3rd Peak Research Articles

A study on D2O/H2O-hydrohalite from Raman spectroscopy

The cryogenic phase behaviors and Raman spectra for D2O/H2O−NaCl solutions were observed and measured at temperatures down to 173.15 K. The (ice + hydrohalite) eutectic temperature of D2O−NaCl solutions is ∼255.95 K, 4 K higher than that of H2O−NaCl solutions. On the Raman spectral patterns, the four characteristic peaks of NaCl·2D2O hydrohalite are displayed to be more scattered than those of NaCl·2H2O. The third peak is easier to appear for NaCl·2D2O than for NaCl·2H2O that more cooling-heating runs and higher NaCl concentration are needed for this peak of NaCl·2H2O to be prominent, which indicates that NaCl·2D2O crystallizes more easily than NaCl·2H2O. We assign the 1st peak to the OD/OH stretch vibration of local water, and assign the 2nd, 3rd and 4th peaks to the OD/OH stretch vibrations of coordinating water respectively with D2O/H2O·Na+, Cl−···D2O/H2O·Na+, and (Cl−)2···D2O/H2O·Na+ interaction configurations. The harder crystallization of hydrohalite and lower eutectic temperature for NaCl·2H2O than for NaCl·2D2O are ascribed to the O–D···Cl− > O–H···Cl− and O–D···O > O–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions.

Wind Profiles in Peninsular Malaysia: A Comprehensive Upper Air Analysis

Understanding the atmospheric properties and patterns is crucial in empowering Malaysia's national aerospace blueprint, national space, and legislation. While various policies have been enacted and implemented, there is a lack of information on the wind profile, specifically the upper air across Peninsular Malaysia. Realising the need to establish a standard guideline for national reference, future research, space-aerospace application, and legislation, this study was performed to develop the first wind profile analysis of upper air in Peninsular Malaysia. Relevant data from the Malaysian Meteorology Department was collected for analysis and evaluation. Specifically, a meteorology balloon attached with a sounding radiosonde was used to record data at 0000UTC (0800 h LT) and 1200UTC (2000 h LT) on the 15th day of each month for 7 years (from 2015 to 2021) at the KLIA and Kuantan Meteorology Stations for the wind profiling analysis. The daily overall data collection was recorded accurately once the balloon's rising rate stabilises from vertical air current (katabatic or anabatic winds). Subsequently, the collected data were evaluated in terms of the minimum, maximum, and average wind speeds for each year and time. Finally, the average wind speed of each year and time were combined to generate the Peninsular Malaysia wind profile. Based on the results, the projected wind profile for both stations identified three peaks of discrete sine wave flow type with low-speed wind profile in Peninsular Malaysia. The three peaks amplified the highest air velocity, whereby the 1st and 2nd peaks were located at the troposphere layer from 9,000 m to 12,000 m altitude (average wind speed of 10.8 ms-1) and 12,000 m to 18,000 m altitude (average wind speed of 13.7 ms-1). The 3rd peak was located at the stratosphere layer from 18,000 m to 32,000 m altitude (average wind speed of 15.2 ms-1). Since East Malaysia is located on the same equatorial line, the wind profile is hypothetically the same and exhibits only slight differences. In short, the established wind profile of upper air in Peninsular Malaysia in this study would facilitate other future studies and assist long-term planning of Malaysia's airspace legislation.

Reply to the 'Comment on "Universal features in the lifetime distribution of clusters in hydrogen-bonding liquids"' by J. Grelska, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2024, 26, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CP05269A.

In this reply, we discuss some aspects of the comments in Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2024, 26, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CP05269A, by Grelska, about our work Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021, 23, 19537. In this latter work, we have shown for the first time that, at short times below the picosecond range, the uninterrupted hydrogen lifetime probability L(t) is composed of 3 peaks that are universal across many hydrogen bonding systems. By definition, L(t) concerns pairs (dimers) of hydrogen bonded atoms, typically oxygen atoms. The first peak concerns the lifetime of strictly dimers, the second concerns the influence of chain clusters on dimers and the third the influence of their topology. The comment by Grelska contains a confirmation of our findings through similar calculations for other hydrogen bonding liquids. However, this author claims that it is the (first) dimer peak which concerns the topology of clusters, instead of the 3rd as we reported. Our response is that the 3rd peak reflects topology in the sense of branching, hence the presence of trimer bonding in the cluster, while the first peak shows clear species dependence at long times.

Nucleosynthesis in outflows of compact objects and detection prospects of associated kilonovae

ABSTRACT We perform a comparative analysis of nucleosynthesis yields from binary neutron star (BNS) mergers, black hole-neutron star (BHNS) mergers, and core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) with the goal of determining which are the most dominant sources of r-process enrichment observed in stars. We find that BNS and BHNS binaries may eject similar mass distributions of robust r-process nuclei post-merger (up to third peak and actinides, A ∼ 200−240), after accounting for the volumetric event rates. Magnetorotational (MR) CCSNe likely undergo a weak r-process (up to A ∼ 140) and contribute to the production of light element primary process (LEPP) nuclei, whereas typical thermal, neutrino-driven CCSNe only synthesize up to first r-process peak nuclei (A ∼ 80−90). We also find that the upper limit to the rate of MR CCSNe is $\lesssim 1~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ the rate of typical thermal CCSNe; if the rate was higher, then weak r-process nuclei would be overproduced. Although the largest uncertainty is from the volumetric event rate, the prospects are encouraging for confirming these rates in the next few years with upcoming surveys. Using a simple model to estimate the resulting kilonova light curve from mergers and our set of fiducial merger parameters, we predict that ∼7 BNS and ∼2 BHNS events will be detectable per year by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory (LSST), with prior gravitational wave (GW) triggers.

Resilience of compound action potential peaks to high-frequency firing in the mouse optic nerve.

Action potential conduction in axons triggers trans-membrane ion movements, where Na+ enters and K+ leaves axons, leading to disruptions in resting trans-membrane ion gradients that must be restored for optimal axon conduction, an energy dependent process. The higher the stimulus frequency, the greater the ion movements and the resulting energy demand. In the mouse optic nerve (MON), the stimulus evoked compound action potential (CAP) displays a triple peaked profile, consistent with subpopulations of axons classified by size producing the distinct peaks. The three CAP peaks show differential sensitivity to high-frequency firing, with the large axons, which contribute to the 1st peak, more resilient than the small axons, which produce the 3rd peak. Modeling studies predict frequency dependent intra-axonal Na+ accumulation at the nodes of Ranvier, sufficient to attenuate the triple peaked CAP. Short bursts of high-frequency stimulus evoke transient elevations in interstitial K+ ([K+ ]o ), which peak at about 50 Hz. However, powerful astrocytic buffering limits the [K+ ]o increase to levels insufficient to cause CAP attenuation. A post-stimulus [K+ ]o undershoot below baseline coincides with a transient increase in the amplitudes of all three CAP peaks. The volume specific scaling relating energy expenditure to increasing axon size dictates that large axons are more resilient to high-frequency firing than small axons.

Atomic-Scale Friction Study by EC-AFM: Underpotential Deposition (UPD) of Ag on I-Modified Au(111) and Its Tip Penetration

The underpotential deposition (UPD) of Ag on an I-modified Au(111) surface is examined in perchloric acid solution by electrochemical lateral force microscopy (LFM). The transitions of ordered structures are observed as potential is swept and normal load changes. At low normal load, the structural changes with potential indicate that the iodine structure is very sensitive to the coverage of silver. At potentials positive of the 1st Ag UPD peak, the iodine forms a ( × R30°) structure (θ I = 0.33) on Au(111). The structural transition to a 1 × 1 structure observed as the normal load increases demonstrates that the AFM tip penetrates the iodine adlayer. As the potential passes the 1st Ag UPD peak, the iodine forms a p(3 × 3) (θ I = 0.44) structure and also silver seems to form a p(3 × 3) (θ Ag = 0.44) structure, as suggested by LFM images at high load. At even higher load, also this Ag layer is penetrated and the 1 × 1 structure of the substrate is observed. At potentials slightly negative of the 2nd Ag UPD peak, even though the iodine structure is maintained as a p(3 × 3) (θ I = 0.44) structure, the atomic corrugations observed at high normal load indicate that silver completes a monolayer. The large-scale images clearly show that an Ag bilayer is formed at the 3rd Ag UPD peak. When the Ag bilayer completes, the iodine forms a ( × R30°) (θ I = 0.33).

A Low Voltage, High Current All-Tungsten Redox Flow Battery

With the exponential growth of electricity generation using intermittent renewable power sources, there is a need for affordable energy storage. For grid level storage in past years, redox flow batteries (RFB) have drawn considerable attention. Most successful RFBs till now are all-vanadium RFB and all-iron RFB. But these RFBs have a few drawbacks associated with them like; First RFB developed by NASA[1], Iron-chromium RFB, had problems of ions crossing over; all-iron RFB [2] have a problem of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the negative electrode which causes capacity decay; and the commercialized all-vanadium RFB's [3] is expensive and has limited vanadium reserves.In an effort to address these problems, we present here the initial development of an all-tungsten RFB. Its key advantage is no capacity fading with cycles due to ions crossing over. The tungsten salt used was phosphotungstic acid (PTA). As shown in cyclic voltammograms (CV) of PTA in Figure 1(a), it is clear that PTA ions exist in four different oxidation states (PTA3-, PTA4-, PTA5- and PTA6-). For all-PTA redox flow battery experiments, we used the same PTA5- active species for both negative as well as positive electrolyte. Prior to the all-PTA RFB tests, PTA3- was reduced to PTA5-. Since PTA3- is the only salt available, it was reduced to PTA5- by using it as a negative electrolyte for the iron-tungsten RFB using a procedure developed earlier [4].As shown in reaction 1, during charging on the negative side, PTA5- gains 2 electrons and reduces to PTA6- oxidation state. Simultaneously, on the positive side PTA5- loses 2 electrons and gets oxidized to PTA3-. Moreover, the maximum potential difference that can be achieved by using the highest reduced form of phosphotungstic acid as a single cell is +0.611 V vs. RHE (Eq. 4). Although we are getting half the potential when compared to an all-vanadium or an all-iron battery. But due to its extremely fast kinetics and large discharge currents makes all-PTA RFB a promising alternative. For the large capacity of the battery, one of the deciding factors is the solubility of its active species salts and the maximum solubility of PTA3- is 0.7 M.Flow cell experiments were conducted using an in-house constructed standard fuel cell setup [4]. Meanwhile, CV experiments were conducted in 3 electrode setup using glassy carbon as working electrode, platinum mesh as counter electrode and mercury/mercurous sulphate (Hg/Hg2SO4) as reference electrode. Hg/Hg2SO4 was calibrated in 0.5 M H2SO4 using an in house RHE. Also, all the potentials mentioned here are with respect to RHE. A CV (see Figure 1(a)) for phosphotungstic acid was obtained which showed 3 distinct peaks corresponding to the 3 reactions. Reactions 2 and 3 involve transfer of 1 electron each, while reaction 1 requires 2 electrons as proven from the current peaks of the CVs as well as limiting currents obtained from their RDEs [5]. The involvement of parasitic HER is clear from the 3rd reduction peak. Kinetic parameters such as rate constant (k0), Tafel slope, diffusion coefficients (Do) and transfer coefficient (α) were determined using RDE studies. From RDE analysis at different RPM, rate constant for PTA3- was found to be 4.49 x 10-3 cm s-1.Meanwhile, for the flow cell experiments we have taken electrolyte solution concentrations similar to that for the CVs. The flow rate (120 mL min-1) and volume (40 mL) for both the electrolyte were kept same. As shown in Figure 1(b), the all-PTA battery was charged and discharged using chronopotentiometry at a current density of 50 mA cm-2. Furthermore, to obtain the i-V performance curve the cell was discharged from 2 mA to 1000 mA for 10s. The potential at the end of 10th second was reported to eliminate the pseudo steady state [6]. i-V and power density performance curve was plotted from these current and potential values (see Figure 1(c)).From just 40mM concentration of PTA5- the maximum volumetric capacity we got is around 200 mAh L-1, the maximum power density obtained was 10 mW cm-2 and the maximum current that can be drawn was 85 mA cm-2. The above results strongly suggest that the all-PTA RFB could indeed be a promising alternative. Figure 1

Dosage form Development of Nagabala- Arjunadi Yoga and Chromatographic Analysis Using HPTLC

Nagabala -Arjunadi Yoga, is the combination of Nagabala and Arjuna Churna mentioned in Chakradatta, Hridroga Chikitsa, is prepared by giving Bhavana of Rasonadi Kwatha. Hridroga (cardiovascular disorders) are the most common health concern of the present era. It is the leading cause of death worldwide. Ancient Samhitas contain many formulations in the context of Hridroga, whose applicability is unexplored. Churna and Kwatha are the main dosage forms used in clinical practice. But compared to Churna and Kwatha, tablets are more patient compatible in terms of palatability and possess increased shelf life. Hence, Nagabala-Arjunadi Yoga, a tablet dosage form is developed using Nagabala- Arjuna Churna and Rasonadi Kwatha. No scientific evaluation data for this drug is available to date. The present study was done to evaluate the pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical profile of Nagabala-Arjunadi Yoga. The microscopic examination of the Nagabala- Arjunadi Yoga showed the presence of rosette crystals, rhomboidal crystals, simple fibres, oil globules and stones cells. The physicochemical analysis showed that pH value, hardness, loss on drying, ash value, water extractive value and methanol extractive value was 5.8, 3.5kg/cm2, 7.949%, 3.03%, 17.43%, 16.14% respectively. The HPTLC densitograms at UV 254 nm and UV 366nm using Toluene and Ethyl acetate in the ratio 9:1 showed maximum peak height in 3rd peak corresponding to the Rf value 0.18 and 0.17 respectively. The finding observed in the present study can be used as reference for future quality control.

Are we adequately prepared to handle the anticipated 3rd peak of COVID-19: A KAP survey among HCWs

Experts in the field are predicting a third COVID-19 peak very soon in coming times, it is important to assess recent knowledge, attitude in view of prolonged exhaustion and adherence to preventive practices of HCWs. This cross-sectional study involved 168 HCWs (42 doctors, 42 nurses, 42 paramedical staff and 42 ANMs). Data was collected through online survey tool Google forms in July and August 2021. First section included sociodemographic information and infection with SARS-CoV- 2, section 2 assessed recent knowledge, section 3 practices of COVID-19 appropriate behavior and section 4 assessed attitude of HCWs. Shapiro Wilk test was used to determine normality of distribution of variables. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine the association between two variables. Pairwise comparison was done following a significant Kruskal-Wallis test using Bonferroni’s correction. 42.9% of the HCWs and family members of 44.6% HCWs were infected with SARS-CoV-2. 54.1% of infected HCWs were infected during the March- May 2021 peak. 85.1% HCWs had taken COVID-19 vaccine. Mean knowledge, attitude, practice scores were 7.88±3.03(maximum score: 12), 20.35±3.2 (maximum score: 25), 69.89±9.39 (maximum score: 85) respectively. Only 48.8% HCWs had good knowledge about more recent COVID-19 information. A significant association was observed between profession and knowledge scores (p<0.001). Over 85% HCWs had good scores for attitude towards COVID-19 and 88.7% HCWs scored good in COVID-19 appropriate behavior practices. Our HCWs need to be better equipped with the more recently available knowledge about COVID-19 to improve our preparedness for the next anticipated peak.

Using Acoustic Vibrations as a Method for Implant Insertion Assessment in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

The success of total hip arthroplasty depends on the experience of the surgeon, and one of the ways the surgeon currently determines the final implant insertion depth is to listen to the change in audible pitch of the hammering sound. We investigated the use of vibration emissions as a novel method for insertion quality assessment. A non-invasive contact microphone-based measurement system for insertion depth estimation, fixation and fracture detection was developed using a simplified in vitro bone/implant (n = 5). A total of 2583 audio recordings were analyzed in vitro to obtain energy spectral density functions. Out of the four main resonant peaks under in vitro conditions, broach insertion depth statistically correlates to increasing 3rd and 4th peak frequencies. Degree of fixation was also observed as higher goodness of fit (0.26–0.78 vs. 0.12–0.51 between two broach sizes, the latter undersized). Finally, however, the moment of fracture could not be predicted. A cadaveric in situ pilot study suggests comparable resonant frequencies in the same order of magnitudes with the bone model. Further understanding of the signal patterns are needed for an early warning system diagnostic system for imminent fractures, bone damage, improving accuracy and quality of future procedures.

Damped oscillations of the probability of random events followed by absolute refractory period: exact analytical results

There are numerous examples of natural and artificial processes that represent stochastic sequences of events followed by an absolute refractory period during which the occurrence of a subsequent event is impossible. In the simplest case of a generalized Bernoulli scheme for uniform random events followed by the absolute refractory period, the event probability as a function of time can exhibit damped transient oscillations. Using stochastically-spiking point neuron as a model example, we present an exact and compact analytical description for the oscillations without invoking the standard renewal theory. The resulting formulas stand out for their relative simplicity, allowing one to analytically obtain the amplitude damping of the 2nd and 3rd peaks of the event probability.

Effects of chronic exposure to ambient air pollutants, demographic, and socioeconomic factors on COVID-19 morbidity: The Israeli case study

BackgroundRecent studies conducted in several OECD countries have shown that chronic exposure to elevated levels of air pollutants (especially PM2.5, PM10 and NOx), might negatively impact COVID-19 morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to examine the association between chronic exposure to air pollution in Israeli cities and towns, their demographic and socioeconomic status, and COVID-19 morbidity, during the three local morbidity waves. MethodsWe examined the associations between: (a) annual average concentrations of NOx, CO, PM10, PM2.5 and SO2 in 2016–2019, and demographic and socioeconomic parameters, and (b) COVID-19 positive cases in 279 Israeli cities and towns, in the four state-wide morbidity peaks: 1st wave peak: March 31st, 2020; 2nd wave peaks: July 24th and September 27th, 2020, and the 3rd wave peak: January 17th, 2021, which occurred after the beginning of the nationwide vaccination campaign. These associations were calculated using both Spearman correlations and multivariate linear regressions. ResultsWe found statistically significant positive correlations between the concentrations of most pollutants in 2016–19 and COVID-19 morbidity rate at the first three timepoints but not the 4th (January 17th, 2021). Population density and city/town total population were also positively associated with the COVID-19 morbidity rates at these three timepoints, but not the 4th, in which socioeconomic parameters were more dominant - we found a statistically significant negative correlation between socioeconomic cluster and COVID-19 morbidity. In addition, all multivariate models including PM2.5 concentrations were statistically significant, and PM2.5 concentrations were positively associated with the COVID-19 morbidity rates in all models. ConclusionsWe found a nationwide association between population chronic exposure to five main air pollutants in Israeli cities and towns, and COVID-19 morbidity rates during two of the three morbidity waves experienced in Israel. The widespread morbidity that was related to socioeconomic factors during the 3rd wave, emphasizes the need for special attention to morbidity prevention in socioeconomically vulnerable populations and especially in large household communities. Nevertheless, this ecological study has several limitations, such as the inability to draw conclusions about causality or mechanisms of action. The growing body of evidence, regarding association between exacerbated COVID-19 morbidity and mortality rates and long-term chronic exposure to elevated concentrations of air pollutants should serve as a wake-up call to policy makers regarding the urgent need to reduce air pollution and its harmful effects.

Evaluation of Physicochemical, Spectral and Thermal Properties of Energy of Consciousness Healing Treated Iron Sulphate

Iron sulphate is used in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia and other chronic disorders such as heart and kidney diseases. This study has the objective to analyze the impact of The Trivedi Effect®-Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment on the physicochemical, spectroscopic and thermal properties of iron sulphate using various analytical techniques. In this, the test compound, i.e., iron sulphate was divided into two parts; one as control (without Biofield Energy Treatment), and the other as Biofield Energy Treated, which received the Biofield Energy Treatment remotely by the renowned Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The PXRD analysis of the Biofield Energy Treated sample showed significant alterations in the range of -39.49 to 301.40% in the relative intensities, and from -15.40 to 33.36% in the crystallite sizes, compared with the control sample. The average crystallite size of the treated sample was also increased by 4.98% as compared to the control sample. The particle sizes in the treated sample at d10, d50, d90 and D(4,3) values were significantly increased by 67.12%, 47.72%, 33.18% and 42.01%, respectively; whereas, the specific surface area was significantly reduced by 38.39%, compared with the control sample. The TGA thermograms showed three steps of thermal degradation in which, the weight loss of Biofield Energy Treated sample in the first and second step was reduced by 5.82% and 16.09%, respectively, while, it was increased by 6.78% in the third step, compared to the control sample. The total weight loss in the treated sample was also reduced by 2.76%, along with slight alteration in the maximum thermal decomposition temperature, compared with the control sample. The DSC analysis showed the decrease in the melting temperatures of the 1st, 2nd and 4th peaks by 8.24%, 19.29%, and 0.61%, respectively, while 4.57% increase in the 3rd peak of the treated sample, compared with the control sample. The latent heat of fusion (ΔH) corresponding to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th peaks of the treated sample also showed alterations by -92.29, -86.29, 60.92, and 6.37%, respectively, compared with the control sample. The Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment might produce a novel polymorphic form of iron sulphate having increased crystallite and particle size along with enhanced thermal stability. It may help in improving the quality, safety and stability during the process of handling, storage, and shipment of the iron sulphate with better therapeutic response against iron deficiency anaemia.

The use of disorientation of the plum moth in the conditions of chemical protection of the orchard

Disorientation of the plum moth (Grapholita funebrana Treitschke) under the conditions of chemical protection of the garden was carried out using dispensers (Z8DDA, 16.7 mg) produced by ZAO Shchelkovo Agrokhim. Dispensers were placed at a tree trunk at a height of 1.5 - 2 m with an application rate of 500 per hectare. The study was carried out on three plots of a 1 ha plum orchard: a plot with chemical treatments and with disorientation, an area with chemical treatments, without disorientation, and an area without chemical treatments and without disorientation. The effectiveness of disorientation at a high abundance during the flight peaks of the second and third generations of the pest ranged from 100 % to 92-93 %. The effectiveness of disorientation, together with the chemical protection of the garden in comparison with untreated area, showed higher results - in the first two months, the efficiency ranged from 100 to 98 %, and during the periods of the 2nd and 3rd flight peaks of the pest (with a flight intensity of 136 - 120 individuals per trap) did not fall below 96 %.

A fight with SARS-Cov-2 infection (COVID-19): Experience of an orthopedic surgeon

We are going through an active and unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19, across the world since the beginning of the year 2020. Coincidentally, we witness its worst 3rd peak here in New Delhi, India, and many other countries. Being a higher risk individual, as a health-care worker, I always wondered and feared when and how am I going to get this deadly viral infection? To check on my current status, I also took COVID-19 antibody tests, which were negative and ruled out any previous infection. Several of my known orthopedic and non-orthopedic surgeon colleagues have already acquired this infection, perhaps as an occupational hazard, which comes by default in our profession, and have also shared their experiences. I found it essential that one needs to be positive during such illnesses, as most of us would get better with time. The internal positivity and support of the family, friends, and colleagues are of utmost importance in your faster recovery. Post-viral infection, I noticed that it drains out your body's energy tremendously and can involve your special senses such as taste, smell, hearing, and vision. It did affect my taste (which became salty) and appetite for about 2 weeks. The negative thinking and disturbing talk that may affect an individual's mind must be avoided and supplemented by positive thoughts and atmosphere. Life is full of surprises and serendipity, and we must take these in our stride strongly as they come. The last year has convinced me about these facts of life very well.

Evaluation of the physicochemical, thermal and behavioural properties of consciousness energy healing treated iron (II) sulphate

Iron (II) sulphate is used as a source of iron to treat iron deficiency anemia. In this study evaluated the impact of the Trivedi Effect®- Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the physicochemical, thermal, and behavioural properties of iron sulphate using modern analytical techniques. Iron sulphate sample was divided into control and treated parts. Only treated sample received the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a famous Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The powder XRD relative peak intensities and crystallite size of the treated iron sulphate were significantly altered ranging from -87.25% to 338.67% and from -58.33% to 99.84%, respectively compared to the control sample. The average crystallite size of the treated iron sulphate was significantly decreased by 5.68% compared with the control sample. The particle size values of the treated iron sulphate was decreased by 1.54% (d10), 1.12% (d50), 2.51% (d90), and 1.90% {D(4,3)} and the surface area was increased by 4.69% compared with the control sample. The melting temperature of the four peaks (1st-4th) of the treated sample was decreased by 0.28%, 12.45%, 5.44%, and 0.51%, respectively compared to the control sample. The latent heat of fusion of 1st, 2nd, and 4th peaks in the treated sample was decreased by 47.29%, 75.39%, and 0.29%, respectively, whereas 3rd peak was increased by 8.02% compared with the control sample. The total weight loss in the treated iron sulphate was increased by 0.78% compared with the control sample. The maximum thermal melting temperature of the treated sample was slightly increased by 2.03% in the 1st peak; but decreased by 1.53%, 12.64%, and 1.27% in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th peaks, respectively compared to the control sample. Overall results suggested that the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment might lead to the production of a new polymorphic form of iron sulphate, which would be more soluble and bioavailable, compared to the untreated sample. The Trivedi Effect® treated iron sulphate would be useful to design more efficacious nutraceutical/pharmaceuticals, which might offer better therapeutic response against iron deficiency anemia.

Chemometric-assisted RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of ambroxol hydrochloride, terbutaline sulfate, and guaiphenesin in combined dosage form

An isocratic reverse phase HPLC method using chemometric model was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of Ambroxol hydrochloride, Terbutaline sulfate and Guaiphenesin in their combined dosage form. Central composite design which is a subset of Response surface Methodology was used as the chemometric model. The separation of three drugs was carried out by using Phenomenex C18 column and detection at 220 nm using UV detector. Based on initial trials, the three factors selected for the design were Methanol (MN) concentration, Mobile phase pH and flow rate in the range of 55-65% (v/v), 4-5 units and 0.6-1 ml/min respectively. The impact of the selected factors on the responses like retention time of first peak (tR1), resolution of 2nd and 3rd peak (Rs2,3) and theoretical plates of first peak (TP1) were evaluated. Derringers’ desirability function was used to optimize the responses. The conditions which were optimized for the assay of drugs were MN, ACN, 50 mM KH2PO4 (pH 5) in the ratio of 55:10:35 at a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. The developed and optimized method was validated as per the ICH guidelines and can be used for routine analysis in quality control laboratories.

Post-harvest assessment of wheat and barley kernel infections with fungi of the genus Fusarium using thermal analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for discriminating wheat and barley kernels naturally infected with fungi of the genus Fusarium from healthy kernels. Differences in selected thermal parameters were observed between infected and healthy kernels. In infected wheat kernels, the 2nd endothermic peak occurred at 58.6–62.3 °C, the 3rd endothermic peak at 270.1–279.7 °C; the area under the DSC curve was determined at 1842–2246 J g−1, and mass loss at 76.26–80.39%. In healthy wheat kernels, the above parameters were determined at 77.0–78.9 °C, 292.6–311.0 °C, 1180–1432 J g−1, and 71.10–74.92%, respectively. In infected barley kernels, the 2nd endothermic peak occurred at 51.6–56.4 °C, the 3rd endothermic peak at 286.1–290.1 °C; the area under the DSC curve was determined at 1752–1998 J g−1, and mass loss at 78.65–81.22%. In healthy barley kernels, the investigated parameters were determined at 69.1–74.3 °C, 310.0–324.9 °C, 1187–1249 J g−1, and 72.18–74.09%, respectively.

Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of the Consciousness Energy Healing Treated Folic acid

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a co-factor for DNA replication and required for various intracellular reactions. The scientific study was performed to determine the power of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment with respect to the physicochemical and thermal properties of folic acid by using sophisticated analytical techniques. In this experiment, the test sample folic acid was divided into two parts. One part so-called control sample did not get the Biofield Energy Treatment; while the other part was termed as the Biofield Energy Treated sample received the Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a well-known Biofield Energy Healer, Alice Branton. The analysis revealed the increase in particle size values in the treated sample by 2.86% (d10), 6.34% (d50), 17.22% (d90), and 11.30% {D(4,3)}, respectively, along with 4.55% reduction in the specific surface area, compared to the control sample. The PXRD peak intensities and crystallite size the treated folic acid showed significant alteration ranging from - 11.57% to 394.74% and -81.93% to 4.06%, respectively, compared to the control sample. Besides, the treated folic acid showed 32.95% reduction in the average crystallite size than the control sample. The total weight loss of the treated folic acid was significantly reduced by 12.96%, while the residual amount was increased significantly by 111.84%, as compared to the untreated folic acid. The maximum thermal degradation temperature corresponding to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th peaks were altered by -7.10%, -2.95%, 0.36%, and 3.57%, respectively as compared to the control sample. Besides, the treated sample revealed 9.59% reduction in the melting point along with 24.17% increase in the latent heat of fusion. Moreover, the decomposition temperature and latent heat of decomposition of the treated sample were found to be increased by 3.86% and 42.56%, respectively, as compared to the control sample. The Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment (Trivedi Effect®) might have created some polymorphic form of folic acid that ensure its better appearance, flowability, and thermal stability than the untreated sample. Thus, the use of the Biofield Energy Treated folic acid might be more advantageous for designing the nutraceutical/pharmaceutical formulations.

Surface plasmon resonance refractive index sensor based on photonic crystal fiber covering nano-ring gold film

Abstract We propose a tunable wide-range surface plasmon induced refractive index optical sensor based on photonic crystal fiber (PCF) covered nano-ring gold film. The free electrons on the gold surface will resonate with photons to excite the attenuation and transmission of surface plasmon waves on the metal surface, when the vibrational frequencies of photons and electrons are the same. The refractive index analytes are very sensitive to SPR, which will be applied to PCF refractive index sensors. The finite element method (FEM) is used to analyze and simulate the sensing performance of the refractive index sensor. A kind of refractive index analyte is infiltrated into the outermost air holes of cladding. However, the resonance coupling between the fundamental mode and surface plasmon polariton (SPP) mode happens when the phase matching condition is matched. The resonance wavelength for 1st and 3rd peaks dependence on the refractive index analyte follows polynomial fitting law, and their fitness are 0.99605 and 0.99623, respectively. When the range of refractive index is from 1.33 to 1.39 and 1.40 to 1.43, the dependence of the resonant wavelength on the refractive index of the analyte follows a linear law and exhibits a relatively high sensitivity.