Homotopy analysis method with a non-homogeneous term in the auxiliary linear operator

We demonstrate the efficiency of a modification of the normal homotopy analysis method (HAM) proposed by Liao [2] by including a non-homogeneous term in the auxiliary linear operator (this can be considered as a special case of “further generalization” of HAM given by Liao in [2]). We then apply the modified method to a few examples. It is observed that including a non-homogeneous term gives faster convergence in comparison to normal HAM. We also prove a convergence theorem, which shows that our technique yields the convergent solution.     

Approximate controllability of retarded semilinear stochastic system with non local conditions

This paper deals with the approximate controllability of retarded semilinear stochastic system with nonlocal conditions in Hilbert Spaces under the assumption that the corresponding linear system is approximately controllable. The control function for this system is suitably constructed by using the infinite dimensional controllability operator. With this control function, the sufficient conditions for the approximate controllability of the proposed problem in Hilbert Space are established. The results are obtained by using Banach fixed point theorem. Finally, two examples are provided to illustrate the application of the obtained results.     

Aqueous Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate

Aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), initiated by the potassium bromate-thioglycollic acid (TGA) redox system, has been studied at 30 ± 0.2° C under positive pressure of nitrogen. The rate is given by K[MMA] [TGA] ⁰[KBrO₃]^x where × = 1 for lower KBrO₃ concentrations and 0.5 for higher KBrO₃ concentrations. The reaction has been studied over the 20–45°C range. The activation energy was found to be 65.72 kJ/mol (15.71 kcal/mol) in the investigated range of temperature. Inorganic electrolytes except MnSO₄·4H₂O and Na₂C₂O₄ depress both the rate of polymerization and the maximum conversion. All the alcohols (viz., MeOH, EtOH, iso-PrOH, tert-BuOH) and acetone depress the rate of polymerization as well as the maximum conversion.     

Modeling the role of government efforts in controlling extremism in a society

People having extreme idealogies affect the process in a region using fear of terror acts, money power, and the word of mouth communication network to change individuals to their way of thinking. This forces government to divert its limited financial resources for controlling extremism and thus affecting development. In this paper, therefore, a nonlinear mathematical model is proposed to study the dynamics of extremism governed by four dependent variables, namely, number of people in the general population having no extreme ideology, number of extreme ideologists, number of isolated ideologists (prisoners), and the cumulative density of government efforts and their interactions. The model is analyzed using the stability theory of differential equations and computer simulation. The analysis shows that if appropriate level of government efforts is applied on extremists, the spread of their ideology can be controlled in the general population. A numerical study of the model is also carried out to investigate the effects of certain parameters on the spread of extremism confirming the analytical results.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and thermal evaluation of novel mono- and bis-adamantylated resorcinol-based phthalonitrile resins with enhanced solubility

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - Phthalonitrile (PN) resins are high-temperature-resistant thermosetting polymers which find applications in military as well as aerospace owing to...     

Structural characterization of anthracene-picric acid eutectic system

The eutectic composition has been derived from phasediagram studies and the nature of eutectics has been established by thermal and spectral studies. Diffraction studies reveal the establishment of preferential ordering and the crystalline character of eutectics.     

Biofortification—A Frontier Novel Approach to Enrich Micronutrients in Field Crops to Encounter the Nutritional Security

Globally, many developing countries are facing silent epidemics of nutritional deficiencies in human beings and animals. The lack of diversity in diet, i.e., cereal-based crops deficient in mineral nutrients is an additional threat to nutritional quality. The present review accounts for the significance of biofortification as a process to enhance the productivity of crops and also an agricultural solution to address the issues of nutritional security. In this endeavor, different innovative and specific biofortification approaches have been discussed for nutrient enrichment of field crops including cereals, pulses, oilseeds and fodder crops. The agronomic approach increases the micronutrient density in crops with soil and foliar application of fertilizers including amendments. The biofortification through conventional breeding approach includes the selection of efficient genotypes, practicing crossing of plants with desirable nutritional traits without sacrificing agricultural and economic productivity. However, the transgenic/biotechnological approach involves the synthesis of transgenes for micronutrient re-translocation between tissues to enhance their bioavailability. Soil microorganisms enhance nutrient content in the rhizosphere through diverse mechanisms such as synthesis, mobilization, transformations and siderophore production which accumulate more minerals in plants. Different sources of micronutrients viz. mineral solutions, chelates and nanoparticles play a pivotal role in the process of biofortification as it regulates the absorption rates and mechanisms in plants. Apart from the quality parameters, biofortification also improved the crop yield to alleviate hidden hunger thus proving to be a sustainable and cost-effective approach. Thus, this review article conveys a message for researchers about the adequate potential of biofortification to increase crop productivity and nourish the crop with additional nutrient content to provide food security and nutritional quality to humans and livestock.