Engineering Department Research Articles

Improving the Usability of Graphical Authentication Systems Using Subject-Based Images

Recognition based graphical authentication systems rely on a system user’s ability to recognize previously chosen images and use those images to gain access into a computing systems, devices or application. Recognition based systems that utilise several types of images have been developed and studied. The déjà vu scheme depends on the use of abstract (meaningless) images. Images in the déjà vu scheme have no exact meaning. This scheme has also been actively studied. This article presents a between user study conducted on two recognition-based schemes using system prototypes. The Abstract Based Graphical Authentication (ABGA) was designed to simulate the déjà vu scheme. The performance of this system was compared with the performance of a novel system developed for this research. The novel system, called Subject Based Graphical Authentication (SBGA), in which the system used images from the various disciplines of the research participants. The researcher conducted a lab-based study with 100 participants, 50 participants for each of the prototypes. The study investigated the impact of using subject based images to enhance the usability and security of recognition-based graphical passwords. Two graphical models were thus developed and presented to the 100 participants, which comprised of staff and students from the departments of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Engineering. In the experiments, participants selected their graphical passwords from sets of images representing their various disciplines. The researcher observed that the memorability rate for graphical passwords consisting of subject based images aligned with participants' disciplines surpassed the rate for passwords with purely abstract images. The results indicated 81.7% successful login rate and 18.3% failure rate for Subject Based Graphical Authentication (SBGA). In contrast, Abstract Based Graphical Authentication (ABGP) exhibited a 51.5% successful login rate and a 48.7% failure rate. The findings provide significant insights for graphical password designers and developers seeking to enhance system memorability. Balancing image familiarity with security considerations can lead to more user-friendly and effective recognition-based authentication systems. This study provides valuable insights into the benefits of incorporating familiar images in recognition-based graphical passwords, showcasing a significant improvement in memorability and user authentication success. The findings underscore the importance of considering the user’s familiarity with portfolio images in the design of graphical authentication systems.

AutoCAD Training and Introduction for JTSB Poliban Students

Training and introduction to AutoCAD applications for civil engineering students is an important step in improving students' skills and abilities in using software that is relevant to their field of study. In the implementation of Community Service this time, activities were carried out at the Modeling and Engineering Studio, Civil and Earth Engineering Department, Banjarmasin State Polytechnic on Monday, June 24, 2024. In this training, participants were introduced to the AutoCAD application, tools in the AutoCAD application, and the use and operation of the AutoCAD application in the field of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENTAL LABORATORY SET VIA INTERNET SYSTEM ON ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENT AND MEASUREMENT COURSE OF HIGHER VOCATIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM OF RAJAMANGALA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ISAN, SAKON NAKHON CAMPUS

Development qualities, efficiency, and user satisfaction of the experimental laboratory set via internet system are electrical instrument and measurement course of the Higher Vocational Certificate Program of the Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Sakon Nakhon campus. The research sample group consists of 21 first-year students in the Electronics Engineering Department, Higher Vocational Certificate Program, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Sakon Nakhon campus, and the choose a specific type. The research tools were the experimental laboratory set via internet system on electronic measurement tools course of Higher Vocational Certificate Program of Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Sakon Nakhon campus., content and media production technical quality evaluation forms, academic achievement test and practice evaluation form, and user satisfaction evaluation form. Statistics used in this research were mathematical mean (x̄), standard deviation (SD), and percentage. The research results found that the experimental laboratory set via the internet system on electronic measurement tools course of Higher Vocational Certificate Program of Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Sakon Nakhon campus have the content quality was good level (x̄ = 3.96, SD = 0.79) and the media production technical quality was good level (x̄ = 4.20, SD = 0.66).

Analysing Learning Styles for Engineering Capstone Projects: 4MAT Analysis on Student Outcomes and Perceptions

Capstone projects are integrated into engineering curricula to combine various subjects and impart essential professional skills that may be difficult to teach solely through traditional lecture-based courses. These projects play a crucial role in preparing students for their future roles as professional engineers, thereby significantly impacting a university’s industry reputation and ranking. The challenge in engineering education lies in aligning the teaching approach of educators with the diverse learning styles of their students. This study aims to examine the impact of the learning style of the students measured by their watching-doing scores using the 4MAT tool, on the attainment of the benefits of the graduation project (GP). The Bayesian Belief Networks (BBN) approach was adopted in this study to analyse the data collected from 271 students enrolled in both GP1 and GP2 semesters in the engineering department of United Arab Emirates University. Results show that regardless of learning style, both watching and doing category students share similar perspectives on various aspects of the GP course, such as the optimal team performance ratio. However, when assessing the overall effectiveness of the GP programme, doing students exhibit a higher level of agreement than watching students. The study provides valuable insights to faculty members, helping them navigate the optimal balance between providing mentorship and fostering students’ independence during the different stages of their final-year design capstone projects. These findings underscore the importance of tailored educational strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, contributing to more effective engineering education and better-prepared graduates.

Analysis and Classification Of Wireless LAN Network Service Quality Using The Naive Bayes Algorithm In The Department Of Informatics and Computer Engineering, Faculty Of Engineering, State University Of Makassar

This study aims to determine the Quality of Service outcomes and the classification results of the Naive Bayes Algorithm on the Wireless LAN network quality in the Department of Informatics Engineering and Computer Faculty of Engineering at Makassar State University. This study uses the Action Research method with a quantitative approach. It conducts 54 tests using Wireshark in two different sessions to be compared for each time conducted during the research. The results of the research indicate that the status of the Wireless LAN network in the Department of Informatics Engineering and Computer Faculty of Engineering at Makassar State University falls into the "Good" category with the highest value of 59.26% , with an algorithm accuracy of 65.43%. Both testing sessions, morning session from 08:30 to 09:00 and afternoon session from 13:30 to 14:00, are categorized as "Good" according to the TIPHON standardization category as well as based on the Naive Bayes Algorithm classification results. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that the measurement of network service quality can utilize software other than Wireshark and increase the amount of test data to improve the accuracy of the Naive Bayes algorithm.

The Use of PCMs and PV Solar Panels in Higher Education Buildings towards Energy Savings and Decarbonization: A Case Study

Buildings are one the largest energy-consuming sectors in the world, and it is crucial to find solutions to reduce their energy consumption. One way to evaluate these solutions is using building simulation software, which provides a comprehensive perspective. In this article, using DesignBuilder software (v 6.1), the effect of using phase-change materials (PCMs) on the external walls and ceiling of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Shahid Beheshti University (Tehran, Iran) has been investigated. The methodology involves the use of a layer of PCMs for three locations: (1) on the walls; (2) on the ceiling; and (3) on both the walls and ceiling, with/without PV panels, which leads to seven scenarios (alongside the reference one). The result shows that using PCMs has a greater impact on the heating load than the cooling one and is more effective on ceilings than walls. For the simultaneous use of PCMs in the ceilings and walls, the heating and cooling loads, in comparison with the initial condition of the building, are reduced by 24%, and 12%, respectively. When using solar panels, the heating load increases by 12.6%, and the cooling load decreases by 8.6%, whereas the total energy consumption of the building is fairly constant when using both PV panels and PCMs. In these last conditions, the primary evaluated values shifted significantly. Notably, CO2 emissions saw a nearly 50% reduction, making the simultaneous use of PV panels and PCMs on both walls and ceilings the best performance option.

Elemental Profiling with Reference to Metal Index to Study Pollutant Load in Northern River of India

Present light was to determine elemental load in Sirsa river ecosystem to know the concentration of toxicants in this Sutlej river’s tributary that act as a gutter for industrial effluents of Baddi region. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy was used to detect concentration of elements in the department of biochemical engineering and biotechnology at IIT Delhi and the collected data was further analyzed statistically using one way ANOVA at (p≤0.05) followed by post hoc Duncan’s test to predict degree of variations and comparative profile in Table 1. The application of metal index was also performed to estimate water quality and co-related it with health hazards. Variations in concentration of elements was reported near common effluent treatment plant on pollutant Nallah (S2) in deceasing order read as Mg>Na>Ca>B>Zn>Cu>Mn>Fe>Mo>Al>Tl>Se in ppb. The concentration of elements reported at S1, S2, S3 were within permissible limit of WHO and Bureau of Indian Standards, except the value of Boron, Magnesium and Thallium were exceeded these guidelines constantly at site S2 of study area.The metal index values at S1, S2 and S3 were 1.55, 5.80 and 2.57 respectively. The site S2 was affected strongly due to presence of elemental dust and un-treated waste water discharged by chemical industrial units of Baddi region. This site (S2) was nearer to common effluent treatment plant on the bank of Sirsa river and found to be unsuitable at all with more value of metal index. It was also viewed to adopt such scale indices to estimate drinking water quality with respect to concentration of elements after equal interval of time; as there may be seasonal change in the load of debris due to rate of pollutants dumping in the riverine ecosystem which is directly proportional to the content of elements. The load of pollutants in water system was underlined to know the impact of inorganic waste discharges on water quality of river in this region of Himachal Pradesh along industrial belt.

Basic medical sciences are pre-clinical subjects, not non-clinical subjects: Say 'No' to the prefix 'Non-'.

Few medical institutions in India, such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), use the term pre-clinical in their websites and brochures, but many institutions still use the word 'non-clinical'. In my opinion, the non-clinical departments should be renamed pre-clinical departments. In western countries, the curriculum is divided into pre-clinical and clinical. For example, in Oxford University, the initial instruction in courses such as Anatomy and Physiology is regarded as pre-clinical instruction. Non-clinical departments in western countries are the departments of human resource, accounts and information technology (IT).

Step by Step Calculation of the Penman-Monteith Evapotranspiration (FAO-56 Method)

AE459, a 12-page fact sheet by Lincoln Zotarelli, Michael D. Dukes, Consuelo C. Romero, Kati W. Migliaccio, and Kelly T. Morgan, provides a step-by-step calculation of the reference evapotranspiration (FAO-56 method) for a given location from the available weather data. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2010.

Modelling Soil Moisture Balance for Okra Cultivars in Makurdi Agro Climate Using Decision Support System for Agro Technology Transfer (DSSAT)

Abstract: Soil moisture balance from okra (abelmoschus esculentus) field was performed on experimental plot of the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Joseph Sanwuan Tarka University Makurdi -Nigeria. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted on four okra cultivars planted and irrigated by drip system at different levels (80% (I1), 60% (I2), 45% (I3), and 15% (I4)) according to the agronomic practices of okra. Decision Support System for agro technology Transfer (DSSAT) model for the Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CERES) was used to model soil moisture balance by linear regression (multivariate analysis of variance, (MANOVA)) and validated. The soil was sandy loam with high field capacity (FC) at I4 and nearly uniform drainage (D) except for I4.. Runoff (R) decreases from 35.71 for I1 to 0.07 for I4 implying that R, D and change in water storage (∆S) are functions of the amount and duration of irrigation. The models reported an acceptable deviation from the ideal line of the R and ∆S at higher values confirming degree of the correlation between the observed and predicted dataset but experienced difficulties with estimating lower values due to lower magnitudes in irrigation. From the foregoing it is concluded that decreasing water application results in an increase in irrigation and the reverse is also true.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to tooth morphology among dental students and dental technician students

Objectives: Students are introduced to the morphological features of primary and permanent human dentition in a dental anatomy course, which is a part of the basic core sciences program in the Department of Dentistry and Dental Prosthesis Technology. The purpose of this study was to compare dental students' (DSs’) and dental technician students' (DTSs’) knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to dental morphology. Materials and Methods: Using a 26-item self-administered questionnaire, the DSs and DTSs participated in a descriptive cross-sectional study. Three components made up the questionnaire: four items for demographic profile, ten items for dental morphology knowledge level, seven items for attitude toward tooth morphology, and five items for practice in tooth morphology. There were 274 student answers in all. The data were analyzed using an independent t test and one-way ANOVA. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance for each test. Results: Between DSs and DTSs, there was a statistically significant difference in their knowledge and practices of tooth morphology (p< .001). However, DTSs knowledge of dental morphology was significantly greater, and DSs practice scores were significantly greater. There was no significant difference in the attitude of tooth morphology between the two groups (p=0.379). Both groups had low levels of dental morphology knowledge, with an average of 3.86 correct answers for DTSs and an average of 3.16 correct answers for DSs. In the DSs group, first-year students had a greater knowledge level (4.22±1.63 correct answers) than did the other students. Conclusions: Knowing the variations in dental morphology knowledge, attitudes, and practices between a dentist and dental technician may help us take preventative measures. While preclinical dentistry students and dental technician students had different levels of expertise, both groups were less knowledgeable about tooth morphology. Both groups had similarly high attitudes toward tooth morphology.

Alzheimer's Disease Mortality Rate: Correlation with Socio-Economic and Environmental Factors.

The progressive increase in the number of deaths caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Brazil and around the world between 2010 and 2020 raises questions in scientific society. At the same time, there is also an increase in life expectancy at birth (LEB). Thus, the aim of this study was, for the first time, to compare the increase in AD mortality rate (ADMR) in Brazilian regions over the years 2010 to 2020 with the increase in LEB, and investigate the possible correlation between these demographic transition phenomena and pesticide sales and exposure during this period. Data were extracted from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), from the Department of Informatics and Technology of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (DATASUS) and from the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). There was a significant increase in life expectancy at birth and in ADMR over the years between 2010 and 2020 in all Brazilian regions, with the female population in the South region being the most affected. In conclusion, there is a strong positive correlation between the increase in ADMR and LEB; ADMR and Human Development Index (HDI) and ADMR and pesticide sales and exposure in Brazil over the years studied.

Multifunctional Porous Pavement Prototype for Urban Pluvial Flood Protection: Preliminarily Findings on Contribution of Attitudes to Acceptance Willingness Toward Proposed Scientific and Engineering Solutions

Rapid urbanization and climate change correlate with an increase in frequency of flood events, globally. For many cities worldwide pluvial floods bring significant risk. Permeable/pervious paving (PePav), as an essential sustainable urban drainage technique, is one of the key environmental solutions for urban flooding. Waste and recycled materials in the construction industry for PePav production comply with the principles of circular economy and sustainable development. The influence of the human factor is well recognized in efforts to apply those solutions and make them self-sustainable. The preliminary results show that younger female students and students with lower family monthly income are prone to express more positive attitudes toward PePav generally. Students from different study groups (Departments of Psychology, Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, and Construction Project Management) show significantly different attitudes toward PePav. Statistical models indicate that the PePav acceptance willingness can be predicted with moderate accuracy by knowing attitudes toward PePav and personal experience in construction. The contributions of the fact that someone's close person has been affected by a flood may vary depending on the type of PePav scientific and engineering solutions.

Comparative Evaluation of Performance of Traditional Method and Commercially Available Pedal Operated Paddy Thresher with the Developed Machine

Traditional method of threshing of the Paddy crop is categorized as very laborious, low output, high damage per cent, costly etc. The present study was conducted to design and develop a power operated paddy drum thresher cum winnower to increase the mechanization in paddy crop threshing process, reduce drudgery, and increase production and to make it cost effective etc. Different components of the power operated paddy drum thresher cum winnower were designed and developed at Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, SVCAET and RS, FAE, IGKV RAIPUR. It consisted of threshing drum, blower, reciprocating sieve, lower sieve and upper sieve etc.The data were analyzed and optimized by Response Surface Method (RSM) using Design Expert 13.0 software. The optimum values of the independent variables of threshingunit viz., feed rate 275kg/h, peripheral speed 11 m/s and moisture 14.5% (db) the corresponding values of dependent parameters of threshing unit viz., threshing efficiency 98.7%, threshing capacity 210 kg/h, cleaning efficiency 90.1%and total grain loss percent1.96 were recorded. The total cost of operation was observed to be Rs. 1.04 per kg with breakeven point and payback period of 124.13hours per year and 2 years respectively.

Investigation of the Roles of Functional Solvents in Performance Stability of High Voltage Lithium Batteries

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have become prevalent for portable and large-scale applications, such as personal electronic devices, unmanned aircraft systems, electric vehicles, and power grids.1 However, LIBs are approaching an asymptotic limit in specific energy (~250 Wh kg-1 at cell level); therefore, they are insufficient to meet future applications that require higher battery specific energies.2 Ni-rich cathodes, such as LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NMC811), have the potential to provide much higher specific energies for next-generation LIBs (e.g., >350 Wh kg-1) and, therefore, are considered the most promising low-cost cathode materials.3 Nevertheless, Ni-rich cathode based LIBs with conventional carbonate solvent based electrolytes face severe technical challenges, especially when cycled at high upper cutoff voltages, due to electrolyte decomposition, parasitic oxidation reactions at the electrolyte/cathode interface, irreversible phase changes in the cathodes, and dissolution of transition metals into electrolytes.4 Therefore, R&D efforts are needed to tackle the above technical challenges of Ni-rich cathode based LIBs before they become commercially viable.In our previous study,5 a ternary of fluorinated solvents was used to formulate a high voltage stable electrolyte (HVE) which was used in Ni-rich cathode based, high-voltage lithium batteries. These HVE-based batteries demonstrated a significant improvement in cycle stability when operated at a charge cutoff voltage of 4.5 V (vs Li/Li+). In this study, we investigated the roles of single-solvents and co-solvents in the cycle stability of the high-voltage lithium batteries. Several families of organic solvents, such as fluorinated carbonates and organosilicon based solvents were investigated. Our preliminary data showed that some unique combinations of the functional solvents could lead to exceptionally stable cycle performance in the high-voltage lithium batteries. We will discuss possible fundamental mechanisms responsible for the observed performance stability of the high-voltage lithium batteries using ex-situ XPS, density functional theory calculations, and other characterization techniques. References (1) Li, J.; Fleetwood, J.; Hawley, W. B.; Kays, W. From materials to cell: state-of-the-art and prospective technologies for lithium-ion battery electrode processing. Chemical Reviews 2021, 122 (1), 903-956.(2) Khan, F. N. U.; Rasul, M. G.; Sayem, A.; Mandal, N. K. Design and optimization of lithium-ion battery as an efficient energy storage device for electric vehicles: A comprehensive review. Journal of Energy Storage 2023, 71, 108033.(3) Xue, W.; Huang, M.; Li, Y.; Zhu, Y. G.; Gao, R.; Xiao, X.; Zhang, W.; Li, S.; Xu, G.; Yu, Y. Ultra-high-voltage Ni-rich layered cathodes in practical Li metal batteries enabled by a sulfonamide-based electrolyte. Nature Energy 2021, 6 (5), 495-505.(4) Yang, J.; Liang, X.; Ryu, H.-H.; Yoon, C. S.; Sun, Y.-K. Ni-Rich Layered Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries: From Challenges to the Future. Energy Storage Materials 2023, 102969.(5) Poches, C.; Razzaq, A. A.; Studer, H.; Ogilvie, R.; Lama, B.; Paudel, T. R.; Li, X.; Pupek, K.; Xing, W. Fluorinated High-Voltage Electrolytes To Stabilize Nickel-Rich Lithium Batteries. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2023, 15 (37), 43648-43655. Acknowledgement This work was supported by the following funding sources. The Larry and Linda Pearson Endowed Chair at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, South Dakoda School of Mines and Technology. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, CA under Contract No N6893622C0017. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, CA. TP acknowledges the support from the SDBOR Governor Research Center for the Electrochemical Energy Storage and NASA EPSCOR-80NSSC23M0072.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Electrodes for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction to Formate at High Current Densities (up to 1 A cm−2)

Achieving efficient CO2 electroreduction for production of valuable chemicals requires affordable, stable, and non-toxic catalysts. One of the most studied and promising products of CO2 reduction is formic acid/formate. The latter species is receiving increased attention as an energy vector [1] or energy storage media (e.g., in CO2 redox flow batteries [2]). At present, the practical application of CO2 reduction to formate still faces challenges due to the lack of electrocatalysts capable of operating at high current densities (> 200 mA cm−2) with low degradation over long-duration operation [3].Traditional metallic catalysts like Bi, Sn, In or Pb when scaled in flow cells typically suffer from low faradaic efficiencies (< 70%) at current densities ≥ 200 mA cm-2, coupled with inadequate durability [4]. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) present promising and thus far largely unexplored attributes as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction, including high atom utilization during catalysis due to their porous crystal structure and tunable pore size distribution [5,6]. However, they also face challenges related to high overpotentials and complex synthesis methods [7].This study elucidates the efficacy of a Bi metal-organic framework (Bi-MOF) synthesized through a rapid and facile method. The Bi-MOF obtained by our proprietary novel method [8], exhibits exceptional catalytic performance. Notably, it demonstrates outstanding faradaic efficiencies towards formate (FEHCOO - = 95–100%) at current densities up to 1 A cm−2 in a gas diffusion electrode, at low catalyst loading (0.5 mg cm−2).Moreover, Bi-MOF displays extended stability, operating continuously for over 20 hours at an industrially relevant current density (200 mA cm−2) and without electrolyte (1.5 M KOH) replenishment. In a flow reactor with 10 cm2 electrode geometric area, a 100% FEHCOO - was obtained during 2-hour electrolysis at 100 mA cm−2 across a broad pH range (8–14). The electrochemical testing of the Bi-MOF was supplemented by surface and structural characterizations to correlate the activity with structural features. This analysis unveiled the role of the organic framework and the reason why Bi-MOF surpasses other Bi-based catalysts, including commercial Bi2O2CO3, Bi2O3, and metallic Bi, in selectivity (FE), cell potential, and durability.These findings hold promise for further scale-up of CO2 reduction to formate using the cost-effective and easily prepared Bi-MOF catalyst.[1] Bienen, F., Kopljar, D., Löwe, A., Aßmann, P., Stoll, M., Rößner, P., Wagner, N., Friedrich, A., & Klemm, E. (2019). Utilizing Formate as an Energy Carrier by Coupling CO2 Electrolysis with Fuel Cell Devices. Chemie Ingenieur Technik, 91(6), 872-882.[2] Hosseini-Benhangi, P., Gyenge, C., & Gyenge, E. (2021). The carbon dioxide redox flow battery: Bifunctional CO2 reduction/formate oxidation electrocatalysis on binary and ternary catalysts. Journal of Power Sources, 495, 229752.[3] Masel, R. I., Liu, Z., Yang, H., Kaczur, J. J., Carrillo, D., Ren, S., Salvatore, D., & Berlinguette, C. P. (2021). An industrial perspective on catalysts for low-temperature CO2 electrolysis. Nature Nanotechnology, 16(2), 118-128.[4] Zou, J., Liang, G., Lee, C., & Wallace, G. G. (2023). Progress and perspectives for electrochemical CO2 reduction to formate. Materials Today Energy, 38, 101433.[5] Mazari, S. A., Hossain, N., Basirun, W. J., Mubarak, N. M., Abro, R., Sabzoi, N., & Shah, A. (2021). An overview of catalytic conversion of CO2 into fuels and chemicals using metal organic frameworks. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 149, 67-92.[6] Xie, W., Mulina, O. M., O., A., & He, L. (2023). Metal–Organic Frameworks for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction into Formic Acid. Catalysts, 13(7), 1109.[7] Köppen, M., Dhakshinamoorthy, A., Inge, A.K., Cheung, O., Ångström, J., Mayer, P. and Stock, N. (2018), Synthesis, Transformation, Catalysis, and Gas Sorption Investigations on the Bismuth Metal–Organic Framework CAU-17. Eur. J. Inorg. Chem., 2018: 3496-3503.[8] Selva-Ochoa, A.G., Habibzadeh F., Gyenge E.L. (2023). Manuscript in preparation. Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, UBC.

(Invited) Emergent Chiroptical Properties in Assembled Molecules and Materials: From Native Chirality to Global Chirality

The emergence of chiroptical properties in molecules and materials through their asymmetric organizations has fascinated humankind in general and the scientific community in particular. By adopting molecules, plasmonic systems, and semiconductor quantum dots as examples, the translation of ‘local’ chirality in these building blocks to the ‘global’ chirality when they self-assemble as nanoobjects will be explained. The presentation covers the following aspects. In assembled molecular systems, induced circular dichroism (ICD) originates through the off-resonance coupling of transition dipoles, resulting in monosignated CD signals. In contrast, exciton-coupled circular dichroism (EC-CD) originates through the on-resonance exciton coupling, displaying bisignated CD signals.1-3 Bisignation in the CD responses of assembled plasmonic systems results from the resonant plasmon coupling, termed surface plasmon-coupled circular dichroism (SP-CD).4,5 The presentation will draw parallels between the emergence of EC-CD and SP-CD based on the coupling of their transition dipoles.3 More importantly, our studies have concluded that the sign of the EC-CD/SP-CD depends not only on the handedness of the assembly but also on the sign of the interaction energy between the neighboring dipoles.6 The presentation will also discuss how chiral surface domains of various self-assembled amino acid-based templates transfer chiral information to bound achiral chromophores. The origin of CD and CPL of achiral molecules on these templates are explained based on exciton coupling.7 The presentation will also provide fundamental insight into the interaction of chiral molecules with silicon nanoparticles and the emergence of its CD and CPL.8 An open challenge is to develop a universal model which can explain the chiroptical properties of assembled systems based on the transition dipolar coupling and interaction energy: our findings in this direction will be presented. Thomas R, Kumar J, George J, et al. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2018, 9, 919-932.Kar S, Swathi K, Sissa C, et al., Phys. Chem. Lett., 2018, 9, 4584-4590.Nizar NSS, Sujith M, Swathi K, et al. Soc. Rev.,2021, 50 , 11208-11226.George J, Thomas KG, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2010, 132, 2502-2503.George J, Kar S, Anupriya ES, et al. ACS Nano 13, 2019, 4392-4401.Swathi K, Sissa C, Painelli A, et al. Commun. , 2020 , 56, 8281-8284.Somasundaran SM, Kompella SVK, Mohan TMN, et al. ACS Nano 2023 17, 11054-11069.Sujith M, Vishnu EK, Sappati S, et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. , 2022, 144, 5074-5086. The theoretical collaborations with Dr. R. S. Swathi, IISER Thiruvananthapuram (India), Dr. Cristina Sissa and Prof. Anna Painelli, University of Parma (Italy), and Prof. S. Balasubramanian, JNCASR, Bangalore are greatly acknowledged. KGT acknowledges the J. C. Bose National Fellowship and Nanomission project (DST/NM/TUE/EE-01/2019), the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, for financial support.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Sources in Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of the Department of Tea Husbandry and Technology, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (Himachal Pradesh) in pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon i.e., from March, 2021 to November, 2021. The objective was to assess the impact of organic nutrient inputs on Tea (Camellia sinensis L. O. Kuntze). The experiment comprised of 10 treatments with the organic treatment include application of different nitrogen sources, viz farmyard manure; vermicompost; jeevamrit and vermiwash. The experiment included ten treatments, including a control group, FYM (Farm Yard Manure) @ 20 t ha-1, vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1, split doses of FYM @ 10 t ha-1+10 t ha-1, split doses of vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1+5 t ha-1, FYM @ 20 t ha-1+Jeevamrit @ 10%, vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1+Jeevamrit @10%, FYM @ 20 t ha-1+vermiwash @ 10%, vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1+vermiwash @ 10% and Jeevamrit @ 10%. The experiment was designed following a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The soil of experiment field was acidic in nature, silty clay loam in texture, low in Nitrogen, medium in Phosphorus and Potassium. The results showed that the growth, yield attributes and overall tea yield increased significantly with the application of vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1+Jeevamrit @ 10%. Furthermore, this treatment exhibited notably higher gross returns, net returns and additional net returns compared to the control group.

Nurturing Soft Skills in Engineering Education with Interactive Activities

In today's job market, soft skills are increasingly crucial, surpassing technical knowledge. Traditional lectures fall short in teaching these skills, prompting universities to explore new methods of instruction. A Turkish public university introduced a curriculum with non-disciplinary courses called Personal Development Pathway (PDP) courses for its Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) department. These courses aim to enhance soft skills, motivate students, foster positive relationships, and improve employability. Employing Positive Education approach, the PDP courses include hands-on learning, one-on-one meetings, exercises, interactions with professionals, and self-reflection. This study evaluates four PDP courses that are offered for first-, second-, and third-year EEE students. It explores how these courses, designed similarly but offered in different semesters, enhanced EEE students' soft skills and their understanding of course concepts. A questionnaire was administered to sixty-one students after four semesters of teaching. Data triangulation utilized journals, interviews, and reflections. Data showed increased motivation, improved interpersonal skills, and enhanced confidence in self-expression among students. Despite the collaborative effort and time required from instructors, these courses seem to provide valuable opportunities for students to enhance their competence and success in future careers.

Performance of Row Cover with Mulch on Early Sowing of Watermelon in Semi-Arid Region

The experiment was conducted during the months of January to March in the year 2023 at Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat). A field experiment was conducted to assess the performance of mulch and row covers in early watermelon cultivation with the primary aim on strategically removing row covers days after sowing. Randomized Block Design was employed with featuring of three treatments (mulching without row cover, mulching with row cover for 30 days and mulching with row cover for 45 days). Various yield and yield attribute parameters were recorded and analysed. The research findings indicated that the removal of row covers 30 days after sowing significantly influenced main vine length (2.72 m), number of nodes per main vine (36.40), number of fruits plant-1 (2.53), yield plant-1 (4.21 kg) and yield ha-1 (62.32 t ha-1). Removal of row covers 30 days after sowing exhibited higher net returns (Rs. 4, 85, 419 ha-1) and higher benefit-cost ratio (4.52). Removal of row cover 45 days after sowing significantly reduced the watermelon yield. The results unveiled that mulching with a row cover aster 30 days of sowing is the optimal approach for increasing watermelon yield and net returns in early watermelon cultivation.