Research on development of aspheric diffractive optical element for mid-infrared imaging

The aspheric diffractive singlet achromat design in precision infrared optical systems is used to reduce chromatic aberration. With the advancement in micro-optics, conventional lenses are replaced by diffractive and aspheric diffractive lenses with sub-structures to fulfill the requirements of miniaturized and compact designs of the optical devices. In this paper, the design and development of a high precision aspheric diffractive germanium lens is described. Specifically, the aspheric diffractive lens was designed for Mid Wave Infrared (MWIR) range to achieve an aberration free and diffracted limited surface fabricated by the diamond turning process. The profile of the machined aspherical diffractive lens was measured by optical profilometer and the results demonstrated a step height error of 0.001 µm and radial error of 0.001 mm. A smooth quality aspheric diffractive lens was fabricated with 99.57% diffraction efficiency

Behavioral Problems and Intelligence Quotient Changes in Pediatric Epilepsy: A Case–Control Study

Background: Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease and has neurological impairment as an important comorbidity. Objective: To find behavioral problems and intelligence quotient (IQ) changes associated with epilepsy and to know the association of variables such as frequency, type of seizures, and duration of disease with cognitive impairment. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study, consisting of 50 cases (patients of epilepsy) and 50 controls (other patients of same socioeconomic status) was conducted at S.P. Medical College, Bikaner. The patients were subjected to detailed clinical history, thorough examination, Pediatric Symptom Checklist, and Bhatia's Battery of Performance intelligence Test. Data analysis was carried out with the help of SPSS 22 software. Results: The prevalence of behavioral problems in generalized and partial seizure group was high (42% and 53.8%) as compared to control group (9%). Low IQ was present more in the patients (44%) of generalized and partial seizure group as compared with the control group, and results were statistically significant. Furthermore, behavioral problems were more in patients who were having more number of seizures (≥3 per year) with significant P values (χ2 = 5.067, P = 0.024). Conclusion: We conclusively found that behavioral problems and cognitive factors, apart from control of seizures, must be kept in mind to determine how well a child with epilepsy progresses toward independence

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Not AvailableThe bioactive compounds, total antioxidant activity and minerals in white, pink and red flesh guava varieties were assessed and quantified at three different stages of maturity in arid conditions. Changes in pectin content followed similar trend as fruit firmness and it gradually decreased till ripe stage. Total soluble solids and total sugars increased till full ripe stage but reverse was case for acidity. Ascorbic acid in white flesh guava varieties increased till colour turning stage and then after it decreased, while in coloured varieties it showed decreasing trend till ripe stage. White flesh varieties contains negligible quantity of anthocyanin, lycopene and total carotenoid while pink flesh (Lalit) had highest concentration of these compound followed by red flesh (Red flesh). Total phenols and total antioxidant activities of guava fruits were comparatively low during green mature stage and it increased progressively in later stages. Flesh colour did not show any definite pattern on phenolic content and total antioxidant activities. Phenols was recorded highest in Allahabad Safeda, while total antioxidant activities in Lalit. Stage of maturation showed variable changes in mineral contents in guava varieties. It can be inferred from the present study that the remarkable metabolic changes occur between mature green to colour turning stage.Not Availabl

Water hyacinth biomass valorization: fostering biodiversity and sustainable development in the bioeconomy

A shift towards using sustainable energy resources in the form of bioenergy, generated using biomass, has been currently the main focus of developing economies around the globe. Biomass is the main resource of the bioeconomy, yet the current biomass supply chain for different green initiatives is frequently unsustainable, not economically viable in the long run, or simply unavailable and non-diverse. An ideal component of bioeconomy should be present all across the globe all year round to facilitate a viable supply-demand cycle with high biodiversity and availability. One such resource is a unique floating invasive aquatic weed, Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes). It is one of the most invasive aquatic weeds having a global presence due to its high proliferation rate and high adaptability to different environmental conditions across the globe. Water hyacinth biomass is nutrient-rich and can be a great source of lignocellulosic biomass to be used as feed material for biofuel and/or bioenergy production, as a major component of bioeconomy, among other applications. The problem, at present, is there is a lack of sustainable use options for the water hyacinth biomass, and it is often seen as an infestation more than a potential solution, frequently dumped near the infested water bodies after extraction or controlled using chemical methods. The rapid release of ammonia and other foul-smelling substances from this rotting biomass causes local nuisance. This rich source of biomass is thus presently highly under-utilized and under-managed. Biochemical, thermochemical, and physio-chemical conversion of water hyacinth biomass could solve multi-dimensional problems of current bioeconomic challenges. Encompassing the biodiversity and availability of such a resource is critically important through successful collection, treatment, and sustainable utilization. Water hyacinths can provide answers to the growing biomass demand for bioenergy production. Such waste-to-wealth initiatives foster a green bioeconomy and substantially contribute to sustainable development goals

Spatio - temporal variations of urban heat island over Delhi

Temporal and spatial trends of the surface urban heat island (UHI) formation over Delhi are examined with respect to aerosol load and land-cover variations. The study reveals that temperatures over Delhi are higher than those over the surrounding regions almost through-out the year during the night time. The nocturnal heat island intensity is minimum (0–2 K) during the monsoon months and maximum during the month of March (4–6 K). The UHI trends during the day-time are however, significantly different. It is observed that a day-time cool island forms over Delhi twice during the year in the months of May–June and October–December. Analysis of temporal variations in urban heat island intensity (UHII) and aerosol load over Delhi reveals a significant negative correlation between UHII and aerosol optical depth (AOD). Spatial analysis of LST, land-cover and AOD for the months of March, May and November confirms the significant role of AOD along with land-cover variables such as percentage area under the classes built-up, rock, vegetation and bare soil. Comparative analysis of LST in the regions lying north, south, east and west of Delhi in relation to the prevailing land-cover suggests that thermal inertia is also a very important factor determining the urban-rural thermal structure

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Not AvailableMite management is a major problem in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivation in the arid and semi-arid regions of India and other Asian countries. The aim of this work was to investigate the susceptibility to the false spider mite (Tenuipalpus punicae) in a germplasm collection of Indian pomegranates. A field screening of 73 accessions allowed to define different classes of susceptibility (from very low to very high) based on the percentage of infested leaves. Twenty-two accessions, representative of the empirically identified five susceptibility classes, were further tested. The field screening against the mite, extended to another two years, showed that the infestation level did not display a significant interaction with the growing season, and highly correlated between the different growing seasons. The analysis of the tree vegetative growth (height, canopy size, and stem diameter), main phytochemical classes (total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins) and the antioxidant activity of the leaves indicated strong significant negative correlations between the infestation level and the biochemical traits. Multidimensional reduction of the measured traits revealed that the extreme classes of susceptibility to mites are mainly separated according to the accumulation of phytochemicals in leaves. This work, for the first time, allowed the identification of pomegranate germplasm with low susceptibility to T. punicae, with positive and useful implications for the establishment of new orchards, plant breeding, and the identification of allelochemicals of the leaves directly affecting mites.Not Availabl

A Field Screening of a Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Ex-Situ Germplasm Collection for Resistance against the False Spider Mite (Tenuipalpus punicae)

Mite management is a major problem in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivation in the arid and semi-arid regions of India and other Asian countries. The aim of this work was to investigate the susceptibility to the false spider mite (Tenuipalpus punicae) in a germplasm collection of Indian pomegranates. A field screening of 73 accessions allowed to define different classes of susceptibility (from very low to very high) based on the percentage of infested leaves. Twenty-two accessions, representative of the empirically identified five susceptibility classes, were further tested. The field screening against the mite, extended to another two years, showed that the infestation level did not display a significant interaction with the growing season, and highly correlated between the different growing seasons. The analysis of the tree vegetative growth (height, canopy size, and stem diameter), main phytochemical classes (total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins) and the antioxidant activity of the leaves indicated strong significant negative correlations between the infestation level and the biochemical traits. Multidimensional reduction of the measured traits revealed that the extreme classes of susceptibility to mites are mainly separated according to the accumulation of phytochemicals in leaves. This work, for the first time, allowed the identification of pomegranate germplasm with low susceptibility to T. punicae, with positive and useful implications for the establishment of new orchards, plant breeding, and the identification of allelochemicals of the leaves directly affecting mites