Reduction Of Angle Research Articles

Impairments in pulmonary functions in paediatric spinal tuberculosis: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of vertebral column destruction and kyphotic deformity due to spinal tuberculosis on pulmonary functions in paediatric patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 30 patients diagnosed with healed spinal tuberculosis, aged 7-18years. Detailed radiographic measurements, including the level of involvement, kyphosis angle, Spinal Deformity Index (SDI), and drug-resistance status, were compared with various pulmonary function parameters. The mean age of the study group was 12.8 ± 2.7years (range 7-17years), consisting of 11 males and 19 females. Fourteen patients were managed conservatively and 16 were managed operatively. The mean SDI was 5.2 ± 4.7. The mean kyphotic angle was 31.3° ± 25.3. The average number of involved vertebrae was 2.6 ± 1.5. Pulmonary functions were classified as restrictive in 24 patients, normal in 4 patients, obstructive in 1 patient, and mixed in 1 patient. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) was detected in 5 (16.7%) patients, while the remaining 25 (83.3%) patients were sensitive to conventional antitubercular drugs. The correlation coefficients between the percentage reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) and kyphosis angle, SDI, and number of vertebrae were 0.4 (p = 0.026), 0.4 (p = 0.028), and 0.19 (p = 0.295), respectively. The mean percentage reduction in FVC and total lung capacity (TLC) were 35.8 ± 15.7 and 6.2 ± 2.3, respectively. No significant association was observed between pulmonary functions and drug sensitivity status (p = 0.074). Paediatric spinal tuberculosis can lead to thoracic insufficiency due to progressive destruction and shortening of the spinal column, spinal growth inhibition, and kyphotic deformity. Management of these cases should focus on promoting normal lung development while ensuring disease resolution and deformity correction. Further research should explore growth conserving or growth guiding systems to address or prevent growth retardation and simultaneously provide spinal stabilization.

Improved room-temperature magnetoelectric coupling properties for multiferroic Z-type hexaferrites

Here we present the results of a systematic investigation of the effect of Ba substitution on the spiral magnetic structure and magnetoelectric effect in polycrystalline BaxSr3−xCo2Fe24O41 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7). The magnetoelectric coupling coefficient was improved from 455 ps/m (x = 0.0) to 624 ps/m (x = 0.3). Furthermore, the magnetic field range at which the magnetoelectric signal appears extended from 0-∼0.4 T (x = 0.0) to 0-∼0.9 T (x = 0.5), demonstrating that the transverse conical spin structure was significantly strengthened by Ba substitution. These improvements are attributed to the decrease of Fe-O-Fe bond angle near the L and S blocks boundary, the reduction of cone angle in the transverse conical spin structure, and the change in the distribution of magnetic Co ions caused by the substitution of large Ba ions for small Sr ions. In general, we achieved the improved magnetoelectric coupling strength in polycrystalline Z-type hexaferrite for the first time.

Dimensional accuracy enhancement of machined-hole through UAECDM-process under the magnetic-field-assistance

ABSTRACT Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) is a micro-machining hybrid technique that utilizes electrical discharge and electrochemical machining principles. However, the issue of insufficient electrolyte in the hydrodynamic region hinders the continuation of the machining action. Although ultrasonic tool vibrations have been used to overcome this problem to some extent, the excessive mechanical energy produced by high-amplitude tool vibration may lead to surface crack formations. As a result, the present work employs two flushing improvement methods, namely the ultrasonic vibrations and magnetic filed assistances, in the ECDM process. A comparative study has been performed to identify the effect of the magnetic field on discharge quality. The material removal rate and depth of penetration were increased by 11% and 24%, respectively, and the observed reduction in hole overcut and taper angle was around 35% and 50%, respectively. Optical microscope images quantified improvement in dimensional accuracy and decreased HAZ area.

Experimental study on nanoparticles-assisted low-salinity water for enhanced oil recovery in asphaltenic oil reservoirs

The purpose of this research is to look into the augmentation of silica nanoparticles (NPs) with low salinity (LowSal) brine for EOR. A series of analyses, including oil/water interfacial tension (IFT) and rock wettability tests were undertaken to determine an optimal dispersion to flood into a porous carbonate core with a defined pore size distribution. At 60 °C and 14.5 psi, the maximum drop (i.e., roughly 12.5 mN/m) in oil/water IFT by 0.3 wt.% brine occurred, but when 0.08 wt.% silica was added to the brine, the IFT reduced to 14.51 mN/m at 60 °C and 14.5 psi. The wettability analysis revealed a significant reduction in contact angle, from 142° to 72° and 59°, using 0.04 and 0.08 wt.% silica in LowSal brine, but the extent reduced by brine alone was insufficient. The results of rock pore size characterization were discussed in terms of the accomplishment of operating EOR in the porous medium in the presence of NPs. The addition of 0.08 wt. % silica to the injected brine resulted in an additional oil recovery of 16.3% OOIP as well as a significant shift in the endpoints/cross-points of the oil/water relative permeability curves. The findings of this research might help improve oil recovery from asphaltenic oil reservoirs or, more environmentally friendly, remediate petroleum crude-oil polluted soil.

Which parameters predict correction of the intermetatarsal angle after first metatarsophalangeal fusion?

Fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is a commonly performed surgical procedure. Although the effect of first MTPJ fusion on reduction of Intermetatarsal angle (IMA) is well described, contributing factors remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identity predictive parameters for IMA reduction. Fifty-one patients (68 feet) who underwent a first MTPJ fusion and had an IMA greater than fourteen degrees were assessed retrospectively. The average age was 68 (31.4-79.3) years. Sixteen demographic and radiographic variables were evaluated using a multivariate regression analysis for association with change in IMA after surgery. The mean preoperative IMA was 16.11 (range, 14.0-22.5) degrees with a mean reduction of 4.95 (range, 0-17) degrees after surgery. Multivariate regression analysis revealed three significant independent predictors of the change in IMA. Increased preoperative IMA (β = .663, CI = .419, .908, P <.001), increased preoperative translation at base of MT1 (β = .490, CI = 0.005, .974, P = 0.039), and less postoperative translation in the fusion (β= -0.693, CI= -1.054, -.331, P= 0.002) significantly increased the amount of IMA reduction. Pre-operative IMA and translation at the base of the first metatarsal were positive predictors for correction of IMA after first MTPJ fusion. Translation at the level of the MTP I fusion was a negative predictor for the amount of IMA correction. Based on these findings, we recommend minimizing the lateral translation of the proximal phalanx relative to the metatarsal head to optimize IMA correction after MTPJ fusion.

The characteristics of dynamic stability in aluminium alloy keyhole weld pool flow

The keyhole welding process in Variable Polarity Plasma Arc Welding enhances weld quality significantly, yet it introduces pool instability. Dynamic stability is pursued by investigating molten metal flowing within keyholes and their characteristics. Weld pool flow patterns are obtained via particle tracking, while instability characteristics are captured employing a high-speed camera. Analysing directional molten metal flow unveils Convergence and Separation Points in weld pool flow. The latter’s displacement induces weld pool instability, resulting in an increase in keyhole area and a reduction in the pinch angle. The keyhole area signifies pool instability, while the rear wall angle reflects the welding state. These findings provide a theoretical basis for weld control and advance vision-based intelligent manufacturing welding techniques.

Alteration in body water compartments following intermittent fasting in Ramadan.

Concerning the health outcomes of intermittent fasting in Ramadan, loss of fat-free mass (FFM) and changes in the content of body water are of paramount importance. In this study, we aimed to assess the concomitant alterations in body water compartment and composition following Ramadan fasting in healthy individuals. We conducted an open-label cohort with longitudinal follow-up, involving 73 healthy medical staff who planned to fast for at least 20 consecutive days during Ramadan. The primary outcomes of the cohort were changes in parameters related to body composition and water content, which were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis by InBody S10 (InBody, Seoul, South Korea). Based on the results, the participants' weight decreased significantly by approximately 1,030 g after the fasting period (p < 0.001). There was a significant reduction in the fat mass of an average 828 g (p < 0.001), which accounted for more than 80% of the weight loss. The decline in FFM was not significant (190 g; p = 0.234). The amount of total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) did not change, while intracellular water (ICW) decreased significantly by about 160 mL (p = 0.027). A strong correlation was observed between the reduction of phase angle and the increase in ECW/TBW ratio (R = -0.71, p < 0.001). Overall, our findings revealed a minimal amount of weight loss after Ramadan fasting, which was mainly due to the loss of fat mass. The parallel decrease in ICW and phase angle indicated impaired cell membrane integrity, with subsequent movement of water from the intracellular to the extracellular compartment.

Acute Effects of Ice Hockey on Hip Range of Motion, Strength, and Pelvic Tilt in Competitive Male Players.

Ice hockey players are at high risk for hip and groin injury. Several risk factors have been identified or proposed, including lower hip rotation range of motion (ROM), lower hip adductor strength, lower ratio of hip adductor to abductor strength, and lower pelvic tilt angle. It is not known how these risk factors change acutely with ice hockey participation. Acute exposure to ice hockey will result in a reduction in ROM, strength, and pelvic tilt angle in competitive male players. Controlled cohort study. Level 3. Risk factors for hip and groin injury, including isometric hip adductor strength at 0° of flexion, the ratio of hip adductor to abductor strength, total hip rotation passive ROM in supine, and the resting pelvic tilt angle, were assessed immediately before, immediately after, and 24 hours after an ice hockey exposure in 42 competitive male ice hockey players. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected to identify the intensity of the exposure. There was a significant decrease in total hip rotation ROM (-7.32°, P < 0.01 (-3.91, -10.70)) and hip adductor strength (-4.41 kg, P < 0.01 (-2.81, -6.00) immediately after the exposure, and a significant decrease in total hip rotation ROM (-18.54°, P < 0.01 (-14.35, -22.73)), hip adductor strength (-6.56 kg, P < 0.01 (-4.58, -8.61)), and the ratio of hip adductor to abductor strength (-0.12, P < 0.01 (-0.21, -0.45)) 24 hours after. There was no significant change in pelvic tilt found in this study immediately after or 24 hours after. There was a moderate relationship between changes in hip adductor strength and changes in the ratio of hip adductor to abductor strength (r = 0.433, P < 0.01). RPE was not significantly correlated to any of the changes observed. Risk factors for hip and groin injury in ice hockey players are modifiable after a single ice hockey exposure. The identified fluctuation of injury risk factors for hip and groin injury in ice hockey players has implications for injury risk profiling, rehabilitation, and return-to-competition decision-making.

Position of the ISTENT Inject® Trabecular Micro-Bypass System Visualized with the NIDEK GS-1 Gonioscope-A Postoperative Analysis.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness globally and is characterized by the gradual loss of retinal ganglion cells. The primary risk factor for the development and progression of glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Numerous surgical interventions exist to lower IOP should conservative therapy fail. One trend in recent years has been minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) as an alternative to traditional methods. The ISTENT inject® is an ab interno trabecular micro-bypass implant designed to be implanted through the trabecular meshwork into the Schlemm's canal to lower IOP. The aim of the study was the postoperative visualization and description of the positioning of the ISTENT inject® using automated circumferential goniophotography. Patients with symptomatic cataracts and mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEX), and pigment-dispersion glaucoma were included who underwent combined cataract surgery with the ISTENT inject® and received postoperative automated gonioscopy with the NIDEK Gonioscope GS-1 to visualize the location of the implant. Twenty-four implants of 14 eyes in 11 patients could be visualized. Out of the implants, 14.3% were in the trabecular meshwork, 46.4% were at the border between the trabecular meshwork and scleral spur, 25% were below the trabecular meshwork, and 14.3% of the implants were not detectable in the gonioscopy. In the overall cohort, a statistically significant IOP reduction was found over the 12-month postoperative observation period. Even in three eyes, in each of which both stents were located below the trabecular meshwork, an IOP reduction over 12 months was observed compared to the baseline IOP. In this study, vertical two-dimensional positioning of the ISTENT inject® was performed for the first time using NIDKE GS-1 automated 360° goniophotography. The method is suitable for postoperative visualization, control, and documentation of positioning after ISTENT inject® implantation. Further studies are needed to analyze the correlation between positioning of the ISTENT inject® in the chamber angle and postoperative IOP reduction.

Tuning the optoelectronic and surface properties of TiO2 nanotubes

Nanostructured TiO2 is a widely researched material because of its semiconducting property, biocompatibility, nontoxic nature, and therefore, applications are plenty in the fields of energy, catalysis, sensing, and medicines. Tailoring the properties of this material remains a challenge without contaminating and compromising various aspects. In this work, we demonstrate the tailoring of a few important properties such as bandgap, electrical conductivity, and wettability of anatase TiO2 nanotubes using low-energy argon ion irradiation. The ion beam modification of structure, morphology, and surface chemistry are probed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The observed ion beam modifications such as morphological deformation, surface defects, and joining are successfully predicted by TRI3DYN simulation. While the electrical conductivity is increased significantly, the surface starts repelling water after ion irradiation. The bandgap reduces noticeably after ion irradiation. First principles-based simulation reveals that both O and Ti vacancy play important roles in controlling conductivity, bandgap reduction, and change of contact angles. Such tunability can have a strong impact on various applications involving TiO2 nanotubes.

Evaluating the role of salts on wettability alteration in dolomite rocks: Possibility of water based oil mobilization application

While many low salinity studies have been conducted on chalks, calcite minerals and sandstone rocks, few research articles have explored the same for applications in dolomite rocks. To explore the effect of mineralogy, a comparative study on the wettability alteration in the presence of low salinity brines for 2 carbonate rocks of varying composition was studied. The contact-angle experiments were performed for two carbonate samples. One carbonate sample was composed of ∼100 % dolomite mineral whereas the other carbonate rock sample was composed of both dolomite and calcite mineral (5 % calcite and 95 % dolomite). The ionic solutions were composed of NaCl, MgCl2, CaCl2 and CaSO4 single salt solutions of concentration (500 ppm to 5000 ppm). The contact angle reduction was observed in the following order CaSO4 > MgCl2 > CaCl2 > NaCl for the carbonate sample containing calcite and dolomite minerals and the maximum reduction in contact angle for the carbonate sample containing dolomite and calcite minerals was observed for CaSO4 brines was 26.13 % for 1000 ppm concentration. The contact angle reduction observed for the carbonate sample containing dolomite mineral was found to be in the following order MgCl2 > CaCl2 > CaSO4 > NaCl and the maximum reduction in contact angle was observed for MgCl2 brines was 24.58 % for 3000 ppm concentration. The wettability alteration observed in the carbonate sample containing dolomite mineral was less as compared to the carbonate sample containing calcite and dolomite mineral. In the presence of MgCl2 brines, the pH of the brines dominates the mineral dissolution, thereby improving or reducing the extent of wettability alteration. However, the complete wettability reversal has not been observed in this study. An increase in temperature (from 70 to 90 °C) was found to be favourable for wettability alteration while the presence of calcites, along with dolomites has the potential to further improve oil recovery.

Experimental studies on effectiveness of graphene oxide nanosheets dispersion in water/aqueous PHPA for enhanced oil recovery

Nanoparticle application in enhanced oil recovery is emerging as a novel technology because of their unique characteristics, viz. reduction of IFT, wettability alteration, and stable dispersion in injection water and aqueous polymer solution. In the present study, graphene oxide nanosheets (GONs) are synthesized by modified Hummer's method. The nanosheets are characterized by FTIR, XRD and UV–vis spectroscopy analysis. The size of the nanosheets was confirmed by the AFM and HR-TEM imaging. The stability of nanofluid (NF) with dispersed GONs in the aqueous solution was confirmed by Turbiscan stability analysis, DLS studies and zeta-potential values (less than −34 mV). The experimental research reveals that NF alters the wettability of intermediate oil-wet sandstone reservoir rock with a reduction of contact angle from 112.4° to 17.2°. Further, it is observed that the IFT between oil (decane) and deionized water decreases from 42.34 mN/m to 32.76 mN/m for the NF system. It has been observed that the synthesized GONs can emulsify crude oil, which is also an important mechanism of EOR. The rheological studies show that GONs enhance the viscosity and viscoelastic properties of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) polymer. GONs form a robust three-dimensional network structure facilitated by hydrogen bonding with the PHPA polymer chain, which leads to the improvement of sweep efficiency. The core flooding experiment demonstrates that the incremental oil recovery over the conventional water flooding by GONs dispersed in the PHPA polymer with flooding is significantly higher (26% of original oil in place) than that of individual NF and polymer flooding.

Honeycomb pattern formation on poly(vinyl chloride) films: electrically-driven microparticle trapping and the effect of drying temperature

This work presents the effect of drying temperature on the formation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) honeycomb microstructures formed by the breath figure technique. Results revealed the self-assembly of honeycomb patterns with small cell diameter and thick cell walls dried at room temperature. An increase in cell diameter and a decrease in wall thickness were observed as drying temperature was increased up to 70 °C while no formation of patterns was noted at temperatures greater than or equal to 80 °C. The presence of honeycomb patterns consequently enhanced the static water contact angle of the PVC layer. Electrowetting experiments revealed more pronounced reduction in the water contact angle on honeycomb-structured PVC compared to a flat PVC layer at any given applied voltage. A proof-of-concept on the feasibility of the honeycomb structures to trap microparticles by electrically-driven droplet actuation was further demonstrated. Corresponding SEM images confirmed the entrapment of microparticles in the honeycomb cells and walls after the electrowetting experiment. These results offer new and facile strategies for tuning the morphological properties of polymeric honeycomb microstructures and its possible application in microparticle trapping and sensing.

CBCTs in a Swiss university dental clinic: a retrospective evaluation over 5 years with emphasis on radiation protection criteria

ObjectivesTo retrospectively evaluate all cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans acquired from 2017 to 2022 in a Swiss university dental clinic with particular emphasis on radiation protection aspects.Material and methodsRadiological databases at the dental clinic of the University of Bern, Switzerland, were explored using a self-developed search algorithm. Data of all acquired CBCT from 01.01.2017 to 27.06.2022 were screened. Exposure parameters (exposure time, exposure angle, milliampere (mA), kilovoltage (kV), field of view (FOV) size), dose area product (DAP), age, and sex of the patient were recorded anonymously. The collected data were analyzed mainly descriptively. Correlations measured the statistical relationships between the variables.ResultsA total of 10,348 CBCT datasets were analyzed. Patient age ranged from 5 to 96 years (mean: 49.4 years, SD: 21.6 years). The number of CBCTs in patients under 25 years was around 20% each year. In total, 10,313 (99.7%) CBCTs were acquired in small to medium FOV (FOV up to 10 cm of height), and 35 (0.3%) in large FOV (height > 10 cm). DAPs of small FOVs were 518.3 ± 233.2 mGycm2 (mean ± SD), of medium FOV 1233 ± 502.2 mGycm2, and of large FOV 2189 ± 368.7 mGycm2. DAP (ρ = 0.4048, p < 0.0001) and kV (ρ = 0.0210, p = 0.0327) correlated positively with age. Reduced scan angle correlated with young age (rpb 0.2729, p < 0.001). mA did not correlate with age (p = 0.3685).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that certain well-known radiation protection aspects as the reduction of FOV, mA, kV, and scan angle were only partly considered.Clinical relevanceKnown radiation protection aspects, especially in young patients, should be fully applied in regular clinical practice.

Wetting of FeCoCrNiTi0.2 high entropy alloy on the (HfZrTiTaNb)C high entropy ceramic

To clarify the unique interfacial interaction of heterogeneous system under high entropy effect, the wettability of the liquid FeCoCrNiTi0.2 high entropy alloy (HEA) on the (HfZrTiTaNb)C high entropy ceramic (HEC) was studied at 1370–1430 °C. The dissolved HEC contributed Hf and Zr atoms to the liquid HEA, and their adsorption at the triple line promoted the rapid reduction of the initial contact angle. Meanwhile, the active Ti in liquid HEA diffused into the HEC, which induced a phase transition from HEC to HEC' with the unaltered lattice structure. The spreading of liquid HEA depended on the formation of HEC' judged by the linear relationship between ln(cosθe−cosθd) and time. The calculated high wetting activation energies revealed sluggish spreading for the HEA/HEC system. Based on the good wettability of HEA/HEC system, the HEC brazed joints with high shear strengths above 245 MPa were constructed using HEA fillers at a wide temperature interval of 1400–1490 °C.

Increase in performance of air-sieve grain-cleaning machines in separating heap of sunflower seeds

BACKGROUND: The performance of grain cleaning machines (GCM) of the air-sieve type and the quality of grain cleaning depend on the uniformity of the loading of the sieves, which is determined by the design of the supply-distribution device. A decrease in the inclination angle of the feeding device surface leads to a decrease in the intensity of supply of the heap closer to the axis, further reduction leads the heap to stop in this area. Therefore, the inclination angle reduction for the feeding device is below the friction coefficient that leads to a decrease in the loading distribution uniformity.&#x0D; AIMS: Determination the dependence of the sorting process parameter of a heap of sunflower seeds on the material for the feeding device surface in the MVU-1500 air-sieve GCM.&#x0D; METHODS: To determine the inclination angle of the feeding device in the process of sorting the Lakomka variety sunflower seeds, which affects the parameters of the pneumatic system of the MVU-1500 air-sieve GCM, an experimental installation was built to determine the heap movement velocity. The used methods were a privately developed methodology, methods of mathematical statistics and laws of theoretical mechanics.&#x0D; RESULTS: The movement velocity of the heap of sunflower seeds on the surface of the feeding device were considered. Using the feeding device, the experimental and theoretical movement velocities of the heap of sunflower seeds on its surface made of metal and fluoropolymer included in the standard and improved MVU-1500 air-sieve GCMs were determined.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The practical value of the study lies in determining the theoretical movement velocity of the heap of sunflower seeds on the GCMs feeding device surface which depends on its inclination angle as well as on the optimal material for it.

Advanced low blaze angle x-ray gratings via nanoimprint replication and plasma etch.

We developed a new method of making ultra-low blaze angle diffraction gratings for x-ray applications. The method is based on reduction of the blaze angle of a master grating by nanoimprint replication followed by a plasma etch. A master blazed grating with a relatively large blaze angle is fabricated by anisotropic wet etching of a Si single crystal substrate. The surface of the master grating is replicated by a polymer material on top of a quartz substrate by nanoimprinting. Then a second nanoimprinting is performed using the 1st replica as a mold to replicate the saw-tooth surface into a resist layer on top of a Si grating substrate. A reactive ion etch is used to transfer the grating grooves into the Si substrate. The plasma etch provides reduction of the groove depth by a factor defined by the ratio of the etch rates for the resist and Si. We demonstrate reduction of the blaze angle of a master grating by a factor of 5 during fabrication of a 200 lines/mm blazed grating with a blaze angle of 0.2°. We investigated the quality and performance of the fabricated low blaze angle gratings and evaluate process accuracy and reproducibility. The new blaze angle reduction method preserves the planarity of the optical surface of the grating substrate and at the same time provides improvement in the grating groove quality during the reduction process.

Wood decay fungi show enhanced biodeterioration of low-density polyethylene in the absence of wood in culture media.

The involvement of microorganisms in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) degradation is widely studied across the globe. Even though soil, landfills, and garbage dumps are reported to be promising niches for such organisms, recently the involvement of wood decay fungi in polyethylene degradation is highlighted. In light of this, 50 fungal samples isolated from decaying hardwoods were assessed for their wood degradation ability and for their depolymerization enzymatic activities. For the LDPE deterioration assay, 22 fungal isolates having wood decay ability and de-polymerization enzymatic activities were selected. Fungal cultures with LDPE sheets (2 cm x 10 cm x 37.5 μm) were incubated in the presence and in the absence of wood as the carbon source (C) for 45 days. Degradation was measured by weight loss, changes in tensile properties, reduction in contact angle, changes of functional groups in Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopic imaging, and CO2 evolution by strum test. Among the isolates incubated in the absence of wood, Phlebiopsis flavidoalba out-performed the other fungal species showing the highest percentage of weight reduction (23.68 ± 0.34%), and the lowest contact angle (64.28° ± 5.01). Biodegradation of LDPE by P. flavidoalba was further supported by 46.79 ± 0.67% of the mass loss, and 3.07 ± 0.13% of CO2 emission (mg/L) in the strum test. The most striking feature of the experiment was that all the isolates showed elevated degradation of LDPE in the absence of wood than that in the presence of wood. It is clear that in the absence of a preferred C source, wood decay fungi thrive to utilize any available C source (LDPE in this case) showing the metabolic adaptability of fungi to survive under stressful conditions. A potential mechanism for LDPE degradation is also proposed.

Impact of copper doping on optical, UV induced wettability and photo-catalytic properties of sol-gel synthesized ZnO thin films

Self-cleaning properties concerning with photo-catalytic activity of thin films are important to develop pollutant-free functional surfaces for various applications. In this work, enhanced self-cleaning properties (photo-catalytic properties) as well as UV induced wettability of ZnO thin films were achieved by the doping of copper through sol-gel spin coating method. X-ray diffraction pattern revealed c-axis and a-axis plane dominance for ZnO and Cu doped ZnO (CuZnO) films, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images showed nano-grain surface for CuZnO films. Optical transmittance was found in the range 90–79%. Optical band gap values were estimated between 3.34 and 3.39 eV. CuZnO films were found to exhibit hydrophilic state having water contact angle (WCA) in the range of 35° to 57°. Irradiance with UV light produced super-hydrophilic state in all prepared films. Contact angle reduction rate was found best in case of 6% doped CuZnO thin film. The recovery time of contact angle was between 20 and 22 h for all the films. Photo-catalytic effect was evaluated with methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes and better reduction rate of 38.4% and 40% respectively was attained with 6% Cu doped film. Moreover, MB & MO stain removal was observed.

Experimental and Computational studies on Intramolecular charge transfer, Terahertz and Two photon absorption of 3-[(4-Nitrophenyl Azo)]-9H-Carbazole-9-Ethanol (NPACE) from their Vibrational spectra for Optical limiting and NLO applications

Non-linear optical (NLO) features of 3-[(4-Nitrophenyl Azo)]-9H-Carbazole-9-Ethanol (NPACE) chromophore were investigated by FT-IR, FT-Raman, and UV–visible spectra aided by Density Functional Theory (DFT) using the B3LYP/6–311++G(d,p) basis set of Gaussian 16 W package. It is observed from the DFT calculation that the slight increase in the endocyclic angle of C13 -C14 -C15 and the reduction in exocyclic angle of N40 –N39 -C14 and C15 -C14 –N39 ascertained by experimental XRD values indicating the intramolecular charge-transfer interaction between the carbazole and nitrophenyl group through the diazo bridge. The vibrational contribution to the linear electro-optic effect is 15% of the total hyperpolarizability being calculated at B3LYP/6–311++G (d, p) for the NPACE molecule. It is also observed that the 8a, 19a, and 19b modes of the carbazole ring and the 8a, 8b, and 19b modes of the phenyl ring are found to be simultaneously and intensely active in IR and Raman spectra explaining the charge transfer interactions throughout the molecule. The low value of the HOMO- LUMO energy gap (2.5843 eV) and the deviation between the measured absorption wavelength (3.36 eV) from the computed (3.87 eV), both these facts substantiate the intramolecular charge transfer. The polarizability and first-order hyperpolarizability were calculated as 6.48 × 10-24 and 3.8 × 10-29 esu, respectively. The second harmonic generation (SHG) measurement experiment of NPACE was carried out using the powder method. The SHG efficiency is measured in comparison with the urea standard. The calculated torsional mode at 20 cm−1 is in excellent quantitative agreement with the experimentally determined terahertz absorption peak. The two-photon absorption coefficient of NPACE was estimated to be 0.9 × 10-11 mW−1, which is mainly due to the D-π-A type of molecular structure, and the optical limiting threshold for NPACE was estimated to be 1.52 × 1013 Wm−2 enabling this material as a potential candidate for optical limiting applications.