aim of this study, various tests such as Compressive Strength test, Sorptivity test, Half Cell Potential test and Alkalinity tests were done on both flyash and slag based alkali activated concrete. The experimental results showed that the alkali activated concrete attains its strength at earlier stages when compared to control concrete and it also has low sorptivity value which influences much indurability under marine conditions. Though it was cured in acidic environment for four weeks the alkali activated concrete samples showed only intermediate risk of corrosion.
Impact of Tin concentration in ITO films on Optoelectronic sensor performance
Authors: Ramanathan G , Murali K R
Published: June 2020

In viewing the opportunity to enhance Photovoltaic application, nine samples having different concentrations (5%, to 70%) were synthesized by sol gel Acrylamide route. XRD study indicates the entire films exhibited single phase with bixbyte structure for all films. EDXA studies confirm the existence SnO2 enclosures in the entire samples. Atomic force micrographs of ITO films conclude that the grain size decreases with increase of tin concentration. Hot probe measurements reinforce the optimum concentration of tin (10%) for its transport properties, their optoelectronic application of DSSC. This paper focuses on the DSSC performance. In this work ITO films and their gas sensing characteristics are studied and their results are reported. ITO based H2S sensor with 70% tin concentration exhibited maximum sensitivity at 100 °C with higher recovery time than the response times. After a long time, ITO films with different concentrations of tin (450 °C) return to the original state.
Structural characterization and rietveld refinement of CeO2/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites prepared via coprecipitation method
Authors: Vashistha Indu , Rohilla Sunil
Published: June 2020

The CeO2/CoFe2O4nanocomposites were synthesized through the co-precipitation approach followed by heat-treatment. As-prepared sample were sintered at temp 600°C and 800°C for two hours. To study the structural characterization of the prepared samples X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used. The obtained XRD data was further refined through the Rietveld method by using the fullprof suit software. The heat-treated samples exhibit two crystalline phases namely CeO2 and CoFe2O4. The refinement confirmed that all the samples are cubic structure. The CoFe2O4was found to have an fcc cubic structure with space group Fd-3m(227), whereas the crystal structure of CeO2 has fcc structure with space group Fm-3m(225). In this paper, the lattice parameters, bond length, bond angle, particle size, lattice strain, dislocation density were studied in detail. The Wyckoff positions and interatomic distance have been calculated.
Rietveld refinement and structural characterization of TiO2/CoFe2O4nanocomposites
Authors: Preeti  , Rohilla Sunil
Published: June 2020

The nanocomposite of titanium dioxide and cobalt ferrite (TiO2/CoFe2O4) is synthesized using the co-precipitation method. The structural characterization of the prepared composite has been done with complementary methods like X-Ray diffraction (XRD). X-ray diffraction data has been used to determine the formation of composite (TiO2/CoFe2O4) and to estimate structural changes in terms of lattice imperfection. We have used the Rietveld method to refine the XRD data. The Rietveld refinement leads to specify the anatase phase of Titanium oxide. The crystal structure of anatase (TiO2) is tetragonal with space group 141/a m d. The refinement of sample confirms the formation of two crystalline phases i.e rutile (TiO2) and cobalt ferrite. Here the lattice parameters, bond length, bond angle, crystallite size, lattice strain, and dislocation density, for the obtained phases of nanocomposites has studied in detail. The Wyckoff positions and interatomic distance of the composite atoms have been calculated. Some applications of nanosized TiO2 and CoFe2O4 have also been highlighted.
Study on SAP with different absorption capacities and its effects on Self Curing HPC
Authors: Poornima V , Venkatasubramani R , Sreevidya V , Vignesh Vaishnao , Adithan K
Published: June 2020

Internal moist curing by Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) plays an vital role in strength development and durability of High Performance Concrete (HPC). The aim of this study is to examine how the strength reduction happens by adding super absorbent polymer and rectification of strength reduction using micro fillers. The amount of SAP added to the concrete was calculated using the absorption capacity that was obtained as a result of tea bag test. The present study also involves the use of super absorbent polymer in gel and dry state to both mortar and concrete. First strength property was tested in mortar for both gel and dry state. It was found that SAP added in dry state to mortar has no adverse effect on compressive strength and tested. In the present work additional micro filler (silica fume) with different ratios: 0.0%, 10%, 15%, 20% of weight of cement is added to improve the mechanical properties of high strength concrete with SAP. The concrete samples are subjected to ambient curing and mechanical properties (compressive strength and modulus of rupture) were evaluated at different ages, up to 28 days. Durability property such as sorptivity, water absorption and carbonation was conducted on HPC. The effect of internally cured concrete was studied and compared with conventionally cured concrete.
Predicting the characteristics of pond ash concrete using artificial neural networks
Authors: Yadav G Swamy , Sudarshan Dara Swetha , Sahithi G , Prasanna E Laxmi
Published: June 2020

To improve the Engineering perspectives towards the eco-friendly environment, many efforts and researches made in the field of concrete. Adding many supplements to the concrete mix mostly results in durable concrete. Thermal power plants produce a large number of wastes like flyash, pond ash, and bottom ash. Flyash is already being used in cement industries to produce Portland Pozzolana Cement. Some researchers concluded that pond ash could also replace river sand in the concrete mix. Anticipating the compressive strength of pond ash concrete has consistently been trouble since the concrete is sensitive to its blend segments, techniques for blending, compaction, curing condition, and so forth. Scientists have given various strategies for foreseeing the properties of concrete. However, some others were not appropriate enough to predict the compressive strength of pond ash concrete. The point of this investigation is to assess the ability of the Artificial Neural Network Model (ANN) in predicting the compressive strength of pond ash concrete after 28 days of curing. Accordingly, considering specific Concrete characteristics as input factors by considering various rates 0% to 25% in steps of 1% increment of Pond Ash replaced in place of sand in Traditional Concrete of M30 Mix, Artificial Neural Network Model is built, and the properties of concrete predicted. Results demonstrated that ANN could be an alternative approach for anticipating the compressive strength properties of pond ash concrete.
Development of hybrid composites using treated natural biofibers and nanoparticles for structural applications
Authors: Banapurmath N R , Patil Arun , Ahmed Rehan , Kurdekar Rahul
Published: June 2020

Tiger grass which is inculcated in reinforcements with combining with Polypropylene(PP) emusled as a resine scorted by individual combination with verity of different nano particles resulting with a composite materials incorporated in real structural applications. Adherence between the nanofillers with bonding matrix was enhanced with combination of alkalization &KMnO4 treating methodsto enhance or cultivate on biofibresurface. Three different types of nanofillers with different percentage combination were made separately. Certain mechanical testing was encapsulated under 3 point bending and tensile stress loading to obtain mechanical properties such as deflection due to loading and obtaining tensile strength of respective sample beams. The bioreinforced composite was also tested by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) to understand the methodology for degradation with rising temperature. For this reason, there must be microscopically test taken up like scanning electron microscope (SEM) was carried out. Based on the obtained results, when the chemically induced biofibres amalgamated along nanofillers with certain percentage, displayed striking better mechanical properties than the biofibres which were untreated.. Among the results, out of 3 different nanofiller combined with treated natural fibers, h-Bn with 0.3% of weight of fibres treated with consulted percent composition near to 5% NaOH along with 0.6% of KMnO4 gave acceptablemechanical testing propertiesas compared to other graphine, graphine platelets and nontreated bio-fibre composites.
Study on effect of aeration time on methylene blue removal using titanium dioxide
Authors: Malathy Aruljothy , Selvapalam Narayanan , Vanitha Sankararajan , Sivapragasam Chandrasekaran
Published: June 2020

The aquatic organisms, human beings and other living species are affected due to polluted water excreted from industries. This polluted water contains various chemical substances such as dyes, cyanide etc. One such compound is Methylene blue dye which has an adverse effect on many living organisms. In this study Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles was prepared which completely neutralize the effect of Methylene blue in water. The morphology of titanium dioxide has been studied through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The efficiency of prepared nanoparticles has been tested in the presence of sunlight and aeration. The efficiency of Titanium dioxide was 85% at the end of 15 minutes which prohibit the effect of Methylene blue.
Analysis of surface water quality for irrigation in Padmanabhapuram fort (Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu) India
Authors: Ramesh B K , Pillai M Velayutham , Vanitha S , Diagu J
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to analyze the suitability of surface water quality (ponds) in Padmanabhapuram Fort campus (8°14’49”–8°15’11”N, 77°19’26”–77°19’55”E) in the Kanyakumari district for irrigation purposes. There are six small ponds on that campus. At present, these ponds are completely polluted. To have an idea and find solution for the problem related to water usable for irrigation, we carried out analysis of important physico-chemical parameters like total hardness, the potential of hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, calcium, carbonate, bicarbonate, total alkalinity, and sodium by instrumental and analytical methods. Other parameters, which are deemed to be significant for water used for irrigation such as sodium absorption ratio (SAR), magnesium hazard (MH), sodium content (% Na), Permeability index (PI), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Kelly ratio (KR) and soluble sodium percentage (SSP) are also derived by respective empirical formulas of these parameters.
Observation of exchange bias in nanoscale AuFe alloy film
Authors: Pannu Compesh , Ghosh Santanu , Srivastava Pankaj , Bharuth-Ram K , Reddy V R , Gupta Ajay , Kabiraj Debdulal , Avasthi D K
Published: June 2020

We report on observation of the exchange bias effect in AuFe co-sputtered alloy films in the as-deposited state and following swift heavy ion irradiation. The Mössbauer spectrum for the as-deposited film shows a broad paramagnetic doublet together with a small contribution from hyperfine magnetic sextets. The magnetization behavior exhibits a spontaneous exchange bias effect at room temperature without application of an external triggering field. The magnitude of exchange bias in the as-deposited sample increases with decreasing temperature, at first gradually down to about 50 K and then more rapidly down to 5 K. Irradiation of AuFe film with 100 MeV Au9+ ions transforms the Mössbauer spectrum into a broad magnetic sextet, with asymmetric broadening characteristic of the formation of α-Fe magnetic nanoclusters surrounded by shells of reduced Fe concentration. At room temperature the exchange bias field is in the same sense as that for the as-deposited sample, but decreases with temperature until it reverse its sign at below about 50 K. In both the as-deposited and irradiated samples a well-defined uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, consequent on a stress induced texturing of the Fe precipitate distribution, is observed.
Microbiota and Hypertension: Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System and the Immune System
Authors: Robles-Vera Iñaki , Toral Marta , Duarte Juan
Published: June 2020

There are numerous studies indicating a direct association between hypertension and gut microbiota in both animal models and humans. In this review, we focused on the imbalance in the gut microbiota composition relative to healthy state or homeostasis, termed dysbiosis, associated with hypertension and discuss the current knowledge regarding how microbiota regulates blood pressure (BP), involving the sympathetic nervous system and the immune system. The profile of ecological parameters and bacterial genera composition of gut dysbiosis in hypertension varies according to the experimental model of hypertension. Recent evidence supports that gut microbiota can protect or promote the development of hypertension by interacting with gut secondary lymph organs and altering T helper 17/regulatory T cells polarization, with subsequent changes in T cells infiltration in vascular tissues. Here, we also describe the bidirectional communication between the microbiome and the host via the sympathetic nervous system and its role in BP regulation. Dysbiosis in hypertension is mainly associated with reduced proportions of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, mainly acetate- and butyrate-producing bacteria, and an increased enrichment of the genes for lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and export, lending to moderate endotoxemia. The role of these metabolic and structural products in both immune and sympathetic system regulation and vascular inflammation was also analyzed. Overall, gut microbiota is now recognized as a well-established target to dietary interventions with prebiotics or probiotics to reduce BP.
The Rey Dot Counting Test as a Tool for Detecting Suboptimal Performance in Athlete Baseline Testing
Authors: DaCosta Andrew , Webbe Frank , LoGalbo Anthony
Published: June 2020

Objective

The limitations of Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT)’s embedded validity measures (EVMs) are well-documented, as estimates suggest up to 35% of invalid baseline performances go undetected. Few studies have examined standalone performance validity tests (PVT) as a supplement to ImPACT’s EVMs.

Method

College athletes (n = 1,213) were administered a preseason baseline assessment that included ImPACT and the Rey Dot Counting Test (DCT), a standalone PVT, among other measures.

Results

Sixty-nine athletes (5.69%) met criteria for suboptimal effort on either ImPACT or the DCT. The DCT detected more cases of suboptimal effort (n = 50) than ImPACT (n = 21). A χ2 test of independence detected significant disagreement between the two measures, as only two individuals produced suboptimal effort on both (χ2(2) = 1.568, p = .210). Despite this disagreement, there were significant differences between the suboptimal effort DCT group and the adequate effort DCT group across all four ImPACT neurocognitive domains (U = 19,225.000, p < .001; U = 17,859.000, p < .001; U = 13,854.000, p < .001; U = 17,850.500, p < .001).

Conclusions

The DCT appears to detect suboptimal effort otherwise undetected by ImPACT’s EVMs.
Correcting of Calf Atrophy With a Custom-Made Silicone Implant: Contribution of Three-Dimensional Computer-Aided Design Reconstruction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chavoin Jean-Pierre , Lupon Elise , Moreno Benjamin , Leyx Pierre , Grolleau Jean-Louis , Chaput Benoit
Published: June 2020

Background

Calf shape is an essential aesthetic parameter of the leg, and calf atrophy can lead to complex problems. The functional consequences of calf atrophy are generally moderate. Prefilled silicone gel implants represent the vast majority of currently placed prostheses, but this technique does not ensure optimal adaptation of the implant shape due to loss of volume.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe an innovative procedure for correcting acquired calf atrophy based on 3-dimensional (3D) modeling.

Methods

The study involved 22 patients treated for calf atrophy caused by illness. Implants were made with solid rubber silicone, and 3D reconstructions were created by computer-aided design based on computed tomography scans. The implants were introduced through a horizontal popliteal incision.

Results

Forty-one implants were placed. No cases of infection, hematoma, or compartment syndrome were encountered. We experienced 1 case of skin necrosis and 1 case of periprosthetic seroma. In addition, lipofilling was performed in 5 cases. Two patients sought to benefit from a surgical reduction in implant size.

Conclusions

Our innovative procedure to correct calf atrophy with custom solid rubber silicone implants produces a calf shape that better adapts to volume loss than prefilled silicone gel implants. The material maintains its shape and facilitates retrofitting of the prosthesis. There is no risk of hull formation or breakage, and the life span of the implants is limitless. This 3D computer-aided design approach has optimized our reconstructions.

Level of Evidence: 4
MolAICal: a soft tool for 3D drug design of protein targets by artificial intelligence and classical algorithm
Authors: Bai Qifeng , Tan Shuoyan , Xu Tingyang , Liu Huanxiang , Huang Junzhou , Yao Xiaojun
Published: June 2020

Deep learning is an important branch of artificial intelligence that has been successfully applied into medicine and two-dimensional ligand design. The three-dimensional (3D) ligand generation in the 3D pocket of protein target is an interesting and challenging issue for drug design by deep learning. Here, the MolAICal software is introduced to supply a way for generating 3D drugs in the 3D pocket of protein targets by combining with merits of deep learning model and classical algorithm. The MolAICal software mainly contains two modules for 3D drug design. In the first module of MolAICal, it employs the genetic algorithm, deep learning model trained by FDA-approved drug fragments and Vinardo score fitting on the basis of PDBbind database for drug design. In the second module, it uses deep learning generative model trained by drug-like molecules of ZINC database and molecular docking invoked by Autodock Vina automatically. Besides, the Lipinski’s rule of five, Pan-assay interference compounds (PAINS), synthetic accessibility (SA) and other user-defined rules are introduced for filtering out unwanted ligands in MolAICal. To show the drug design modules of MolAICal, the membrane protein glucagon receptor and non-membrane protein SARS-CoV-2 main protease are chosen as the investigative drug targets. The results show MolAICal can generate the various and novel ligands with good binding scores and appropriate XLOGP values. We believe that MolAICal can use the advantages of deep learning model and classical programming for designing 3D drugs in protein pocket. MolAICal is freely for any nonprofit purpose and accessible at https://molaical.github.io.
Epiviz File Server: Query, transform and interactively explore data from indexed genomic files
Authors: Kancherla Jayaram , Yang Yifan , Chae Hyeyun , Corrada Bravo Hector
Published: June 2020

Motivation

Genomic data repositories like The Cancer Genome Atlas, Encyclopedia of DNA Elements, Bioconductor’s AnnotationHub and ExperimentHub etc., provide public access to large amounts of genomic data as flat files. Researchers often download a subset of data files from these repositories to perform exploratory data analysis. We developed Epiviz File Server, a Python library that implements an in situ data query system for local or remotely hosted indexed genomic files, not only for visualization but also data transformation. The File Server library decouples data retrieval and transformation from specific visualization and analysis tools and provides an abstract interface to define computations independent of the location, format or structure of the file. We demonstrate the File Server in two use cases: (i) integration with Galaxy workflows and (ii) using Epiviz to create a custom genome browser from the Epigenome Roadmap dataset.

Availability and implementation

Epiviz File Server is open source and is available on GitHub at http://github.com/epiviz/epivizFileServer. The documentation for the File Server library is available at http://epivizfileserver.rtfd.io.
An odyssey out of Africa: an integrative review of past and present invasions by the Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis)
Authors: Dufresnes Christophe , Alard Bérénice
Published: June 2020

An illustration of the human footprint on biodiversity are the faunal movements that have accompanied commercial and cultural exchanges between civilizations throughout history. In this article, we provide an integrative review of biogeographical and archaeological knowledge to understand these processes for the Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis), an African species that has reached several regions of south-western Europe and associated islands. By re-analysing molecular (multilocus mitochondrial and genome-wide markers) and bioclimatic (ecological niche modelling) data, we give a comprehensive picture of the genetic diversity, structure and environmental suitability of H. meridionalis across its natural and exotic ranges, which in turn offer specific clues to the putative routes of colonization and associated events. Long-term monitoring efforts suggest northwards shifts of local range margins, potentially due to global warming, and we further demonstrate that this species is the most frequent amphibian to travel via the food supply chain in Western Europe. High dispersal ability, ecological tolerance and proximity to human settlements have made H. meridionalis a recurrent witness to the complexity and diversity of the civilizations that ruled the Western Mediterranean.