Thermoelectric energy conversion that converts waste heat into electricity has attracted much attention as a potential clean energy technology. The performance of thermoelectric materials is determined by the dimensionless figure of merit (ZT), which is equal to σS2T/κ where the κ is the thermal conductivity, the S is the Seebeck coefficient and the σ is the electrical conductivity. The σS2 stands the power factor. Even though a low k and a high-PF are needed to reach high ZT values, the conflicting relationship between the S and the σ limits the further modulation of ZT of thermoelectric materials. Conducting polymers are promising to be the next generation of thermoelectric materials. They have intrinsically low κ and potentially high σ, cost-effectiveness, large area processing and facile synthesis. Conductive polymers have been widely investigated as thermoelectric materials. Among the polymer TE materials studied, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), is particularly of interest. It is thermally stable, water processable and can be highly electrically conductive upon post-treatment. It was reported that the σ of PEDOT:PSS films can be greatly enhanced by various post-treatment methods to increase the charge carrier concentration. However, this high doping level results in a small S value because of the extra charge carrier and hence appropriate methods that enhance the S value are required. Moreover, earlier studies have already shown that the power factor could be improved by regulating the redox level through electrochemical or chemical methods optimizing thermoelectric properties through the control of charge carrier concentration. On the other hand, chemicals used in the enhancement of thermoelectric properties are mostly toxic, and its large-scale use should be avoided because of safety and environmental issues. This work will report several chemicals to tune the oxidation level of PEDOT: PSS films and enhance their electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and environmental stability.
Many alloy systems have different phases at different conditions and these phases are described in phase diagrams as alloy composition-temperature, or composition-pressure dependent. A series of alloy system exhibit a peculiar property called shape memory effect at the in β-phase region. These alloys are very sensitive to external conditions, and crystal structures turn into other crystal structures by thermal and mechanical reactions on cooling and stressing, by means of crystallographic transformation, thermal and stress induced martensitic transformations. Thermal induced martensitic transformation occurs in atomic scale on cooling the material from parent phase region, and interatomic interactions govern this transition. Shape memory is characterized by the recoverability of two certain shapes of material at different temperatures. These alloys possess two unique abilities: the capacity to recover large strains and to generate internal forces during their activation. The basis of this phenomenon is the stimulus-induced phase transformations, martensitic transitions, which govern the remarkable changes in internal crystalline structure and properties of the materials. Thermal induced martensitic transformations occur along with lattice twinning on cooling from parent β-phase region and ordered parent phase structures turn into twinned martensite structures. The twinned structures turn into detwinned martensite structures by means of stress induced transformation by stressing the material in the martensitic condition. Thermal induced transformation occurs as martensite variants with cooperative movements of atoms in -type directions on the {110} - type planes of austenite matrix, by means of lattice invariant shear. These alloys exhibit another property called superelasticity, which is performed in only mechanical manner by stressing and releasing the material in parent phase region just over austenite finish temperature. Superelasticity exhibits ordinary elastic material behaviour and recover the original shape after releasing. Superelasticity exhibit nonlinearity, stressing and releasing paths are different at stress-strain diagram and hysteresis loops refers to the energy dissipation. Copper based alloys exhibit this property in metastable β-phase region, which has bcc-based structures at high temperature parent phase field. Lattice invariant shear is not uniform in these alloys and give rise to the formation of layered structures, like 3R, 9R or 18R depending on the stacking sequences on the close-packed planes of the ordered lattice. The unit cell and periodicity are completed through 18 layers thorough z-axis in 18R martensite. In the present contribution, x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies were carried out on two copper based CuZnAl and CuAlMn alloys. X-ray diffractograms taken in a long-time interval show that locations and intensities of diffraction peaks change with the aging time at room temperature. Especially, some of the successive peak pairs providing a special relation between Miller indices come close each other, and this result refers to the redistribution of atoms in diffusive manner.
Nanotechnology has been an emerging area of research due to its versatile application in many research areas. Composite comprise of mixing two component where one is matrix and other one is reinforce materials. The reinforce materials based on their nano sizes results in nanocomposite materials. The nanocomposite materials usually possess a high surface area which ultimately enables in the remediation of waste water. Waste water remediation usually has variety of area and our research group mainly focusses on the removal of organic and inorganic components from waste water. The current talk will be focused on the synthesis and future application of nanocomposite materials for waste water remediation.
Heavy metals polluted soils are a significant worldwide environmental problem. The crops cultivated in polluted soils often contain significant levels of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, etc.) that can impair human health. The current technologies such as removing up of pollutants, stabilization/solidification of pollutants, vitrification, soil capping, etc., used in remediation of polluted soils are not adequate. Smarter and cheaper techniques still to be addressed to decontaminate polluted soil. In the present study, nanotechnology has been adopted to immobilize heavy metals in polluted soil, in which nano-particles; nano-scale zero valent iron, bentonite-nZVI, nano alginite, nano carbon and dendrimers are used as immobilizing agents. Six soil samples collected from different locations in Egypt which have been polluted by either sewage sludge, industrial wastes, or vehicle exhausts, are treated with nano-immobilizingagents, at three rates of 0.1, 0.5 and 1%. The treated soil samples are incubated for two months which were subjected to eight wetting and drying cycles. At the end of the incubation period, the soils were analyzed for the determination of total, plant available as extracted using DTPA solution, and various chemical fractions of Cd and Pb. The results showed that all nano-immobilizing agents proved high efficiency to reduce the level of DTPA extractable-Cd and Pb. The magnitude of the reduction varied as both agent and rate of application varied. The efficiency of the tested nano-agents to immobilize Cd and Pb increased as the rate of application increased. The sequential extraction experiment showed that, nano immobilizing agents successfully altered Cd and Pb from mobile to immobile form as the exchangeable Cd and Pb significantly decreased in all tested soils, whereas, carbonate- and oxides- boundCd and-Pb significantly increased. Also, the results of the pot experiment showed that application of nano-materials to polluted soils at rates of 1% and 2% significantly increased fresh and dry weight of crop Garden Rocket (Eruca sativa) and decreased uptake of Cd and Pb
Of late, the cost of medicines is a recurring subject of debate in Europe and it is anticipated that this topic will be discussed more intensely in the years to come. In this regard, the application of compulsory patent licensing and the (wider) application of the compounding exemption (formula magistralis) are seriously investigated by the Dutch Minister of Medical Care as an instrument to curb the cost of medicines. In respect to the latter, a legislative proposal is underway which would exonerate pharmacists from patent infringement when compounding medicinal products for direct use for individual cases on medical prescription in pharmacies. This presentation explores in view of the applicable legislation and case law whether these solutions have been correctly identified as the solution to the problem of expensive medicinal products. Pursuant to e.g. the TRIPS Agreement, compulsory patent licensing in view of the general interest is (at least) to be used in combination with an adequate remuneration. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile mentioning that a compulsory license in the public interest was recently granted (and upheld in appeal) in Germany for the HIV drug Isentress. The available case law with respect to compounding and the rationale thereof has demonstrated that it is solely to be utilized as an exception to the rule, which makes it unsuitable as a general solution. Patients are not guaranteed for the same quality control as authorized medicinal products and therefore a proper substantiated justification for this deviation is required. Such justification may when comparing European case law probably not be sought in financial gain leaving aside the fact that this affects the level playing field. This presentation is very relevant for parties manufacturing or marketing high-cost medicinal products. Recent Publications 1. Later-Nijland (2018) Annotation to e.g. ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2017:12046 ???The Alimta cases??? (Patent infringement cases concerning Alimta) Jurisprudentie Geneesmiddelenrecht (???Case law Pharmaceutical law???), (Apr 6) 2018, Sdu [in Dutch] 2. Later-Nijland (2018) Annotation to ECLI:NL:RVS:2017:1175 ???The Biodent case??? (The Dutch Council of State rules that this caries protection product should be classified as both a medicinal product by presentation as well as a medicinal product by function) Jurisprudentie Geneesmiddelenrecht (???Case law Pharmaceutical law???), Apr, 2018, Sdu [in Dutch] 3. Later-Nijland H. (2016) Statutory prohibition inducements concerning medical devices upcoming, Life Sciences & recht, Jan 26, DeLex [in Dutch] 4. Nijland H M J, Ruslami R, Stalenhoef J E, Nelwan E J, Alisjahbana B, Nelwan R H, Ven A J A M van der, Danusantoso H, Aarnoutse R E and Crevel R van (2006) Exposure to rifampicin is strongly reduced in patients with tuberculosis and type 2 diabetes. Clinical Infectious Disease 43(7):848-854. 5. Nijland H M J, L'homme R F A, Rongen G A P J M, Uden P van, Crevel R van, Boeree M J, Aarnoutse R E, Koopmans P P and Burger D M (2008) High incidence of adverse events in healthy volunteers receiving rifampicin and adjusted doses of lopinavir/ritonavir. AIDS. 22(8):931-5.
Malaria is arguably one of the main medical concerns worldwide because of the numbers of people affected, the severity of the disease and the complexity of the life cycle of its causative agent, the protist Plasmodium sp. The clinical, social and economic burden of malaria has led for the last 100 years to several waves of serious efforts to reach its control and eventual eradication, without success to this day. With the advent of nanoscience, renewed hopes have appeared of finally obtaining the long sought-after magic bullet against malaria in the form of a nanovector for the targeted delivery of antimalarial compounds exclusively to Plasmodium-infected cells, thus increasing drug efficacy and minimizing the induction of resistance to newlydeveloped therapeutic agents. Different types of liposomal and polymeric encapsulating structures and of targeting molecules based on proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids will be discussed for the assembly of nanocapsules capable of specifically delivering to diseased cells their antimalarial cargo. LEGO-like exchange of the nanovector parts can allow for the targeting of different cell stages in the life cycle of Plasmodium. Nanotechnology can also be applied to the discovery of new antimalarials through single-molecule manipulation approaches for the identification of novel drugs blocking essential metabolic pathwaysof the pathogen. The benefits and drawbacks of these nanosystems will be considered in different possible scenarios, including cost-related issues that might be hampering the development of nanotechnology-based medicines against malaria with the dubious argument that they are too expensive to be used in developing areas.
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a major health problem. Injections have long been associated with the use of Hyaluronic acid under the general definition of ???viscosupplementation???. However, with the recent improvements in biotechnology, we can move further. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, are promising therapeutic approaches, both showing efficiency with oral formulas. Glucosamine is the basic precursor of the structure of glycosaminoglycans and subsequently of aggrecan and other proteoglycans present in the cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a natural glycosaminoglycan found in the structure of the aggrecan molecule of the cartilage. It has many beneficial biological properties for cartilage including anti-inflammatory activity, wound healing, the ability to inhibit the enzymes responsible for cartilage degradation and a biological activity at the cellular level that helps restore arthritic joint functions. Among other properties, CS is responsible for the water retention of cartilage, due to the negative charge ensured by its structure. It is considered a possible candidate for the treatment of a joint defect. The safety of chondroitin sulfate sodium is supported by multiple well designed human clinical trials and animal studies. ???Genvisc??? is the medical device that combines these three essential molecules. In this study, We aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of repeated intra-articular knee injection of this unique combination to treat KOA as well as efficacy. The study protocol was approved in April 2016 by the Ethics Committee of Trakya University. After the approval of the local ethics committee, patients suffering from KOA with Kellgren-Lawrence grade II and III, aged between 35 to 80 years were included. Patients were prospectively evaluated at baseline and then at 2, 6 and 12 months of follow-up using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score (main outcome), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, EuroQol visual analog scale and Tegner score. The range of motion, transpatellar circumference, patient satisfaction and adverse events were also recorded. A significant improvement was found in the study group with acceptable side effects.
Nanoparticles of magnesium oxide (MgO) have been prepared simple chemical precipation followed by calcination. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns of MgO samples show cubic structure. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies reveal formation of highly porous, foamy and flake like structures. The optical absorption studies of MgO show surface defects in the range 250–300 nm. The absorption peak at ∼250 nm might be due to F-centre. Photoluminescence (PL) studies were carried upon exciting at 250 nm. There are two peaks in the spectrum of all the synthesized samples, one between 320-350nm and another between 410-450 nm. The emission in the 320 range is sharp but the other peak is very broad. This emission can be attributed to the displacement of oxygen ions and subsequent electron trapping resulting in the formation of F centres. These emission peaks were due to surface defects present in the sample since nanoparticles exhibits large surface to volume ratio and quantum confinement effect.
Green chemistry started for the search of benign methods for the development of nanoparticles from nature and their use in the field of antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor applications. Bio wastes are eco-friendly starting materials to produce typical nanoparticles with well-defined chemical composition, size, and morphology. Cellulose, starch, chitin and chitosan are the most abundant biopolymers around the world. All are under the polysaccharides family in which cellulose is one of the important structural components of the primary cell wall of green plants. Cellulosenanoparticles (fibers, crystals and whiskers) can be extracted from agro waste resources such as jute, coir, bamboo, pineapple leafs, coir etc. Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, it is a characteristic component of the cell walls of fungi, the exoskeletons of arthropods and nanoparticles of chitin (fibers, whiskers) can be extracted from shrimp and crab shells. Chitosan is the derivative of chitin, prepared by the removal of acetyl group from chitin (Deacetylation). Starch nanoparticles can be extracted from tapioca and potato wastes. These nanoparticles can be converted into smart and functional biomaterials by functionalization through chemical modifications (esterification, etherification, TEMPO oxidation, carboxylation and hydroxylation etc.) due to presence of large amount of hydroxyl group on the surface. The preparation of these nanoparticles includes both series of chemical as well as mechanical treatments; crushing, grinding, alkali, bleaching and acid treatments. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to investigate the morphology of nanoscale biopolymers. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and x ray diffraction (XRD) are being used to study the functional group changes, crystallographic texture of nanoscale biopolymers respectively. Since large quantities of bio wastes are produced annually, further utilization of cellulose, starch and chitins as functionalized materials is very much desired. The cellulose, starch and chitin nano particles are currently obtained as aqueous suspensions which are used as reinforcing additives for high performance environment-friendly biodegradable polymer materials. These nanocomposites are being used as biomedical composites for drug/gene delivery, nano scaffolds in tissue engineering and cosmetic orthodontics. The reinforcing effect of these nanoparticles results from the formation of a percolating network based on hydrogen bonding forces. The incorporation of these nano particles in several bio-based polymers have been discussed. The role of nano particle dispersion, distribution, interfacial adhesion and orientation on the properties of the ecofriendly bio nanocomposites have been carefully evaluated.
The Tau gene and its reported six Tau isoforms are known to be present in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients, When we attempt to discern Parkinson disease, Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer disease including other neurodegenerative disorders of asynchrony similar to epileptogenic seizures, we are met with a huge question mark as to both diagnose and treat because the central distinctions among these dreaded diseases are beset with confusing guidelines. To this point, previous post mortem studies have assayed Lewy Bodies, alpha synuclein, the amyloid precursor proteins and Tau but the limitations of “life after death” (post mortem) may simply add to mis-diagnoses. There is a need to cure the dementia of tauopathies! The BRODERICK PROBE® series of biosensors work by electrochemical detection and are comprised of carbon and/or carbon allotropes in one example and fiber optic proteins in another of the many examples. In the present study, the original carbon sensors, the carbon/lipid/phosphotidyl polymers were used to neuromolecular image Tau LIVE. The nanoprobe is unique from others as it is so tiny that it can be used anywhere and for any length of time; the operationally stable biomedical biosensors/nanoprobes do not cause gliosis (scar tissue) nor do they produce infection (bacterial growth). The results show that the nanoprobe acts to image Tau through mechanisms of phosphorylation. The LIVE electroactive image for Tau in the precise striatal basal neurons of the living Parkinson subject is actually seen here, online and within seconds likely as a metal complex, phosphorylated in a Parkinson subject. Thus, the elusive nature of Tau is further elucidated as a dynamic redox reaction occuring LIVE in the brain of the living Tau patient and animal via the BRODERICK PROBE® . Accepted as Clinical Paper/Technical Report by MedCrave (Case Reports Journal), April, 2021.
Premeltons are examples of emergent structures (i.e., structural solitons) that arise spontaneously in DNA due to the presence of nonlinear excitations in its structure. They are of two kinds: B-B (or A-A) premeltons form at specific DNA-regions to nucleate site-specific DNA melting. These are stationary and, being globally nontopological, undergo breather motions that allow drugs and dyes to intercalate into DNA. B-A (or A-B) premeltons, on the other hand, are mobile, and being globally topological, act as phaseboundaries transforming B- into A-DNA during the structural phase-transition. They are not expected to undergo breather-motions. A key feature of both types of premeltons is the presence of an intermediate structural-form in their central regions (proposed as being a transition-state intermediate in DNA-melting and in the B- to A-transition), which differs from either A- or B-DNA. called Beta- DNA, this is both metastable and hyperflexible and contains an alternating sugar-puckering pattern along the polymer-backbone combined with the partial-unstacking (in its lower energy-forms) of every other base pair. Beta-DNA is connected to either B- or to A-DNA on either side by boundaries possessing a gradation of nonlinear structural-change, these being called the kink and the anti-kink regions. The presence of premeltons in DNA leads to a unifying theory to understand much of DNA physical-chemistry and molecular-biology. In particular, premeltons are predicted to define the 5??? and 3??? ends of genes in naked-DNA and DNA in active chromatin, this having important implications for understanding physical aspects of the initiation, elongation and termination of RNA-synthesis during transcription. For these and other reasons, the model will be of broader interest to the general audience working in these areas. The model explains a wide variety of data, and carries within it a number of experimental predictions all readily testable as will be described in the presentation. Recent Publications 1. Sobell H M (2016) Premeltons in DNA. Journal of Structural and Functional Genomics 17(1):17-31. 2. Sobell H M (2009) Premeltons in DNA. A Unifying Polymer Physics Concept to Understand DNA Physical Chemistry and Molecular-Biology. Explanatory Publications ISBN-978-0-615-33828-6. 3. Sobell H M (2013) Organization of DNA in Chromatin. Rather than bending uniformly along its length, nucleosomal DNA is proposed to consist of multiple segments of B- and A- DNA held together by kinks when forming its left-handed toroidal superhelical structure. Explanatory Publications ISBN-978-0-692-01974-0
Cancer cells may detach from the original tumor and enter the bloodstream, defined as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and which are believed to be responsible for metastasis. It is therefore critical to investigate CTC mechanisms and develop analytically reliable and clinically viable methods, which can be achieved by novel nanotechnologies. All cancer cells share a hallmark characteristic: high rate of glycolysis. The levels of glucose uptake and lactate secretion by cancer cells can be up to thirty times greater than that of normal cells. The transportation of lactate from cytoplasm will inevitably remove labile cations, such as Na+ and H+, to form lactic salts, generating net negative charges on cell surfaces (Fig. 1). High concentrations of negative charges on cancer cell surfaces are therefore biophysical manifestations of the Warburg effect, presenting a highly distinguishable characteristic from normal cells, regardless of their phenotypical and genetic differences. Systematic investigations have been carried out in our laboratory to illuminate the relationships between the cancer cell surface electrical charge and glycolysis rate in a large number (22) of different cancer cell lines. It is possible, as we have demonstrated, to use the glycolytic-regulated cancer cell surface negative change as the biophysical analysts for CTC detection. Using this approach, direct CTC detection was performed on blood samples, and the findings are highly encouraging. Among different disease groups, we captured CTCs with sensitivities much higher than the previously published results, confirming the validity of the charge-based strategies. Potential applications include detection of circulating tumor cells for early cancer diagnosis and evaluation of medical intervention. Early diagnosis is the key in cancer management. However, few clinical methodologies neither are effective and available, nor are any new concepts readily approved that can revolutionize current diagnostic tools. Therefore, if CTCs could be detected sensitively, timely, and straightforwardly, mortality could be significantly reduced.
State-of-art perovskite photocapacitors suffer from manufacturing complexities, technical impediments and inferior PV yield and storage-to-generation ratio. To surmount these serious setbacks, technical improvements and choice of materials for various parts should be attentively addressed. Systematic manufacturing based on a seamless and practically feasible layout would solve these issues. Hence, in this article, we suggest a simple design for high-efficiency perovskite photocapacitor, integrated by stacking an asymmetric capacitor on a planar inverted multijunction PSC using CH3NH3PbI3 as photoactive layer. The capacitor portion is designed based on a solid-state dielectric layer, asymmetrically packed between two carbon electrodes. The PSC portion employs a CNT/InAlGap/InGap p-type triple-junction on PET/ITO working electrode. An ultrathin (10 nm) C60 is accommodated on active layer for protection, and a 20 nm CNTs single-junction directly connects the capacitor to PSC, providing the synergic functions of back contact for the PSC and the cathode of the capacitor section, as explained earlier. Figures 1(ab) schematically introduces the device architecture and the overall efficiency based on various illumination active area. Numerical modelling can quantitatively characterize, optimize and foresee the potential yielding of perovskite supercapacitors, as for the intrinsic and contingent physical properties of every junction, and certain outdoor triggers. In order to simulate a realistic perovskite photocapacitor the concrete parameters, particularly the effect of grain boundaries, trap sites, interfaces and nonradiative recombination, antireflective coating and unpredictable light intensity on overall performance of integrated system were studied.
The low solubility, loss of mucoadhesivity and poor absorption property of chitosan (CS) at physiological pH limits its applicability in biomedical and pharmaceutical field. N,N,N-Trimethyl Chitosan (TMC) have shown enhanced penetration property, well-defined structure and improved solubility over wide pH range. Ocimum gratissimum Essential Oils (OGEOs) and methanolic extracts (OGEO-MeOH) have known bioactivity. Chemical qualitative analysis of the extracts by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) showed newly found compounds not previously reported for OGEO such as eicosane, heneicosane, triphenylphosphine oxide, 1-acetyl-2methyl-2-cycloppentene, (E)-9-octadecenoic acid, 2-carene, andgamma-terpinene. Different methods and optimized technique were adopted for the successful synthesis of OGEO-loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles (OGEO-CSNPs) and OGEO-loaded Trimethyl Chitosan Nanoparticle (OGEO-TMCNPs). With reference to zeta potential and polydispersity index of the nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticle was characterized with UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro-release kinetics of OGEO release revealed higher (P < 0.05) OGEO release efficiency from OGEO-TMCNPs over long period of time compared to the OGEO-CSNPs. The antioxidant activity assay showed that, OGEO-CSNPs and OGEO-TMCNPs never reached a steady state after 75 h. All samples exhibited antimicrobial properties at specific concentration. OGEO-TMCNPs exhibited antibacterial activity at lower concentration notably 40 mg mL-1 for E. coli, 20 mg mL-1 for B. cereus, 20 mg mL-1 for S. aureus and 80 mg mL-1 for S. typhimurium. In vitro cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines revealed that OGEO-TMCNPs exhibited higher toxicity (P < 0.05). The physiochemical properties of OGEO-TMCNPs and OGEO-CSNPs have shown more promising application in pharmaceutical and food industries.
The natural dye pigment of blueberry was extracted from its peals using acetonitrile as solvent. This dye was used in a liquid electrolyte-free, natural dye-sensitized solid solar cell (NDSSSC). Natural dyes are inexpensive, non-toxic and are reliable and redily available sources of dyes. However, the typical problem associated with them is their instability towards iodide/tri-iodide electrolyte. This was addressed by introducing p-CuI as the hole-conductor in place of iodide/tri-iodide electrolyte. The hole conductor was applied on dyed nonporous TiO2 films from a solution containing a crystal growth inhibitor triethylammium thiocyanate (THT) using drop-casting method. I-V characteristics and impedance measurements were carried out to investigate the photovoltaic performance and further characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and SEM. to achieve a highest efficiency(ɳ) of 1.7% with a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 11 mA cm-2, open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.30 V and fill factor (ff) of 51.8. These are the highest recorded values so far achieved for such solar cells. Stability measurements were carried out for a period of 30 days and promisingly showed a good stability over the liquid type natural dye sensitised solar.
capabilities of an electrostrictive composite. To improve the dielectric permittivity of electrostrictive polymer, the particles of PZT have been incorporated in order to increase the conversion efficiency of composite. Dielectric characterization tests showed an increase in dielectric permittivity by a factor of 4.5 compared to polymer pure. Experimental measurements of harvested power verify the theoretical model and demonstrate a good correlation between two data. An equivalent electrical scheme has been developed, which allows modeling the two behaviors. The harvested power density under low frequency at 2% of strain can reach 0.3μW/cm3for 33% of PZT without polarization field. The energy harvester property of this material composite has great potential for many self-powered applications such as wireless sensor networks and Internet of things. R.Farhan , Modeling and experimental verification of polyurethane/lead zirconate titanate composites for Sensing and Actuating Applications, Emerging Materials 2020:18th International Conference on Emerging Materials and Nanotechnology; Webinar- August 31-September 01, 2020
Due to the increasing problem of resistance to traditional antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have a huge potential as new therapeutics against infectious diseases as they are less prone to induce resistance due to their fast and non-specific mechanisms of action. The delivery strategies based on nanotechnology has the potential to improve the efficiency and stability of AMPs in clinical development. Moreover, nanocarriers were particularly promising for peptide delivery, controlled release strategies and technologies against proteolytic degradation of peptides. The Polymyxin B is a well-known antimicrobial peptide and was used as model peptide in our study. Lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) are a new generation of biomimetic nanocarriers and were used to deliver the peptide. The aim of the present study was to produce the LNCs with antibacterial activity. We have developed peptide-loaded reverse micelles and incorporated in LNCs by phase inversion process. In order to evaluate theantimicrobial activity, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined via a broth micro-dilution method. The activity of Polymyxin B solution and Polymyxin B-loaded LNCs were studied against the following bacterial Gram-negative strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (reference strains), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (clinical strains), Escherichia coli (reference strains), Acinetobacter baumannii AYE (reference strains). Polymyxin B was efficiency encapsulated in LNCs using reverse micelles and the antimicrobial activity was intact. The study shows that LNCs are an excellent candidate to deliver AMPs. Based on performance, successful experiments, and considerable market prospects, nanotechnology will undoubtedly lead a breakthrough in biomedical field also for infectious diseases, as there are several nanotechnological approaches that exhibit important roles in restoring antibiotic activity against resistant bacteria.
Editorial Note for Materials Science: An Indian Journal I am pleased to mention that during the year 2019, all issues of volume 17 were published online well within the time and the print issues were also brought out and dispatched within 30 days of publishing the issue online. Materials Science: An Indian Journal during this year also brought out International Conference on Materials Science and Engineering, 25th International Conference on Advanced Materials Science and Engineering & Scientific Exploration on Magnetism and Magnetic Material Research conference proceedings. The JNPPR Impact factor for the year 2018 was 0.50 and ISSN No:0974-7486. During the calendar year 2019, TSMS received a total of 30 papers, out of which 17 articles (57%) were rejected in the preliminary screening due to plagiarism or being out of the format and peer review process. During 2019 around 13 articles were subjected for publication after they are accepted in the peer review process. In the 1 issues of Volume 17 published during the year 2019, a total of 6 articles were published (at process) of which, articles were published from authors all around the world. A total of 110 research scientists from all over the world reviewed the 17 articles published in volume 17. Average publication lag time of an article was further reduced to 2-3 weeks. During the calendar year 2019, a total of 5 Editors, 30 Reviewers joined the board of TSMS and contributed their invaluable services towards contribution as well as publication of articles. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of Editor-in-ChiefAntti S. korhonenduring the final editing of articles published and the support rendered by the editorial assistant, Prof. Dr. Bien Tan in bringing out issues of TSMS in time. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the authors, reviewers, the publisher, the advisory and the editorial board of TSMS, the office bearers for their support in bringing out yet another volume of TSMS and look forward to their unrelenting support to bring out the Volume 18 of TSMS in scheduled time.
Euphorbia dendroides L. (Euphoraceae) is a tree-like semi-succulent spurge growing as a wild plant in Libya. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extracts of Euphorbia dendroides L. in a dose of 400 mg/kg p.o. was investigated in mice by means of carrageenan-induced paw oedema method. The pedal oedema was measured by means of a ¹micrometer; using 0.025 ml of 1% carrageenan solution was injected subcutaneously into one hind paw of each mouse, compared with aspirin in a dose of 100mg/kg orally to serve as a reference compound. The results showed that the ethanolic extract exhibited a highly significant inhibition in oedema (p < o.o1) in the group treated with E. dendroides L. and the control. In order to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of the plant extract, using aspirin as a reference compound. Percentage of inhibition of the oedema was 84% for Euphorbia dendroides L., and 86% for aspirin and this confirms that the expected mechanism of Euphorbia dendroides L. anti-inflammatory effect is probably through decreased in the prostaglandin's level. Key words: Ethanolic extract of E. dendroides L., Anti-inflammatory, Carrageenan test.
In this paper, the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method based on density functional theory (DFT) is used to study the structural, electronic, magnetic, elastic and thermoelectric properties of Fe2CrAs full Heusler alloy. Exchange and correlations are treated by both the generalized gradient approximation of Perdew, Burke and Ernzerh (GGA PBE) and theTran-Blaha modified Beck-Johnson (TB-mBJ). Elastic properties indicate that this Heusler is mechanically stable, stiffer, ductile and exhibits ionic bond. The electronic properties exhibit a half-metallic character for this compound with a direct bandgap. The total magnetic moment calculated is in good agreement with the Slater-Pauling rule for full Heusler alloys with a value equal to 3 μB. Our material is ferromagnetic and the integer value of the total magnetic moment confirms its half metallicity. By the Boltzmann transport theory we have computed thermoelectric parameters like, Seebeck coefficient (S), electrical (s/τ), thermal conductivity (κ/τ) and figure of merit (ZT)for 50 K–800 K temperature range to explore the potential of this material for thermoelectric applications. ZT values of 0.98 and 0.78 are obtained for 50 K and 800 K respectively. So the full-heusler alloy has the potential to be used in spintronic and thermoelectric device applications.
