ABSTRACT Examples of self‐regulating synthetic self‐assembly are relatively few, with most known chemical systems relying on kinetic rather than thermodynamic control. Herein, we demonstrate the rapid generation ( t ≤ 5 min) of size‐tunable ultralow dispersity ( Ð ≤ 1.01) 2D hexagonal nanosheets governed by self‐limiting self‐assembly (SLSA). Self‐assembly in natural systems occurs with exquisite control of structure, function, and dimension. We demonstrate that key aspects of biological assembly can be rationally applied toward the development of bottom‐up approaches for the construction of chiral nanomaterials. To this end, self‐limiting polymerization‐induced crystallization‐driven self‐assembly (SL‐PI‐CDSA) of modular and templating aryl isocyanide (AIC) monomers yields functional 2D assemblies permitting post‐polymerization/assembly modifications. Detailed study of the internal and external structure of the hexagonal nanosheets reveals topological defects which offer mechanistic insights into both their assembly and subsequent utilization. Specifically, these features enable fabrication of chiral hybrid organic–inorganic nanomaterials incorporating chiral plasmonic metal nanoparticles (MNPs). Our results suggest that the synergistic interplay of template‐driven confinement and hierarchical chirality induce symmetry breaking of in situ‐generated gold MNPs. We anticipate that the platform presented will facilitate fabrication of new hybrid, chiral organic–inorganic nanostructures.

The stability and large-scale production of perovskite solar cells depend on their manufacture ability under ambient conditions rather than a glovebox. The presence of defect states within the perovskite film is crucial in influencing the performance of solar cells. This study explores the effectiveness of copper(I) halide additives in mitigating the impact of defect states in the MAPbI3-based perovskite material. The findings of the study reveal that the inclusion of an ideal quantity of copper(I) halide additives in perovskite solar cells leads to a notable improvement in the performance when compared with the pristine MAPbI3-based perovskite. The analysis of time-resolved photoluminescence, transient photocurrent, and photovoltage indicates an extended lifespan of photogenerated charge carriers and their improved collection by the electrodes. The inclusion of copper(I) halide additives in perovskite solar cells results in a significant 24% boost in the short-circuit current density (J sc), leading to an overall improvement in their performance (PCE) by 17%.

The current investigation was carried out on some bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes throughout spring season to evaluate their heat tolerance via Cluster Analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). The experiment was accomplished in an augmented block design with 60 genotypes and three replications. Evaluations were carried out on 26 quantitative traits. Cluster analysis showed five clusters, cluster I with 56 genotypes and clusters II, III, IV and V with only one genotype each. The clusters II, III, IV and V have only one genotype each, so their intra-cluster distances were zero. The intra-cluster distance for cluster I was 57.879. The maximum and minimum inter cluster distance was found between cluster II and III (267.377) and between cluster I and II (86.469), respectively. Cluster I showed the earliest (76.689 days) average for early maturity (days to 50% heading) and cluster III showed the maximum (27.664) average for grain yield (grain yield per plant). PCA indicated that the five principal components (PC1 to PC5) accounted for 65.61% of the total variance. PC1 accounted for 11.51% of the total variance and showed positive factor loading for almost traits. Harvest index, grain yield per plant, flag leaf width and leaf rolling showed the highest factor loadings for PC1. As a result of the foregoing data and analysis, it is possible to conclude that there is great potential for effective genetic improvement for grain yield and correlated traits in the present wheat genotypes.

Spiro‐OMeTAD is a commonly used organic hole‐transport material (HTM) in MAPbI3‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for achieving high efficiency. However, its hydrophilic nature compromises device stability and performance reproducibility, especially under ambient conditions. In this study, PSCs are fabricated under ambient conditions, and phase‐pure iron pyrite nanocrystals (FeS2 NCs) are synthesized and utilized as HTM. Using iron pyrite as the HTM leads to a 22% increase in device short‐circuit current density (JSC) compared to Spiro‐OMeTAD, resulting in enhanced PSC performance. This confirms FeS2 NCs as a promising HTM for PSCs. Iron pyrite improves the extraction of photogenerated charge carriers compared to Spiro‐OMeTAD, indicating a superior extraction layer. Furthermore, the longer stability of the iron pyrite layer under humid conditions is compared to the Spiro‐OMeTAD layer, as demonstrated by contact angle measurements. This improvement helps prevent humidity‐induced degradation of the perovskite layer. Transient photocurrent studies under reverse bias conditions reveal fewer defects at the perovskite/iron pyrite interface, suggesting a defect passivation effect of FeS2 NCs. This study demonstrates that iron pyrite can serve as an effective HTM to enhance the performance and stability of low‐cost PSCs fabricated under ambient conditions.

The demand for textiles with functional properties has been increasing over the past few decades, driven by both civilian and military applications. In this study, we present a method to impart flame retardant (FR) and insect repellent (IR) properties to nylon-cotton blends. Flame retardancy was achieved by covalently attaching phytic acid, a bio-derived material, to the hydroxyl groups of cotton in nyco fabrics. Subsequently, these FR-treated nyco fabrics were coated with an acylate-based monomer along with permethrin to confer insect-repellent properties. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of weight of phytic acid on nyco fabric and the weight gain from this was 6 % with respect to initial fabric weight. The multifunctional fabrics exhibited a 200 % increase in char formation upon thermal degradation compared to untreated nyco. Moreover, the multifunctional fabrics demonstrated self-extinguishing properties with a char length of <15 cm, whereas untreated fabrics burned completely. In cone calorimeter experiments, FR-treated fabrics showed a reduction of over 25 % in total heat release compared to untreated controls. The addition of FR facilitates char formation and the release of nonflammable gases such as water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and ammonia (NH3), suggesting a condensed phase mechanism of FR action as evident from TGA-FTIR evolved gas analysis. The insect repellent properties (IR) were evaluated using a tube test method as described by the World Health Organization, revealing a knockdown rate exceeding 98 % for fabrics treated with insect repellent.

The significant positive correlation of phenotypic and genotypic performance as well as path correlation of crops helps in selection of the superior cultivars. Based upon important significance of these estimates, it was applied in our research. For this an experiment was conducted on different genotypes during crop season of Rabi 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 under normal (non-stressed) or (heat-stressed) conditions. With the aim of to work out direct and indirect effects of different characters on yield. The field experiments were planted comprising 80 germplasm of bread wheat. Therefore, our experimental trials were conducted in 12 environments (E1 to E12), for the identification of superior yielding and stable germplasm accessions possessing heat-stress tolerance. The field experiments were laid out in Augmented Block Design (ABD). Observations were recorded on twenty -six quantitative characters. Grain yield per plant showed significant positive association with Grain weight per spike (0.7998**), followed by Harvest index (0.7768**), Spike bearing tillers per plant (0.6627**), Number of grain per plant (0.658**), Plant biomass (0.5754**), Grain length (0.4203**), Spike length (0.3174**), Number of grain per spike (0.2734 *). And significant negative association with Peduncle length (-0.4282**), Plant waxiness (0.291**), Plant height (-0.258*), Chlorophyll content (-0.254*). Grain yield per plant showed highly significant positive association with spike bearing tillers per plant (0.634**), grain weight per spike (0.662**), number of grain per plant (0.550**), plant biomass (0.465**), number of grain per spike (0.166**), flag leaf area (0.1431*), flag leaf length (0.127*).

Organic thermoelectric materials would be ideally suited for wearable thermoelectric devices but currently are not efficient enough for practical applications. Previous research efforts have tailored the composition, oxidation status, or doping levels of organic thin-film thermoelectrics to maximize their thermoelectric performance typically measured by the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT). This study demonstrates that the thermoelectric ZT of the organic thin-films can be significantly boosted by increasing the surface roughness of the films. A simple soft-templating method that can produce nanorough thin films of organic thermoelectrics was developed and used to fabricate nanorough poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):Tosylate (PEDOT:Tos) thin films. The performance of the nanorough PEDOT:Tos films was compared to that of the smooth PEDOT:Tos films. The ZT value of the nanorough films was estimated to be 0.99, which is 83% higher than that of the smooth films and one of the highest ever reported for organic thermoelectrics. The flexibility and durability of the nanorough PEDOT:Tos films were also proved. A proof-of-concept thermoelectric device that used 5 strips of nanorough films, as the p-type thermoelectric elements, and five strips of bismuth thin films, as the n-type elements, produced 118.7 nW when ΔT = 50 K.

A microwave-assisted surface grafting of polyacrylamide (PAAm) enabling durable flame resistance on nylon-6,6 fabric is presented. The PAAm grafted nylon-6,6 (PAAm-g-nylon-6,6) fabric is characterized by FTIR and H NMR. Self-extinguishing nylon-6,6 fabric with a char length of 7.7 cm and after-flame of 2 s in the ASTM D6413 vertical flame test is achieved with 7-8% PAAm grafting. The melt/flame dripping behavior of neat nylon-6,6 is also significantly suppressed by PAAm through enhanced char formation and a gas dilution mechanism, as observed in thermogravimetric analysis. The laundry test followed by the vertical flame test and heat release characterization of PAAm-g-nylon-6,6 suggests that the robust grafting of PAAm provided durable flame resistance to nylon-6,6 fabric. The PAAm-g-nylon-6,6 exhibits a char length of 6.1 cm and an afterflame of 0 s after 20 standard laundry cycles.

Liquid-repellent fabrics have attracted significant attention due to their resistance to hazardous chemicals and reduced maintenance cost. Traditionally, Poly-Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used due to their intrinsic low surface energy, which renders them omniphobic (oil and water-repellent) properties. However, due to health hazard issues, there is a growing movement to phase out PFAS use in consumer and industrial products. Recent studies showed that coating low-surface tension flexible brushes to a flat glass substrate, results in the formation of liquid-like slippery surfaces, which impart repellency to various liquids. In this study, two PFAS-free liquid-like coatings were covalently attached to the porous, rough surface of cotton fabric: long alkyl chain silanes, and a hydrolysable trimethoxy silyl polydimethylsiloxane (TMS-PDMS). PDMS is non-toxic, biocompatible, and cost-effective. Importantly, it provides low surface energy of approximately 20 mN/m and has the added benefit of a very low glass transition temperature (Tg g =-127 degrees C), creating a highly smooth structure on the surface. Long alkyl chain silanes also feature low surface energy and flexible brush structures that offer a slippery surface. Silanes with different carbon chain lengths and PDMS brushes with different molecular weights were evaluated. PDMS-treated fabric with MW = 3600 g/mol (F-3600) and fabric treated with n-dodecyl triethoxy silane (F-C12) - C12) showed superhydrophobic properties with a water contact angle>150 degrees degrees and oil repellency to castor oil with contact angle>80 degrees. degrees . The mechanical properties of the PDMS-treated fabrics were comparable or even superior to the control sample. Using a novel toxicity assessment method (P2OAsys), linear PDMS demonstrated a moderate toxicity score of 4.5, in contrast to silanes, with a high toxicity score > 6, and PFAS>8.

The present investigation was carried out on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop during rabi season with the aims of analysis of genetic diversity with the help of principle component analysis. The experimental sample size included 80 genotypes, in an augmented block design with three replications. Observation was based upon twenty-six quantitative characteristics. For all characteristics Cluster I had highest number of genotypes (28) followed by cluster II (5), cluster IV, cluster V and cluster VI had presented (4), cluster VII and VIII (3), cluster III, cluster IX, cluster X, cluster XI and cluster XII (2) whereas cluster had presented one entry in each group. The minimum intra cluster distance (0.00) was found for XIII to XXXI and maximum was found for cluster XII (2.10). The maximum inter-cluster distance was found between cluster XX to XXVII (11.08). The minimum inter- cluster D2 value found in case of cluster IV to XVI and XXX to XXXI (2.12). Cluster XVIII showed earliest mean value for day to 50 per cent flowering (75.24 day) and most important character maximum mean value for yield per plot (536.13). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the five principal components (PC1 to PC5) showed 50.37 per cent of the total variability. The five different groups positive maximum variable loaded component PC I for grain yield per plant (23.2542), PC II flag leave area (19.4005), PC III for peduncle length (23.9893), PC IV grain length /width ratio (21.0627), PC V for physiological maturity (16.7492). As a result of the foregoing data, it is possible to conclude that there is great potential for effective crop modification for improved yield and yield-attributing traits in present wheat germplasm.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of some spur and coloured strains of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) under low altitude conditions of Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. The commercial cultivar Starking delicious introduced in the beginning of the century now does not develop good colour and shape at lower altitude and warmer areas of Himachal Pradesh, due to climate change therefore, two spur cultivars Red Spur and Starkrimsom, four coloured strains Top Red, Vance Delicious, Hardeman and Skyline Supreme Delicious and two spur type pollinizers Stark Spur and Gold Spur grafted on M9 rootstock were compared with commercial cultivar Starking delicious grafted on M9 rootstock at a warmer location Bajaura, Kullu located at an altitude of 1090 m above MSL. The cultivars Vance delicious and Red Spur developed good colour and fruit shape and ripened 11 and 9 days earlier than Starking delicious. Top Red resulted in the highest trunk girth (27.0 cm), shoot growth (17.7 cm) and yield (58.63 t ha-1) for the last five years followed by Vance delicious with trunk girth 26.2 cm , shoot growth 16.1 cm and yield 53.64 t ha-1). It ripened four days earlier to Starking delicious. Other cultivars ripened simultaneously or later than Starking delicious. Vance delicious appeared to be the most suitable cultivar for lower altitude and marginal areas of Himachal Pradesh and has been recommended for commercial cultivation as it performed well under seasonal variation in temperature and rainfall that occurred during the study period.

Bacterial infections are a major cause for impulsive deaths in human beings.Bacterial infections of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervoussystem account for the majority of cases of sudden casualties. Readily availabledrugs are getting ineffective by each passing day as the mutation is veryfast in these pathogenic microbes resulting in drug resistance. The growingresistance of bacteria necessitates the development of new and effectivecompounds of desired characteristics that could bar the rapid development ofbacterial cell inside of the host body. Along with cellular resistance for clinicalantibiotics, co-bacterial infections during microbial attacks (viz. virus, fungus,protozoans etc.) also demand for some novel antibacterial drugs having highefficacy and minimal side effects on human body. These antibiotics shouldalso be compatible with remedies ongoing for core microbial infections. So,in demand of search for effective antibacterial moieties, the scope of transitionmetal complexes as drug gives a good signal against the pathogenic bacteriaby inhibiting their growth. The action of metal complexes on bacterial cellmay be due to impremiablity, enzymatic interruptions, ribosomal interactions,disturbance in the path of protein synthesis, denaturing of genetic materialsetc. inside the cell. Metals in complexes may interrupt the lipophilisity throughthe bacterial cell wall. Inclusion of metal ions in organic moieties behavingas ligand delocalize π-electrons upon the entire chelate ring and this chelationresults in overlapping of ligand orbital and partial sharing of (+)ve chargeof metal ion with donor atoms. These structural modifications in metal andorganic lone pair donor species are the supposed reasons for their enhancedantimicrobial activities against pathogenic microbes. The present reviewfocuses on the impact of recently synthesized, well characterized mono andbinuclear transition metal complexes of Cu ions that have the potential to be the drug of the decade in medicinal inorganic chemistry for treating the bacterial diseases.

An experiment was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station, Shimla to evaluate the performance of pomegranate genotypes in rainfed temperate region during 2014–17. For this purpose performance of 13 pomegranate genotypes, viz. Kandhari Yellow, Anar Sherin Mohmad Ali, G-137, Chawla, P-75-K-5, Ichakdana, Ganesh, Kandhari Hansi, Jodhpur Red, Kandhari Kabuli, P-23, P-26, Nabha were assessed for plant growth, yield and quality parameters. The study reveals that plant height varied from 1.85-2.83 m, canopy spread (east-west side) was highest in Nabha (2.10 m) and canopy spread in north-south side varied from 1.05-1.85 m with maximum in P-26 (1.85 m). Plant girth was maximum in Kandhari Yellow (68.65 mm) and minimum in Ichakdana (34.71mm). Fruit set in different genotypes of pomegranate varied from 29.87-78.25% with maximum in Ichakdana (78.25%). The maximum fruit weight was recorded in Ichakdana (320.4 g) and lowest in P-23 (118.6 g). Maximum fruit length and fruit width was recorded in Ichakdana (87.8 mm and 88.25 mm). Aril weight was highest in Ichakdana (171.32 g) and minimum in P-75-K-5 (48.0 g). Fruit yield varied from 12.18-30.11 (t/ha) with maximum in Kandhari Kabuli (30.11 t/ha) and minimum in P-75K-5 (12.18 t/ha). TSS content varied from 9.18-14.02% with maximum in Kandhari Kabuli (14.02%) and minimum in Ichakdana (9.18%). Acidity content was found maximum in Ichakdana (2.38%) and minimum in Ganesh (0.98%). Vitamin C content varied from 8.44-14.13 mg/100 g with maximum in Ichakdana (14.13 mg/100 g) and minimum in Kandhari Yellow (8.44 mg/100 g). Total sugar content varied from 5.21-11.33% with maximum in Kandhari Yellow (11.33%) and minimum in Ichakdana (5.12%).

Photovoltaic backsheet technology is utilized to protect the interior components of solar modules from environmental stress as well as provide electrical insulation to the module. The growing demand for solar energy and longer module service life requirements have brought backsheet performance into focus. Despite being a protective packaging material, many backsheets have exhibited failure in the field, limiting the performance and service life of entire modules. Most backsheets consist of multiple polymeric layers laminated together using adhesives. A new backsheet, with a high performance polyamide structure, has been developed as the solution to module failure. Primarily, it contains a unique polyamide-ionomer alloy targeted at improved weather resistance. In this research, several photovoltaic industry standard backsheets, and the novel polyamide compositions of multilayered backsheets fabricated from the coextrusion process, were examined using thermomechanical analysis (TMA). The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for entire backsheets and their constituent layers was used to model the thermomechanical behavior of various backsheet constructions. Subsequently, thermal cycling was performed in the TMA to examine the intrinsic thermal behavior of the backsheets. Thermal cycling in the TMA indicates the resilience and dimensional stability in the coextruded structures as opposed to the laminated structures. Lastly, results from a Module Accelerated Sequential Testing (MAST), are included to show the mechanical integrity of these backsheets after sequential exposure to stressors including damp heat, ultra-violet (UV) light radiation, and thermal cycling. The laminate backsheets deteriorated extensively after sequential exposure to these stressors, while the novel coextruded structures retained their physical properties.

Thermoelectric composites of organic and inorganic materials exhibit significantly enhanced thermoelectric properties compared with pristine organic thermoelectrics so they might be better suited as core materials of wearable thermoelectric devices. This study describes the development of three-dimensional (3D) paper PEDOT:tosylate/CuI composites that could be shaped as 3 mm thick blocks to convert a temperature difference between their bottom and top sides into power; the majority of organic thermoelectric materials are shaped as thin strips usually on a planar substrate and convert a temperature difference between the opposite edges of the strips into power. The 3D paper PEDOT:tosylate/CuI composites can produce a power density equal to 4.8 nW/cm2 (ΔΤ = 6 Κ) that is 10 times higher than that of the pristine paper PEDOT:Tos composites. The enhanced thermoelectric properties of the paper PEDOT:tosylate/CuI composites are attributed to the CuI nanocrystals entrapped inside the composite that increases the Seebeck coefficient of the composite to 225 μV K-1; the Seebeck coefficient of paper PEDOT:Tos is 65 μV K-1. A proof-of-concept wearable thermoelectric device that uses 36 blocks of the paper PEDOT:tosylate/CuI composites (as p-type elements) and 36 wires of monel (as n-type elements) can produce up to 4.7 μW of power at ΔΤ = 20 K. The device has a footprint of 64 cm2 and can be placed directly over the skin or can be embedded into clothing.

Functional elastomers with incredible toughness and stretchability are indispensable for applications in soft robotics and wearable electronics. Furthermore, coupled with excellent electrical and thermal properties, these materials are at the forefront of recent efforts toward widespread use in cutting-edge electronics and devices. Herein, we introduce a highly deformable eutectic-GaIn liquid metal alloy-embedded natural rubber (NR) architecture employing, for the first time, industrially viable solid-state mixing and vulcanization. Standard methods of rubber processing and vulcanization allow us to fragment and disperse liquid metals into submicron-sized droplets in cross-linked NR without compromising the elastic properties of the base matrix. In addition to substantial boosts in mechanical (strain at failure of up to ∼650%) and elastic (negligible hysteresis loss) performances, the tearing energy of the composite was enhanced up to 6 times, and a fourfold reduction in the crack growth rate was achieved over a control vulcanizate. Moreover, we demonstrate improved thermal conductivity and dielectric properties for the resulting composites. Therefore, this work provides a facile and scalable pathway to develop liquid metal-embedded soft elastomeric composites that could be instrumental toward potential applications in soft-matter engineering.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have drawn extensive attention as promising next-generation photovoltaics due to their exceptional power conversion efficiency (PCE) and low fabrication cost over the past 10 years. However, their poor stability remains the biggest barrier for commercialization. Among the many causes for device degradation, the inherent moisture instability of the perovskite structure is one of the main reasons for the poor stability of the PSCs. In addition, chemical dopants used to improve PCE further induce the moisture sensitivity of PSCs. Here, in this study, we report on the stability improvement of the PSCs by incorporating a hydrophobic element, fluorine, into the N,N,N',N'-tetraphenylbenzidine structure as a dopant-free holetransporting material (HTM). The optoelectronic, electrochemical, theoretical, and charge transport properties of the synthesized HTM were characterized by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, density functional theory calculation, and space charge-limited current method. The hydrophobicity and surface roughness of the HTM film were investigated by the water contact angle analysis and atomic force microscopy, respectively. The PSCs were fabricated with the HTM, a nonfluorinated control molecule, and the commonly used spiro-OMeTAD in an ambient environment without encapsulation. Scanning electron microscopy was used to obtain topographic information of the perovskite layer and cross-sectional images of the devices. The devices with the fluorinated HTM exhibited the best PCE of 13.96%. The stability study under a controlled humid environment showed the improved moisture stability of the fluorinated devices compared to the control devices, indicating that the hydrophobic HTM successfully inhibits the moisture-induced damage to the perovskite structure.

Background: Alpha-2 agonists are added to local anesthetic agents to extend the duration of peripheral nerve blocks. Objective: We evaluated the effect of combining dexmedetomidine with levobupivacine with respect to duration of motor and sensory block and duration of analgesia. In our study, while the onset time of both sensory and motor blocks were shortened in the drug group, the duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients of ASA grade I or II aged between 18-60 years, posted for elective upper limb surgeries were enrolled for a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Patients were divided into two groups, the control group B and the study group BD. In group B (n = 30), 30 ml of 0.325% levobupivacaine; and in group BD (n = 30), 30 ml of 0.325% levobupivacaine + 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine were given for ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Duration of motor and sensory block and time to first rescue analgesia were recorded. Results: Demographic profile and surgical characteristics were similar in both groups. The onset times for sensory and motor blocks were significantly shorter in BD group (p < 0.05), while the duration of sensory and motor blocks and duration of analgesia (DOA) was significantly longer in BD group. Heart rate level and SBP and DBP levels in group BD were significantly lower 15-20 min after block (p< 0.05). Bradycardia was observed in two patients in the group BD. No other adverse effects were observed in either of the groups. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine added as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block significantly shortens the onset time and prolongs the duration of sensory and motor blocks and duration of analgesia.

AbstractNanotechnology is the new frontier in the transformation of conventional agriculture and food sector into an emerging form for development of food industry. Innovations in nanofood, nanosensors, nanopackaging, nanofertilizers, and nanopesticides are the major recent advancements of nanoscience and technology. Nanoscience‐based technology has a vibrant impact on food quality, food safety, and food packaging aspects including nanofood drug delivery, nanonutraceuticals, and functional food. Application of nanotechnology facilitates food preservation, nutrition enhancement, and safe delivery of micronutrients and bioactive components. Recent trends and advancement of nanotechnology and its promising opportunities and challenges in food processing sector are discussed in this review. Synthesis of nano material and their application to food sectors with concerned health regulatory and risk assessment issues are addressed. Although nanotechnology is a promising prospect and has advancement application in food industry, still efforts are required for intensive research in nanofood system and creating public consumer awareness.

This paper presents the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclide 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K and the anthropogenic radionuclide, 137Cs in soil samples collected from Ballia and Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The mean activity concentrations of radionuclides in 43 soil samples from the two districts were measured using HPGe gamma spectrometry system. The activity level in soil samples varied from 23 to 50 Bq/kg with a mean of 30 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 30–74 Bq/kg with a mean of 47 Bq/kg for 232Th, 287–728 Bq/kg with a mean of 466 Bq/kg for 40K, and ≤0.1–1.4 Bq/kg with a mean of 0.4 Bq/kg for137Cs. The mean activity of naturally occurring 226Ra and 232Th is comparable with the international values reported by UNSCEAR while concentration of 40K is slightly higher. 137Cs activity is found to be comparable with the activities reported at other parts of India. Correlation of 226Ra and 40K activity with 232Th activity was observed as 0.85 and 0.75, respectively. A positive correlation (0.71) between 40K and 137Cs was found in the present study. The absorbed gamma dose rates in air were in the range of 44.6–98.3 nGy/h with a mean of 63.4 nGy/h, while the annual effective dose rates were observed in the range of 54.7–120.6 μSv/y with a mean of 77.8 μSv/y. The average value of radium equivalent activity in soil was 136.9 Bq/kg. This study provides a baseline data of natural radioactivity and 137Cs activity in soils of these two districts.