Pallabi Das

Increased application of engineered nano particles (ENPs) in production of various appliances and consumer items is increasing their presence in the natural environment. Although a wide variety of nano particles (NPs) are ubiquitously dispersed in ecosystems, risk assessment guidelines to describe their ageing, direct exposure, and long-term accumulation characteristics are poorly developed. In this review, we describe what is known about the life cycle of ENPs and their impact on natural systems and examine if there is a cohesive relationship between their transformation processes and bio-accessibility in various food chains. Different environmental stressors influence the fate of these particles in the environment. Composition of solid media, pore size, solution chemistry, mineral composition, presence of natural organic matter, and fluid velocity are some environmental stressors that influence the transformation, transport, and mobility of nano particles. Transformed nano particles can reduce cell viability, growth and morphology, enhance oxidative stress, and damage DNA in living organisms.

Recently, concerns have been raised regarding the ultimate fate of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) after their release into the environment. In this study, the environmental feasibility of plant leaf (Thuja occidentalis) extract–mediated green SNPs (GSNPs) was assessed in terms of their effects on soil physicochemical properties and crop growth in comparison to conventionally synthesized silver nanoparticles (CSNPs). Upon application of GSNPs, soil pH shifted toward neutrality, and substantial increments were observed in water holding capacity (WHC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and N/P availability. The mechanism behind the enhanced availability of N was verified through lab-scale experiments in which GSNP-treated soils efficiently resisted nitrate leaching, thereby sustaining N availability in root zone soil layers. However, retardation in nutrient availability and enzyme activity was apparent in soils treated with 100 mg kg−1 of either CSNPs or GSNPs. Remarkable improvements in leaf area index (LAI), leaf number, chlorophyll content, nitrate reductase (NR) activity, and Phaseolus vulgaris pod yield were observed after the application of low doses of GSNPs (25–50 mg kg−1). The true benefit of GSNP application to soil was substantiated through experiments on plant uptake of nutrients, NR expression, and ferredoxin gene expression in P. vulgaris leaves.

Long term and inclusive toxicity studies encompassing soil, plants, and organisms are rare in literature for AgNPs. This study examines AgNP behavior in soil-plant system through 72 weeks long soil experiment, earthworm response, and plant metabolic analysis. AgNP exposed earthworms did not show reproductive failure; yet high oxidative stress and reduced protein synthesis led to significant weight loss. Such stress was highest with AgNP50 exposure. Correspondingly, the 50 ppm exposure of AgNP was capable to reduce nutrient availability and microbial growth in soil. Contrary to previous reports, we demonstrated that dissolution rate of AgNP increased with time in soil. Dynamic Light Scattering and UV-VIS assessments exhibited concentration and time dependent agglomeration of AgNP in soil and aqueous media. Moreover, lab based experiments in aqueous medium revealed that significant reduction in silver availability was due to formation of Ag2S or Ag3PO4; which also greatly affected the P and S availability. Although the vegetative growth of tomato was normal, AgNP (10 mg kg− 1) treatment markedly upset the fruit yield. The 10 mg kg− 1 AgNP exposure significantly enhanced oxidative stress and Ag uptake in plants; consequently, retarded N-assimilating enzyme (glutamate synthase, glutamine synthetase, and nitrate reductase) activity by suppressing their genes in plants. Eventually, photosynthesis and CO2 assimilating efficiency were severely disrupted. These assays were vital to appreciate the true toxicity and are not well attended in most of the studies with AgNPs.

Poly(ethylene glycol) stabilized colloidal silver nanoparticles were prepared using the reductive potency of the aqueous extract of Thuja occidentalis leaves under ambient conditions. The nanoparticles were well dispersed within a narrow size spectrum (7–14 nm) and displayed characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at around 420 nm and Bragg's reflection planes of fcc structure. MTT assay revealed the dose-dependent cytocompatibility and toxicity of the nanoparticles with the L929 normal cell line. On the other hand, the antiproliferative action of the nanoparticles was evaluated on HeLa cell (cancerous cells) line. Fluorescence and phase contrast microscopic imaging indicated the appearance of multinucleate stages with aggregation and nuclear membrane disruption of the HeLa cells post treatment with the nanoparticles. The interaction at the prokaryotic level was also assessed via differential antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 3160) and Escherichia coli (MTCC 40). Under these perspectives, it is also necessary to observe the environmental impact of the prepared silver nanoparticles. Hence, the dose dependent toxicity of silver nanoparticles was evaluated upon the earthworm species Eisenia fetida. Neither the survival nor the reproduction was affected by the addition of silver nanoparticles up to 1000 ppm. Thus these 'green' silver nanoparticles have promising potential as future materials.

Vermicomposting is usually performed with one earthworm species. However, use of a consortium of two or more species (Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Perionyx excavatus) is rare. Research on optimization of vermicomposting duration is also insufficient. Three earthworm species in various combinations were fed with cowdung mixed biowaste feedstock. Organic C, C/N ratio, compost respiration, coliform count, toxic metals, and alkalinity reduced at maturity; whereas, earthworm biomass, NPK availability, enzyme activity, microbial growth, and humic substances remarkably improved under consortium systems. Thus, the harvest quality was optimized sooner under vermicomposting (40–60 days) than composting (>100 days). Phospho-lipid fatty-acid (PLFA) analyses revealed the enriched variations in microbial community structure and fatty-acid profiles in consortium treated vermicomposts. Overall, the Eisenia+Eudrilus+Perionyx consortium produced the best quality compost in the shortest duration (40–50 days) followed by Eisenia+Eudrilus and Eisenia+Perionyx consortia. Tomato seed germination and root-shoot vigors were significantly greater in consortia mediated systems. Moreover, economic assessment confirmed the advantage of consortium mediated vermitechnology.

Self-organization, and transitions from reversible to irreversible behavior, of interacting particle assemblies driven by externally imposed stresses or deformation is of interest in comprehending diverse phenomena in soft matter. They have been investigated in a wide range of systems, such as colloidal suspensions, glasses, and granular matter. In different density and driving regimes, such behavior is related to yielding of amorphous solids, jamming, memory formation, etc. How these phenomena are related to each other has not, however, been much studied. In order to obtain a unified view of the different regimes of behavior, and transitions between them, we investigate computationally the response of soft-sphere assemblies to athermal cyclic-shear deformation over a wide range of densities and amplitudes of shear deformation. Cyclic-shear deformation induces transitions from reversible to irreversible behavior in both unjammed and jammed soft-sphere packings. Well above the minimum isotropic jamming density ([Formula: see text]), this transition corresponds to yielding. In the vicinity of the jamming point, up to a higher-density limit, we designate [Formula: see text], an unjammed phase emerges between a localized, absorbing phase and a diffusive, irreversible, phase. The emergence of the unjammed phase signals the shifting of the jamming point to higher densities as a result of annealing and opens a window where shear jamming becomes possible for frictionless packings. Below [Formula: see text], two distinct localized states, termed point- and loop-reversible, are observed. We characterize in detail the different regimes and transitions between them and obtain a unified density-shear amplitude phase diagram.

Chromium-rich tannery sludge (TS) is a hazardous industrial waste. Although vermicomposting can be an effective remediation pathway; but, the unique waste degrading efficiency of Eudrillus eugeniae is least explored. The present work showcases an efficient earthworm-mediated protocol for TS sanitization deploying E. eugeniae. Changes in pH, TOC (%), nutrients (NPK), metals (Cr, Cd etc.) and microbial diversity were monitored in various E. eugeniae mediated TS based vermibed. Total N, P, and K availability increased by 2–5 folds upon vermicomposting with 3–4 folds reduction in C/N ratio. Moreover, substantial removal of Cr (89%), Cd (88%), and Zn (79%) was recorded in the substrate. Bioaccumulation of these metals in the gut significantly reduced the pollution load in the finished products. The corresponding augmentation of microbial density and low respiratory CO2 release from the vermibeds substantiated the environmental proficiency of vermitechnology.

Iron (Fe) is a vital plant-derived micronutrient in the human diet.

The discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012, by the ATLAS and CMS experiments, was a success achieved with only a percent of the entire dataset foreseen for the LHC. It opened a landscape of possibilities in the study of Higgs boson properties, Electroweak Symmetry breaking and the Standard Model in general, as well as new avenues in probing new physics beyond the Standard Model. Six years after the discovery, with a conspicuously larger dataset collected during LHC Run 2 at a 13 TeV centre-of-mass energy, the theory and experimental particle physics communities have started a meticulous exploration of the potential for precision measurements of its properties. This includes studies of Higgs boson production and decays processes, the search for rare decays and production modes, high energy observables, and searches for an extended electroweak symmetry breaking sector. This report summarises the potential reach and opportunities in Higgs physics during the High Luminosity phase of the LHC, with an expected dataset of pp collisions at 14 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 ab$^{-1}$. These studies are performed in light of the most recent analyses from LHC collaborations and the latest theoretical developments. The potential of an LHC upgrade, colliding protons at a centre-of-mass energy of 27 TeV and producing a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 15 ab$^{-1}$, is also discussed.

This paper presents E-Nose, a novel cost-effective, field-deployable portable system that constitutes a 4-channel signal conditioning circuit and multi-coated piezo-resistive micro-cantilever sensors for explosive sensing. E-Nose also features an embedded PCA and K-means based pattern recognition (PR) algorithm for the classification of explosives from non-explosives. The 4-channel configuration is a stack of two 2-channel circuits that are capable of measuring the change in the sensor resistance or capacitance in four optional modes of ΔR-Δ R,ΔR-ΔC,Δ C-ΔR, and ΔC-ΔC by using time multiplexing. The circuit uses a bidirectional AC current excitation method to drive the sensor bridge for significant reduction of DC offset errors, 1/f noise, line noise, and DC drifts. The proposed signal conditioning circuit uses the phase-sensitive synchronous rectification(PSSR) method for AC-to-DC conversion by using balanced demodulation. The circuit can measure a wide range of resistors that range from 100 Ω to 4 MΩ, with a sensitivity of 0.4mV/ppm and the worst relative error of 2.6%. The capacitive measurement range is from 100pF to 100 μF with the worst relative error of 3.3%. The entire data processing and the PR algorithms run on Raspberry Pi (R-Pi), which is integrated into the E-Nose system. The system performance is tested with MEMS cantilevers for the detection of explosive compounds, such as TNT and its derivatives, RDX and PETN in a controlled environment at a concentration that was as low as 16ppb TNT, 56ppb RDX and 134ppb of PETN. Measurements show that the E-Nose can detect explosives with 77% as true positive results without considering the environmental and mixed vapor effects.

A major challenge in simulating glassy systems is the ability to generate configurations that may be found in equilibrium at sufficiently low temperatures, in order to probe static and dynamic behavior close to the glass transition. A variety of approaches have recently explored ways of surmounting this obstacle. Here, we explore the possibility of employing mechanical agitation, in the form of cyclic shear deformation, to generate low energy configurations in a model glass former. We perform shear deformation simulations over a range of temperatures, shear rates, and strain amplitudes. We find that shear deformation induces faster relaxation toward low energy configurations, or overaging, in simulations at sufficiently low temperatures, consistently with previous results for athermal shear. However, for temperatures at which simulations can be run until a steady state is reached with or without shear deformation, we find that the inclusion of shear deformation does not result in any speed up of the relaxation toward low energy configurations. Although we find the configurations from shear simulations to have properties indistinguishable from an equilibrium ensemble, the cyclic shear procedure does not guarantee that we generate an equilibrium ensemble at a desired temperature. In order to ensure equilibrium sampling, we develop a hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm that employs cyclic shear as a trial generation step and has acceptance probabilities that depend not only on the change in internal energy but also on the heat dissipated (equivalently, work done). We show that such an algorithm, indeed, generates an equilibrium ensemble.

Glass-forming liquids are broadly classified as being fragile or strong, depending on the deviation from Arrhenius behavior of their relaxation times. A fragile to strong crossover is observed or inferred in liquids like water and silica, and more recently also in metallic glasses and phase change alloys, leading to the expectation that such a crossover is more widely realised among glass formers. We investigate computationally the well-studied Kob-Andersen model, accessing temperatures well below the mode coupling temperature TMCT. We find that relaxation times exhibit a crossover in dynamics around TMCT, and discuss whether it bears characteristics of the fragile to strong crossover. Several aspects of dynamical heterogeneity exhibit behavior mirroring the dynamical crossover, whereas thermodynamic quantities do not. In particular, the Adam-Gibbs relation describing the relation between relaxation times and configurational entropy continues to hold below the dynamical crossover, when anharmonic corrections to the vibrational entropy are included.

We present measurements of the reduction of light output by plastic scintillators irradiated in the CMS detector during the 8 TeV run of the Large Hadron Collider and show that they indicate a strong dose rate effect. The damage for a given dose is larger for lower dose rate exposures. The results agree with previous measurements of dose rate effects, but are stronger due to the very low dose rates probed. We show that the scaling with dose rate is consistent with that expected from diffusion effects.

The Higgs boson was discovered more than ten years ago by the LHC experiments, CMS and ATLAS. Following the discovery, the experiments have focussed on measuring the Higgs boson properties to ascertain its agreement with the predictions from the Standard Model of particle physics. Recent measurements of the Higgs couplings still allow decays of the Higgs boson to exotic particles. The searches for the exotic production and decay modes of the Higgs boson directly probe the presence of new physics, in contrast to indirect inference drawn from coupling measurements limited by large uncertainty values. This presentation discusses the recent results on these new physics scenarios, utilizing the entire Run 2 data collected by the CMS experiment.

This work describes the easy synthetic approaches, structural features, and Hirshfeld surface studies of mercury(II)-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes. The proligands 2-(pyridylmethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-4-yliumtetrafluoroborate(1.HBF4) and 1-methyl-2-(pyridylmethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-4-ylium tetrafluoroborate (2.HBF4) were synthesized by formylative cyclization of corresponding Schiff bases. Hg(II)–NHC complexes [Hg(1)2][BF4]2(1a) and [Hg(2)2][BF4]2(2a) were synthesized using Hg(OAc)2 under refluxing condition in acetonitrile. The compounds were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. The UV–Vis spectra show the red shift in comparison to proligands in the case of high energy region support the formation of Hg(II)–NHC complexes. Finally, the geometry of 1a and 2a were elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, at least in one case (2a) leading to pseudo-octahedral geometry. Both complex 1a and 2a bind with the genomic DNA of the MCF-7 cell. The molecules possess several M--N, F--π, CH--F, CH--B, etc non-covalent interactions that are also supported by Hirshfeld surface analysis.

The presence of a liquid layer on the Rayleigh wave delay line is found to increase the original delay by a factor of 2 with loss of only a few percent in amplitude. Different modes with variable delay can be excited simultaneously and can be picked up by another transducer in contact with liquid layer. Possible uses of thin layer waves as an acoustic interferometer are discussed.

III-V heterostructure based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) offer superior performance as compared to CMOS silicon transistors owing to the high mobility in the 2D electron gas (2DEG) channel at the heterostructure interface. Gallium nitride (GaN) based HEMTs are also suitable for high power and high temperature applications. GaN has a rich offering of material properties spanning domains of non-linear optics, piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical systems, and monolithic microwave integrated circuits. In this paper, we propose HEMT inspired III-V electro-optic modulator topologies and study the light interaction with 2DEG in such structures. We analyze the electroabsorption and electrorefraction on account of the 2DEG interaction with light and present a design framework to selectively leverage the desired mechanism of modulation. Our analysis suggests that modulation index of electrorefractive modulation in a HEMT-like structure is comparable to silicon photonic modulators. By leveraging the higher electron mobility in these material platforms, the device concepts proposed here could potentially be used to design electro-optic modulators with extremely high modulation rates.

Nano-enabled agriculture is a vibrant research area; nonetheless, reports on effective nanofertilizers are rather scant.

Abstract Objective To assess the impact of low‐dose aspirin (LDA) starting in early pregnancy on delaying preterm hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Design Non‐prespecified secondary analysis of a randomised masked trial of LDA. Setting The study was conducted among women in the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health's Maternal and Newborn Health Registry (MNHR) clusters, a prospective, population‐based study in Kenya, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Pakistan, India (two sites‐Belagavi and Nagpur) and Guatemala. Population Nulliparous singleton pregnancies between 6 +0 weeks and 13 +6 weeks in six low‐middle income countries (Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Zambia) enrolled in the ASPIRIN Trial. Methods We compared the incidence of HDP at delivery at three gestational age periods (<28, <34 and <37 weeks) between women who were randomised to aspirin or placebo. Women were included if they were randomised and had an outcome at or beyond 20 weeks (Modified Intent to Treat). Main Outcome Measures Our primary outcome was pregnancies with HDP associated with preterm delivery (HDP@delivery) before <28, <34 and <37 weeks. Secondary outcomes included small for gestational age (SGA) <10th percentile, <5th percentile, and perinatal mortality. Results Among the 11 976 pregnancies, LDA did not significantly lower HDP@delivery <28 weeks (relative risk [RR] 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02–1.52); however, it did lower HDP@delivery <34 weeks (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17–0.81) and HDP@delivery <37 weeks (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49–0.90). The overall rate of HDP did not differ between the two groups (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.94–1.25). Among those pregnancies who had HDP, SGA <10th percentile was reduced (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67–0.99), though SGA <5th percentile was not (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.64–1.09). Similarly, perinatal mortality among pregnancies with HDP occurred less frequently (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.92) in those receiving LDA. Pregnancies randomised to LDA delivered later with HDP compared with those receiving placebo (median gestational age 38.5 weeks vs. 37.9 weeks; p = 0.022). Conclusions In this secondary analysis of a study of low‐risk nulliparous singleton pregnancies, early administration of LDA resulted in lower rates of preterm HDP and delivery before 34 and 37 weeks but not in the overall rate of HDP. These results suggest that LDA works in part by delaying HDP.

Amplification has been achieved by interaction of drifting electrons in a CdS sample which is piezoelectrically coupled to the acoustic layer waves generated in a CdS-fluid-LiNbO3 structure.

This letter presents analytical and technology computer aided design models for analyzing the performance of biohigh-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) sensors. Unlike existing models for these sensors in the literature, where the biolayer is modeled as semiconductor or insulator layer with analyte-induced interface charge (i.e., surface potential), the model presented in this letter provides a better design insights by taking into consideration charge screening effect and impact of electric double layer (Stern layer) on device performance. The simulation case study is focused on prostate cancer detection using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) present in human serum as the target biomarker. Application specific validation of the model has been presented through demonstration of a MOS-HEMT PSA sensor design with sensitivity large enough to detect clinically relevant concentration of PSA in human serum (1ng/ml-4ng/ml).

A major challenge in simulating glassy systems is the ability to generate configurations that may be found in equilibrium at sufficiently low temperatures, in order to probe static and dynamic behaviour close to the glass transition. A variety of approaches have recently explored ways of surmounting this obstacle. Here, we explore the possibility of employing mechanical agitation, in the form of cyclic shear deformation, to generate low energy configurations in a model glass former. We perform shear deformation simulations over a range of temperatures, shear rates and strain amplitudes. We find that shear deformation induces faster relaxation towards low energy configurations, or overaging, in simulations at sufficiently low temperatures, consistently with previous results for athermal shear. However, for temperatures at which simulations can be run till a steady state is reached with or without shear deformation, we find that the inclusion of shear deformation does not result in any speed up of the relaxation towards low energy configurations. Although we find the configurations from shear simulations to have properties indistinguishable from an equilibrium ensemble, the cyclic shear procedure does not guarantee that we generate an equilibrium ensemble at a desired temperature. In order to ensure equilibrium sampling, we develop a hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm that employs cyclic shear as a trial generation step, and has acceptance probabilities that depend not only on the change in internal energy but also on heat dissipated (equivalently, work done). We show that such an algorithm indeed generates an equilibrium ensemble.

Experimental results on the convolution of surface waves in a structure of CdS-water-LiNbO3 are reported. The convolved output has been enhanced by applying a dc electric field across CdS having the proper conductivity. The enhancement is large enough to offset the losses involved producing a net electronic gain for the convolution process.

Recently high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) inspired III-V electro-optic modulator topologies were proposed for realizing high speed electro-optic modulators leveraging plasma dispersion effect due to the 2D electron gas (2DEG) present at the III–V heterostructure interface. The 2DEG is highly confined at the interface, extending to very low depths in the bulk (≈10 nm) and therefore has limited spatial overlap with the optical mode. In this paper, we propose a novel modulator design to boost the 2DEG-light interaction, wherein the HEMT is embedded within a high contrast grating (HCG) mirror. We present an analytical model extending the conventional HCG model to multi-layer structures and observe good agreement with rigorous coupled-wave analysis. We explore the design space for identifying optimal device topology and present geometries that produce a change in reflectivity as large as 70% for C- and L-band wavelengths. We also present results of sensitivity analysis and observe low variation in device performance due to geometry variation arising from device fabrication imperfections. The device platforms presented here are suitable for designing high efficiency electro-optic modulators by incorporating the HEMT HCG into a Fabry–Perot cavity.

Abstract The trigger system of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at CERN has been evolving continuously since the startup of the LHC. While the base of the current configuration will remain in use for the next LHC running period (Run 3 starting in 2022), new features and algorithms are already being developed to take care of higher data loads due to increasing LHC luminosity and pileup but also of new experimental signatures to be investigated, in particular, displaced decay vertices stemming from relatively long-lived particles created in proton-proton collisions. Beyond this period, the trigger system will undergo a major upgrade to prepare for the high-luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) operations, which will deliver a luminosity of 5–7.5 times the design value. It corresponds to 140-200 pileup events, defined as overlapping proton-proton interactions in the same or nearby bunch crossings. During HL-LHC, information from the silicon pixel and strip tracker will be available already for the Level-1 Trigger, detector granularity and pseudorapidity coverages will increase. Trigger rates will rise by a factor of about 7.5 both at Level-1 (to 750 kHz) and at the High Level Trigger (to 7.5 kHz) and the latency—the processing time available for arriving at the Level-1 trigger decision—will increase significantly from 3.8 μ s to 12.5 μ s, allowing for the use of more sophisticated algorithms at the Level-1 trigger.

A strong lens effect has been experimentally observed when the electric field inside a CdS plate is so adjusted that strong quasi-standing ultrasonic waves are set up inside the crystal. Physical understanding of the observed phenomena and possible device applications are discussed.

We present a design methodology for obtaining single mode ridge waveguides with geometries larger than the wavelength of guided light. A hybrid numerical-analytical approach is proposed, that shows good agreement with FDTD simulations, as compared to more conventional effective index method based analyses.

The investigation study assesses the diversity of bees in Brinjal Solanum melongena L. and Ridge Gourd Luffa acutangula L. crop field from agroforestry ecosystem in South Kangsabati Forest Division, India. The study was carried out in May 2021 to May 2022 that based on transect, focal observation and pan trap samplings. A total of 1,085 individuals were identified during the field work, belonging to three family seven genera (Apis, Tetragonula, Xylocopa, Ceratina, Amegelia, Nomia, and Megachile) and seventeen species, the non Apis bees (63.78%) were most abundant than Apis bees (36.22%). In brinjal, Shannon diversity index of bees is 2.12 and Shannon evenness index is 0.35, whereas, Shannon diversity index in ridge gourd was 1.94 and Shannon evenness index is 0.3. The observations signify greater diversity and population of wild bees. The natural habitat close to agricultural land helps to sustain the diversity and population of wild bees, which enhance the crop quality and yield.

India is a very fast-developing country. Over 1.5 billion people reside in it and in the 21st century every activity associated with growth and development is complemented with very high energy demand. Hence, it is very challenging to ensure “Power for all” with the existing systems backed by non-renewable energy sources and a naïve system, which exists under the name of “Energy Management”. With the realization of the above-stated fact, it is high time to look into a smarter approach to energy management and step towards the goal of ensuring “Power to all”. By introducing a transparent operational system between the utility and the consumers we can implement a smarter technique in energy management, which benefits both the consumer and the utility in every possible way and also helps in improving customer-provider relations. In order to achieve the goal, we have come up with a solution by creating an interface between the utility and the consumer, enabling the customers to observe and map the peaks throughout the day. Based on that, a dynamic billing pattern can be set which will guide consumers towards a judicial usage of the existing power delivery and consumption system.

Abstract: Diabetic Eye Diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, pose a significant threat to the vision of individuals with diabetes. Early detection of these diseases is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of severe vision loss. In this study, we propose a novel approach for the early detection of Diabetic Eye Diseases using Local Binary Patterns (LBP) feature extraction. The LBP method captures local texture patterns in retinal images, allowing for the identification of characteristic features associated with the diseases. To evaluate the effectiveness of our approach, we utilized a dataset consisting of retinal images from diabetic patients with varying stages of the diseases. The dataset was pre-processed using standard techniques, and LBP features were extracted from the segmented retinal regions. A classification algorithm such as SVM, Random Forest, Adaboost was employed to differentiate between normal and diseased retinal images based on the extracted LBP features. Our experimental results demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed LBP feature extraction method, achieving a high accuracy of 79% using Adaboost in MESSIDOR and 85% using SVM in DIARETDB0 dataset in early detection of Diabetic Eye Diseases

The present study was undertaken during October 2021 to November 2022. Four tribal dominated districts of Assam were purposively selected from four Agro climatic zones to analyze the perception of tribal men and women farmers towards agriculture. Three hundred and twenty respondents consisting of both tribal men and women farmers of a household constitute the final sample size of the present study. Measurement of perception was done by including some relevant statements which were grouped into five broad areas namely: Economic dimension, Social dimension, Technology dimension, Work environment dimension and other dimension. A total of 33 statements were taken and the responses were obtained in a five-point continuum of agreement representing ‘Strongly agree’ ‘Agree’, ‘Undecided’, ‘Disagree’ and ‘Strongly disagree’ assigning a score of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 respectively for the positive statements and reverse scoring pattern for the negative statements. The results revealed that there existed significant differences in the perception between men and women respondents. Less than two third (64.38%) number of women respondents had medium to high level of perception while in men, it was observed that 51.88% belonged to the medium level towards agriculture. The finding of the study will be helpful to the extension agency, policymaker and administrators in developing appropriate extension strategy for the tribal farming community to develop more favorable perception towards agriculture for its sustainability.

The most popular practice in the field of ophthalmology is to diagnose diabetic eye diseases like Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), Macular Edema (ME), Glaucoma or Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by analyzing retinography. Retinography is an imaging method used to examine the fundus of the eye and assess the severity of the disease. Manual analysis to examine and evaluate the images by trained ophthalmologists is the ultimate practice for identifying abnormalities in retinal visual impairment. However, it is time-consuming and needs expertise. Automated computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) tools with better image processing capability plays a better role to segment blood vessels and find out abnormal patterns caused by the disease. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based models develop best representation for the prediction of the disease in a self-learning technique by automatically extracting features from raw fundus images. In spite of their wide use, there is a lack of professional liability that prevents the model acceptance. It is extremely important to unfold the black box nature of the models to have a clear and detailed explanation about their learning behavior and the factors facilitating certain predictions. Here, we have written a review paper to survey the existing explainable CAD system for the early detection of diabetic eye diseases. Our aim of this paper is to identify the pros and cons of explainable AI-based CAD system to help the research community and the ophthalmologists to select intended models for clinical usage.

Current oscillations in CdS samples with optically polished parallel surfaces have been observed as a result of motion of high-field domains formed by the large acousto-electric effect due to reflection of ultrasound which builds up to large amplitude provided by net round-trip gain. The experimental results also point to different kinds of oscillations.

We propose a design platform to obtain large anomalous dispersion at short wavelengths (in vicinity of 450nm) in vertically coupled GaN/AlN/GaN waveguides realizable on commercially available GaN template wafer technology. We present FDTD simulation based results on dispersion engineering by tuning the waveguide geometry, to obtain anomalous dispersion as large as 1.83×105ps/nm-km. Numerical simulations based on the Lugiato–Lefever model show efficient Kerr frequency comb generation in blue spectral range. We present results based on tailoring the geometric parameters of the waveguides to modify the dispersive wave that induces asymmetrical spectral profile in the comb on account of higher-order dispersion.

The present investigation explored the optimization of the composition of functional sol for development a coating material to improve the storage stability of matured banana. The extracted flaxseed sol was optimized with gellan using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimized level obtained was 23.78% guar gum, 21.28% CMC, 19.32% pectin solutions and 35.65% of flaxseed sol. The sol was applied as a coating material on banana fruit to reduce the rate of respiration, weight loss, and for retention of firmness during storage. TSS, titrable acidity, and pH of coated banana showed a slower rate of change than control fruit during storage. Furthermore, the textural attributes of banana using a* value of uncoated banana were predicted by means of five different types of equations where polynomial equations were found to be best fitted with the highest coefficient of determination (R2). The flaxseed coating on matured banana considerably improved the sensorial parameters, and shelf life was extended by 6–8 days at 12°C. Practical applications Fabricated gel with distinct nutritional and consumer appeal is a rapidly growing area of study and commercialization. The rheological and sensory properties of such sol-gel are critical to their acceptability. The role of such gel-forming substances utilizing gellan gum is discussed in this study. The findings of this study should aid in the development of edible coatings to increase the shelf life and quality of other climacteric fruits during storage.

Objectives: Aberrant activity of the trapezius muscle and associated postural abnormalities have been identified as potential factors for neck pain in computer users, thus postural correction is often advocated. The purpose of this trial was to examine the effect of specific scapular postural correction exercises on middle and lower trapezius activity. Methods: Sixty participants matched for the duration of daily computer use were included in the study. Twenty had no neck pain and exhibited “good” scapular posture (constituting Control group C), while forty reported pain (Neck Disability Index ≥ 15/100) for ≥ 3 months over 12 month period. The latter were randomly allocated to one of the two groups (A and B). Electromyographic recordings were taken from the middle and lower trapezius at rest and during typing. After 20-minutes of typing participants in group A (n=20) practiced scapular postural correction exercises while participants in group B (n=20) relaxed. Electromyographic recordings were repeated in a second typing task. Results: Following correction of the scapular posture in group A, middle trapezius activity became similar to the control group (P = 0.229) with no effect on lower trapezius activity (P < 0.001). Significant normalization did not occur after relaxation exercises (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Intermittent scapular postural correction exercises were effective in altering the middle and lower trapezius activity during computer use and may be advised for prevention of neck pain.

Various experimental results are reported on the dc-induced optical effects in CdS. Possible explanations are also given.

We present a novel composite comprised of piezoelectric PMN-PT nanoparticles embedded in a SU8 polymer matrix that can be spin coated on any substrate to realize acoustic resonators and transducers. High Overtone Bulk Acoustic Resonators (HBARs) are fabricated using this novel composite on a low acoustic loss silicon substrate. Initial experimental results yield piezoelectric coefficient (d33) as high as 216pm/V for the composite, indicating the possibility of designing efficient acoustic transducers.

We study the light output, light collection efficiency and signal timing of a variety of organic scintillators that are being considered for the upgrade of the hadronic calorimeter of the CMS detector. The experimental data are collected at the H2 test-beam area at CERN, using a 150 GeV muon beam. In particular, we investigate the usage of over-doped and green-emitting plastic scintillators, two solutions that have not been extensively considered. We present a study of the energy distribution in plastic-scintillator tiles, the hit efficiency as a function of the hit position, and a study of the signal timing for blue and green scintillators.

A theory for the observation of current oscillations in CdS samples with parallel end surfaces due to motion of domains is presented. The theory agrees very well with the experiment.

Abstract : This work presents a study of the electrical properties of semiconductors using the interaction between surface acoustic waves and a semiconductor in the separated medium configuration (the SAW convolver). This study has been conducted towards developing a new technique for nondestructive evaluation of semiconductor surfaces using surface acoustic waves. The semiconductor is placed a small distance above the delay line, with a uniform airgap between the two media. Although there is no mechanical contact between the two media, the electric fields associated with the surface acoustic waves penetrate into the semiconductor and interact with the free carriers. As a result of this nonlinear interaction, the SAW is attenuated, there is a change in the SAW velocity, and dc acousto-electric voltages are developed across the semiconductor. In the case of two oppositely propagating surface waves, voltage proportional to the convolution of the two input voltages is also generated.

Microwave Remote Sensing is used to detect different land cover types such as, bare soil, water bodies, vegetation cover, forest cover etc., and using different procedures. In this paper, we have targeted on a methodology to detect difference between land and water by using brightness temperature at different frequencies during the flooding period. Disastrous flood occurred in Kashmir (India) during 2014, and passive microwave remote sensing data are utilized for detection and monitoring of floods. For Kashmir, Special Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS) brightness temperature (Tb) data at 37 GHz in both vertical and horizontal polarizations are used to detect and monitor flood occurrences. Polarization difference (T=Tbv – Tbh) is used as a parameter to calculate these effects. Also, SSMIS Tb data at 19 and 91 GHz with both horizontal and vertical polarizations are used to apply the existing methodology and develop a new one. Flood affected areas are mapped using these three methods for Kashmir (India) and these methods are compared with each other to find the best possible way to detect flood in larger extent. Keywords: Microwave remote sensing, brightness, temperature, polarization difference, SSM/I, SSMIS Cite this Article Rimmi Konwar, Himadri SikhaNath, Pallabi Das, et al. Passive Microwave Remote Sensing of Flood: A comparison of various methods. Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS. 2015; 6(1): 17–23p

In this paper experimental results of He-Ne laser light diffraction by ultrasound in a liquid waveguide are pre-sented. The 45 MHz ultrasound (also known as layer waves) in the liquid waveguide, which consists of water sandwiched between two parallel plates of LiNbO3 and fused quartz, is generated by interdigital transducers at one end of the LiNbO, plate. The diffracted light is used to obtain inforMation about the properties of these layer waves, such as the velocity dispersion for different mode of propagation. This optical probing also enables one to directly observe the evanescent ultrasound in the guiding solids and measure the decay parameter. Possible applications in the field of integrated optics and signal processing are discussed.

Several theories beyond the Standard Model of Particle Physics predict new and heavy particles which are yet to be observed in the hadron colliders. These particles are likely to decay through the top quark, making it suitable as a probe for new physics phenomena. In this report various experimental search strategies for such processes are discussed briefly. Important results from Tevatron, CMS and ATLAS experiments from the LHC are presented.

From the year 2026 onwards, the LHC experiments will operate in the high-luminosity mode (HL-LHC) with 5-7.5 times the design instantaneous luminosity.The Phase-2 upgrade of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector aims to mitigate degradation in detector performance and high pile-up rates, about 140-200 per event, due to increase in luminosity.The upgrade of the Level-1 (L1) trigger system will include tracking information and subdetector upgrades leading to higher granularity and precision timing information.An overview of the electrons, photons, jets, hadronic taus and energy sums trigger algorithms for the upgraded L1 system is presented, along with their expected performance studied using simulated collision data of the HL-LHC.

Background: Fibroids most common benign tumors arising from the myometrium of the uterus, was found that women with broids had signicantly higher levels of serum HDL-C compared with control groups. Aims : To compare the mean serum cholesterol level; mean HDL-C level andmean LDL- C level in patients with uterine broids with the control group. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted after taking consent from200 women in the age group of 30-50 years . Out of which 100 females with sonographic diagnosis of uterine broid were taken up as cases and 100 females in similar age group,demographically matched with no broids as control. Comparative study on lipid prole of both the group analysed. This study was conducted after receiving approval from institutional ethical committee . Results: In our study there was strong direct signicant correlation between largest broid volume (3cc) and HDL-C level (mg/dl) i.e. a p value of 0.0001and a r value of 0.671; clearly establishing the fact that patients with higher levels of HDL-C tended to have larger broids. Conclusion :All these ndings more favourable lipid prole in broid group, lower atherogenic index and the strong direct positive correlation.

Infertility is a world’s most neglected public health issue. Infertility and sub fertility shows impact in proportion of human lives. In the year 2010, from 20–44 years of age group women who were prone to the risk of pregnancy, 1.9% were unable to attain a live birth (primary infertility). Researcher experienced that in the community setting many people are not aware of infertility. The women are mostly blamed for infertility. Many couples also end up their marriage without the treatment. With this context a study was carried out to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding infertility among the married women of reproductive age group in selected rural areas of Sonitpur District, Assam. The objective of the study wasto assessthe knowledge and attitude regarding infertility among the married women of reproductive age group. Data was collected from 142 samples by using convenience sampling technique. Socio demographic Proforma, Self structured questionnaire on Knowledge regarding infertility and Five point Likert scale to assess the attitude regarding infertility was used to collect data and data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results showed that that majority 48.6% had moderate knowledge level, 30.3 % had inadequate knowledge level and 21.1% had adequate knowledge. Majority 52.1%had moderately favorable attitude, 24.6% had unfavorable attitude and 23.2% had favorable attitude. The ndings of the study shows that there was signicant association between knowledge with education qualication (P=0.001**) and religion (P=0.002**). In the study it was concluded that majority of the participants 69 (48.6%) had moderate knowledge level whereas majority 74 (52.1%) had moderately favorable attitude so there is increase in need of awareness programs in the community level regarding infertility issues.

The chances of neurological complications following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar increase when there is close contact between the inferior alveolar nerve and the tooth root. Thus, it is important to evaluate the topographic relationship between them preoperatively. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES- To assess the possible nerve injury following extraction of impacted mandibular third molar by comparing the relevant panoramic features with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) ndings and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of OPG. MATERIAL AND METHODS –A total number of 30 patients requiring surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar under local anesthesia and having a close relationship between impacted mandibular third molar and inferior alveolar canal in panoramic radiograph were included in the study and were advised for CBCT evaluation. Statistically signicant association w RESULTS - as found between darkening of the root in OPG and absence of narrowing of the canal in CBCT with P value 0.008 (P<0.05) while distribution of darkening of the root (OPG) according to presence or absence of corticalisation (CBCT) was not statistically signicant . The panorami CONCLUSION - c radiographs may be useful to assess the close relationship between mandibular canal and third molar root tip but it cannot appraise the type of intimate relationship present between them for which CBCT is the reliable tool.

Abstract: Plants need air, water and sunlight and other weather recourses for healthy and natural growth but over exposure of these natural recourses create harm. Due to excessive sunlight many of the plants and saplings gets scorched thus resulting death in bulk whereas over raining causes excessive water-clogging in root area due to which saplings gets wilted or rotten. For healthy growth of any plant pesticide and fertilizer sprinkling is also required. After focusing all above mentioned problem area we have implemented an automated IoT based baby plant protection system which can be able to stop the death of saplings and sensitive plants from aforesaid natural recourses like high sunlight, huge amount of rain water, excessive dew etc. Our proposed hardware prototype model is already commercialized for protecting outdoor baby saplings from unsuitable natural climate. Keywords: IoT, saplings, scorch, water-clogging, prototype etc.

Baksa district of Assam is bestowed with rich soil and suitable climate that favours the growth of paddy cultivation. Although a sizeable portion of rural community is engaged in paddy farming, yet the production is not satisfactory which might be due to traditional method of cultivation. As the district is tribal dominated, therefore, the study strives to explore the adoption behaviour of both tribal and non- tribal paddy growers. A total of 101 respondents (59 non-tribal and 42 tribal farmers) were considered as the final sample by proportionate random sampling method. The findings revealed that above sixty five percent of total farmers had overall medium adoption level. However, (52.54%) of non- tribal and 69.04 per cent tribal farmers exhibited medium level of adoption. The “t value” was found to be significant. Factors such as annual income and occupational status of the farmers had a positive and significant association with the extent of adoption. Further, these significant and nearly significant variables were taken for Tobit analysis to find the influence of these factors on extent of adoption, where none of the factors showed a positive and significant contribution towards adoption process.

The study of the production of single topSingle top quark in association with the Higgs boson at LHC with CMS experiment [1] is presented. Characteristics of the signal and major backgroundsBackground are studied in the multi-leptonic final state, specifically, same-sign dimuon channel. Discrimination between the signal and background processes is done using the multi-variate analysis technique in ROOT framework. Results from preliminary simulation studies at proton-proton collision energy of 13 TeV are discussed briefly.

We present updated results on the search for the production of a Higgs boson in association with a single top quark using the larger LHC Run II dataset. Final states corresponding to two decay modes of the Higgs boson ($b\bar b$ and WW/ZZ/ττ) have been studied, targeting leptonic decays of the top quark. Limits are placed on the modifiers of the coupling strength of the Higgs to fermions and bosons.

The typical methods for measuring missing transverse energy (MET) Missing Transverse Energy in an event in CMS experiment at LHC are presented. Tools for calculating the MET uncertainty and correction are studied.

Self-organization, and transitions from reversible to irreversible behaviour, of interacting particle assemblies driven by externally imposed stresses or deformation is of interest in comprehending diverse phenomena in soft matter. They have been investigated in a wide range of systems, such as colloidal suspensions, glasses, and granular matter. In different density and driving regimes, such behaviour is related to yielding of amorphous solids, jamming, and memory formation, \emph{etc.} How these phenomena are related to each other has not, however, been much studied. In order to obtain a unified view of the different regimes of behaviour, and transitions between them, we investigate computationally the response of soft sphere assemblies to athermal cyclic shear deformation over a wide range of densities and amplitudes of shear deformation. Cyclic shear deformation induces transitions from reversible to irreversible behaviour in both unjammed and jammed soft sphere packings. Well above isotropic jamming density ($\bf{\phi_J}$), this transition corresponds to yielding. In the vicinity of the jamming point, up to a higher density limit we designate ${\bf \phi_J^{cyc}}$, an unjammed phase emerges between a localised, \emph{absorbing} phase, and a diffusive, {\emph irreversible} phase. The emergence of the unjammed phase signals the shifting of the jamming point to higher densities as a result of annealing, and opens a window where shear jamming becomes possible for frictionless packings. Below $\bf{\phi_J}$, two distinct localised states, termed point and loop reversibile, are observed. We characterise in detail the different regimes and transitions between them, and obtain a unified density-shear amplitude phase diagram.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) synthesized from It influenced the inherent soil properties like bulk density (BD), water holding capacity (WHC), available N, P, K, urease, phosphatase activity and TOC. The apparent increment WHC, N, P, K, urease, and phosphatase in soil were observed whereas reduction of BD was noticed. Due to application of nanosolutions the pH of the soil shifted towards neutrality from 0 to 60 days. Moreover, they also did not have any toxicity upon plant as well as earthworm ecosystem.

While piezoelectric transduction enables designing acoustic resonators operating at multi-GHz frequencies, the deposition of piezoelectric materials typically requires high temperature processes and specific crystallographic orientation of substrates, thus imposing a limitation on materials that could be used. In this paper we present a piezoelectrically transduced thickness mode acoustic resonator that employs piezoelectric (PMNPT) nanoparticles embedded in a polymer (SU8) matrix. This composite material is deposited using standard resist-spin coaters and is thus compatible with a variety of substrates. The device presented here uses a double side polished single crystal silicon wafer as the low loss acoustic substrate for the resonator and $1.7μm$ thick SU8-PMNPT composite film as the actuator, and exhibits large effective piezoelectric coefficient $(d_{33})$ of $216pm/V$, and we experimentally demonstrate efficient transduction of acoustic resonances at frequencies up to $1.5GHz$.

The measurements of the properties of the Higgs boson at the LHC experiments have entered the precision era, however, some channels are still dominated by statistical uncertainties.A larger data sample is required to ensure whether the observed resonance completely agrees with the Standard Model (SM) predictions, or belongs to a new physics scenario.At the high luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) phase of data-taking ∼3000 fb -1 of integrated luminosity will be collected over the span of ten years.Detector degradation is also expected due to large rates of particle interactions and necessary upgrades are being carried out to maintain or improve the present performance.Current measurements are expected to improve with access to rare production and decay modes of the Higgs boson.It will thus be possible to derive additional constraints on new physics scenarios.This presentation discusses the foreseen development in Higgs boson precision physics.

The current mandate of the LHC experiments is to precisely determine the properties of the Higgs boson, one of the major interests being the top-Yukawa coupling (y t ) measurement.The Run 2 data have provided evidence of t tH production at the LHC which is sensitive to y 2 t at the tree level.In contrast, the tHq process provides information on the relative sign of y t with respect to the Higgs to vector boson coupling (g HVV ).According to the Standard Model (SM), the cross section of the tHq process is very low even at 13 TeV centre of mass energy ( √ s).However, in case of anomalous Higgs boson couplings the cross section may be enhanced and be detected with a limited amount of integrated luminosity (L).Results are presented from Run 2 measurements of the tHq process using LHC data collected by the CMS experiment.Future prospects of the search are discussed in the context of High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC).

Acousto-optic and electro-optic devices can be used in many ways as signal processing devices like modulators, correlators, deflectors, etc. the fact that most of the processors can be done with either of the two types of devices, they often compete. However, the two effects can be combined to give an acousto-electro-optic device. the limitations that they might have separately can be overcome in this way. This type of device can be implemented in a bulk wave device or SAW. structure of SAW devices allows a variety of ways in which to apply the necessary electric field. A dc voltage can, for instance, be applied to an interdigital transducer. When a light beam passes under the transducer, the change in refractive index will diffract the light in the same way as an acoustic wave, launched from an identical transducer would. The only difference is the absence of a Doppler shift in the light frequency. tic pulse now interacts with the light beam at the same time, a combined effect will be seen. The electro-optic interaction will affect the phase of the detected pulse. In y-cut, z-propagating LihbO3,

Objectives: To compare between abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy in terms of operative time, length of hospital stay and post operative morbidity.Methods: A prospective observational study was done at R.G.KAR Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India with 140 patients over a period of 18 months at department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.Results: Results shows less operative time (mean 76.49% in TAH and 56.44% in NDVH), peroperative complications, blood loss, post-operative complications, post-operative ambulance and mean hospital stay are statistically significance (i.e.<0.005).Conclusion: Result shows NDVH is more advantageous than TAH in many aspects.But it needs more extensive studies before universal acceptance.

Correction for ‘Nano-based soil conditioners eradicate micronutrient deficiency: soil physicochemical properties and plant molecular responses’ by Pallabi Das et al. , Environ. Sci.: Nano , 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1en00551k.

In this paper, we present dispersion engineering in vertically coupled III- nitride (GaN/AlN/GaN) waveguides for short (blue) wavelengths. Peak anomalous dispersion ≈ 1 . 83 × 10 5 ps/nm − km is achieved by tuning the geometric parameters and thereby coupling strength of the waveguides.

In this paper, we present dispersion engineering in vertically coupled III-nitride (GaN/AlN/GaN) waveguides for short (blue) wavelengths. Peak anomalous dispersion ≈1.83 × 105 ps/nm – km is achieved by tuning the geometric parameters and thereby coupling strength of the waveguides.

This paper presents the theory of a convolutor which utilizes nonlinear acoustic interaction in fluids.

We report here the theoretical analysis and experimental results on Rayleigh wave convolution on the surface of a CdS plate. The CdS plate is d. c. biased. The convolved signal amplitude as a function of the biasing field is presented. The conductivity dependence of the convolved signal as well as of the d. c. acoustoelectric voltage are measured and compared. Experiments are in general agreement with the theory.

Abstract : The major emphasis of this report is on a new and novel surface acoustic wave (SAW) device which has been developed under this grant for use in the nondestructive determination of the electronic properties of semiconductors. The technique uses surface acoustic waves on a piezoelectric substrate. The electric field associated with the SAW interacts with free carriers of a semiconductor placed near the piezoelectric surface. The interaction generates detectable currents in the semiconductor and attenuates the SAW. By observing these effects while varying external parameters such as temperature, applied acoustic power, SAW frequency, semiconductor surface irradiation and bias voltage, the desired information is obtained. The properties that can be determined by this non contact technique include the bulk and surface conductivity, generation lifetime, surface recombination velocity, the location in the energy gap of traps, surface states, and interface states, trap emission and absorption times and storage times in the depletion layer.