Shell-model study of β+\beta^+/EC-decay half-lives for Z=21−30Z = 21-30 nuclei

In the present work, we have reported $\beta^+$/EC-decay half-lives for $Z = 21 -30$ nuclei using large-scale shell-model. %and N $\leq$ A recent study shows that some proton-rich nuclei in this region belong to the island of inversion. We have performed calculations for these nuclei using KB3G effective interaction, while for Ni, Cu, and Zn nuclei we have used JUN45 effective interaction in the $f_{5/2}pg_{9/2}$ model space. The calculated quenching factors for $fp$ and $f_{5/2}pg_{9/2}$ space using KB3G and JUN45 effective interactions are also reported. Shell-model results of $\beta$-decay half-lives, excitation energies, log$ft$ values, and branching fractions are discussed and compared with the available experimental data. We have obtained a reasonable agreement with the available data.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, 4 Tables, The European Physical Journal A : Hadrons and Nuclei (2023

Microstructures and Mechanical properties of Spray deposited and Heat-treated Al-25Mg2 Si-2Cu alloy

The microstructural characteristics and  mechanical properties of Al–25Mg2Si-2Cu alloy were investigated. The alloy produced by spray atomization and deposition techniques followed by hot compression(HC) and age hardening(AGH) at 180ºC for 2h and 2h  intervals after the solution heat treatment. The microstructure features of as cast, spray deposited (SD),hot compressed and heat-treated alloys were studied. the results show the microstructure of spray-deposited alloy mainly comprised of a uniform distribution of   intermettalics   ?-Mg2Si phase, ?- Al2Cu and Q phase in Al-matrix. Eliminating the porosity of deposit and fragmentation of the ? And Q phases is the main features during hot compression. After solution treating and age hardening, the microstructure found to be comprised of mainly Mg2Si phase in a fine spherical form. Large quantity of ?- Al2Cu phase and Q Phase less than 50 nm in size uniformly distributed in the Al- matrix during aging. These fine ? particles combined with the ? can significantly increase the tensile strength and hardness of the alloy. In the peak-aged condition is because of high concentration of Mg2Si and Al2Cu metastable phases. The microstructural features of alloys been investigated through Optical (OM) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyses of phases were carried out using Energy dispersive X-ray( EDS).The improvement in the tensile and hardness properties of studied alloys was investigated by tensile test and  micro- hardness.Keywords: Al-Mg2Si alloy, Spray deposition, Age hardening, Microstructure, Mechanical properties, Micro hardness

Evaluation for substitution of stem bark with small branches of Myrica esculenta for medicinal use – A comparative phytochemical study

AbstractBackgroundOver exploitation of many traditional medicinal plants like Myrica esculenta has become a threat and in the near future, many medicinal plants may be unavailable for use of industry.ObjectivePresent study outlines the concept of plant part substitution. Stem bark and small branches of M. esculenta are compared on the basis of physicochemical analysis, phytochemical analysis, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) to evaluate the possibilities of using small branches in place of stem bark.Material and methodsPhysicochemical parameters and preliminary phytochemical screening were carried out using standard methods. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were estimated spectrophotometrically using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride method, respectively. CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with semi-automatic applicator was used for HPTLC profiling. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of stem bark and small branches were developed in suitable mobile phase using standard procedures and visualized in UV 254 and 366 nm and in white light after derivatization within anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent.ResultsPhytochemical analysis and HPTLC profile of different extracts showed the presence of almost similar phytochemicals in both stem bark and small branches.ConclusionSimilarities in phytochemical analysis and HPTLC profile of various extracts suggests that small branches may be used in place of stem bark. The study provides the base for further study to use small branches as a substitute of stem bark of M. esculenta