Interplay of fission modes in mass distribution of light actinide nuclei 225,227Pa

Fission-fragment mass distributions were measured for 225,227Pa nuclei formed in fusion reactions of 19F + 206, 208Pb around fusion barrier energies. Mass-angle correlations do not indicate any quasi-fission like events in this bombarding energy range. Mass distributions were fitted by Gaussian distribution and mass variance extracted. At below-barrier energies, the mass variance was found to increase with decrease in energy for both nuclei. Results from present work were compared with existing data for induced fission of 224, 226Th and 228U around barrier energies. Enhancement in mass variance of 225, 227Pa nuclei at below-barrier energies shows evidence for presence of asymmetric fission events mixed with symmetric fission events. This is in agreement with the results of mass distributions of nearby nuclei 224, 226Th and 228U where two-mode fission process was observed. Two-mode feature of fission arises due to the shell effects changing the landscape of the potential energy surfaces at low excitation energies. The excitation-energy dependence of the mass variance gives strong evidence for survival of microscopic shell effects in fission of light actinide nuclei 225, 227Pa with initial excitation energy ~30 - 50 MeV

Pyrazole Scaffold: Strategies toward the Synthesis and Their Applications

Pyrazoles have a wide range of applications in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, agrochemistry, coordination chemistry, and organometallic chemistry. Their popularity has skyrocketed since the early 1990s. Basically, Pyrazole (C3H3N2H) is a simple doubly unsaturated five membered heterocyclic aromatic ring molecule comprising two nitrogen (N) atoms at positions 1- and 2- and three carbon (C) atoms. Pyrazole nucleus is synthesized with various strategies such as multicomponent approach, dipolar cycloadditions, cyclocondensation of hydrazine with carbonyl system, using heterocyclic system and multicomponent approach. A special emphasis is placed on a thorough examination of response processes. Furthermore, the reasons for the increasing popularity of pyrazoles in several fields of science are examined. Pyrazoles have recently been the focus of many techniques, mostly because of how frequently they are used as scaffolds in the synthesis of bioactive chemicals and reactions in various media. The goal of this chapter is to discuss the current developments in synthetic techniques and biological activity related to pyrazole derivatives. The many pharmacological functions of the pyrazole moiety and different synthesis techniques were discussed. This chapter has summarized novel strategies and wide applications of pyrazole scaffold

Molecular Docking: Metamorphosis in Drug Discovery

Molecular docking is recognized a part of computer-aided drug design that is mostly used in medicinal chemistry. It has proven to be an effective, quick, and low-cost technique in both scientific and corporate contexts. It helps in rationalizing the ligands activity towards a target to perform structure-based drug design (SBDD). Docking assists the revealing of novel compound of therapeutic interest, forecasting ligand-protein interaction at a molecular basis and delineating structure activity relationships (SARs). Molecular docking acts as a boon to identify promising agents in emergence of diseases which endangering the human health. In this chapter, we engrossed on the techniques, types, opportunities, challenges and success stories of molecular docking in drug development

Schiff Base as Multifaceted Bioactive Core

Schiff bases are the condensation products of primary amines and carbonyl compounds, which are becoming more and more significant. Schiff bases are imine or azomethine (–C=N–) functional group containing compounds that are produced through a nucleophile addition process. Excellent chelators called Schiff bases have a place in both qualitative and quantitative analysis of metals in aqueous media. Schiff bases were discovered to be auxiliary scaffolds and adaptable pharmacophore for the creation and production of numerous bioactive leads compounds, and this special quality made them accessible for a wide range of biological applications. Schiff bases exhibit significant biological properties including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, anti-tubercular, anticancer, antioxidant, anthelmintic antiglycation, and antidepressant activities. In situ cross-linked hydrogel systems are created using the Schiff bases, which are frequently utilized in coordination, organometallic chemistry, and tissue engineering applications. The role of Schiff bases to the design and creation of new lead with potential biological functions is highlighted in this chapter. Researchers’ interest in obtaining the most conclusive and suggestive information on the numerous Schiff bases that have been important for therapeutic purposes over the last few decades and their use in coordination complexes has been maintained by this bioactive core

Synergizing biotechnology and natural farming: pioneering agricultural sustainability through innovative interventions

The world has undergone a remarkable transformation from the era of famines to an age of global food production that caters to an exponentially growing population. This transformation has been made possible by significant agricultural revolutions, marked by the intensification of agriculture through the infusion of mechanical, industrial, and economic inputs. However, this rapid advancement in agriculture has also brought about the proliferation of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation, which have given rise to long-term environmental crises. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed a concerning plateau in crop production, the loss of arable land, and dramatic shifts in climatic conditions. These challenges have underscored the urgent need to protect our global commons, particularly the environment, through a participatory approach that involves countries worldwide, regardless of their developmental status. To achieve the goal of sustainability in agriculture, it is imperative to adopt multidisciplinary approaches that integrate fields such as biology, engineering, chemistry, economics, and community development. One noteworthy initiative in this regard is Zero Budget Natural Farming, which highlights the significance of leveraging the synergistic effects of both plant and animal products to enhance crop establishment, build soil fertility, and promote the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms. The ultimate aim is to create self-sustainable agro-ecosystems. This review advocates for the incorporation of biotechnological tools in natural farming to expedite the dynamism of such systems in an eco-friendly manner. By harnessing the power of biotechnology, we can increase the productivity of agro-ecology and generate abundant supplies of food, feed, fiber, and nutraceuticals to meet the needs of our ever-expanding global population

Statistical model calculations for evaporation residue and fission cross sections in

Statistical model calculations for evaporation residue and fission cross-sections are performed for 210Po nucleus populated by 18O + 192Os system in the excitation energy range of 52.43 - 83.51 MeV. Experimental fusion cross-sections are fitted using CCFULL code. Evaporation residue and fission cross-sections are then fitted using Bohr-Wheeler formalism including shell effects in level density and fission barrier by using scaling factor (Kf) in the range of 1.0 to 0.75. The results of the calculations are in good agreement with the experimental data

A Comparative Study of 0.25% Levobupivacaine, 0.25% Ropivacaine, and 0.25% Bupivacaine in Paediatric Single Shot Caudal Block

Aim. There are limited data comparing levobupivacaine, ropivacaine, and bupivacaine in paediatric patients. So, this study was performed to evaluate the caudal effectiveness of all the three drugs in paediatric patients undergoing infraumbilical surgeries and associated complications with these drugs. Material and Methods. 90 patients of ASA grade I and II posted for elective infraumbilical surgeries were randomly divided into three groups of 30 each. A standardized anaesthetic protocol was used. Patients received 0.25% levobupivacaine in group 1, 0.25% ropivacaine in group 2, and 0.25% bupivacaine in group 3. The effectiveness of block was assessed using caudal effectiveness score. Postoperative pain relief was assessed with modified Hannallah pain score. Haemodynamic parameter monitoring was done. The duration of analgesia and associated complications were studied. Statistical analysis was done using the chi-square test for nonparametric data. Parametric data were analysed using ANOVA for intergroup comparison and Tukey’s HSD for intragroup comparison. Results. Demographic data were comparable. Haemodynamic parameters remained within normal range. Mean caudal effectiveness score in all the three groups was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The duration of analgesia provided by bupivacaine (145.31 ± 26.17 min) was longer than levobupivacaine (126.15 ± 15.15 min) and ropivacaine (114.68 ± 11.32 min) (p<0.01). Mean postoperative pain scores were lower in group 3 as compared to group 1 and group 2. Conclusion. We conclude that levobupivacaine and ropivacaine provide similar intraoperative quality with minimal haemodynamic variability and shorter duration of postoperative analgesia without any significant complications when compared with racemic bupivacaine. This trial is registered with CTRI/2018/03/012402

Attenuation of the pressor responses to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation with intravenous dexmedetomidine versus magnesium sulphate under bispectral index-controlled anaesthesia: A placebo-controlled prospective randomised trial

Background and Aims: Laryngoscopy and intubation cause sympathetic stimulation and arousal reactions. We evaluated the role of dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate on pressor responses to laryngoscopy and intubation as compared to placebo, when depth of anaesthesia was maintained at a constant bispectral index (BIS) range 40-50 (±5). Methods: One hundred and twenty patients were randomised to receive either dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg (Group DS), magnesium sulphate 30 mg/kg diluted in 100 ml saline (Group MS) or 100 ml normal saline (Group NS) 15 min before induction of anaesthesia in a double blind manner. After achieving BIS 40–50 (±5), laryngoscopy and intubation were performed. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded pre-drug, after drug, at intubation, at intervals of 1 min till 5 min, then every 2 min till 10 min and every 10 min for 30 min. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and one way analysis of variance Results: SBP, DBP and HR fell in the DS and MS groups. No significant changes in BP were seen in the NS group at induction and after intubation. HR rose in the NS group (P < 0.001) at induction from 86.35 ± 9.05 to 95.35 ± 11.60 at 2 min. Patients in DS and MS groups had significantly lower HR, SBP and DBP at laryngoscopy and intubation. Conclusion: At BIS levels 40-50 (±5) there was no pressor response to intubation in the NS Group. Dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate significantly reduced the heart rate and blood pressure from baseline

Terphenyl based ‘Turn On’ fluorescent sensor for mercury

New terphenyl-based derivative 4 with pyrene as a fluorophore has been synthesized and examined for its cation recognition abilities toward various cations by NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show that it has very high binding affinity (log β = 5.12) and selectivity for mercury. A fluorescence enhancement of 375% was observed for the 4-Hg2+ system in THF. A Hg2+ selective electrode (ISE) was also formed which showed excellent selectivity over all the other cations tested. The lower limit of detection is 2.1 × 10−6 M

Realization of 5-bus system using soft computing technique for flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) devices

Total transfer capability analysis of power system is currently a critical issue in both planning & operating of systems. These issues mainly occur due to increase in area and interchanges among utilities. To reduce the flows in heavily loaded lines, Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices is used, this results in increased transfer capability, improve stability of the network, low system losses, and fulfill contractual required by controlling the power flows in the network. To achieve parameters FACTS devices are placed optimally and is done with the help of reduction of total system reactive power loss sensitivity indices analysis method and real power flow performance index sensitivity indices analysis method. Thyristor-Control-Series-Capacitor (TCSC) is used as a FACTS device in the proposed sensitivity analysis method. To decide priority of line for placing TCSC, soft computing technique "Fuzzy logic method" is employed. The performance evaluation of proposed sensitivity analysis methods is done using electrical IEEE-5 bus system. The sensitivity indices are programmed using Matrix Laboratory