Deep Learning based Early Prediction Scheme for Breast Cancer

Wireless Personal Communications - Breast cancer is one of the rapid spreading diseases resulting in the death of younger age group of women. Unfortunately, as the detection of cancer is at later...     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Zea mays and exploration of its biological applications

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been proved to be a cost effective and environmental friendly approach toward chemical and physical methods. In the present study, biosynthesis of AgNPs was carried out using aqueous extract of Zea mays (Zm) husk. The initial colour change from golden yellow to orange was observed between 410 and 450 nm which confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. Also, dynamic light scattering‐particle size analysis confirmed the average size to be 113 nm and zeta potential value of −28 kV. The morphology of synthesised Zm AgNPs displayed flower‐shaped structure, X‐ray diffraction pattern revealed the strongest peaks at 2θ = 38.6° and 64° which proved that the nanoparticle has the face centred crystalline structure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed strong absorption bands at 1394.53, 2980.02 and 2980.02 cm⁻¹ due to the presence of alkynes, carboxylic acids, alcoholic and phenolic groups. The maximum zone of inhibition was observed against Salmonella typhi (22 mm) and Candida albicans (18 mm). The synthesised nanoparticles exhibited more free radical scavenging activity than the aqueous plant extract. This is the first report on the synthesis of AgNP from Zm husk, delivers the efficient and stable Zm AgNPs through simple feasible approach toward green biotechnology.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, light scattering, particle size, X‐ray diffraction, crystal structure, Fourier transform infrared spectra, absorption coefficients, free radicalsOther keywords: green synthesis, silver nanoparticles, biosynthesis, environmental friendly approach, aqueous extract, Zea mays husk, colour change, golden yellow, dynamic light scattering‐particle size analysis, average size, zeta potential value, flower‐shaped structure, X‐ray diffraction pattern, face centred crystalline structure, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, absorption bands, alkynes, carboxylic acids, alcoholic groups, phenolic groups, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, free radical scavenging activity, aqueous plant extraction, green biotechnology, size 113 nm, wavelength 410 nm to 450 nm     

Fabrication and characterisation of silver nanoparticles using bract extract of Musa paradisiaca for its synergistic combating effect on phytopathogens,free radical scavenging activity,and catalytic efficiency

This work explores the rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Musa paradisiaca (M. paradisiaca) bract extract. The bio‐reduction of Ag⁺ ion was recorded using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy by a surface plasmon resonance extinction peak with an absorbance at 420 nm. The phytoconstituents responsible for the reduction of AgNPs was probed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The X‐ray diffraction pattern confirmed the formation of crystalline AgNPs that were analogous to selected area electron diffraction patterns. Morphological studies showed that the obtained AgNPs were monodispersed with an average size of 15 nm. The biologically synthesised AgNPs showed higher obstruction against tested phytopathogens. The synthesised AgNPs exhibited higher inhibitory zone against fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata and bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Free radical scavenging potential of AgNPs was investigated using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydroxyl and 2,2‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline)‐6‐sulphonic acid assays which revealed that the synthesised AgNPs act as a potent radical scavenger. The catalytic efficiency of the synthesised AgNPs was investigated for azo dyes, methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB) and reduction of o‐nitrophenol to o‐aminophenol. The results portrayed that AgNPs act as an effective nanocatalyst to degrade MO to hydrazine derivatives, MB to leucomethylene blue, and o‐nitro phenol to o‐amino phenolInspec keywords: catalysis, dyes, electron diffraction, nanofabrication, silver, catalysts, surface plasmon resonance, reduction (chemical), free radicals, nanoparticles, transmission electron microscopy, nanobiotechnology, X‐ray diffraction, microorganisms, organic compounds, Fourier transform spectra, nanomedicine, visible spectra, antibacterial activity, infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectraOther keywords: silver nanoparticles, musa paradisiaca, synergistic combating effect, free radical scavenging activity, catalytic efficiency, M. paradisiaca, bio‐reduction, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance extinction peak, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction pattern, selected area electron diffraction patterns, radical scavenging potential, potent radical scavenger, size 420.0 nm, size 15.0 nm, Ag⁺      

Quantum dot sensitized aluminium doped and copper doped ZnO nanostructure based solar cells

Aluminium doped and copper doped ZnO nanostructured thin films have been prepared using simple solgel dip coating method. The X-ray diffraction pattern results revealed that the prepared Al and Cu doped ZnO sample exhibits hexagonal structure. The average crystallite size of pure ZnO, Al doped ZnO and Cu doped ZnO samples were found to be 29, 26 and 15 nm, respectively. The optical band gap of ZnO, Al doped ZnO and Cu doped ZnO thin films was found to be 3.27, 3.29, and 3.20 eV respectively. Solar cells have been fabricated using CdS quantum dots sensitized ZnO nanostructured thin films and the efficiency of the fabricated Al doped and Cu doped ZnO solar cells were 1.37 and 1.29 % respectively.     

Exact equation and an algorithm for reliability evaluation of K-out-of-N:G system

An expression for reliability of K-out-of-N:G system is proposed. An algorithm for computing reliability of K-out-of-N system is given. It is an easy to implement, fast and memory efficient algorithm and helps to improve the computational efficiency considerably.     

Properties of pulse plated SnSe films

In this work, the pulse electrodeposition technique has been employed for the first time to deposit SnSe films from a bath containing Analar grade 50?mM tin chloride (SnCl₄) and 5?mM SeO₂. The XRD profile of SnSe thin films deposited at different duty cycles indicate the peaks corresponding to SnSe. Atomic force microscopy studies indicated that the surface roughness increased from 0.5 to 1.5?nm with duty cycle. The transmission spectra exhibited interference fringes. The value of refractive index at 780?nm was 2.1, this value decreased to 1.95 with decrease of duty cycle. The room temperature resistivity increased from 0.1 to 10?Ωcm with decrease of duty cycle. Photo electrochemical cell studies were made using the films deposited at different duty cycles. For duty cycles greater than 15% photo output was observed. For a film deposited at 50% duty cycle, an open circuit voltage of 0.55?V and a short circuit current density of 5.0?mA?cm^?2 at 60 mW?cm^?2 illumination. Capacitance voltage measurements indicated V_fb?=?0.67?V (SCE) and p type, carrier density?=?6.98?×?10¹⁶?cm^?3.     

Structural,Optical, and Electrical Properties of Cobalt-Doped CdS Quantum Dots

In the present work, a systematic study has been carried out to understand the influence of cobalt (Co) doping on various properties of CdS nanoparticles. CdS and Co-doped CdS quantum dots have been prepared at room temperature using a chemical precipitation method without using catalysts, capping agents, or surfactants. X-ray diffraction reveals that both undoped and Co-doped CdS nanoparticles exhibit hexagonal structure without any impurity phase, and the lattice constants of CdS nanoparticles are observed to decrease slightly with increasing cobalt concentration. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) shows that the particle size of CdS and 5.02% Co-doped CdS nanoparticles is in the range of 2 nm to 4 nm. The Raman spectra of Co-doped CdS nanoparticles exhibit a red-shift compared with that of bulk CdS, which may be attributed to optical phonon confinement. The optical absorption spectra of Co-doped CdS nanoparticles also exhibit a red-shift with respect to that of CdS nanoparticles. The electrical conductivity of CdS and Co-doped CdS nanoparticles is found to increase with increasing temperature and cobalt concentration.     

Stability of Lactobacillus reuteri in Different Types of Microcapsules

This study was designed to find the most suitable method and wall material for microencapsulation of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri to maintain cell viability during gastric challenge. Five L. reuteri strains were individually encapsulated using alginate, alginate plus starch, K‐carrageenan with locust bean gum, or xanthan with gellan by extrusion or phase separation (emulsion). The morphology of the microcapsules was studied using phase contrast and cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM). The resistance of these microcapsules and the viability of contained L. reuteri to simulated gastric juice were studied. The shape and size of the microcapsules produced varied with the preparation method and type of wall material. Extruded microcapsules were larger and more uniformly shaped. Survival of microencapsulated L. reuteri was significantly better than that of planktonic cells and varied with the strain, method of microencapsulation, and wall material used. In general, microencapsulation using alginate and alginate with starch by both extrusion and phase separation were found to provide bacteria significantly greater protection (P < 0.05) against simulated gastric juice.     

CONTINUOUS FOAM SEPARATION OF HEAVY METAL IONS FROM ELECTROPLATING INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT

Process industries generate a large amount of waste materials during either production or downstreaming operations. Among many methods available for their separation, foam separation plays a major role, especially when the concentration of undesirable components involved is very low. The success of this technique depends on the stability and characteristics of the foam. This operation is simple with less maintenance as there are no moving parts. In the present study, simultaneous removal of metal ions such as chromium (VI), copper (II), and zinc (II) from electroplating industrial effluent was carried out with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as surfactant in continuous foam column. Enrichment ratios of 3.94, 4.05, and 7.96 with a percentage removal of 59.0%, 63.0%, and 99.2% were obtained for chromium (VI), copper (II), and zinc (II) ions respectively at the optimum operating parameters of 23 cm liquid pool height in column, 0.1 liter per minute (Lpm) of airflow rate, feed flow rate of 4 liters per hour (Lph), 0.1% (w/v) of SLS concentration, pH of 6.0, and at feed concentrations of 32.5, 27.0, and 23.0 ppm for chromium (VI), copper (II), and zinc (II) ions respectively. Enrichment ratio was found to increase with an increase in feed flow rate. With a decrease in concentration of the bulk solution, the separation factor was found to increase. The study indicates the feasibility of continuous foam separation for treating industrial effluents.     

CuInxGa1−xSe2 thin films prepared by electron beam evaporation

CuIn_xGa_1−xSe₂ bulk compound of three different compositions x=0.75, 0.80 and 0.85 have been prepared using individual elements of copper, indium, gallium and selenium. Thin films of CuIn_xGa_1−xSe₂ have been deposited using the prepared bulk by electron beam evaporation method. The structural studies carried on the deposited films revealed that films annealed at 400 °C are crystalline in nature exhibiting chalcopyrite phase. The position of the (1 1 2) peak in the X-ray diffractogram corresponding to the chalcopyrite phase has been found to be dependent on the percentage of gallium in the films. The composition of the prepared bulk and thin films has been identified using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The photoluminescence spectra of the CuIn_xGa_1−xSe₂ films exhibited sharp luminescence peaks corresponding to the band gap of the material.