Using an unrestricted Hartree-Fock self-consistent field cluster approach, the potential experienced by a muon in diamond has been investigated. The results show conclusively that normal muonium is localized in the tetrahedral interstitial space. Using the calculated spin density and averaging it explicitly over the vibrational motion of the muon a successful explanation is obtained for the observed reduction of the hyperfine field as compared to free muonium.
A number of possible models for the anomalous muonium (${\mathrm{Mu}}^{\mathrm{*}}$) center in the elemental semiconductors diamond, silicon, and germanium are investigated in detail, both with respect to their stabilities and abilities to explain the extensive available experimental hyperfine-interaction data, the latter being the major focus of the present work. Using the unrestricted Hartree-Fock cluster procedure, the electronic structures and potential-energy curves associated with muon positions are obtained for the different models. The results are utilized to obtain hyperfine properties associated with the muon and its neighboring nuclei, including vibrational effects associated with the muon. Our results show that stability considerations favor both the vacancy-associated (VA) and bond-centered (BC) models for ${\mathrm{Mu}}^{\mathrm{*}}$. The VA model explains all the experimentally observed features of the muon hyperfine properties and provides reasonably good quantitative agreement with experiment. However, questions remain regarding its formation and ability to explain level-crossing resonance (LCR) data. On the other hand, although the BC model appears to explain the experimental features from LCR measurements, in its present form, it seriously overestimates the strengths of the muon hyperfine interactions as compared to experiment, by more than an order of magnitude in some cases. Additionally, it does not explain the trend from diamond through germanium. On the basis of the results in this paper for the VA and BC models, the direction for future investigations for understanding the nature of the ${\mathrm{Mu}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ center is commented on.
The electric-field gradients at $^{135}\mathrm{Ba}$ in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ and $^{139}\mathrm{La}$ in ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ have been investigated using the first-principles Hartree-Fock cluster procedure. The calculated electric-field gradients at these nuclei lead to nuclear quadrupole coupling constants in very good agreement with experiment. The significance of this good agreement is discussed.
Productivity of rice in waterlogged area/deepwater area is very low due to submergence and at times prevailing water level of 1.5 to 2.0 m. In order to increase the economic return from these areas in wet season water chestnut along with fish was tried and high yielding rice varieties were grown during dry season in farmers’ field in Jaleswar area of Balasore district, Orissa. Black gram was grown in summer utilizing residual moisture of dry season crop. Three years experimentation in framers’ field indicated that the net benefit per hectare was increased from Rs.22,300 to Rs.42,050 when water chestnut was grown in wet season followed by rice in dry season. When fish component was added with chestnut the net return was increased to Rs1, 33,750. It is recommended that in deepwater/waterlogged area water chestnut may be grown with fish in wet season and rice in dry season. Black gram can be taken after dry season whenever moisture was available.
This study highlights a transfonnative initiative in the villages of Saheberabad I & II and Baburabad, located in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, aimed at enhancing livelihoods and fostering entrepreneurship among marginalized communities. The region primarily relies on agriculture, with limited cultivable land and scarce irrigation facilities. Two Fanner Field Schools, the Aquaculture Fanner Field School (AFFS) and Livestock Fanner Field School (LFFS), were established in Saheberabad I & II, fostering knowledge sharing and community-building. Capacity-building initiatives, such as training sessions, exposure visits, and technical support, were conducted, benefitting 530 farmers. In summary, ICARCIFA's intervention has significantly impacted the rural development of Sonarpur, West Bengal, empowering 350 farmers and farm women. This initiative has not only improved their livelihoods but also promoted self-sufficiency, knowledge sharing, and entrepreneurship in the region, marking a remarkable journey in aquaculture development.
Biomaterials consist of both natural and synthetic components, such as polymers, tissues, living cells, metals, and ceramics. Their purpose is focused on repairing or replacing malfunctioning living tissues and organs. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure the safety and sterility of biomaterials before any contact with living tissue. Ultraviolet (UV)-C irradiation for biomaterial disinfection has been considered due to the high recurrence rate of bacterial infections and to prevent resistance. Physical composition and surface properties and UV-C sensitivity of microorganisms can alter its efficacy. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of UV-C in terms of microbial lethality and additional underlying factors contributing to its performance, namely the surface properties. For this purpose, twelve different strains were first screened, from which four microorganism species known to have the ability to cause nosocomial infections were further tested, namely Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata. These microorganisms were inoculated onto slides and disks of various bio contact surfaces, including glass (GLS), titanium (Ti), and poly ether etherketone (PEEK), and exposed to UV-C. The results demonstrate that bacterial pathogens on biomaterial surfaces respond differently to UV-C light exposure, and the bactericidal effect decreased in this order: glass, PEEK, and Ti (0.5 to 2.0 log reduction differences). P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 on glass surfaces was reduced to an undetectable level after being exposed to 6.31 J.cm−2 of UV-C, displaying the highest reduction rate observed among all the tested microorganisms, 2.90 J−1.cm−3, compared to Ti and PEEK. Similarly, a higher reduction in C. glabrata ATCC 2001 was observed on glass; the modeled inhibition displayed a rate of 1.30 J−1.cm−3, the highest observed rate among yeast, compared to Ti and PEEK, displaying rates of 0.10 J−1.cm−3 and 0.04 J−1.cm−3, respectively. The inactivation rates were higher for less hydrophobic materials with smoother surfaces as compared to biomaterials with rougher surfaces.
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