Showing papers by "University of Rajasthan published in 2021"

Descriptive analysis of COVID-19 patients in the context of India

Abstract: COVID-19 is now becoming a global issue and declared as pandemic by world health organization. This virus spread out from China to entire world. This paper performed a descriptive analysis of COVID...

Single-Atom Catalysts: A Sustainable Pathway for the Advanced Catalytic Applications

Abstract: A heterogeneous catalyst is a backbone of modern sustainable green industries; and understanding the relationship between its structure and properties is the key for its advancement. Recently, many upscaling synthesis strategies for the development of a variety of respectable control atomically precise heterogeneous catalysts are reported and explored for various important applications in catalysis for energy and environmental remediation. Precise atomic-scale control of catalysts has allowed to significantly increase activity, selectivity, and in some cases stability. This approach has proved to be relevant in various energy and environmental related technologies such as fuel cell, chemical reactors for organic synthesis, and environmental remediation. Therefore, this review aims to critically analyze the recent progress on single-atom catalysts (SACs) application in oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and chemical and/or electrochemical organic transformations. Finally, opportunities that may open up in the future are summarized, along with suggesting new applications for possible exploitation of SACs.

Multi-Organ Involvement in COVID-19: Beyond Pulmonary Manifestations.

Abstract: Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become an on-going global health emergency affecting over 94 million cases with more than 2 million deaths globally. Primarily identified as atypical pneumonia, it has developed into severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a multi-organ dysfunction with associated fatality. Ever since its emergence, COVID-19 with its plethora of clinical presentations has signalled its dynamic nature and versatility of the disease process. Being a disease with droplet transmission has now assumed the proportion of a suspected airborne nature which, once proved, poses a Herculean task to control. Because of the wide distribution of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (hACE2) receptors, known for its transmission, we envisage its multiorgan spread and extensive disease distribution. Thus, an extensive review of the extrapulmonary organotropism of SARS-CoV-2 with organ-specific pathophysiology and associated manifestations like dermatological complications, myocardial dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms, neurologic illnesses, hepatic and renal injury is needed urgently. The plausible mechanism of site-specific viral invasion is also discussed to give a comprehensive understanding of disease complexity, to help us to focus on research priorities and therapeutic strategies to counter the disease progression. A note on the latest advancements in vaccine research will enlighten the scientific world and equip it for better preparedness.

Fragmentation of South China from greater India during the Rodinia-Gondwana transition

Abstract: Late Tonian to Cambrian sedimentary sequences in northwestern India and South China provide vital evidence for modeling their paleogeographic linkage, including their juxtaposition and subsequent separation during the transition from the Rodinia to the Gondwana supercontinents. Similarities in lithostratigraphy and detrital zircon U-Pb-Hf-O isotopic characteristics in the late Tonian sedimentary units from both regions underline a common provenance. A substantial decrease in zircon δ18O values from super- to sub-mantle compositions and simultaneous increase in the zircon εHf(t) values in South China and northwestern India for the 800–700 Ma time window suggest a common Neoproterozoic extensional magmatic event, corresponding with the Rodinia breakup. A distinct change in sedimentary provenance is noted during the Cryogenian period. Sedimentation along the northwestern margin of India for the remainder of the Neoproterozoic encompasses large volumes of clastic detritus dominated by old zircon ages, derived inboard from the Indian craton. In contrast, contemporaneous sedimentary units in the Yangtze region of South China are dominated by Neoproterozoic zircons. The detrital zircon age data underline a close paleogeographic linkage between northwestern India and South China (Yangtze and Cathaysia regions) in the Rodinia supercontinent configuration and argue for their separation through continental rifting during the Cryogenian. Northwestern India developed into a passive margin, whereas the South China block partially rifted, rotated, and migrated dextrally along the Gondwana margin toward northeastern India and Western Australia, such that the Cathaysia block continued to receive detritus from Gondwana continental regions.

Analysis and Dynamics of Fractional Order Covid-19 Model with Memory Effect

Abstract: The present article attempts to examine fractional order Covid-19 model by employing an efficient and powerful analytical scheme termed as q-homotopy analysis Sumudu transform method (q-HASTM). The q-HASTM is the hybrid scheme based on q-HAM and Sumudu transform technique. Liouville-Caputo approach of the fractional operator has been employed. The proposed modelis also examined numerically via generalized Adams-Bashforth-Moulton method. We determined model equilibria and also give their stability analysis by employing next generation matrix and fractional Routh-Hurwitz stability criterion.

Assessment of soil microbial and enzyme activity in the rhizosphere zone under different land use/cover of a semiarid region, India

Abstract: Land use/cover and management practices are widely known to influence soil organic matter (SOM) quality and quantity. The present study investigated the effect of different land use, i.e., forests viz. mixed forest cover (MFC), Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC-dominated forest cover (PFC), and cultivated sites viz. agriculture field (AF), vegetable field (VF), respectively, on soil parameter, microbial activity, and enzymes involved in soil nutrient cycle in a semiarid region of India. The results showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in soil carbon (SC), soil nitrogen (SN) content (~ 30–80%) and consequently the soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) (~ 70–80%), soil basal respiration (SBR), soil substrate-induced respiration (SSIR), and soil enzyme activities (β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, and dehydrogenase) under cultivated sites in comparison with forest sites. Pearson’s correlation showed that a positive correlation of SC with SMBC, SBR, SSIR (P < 0.01), and enzymatic activities (i.e., β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase) (P < 0.05) may imply the critical role of SC in regulating microbial and enzymatic activity. Also, a positive correlation of soil moisture with urease activity (P < 0.01) was found suggesting it as a significant abiotic factor for soil biological functions. Additionally, based on the PCA analysis, we observed the clustering of SMBC/SC ratio and qCO2 nearby AF. Our study suggests that soil microbial parameters (SMBC, SBR, SSIR, SMBC/SC, qCO2) and enzyme activity are key indicators of soil health and fertility. Land use/cover alters the SOM content and soil microbial functions. The management strategies focusing on the conservation of natural forest and minimizing the land disturbances will be effective in preventing soil carbon flux as CO2 and maintaining the SC stock.

Investigation of inherent properties of XScZ (X = Li, Na, K; Z = C, Si, Ge) half-Heusler compounds: Appropriate for photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications

Abstract: Here, we present the study of XScZ (X = Li, Na and K; Z = C, Si and Ge) half-Heusler compounds within the density functional theory through full potential linearized augmented plane wave technique executed in WIEN2k. We have found that these materials are semiconductors and have direct band gap varying in the range from 0.94 eV to 1.64 eV at X point of k–space. Transport properties have been computed at different temperatures by using semi conventional Boltzmann theory within constant relaxation time approximation. We have been observed that these compounds are optically active in the near infrared and visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and consequently these may be lucratively utilized for photovoltaic devices. These compounds also exhibit high figure of merit under normal conditions; hence these are suitable candidate for thermoelectric applications also.

Measurement of beauty and charm production in pp collisions at $$ \sqrt{s} $$ = 5.02 TeV via non-prompt and prompt D mesons

Abstract: The pT-differential production cross sections of prompt and non-prompt (produced in beauty-hadron decays) D mesons were measured by the ALICE experiment at midrapidity (|y| < 0.5) in proton-proton collisions at $$ \sqrt{s} $$ = 5.02 TeV. The data sample used in the analysis corresponds to an integrated luminosity of (19.3 ± 0.4) nb−1. D mesons were reconstructed from their decays D0 → K−π+, D+ → K−π+π+, and $$ {\mathrm{D}}_{\mathrm{s}}^{+}\to \upphi {\uppi}^{+}\to {\mathrm{K}}^{-}{\mathrm{K}}^{+}{\uppi}^{+} $$ and their charge conjugates. Compared to previous measurements in the same rapidity region, the cross sections of prompt D+ and $$ {\mathrm{D}}_{\mathrm{s}}^{+} $$ mesons have an extended pT coverage and total uncertainties reduced by a factor ranging from 1.05 to 1.6, depending on pT, allowing for a more precise determination of their pT-integrated cross sections. The results are well described by perturbative QCD calculations. The fragmentation fraction of heavy quarks to strange mesons divided by the one to non-strange mesons, fs/(fu + fd), is compatible for charm and beauty quarks and with previous measurements at different centre-of-mass energies and collision systems. The $$ \mathrm{b}\overline{\mathrm{b}} $$ production cross section per rapidity unit at midrapidity, estimated from non-prompt D-meson measurements, is $$ \mathrm{d}{\sigma}_{\mathrm{b}\overline{\mathrm{b}}}/\mathrm{d}y\left|{}_{\left|\mathrm{y}\right|<0.5}=34.5\pm 2.4{\left(\mathrm{stat}\right)}_{-2.9}^{+4.7}\left(\mathrm{tot}.\mathrm{syst}\right)\right. $$ μb. It is compatible with previous measurements at the same centre-of-mass energy and with the cross section pre- dicted by perturbative QCD calculations.

A computational study of fractional model of atmospheric dynamics of carbon dioxide gas

Abstract: In this paper, a fractional order nonlinear mathematical model describing the dynamics of atmospheric concentration of CO2 is investigated and studied through the application of a semi-analytical homotopy scheme combined with Sumudu transform and homotopy polynomials. This study examines the consequences of the variations of forest biomass and human population on the dynamics of the concentration of CO2 gas in the atmosphere. The Caputo fractional derivatives are engaged in this study. The computational work shows that the evaluated iterative terms are adequate for the refined approximations of the solutions for a fractional model of dynamics of atmospheric concentration of CO2, and thus authenticate the computational strength of the employed scheme. The variational behavior of concentration of CO2, forest biomass, and human population are demonstrated through the graphical presentation regarding the changing values of fractional order derivatives and time t. Moreover, this study also examines the analysis of obtained solutions for a fractional model in view of uniqueness and convergence.

$\rm \Lambda_{c}^{+}$ production and baryon-to-meson ratios in pp and p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}} = 5.02$ TeV at the LHC

Abstract: The prompt production of the charm baryon Λ c + and the Λ c + / D 0 production ratios were measured at midrapidity with the ALICE detector in p p and p -Pb collisions at s NN = 5.02 TeV . These new measurements show a clear decrease of the Λ c + / D 0 ratio with increasing transverse momentum ( p T ) in both collision systems in the range 2 p T 12 GeV / c , exhibiting similarities with the light-flavor baryon-to-meson ratios p / π and Λ / K S 0 . At low p T , predictions that include additional color-reconnection mechanisms beyond the leading-color approximation, assume the existence of additional higher-mass charm-baryon states, or include hadronization via coalescence can describe the data, while predictions driven by charm-quark fragmentation processes measured in e + e - and e - p collisions significantly underestimate the data. The results presented in this Letter provide significant evidence that the established assumption of universality (colliding-system independence) of parton-to-hadron fragmentation is not sufficient to describe charm-baryon production in hadronic collisions at LHC energies.

A unifying computational framework for novel estimates involving discrete fractional calculus approaches

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the potential improvement of classification results in the frame of discrete proportional fractional operator. The nonlocal kernel of the generalized proportional fractional sum depending on h -discrete exponential functions defined on time scale h Z . This paper deals novel discrete versions of the Polya-Szego and CebyseV type inequalities via discrete h -proportional fractional sums. These generalizations have potential utilities in the study of finite difference equations and statistical analysis. Taking into account the discrete h -proportional fractional sums, the main consequences concerns a quite general form of the Polya-Szego and CebyseV variants. In addition, the present investigation is a discrete analogue of integral inequalities established in the relative literature and also expands several discrete variants for nabla h -fractional sums in particular.

Production of light-flavor hadrons in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}~=~7\text { and }\sqrt{s} = 13 \, \text { TeV} $

Abstract: The production of $\pi ^{\pm }$, $\mathrm{K}^{\pm }$, $\mathrm{K}^{0}_{S}$, $\mathrm{K}^{*}(892)^{0}$, $\mathrm{p}$, $\phi (1020)$, $\Lambda $, $\Xi ^{-}$, $\Omega ^{-}$, and their antiparticles was measured in inelastic proton–proton (pp) collisions at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV at midrapidity ($|y|<0.5$) as a function of transverse momentum ($p_{\mathrm{T}}$) using the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC. Furthermore, the single-particle $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ distributions of $\mathrm{K}^{0}_{S}$, $\Lambda $, and $\overline{\Lambda }$ in inelastic pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 7$ TeV are reported here for the first time. The $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ distributions are studied at midrapidity within the transverse momentum range $0\le p_{\mathrm{T}}\le 20$ GeV/c, depending on the particle species. The $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ spectra, integrated yields, and particle yield ratios are discussed as a function of collision energy and compared with measurements at lower $\sqrt{s}$ and with results from various general-purpose QCD-inspired Monte Carlo models. A hardening of the spectra at high $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ with increasing collision energy is observed, which is similar for all particle species under study. The transverse mass and $x_{\mathrm{T}}\equiv 2p_{\mathrm{T}}/\sqrt{s}$ scaling properties of hadron production are also studied. As the collision energy increases from $\sqrt{s}$ = 7–13 TeV, the yields of non- and single-strange hadrons normalized to the pion yields remain approximately constant as a function of $\sqrt{s}$, while ratios for multi-strange hadrons indicate enhancements. The $p_\mathrm{{T}}$-differential cross sections of $\pi ^{\pm }$, $\mathrm {K}^{\pm }$ and $\mathrm {p}$ ($\overline{\mathrm{p}}$) are compared with next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations, which are found to overestimate the cross sections for $\pi ^{\pm }$ and $\mathrm{p}$ ($\overline{\mathrm{p}}$) at high $p_\mathrm{{T}}$.

Optical and electrical properties of biocompatible and novel (CS–GO) polymer nanocomposites

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to give information about the optical and electrical characteristics measured of the CS–GO PNCs (chitosan-graphene oxide polymer nanocomposites), which is novel, biodegradable and biocompatible in nature. These nanocomposites have been synthesized by simple solution mixing technique trailed by ultrasonication treatment. The variation of GO nano-filler has shown a direct impact on the optical and electrical properties of the nanocomposite. According to the observations, optical absorption edge has a slightly shift towards the longer wavelength; while the optical band gap of the nanocomposite is constantly reduced on increasing the wt% of GO. In optical properties, the dielectric constant, dissipation factor and electrical conductivity have been found to increase with increasing wt% of GO in the PNC. Further, a shift in the relaxation frequency, at which dipole get relaxed indicating the interaction between the graphene and chitosan, has also been observed for different GO wt%. The conductivity of nanocomposites were increased to almost 10 times on increasing 2 wt% of GO. Taking into account the outcomes accomplished, the use of CS–GO PNC is reasonable for forthcoming advancement of optical sensors, and might be demonstrated as an expected possibility for the electrical or optoelectronic devices working at high frequencies.

Purification and identification of a surfactin biosurfactant and engine oil degradation by Bacillus velezensis KLP2016.

Abstract: Engine oil used in automobiles is a threat to soil and water due to the recalcitrant properties of its hydrocarbons. It pollutes surrounding environment which affects both flora and fauna. Microbes can degrade hydrocarbons containing engine oil and utilize it as a substrate for their growth. Our results demonstrated that cell-free broth of Bacillus velezensis KLP2016 (Gram + ve, endospore forming; Accession number KY214239) recorded an emulsification index (E24%) from 52.3% to 65.7% against different organic solvents, such as benzene, pentane, cyclohexane, xylene, n-hexane, toluene and engine oil. The surface tension of the cell-free broth of B. velezensis grown in Luria–Bertani broth at 35 °C decreased from 55 to 40 mN m−1at critical micelle concentration 17.2 µg/mL. The active biosurfactant molecule of cell-free broth of Bacillus velezensis KLP2016 was purified by Dietheylaminoethyl-cellulose and size exclusion chromatography, followed by HPLC (RT = 1.130), UV–vis spectrophotometry (210 nm) and thin layer chromatography (Rf = 0.90). The molecular weight of purified biosurfactant was found to be ~ 1.0 kDa, based on Electron Spray Ionization-MS. A concentration of 1980 × 10–2 parts per million of CO2 was trapped in a KOH solution after 15 days of incubation in Luria–Bertani broth containing 1% engine oil. Our results suggest that bacterium Bacillus velezensis KLP2016 may promise a new dimension to solving the engine oil pollution problem in near future.

Coherent $\rm{J/\psi}$ and $\rm{\psi'}$ photoproduction at midrapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}~=~5.02$ TeV

Abstract: The coherent photoproduction of $\rm{J/\psi}$ and $\rm{\psi'}$ mesons was measured in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}~=~5.02$ TeV with the ALICE detector. Charmonia are detected in the central rapidity region for events where the hadronic interactions are strongly suppressed. The $\rm{J/\psi}$ is reconstructed using the dilepton ($l^{+} l^{-}$) and proton-antiproton decay channels, while for the $\rm{\psi'}$, the dilepton and the $l^{+} l^{-} \pi^{+} \pi^{-}$ decay channels are studied. The analysis is based on an event sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 233 ${\mu b}^{-1}$. The results are compared with theoretical models for coherent $\rm{J/\psi}$ and $\rm{\psi'}$ photoproduction. The coherent cross section is found to be in a good agreement with models incorporating moderate nuclear gluon shadowing of about 0.65 at a Bjorken-$x$ of around $6\times 10^{-4}$, such as the EPS09 parametrization, however none of the models is able to fully describe the rapidity dependence of the coherent $\rm{J/\psi}$ cross section including ALICE measurements at forward rapidity. The ratio of $\rm{\psi'}$ to $\rm{J/\psi}$ coherent photoproduction cross sections was also measured and found to be consistent with the one for photoproduction off protons.

Late Neoproterozoic–early Paleozoic basin evolution in the Cathaysia Block, South China: Implications of spatio-temporal provenance changes on the paleogeographic reconstructions in supercontinent cycles

Abstract: The role of the Cathaysia Block, South China, and its linkage with orogenesis in the Rodinia and Gondwana supercontinents remain unresolved because of uncertainties in its paleoposition in supercontinental reconstructions. The lithostratigraphic, geochronologic, geochemical (including isotopic), and paleocurrent data on late Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic sub-basins in the Cathaysia Block reveal spatio-temporal, tectono-sedimentary, and provenance diversity that show linkages with previously adjacent terranes and orogens in East Gondwana. An abundance of siliceous and conglomeratic rocks, local unconformities, and pinch-out in certain layers indicate a late Cryogenian proximal deposition, late Ediacaran transgression, and Middle Cambrian uplift. Cryogenian to early Ordovician strata contain predominantly 1000–900 Ma (late Grenvillian age) detrital zircon population, whereas 1300–1050 Ma (early Grenvillian age) zircons are only dominant in strata earlier than late Ediacaran. Besides, 850–700 Ma zircons are the most prominent group in the Middle Cambrian strata along with an occasional increase in the 650–500 Ma (Pan-African age) zircons. The Grenvillian age zircon groups exhibit significant sediment input from the eastern Indian terrane (990–950 Ma) and western Australia (1300–1050 Ma), underlining the fact that the Cathaysia Block was located between these two terranes in the northern part of East Gondwana. The diminishing contribution of early Grenvillian components in the late Ediacaran strata can be linked to the Pinjarra Orogeny (550–520 Ma), which led to uplift that blocked the transport of detritus from Australia. Middle Cambrian provenance variation with high abundance of 850–700 Ma components indicates the presence of intrinsic sediment from the Wuyishan terrane of South China. Given that the Cathaysia Block was a passive continental margin, this change was caused by the uplift of the southeastern Cathaysia Block, which was related to the far-field stress effects of the late phase of the Kuunga Orogeny (530–480 Ma). The decrease in abundance of early Grenvillian and Pan-African zircons in space implies that they were transported into the basins through independent drainage systems. This is consistent with the local and temporal variations in paleocurrent orientations during the Cambrian, further implying diverse and complex drainage systems in the southwestern Cathaysia Block during this period.

Pseudorapidity distributions of charged particles as a function of mid- and forward rapidity multiplicities in pp collisions at √{s } = 5.02, 7 and 13 TeV

Abstract: The multiplicity dependence of the pseudorapidity density of charged particles in proton–proton (pp) collisions at centre-of-mass energies $$\sqrt{s}~=~5.02$$ , 7 and 13 TeV measured by ALICE is reported. The analysis relies on track segments measured in the midrapidity range ( $$|\eta | < 1.5$$ ). Results are presented for inelastic events having at least one charged particle produced in the pseudorapidity interval $$|\eta |<1$$ . The multiplicity dependence of the pseudorapidity density of charged particles is measured with mid- and forward rapidity multiplicity estimators, the latter being less affected by autocorrelations. A detailed comparison with predictions from the PYTHIA 8 and EPOS LHC event generators is also presented. The results can be used to constrain models for particle production as a function of multiplicity in pp collisions.