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Effect of Halloysite Nanotubes on Physico-Mechanical Properties of Silk/Basalt Fabric Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have become more attractive due to their high specific strength, light weight and environmental concern. However, some limitations such as low modulus and poor moisture resistance were reported. This paper presents the role of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on physico-mechanical properties of bidirectional silk and basalt fiber reinforced epoxy (SF-BF/Ep) hybrid composites. Vacuum bagging and ultra-sonication method were used for the fabrication of hybrid composite slabs. The effect of HNT loadings (1.5, 3 and 4.5 wt. %) on physico-mechanical characteristics like density, hardness, flexural and impact properties of SF-BF/Ep composites were determined according to ASTM standards. Experimental results revealed that the incorporation of HNTs improves the mechanical properties. The impact strength of SF-BF/Ep is predominant at 3 wt. % HNT loading where the impact strength surges to 568.67 J/m, which may render HNT filled SF-BF/Ep desirable for various toughness-critical structural applications. The test results demonstrated that SF-BF/Ep-3HNT coded composites exhibited improved mechanical properties among the all composites. 2022 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland. -
Effect of basalt fiber hybridization on mechanical properties of silk fiber reinforced epoxy composites
Poor mechanical properties and constraints on production presently limit the utilization of bio-based reinforcing agents to non-structural and structural automotive elements. The conjugation of natural fibre with volcanic rock fibre provides a way to improve the mechanical properties of composites over natural fibre alone. In this study, physico-mechanical properties of hybrid fibre (silk and basalt) reinforced epoxy composites were found by experimentation following acceptable ASTM standards. Hybrid composites were produced by combining silk/basalt fibres in the ratio of 50:0, 25:25 and 30:20, whereas overall weight fraction was maintained at 0.5. The experimental results showed that the performance of combined fibres were superior compared to that of silk fibre bolstered epoxy composites. Among the 2 varieties of hybrids, the silk/basalt (25:25 by weight ratio) combination offered the very best hardness, strength, modulus, and toughness to the epoxy matrix owing to the similar modulus and synergistic interaction between the two reinforcing fibres. The results also steered that the morphology and surface adhesion affected the strength of the hybrid composites. These observations give insight into the advantages of various fibre reinforcements to the mechanical performance of epoxy matrix which is considered to be brittle. The failure mechanisms and the adhesion between fibres and matrix were studied by analysing the photomicrographs of broken coupons. 2020 Elsevier Ltd. -
Mechanical and abrasive wear behaviour of waste silk fiber reinforced epoxy biocomposites using taguchi method
The aim of this research article is to study the static mechanical properties and abrasive wear behavior of epoxy biocomposites reinforced with different weight percentage of waste silk fibers. The effect of parameters such as velocity (A), load (B), fiber loading (C) and abrading distance (D) on abrasive wear has been considered using Taguchi's L25 orthogonal array. The objective is to examine parameters which significantly affect the abrasive wear of biocomposites. The addition of silk fiber has resulted in improved flexural properties of the epoxy matrix. The results of ANOVA indicated that the parameter which played a significant role was abrading distance followed by fiber loading, load and sliding velocity. 2019 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland. -
Mechanical and Wear Behavior of Halloysite Nanotubes Filled Silk/Basalt Hybrid Composites Using Response Surface Methodology
The aim of this study is to develop bio-friendly light weight polymer nanocomposites for load bearing applications and to evaluate the influence of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on mechanical as well as wear behavior of silk fiber (SF) and basalt fiber (BF) reinforced epoxy (Ep) composites. HNT filled biocomposites were fabricated using vacuum bagging technique. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) of experiment with Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to conduct the dry-sliding wear tests on a pin on disc apparatus. Tribo-mechanical properties and worn surface micrographs of hybrid composite samples were analyzed. Hardness, tensile strength and wear resistance behavior of SF + BF/Ep hybrid composites were substantially improved with the incorporation of HNTs. It was observed from the confirmation test that there is a strong agreement between the experimental findings as well as the predicted values, with a minimum reported error of <5% for HNT-SF + BF/Ep hybrid nanocomposites. SEM micrographs of the worn-out surface of HNT filled SF + BF/Ep composite exhibited fiber breakage, pulverized matrix, good interfacial bonding and fractured fibers. The novelty of the current research work is the development of eco-friendly polymeric composites for wear resistant and structural applications. The effect of hybridization (fiberssilk and basalt, fillersHNTs) on the tribo-mechanical properties of polymeric composites were investigated for the first time. The study showed that the mechanical as well as the tribological properties of SF and BF reinforced epoxy composites were enhanced with the addition of nanofiller. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023. -
Optimization of Abrasive Wear Parameters of Halloysite Nanotubes Reinforced Silk/Basalt Hybrid Epoxy Composites using Taguchi Approach
The demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable materials for nonstructural and structural applications grows by the day. Polymeric composites reinforced with fillers and fibres are considered to have increased strength and desirable wear resistance. Abrasive wear of industrial and agricultural based components are currently one of the most serious issue. Therefore, the current research reports on the influence of Halloysite-Nanotubes (HNTs) loading on the three body abrasive behavior of bi-directional silk fibre (SF) and basalt fibre (BF) reinforced epoxy (Ep) composites. Rubber wheel with dry sand abrasion testing in accordance with ASTM G65-16e1 was performed with four control parameters such as filler content, load, abrading distance and silica sand size. The tests were planned as per orthogonal array of Taguchi (L27). Significant impact of control factors were identified using ANOVA (Analysis of variance). The results demonstrated that adding HNTs to SF-BF/Ep nanocomposites significantly improved the wear resistance and the combination of A2, B1, C3 and D1 control factors yields the lower specific wear rate (SWR). Findings exhibit that the load and abrading distance were the most significant parameters affecting the abrasive wear of SF-BF/Ep nanocomposites followed by filler content and silica sand size. Microstructural features were observed via scanning-electron-microscopy (SEM). 2022 Published by Faculty of Engineering. -
Metallic silver and copper oxide nanoparticles: Uses in food preservation and impacts on the environment
This review examines the applications of metallic silver and copper oxide nanoparticles in food preservation, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize food packaging and reduce environmental pollution through enhanced waste management strategies. Synthesis of these nanoparticles via green methods including bacteria-, fungi-, and plant-mediated approaches have been discussed. The antimicrobial properties and toxicity of silver and copper oxide nanoparticles have been evaluated highlighting their efficiency in inhibiting microbial growth and extending the shelf life of food products. Regulatory policies governing the use of these nanoparticles in food packaging have been analyzed along with the exploration of active packaging technologies that leverage their unique properties. By integrating advances in nanotechnology with better food formulations, this review underscores the transformative impact of silver and copper oxide nanoparticles on food safety and environmental sustainability, offering insights into the future directions for research and newer applications. 2024 -
Media Ethics in Times of Demonetization: Framing Debates in English News Channels
Objectivity has been a traditional ideal for journalism. Journalists are trained to be objective; they do not frame stories by themselves????or do they? Faced with the pressure of deadlines, strained resources and the perception that audience prefer reportorial style, journalists resort to amusement or conflict based reporting positioning one side against the other and often aggravating facts and issues. The public today expresses disappointment with current media practices. Media watchers argue that instead of improving the quality of programming, competition has resulted in a race to the bottom, where news channels have conveniently forgotten basic ethical norms. This study is an attempt at re-visioning media ethics. It is believed that ethical journalism is never more important than in the time of crises. Taking India???s recent economic crisis, demonetization, this research aims to answer what makes it difficult for journalists to adhere to ethics especially during crises? With emphasis on situation faced by reporters, pressure imposed on them by various sources and ethical dilemma, this study provides answers to the questions posed on the work of journalists. Content analysis of demonetization debates broadcasted on two popular English news channels and interview responses of experienced journalists of Indian news media goes to explain how demonetization was represented by Indian news channels and to what extent journalistic ethics was reflected in their content. -
Phenolic composition and antioxidant potential of Cosmostigma cordatum
Cosmostigma cordatum (Poir.) M.R. Almeida, a plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae, has not been explored for its phytochemistry and antioxidant properties. Dried samples of leaves were used to estimate the proximate and mineral composition. Distilled water, methanol, and ethanol extracts were analyzed for the quantification of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential. EC50 values were determined to estimate the antioxidant potential. Leaves of C. cordatum were found to be a good source of proximate contents and minerals. The total phenols, flavonoids, minerals, and antioxidant activity were determined from methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of leaves. Extracts showed a higher concentration of phenols (2.29 0.06 mg GAE g-1) in methanolic extracts and these extracts had higher antioxidant activity when compared to ethanol and aqueous extracts. The flavonoid content was higher in ethanolic extracts (51.94 0.89 mg QE g-1) than in other extracts. In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis of the hexane extract of leaves identified (E,E)-7,11,15-trimethyl-3-methylene-hexadeca-1,6,10,14-tetraene, 1H-cycloprop[e]azulene, decahydro-1,1,7-trimethyl-4-methylene-, n-hexadecanoic acid, 1-naphthalenepropanol,.alpha-ethenyldecahydro-2-hydroxy-.alpha.2,5,5,8a-pentamethyl [1R[1.alpha.(R*).beta.4a.beta.8a.alpha.]]-,cis-3,14-clerodadien-13-ol, squalene and octacosane. Our results suggest that the leaves can become a potential source of food supplements, nutraceuticals, and photo-therapeutics. 2022, Indian journals. All rights reserved. -
Handloom weavers and lockdown in Sualkuchi Cluster of Assam
After demonetisation in 2016, followed by imposition of the goods and services tax in the subsequent year, the COVID-19 lockdown has turned out to be a final nail in the coffin for the handloom sector in Assam. It has special importance in the informal economy of Assam since it is next to agriculture in creating employment opportunities. An examination of the Sualkuchi weaving cluster in Assam shows the many challenges the weavers, most of them women, face. 2020 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
Reading Patterns, Engagement Style and Theory of Mind
Theory of mind (TOM) refers to a set of abilities which enables understanding of mental states including beliefs, emotions and intentions of self and others. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of different reading patterns including frequency of reading fiction and genre preference on TOM performance. It also aims to compare the accuracy of TOM performance under explicit goal directed and non-directed reading conditions. To achieve this objective, a sample of 72 Indian college students were randomly allocated to two groups and were evaluated on the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and the Short Story Task (SST). The two groups differed with respect to task instructions aimed at mobilizing different manner of engagement (goal directed and nondirected) with the prose in the SST. The individual reading habits and preferences of all the participants were recorded by a self report questionnaire. Scores on the novel SST showed significant positive correlation with RMET scores. No significant difference in TOM performance with respect to the different engagement styles was found, indicating that TOM abilities function continuously and equally effectively when being used in goal directed and nondirected conditions. Notably, participants who reported to prefer literary fiction performed significantly better on the SST task than the participants who prefer popular fiction. This positive link between literary fiction and TOM has important implications in clinical and developmental fields and necessitates further research. 2021, National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) India. -
Advances in detecting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) using molecular receptors and nanostructured assemblies
The detection and quantification of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are crucial due to their widespread use and potential impact on human health and the environment. This review provides a comprehensive survey of the recent advancements in sensing technologies for NSAIDs, focusing on molecular receptors and nanostructured assemblies. Molecular receptors based on different fluorescent molecules such as anthracene, naphthalimide, squaraine, quinoline, BINOL, etc. offer high selectivity and sensitivity for NSAID detection. In parallel, nanostructured assemblies including CdSe/ZnS, Cd/S quantum dots (QDs), carbon dot-containing imprinted polymers, Ag and Au nanoparticles (NPs), hydrogel-embedded chemosensors, etc. were utilized for NSAID detection. This review highlights the different binding pathways with the change of various photophysical properties combining molecular recognition elements with nanomaterials to develop innovative sensors that achieve rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of NSAIDs. The review also discusses current challenges and future prospects in the field and based on reported designed receptors and nanostructured assemblies. To the best of our knowledge, no reviews have been reported on this topic so far. Thus, this review will fruitfully guide researchers to design various new molecular receptors and nanostructured materials to detect NSAIDs. 2024 RSC. -
Impedance and electrochemical studies of rGO/Li-ion/PANI intercalated polymer electrolyte films for energy storage application
The present manuscript describes the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) from coke by using modified Hummers method. The synthesized emeraldine poly aniline (PANI) polymer was used as a polymer host matrix. A series of polymer electrolyte films were prepared by varying concentration of rGO, PANI and Lithium carbonate. The synthesized PANI and rGO were soluble in common polar solvent. The structural, Nyquist and cyclic voltammetry studies of polymer electrolyte were investigated. The XRD and FTIR investigation confirms the formation of rGO and PANI in view of structural and chemical compositions respectively. The electrical property of polymer electrolyte was obtained by Nyquist plot which represents the perfect semicircular pattern. It confirms the charge transport mechanism with the decreased concentration of rGO in polymer electrolyte. The cyclic voltammetry performed at different scan rate on potential window ranged between-0.5 to 0.6 V represents the oxidation and reduction peaks. The overall results describe that the present electrolyte material can be a potential candidate for energy storage application.. 2019 Elsevier Ltd. -
Exploring the potential of Andrographis paniculata for developing novel HDAC inhibitors: an in silico approach
Cancer is one of the dreaded diseases of the twentieth century, emerging the major global causes of human morbidity. Cancer research in the last 15 years has provided unprecedented information on the role of epigenetics in cancer initiation and progression. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are recognized as important epigenetic markers in cancer, whose overexpression leads to increased metastasis and angiogenesis. In the current study, thirty-four (34) compounds from Andrographis paniculata were screened for the identification of potential candidate drugs, targeting three Class I HDACs (Histone deacetylases), namely HDAC1 (PDB id 5ICN), HDAC3 (PDB id 4A69) and HDAC8 (PDB id 5FCW) through computer-assisted drug discovery study. Results showed that some of the phytochemicals chosen for this study exhibited significant drug-like properties. In silico molecular docking study further revealed that out of 34 compounds, the flavonoid Andrographidine E had the highest binding affinities towards HDAC1 (?9.261 Kcal mol?1) and 3 (?9.554 Kcal mol?1) when compared with the control drug Givinostat (-8.789 and ?9.448 Kcal mol?1). The diterpenoid Andrographiside displayed the highest binding affinity (-9.588 Kcal mol?1) to HDAC8 compared to Givinostat (-8.947 Kcal mol?1). Statistical analysis using Principal Component Analysis tool revealed that all 34 phytocompounds could be clustered in four statistical groups. Most of them showed high or comparable inhibitory potentials towards HDAC target protein. Finally, the stability of top-ranked complexes (Andrographidine E-HDAC1 and HDAC3; Andrographiside-HDAC8) at the physiological condition was validated by Molecular Dynamic Simulation and MM-PBSA study. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Python programming for geospatial applications: Web mapping, interactive visualization, and beyond
Geospatial solutions represent a pivotal toolset for analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing spatial data across diverse domains, facilitating informed decision-making and fostering innovation. This book chapter provides a comprehensive overview of geospatial solutions, emphasizing their critical role in addressing spatially explicit challenges and driving efficiency, productivity, and innovation across various sectors. Furthermore, it explores the integration of Python programming in geospatial applications, highlighting its versatility and extensive ecosystem of libraries and tools tailored for spatial data analysis and visualization. The fundamentals of web mapping are discussed in depth, elucidating spatial representation, technologies, and tools commonly employed in web mapping applications. Also, the chapter explores Python's role in retrieving geospatial data with Python, visualization methods, and interactive web mapping. 2024, IGI Global. -
A proposed framework for an appropriate governance system to develop smart cities in India
The Government of India has undertaken a novel step towards building new smart cities as well as transforming some of its existing cities into smart cities. However, tension relating to the governance of smart cities has emerged. Therefore, a mixed-methods approach was used based on a perception survey, case studies, and discussions with stakeholders and experts, to examine the current governance challenges in transforming existing cities into smart cities, and to explore various perspectives to propose a framework for an appropriate governance system for developing smart cities in India. The findings suggested that the current executive-led governance system, with special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) under the control of the state governments as the promoters of smart city development, might not lead to the smart governance system envisaged but, rather, add confusion and conflict, and undermine the constitutionally mandated, legislative-led urban local bodies. The argument in this article is for a people-centric, balanced governance approach with strengthened urban local bodies, enabled by advanced digital technology and the constructive participation of different social solidarities, in which the SPVs would act as the intellectual and executive wing of the urban local bodies. 2023 Regional Studies Association. -
Ortho-Vanillin based multifunctional scaffold for selective detection of Al3+ and Zn2+ employing molecular logic with DFT study and cell imaging with live Grass pea
Ligand (E)-N-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene) acetohydrazide (HL) has been designed and synthesized from o-vanillin and acetohydrazide for selective sensing of Al3+ and Zn2+ ions. In the photoluminescence studies, the receptor HL itself shows very poor fluorescence but on incremental addition of Al3+ and Zn2+ ions in solution of the probe HL individually leads to a sharp increase in emission intensities at wavelengths 468 nm (?15 fold) and 504 nm (?8 fold) respectively. Due to excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), HL exhibits weak emission in absence of any analytes but in presence of Al3+ and Zn2+, chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) with coordination of Al3+ and Zn2+ inhibits ESIPT, which results large increase of fluorescence enhancement. The ligand HL shows high selectivity and sensitivity to detect Al3+ and Zn2+ among various metal ions with LOD (Limit of Detection) 0.836 10?6 M and 1.01 10?6 M respectively. DFT calculation has been performed to study the binding phenomenon of ligand HL with metal ions. A molecular logic gate has been build-up with Al3+ and Zn2+ and EDTA as three chemical input. Simultaneously, cytotoxicity and cell biology for the probe and corresponding Al3+ sensing were observed. 2023 Elsevier B.V. -
Rendering View of Kitchen Design Using Autodesk 3Ds Max
The method of creating a 3D kitchen design model is clarified, including setting up the sources, working with editable poly, information in the inside of the kitchen design, and applying turbo-smooth and symmetry modifier. The way materials are introduced to the model which is defined in addition to lighting the environment and setting up the renderer. Rendering methods and procedures are also defined. Multiple images were drawn to create the final rendering. The goal of our research is to produce a kitchen design that uses materials to enhance models. Cylinder, sphere, box, plane, and splines were the shapes employed. Editable poly, editable spline, and UVW map are the modifiers. Finally, we enhanced the model using a material editor and target lighting. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Dhat syndrome and its perceived impact on psychological well-being
Background: Dhat syndrome is a culture-bound syndrome originating in the Indian subcontinent, primarily among men characterized by the fear of loss of semen. Objective: The article discusses the perceived impact of Dhat syndrome on the overall psychological well-being of the individual. Method: Four patients from hospitals in Kolkata, West Bengal, were screened using MINI and then interviewed using semi-structured interview to assess presenting concerns, interventions, psychological well-being, attitude toward sex and masturbation, and their sociodemographic details. The data were then categorized based on the dimensions of the questionnaire, which was then analyzed individually and separately based on the dimensions. The differences and commonalities between the dimensions as conveyed by the participants were then reported. Results: The analysis showed that the participants reported lower levels of psychological well-being based on the categories of Seligman's PERMA model and attributed it to the symptoms experienced by them. They traced the beginning of the hindrances to achieving optimal well-being to the onset of symptoms. Conclusion: This article proposes the incorporation of integrative therapeutic interventions and advocacy of sex education to address the psychological well-being over the current symptom reduction interventions used. 2019 Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow. -
Isolation and Characterization of Antidermatophytic Bioactive Molecules from Piper longum L. Leaves
Piper longum L. (Piperaceae) commonly known as "long pepper" is a well known medicinal plant in ayurveda. Different parts of this plant, such as root, seed, fruit, whole plant etc. are used traditionally in various ailments. Here we have investigated the antidermatophytic activity of sequentially extracted petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water extracts from P. longum leaf against Trichophytonmentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. tonsurans, Microsporum fulvum and M. gypseum. Better activity of chloroform and methanol extracts was observed. The chloroform extract was selected for further study and the MIC value was recorded as 5.0 mg ml-1 against the test organisms. In the chloroform extract, tannins and phenolic compounds were detected. Further activity-guided fractionation of chloroform extract by silica gel column chromatography yielded nine major fractions. Among these, fraction-1, 4, 5 and 7 showed higher antidermatophytic activity. Fraction-4 on further purification by repeated column chromatography yielded a potential antidermatophytic fraction showing MIC value of 0.625 mg ml-1 against T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum as determined by broth microdilution method. The major compounds were identified as 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester (C24H38O4] (41.45 %), 2,2-dimethoxybutane (C6H14O2] (13.6 %) and ?-myrcene (C10H16) (6.75 %) based on GC-MS data. 2012 Association of Microbiologists of India. -
A Review on Preprocessing Techniques for Noise Reduction in PET-CT Images for Lung Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death. According to World Health Organization, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in 2020, with over 1.8 million deaths. Therefore, lung cancer mortality can be reduced with early detection and treatment. The components of early detection require screening and accurate detection of the tumor for staging and treatment planning. Due to the advances in medicine, nuclear medicine has become the forefront of precise lung cancer diagnosis. Currently, PET/CT is the most preferred diagnostic modality for lung cancer detection. However, variable results and noise in the imaging modalities and the lung's complexity as an organ have made it challenging to identify lung tumors from the clinical images. In addition, the factors such as respiration can cause blurry images and introduce other artifacts in the images. Although nuclear medicine is at the forefront of diagnosing, evaluating, and treating various diseases, it is highly dependent on image quality, which has led to many approaches, such as the fusion of modalities to evaluate the disease. In addition, the fusion of diagnostic modalities can be accurate when well-processed images are acquired, which is challenging due to different diagnostic machines and external and internal factors associated with lung cancer patients. The current works focus on single imaging modalities for lung cancer detection, and there are no specific techniques identified individually for PET and CT images, respectively, for attaining effective and noise-free hybrid imaging for lung cancer detection. Based on the survey, it has been identified that several image preprocessing filters are used for different noise types. However, for successful preprocessing, it is essential to identify the types of noise present in PET and CT images and the appropriate techniques that perform well for these modalities. Therefore, the primary aim of the review is to identify efficient preprocessing techniques for noise and artifact removal in the PET/CT images that can preserve the critical features of the tumor for accurate lung cancer diagnosis. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.