The potential of incorporation of binary salts and ionic liquid in P(VP-co-VAc) gel polymer electrolyte in electrochemical and photovoltaic performances

In this study, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has been assembled with poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (P(VP-co-VAc)) gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) which have been incorporated with binary salt and an ionic liquid. The potential of this combination was studied and reported. The binary salt system GPEs was having ionic conductivity and power conversion efficiency (PCE) that could reach up to 1.90 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ and 5.53%, respectively. Interestingly, upon the addition of the ionic liquid, MPII into the binary salt system the ionic conductivity and PCE had risen steadily up to 4.09 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ and 5.94%, respectively. In order to know more about this phenomenon, the electrochemical impedance studies (EIS) of the GPE samples have been done and reported. Fourier transform infrared studies (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) have also been studied to understand more on the structural and thermal properties of the GPEs. The Nyquist plot and Bodes plot studies have been done in order to understand the electrochemical properties of the GPE based DSSCs and Tafel polarization studies were done to determine the electrocatalytic activity of the GPE samples.

An Approach to Solid-State Electrical Double Layer Capacitors Fabricated with Graphene Oxide-Doped, Ionic Liquid-Based Solid Copolymer Electrolytes

Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) composed of semi-crystalline poly (vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) [P(VdF-HFP)] copolymer, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethyl sulphonyl) imide [EMI-BTI] and graphene oxide (GO) was prepared and its performance evaluated. The effects of GO nano-filler were investigated in terms of enhancement in ionic conductivity along with the electrochemical properties of its electrical double layer capacitors (EDLC). The GO-doped SPE shows improvement in ionic conductivity compared to the P(VdF-HFP)-[EMI-BTI] SPE system due to the existence of the abundant oxygen-containing functional group in GO that assists in the improvement of the ion mobility in the polymer matrix. The complexation of the materials in the SPE is confirmed in X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies. The electrochemical performance of EDLC fabricated with GO-doped SPE is examined using cyclic voltammetry and charge–discharge techniques. The maximum specific capacitance obtained is 29.6 F∙g⁻¹, which is observed at a scan rate of 3 mV/s in 6 wt % GO-doped, SPE-based EDLC. It also has excellent cyclic retention as it is able keep the performance of the EDLC at 94% even after 3000 cycles. These results suggest GO doped SPE plays a significant role in energy storage application.

Facile sonochemical synthesis of nanostructured NiO with different particle sizes and its electrochemical properties for supercapacitor application

In this work, we demonstrate the influence of nickel oxides with divergent particle sizes as the working electrodes for supercapacitor application. The nanostructured nickel oxide (NiO) is synthesized via facile sonochemical method, followed by calcination process. The crystallinity and surface purity of prepared samples are clearly examined by X-ray diffraction and Raman analysis. NiO crystallinity is significantly increased with increasing calcination temperatures. The surface analysis confirmed that the calcination at 250°C exhibited nanoclutser like NiO with average particle size of ∼6nm. While increasing the calcination temperature beyond 250°C, hexagonal shaped NiO is observed with enhanced particle sizes. The electrochemical performance confirmed the good redox behavior of NiO electrodes. Moreover, NiO with average particle size of ∼6nm exhibited high specific capacitance of 449F/g at a scan rate of 5mV/s compared to other samples with particle sizes of ∼21nm (323F/g) and ∼41nm (63F/g). This is due to the good ion transfer mechanism and effective electrochemical utilization of the working electrode.

Delirium in critically ill patients in a tertiary care centre in western region of Nepal

BACKGROUND

Delirium affects a significant proportion of critically ill patients admitted in hospital. It is associated with various adverse outcomes. Despite its enormous prognostic significance it tends to be underdiagnosed. There is a dearth of studies on risk factors of delirium in our setting.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of this study was to find out the prevalence, rate of non recognition and risk factors associated with delirium in hospitalized critically ill patients.

METHODS

A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out. Data was collected using a predesigned semi-structured proforma and Intensive care delirium screening checklist was used to screen for delirium in patients admitted in various wards of Manipal teaching hospital, Pokhara, Nepal.

RESULTS

Ninety five cases were included in the analysis. The mean age of study group was 58.9 ± 19.1 years. Delirium was present in 15/95 cases and it was not recognized by treating physician in about one third of cases. Odds ratio (OR) was statistically significantly increased in patients with history of stroke (OR=4.484 95% CI=1.0896;18.459), alcohol use (OR=10.792 95% CI=2.906;40.072), smoking (OR= 4.836 95% CI= 1.411;16.576), use of restraint (OR=17.143 95% CI=4.401;66.766), nasogastric tube placement (OR= 7.731 95% CI=2.348;25.452) and use of Foley's catheter (OR=12.000 95% CI= 3.072;46.877).

CONCLUSION

About 16% of critically ill patients were found to be delirious. In about one third of the cases delirium was not recognized. Both patient related and iatrogenic factors may increase the risk of delirium in hospitalized critically ill patients.

Enhanced electrochemical performance of cobalt oxide nanocube intercalated reduced graphene oxide for supercapacitor application

We investigated different molar concentrations of cobalt precursor intercalated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as possible electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Ultrahigh capacitance of amorphous nickel phosphate for asymmetric supercapacitor applications

This article presents the effect of different calcination temperatures on the structural, morphological and capacitance of nickel phosphate (Ni₃(PO₄)₂) as an electrode material for supercapacitor applications.

Self-assembly, doxorubicin-loading and antibacterial activity of well-defined ABA-type amphiphilic poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-b-poly(d,l-lactide)-b-poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) triblock copolymers

Synthesis, self-assembly, DOX-loading and antibacterial activity of well-defined ABA-type amphiphilic poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-b-poly(d,l-lactide)-b-poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) triblock copolymers.

Dendrimer like star polymer based on β-cyclodextrin with ABC type miktoarms

The present article reports the synthesis and self aggregation study of a novel dendrimer like star polymer based on β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), in which the primary alcoholic arms of β-CD have been linked to ABC type miktoarm star polymers.

Dental rehabilitation of a child with early childhood caries using Groper's appliance

The mainstay of pediatric dental practice is the successful esthetic rehabilitation of a preschooler with advanced carious lesions. Loss of masticatory efficiency, compromised esthesis, mispronunciation of labiodentals sounds, and development of abnormal oral habits are compromises arising due to the loss of primary anterior teeth at an early age either due to trauma or due to caries. Parental desire is the most decisive factor for the placement of an anterior esthetic appliance. This unique case report highlights the fabrication of simple, Groper's appliance in a 5-year-old child with early childhood caries.

Evaluation of Health on the Net seal label and DISCERN as content quality indicators for patients seeking information about thumb sucking habit

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of websites on the thumb sucking habit using DISCERN instrument and Health on the Net (HON) seal code at a single moment in time.

Subjects and Methods:

An Internet search engine (www.google.com) was used to identify websites comprising information on “thumb sucking habit.” Of over 204,000 links for thumb sucking habit, the first 100 were analyzed in detail. After excluding discussion groups, news and video feeds, and removing carbon copy sites, only 36 relevant websites remained, which were then assessed using the DISCERN instrument and HON seal code. Using the 16 questions of DISCERN for assessing the reliability and quality of the consumer information which were scored from 1 to 5, an appropriate index of the quality of the information was generated. All the assessed websites were also checked for presence or absence of HON seal code.

Results:

The maximum score attainable for an outstanding website is 80. Of the 36 websites that were scored the highest score obtained by one of the websites according to the DISCERN tool was 55 of 80, and the lowest score achieved was 16 of 80. The websites achieving the maximum and minimum score were children.webmd.com and thebehaviorsolution.com, respectively. The HON seal was displayed only in three websites, which were medicinenet.com, righthealth.com, and children.webmd.com.

Conclusions:

By directing patients to validated websites on the thumb sucking habit, clinicians can ensure patients find appropriate information.

Accumulation of silver by Fucus spp. (Phaeophyceae) and its toxicity to Fucus ceranoides under different salinity regimes

Metals constitute an important group of abiotic stressors that elicit stress responses in marine algae that include the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Silver (Ag) is a highly toxic metal to organisms but despite this there are relatively few studies on how it affects marine macroalgae (seaweeds). In a landmark study published in 1977 the first information was provided on the accumulation of Ag in Fucus spp. (Phaeophyceae) from the Looe estuary, located in south-west England, an area with a long history of mining activity. In the present study, the estuary has been re-visited and the patterns of Ag accumulation in two Fucus spp. and sediment re-examined after 35 years. We conclude that Ag concentrations in sediment and macroalgae from specific sites within the catchment remain high, but more generally sediment concentrations have declined by approximately 65 % and the dissolved, bioavailable fraction by 24 % over this period. In addition, from laboratory studies we provide data on the speciation and toxic effects of Ag under different salinity regimes in the euryhaline brown seaweed, Fucus ceranoides. From these exposure experiments, it was found that with increasing Ag concentrations growth was inhibited and lipid peroxidation associated with ROS production increased. The magnitude of the toxic effects was greater at a salinity of 10 than 28 psu which reflects the greater bioavailability of the toxic species of Ag (Ag(+) and AgCl(0)) at reduced salinities. These findings emphasise the importance of investigating the effects of metal pollution in conjunction with other, natural, environmental stressors such as salinity.

Clinical profile of human immunodeficiency virus patients with opportunistic infections: A descriptive case series study

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virus, causative agent in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is fast becoming a major threat in the Indian subcontinent, with an estimated 3.7 million persons being infected with HIV. HIV infection is complicated by various opportunistic infections (OIs) such as tuberculosis (TB), candidiasis, herpes zoster, Pneumocystis jirvoceii, cytomegalovirus (CMV) etc., This study carried out to know the clinical profile of HIV patients with OIs.

METHODS

A case series study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in Bellary, Karnataka, India. A hospital based case series study was conducted among 164 HIV patients with OIs admitted to various wards as well as attending outpatient department at Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Bellary during Jan 2013 to Nov 2013. Both primary and secondary data was collected to gather information on clinical profile. The statistical tests used were descriptive statistics and independent t test.

RESULTS

Among 164 patients, 29.3% were females and 68.3% males. High proportions of patients were observed in 28-37 years of age group and heterosexual route was the most common mode of transmission. TB (50%) is the most frequent OI followed by candidiasis (49%), pneumocystis (16%) and others. The mean CD4 cell count in TB was 237.02/mL and in candidiasis 189.07/mL. Low values were observed in promyelocytic leukemia (18.10/mL), CMV (18.5/mL) and in toxoplasmosis (73.1/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory system was the most common system involved by OIs and most of patients with OIs had CD4 T cell count below 200/mL, whereas there were no patients in the study with counts above 500/mL.

Effect of organic farming practices on soil and performance of soybean (Glycine max) under semi-arid tropical conditions in Central India

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of organic farming practices on soil health and crop performance of Soybean (Glycine max).The crop cultivar JS-335 of soybean was grown with 30:26.2:16.6 kg ha-1 (NPK) recommended dose of fertilizers under three management practices viz., organic, chemical and integrated (50:50) in randomized block design, replicated three times. Soil organic carbon, available N, P and K, microbial enzymatic activities, total biomass, seed yield and harvest index (HI) were analysed during the study. It was observed that soil organic carbon (11.3 g kg-1), available N (125 mg kg-1), P (49.7 mg kg-1) and soil enzyme activities viz., dehydrogenase (DHA) (98.20 µ grams TPF/g soil/24 h) and alkaline phosphatase (178.2 µ grams p-nitro phenol/g soil/h) were found significantly higher in the plot managed organically while available K (320.1 mg kg-1) was not significant with respect to chemical and integrated practices. The total biomass (1927 kg ha-1) and seed yield (601 kg ha-1) of soybean was found highest in organic farming practices followed by integrated and chemical practices. Very poor microbial activities were observed in chemically managed plots. Thus, the study demonstrated that the organic farming practice improved soil health and performance of soybean crop.