Self-Sufficient Electrochromic Solar Cells: Photovoltaic and Color Modulating Smart Windows.

Electronic devices cover a large subset of daily life gadgets which use power to run, hence increasing the load of the energy needs and indirectly impacting greenhouse gas emissions. Smart electrochromic windows provide a solution to this through remarkable energy saving by adjusting optical behavior depending on the environmental conditions. Since the electrochromic windows also need power to run, a self-powered electrochromic panel will be a better solution.

Insights into pyrolysis of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) straw through thermogravimetric analysis: Physico-chemical characterization, kinetics, and reaction mechanism.

Millets and millet crop residues are gaining increasing attention. Present work provides insights into thermal degradation characteristics, pyrolysis indices, kinetic triplets, and thermodynamic parameters for pearl millet straw (PMS) pyrolysis. Pyrolysis indices revealed suitability of higher heating rates for PMS in terms of enhanced pyrolysis performance and shorter reaction time.

Critical insights into ensemble learning with decision trees for the prediction of biochar yield and higher heating value from pyrolysis of biomass.

Pyrolysis is an efficient thermochemical conversion process, but accurate prediction of yield and properties of biochar presents a significant challenge. Three prominent ensemble learning methods, viz. Random Forest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), and Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) were utilized to develop models to predict yield and higher heating value (HHV) of biochar.

Utilizing Natural Materials in Electronic Devices: Inching Toward "Herbal Electronics".

Sustainable development is the primary key to address global energy challenges. Though the scientific community is engaged in developing efficient ways to not only maximize energy production from natural resources like sun, wind, water, etc. but also to make all the electronic gadgets power efficient, despite all this, the materials used in most of the electronic devices are largely produced using various materials processing techniques and semiconductors, polymers, dielectrics, etc.

Stoichiometrically Optimized Electrochromic Complex [VO(OH)] Based Electrode: Prototype Supercapacitor with Multicolor Indicator.

The systematic structure modification of metal oxides is becoming more attractive, and effective strategies for structural tunning are highly desirable for improving their practical color-modulating energy storage performances. Here, the ability of a stoichiometrically tuned oxide-hydroxide complex of porous vanadium oxide, namely [VO(OH)] for multifunctional electrochromic supercapacitor application is demonstrated. Theoretically, the pre-optimized oxide complex is synthesized using a simple wet chemical etching technique in its optimized stoichiometry [VO(OH)] with ξ = 0, providing more electroactive surface sites.

Utility of "Acanthosis Nigricans" and "Skin Tags" as a screening tool for risk of developing noncommunicable diseases: A cross-sectional study at a health facility in Lucknow (India).

Context: Over the past three decades, there has been a significant rise in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) globally, accompanied by a relative decline in communicable diseases.

Aims: With this background, the research was planned to determine the prevalence of acanthosis nigricans (AN) or skin tags (STs) in the study population and to examine the relationship between the presence of AN and ST with commonly used indicators such as waist-to-height ratio (W/Ht.), Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS), and body mass index for predicting the risk of NCDs.

Coexistence of Electrochromism and Bipolar Nonvolatile Memory in a Single Viologen.

Viologens are fascinating redox-active organic compounds that have been widely explored in electrochromic devices (ECDs). However, the combination of electrochromic and resistive random-access memory in a single viologen remains unexplored. We report the coexistence of bistate electrochromic and single-resistor (1R) memory functions in a novel viologen.

Stereo-electronic factors influencing the stability of hydroperoxyalkyl radicals: transferability of chemical trends across hydrocarbons and methods.

The hydroperoxyalkyl radicals (˙QOOH) are known to play a significant role in combustion and tropospheric processes, yet their direct spectroscopic detection remains challenging. In this study, we investigate molecular stereo-electronic effects influencing the kinetic and thermodynamic stability of a ˙QOOH along its formation path from the precursor, alkylperoxyl radical (ROO˙), and the depletion path resulting in the formation of cyclic ether + ˙OH. We focus on reactive intermediates encountered in the oxidation of acyclic hydrocarbon radicals: ethyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, -butyl, neopentyl, and their alicyclic counterparts: cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, and cyclohexadienyl.

Adverse events following COVID-19 immunisation (AEFI) at a COVID-19 vaccination centre: An observational analytical study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) in various age groups after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and assess the association of comorbidities with AEFI.

Methods: An observational analytical study was conducted among the general population who had received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 389 participants from the 18-44 years age group, 380 participants from the 45-60 years age group and 373 participants from the 60 plus age group were enrolled in the study after verbal and written consent.

Fano-Type Wavelength-Dependent Asymmetric Raman Line Shapes from MoS Nanoflakes.

Excitation wavelength-dependent Raman spectroscopy has been carried out to study electron-phonon interaction (Fano resonance) in multi-layered bulk 2H-MoS nano-flakes. The electron-phonon coupling is proposed to be caused due to interaction between energy of an excitonic quasi-electronic continuum and the discrete one phonon, first-order Raman modes of MoS. It is proposed that an asymmetrically broadened Raman line shape obtained by 633 nm laser excitation is due to electron-phonon interaction whose electronic continuum is provided by the well-known A and B excitons.

Bifunctional Application of Viologen-MoS-CNT/Polythiophene Device as Electrochromic Diode and Half-Wave Rectifier.

A dual purpose solid state electrochromic diode has been fabricated using polythiophene (P3HT) and ethyl Viologen (EV), predoped with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and MoS. The device has been designed by considering two important aspects, first, the complementary redox activity of P3HT and EV and second, the electron holding properties of MoS and MWCNTs. The latter is found to enhance the electrochromic performance of the solid state device.

Agricultural pesticide use and misuse: A study to assess the cognizance and practices among North Indian farmers.

Introduction: Farmers' cognizance regarding pesticide use and overuse is limited and their practices for handling of pesticides is unsatisfactory. However, their perception concerning risks and safety of pesticides play a very important role in safe spraying and indirectly protect them from adverse health hazards.

Objective: To assess the cognizance about use and risks of overuse of pesticides and evaluate practices for the storage, preparation, and disposal of pesticides.

Energy dispersive anti-anharmonic effect in a Fano intervened semiconductor: revealed through temperature and wavelength-dependent Raman scattering.

It is always interesting to understand how the interplay between two perturbations, affects any physical process and gets manifested in a semiconductor. Temperature- and wavelength-dependent Raman Spectromicroscopy was performed on heavily-doped Si to reveal an unusual anti-anharmonic effect. Additionally, the energy dispersive behaviour of Fano coupling strength was also studied and its possible interrelation with the observed anti-anharmonic effect was explored.

Nonlinear Temperature-Dependent Phonon Decay in Heavily Doped Silicon: Predominant Interferon-Mediated Cold Phonon Annihilation.

A nonlinear Fano interaction has been reported here which is manifest in terms of a parabolic temperature-dependent phonon decay process observable in terms of a Raman spectral parameter. Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopic studies have been carried out on heavily and moderately doped crystalline silicon to investigate the behavior of anharmonic phonon decay in semiconductor systems where Fano interactions are present inherently. Systematic study reveals that in heavily doped systems an interferon-mediated decay route exists for cold phonons present at lower temperatures (<475 K) where Fano coupling is stronger and dominates over the typical multiple-phonon decay process.

Atypical Green Luminescence from Raw Extract: A Comparison with Red Emitting .

Optical and electrochemical properties from Cassia and Giloy leaves' raw extract have been studied, and they show similar properties as UV absorber but different emission properties, under UV excitation, even though they appear the same in natural light. Giloy and Cassia extracts show red and green luminescence, respectively, under UV excitation. Like the appearance, their redox properties are also similar, which shows that both can act as antioxidants.

Raman Spectroscopy as a Simple yet Effective Analytical Tool for Determining Fermi Energy and Temperature Dependent Fermi Shift in Silicon.

The Fermi energy is known to be dependent on doping and temperature, but finding its value and corresponding thermal Fermi shift experimentally is not only difficult but is virtually impossible if one attempts their simultaneous determination. We report that temperature dependent Raman spectromicroscopy solves the purpose easily and proves to be a powerful technique to determine the position and temperature associated Fermi shift in an extrinsic semiconductor as demonstrated for silicon in the present study. The typical asymmetrically broadened Raman spectral line-shape from sufficiently doped n- and p-type silicon contains the information about the Fermi level position through its known association with the Fano coupling strength.

A rare case of double orifice mitral valve: A case report.

Double-orifice mitral valve is a rare congenital anomaly being associated with other cardiac defects and rarely presented in isolation. Valve function can be preserved for long and it is usually an incidental finding. We present an unusual case of double-orifice mitral valve with mitral regurgitation in a middle-aged man associated with the atrial septal defect, highlighting the role of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

Knowledge and awareness about fertility preservation among female patients with cancer : a cross-sectional study.

Objective: The incidence of women in the reproductive age group diagnosed with cancer has recently increased. However, very few patients opt for or are offered fertility preservation (FP) strategies because of a significant lack in awareness. The present study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of the effect of cancer treatment on fertility and available options for FP.

Fertility awareness and knowledge among Indian women attending an infertility clinic: a cross-sectional study.

Background: To evaluate fertility knowledge and awareness among infertile women attending an Indian assisted fertility clinic and their understanding of the menstrual cycle, how age affects fertility and need for assisted fertility treatment.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted including 205 women seeking fertility treatment at an assisted reproductive unit between March 2017 to August 2017. Patients were interviewed with the help of structured questionnaire by a fertility counsellor.

A curious case of raised gradient across mitral bioprosthetic valve.

High Doppler valve gradient is generally suggestive of valve thrombosis. However, it should be corroborated with the finding of restricted leaflet movement to confirm the diagnosis. In the present case, abnormally high gradient was not associated with limited leaflet movements or any valve thrombus.

Physical activity correlates of overweight and obesity in school-going children of Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Background: Physical activity is important for prevention of overweight and obesity in growing children.

Objective: The present study aims to explore the association of overweight and obesity in school children of the district of Dehradun with physical activity, sports, and recreation at home and school.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1266 schoolchildren of select private and government schools in urban and rural areas was done.

Sleep-patterns, co-sleeping and parent's perception of sleep among school children: Comparison of domicile and gender.

Unlabelled: This study was aimed at assessment of sleep schedule, pre-sleep behavior, co-sleeping and parent's perception of sleep of school going children.

Method: Four schools each, from urban and rural area were included. Sleep patterns were assessed using the validated Hindi version of Childhood-Sleep-Habit-Questionnaire.

Assessment and comparison of pregnancy outcome among anaemic and non anaemic primigravida mothers.

Background: Primigravidas (PGs) are high-risk women and anemia in pregnancy is one of the commonest causes of maternal morbidity and mortality.

Objectives: The study was conducted to assess impact of anemia on course and outcome of pregnancy in anemic (Hemoglobin 8-10.9 gm%) and nonanemic PGs.

Overweight and Obesity in School Children of a Hill State in North India: Is the Dichotomy Urban-Rural or Socio-Economic? Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are a public health problem in India not only in adults but also in children. The authors sought to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school-going children of 6-17 years of age and examine its demographic and dietary correlates in context of their urban-rural status and socio-economic status.

Methods: In this cross-sectional survey height and weight were measured in 1266 school children in government and private schools of urban and rural areas.

Prevalence of Sleep Disorders Among Primary School Children.

Objective: To screen symptoms of sleep disorders among primary school children.

Methods: Four schools from urban area and four rural schools were included in this study. Symptoms of sleep disorders were assessed using the validated Hindi version of Childhood Sleep Habit Questionnaire in 8-13 y old children.