Effect of Leishman Stain on Synthesis,Characteristics, and Morphology of Zn 0.15 Cd 0.8 S 0.8 Thin Film

ZnCdS thin film has been formed by chemical bath deposition using Leishman stain and complexing agent. The synthesized thin film was characterized using x-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The x-ray diffraction pattern revealed cubic and hexagonal crystalline phases in the thin film. The morphological and topographical parameters were confirmed by SEM and AFM. The properties of the thin film were found to change due to the growth mechanism with the element ratios Zn/Cd and Zn/CdS depending on the complexing agent. The bandgap values obtained for the thin films were 2.42 eV, 2.43 eV, and 2.92 eV.     

A global survey of effects of genotype and environment on selenium concentration in lentils (Lens culinaris L.): Implications for nutritional fortification strategies

Lentils (Lens culinaris L.) are an important protein and carbohydrate food, rich in essential dietary components and trace elements. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health. For adults, 55 μg of daily Se intake is recommended for better health and cancer prevention. Millions of people around the world have Se-deficient diets and biofortification may be an effective solution. The total Se concentration of lentils grown in six major lentil-producing countries were analysed to determine the potential for Se biofortification in these regions. The highest Se concentrations based on location means were found in lentils from Nepal (180 μg/kg) and southern Australia (148 μg/kg) while the lowest were those from Syria (22 μg/kg), Morocco (28 μg/kg), northwestern USA (26 μg/kg), and Turkey (47 μg/kg). Significant location effects within a country were observed for Nepal and Australia. All values were lower than previous published data for Saskatchewan grown lentils (425–672 μg/kg). Lentils originating from Australia, Nepal, or Canada could be considered good sources of Se, as consumption of 50 g would provide 13–61% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Our findings indicate lentil may be appropriate as a target crop for Se biofortification and investigated as a food-based solution for populations with Se deficiencies.     

Stabilization of primary sewage sludge during vermicomposting

In India, over the last few decades, there has been a remarkable increase in sewage sludge production due to population increase and unplanned urbanization. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida to transform primary sewage sludge (PSS) amended with cow dung (CD) into value added product, i.e., vermicompost in laboratory scale experiments. Two approaches investigated in the study were: (1) evaluation of vermistabilization of PSS and CD mixtures after 15 weeks in terms of fertilizer quality of the products and; (2) growth and reproduction of Eisenia foetida up to 11 weeks in different vermireactors. In all the PSS and CD mixtures, a decrease in pH, TOC and C:N ratio, but increase in EC, TKN, TK and TP was recorded. The heavy metals' content in the vermicomposts was higher than initial mixtures. Maximum worm biomass was attained in 10% PSS+90% CD mixture while, the worm growth rate was highest in 30% PSS+70% CD feed mixture. It was inferred from the study that addition of 30-40% of PSS with CD had no adverse effect on the fertilizer value of the vermicompost as well as growth of Eisenia foetida. The results indicated that PSS could be converted into good quality manure by vermicomposting if mixed in appropriate ratio (30-40%) with cow dung.     

Rain-induced attenuation for Ku-band satellite communications in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang

Accurate rainfall rate is important for predicting rain attenuation over a satellite link. Raindrops are able to take in, spread out, and change the polarization of satellite signals that pass through the atmosphere of the earth, especially in equatorial regions like Malaysia where heavy rainfall normally occurs. Satellite communications system network operating at Ku-Band will experience rain fade due to absorption and scattering of signal. This paper aims to discuss the range of effects of rain on the transmission of electromagnetic signal and to determine the significance of rainfall rate in the prediction of rain attenuation based on measurements carried out in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia (Penang). At 0.01% of time, 140?mm/h and 22?dB of rain rate and attenuation were observed, respectively.     

Investigation of block foundations resting on soil–rock and rock–rock media under coupled vibrations

In the present study,the dynamic response of block foundations of different equivalent radius to mass(R_o/m) ratios under coupled vibrations is investigated for various homogeneous and layered systems.The frequency-dependent stiffness and damping of foundation resting on homogeneous soils and rocks are determined using the half-space theory.The dynamic response characteristics of foundation resting on the layered system considering rock-rock combination are evaluated using finite element program with transmitting boundaries.Frequencies versus amplitude responses of block foundation are obtained for both translational and rotational motion.A new methodology is proposed for determination of dynamic response of block foundations resting on soil-rock and weathered rock-rock system in the form of equations and graphs.The variations of dimensionless natural frequency and dimensionless resonant amplitude with shear wave velocity ratio are investigated for different thicknesses of top soil/weathered rock layer.The dynamic behaviors of block foundations are also analyzed for different rock-rock systems by considering sandstone,shale and limestone underlain by basalt.The variations of stiffness,damping and amplitudes of block foundations with frequency are shown in this study for various rock—rock combinations.In the analysis,two resonant peaks are observed at two different frequencies for both translational and rotational motion.It is observed that the dimensionless resonant amplitudes decrease and natural frequencies increase with increase in shear wave velocity ratio.Finally,the parametric study is performed for block foundations with dimensions of 4 m × 3 m × 2 m and 8m×5m×2m by using generalized graphs.The variations of natural frequency and peak displacement amplitude are also studied for different top layer thicknesses and eccentric moments.     

Cell adhesion and growth on synthetic hydrogel beads

Hydrolysed poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres with carboxyl residues distributed throughout the matrix were tested for their ability to support cell adhesion and growth. Cell growth as determined by protein content, phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy showed that these microspheres are growth-supportive. Further, preliminary experiments pointed to their usefulness in microcarrier culture.     

Gyrase ATPase Domain as an Antitubercular Drug Discovery Platform: Structure‐Based Design and Lead Optimization of Nitrothiazolyl Carboxamide Analogues

In this study, we explored the pharmaceutically underexploited mycobacterial gyrase ATPase (GyrB) domain as a template for a structure‐based virtual screening of our in‐house (BITS Pilani) compound collection to discover new inhibitors targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb.) The hit identified was further customized by using a combination of molecular docking and medicinal chemistry strategies to obtain an optimized analogue displaying considerable in vitro enzyme efficacy and bactericidal properties against the M.tb. H₃₇Rv strain. The binding affinity of the ligand toward the GyrB domain was reascertained by differential scanning fluorimetry experiments. Further evaluation of the hERG toxicity (a major limitation among the previously reported N‐linked aminopiperidine analogues) indicated these molecules to be completely devoid of cardiotoxicity, a significant achievement within this class.