Preparation and Characterization of Nanostructured CaCu2.90 Zn0.10 Ti4O12 Ceramic

Nanostructure CaCu2.90Zn0.10Ti4O12 (CCZTO) electronic ceramic was synthesized by semi‐wet route. The objective of this route is to enable the calcination and sintering processes to go for completion in shorter time and at lower temperature.The samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM and EDX analyses. The crystallite size of the CCZTO ceramic, obtained by XRD using Debye Scherrer formula, range from 38‐74nm which is in good agreement with the particle size observed by TEM analysis. It was observed clearly that the grain size significantly increased with an increase in sintering duration. Dielectric measurements were carried out by LCR meter in the temperature range, 300‐  500K, at few selected frequencies. It was also observed that the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of CCZTO are temperature independent in higher frequency whereas temperature dependent in low frequency region. The ceramics exhibit high dielectric constant of 1.35 x 10 4 at 1 kHz

Genome wide analysis of heat responsive microRNAs in banana during acquired thermo tolerance

MicroRNAs are a class of small regulatory RNAs in plants, which play vital roles during various abiotic and abiotic stress conditions including plant processes. In this present study, we examined the expression of miRNAs and their predicted target expression levels during heat stress in banana. Out of 235 miRNA found in Musa, 40 miRNA showed homology to heat responsive miRNAs from other plants. Further, 14 targets for miRNA were predicted that are potentially regulated by their cognate miRNAs and were monitored under three stages of stress viz, induction, induction + lethal alone using qPCR analysis. The results suggest that generally, there is a negative relationship in the expression patterns of miRNA and their predicted cognate targets - HSP70, HSP90, SAP, DNAj genes. These were highly up regulated and their respective miRNAs showed lower expression. This is the first report in banana, which demonstrated that during induction stress, various thermo-protective genes are activated at initial stages of stress to achieve thermotolerance through altered miRNA expression. The results will help in broadening our understanding acquired thermotolerance and their regulation by miRNAs in plants

Security Requirement Analysis of Blockchain-based E-Voting Systems

In democratic countries such as India, voting is a fundamental right given to citizens of their countries. Citizens need to physically present and cast their vote in ballot-paper-based voting systems. Most of the citizens fail to fulfill this constraint and have stayed away from their fundamental duty. Electronic-voting systems are often considered one efficient alternative in such situations. Blockchain Technology is an emerging technology that can provide a real solution as it is characterized by immutable, transparent, anonymous, and decentralized properties. This paper presents a security requirement analysis for e-voting systems and evaluates blockchain technology against these requirements

Environmental monitoring in Sea cage culture

Cage culture is a fast growing industry all over the world and demands good environmental practices to assure sustainability. The sustained development of coastal aquaculture has reached a good understanding with the environment, respecting it and undertaking actions that tend to diminish the possible impacts that may arise from this activity. In order to do so, measures are to be taken in production to avoid degrading the environment, whilst still being appropriate, economically viable and socially acceptable. In this sense, it has been considered necessary to develop some basic environmental strategies to assure the best site for the aquaculture purposes, avoiding possible confrontations with other coastal uses

A comparative evaluation of properties of zirconia reinforced high impact acrylic resin with that of high impact acrylic resin

AbstractStatement of the problemPoly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic resin, although being the most popular denture base material, is associated with poor mechanical properties. It has been documented that acrylic resin can be strengthened with an addition of structural component (filler) added in the acrylic matrix, to form a composite structure.ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the transverse strength, impact strength, surface hardness and water sorption of 10% and 20% zirconia (ZrO2) reinforced high impact acrylic resin with that of high impact acrylic resin (Trevalon HI, Dentsply India).Materials and methodsThere were 30 specimens in each of the four tests, amounting to a total of 120 specimens. Each of the tests had 10 specimens fabricated from high impact acrylic resin (control); 10 specimens fabricated from 10% zirconia (ZrO2) and 10 specimens fabricated from 20% zirconia (ZrO2) reinforced high impact acrylic resin. Specimens were subjected to the test of transverse strength in Universal Testing Machine, impact strength in Izod pendulum impact testing machine and surface hardness by Vickers Microhardness tester according to ISO Specification No. 1567. Water sorption was assessed according to ADA Specification No. 12. Data were analyzed by means of a one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni multiple comparison test.ResultsA significant increase in the transverse strength was observed in the reinforced specimens when compared to the control group. Impact strength and surface hardness were found having lesser values compared to the control group. Water sorption was found to increase on the addition of 10% and 20% zirconia (ZrO2) but the value lied below 0.8mg/cm2 i.e. within the limit of ADA Specification No. 12.ConclusionReinforcement of acrylic resin with zirconia powder affects its physical and mechanical properties significantly

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF NEBIVOLOL ON ALUMINIUM-INDUCED NEUROBEHAVIORAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN RATS

Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective potential of nebivolol, a β1 adrenergic blocker on aluminium-induced neurobehavioral and biochemical alterations in rats. Methods: The neurotoxicity was induced by administration of aluminium (50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 5 weeks. Nebivolol was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg, p.o. for 5 weeks. Behavioral assessments were done by using open field test and modified elevated plus maze (mEPM) test. At the end of the study, oxidative stress parameters were determined and histopathological studies of cerebral cortex of rat brains were performed. Results: Aluminium chloride treated rats showed significant reduction in motor activity in open field test and memory impairment in mEPM test as compared to control group. Nebivolol significantly reversed these parameters and restored brain antioxidant defensive enzymes with reduction in lipid peroxidation. The neurotoxicity was confirmed by the histopathological analysis of cerebral cortex of rat brains. Aluminium treated animals showed presence of ghost cells, vacuolated cytoplasm and haemorrhage in rat cerebral cortex, indicating neurotoxicity. Nebivolol attenuated all these changes. Thus, the potential of nebivolol to prevent aluminium-induced neurotoxicity was also reflected at microscopic level, indicative of its neuroprotective effects. Conclusion: Nebivolol showed significant antioxidant and neuroprotective activities against aluminium-induced neuronal degeneration. The results of the present study strengthen oxidative stress hypothesis of aluminium-induced neurotoxicity and suggest beneficial role of nebivolol in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders