Synthesis and Photoluminescence characterization of Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4:Eu3+,Sm3+ Phosphor for W-LED

A Red emitting with high efficiency Eu3+ doped Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4 and Sm3+ doped Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4 phosphors  has been synthesized by combustion method, meanwhile, the photoluminescence properties of samples are investigated in detail. Morphology by SEM and chromaticity by CIE was studied. The results show that the excitation extends from 340 nm to 420 nm, with the highest excitation (394 nm and 406 nm) being in the violet area for Eu3+ and Sm3+ doping, indicating that the phosphor can correlate well with LED chips. Under violet light excitation of 394nm the phosphor Eu3+ doped Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4 and of 406 nm the phosphor Sm3+ doped Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4 can emit strong red light showing main emission peaks located at 617 nm and 602 nm are observed respectively. The PL properties implies the excellent stability of the phosphor. These results imply that the importance red phosphors Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4:Eu3+  and Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4:Sm3+ in W-LEDs under NUV excitation

Performance of aquatic plant species for phytoremediation of arsenic-contaminated water

This study investigates the effectiveness of aquatic macrophyte and microphyte for phytoremediation of water bodies contaminated with high arsenic concentration. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and two algae (Chlorodesmis sp. and Cladophora sp.) found near arsenic-enriched water bodies were used to determine their tolerance toward arsenic and their effectiveness to uptake arsenic thereby reducing organic pollution in arsenic-enriched wastewater of different concentrations. Parameters like pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and arsenic concentration were monitored. The pH of wastewater during the course of phytoremediation remained constant in the range of 7.3–8.4, whereas COD reduced by 50–65 % in a period of 15 days. Cladophora sp. was found to survive up to an arsenic concentration of 6 mg/L, whereas water hyacinth and Chlorodesmis sp. could survive up to arsenic concentrations of 2 and 4 mg/L, respectively. It was also found that during a retention period of 10 days under ambient temperature conditions, Cladophora sp. could bring down arsenic concentration from 6 to <0.1 mg/L, Chlorodesmis sp. was able to reduce arsenic by 40−50 %; whereas, water hyacinth could reduce arsenic by only 20 %. Cladophora sp. is thus suitable for co-treatment of sewage and arsenic-enriched brine in an algal pond having a retention time of 10 days. The identified plant species provides a simple and cost-effective method for application in rural areas affected with arsenic problem. The treated water can be used for irrigation

hospital factory for manufacturing customised patient specific 3d anatomo functional models and prostheses

The fabrication of personalised prostheses tailored on each patient is one of the major needs and key issues for the future of several surgical specialties. Moreover, the production of patient-specific anatomo-functional models for preoperative planning is an important requirement in the presence of tailored prostheses, as also the surgical treatment must be optimised for each patient. The presence of a prototyping service inside the hospital would be a benefit for the clinical activity, as its location would allow a closer interaction with clinicians, leading to significant time and cost reductions. However, at present, these services are extremely rare worldwide. Based on these considerations, we investigate enhanced methods and technologies for implementing such a service. Moreover, we analyse the sustainability of the service and, thanks to the development of two prototypes, we show the feasibility of the production inside the hospital

Is the meiofauna a good indicator for climate change and anthropogenic impacts?

Our planet is changing, and one of the most pressing challenges facing the scientific community revolves around understanding how ecological communities respond to global changes. From coastal to deep-sea ecosystems, ecologists are exploring new areas of research to find model organisms that help predict the future of life on our planet. Among the different categories of organisms, meiofauna offer several advantages for the study of marine benthic ecosystems. This paper reviews the advances in the study of meiofauna with regard to climate change and anthropogenic impacts. Four taxonomic groups are valuable for predicting global changes: foraminifers (especially calcareous forms), nematodes, copepods and ostracods. Environmental variables are fundamental in the interpretation of meiofaunal patterns and multistressor experiments are more informative than single stressor ones, revealing complex ecological and biological interactions. Global change has a general negative effect on meiofauna, with important consequences on benthic food webs. However, some meiofaunal species can be favoured by the extreme conditions induced by global change, as they can exhibit remarkable physiological adaptations. This review highlights the need to incorporate studies on taxonomy, genetics and function of meiofaunal taxa into global change impact research

Municipal Solid Waste Management in Pimpri-chinchwad City, India-an Overview

The management of municipal solid waste has become anacute problem due to enhanced economic activities and rapid urbanization.Increased attention has been given by the government in recent years to handle this problem in a safe and hygienic manner. This paper presents an overview of current Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSW) in Pimpri-Chinchwad city, India&amp; provides recommendation in system improvement. The collected data of MSW functional elements were based on available reports &amp; meeting with responsible persons. Due to increase in population &amp; changes in life style the quantity &amp; quality of MSW in PCMC city has changed. Public awareness, suitable planning, infrastructure are the main challenges of MSW management in PCMC city