A seed-like structured Mo@ZrS2 catalyst on graphene nanosheets for boosting the performance of rechargeable Zn-air batteries.

Novel composite materials are being studied by researchers for energy storage and renewable energy applications. Here, a seed-like Mo-doped ZrS2 catalyst was developed on a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) surface by an annealing and hydrothermal method. Using photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses, the structure of Mo@ZrS2/rGO and the impact of heteroatoms are demonstrated, providing insight into the catalyst. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that Mo@ZrS2/rGO has been utilized as an efficient energy storage electrocatalyst by offering a very low half-wave potential of 0.80 V for the oxygen reduction reaction in an alkaline solution. Furthermore, Zn-air batteries with a high-power density of 128.6 mW cm-2 and exceptional cycling stability are demonstrated by the developed array electrocatalyst. Ultimately, the research findings suggest novel perspectives on the structure of ZrS2 nanoseeds created by Mo surface doping, promote the usage of Zn-air batteries in practical scenarios, and offer a fascinating idea for creating a redox electrocatalyst.

Predictive accuracy of Barrett TK toric calculator compared to measured posterior corneal astigmatism using Pentacam in toric IOL power calculation.

PURPOSE: To compare the predictive accuracy of Barrett total keratometry (Barrett TK) toric calculator with the measured posterior corneal astigmatism (PCA) by using Pentacam in toric intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation. METHODS: A prospective analysis was done on 118 eyes requiring toric IOL power implantation. The absolute prediction error of the Barrett TK toric calculator and the measured PCA in the online toric calculator were assessed and compared to the standard Alcon toric calculator (with Barrett toric calculator incorporated). RESULTS: The mean absolute prediction error of the online toric calculator (0.32 D) (with Barrett toric calculator incorporated), Barrett TK Toric (0.34 D), and measured PCA of Pentacam in Barrett toric calculator (0.33 D) were found to be similar with no statistically significant difference. Subanalysis in eyes with with-the-rule astigmatism, against-the-rule astigmatism, and oblique astigmatism showed similar results. Alpins analysis showed that all three methods overcorrected corneal astigmatism. CONCLUSION: The Barrett TK toric calculator and the measured PCA of Pentacam in the Barrett toric calculator have similar predictive accuracy to the online toric calculator (with Barrett toric calculator incorporated).

Star CanVac-continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis - A novel, safe rhexis technique in intumescent total cataracts.

Achieving a complete uniform capsulorhexis in an intumescent cataract is perhaps the most crucial and challenging step for surgeons. Star CanVac CCC is a new manual technique for creating a continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) in intumescent total cataracts. Small centripetal tears in the shape of a star are created in the center of the anterior lens capsule by using a 26-G cystotome. This allows equal distribution of forces secondary to increased intralenticular pressure, thereby avoiding unidirectional or bidirectional tear extension. Subsequently, a 25-G flat-tipped fine cannula connected to a syringe is used to hold the free capsular flap. The piston of the syringe is withdrawn to create a stable suction pressure, and the rhexis is completed without withdrawing the instrument from the anterior chamber. Our technique is safe, affordable, and an alternative method to routine CCC or expensive techniques such as Femto or Zepto capsulotomy for white intumescent cataracts.

Accuracy of Barrett versus third-generation intraocular lens formula across all axial lengths.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the accuracy of Barrett Universal II versus third-generation formula for different intraocular lens (IOL) powers for Indian eyes with different axial lengths (ALs). DESIGN: This is a retrospective, nonrandomized consecutive case series. METHODS: This study reviewed 981 eyes from 825 patients who had uneventful cataract surgery and IOL implantation. The eyes were separated into subgroups based on AL as follows: short (<22.0 mm), medium (22.01-23.99 mm), and long (>24.0 mm). The predicted refractive outcome using formulas was calculated and compared with the actual refractive outcome to give the prediction error. The percentage of every refractive error absolute value for each formula was calculated at <±0.50D, 0.50D-0.75D, and >±0.75D. RESULTS: In all, 981 eyes were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the median absolute error predicted by Barrett and the third-generation formulae. The Barrett Universal II formula resulted in significantly lowest mean spherical equivalent in short eyes (P = 0.0047) as well as a higher percentage of eyes with prediction errors within <±0.50D, 0.50D-0.75D, and >±0.75D. We found that the Barrett Universal II formula had the lowest predictive refraction error and mean absolute error across all ALs. CONCLUSION: The Barrett Universal II formula rendered the lowest predictive error compared with SRK/T, Holladay, and Hoffer Q formulas. Thus, the Barrett Universal II formula may be regarded as a more reliable formula for achieving emmetropia and reducing postoperative refractive surprises across all ALs.

Prevalence of certain inorganic constituents in groundwater samples of Erode district, Tamilnadu, India, with special emphasis on fluoride, fluorosis and its remedial measures.

A total of 60 drinking water samples collected from Erode district, Tamilnadu, India were analysed for fluoride contamination, besides water quality parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, fluoride, bicarbonates, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, sodium and potassium. The results obtained were found to exceed the permissible limits. The concentration of fluoride in the water samples ranged between 0.5 and 8.2 mg/l and revealed that 80% of the water samples contain fluoride above the maximum permissible limit. Similarly, the concentrations of nitrate, hardness, calcium and magnesium in some samples were also more than the permissible level. Pearson's correlation coefficient among the parameters showed a positive correlation of fluoride with total hardness and calcium. It is inferred from the study that these water sources can be used for potable purpose only after prior treatment.

Diversity of root associated microorganisms of selected medicinal plants and influence of rhizomicroorganisms on the antimicrobial property of Coriandrum sativum.

The total heterotrophic bacteria, actinomycetes and fungus were enumerated from the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil of 50 selected locally available medicinal plants in and around Bharathiar University. In all the plants, population of microorganism were higher in the rhizosphere soil than in the non rhizosphere soil. Among the microorganisms, bacterial population was higher in number followed by fungus and actinomycetes. Of the medicinal plants, the maximum rhizosphere effect was observed in Annona squamosa and the minimum effect was seen in Eclipta alba and Cassia auriculata. Among the bacteria the dominant species was Bacillus followed by Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus and Serratia. The Streptomyces species was found to be dominant followed by Deuteromycetes and Frankia among the actinomycetes. Among the fungal isolates Rhizopus was found to be higher in number followed by Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor and Fusarium. About 70.96% of the bacterial isolates were found to be nitrate reducers and 90.60% of the bacteria solubilised phosphate. The rhizosphere bacterial isolates were also capable of hydrolyzing starch, cellulose, casein, urea and gelatin. The isolates of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungus were also able to produce phytohormone Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The maximum IAA production was recorded by Fusarium sp (5.8 mg/l). The rhizosphere bacterial isolates showed resistance to 14 commercially used antibiotics. In an attempt to check the influence of these plant growth promoting microorganisms on the antimicrobial property of Coriandrum sativum against Escherichia coli MTCC-443 and Aeromonas hydrophila MTCC-646, the results observed was not encouraging since the inoculants did not influence the antibacterial property. However extensive and in depth study is required to find out the influence of rhizomicroorganisms on the antibacterial property of medicinal plants. The other results clearly indicated that the rhizosphere microorganisms could be exploited for its innumerable properties and active metabolites.