Highly enhanced energy storage properties of H2O2-hydroxylated rare earth ferrites (LaFeO3 and GdFeO3) nanofillers in poly(vinylidene fluoride)-based nanocomposite films

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - Pure PVDF has higher breakdown strength but low dielectric and ferroelectric properties. Thus, we synthesized the LaFeO3 and GdFeO3...     

Small-Molecule Inhibitors of METTL3, the Major Human Epitranscriptomic Writer

The RNA methylase METTL3 catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from the cofactor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) to the N⁶ atom of adenine. We have screened a library of 4000 analogues and derivatives of the adenosine moiety of SAM by high-throughput docking into METTL3. Two series of adenine derivatives were identified in silico, and the binding mode of six of the predicted inhibitors was validated by protein crystallography. Two compounds, one for each series, show good ligand efficiency. We propose a route for their further development into potent and selective inhibitors of METTL3.     

Mechanisms of EGFR Resistance in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Despite numerous efforts to target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), commonly dysregulated in GBM, approaches directed against EGFR have not achieved the same degree of success as seen in other tumor types, particularly as compared to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). EGFR alterations in glioblastoma lie primarily in the extracellular domain, unlike the kinase domain alterations seen in NSCLC. Small molecule inhibitors are difficult to develop for the extracellular domain. Monoclonal antibodies can be developed to target the extracellular domain but must contend with the blood brain barrier (BBB). We review the role of EGFR in GBM, the history of trialed treatments, and the potential paths forward to target the pathway that may have greater success.     

Investigating the effect of silver nanorods embedded in polydimethylsiloxane matrix using nanoindentation and its use for flexible electronics

The stretchable electrodes with excellent flexibility, electrical conductivity, and mechanical durability are the most fundamental components in the emerging and exciting field of flexible electronics. This article proposes a method for fabrication of such a stretchable electrode by embedding silver nanorods (AgNRs) into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix that is grown by a unique glancing angle deposition technique. The surface, mechanical, and electrical properties of PDMS are significantly changed after embedding the AgNRs in it. The results show that surface roughness and polarity increase after AgNRs are embedded in the PDMS matrix. Elastic modulus (E) and hardness (H) decrease with an increase in the indentation load as a result of the indentation depth effect. Due to strong interfacial adhesion of AgNRs embedded in the PDMS matrix, the E and H of nanocomposite are increased by 167.6 and 93.3% compared with PDMS film, respectively. Furthermore, the AgNRs-PDMS film has an electrical resistivity value in the order of 10⁻⁷ Ωm. It remains conductive during various mechanical strains such as bending, twisting, and stretching, which is demonstrated using a light-emitting diode circuit. Simultaneously, the antimicrobial activity of silver could make it a promising candidate for wearable electronics.     

An intelligent railway surveillance framework based on recognition of object and railway track using deep learning

Multimedia Tools and Applications - In high speed railways, the intelligent railway safety system is necessary to avoid the accidents due to collision between trains and obstacles on the railway...     

Simulation of an experimental compartment fire by CFD

This paper analyses the experimental results, obtained in a compartment fire experiment [Kumar R. Studies on compartment fires. Ph.D. thesis. Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, 2004], by using CFD modelling. Experiments were conducted in a compartment by burning methanol as a fuel. Temperatures vs. time were recorded at 11 different locations in the compartment for three sizes of fires.     

Correlations Among Signatures for Detection of Different Types of Fires

One way of overcoming the problem of false alarms encountered in a single parameter detection system due to non-fire stimulii is the simultaneous use of multiple signatures. Researchers have found significant benefits of multi-sensor detection in reducing false triggering. Appreciable interest has been expressed in using carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas sensors in combination with smoke sensors. The present study has been carried out to determine the correlation and inter-dependence between two different fire signatures like CO–OD (optical density), CO–CO₂, CO₂–OD. The signatures have been investigated using experimental measurements of a fire inside a closed compartment measuring 7 x 7 x 4.2 m. A range of fuels are used, and both smouldering and flaming combustion are examined. Attempts have been made to examine whether correlation coefficients between two signatures can form a basis of detection and be exploited as one of the components in multi- criteria fire detection algorithm. The CO/CO₂ ratio as a criterion for detector operation has also been examined and discussed in the light of existing literature and codal provisions.     

Impact of open dumping of municipal solid waste on soil properties in mountainous region

This paper presents the effect of open dumping of municipal solid waste (MSW) on soil characteristics in the mountainous region of Himachal Pradesh, India. The solid waste of dumpsite contains various complex characteristics with organic fractions of the highest proportions. As leachate percolates into the soil, it migrates contaminants into the soil and affects soil stability and strength. The study includes the geotechnical investigation of dump soil characteristics and its comparison with the natural soil samples taken from outside the proximity of dumpsites. The geochemical analysis of dumpsite soil samples was also carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Visual inspection revealed that the MSW consists of high fraction of organics, followed by paper. The soil samples were collected from five trial pits in the dumpsites at depths of 0.5 m, 1 m and 1.5 m. Then the collected soil samples were subjected to specific gravity test, grain size analysis, Atterberg's limit test, compaction test, direct shear test, California bearing ratio (CBR) test and permeability analysis. The study indicated that the dumpsite soils from four study regions show decreasing trends in the values of maximum dry density (MDD), specific gravity, cohesion and CBR, and increasing permeability as compared to the natural soil. The results show that the geotechnical properties of the soils at all four study locations have been severely hampered due to contamination induced by open dumping of waste.