Easy Path Research Articles

Temperature Monitoring of Two Different Thermal Boxes for the Transport of Biological Samples

According to the Resolutions of the Collegiate Board of Directors RDC No. 20/2014, 214/2018, and 707/2022, validation of the temperature of thermal boxes for the transport of biological samples must be based on standardized procedures and tested by the Tissue Banks, guaranteeing safety and quality. Therefore, they can be simulated. Our objective was to monitor and compare the temperature of 2 different coolers while transporting biological samples. The following items were packed in each of the 2 different thermal boxes (Box 1: Easy Path; Box 2: Safe Box Polyurethane Vegetal): 6 blood samples (30 mL), one bone tissue sample (200 g), 8 hard ice (Gelox, to keep the temperature <8ºC), and internal and external traceability "Time Stamp" sensors installed for measuring and storing temperature data in real-time. The monitored boxes were placed in the trunk of a bus that traveled an approximate distance of 630 km and were then placed in the trunk of a car, under direct sunlight, until they reached a temperature of 8ºC. In Box 1, the internal temperature was maintained in the range of -7ºC to 8ºC for approximately 26 hours. In Box 2, the internal temperature was maintained in the range of -10ºC to 8ºC for approximately 98 hours and 40 minutes. We concluded that both coolers, under similar storage conditions, are suitable for transporting biological samples, with Box 2 maintaining the desired temperature for longer.

A REVIEW OF CORRELATION AMONG THE ECONOMIC GROWTH, ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

Sustainability of the natural resources is based on human efforts and the economic development is the base of the sustainable development of any country. But an economys development would increase when its economic uncertainty is at a low level. There are two objectives of the present research paper the first is to find the correlation among sustainable development, economic growth and economic uncertainty in India and the second is to access the impact of economic growth and economic uncertainty on the sustainable development of India. The present research is taking the period of 2000-2022 to access the correlation and impact of economic growth and economic uncertainty on sustainable development. The explorative, descriptive and correlation-regression methods are used to analyse the all shreds of evidence. The research statements are rejected with strong statistical evidences and both the objectives of the present research paper are achieved. As the economic uncertainty is reduced due to strong economic policies, the economic development takes place and makes the easy sustainable development path in India.

Two-Dimensional Metal-Organic Framework Incorporated Highly Polar PVDF for Dielectric Energy Storage and Mechanical Energy Harvesting.

Here, we introduce a 2D metal-organic framework (MOF) into the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix, which has been comparatively less explored in this field. Highly 2D Ni-MOF has been synthesized in this regard via hydrothermal route and has been incorporated into PVDF matrix via solvent casting technique with ultralow filler (0.5 wt%) loading. The polar phase percentage of 0.5 wt% Ni-MOF loaded PVDF film (NPVDF) has been found to be increased to ~85% from a value of ~55% for neat PVDF. The ultralow filler loading has inhibited the easy breakdown path along with increased dielectric permittivity and hence has enhanced the energy storage performance. On the other hand, significantly enriched polarity and Young's Modulus has helped in improving its mechanical energy harvesting performance, thereby enhancing the human motion interactive sensing activities. The piezoelectric and piezo-tribo hybrid devices made up of NPVDF film have shown improved output power density of ~3.26 and 31 μW/cm2 compared to those of the piezoelectric and piezo-tribo hybrid devices comprising of neat PVDF (output power density ~0.6 and 17 μW/cm2, respectively). The developed composite can thus be considered an excellent candidate for multifunctional applications.

A Collaborative Approach in Prescribing Psychotropics for Persons Experiencing Homelessness.

A Collaborative Approach in Prescribing Psychotropics for Persons Experiencing Homelessness.

International trade agreements within the GATT-WTO paradigm: a descriptive study based on sociological reflection approach

After the end of the Second World War, the second half of the twentieth century brought in, one the one hand, the establishment of GATT provisions in 1947 and the legal texts implemented during its negotiation rounds as a regulatory framework, and on the other hand, the creation in 1995 of the WTO as the central normative entity for international trade. In this way, the states' economic opening strategy focuses on reducing rampant protectionism, usually reflected in tariff barriers and non-tariff barriers as foreign trade policy. Therefore, the GATT-WTO paradigm enhances trade flows between countries as freely as possible, contributing to economic growth and world development. Likewise, the GATT provisions endorsed the creation of many different typologies of trade agreements legitimated by its article XXIV and the Enabling Clause of the Tokyo Round. In this sense, the international trade agreements had a notable growth since the WTO establishment until the Great Recession in 2008. However, it is paradoxical that this approval from the GATT-WTO paradigm regarding the signing of these international trade agreements strengthen regionalism as the easy path, leaving out the multilateralism philosophy of the WTO, where precisely member governments try to solve the trade disputes through its legal framework but not through specific law from trade agreements. In this manner, this research carries out a descriptive study where trade agreements are marked adopting the sociological research scientific approach where a factual question is proposed to analyze the phenomenon. Hence, this paper suggests that the current legal framework in the GATT-WTO paradigm is not dynamic nowadays, pushing countries to sign international trade agreements for promoting commercial exchange and create new rules that, at the multilateral level, the GATT-WTO do not develop for political will absence and particular interests of some full members. A scenario that merely seems to undermine the WTO pushing countries to make parallel rules apart from the traditional multilateralism model giving a more prominent role to regionalism.

Enhancing mechanical properties of ultrafine-grained tungsten for fusion applications

Tungsten, while showing many favorable properties, faces challenges in high-performance applications due to its brittle nature. One strategy to improve strength and toughness in tungsten is to refine the grain size down to the ultra-fine grained (ufg) regime. However, as the grain size is reduced, the fraction of grain boundaries that provide easy paths for crack growth increases, thereby limiting the gain in ductility. Therefore, strengthening the grain boundaries is of great importance if one wants to tap the full potential of this material. Using ab-initio calculations, potential grain boundary cohesion enhancing doping elements were identified, and doped ultra-fine grained tungsten samples were fabricated from powders and characterized extensively using small-scale testing techniques. We found that additions of boron and hafnium improve the mechanical properties of tungsten remarkably. Furthermore, an additional low-temperature heat treatment of the boron-doped sample promotes grain boundary segregation, enhancing the properties even further. Thus, in this work we provide an effective pathway of improving mechanical properties in ultra-fine grained tungsten using grain boundary segregation engineering. This opens the door for many challenging applications of ufg W in harsh environments. To further underline the potential employment of ufg W in nuclear fusion reactors, a favorable swelling behavior and mechanical property response after irradiation with helium is presented within this work.

Editorial | A New Path Forward for Forensic Science Learning

Amazing but true, many criminalists regard forensic microscopy and the light microscope as the single most important instrument in their laboratories for the examination of physical trace evidence. They emphasize proper training as the key to success. McCrone Research Institute began by teaching chemical microscopy courses with the polarized light microscope to chemists and forensic scientists first at Cornell University, then Armour Research Foundation (ARF), Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), and in its classrooms and laboratories still located on the South Side of Chicago since 1960. But it hasn’t been an easy path.

Minimizing the environmental impacts of traffic in Al-Mada’an city using rerouting technique

The geographic information systems are applied in the transportation analysis of AlMada’an city about 30 km southeast of Baghdad city in Iraq. Cities suffer from traffic jams, especially during peak hours. These traffic jams increase in special circumstances such as blocking a certain road for maintenance, security reasons, or during religious events. The work required the establishment of the street layers of AlMada’an city and addressing all the problems and errors that accompany the work to reach the construction of an integrated transport network with all network details. Alternatives and hypotheses included the blocking of a particular road and searching for an alternative road that represents the easy path between two ends. Geomedia Transportation analysis software is used in this application to solve the problems and achieve the aims of the study. Many cases and trials were applied for different road segments in the network to check the application efficiency. The test reflects excellent results everywhere, so we suggest using the application to help local government to find alternatives before blocking any road to avoid crowds. Also, we suggest using the software when entering the street layers into a GIS where its techniques help builds a network.

Orthodox Schools of Indian Philosophy

The Indian Philosophy is regarded as the most mature philosophy in the world. Its approach towards the quest regarding creation, the Almighty and Salvation, makes it unique among others. All the six darśanas namely, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Sāṃkhya, Yoga, Mīmāṃsā and Vedānta, provide a different and exclusive angle to the answers of the philosophical quest. The deep insights into these concepts by various sages and scholars, gave birth to various sub-schools, showcasing the divine intellectual prowess of Sanātana Dharma. The present paper communicates in a bird eye of all the 6 darśanas for an aspirant to choose the most suitable one for his salvation. Through this paper, we can come to a conclusion that the last darśana, that is Vedānta provides an amicable solution to current day aspirants. It gives a practical and more easy path of salvation through devotion.

Performance of Bacillus Cohnii Added Microbial Concrete

In the era of rapid urbanization, concrete has been playing a very important role in construction industry but inherently, it is very much vulnerable to formation of cracks, due to which its durability gets decreased. If immediate action is not taken, cracks developed in the section may spread further and increase the cost of repair. In concrete structures, these cracks become an easy path of entry for water, oxygen and carbon dioxide resulting into the decrease in durability of concrete. Numerous researches around the world are on to heal this defect with the help of addition of various bacteria in the form of Bacterial Concrete. This study aims to find out the change in salient properties of concrete experimentally after adding the microbes. Concrete cubes were cast with different bacteria concentrations, tested for salient properties after 7 and 28 days. Test results reveal that addition of bacteria results into increase in compressive strength and decrease in water absorption and porosity of concrete. Findings also indicate that the concrete mix with higher bacteria concentration gives higher compressive strength and lower water absorption and porosity in concrete.

RUSSIAN SPEAKERS FROM LATVIA IN SWEDEN: BETWEEN IDENTITIES AND MEMORIES

This ethnographic research looks into Russian speakers from Latvia, who now live in Sweden. Russian speakers from Latvia have been adapting to the new life situation after the collapse of the Soviet Union, being challenged by requirements to adjust rapidly. It has not been an easy path, as well for those Russian speakers who were born or grew up already in the independent Latvia. They have been carrying along stories and memories from their families, which did not always fit in in the newly re-built Latvia. The research investigates how did they adjust and remade themselves to adjust to the new life situation. It looks into their identity and belonging issues and their interpretations of the sensitive historical events.

The Impact of Stock Market on Growth of Industry in India during Post Reform Periods

The stock exchange facilitates the industrial growth by providing finance for the enterprises. A well developed and ably regulated stock market facilitates sustainable development of the country in general and industry in specific, by providing long run funds in exchange for financial assets to the inverters. It creates market for company’s shares. It also helps in increasing the esteem and status of the company. The stock exchanges also promote the company by creating public interest in it with additional fund by means of issuing new shares or other securities. Industrialization or perish is the development mantra Sir M Visvesvaraya gave to India. But the path to industrialization is not an easy path, It requires lost of infrastructures including that of finance. The growth of the Corporate Industrial sector, apart from its own savings depends on the inflow of financial resources into it. The importance of financial sector to industrial growth as well as economic growth is debated by various economists. Some economists like Robinson (1952), Lucas (1988) do not consider financial system as important tool for economic growth. BSE is the biggest stock exchange of India. It represents the stock market development of India. The turnover of Bombay stock exchange at cash segment was 45,696 Crore in during 1992-93 which increased to 13,38,225 Crore In 2021-22. The market capitalization of BSE was 3,23,363 Crore in 1991-92 which increased to 2, 64, 06,501 Crore in 2021-22. Sensex which reflect the pulses of stock market was 1842 points in 1991-92 which increased to 55775 points in 2021-22. And industrial production which determine the economic growth of Indian economy was 3,25,150 crore in 1991-92 which increased to 37, 49,971 crore in 2021-22

Ginkgo seed shell provides a unique model for bioinspired design

Natural structural materials typically feature complex hierarchical anisotropic architectures, resulting in excellent damage tolerance. Such highly anisotropic structures, however, also provide an easy path for crack propagation, often leading to catastrophic fracture as evidenced, for example, by wood splitting. Here, we describe the weakly anisotropic structure of Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) seed shell, which has excellent crack resistance in different directions. Ginkgo seed shell is composed of tightly packed polygonal sclereids with cell walls in which the cellulose microfibrils are oriented in a helicoidal pattern. We found that the sclereids contain distinct pits, special fine tubes like a "screw fastener," that interlock the helicoidal cell walls together. As a result, ginkgo seed shell demonstrates crack resistance in all directions, exhibiting specific fracture toughness that can rival other highly anisotropic natural materials, such as wood, bone, insect cuticle, and nacre. In situ characterization reveals ginkgo's unique toughening mechanism: pit-guided crack propagation. This mechanism forces the crack to depart from the weak compound middle lamella and enter into the sclereid, where the helicoidal cell wall significantly inhibits crack growth by the cleavage and breakage of the fibril-based cell walls. Ginkgo's toughening mechanism could provide guidelines for a new bioinspired strategy for the design of high-performance bulk materials.

Change agents’ enactment of management control systems: shaping strategic change in a telecommunications organisation

PurposeThis paper aims to use a perspective informed by practice theory to examine the influence of change agents in enacting management control systems (MCS) in the process of shaping strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a case study approach to examine the implementation of a business strategy in the utility sector. The authors seek a better understanding of practice theory and its role in influencing institutional change and stability.FindingsThe case study findings show that the change agents enacted MCS practices that aided the metamorphosis of a once state-owned company into a for-profit enterprise. The findings show how the organisation transformed from a long-established preoccupation with technical systems and engineering and shifted to a focus on customer satisfaction and shareholder interests.Research limitations/implicationsIn terms of policy implications, bureaucrats need to appreciate that inculcating business norms is not an easy path and can be met with resistance, which creates delays in strategy implementation. The current study, while reporting some of the influences of tribal loyalty, was nevertheless limited by not having the time and space to examine in-depth the intersections of MCS and strategy within a strongly tribal context. This can be an avenue for future research.Practical implicationsThe study helps to understand embedded actors in the implementation of strategy by refocusing research on the actions and interactions of strategy implementation practitioners.Originality/valueThe authors contribute to the literature by seeking to use practice theory and offer a valuable understanding, from the actor level, of how practices are created and enacted. Often accounting studies have paid less attention to the change agents in the process of shaping business-oriented strategic activity. This study enabled us to gain a better understanding of the action and practice behaviour around the strategy-MCS nexus.

Recent Advances in Graphene and Graphene‐Based Heterogeneous Nanocatalysts: C−C And C−Y Coupling Reactions in Liquid Phase

AbstractUp to date, graphene has been widely used in organic transformations as a supporting material due to its superior physical and chemical properties as well as being cost‐effective. Metal nanocomposite as a catalyst has been studied in the formation of carbon‐carbon and carbon‐heteroatom bonds formation reactions such as Suzuki, Ullmann, Heck, Sonogashira, C−O, C−N, and C−S cross‐coupling reactions. The efficient catalysts were characterized by analytical and microscopic techniques and investigated their reusability. The reactions gave the desired products (pharmaceutical intermediate products) an easier path. This review mainly focuses on metal nanoparticles supported by graphene derivatives towards the C−C and C−Y (Y=O, S, N) cross‐coupling reactions in liquid phase heterogeneous catalysis.

Basalt Fibers Reinforced Concrete: Strength and Failure Modes.

The low tensile capacity of concrete often results in brittle failure without any warning. One way to cope with this issue is to add fibers and essentially improve the tensile strength (TS) behavior of concrete and offset its undesirable brittle failure. In recent investigations, basalt fibers (BFs), as compared to a variety of other kinds of fiber, have attracted the attention of researchers. In that respect, BFs exhibit several benefits, such as excellent elastic properties, great strength, high elastic modulus, higher thermal stability, and decent chemical stability. Although many researchers have reported that BFs can be embedded in concrete to improve the tensile capacity, a more profound understanding of its contribution is still needed. However, the information is scattered and it is difficult for the reader to identify the benefits of BFs. Therefore, a detailed assessment is essential to summarize all relevant information and provide an easy path for the reader. This review (part Ⅰ) summarizes all the relevant information, including flow properties, strength properties, and failure modes. Results reveal that BFs can greatly enhance the strength properties and change the brittle nature of concrete to one of ductility. However, it unfavorably impacts the flowability of concrete. Furthermore, the optimal proportion is shown to be important as a higher dose can adversely affect the strength of concrete, due to a deficiency of flowability. The typical range of the ideal incorporation of BFs varies from 0.5 to 1.5%. Finally, the review also indicates the research gap for future research studies that must be cautiously explored before being used in the real world.

Cytotoxic activity and DNA fragmentation study of nano structured assemblies of copper sulfide nanoparticles using single route molecular precursor source of copper

In this paper, we have reported an easy, template free and squashy solution chemistry path was applied to synthesize variegated nanostructured congregation assemblies of copper nanoparticles at room temperature using hydrazinecarbothioamide coordinated Cu(II) complex through a single route molecular precursor source. The parent compounds were heated under microwave irradiation to obtain diversified CuS nanostructures in the shapes of spheres and nanotubes were found to be assemblies of either nanoplates or nanoparticles. The formation of nanostructured CuS nano particles was detailed studied by differing the synthetic conditions such as reaction time, temperature, parent compounds ratio, and the presence of counter ions. The presence of NO3 - and SO4 2- ions as counter ions were found to be suitable for the formation of nanotubes whereas the presence of Clions initiate the formation of spherical nano assemblies of CuS nano material is obtained. The synthesized samples were characterized using various structural, morphological and optical characterization techniques like elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis, and thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetric (TGA/DG). Important changes were observed in the FT-IR spectra of the copper complex compared to the FT-IR spectrum of ligand. X-ray diffraction studies confirms the formation of hexagonal crystalline phase of CuS nano particles: Transmission electron microscopy exhibit nanotube like structures with an average particle size of 78nm. Strong UV absorption band at 425nm confirms the formation of good quality CuS nano particles. The microwave irradiation of parent compounds in the presence of nonpolar solvents like DMF, DMSO environment played a significant role in decreasing the reaction time, decreases the possibility of side reactions and proceeds the reaction in the formation of good quality nanoparticles. The SEM analysis of CuS nano particles confirms the agglomerated grain like surface morphology of nanoparticles. All compounds showed the various pharmacological activities like antioxidant, antibacterial activities due to the presence of strong electron withdrawing and electron releasing functional groups are present in molecular precursors. The microwave synthesis of CuS nanostructured assemblies in nonpolar solvent in a proper stoichiometric ratio is an excellent method for preparing highly efficient bio active agents like antibacterial &amp; antioxidant agents which can be considered as a good drug candidate for medicinal chemists in future.

Hydrogen bond‐driven assembly of coral‐like soy protein isolate–tannic acid microcomplex for encapsulation of limonene

The encapsulation of flavor and aroma compounds has great potential in foods, while effective preparation in the food industry is still a great challenge. Inspired by leather tanning, tannic acid (TA) was used for deep crosslinking through hydrogen bond-driven assembly on soy protein isolate for encapsulating limonene with a high loading ratio. The added TA changed the protein structure and formed a limonene-loaded microcomplex. The morphology of these microcomplexes changed from smooth to rough, followed by the formation of smooth nanoparticle aggregates, by changing the amount of TA. The encapsulation efficiency and loading ratio were increased from 0.78% and 4.30% to 59.32% and 45.78% after increasing TA from 1.875 to 60 mg mL-1 . The result of confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that limonene is evenly distributed in microcomplexes. Additionally, the results of thermal stability demonstrated protection of limonene by soy protein-tannic acid microcomplex. It is suggested that the added TA improved the encapsulation efficiency and loading ratio. Limonene is loaded in the complex in two ways. The present research provides a new and easy path for the preparation of the non-thermal soy protein aroma carrier. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Double-Layered Porous Rayleigh Step Slider Bearings Lubricated with Couplestress Fluids

Objective: To examine the performance of double-layered porous Rayleigh step slider bearings lubricated with couple stress fluid and to compare it with the performance of single layered porous Rayleigh step bearing. Methods: Based on the Stokes micro continuum theory of couple stress fluids, the modified Reynolds equation governing fluid film pressure is derived. Its analytical solution is and the closed form expressions for the fluid film pressure, frictional force and load carrying capacity are obtained. Findings: The numerical results for bearing characteristics such as pressure, load carrying capacity, frictional force are plotted graphically to study the effect of doublelayered porous facing. The effect of permeability of the porous layer is to decrease the load carrying capacity as it gives an easy path for the lubricant to pass through. This adverse effect can be compensated by introducing double layered porous facing with different permeabilities and the results presented here in this paper clearly shows the increase in load carrying capacity and decrease in co-efficient of friction for the double layered porous bearings as compared to that of single layered porous bearings. Novelty: Original research was conducted on double-layered porous Rayleigh step slider bearings with couple stress fluid by considering the effects of lubricant additives in the porous region and the results are compared with that of single layered porous bearings. Keywords: Rayleighstep slider bearing; permeability; Doublelayered porous; couple stress fluid Microcontinuum

“Tri-Solvent-in-Salt” Electrolytes for High-Performance Supercapacitors

Electrolytes chemistry for high-performance supercapacitors (SCs) has been addressed recently, where solvents included in electrolyte composition dissolving or mixing the electrochemically active salts or ILs have been typically seen as a mere medium.[1] Specifically, attention regarding the achievement of high-performacne SCs has also been paid to, e.g., water-in-salt (WIS), solvent-in-salt (SIS), and bi-solvent-in-salt (BSIS) electrolytes, demonstrating that solvent molecules may indeed play a more active role.[2 - 4] In this presentation, we will talk about the design of a tri-solvent-in-salt (TSIS) electrolyte where every solvent contributed (with an IL, i.e., EMIMBF4) to the formation of an electrochemically active hydrogen bond (HB) complex structure. Raman and NMR spectroscopies, as well as molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, helped elucidate the ratio among all compounds (e.g., solvents and IL) in the HB complex structure that best works as an electrolyte. For instance, the eutectic mixture of H2O and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in a 2 to 1 molar ratio primary HB complex structures with mixed EMIMBF4 offers a low melting point and low flammability, then add acetonitrile (CH3CN) in different molar ratios providing an improvement of the rate capability to the resulting electrolyte. As compared to other electrolytes, the TSIS electrolyte composed in a molality of 5.8 m (TSIS-5.8) showed the cost efficiency and exhibited a low self-extinction rate. Moreover, SCs operating with TSIS-5.8, at -70 °C and up to 2.7 V provided energy densities of ca. 49 and 18 Wh kg-1, respectively, power densities of 10,000 and 17,000 W kg-1, the capacitance retention of ca. 82% after 15,000 cycles at 4 A g-1 and a self-discharge as low as 22%. The use of ternary solvent mixtures combining different solvents in the proper molar ratios opens up an easy and low-cost path to design many new electrolytes in terms of non-flammability, non-toxicity, high electrical conductivity, and wide electrochemical stability window (ESW). Forthcoming research could use the knowledge provided by this work in terms of ions solvation and transport in TSIS electrolytes and explore the interfacial interactions between electrolyte and electrode material to determine their respective relevance in the performance of SCs. Keywords: tri-solvent-in-salt (TSIS), hydrogen bond, eutectic mixtures, supercapacitors Reference ： [1] F. Béguin, et al. Carbons and electrolytes for advanced supercapacitors. Adv. Mater., 26 (2014), 2219-2251.[2] Q. Dou, et al. Safe and high-rate supercapacitors based on an ‘‘Acetonitrile/Water in Salt’’ hybrid electrolyte. Energy Environ. Sci, 11 (2018), 3212-3219.[3] X. Lu, et al. Aqueous-Eutectic-in-Salt Electrolytes for High-Energy-Density Supercapacitors with an Operational Temperature Window of 100 °C, from −35 to +65 °C. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2020, 12, 26, 29181–29193.[4] X. Lu, et al. Aqueous Co-Solvent in Zwitterionic-based Protic Ionic Liquids as Electrolytes in 2.0 V Supercapacitors. ChemSusChem 2020, 13, 5983.[5] X. Lu, et al. EMIMBF4 in ternary liquid mixtures of water, dimethyl sulfoxide and acetonitrile as “tri-solvent-in-salt” electrolytes for high-performance supercapacitors operating at -70 °C. Energy Storage Mater., 40, (2021), 368-385.