Advanced Photoresponsive Materials Using the Metal–Organic Framework Approach

When fabricating macroscopic devices exploiting the properties of organic chromophores, the corresponding molecules need to be condensed into a solid material. Since optical absorption properties are often strongly affected by interchromophore interactions, solids with a well-defined structure carry substantial advantages over amorphous materials. Here, the metal–organic framework (MOF)-based approach is presented. By appropriate functionalization, most organic chromophores can be converted to function as linkers, which can coordinate to metal or metal-oxo centers so as to yield stable, crystalline frameworks. Photoexcitations in such chromophore-based MOFs are surveyed, with a special emphasis on light-switchable MOFs from photochromic molecules. The conventional powder form of MOFs obtained using solvothermal approaches carries certain disadvantages for optical applications, such as limited efficiency resulting from absorption and light scattering caused by the (micrometer-sized) powder particles. How these problems can be avoided by using MOF thin films is demonstrated.     

Functional food ingredients for the management of obesity and associated co-morbidities – A review

Worldwide obesity has reached a pandemic proportion. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2020, two thirds of the global disease burden will be attributable to obesity and obesity associated complications. Existing anti-obesity drugs, affecting one of the fundamental processes of the weight regulation in human body, have displayed serious side effects which outweigh their beneficial effects. Clinical and non-clinical researchers in this area are now facing a challenge to search for non-pharmacological alternatives for the prevention of obesity. Dietary interventions and life style changes with enhanced physical activity are two such options. Considering the importance of dietary interventions, the present review highlights the role, significance and potential of functional food ingredients for the management of obesity and associated co-morbidities.     

Electroplated nickel based micro-machined disk resonators for high frequency applications

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based resonators can be used for filtering and frequency synthesis applications in many subcomponents of radio frequency wireless integrated circuits due to their small size, high level of frequency selectivity, low cost batch fabrication, ease of integration with CMOS circuits. Electroplated nickel is an attractive low cost material for CMOS compatible MEMS due to their low deposition temperatures. Among the different modes of vibration, radial-contour mode resonators are preferred for high frequency applications because they offer higher effective stiffness. Two different types of electroplated nickel based radial-contour bulk-mode circular disk resonator geometries which depend on capacitive actuation and readout technique is presented in this work. Material, mechanical and electrical characterizations were performed on these structures to show their functionality.     

Computer-aided automatic transfer learning based approach for analysing the effect of high-frequency EMF radiation on brain

Multimedia Tools and Applications - An electromagnetic field radiations (EMF) emanating from the cell phones affect the brain and other organs in living organisms. Therefore, the objective of the...