Spectroscopic characterization and quantum chemical investigation of molecular structure and vibrational spectra of phthalazine-1(2H)-one

In this study, vibrational and electronic transition analysis of phthalazine-1(2H)-one have been presented using experimental techniques FT-IR, FT-Raman and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The structural properties of the molecule in the ground state have been calculated using DFT employing B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Optimized geometrical parameters have been interpreted and compared with the experimental values. The complete assignments have been performed on the basis of the experimental data and potential energy distribution (PED) of the vibrational modes. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies and energy difference (ΔEHOMO‒LUMO = − 4.876 eV), confirm that charge transfers occur within the molecule. The stability of the molecule arising from hyperconjugative interactions and the charge delocalization has been analyzed using natural bond orbital’s analysis (NBO). The specific heat, Gibb’s free energy, and entropy of molecule have been calculated as a function of temperature by using statistical mechanics coupled with quantum chemical calculation. Observed vibrational wave numbers have been compared with calculated values, and found to be in agreement with experimental results. The study of dielectric properties like dielectric constant at microwave frequency, static dielectric constant and dielectric constant at optical frequency of Phthalazine-1(2H)-one have been determined. The dielectric relaxation studies provide information about the molecular structure and intermolecular interaction between phthalazine-1(2H)-one and alcohol mixture

Program Redesign to Prepare Transformative Special Educators

Teacher educators are in a unique position to prepare future educators to disrupt the status quo and enact changes that ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. It is critical that those who prepare future special education teachers (SETs) ensure they are prepared to engage with the broader school community to foster inclusivity and positive outcomes for all students, in addition to designing specially designed instruction (SDI) responsive to the unique learning needs of individual students with disabilities. Addressing this task requires candidates who are prepared to employ high leverage and evidence-based practices, culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy, and universal design for learning. In this article, we describe how one small Department of Special Education sought to reinvent its program to center anti-racism and anti-ableism to inspire the next generation of SETs to adopt a transformative vision for public education. The result was a cohesive course roadmap that employs a “common trunk” of classes aligned with differentiated coursework needed for specialization for each credential that centers these principles while reducing assignments. The newly aligned road- maps ensure candidates in our programs will be ready to situate their work with students with identified disabilities within the context of the broader goals of public education

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): Normative Data for the State of Kerala, South India

\ua9 2024 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.Background: Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) is a tool that is widely accepted across the world to measure mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The original cut-off score of MoCA falsely screens a large population of Indians as having MCI. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop the normative data for MoCA for the older population of Kerala, South India. Material and Methods: We conducted the study among 959 cognitively normal older individuals of Kalliyoor village of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. The validated Malayalam version of MoCA [MoCA-M] was administered by trained volunteers. The mean, median, and 10 th percentile of the scores [domain-specific and total] were calculated in various age and educational groups. Results: The mean (SD) MoCA score was 19.4 (7.3). The 10 th percentile for the total MoCA score was 9. The 10 th percentile for all domains was zero, except for orientation. As age advanced, MoCA scores significantly reduced. The mean total MoCA scores dropped from 20.1 (7) [for ages between 65 and 75 years] to 7.4 (1.6) [for ages above 85 years]. We also obtained a significant improvement in scores among subjects with higher educational standards. Conclusion: The study throws light into the performance of MoCA among the Indian population. This study defines the norms for the Indian population and suggests redefining the threshold for positively screening for MCI using MoCA-M

4,8,9,10-Tetra­kis(4-fluoro­phen­yl)-1,3-diaza­tricyclo­[3.3.1.1]decan-6-one

In the title compound, C32H24F4N2O, all four six-membered rings that constitute the diaza­adamantanone cage adopt chair conformations. Two of the four fluoro­phenyl substituents occupy axial positions and the other two occupy equatorial positions relative to their respective C5N rings of the adamantane framework. The crystal structure is stabilized by C—H⋯O inter­actions, generating a C(5) chain along the a axis

Cloud Based Vehicle Parking System for Anonymous Place Using Internet of Things

The intention of our project is to create a smart parking system for smart cities and malls to find a parking space that is well suited to their respective aspects. That is, it can help in finding either the nearest spot or the best one. Thus the algorithm increases the efficiency of the cloud based system and hence develops a network architecture based on internet of things. We have also successfully implemented the proposed system in the real world

Ultraconformable Temporary Tattoo Electrodes for Electrophysiology

Electrically interfacing the skin for monitoring personal health condition is the basis of skin-contact electrophysiology. In the clinical practice the use of stiff and bulky pregelled or dry electrodes, in contrast to the soft body tissues, imposes severe restrictions to user comfort and mobility while limiting clinical applications. Here, in this work dry, unperceivable temporary tattoo electrodes are presented. Customized single or multielectrode arrays are readily fabricated by inkjet printing of conducting polymer onto commercial decal transfer paper, which allows for easy transfer on the user's skin. Conformal adhesion to the skin is provided thanks to their ultralow thickness (<1 µm). Tattoo electrode–skin contact impedance is characterized on short- (1 h) and long-term (48 h) and compared with standard pregelled and dry electrodes. The viability in electrophysiology is validated by surface electromyography and electrocardiography recordings on various locations on limbs and face. A novel concept of tattoo as perforable skin-contact electrode, through which hairs can grow, is demonstrated, thus permitting to envision very long-term recordings on areas with high hair density. The proposed materials and patterning strategy make this technology amenable for large-scale production of low-cost sensing devices

Metabolic improvements following Roux-en-Y surgery assessed by solid meal test in subjects with short duration type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND: Glucose homeostasis improves within days following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. The dynamic metabolic response to caloric intake following RYGB has been assessed using liquid mixed meal tolerance tests (MMTT). Few studies have evaluated the glycemic and hormonal response to a solid mixed meal in subjects with diabetes prior to, and within the first month following RYGB. METHODS: Seventeen women with type 2 diabetes of less than 5 years duration participated. Fasting measures of glucose homeostasis, lipids and gut hormones were obtained pre- and post-surgery. MMTT utilizing a solid 4 oz chocolate pudding performed pre-, 2 and 4 weeks post-surgery. Metabolic response to 4 and 2 oz MMTT assessed in five diabetic subjects not undergoing surgery. RESULTS: Significant reductions in fasting glucose and insulin at 3 days, and in fasting betatrophin, triglycerides and total cholesterol at 2 weeks post-surgery. Hepatic insulin clearance was greater at 3 days post-surgery. Subjects exhibited less hunger and greater feelings of fullness and satisfaction during the MMTT while consuming 52.9 ± 6.5% and 51.0 ± 6.5% of the meal at 2 and 4 weeks post-surgery respectively. At 2 weeks post-surgery, glucose and insulin response to MMTT were improved, with greater GLP-1 and PYY secretion. Improved response to solid MMTT not replicated by consumption of smaller pudding volume in diabetic non-surgical subjects. CONCLUSIONS: With a test meal of size and composition representative of the routine diet of post-RYGB subjects, improved glycemic and gut hormone responses occur which cannot be replicated by reducing the size of the MMTT in diabetic subjects not undergoing surgery

Assessing village-level carbon balance due to greenhouse gas mitigation interventions using EX-ACT model

Under National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project, a range of climate smart agricultural practices were evaluated with on-farm demonstrations during 2011–2013 in eight climatically vulnerable villages of Andhra Pradesh, India. Proven climate smart practices viz residue recycling, soil, water and nutrient management, afforestation and feeding + breeding practices in livestock were implemented in annual and perennial crops, irrigated rice, horticulture, fodder, forestry and livestock. An EX-ante carbon-balance tool (EX-ACT) developed by the FAO was used with a combination of various climate smart interventions to know the mitigation potentials in eight climatically vulnerable villages of Andhra Pradesh, India. Based on our observations, EX-ACT model had shown that these practices were effective to mitigate CO2 emissions apart from enhancing soil productivity. In Nacharam, Yagantipalli, Sirusuwada and Matsyapuri villages, climate smart practices implemented in annual crops along with crop residue recycling, crop and water management practices resulted in negative carbon (C) balance by −16,410, −8851, −7271 and −6125 t CO2 e, respectively. The EX-ACT model predicted positive carbon balance with irrigated module in the rice-growing villages of Sirusuwada and Matsyapuri villages. The negative values suggest a sink, and positive values a source for CO2 emissions. In Chamaluru village, although there were CO2 emissions (source) due to livestock and non-forest and land use changes, there was a carbon sink due to other activities as predicted by the model. The results suggested that various climatic smart practices at the village level were successful in creating net sink of CO2 emissions (t CO2 e)