High-k Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications

High dielectric (high-k) polymer nanocomposites that can electrostatically store energy are widely used in electronics and electric power systems due to their high breakdown strengths (Eb), durability, and ability to configure in various shapes. However, these nanocomposites suffer from a limited working temperature regime, thus limiting their extreme applications, such as hybrid and electric vehicles, aerospace power electronics, and deep ground fuel exploration. Furthermore, the Eb and the electric displacement (D) of polymer nanocomposites must be simultaneously enhanced for high-density capacitor applications, which prove to be difficult to modify concurrently. This chapter thoroughly reviews (investigates) the recent developments in the high-k polymer nanocomposites synthesis, characterization, and energy storage applications. Consequently, the aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the novel developmental strategies in order to develop high-dielectric nanocomposites perovskite ceramics that can be incorporated in high-energy-density (HED) applications

Graphene/Metal Oxide Nanocomposite Usage as Photoanode in Dye-Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells

Global energy shortage will be one of the most critical challenges in the next 50 years. Currently, over 80% of energy consumed is produced from fossil fuels, which is directly linked to global warming and environmental pollution issues. Environment-friendly renewable energy is rapidly gaining importance for the existence of human civilization. A leading source of renewable energy is the solar energy, which is inexhaustible and abundantly available. Solar cells that convert solar energy directly into electricity are drawing considerable attention as a potential turnkey solution to address these challenges. Several approaches have been made in this respect, including the development of better materials and the designs of new solar cell configuration and architecture. Among the innovative materials with potential application in emerging 3G solar cells, graphene and its derivatives such as GO, rGO and G/nanocomposite have been widely explored as transparent conducting electrodes, electron donor or acceptor materials and counter electrodes (CE). In this chapter, the use of graphene nanocomposites has been explored as an electrode material in DSSCs and PSCs. Recently, graphene/metal oxide nanocomposites have been widely used in DSSCs and PSCs and played a significant role in increasing charge transport, reducing charge recombination and thus enhancing the performance of solar cell

Preparation of Nano-Particles and Their Applications in Adsorption

The nano-technologies and nano-materials draw incredible consideration in recent years. Nano-particles are the particles having size ranging from 1 to 100 nm. The nano-particles are usually categorized into different classes, and their classification is based on size, shape, material production, and dimension. They show superior properties, i.e., enhanced reactivity, high BET surface area, sensitiveness, and steadiness as compared to their bulk materials. In this chapter, different approaches of synthesizing nano-particles, including sol gel, chemical vapor deposition, and biosynthesis are talked over. In the treatment of wastewater, nano-particles offer a possibility for effective adsorption of contaminants organic as well as inorganic. This chapter presents an overview on nano-particles, their types, characteristics, synthetic approaches, and applications in the field of surface chemistry

Long term effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy for treatment of postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The existing trials on the long term effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for the treatment of postpartum depression have conflicting results. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to summarize the current evidence.Methodology: Literature search was performed using electronic databases Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and PsychINFO were explored from January 2000 to March 2013.All peer-reviewed English-published randomized controlled trials were eligible if they assessed the long term (at least at 24 weeks post partum) effectiveness of CBT versus standard postpartum care for prevention of postpartum depression. Data from eligible studies were abstracted by using structured data extraction form and pooled for calculation of relative risk ratio.Results: Five randomized controlled trials fulfilled eligibility criteria. In the included studies, the total number of women was 1087 with age ranged from 17 years to 42 years. Assessment carried on the ‘Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool’ showed the trials included in this review had low risk of bias. Two trials had sample size less than 50. Two out of five trials reported beneficial effect of CBT whereas three trials found no difference. Meta-analysis [random effect model] revealed 30% reduction in the prevalence of depression in the intervention group as compared with the control group [RR: 0.70 (95% C.I: 0.55 to 0.90)]. However, these results showed effectiveness of intervention because of one large trial and excluding this trial, there was no significant difference.Conclusion: In this systematic review, we found a beneficial effect of CBT in the prevention of postpartum depression at 24 weeks of postpartum period. However, the evidence is limited by a small number of trials with results being dominated by a single large trial. Robust research with larger sample size is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of CBT for treatment of postpartum depression

Organic Inorganic Perovskites: A Low-Cost-Efficient Photovoltaic Material

Organic-inorganic perovskite materials, due to the simultaneous possession of various properties like optical, electronic and magnetic beside with their structural tunability and good processability, has concerned the attention of researchers from the field of science and technology since long back. Recently, the emergence of efficient solar cells based on organic-inorganic perovskite absorbers promises to alter the fields of thin film, dye-sensitized and organic solar cells. Solution processed photovoltaics based on organic-inorganic perovskite absorbers CH3NH3PbI3 have attained efficiencies of over 25%. The increase in popularity and considerable enhancement in the efficiency of perovskites since their discovery in 2009 is determined by over 6000 publications in 2018. However, although there are broad development prospects for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), but the use of CH3NH3PbI3 results in lead toxicity and instability which limit their application. Therefore, the development of environmental-friendly, stable and efficient perovskite materials for future photovoltaic applications has long-term practical significance, which can eventually be commercialized

Genetic Polymorphism of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase

Genetic polymorphism is referred to the discontinuous interspecies genetic variability among individuals having distinct alleles on a particular locus. Genetic polymorphism of genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes constitutes individual’s susceptibility to drugs, affirmed by having discrete allelic frequencies by the individual, strengthening the concept of precision medicine. To combat with toxic consequences of drugs, the polymorphic genes associated with xenobiotic metabolism must be studied. Up to 70% xenobiotic elimination is believed to be dependent on UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), an enzyme encoded by polymorphic UGT1A and UGT2B genes. Both bimodal and trimodal distribution patterns of UGT have been reported in various human populations studied. Genetic polymorphisms of UGT may even lead to truncated and shorter gene with grossly diminished enzymatic activity. The extent of phenotypic alteration inflicted by genetic polymorphisms depends on its nature and position on gene locus. The different isoforms of UGT superfamily differ from each other regarding substrate specificity and selectivity. The incidence of genetic polymorphisms and associated altered gene functions results in inter-individual variability in metabolic clearance and elimination of drugs. Hence, the critical interaction between genetics and biotransformation of drugs has recently been the focus of pharmacology research

TH-6: a high yielding cultivar of sesame released for general cultivation in Punjab

Background: Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a diploid species, known as Beniseed, Gingelly, Sim-Sim and Til. It is grown in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Sesame seed contains high nutritional values of certain compounds (25% protein and 50% oil) and is a vital source of natural antioxidants. TH-6 (96006) is characterized by white, bold and high yielding seeded variety of sesame with a unique character of having single stem.Methodology: Variety Punjab Til-90 and line 436602 were cultivated at Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad. At flowering, Til-89 was crossed as female with the line 436602 in 1990. In 1991, the F1 generation of plants were grown and self-pollinated at flowering. Homozygous progenies of pedigree number F6-96006 from F6 were evaluated for their high yield in season 1996-97. Evaluation was done through micro, zonal, station and finally “National Uniform Yield Trials”.Results: In 2006, 2217 kg/ha production was marked as its maximum potential at Oilseed Research Institute (Faisalabad) in Zonal Varietal Trail. In National Uniform Sesame Yield 2006 and 2007 the performance of TH-6 was better than TS-3 (check) by giving 32.16% and 9.59% more yield respectively. TH-6 also showed moderate tolerance against insect pests Phyllody diseases and Charcoal Rot.Conclusion: Agronomic studies revealed that TH-6 performed better if planted in 15th to 30thJune if supplementation of one bag of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and half bag of Urea at the time of sowing and flowering, respectively, with 1st and 2nd irrigation

Anion Exchange Sorption of Chromate from Aqueous Solutions by Activated Carbon

Water decontamination from chromium (Cr) is of prime importance because of its carcinogenic nature. The sample of activated carbon was characterized by surface area analyzer, SEM/EDX, TGA, FTIR and PZC. This study was focused on adsorption of hexavalent chromium from the aqueous phase onto activated carbon. Both the temperature and pH had a positive effect on the chromate uptake by activated carbon. The chromate uptake at different pH values followed the trend: pH 2 > pH 3 > pH 5 > pH 7 > pH 8. The sorption maxima at pH 2 was explained on the basis of electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged chromate anions and positively charged surface of the activated carbon. Different models were tested to access the sorption maxima and to probe into the chromate adsorption mechanism. The thermodynamic parameters suggested that heat is needed to shift the hexavalent chromium from solution to the solid surface. It was concluded that the anion exchange sorption was involved in removing the chromate anion from the aqueous system into the surface of activated carbon

Morphological and molecular characterization of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.)

Mushrooms have medicinal as well as nutritive value and extensively used as human food from the time immortal. In order to determine the genetic diversity among Pleurotus species of mushroom using morphological and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, about seven different species were collected. Five species, naming Pleurotus platypus (P-6), Pleurotus flabelatus (P-7), Pleurotus florida (P-17), Pleurotus ostreatus (P-19) and Pleurotus sajor-caju (P-56) were from Canada and two Pleurotus warm-stram (P-9) and Pleurotus eryngii (P-16) from Philpines. Seven different morphological traits that is, mycelial growth (mm), cap diameter (cm), total yield (kg), moisture contents (%), ash contents (%), nitrogen contents (%) and protein content (%) were recorded. The dendrogram based on morphological data divided seven species in cluster ‘A’ and ‘B’ having four and three species, respectively. The dendrogram based on RAPD analysis generated 3 clusters ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’. Out of 14 random primers, the maximum polymorphism was observed by primers OPL3 (72.70 %) and OPL11 (70%). The two species P-56 and P-17 were observed to be most similar having value 86% and constituting a cluster ‘A’. The present work revealed that, morphological and RAPD markers showed different pattern of genetic diversity among different Pleurotus species.Keywords: Oyster mushrooms, genetic diversity, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, dendrogra