Environmentally Sustainable Construction: Knowledge and Learning in London Planning Departments

Environmentally sustainable construction is now recognised as a significant element of the broader sustainable development agenda and planners are being called upon to play a role in delivering more sustainable patterns of construction and development. This puts particular demands on the knowledge resources of planners since knowledge is implicated in the power relations between planners and developers. This paper examines the interrelationship between knowledge of environmentally sustainable construction and practice in planning departments. Drawing on a survey of and interviews with planners in London, it discusses the construction of knowledge within the dynamics of planning organisations and the potential for learning to promote a more sustainable built environment. Wenger's concept of communities of practice frames the analysis, alongside consideration of the translation of knowledge into bureaucratic and usable forms and the role of knowledge brokers in this process.     

Highly luminescent film functionalized with CdTe quantum dots by layer‐by‐layer assembly

Robust and facile strategies are required to fabricate film with high luminescence for application in the fields of biomaterials. In this study, the luminescent electrospinning cellulose fibrous mats were decorated with CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA) using layer by layer (LBL). The characterizations of the LBL films coated mats were executed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescent spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The luminescent intensities were linearly increased with adding the amount of deposited bilayers. The green fabricated (QDs/PDDA)_n coated mat through physical interactions is a promising luminescent material. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41893.     

Significant improvement for the functional properties of konjac glucomannan based on phase separation

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) serves as a stabiliser due to its high molecular weight and viscosity. However, these properties limit its addition in food products, especially in drinks. The main aim of this study was to improve the functional properties of KGM by a green and effective method, that is phase separation. It was found that increasing temperature accelerated phase separation of KGM/gum arabic mixture. KGM‐rich phase was characterised and its physical properties were investigated by different methods. Crystal property showed no significant changes after phase separation. Nevertheless, rheological properties indicated that the viscosities of samples after phase separation (FKGM) decreased dramatically. Their emulsifying capacities also improved. Moreover, the differences in molecular rearrangement at the oil–water interface were also studied by using interfacial rheology. These results suggested that FKGM with low viscosity had better interfacial properties, and thus may have potential applications as food ingredients.     

Isolation and Characterization of Starch from Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoidium) Flours

Pearl millet, an underutilized crop, is a relatively good source of nutrients and has varied uses over cereals. New applications must be explored to popularize the millet. In the present study, flour and isolated starch from pearl millet cultivars—Kalukombu and Maharashtra Rabi Bajra (MRB)—were investigated for physicochemical properties, nutritionally important starch fractions and x-ray diffraction. The yield of starch was significantly low (Kalukombu: 34.5 g/100 g and MRB: 39.4 g/100 g) with traces of non-starch components (protein, fat, and ash) indicating its purity. Starch could be classified as non-waxy type based on low amylose content (2.86–4.96 g/100 g). Low amylose lead to fragility of swollen starch granules which disintegrated easily at 65°C as observed in swelling power and solubility. Isolated starch was characterized with low water- and oil-holding capacity which could be attributed to the low protein content and absence of fiber in the starch. However, MRB starch showed higher oil uptake compared to flour, possibly due to its larger surface area that increased oil uptake. X-ray diffraction patterns showed sharp peaks at 2θ values 15 and 23º and a diffused peak at 2θ of 17 and 18º which is characteristic of A-type pattern. Low resistant starch (RS) and high readily digestible starch (RDS) content observed in the isolated starch could be attributed to the A-type pattern of starch which is more susceptible to enzyme hydrolysis and also due to elimination of structural obstruction to amylase hydrolysis during the process of starch isolation and gelatinization.     

Scanning electron microscopy of bio‐fabricated Fe2O3 nanoparticles and their application to control brown rot of citrus

Citrus is the leading fruit crop of Pakistan and exported to different parts of the world. Due to suitable weather condition, this crop is affected by different biotic factors which seriously deteriorate its quality and quantity. During the months of November 2018 to January 2019, citrus brown rot symptoms were recurrently observed on sweet oranges in National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad. Causal agent of citrus brown rot was isolated, characterized, and identified as Fusarium oxysporum. For environment‐friendly control of this disease, leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was used for the green synthesis of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were characterized before their application for disease control. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of these synthesized nanoparticles described the presence of stabilizing and reducing compounds like alcohol, phenol, carboxylic acid, and alkaline and aromatic compounds. X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the crystalline nature and size (24 nm) of these nanoparticles. Energy dispersive X‐Ray (EDX) analysis elaborated the presence of major elements in the samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the spinal shaped morphology of prepared nanoparticles. Successfully synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for their antifungal potential. Different concentrations of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were used and maximum mycelial inhibition was observed at 1.0 mg/ml concentration. On the basis of these findings, it could be concluded that Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles, synthesized in the leaf extract of A. indica, can be successfully used for the control of brown rot of sweet oranges.     

Application of Lawesson’s reagent in the synthesis of sulfur-containing medicinally significant natural alkaloids

This review aims to illustrate the applications of Lawesson's reagent (LR) [2,4-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2,4-dithiadiphosphetane-2,4-disulfide] in the synthesis of naturally occurring medicinally important alkaloids. LR is primarily used for thionation; it is a versatile reagent employed for diverse transformations (cyclizations, rearrangements, and synthesis of heterocyclic compounds). The medicinal importance of alkaloids has also been concisely highlighted. The main focus of the review is the use of LR in the synthesis of natural alkaloids and only the thionation steps involved have been highlighted.     

Influence of van der waals heterostructures of 2D materials on catalytic performance of ZnO and its applications in energy: A review

Recently, photocatalysis has received huge attention in order to overcome energy crisis worldwide. Many semiconductors, potential schemes and hierarchies have come to light during past few decades to fabricate efficient catalysts however, among all these methods heterostructures have taken the world by surprise. With the advancement in post-graphene 2D materials, van der Waals heterostructures have come to light exploring enhancement in photocatalysis. During a very short period a number of ZnO-based van der Waal heterostructures have taken the limelight in the field of photocatalysis. First principles calculations and DFT approach towards the heterostructures of GeC, GaN, WSe₂, WS₂ and other layered 2D materials unleased a series of properties and facts for the provision of enhanced catalysis. Reduction in bandgap of ZnO has also been observed which widens the pathways towards visible light irradiation. However, energy applications of zinc oxide are also fascinating feature as it can serve as a photoanode to replace TiO₂. Whereas the famous hydrogen production, batteries and solar cells have also been fabricated by the use of this semiconductor.     

Canadian Bridge Design Code Provisions for Fiber-Reinforced Structures

This paper presents a synthesis of the design provisions of the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code for fiber-reinforced structures. These include structures reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer and fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). The provisions apply to fully, or partially, prestressed concrete beams and slabs, non-prestressed concrete beams, slabs, and deck slabs, FRC deck slabs of slab-on-girder bridges, stressed wood decks, and barrier walls. Test methods to confirm the tensile strength of fiber-reinforced polymer and the postcracking strength of FRC are given.