Publications by authors named "V Balakumar"

Extensive utilization of pesticides and herbicides to boost agricultural production increased the environmental health risks, which can be mitigate with the aid of highly sensitive detection systems. In this study, an electrochemical sensor for monitoring the carcinogenic pesticides in the environmental samples has been developed based on sulfur-doped graphitic-carbon nitride-gold nanoparticles (SCN-AuNPs) nanohybrid. Thermal polycondensation of melamine with thiourea followed by solvent exfoliation via ultrasonication leads to SCN formation and electroless deposition of AuNPs on SCN leads to SCN-AuNPs nanohybrid synthesis.

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In this study, a solution-based synthesis technique was utilized to produce CuO nanoparticles (NPs) on TiO nanofibers (TNF), which were then subsequently coated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets. In the absence of any cocatalyst, CTNF@rGO-3% composite displayed an ideal photocatalytic H evolution rate of 96 μmol g h under visible light irradiation, this was 10 times higher than that of pure TNF. At 420 nm, the apparent quantum efficiency of this composite reached a maximum of 7.

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The use of visible-driven photocatalysts has fascinated attention as a capable and sustainable approach for wastewater remediation. In this work, BiOBr/carbon quantum dot (CQDs)/saponite composites (CQDs/Clay@BiOBr) were fabricated via hydrothermally using two different CQDs/Clay precursors (in-situ synthesis (IS) and physical mixing (PM)). The obtained products were characterized, and the photocatalytic performances of the prepared samples were evaluated in the photocatalytic decomposition of emerging ciprofloxacin (CIP) pharmaceutical waste.

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Background: Rapid molecular testing has revolutionized the management of suspected viral meningitis and encephalitis by providing an etiological diagnosis in < 90 min with potential to improve outcomes and shorten inpatient stays. However, use of molecular assays can vary widely.

Aim: To evaluate current practice for molecular testing of pediatric cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples across the United Kingdom using a structured questionnaire.

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Osteoma of the temporal bone is an unusual benign slow-growing tumour composed of mature lamellar bone. It is a single pedunculated mass that often occurs unilaterally. Osteomas of external auditory canal are more common than in the other parts of temporal bone.

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