Prime Focus Research Articles

Cable net generation of a deployable offset parabolic reflector using quasi-geodesic curves

Designing an offset cable net in parabolic reflectors introduces several complexities compared to prime focus configurations. This study aims to develop a versatile cable net generation algorithm capable of adapting to the reflector’s dimensions and the curvature of the paraboloid surface. In this regard, we propose a methodology that leverages specific paraboloid surface curves known as quasi-geodesic curves. Similar to geodesic curves on a sphere, quasi-geodesic curves visually resemble proper geodesic shapes but may follow distinct mathematical principles. We introduce two types of quasi-geodesic curves: primary curves that intersect the center point of the cable net and secondary curves that pass through any two points on the net. We present various solutions accommodating different cable net layouts and introduce a quality index based on an equilateral triangle cable net. Finally, we compare the quasi-geodesic-type cable net with the isogrid-type cable net to highlight tension distribution and surface accuracy improvements.

THE POLITICS OF PUPPETRY: STUDYING THE PLAY AMAR SINGH RATHORE: KATHPUTLI-KA-KHEL AS A CHALLENGE TO HEGEMONIC CONSTRUCTION

Rajasthan is widely considered as the hub of folk art and folk theatre. Puppetry also known as Kathputli is performed by the Bhat community precisely which renders them as an inevitable part of oral literature and also as the main contributor in documenting history of Kings. The artform of Puppetry has always been a genre that never fails to capture immediate attention and has the power to bind the audience, compelling them to think as to what the puppet masters of the Bhat community are trying to point out. Our reasons for choosing Puppetry as the prime focus of our small project has been inspired by the same argument. Folklore has immense aesthetic and traditional values for every region. The way it ranges from talking about mythical celestial heroes to kings and their kingdoms, kathputli tradition has incorporated it all. Our inclination towards the art of string Puppetry is undeniable. The efficiency with which the Bhats have employed their skills to demolish the hegemonic constructions, depicts that their methods are nothing short of perfection. This article attempts to venture into this very discourse, unravelling the politicised stance of Puppetry in decentring the hegemony of caste/class construction.

Micro crystalline cellulose aided surface modification and deposition of green polyelectrolytes for the improved hydrophilicity and flame retardancy of polyamide 66 fabric

In this work, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) treated polyamide 66 (PA66) textiles were coated with green and naturally abundant polysaccharides specifically, chitosan (CS) and sodium alginate (SA) together with phytic acid (PA) via layer by layer (LbL) deposition. The prime focus of such treatment was to intensify both the hydrophilic and flame retardant properties of PA66 fabric substrates. Subsequently, the prepared coatings were further subjected to cross-linking modification by dipping them into the barium (Ba) salt solution. Obtained results indicated that the MCC-modified PA66 exhibited a water contact angle (WCA) value of 00 and revealed a drop in peak heat release rate (pHRR) up to 31 % with complete suppression of melt-dripping. Meanwhile, the Ba-ion-induced cross-linking treatment further escalated this reduction up to 36 % by adding enhanced thermal stability, improved char quality along better wash durability of as prepared coatings. In addition, the combined modification of PA66 textiles with MCC and Ba-ion handed a superb enhancement of physical properties like tensile strength by ca. 50 % compared to the pure PA66. Thus, this MCC-assisted surface modification paves the way for a new kind of greener treatment of PA66 textiles in attaining superior hydrophilic and flame retardant properties of the same.

Rice Straw Waste-Based Biogas Production via Microbial Digestion: A Review.

The development of sustainable and renewable energy production is in high demand, and bioenergy production via microbial digestion of organic wastes is in prime focus. Biogas produced from the microbial digestion of organic waste is the most promising among existing biofuel options. In this context, biogas production from lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most viable and promising technologies for sustainable biofuel production. In the present review, an assessment and feasibility advancement have been presented towards the sustainable production of biogas from rice straw waste. Rice straw (RS) is abundantly available, contains a high composition of cellulose, and is found under the category of lignocellulosic waste, but it may cause severe environmental issues if not treated. Whereas, due to its high cellulose and inorganic content, lower cost, and huge availability, this waste can be effectively valorized into biogas production at a lower cost on a commercial scale. Therefore, the present review provides existing insight in this area by focusing on the operational parameter's improvement and advancement in the research for the expansion of mass-scale production at a lower cost. Thus, the presented review analyzed the processing parameters status, associated challenges, and positive endnote solutions for more sustainable viability for biogas production.

Exploring the potential of machine learning to design antidiabetic molecules: a comprehensive study with experimental validation

Recent advances in hardware and software algorithms have led to the rise of data-driven approaches for designing therapeutic modalities. One of the major causes of human mortality is diabetes. Thus, there is a tremendous opportunity for research into effective antidiabetic designs. Therefore, in this study, we used machine learning-based small molecule design. We used various chemoinformatic and binary fingerprint techniques on small molecules to construct multiple models for alpha-amylase inhibitors. Among these models, the top models were used for ensemble-based machine learning predictions on libraries of organic molecules supplemented with synthetic scaffolds that could be used as antidiabetic agents. Further, involved identifying 10 promising molecules from computational studies and determining their inhibitory effects on alpha-amylase. These molecules were synthesised and thoroughly analysed to assess their biological inhibitory properties. Then, thermodynamic simulations were conducted to determine the stability and affinity of experimentally active molecules. The research results showcased the top 10 ML models recorded impressive statistics with an average model score of 0.8216, Pearson-r value of 0.827 and external validation yielding a Q 2 value of 0.835, proving their reliability and accuracy. Ten derivatives of benzothiophene dioxolane was prime research focus due to computational predictions. The biological inhibitory assay of synthesised molecules showed that small molecules with ID ALC5 and ALC6 exhibited inhibitory efficiencies (IC50) of 2.1 ± 0.14 µM and 5.71 ± 0.02 µM against alpha-amylase enzyme, whereas other molecules showed moderate inhibition. In conclusion, the positive results of the experiment indicate that researchers should explore machine learning-driven design. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Cancer treatment therapies: traditional to modern approaches to combat cancers.

As far as health issues are concerned, cancer causes one out of every six deaths around the globe. As potent therapeutics are still awaited for the successful treatment of cancer, some unconventional treatments like radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy and some advanced technologies like gene therapy, stem cell therapy, natural antioxidants, targeted therapy, photodynamic therapy, nanoparticles, and precision medicine are available to diagnose and treat cancer. In the present scenario, the prime focus is on developing efficient nanomedicines to treat cancer. Although stem cell therapy has the capability to target primary as well as metastatic cancer foci, it also has the ability to repair and regenerate injured tissues. However, nanoparticles are designed to have such novel therapeutic capabilities. Targeted therapy is also now available to arrest the growth and development of cancer cells without damaging healthy tissues. Another alternative approach in this direction is photodynamic therapy (PDT), which has more potential to treat cancer as it does minimal damage and does not limit other technologies, as in the case of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The best possible way to treat cancer is by developing novel therapeutics through translational research. In the present scenario, an important event in modern oncology therapy is the shift from an organ-centric paradigm guiding therapy to complete molecular investigations. The lacunae in anticancer therapy may be addressed through the creation of contemporary and pertinent cancer therapeutic techniques. In the meantime, the growth of nanotechnology, material sciences, and biomedical sciences has revealed a wide range of contemporary therapies with intelligent features, adaptable functions, and modification potential. The development of numerous therapeutic techniques for the treatment of cancer is summarized in this article. Additionally, it can serve as a resource for oncology and immunology researchers.

India's Fitness Industry Amid COVID-19

Since ancient times, fitness has been a part of the Indian culture. However, with increased western influence and changing lifestyle, the quest for fitness has also become modern and new trends are gaining importance. The entry of Giant techs like Google, Apple, etc has given a great impetus to fitness industry. According to Redseer Consulting, the market value of fitness industry in India was US $12 billion in 2018. According to Fitternity, there are around 24,000 gyms and studios in the country. To sustain themselves amid COVID-19, they are providing online training sessions over WhatsApp, Instagram and other channels of social media. The employees working in fitness industry have been laid off because of bankruptcy within gyms. During corona virus to enhance their immunity, many people took cycling to keep themselves fit. Under Unlock-3.0, Government decided to re-open gyms by following some generic and specific preventive measures. In the post COVID-19 world, the fitness industry worldover is set to witness a major change with prime focus on social distancing and hygiene measures. The gyms will have to accept new normal. When gyms do finally re-open, capacity is likely to be reduced by half to maintain the 6 feet distancing, while personal trainers will have to give advice from a distance, digital apps will be developed, social media will be utilized, etc. At-home workouts and online fitness training sessions will become more prominent. Hence, the gym industry will be moving more towards Digitalization of fitness products and services in near future.

Solvothermal synthesis of 3D rod-shaped Ti/Al/Cr nano-oxide for photodegradation of wastewater micropollutants under sunlight: a green way to achieve SDG:6.

Waterbodies are day-by-day polluted by the various colored micropollutants, e.g., azo dyes enriched (carcinogenic, non-biodegradable) colored wastewater from textile industries. Water pollution has become a serious global issue as ~ 25% of health diseases are prompted by pollution as reported by WHO. Around 1 billion people will face water scarcity by 2025 and this water crisis is also a prime focus to the UNs' sustainable development goal 6 (SDG6: clean water and sanitation). To prevent the water pollution caused by micropollutants, a mesoporous, 3D rod-like nano-oxide Ti/Al/Cr (abbreviated as TAC) has been synthesized via the solvothermal method. TAC degraded all classes of azo dyes (mono, di, tri, etc.) with > 90% efficiency under renewable energy source solar irradiation within the pH range 2-11. The detailed study was done on the photodegradation of carcinogenic di-azo dye Congo red (CR) which is banned in many countries. TAC showed 90.64 ± 2% degradation efficiency for CR at pH 7. The proposed photodegradation mechanism of CR was confirmed by the high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (HRLC-MS) analysis obeying the Pirkanniemi path. The photodegradation obeyed the pseudo-1st-order kinetics and was reusable up to successive 5 cycles which can be an efficient tool to meet the UNs' SDG:6.

Predictive accuracy of ultrasonography on upper ends of radius and ulna in age estimation in a sample of Egyptian population

Background Forensic age estimation is considered a prime focus of forensic anthropological analysis of living and human skeletal remains. Aim This study aimed to assess the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) in bone age estimation and to compare the predictability of age detection using ultrasound on the upper ends of the radius and ulna in a sample of Egyptian population. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 111 Egyptian volunteers of both sexes aged from 10 to 25 years old and subjected to the sonographic examination of the elbow joint. The volunteers were grouped into three age groups: group 1 (from 10 up to <12 years), group 2 (from 12 up to 16 years), and group 3 (> 16 up to 25 years). Results There was no statistically significant difference between both sexes concerning the age groups suggested by the stage of the epiphyseal union of the upper ends of the radius and ulna detected by US examination. The Kappa agreement test showed that there was a good agreement between the age estimated by the US examination based on the stage of the epiphyseal union of proximal ends of radius and ulna and the official age (Kappa=0.756, and 0.630, respectively). Conclusion US can be used as a suitable alternative modality for age estimation. The studied bone ends showed good agreement between the official age and the US estimated age. The proximal radius was with the highest agreement.

Network management schemes for IoT environment towards 6G: A comprehensive review

Usage of smart devices, expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) network, and its adoption in variety of applications grows exponentially day-by-day. It leads to various issues such as network privacy, security management, unreliable network management (NM) scheme, resource utilization, energy utilization, decentralization, transparency, and data interoperability. Development of the NM platform/framework for secure data dissemination in IoT networks is tedious due to heterogeneity and imbalanced IoT protocol stack. Recently, traditional network scheduling methods, Software Defined Networks (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), and hybrid approaches are widely used for managing the IoT network. But, most of these approaches are controlled by a centralized server, which may not be appropriate due to the heterogeneity of the IoT devices. Motivated from the aforementioned discussion, In this paper, we present a systematic survey on various NM schemes used to secure data dissemination for the IoT environment. We present a detailed taxonomy of all the existing NM schemes for IoT networks. Pros and cons of the traditional NM methods applicable for IoT environment are discussed in detail. The paper discusses a state-of-art survey on integrating blockchain (BC) technology in the existing IoT NM techniques. In this paper, our prime focus is to understand the potential of BC for enabling secured IoT management. Finally, a case study on BC implication for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) network using 6G is also discussed along with future directions.

Investigating the nexus between authentic leadership, employees’ green creativity, and psychological environment: evidence from emerging economy

Employees’ green creativity is the basic input to organizational innovation capabilities, the prime focus of practitioners to stay competitive, and a mean to solve the society’s sustainable issues in dynamic markets. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the nexus between authentic leadership, psychological environment, and employees’ green creativity based on the theoretical lenses of social identity and social exchange theories that have rare application in these domains. Data were collected through questionnaires from 367 operational staff members of different technical training centers of renewable energy projects in Rawalpindi and Islamabad regions at Pakistan. The findings reveal that authentic leadership is a significant precursor of employee’s green creativity and self-efficacy. In addition, self-efficacy mediates while the environment of trust and safety has non-mediating role in the relationship between authentic leadership and employee’s green creativity. This work brings attention to the initiatives in technical training centers for renewable energy projects and contributes to the field of employees’ green creativity in the context of authentic leadership and psychological environment based on the philosophy of social identity and social exchange theories.

Recycle of discarded masks in civil Engineering: Current status and future opportunities with silane coupling agent modified discarded masks

In recent years, with the heightened of public health protection awareness, masks have become an important protective equipment. The accumulation of discarded masks (DM) poses an impact to environment and resource. Recycling DM has become a prime focus of sustainable development research. This investigation introduces a review of the recycling of DM in civil engineering and presents a novel modification of discarded mask fibers (DMF) to enhance the mechanical property of cement paste. In the review section: (1) The masks are divided into three classes by integrating relevant standards and considering mask protective characteristics; (2) Various disposal techniques for recycling DM are categorized in shredding, hot processing, paper shredding, and crushing; (3) The impact of incorporating DMF in concrete, mortar, asphalt, road subbases and base courses are discussed. The enhancement of applying DMF into composite materials varies depending on the specific application. In the experimental research section, the silane coupling agent (SCA) is introduced as a modification to improve the weak bonding between DMF and composite materials. The SCA-modified polypropylene (PP) fibers were conducted as a control group. The results indicate that the compressive strength of cement paste with both SCA-modified DMF and PP fibers increased by 12.29 % and 26.10 %, respectively. Finally, several future opportunities in recycling of DM in Civil Engineering were drawn.

Islamophobia and Proximities to Whiteness: Organizing Outside of the Brown Muslim Subject

The existing Islamophobia 1 literature has come to illustrate how the Muslim subject “can at a moment’s notice be erected as [an] object of supervision and discipline” (Morey and Yaqin 2011: 5–6). In the popular imagination, Muslimhood 2 has come to stand for an undifferentiated culturally alien oriental subject defined through the prism of racialized violence and irrationality. Although much of the anti-Islamophobia efforts – academic and community-based – work to combat the reductiveness of a universalized Muslim figure, these efforts tend to uncritically take up the brown Muslim figure as the starting point of inquiry, thereby further reifying the homogenizing racialization of dominant discourses. This article opens up the possibilities to expand thinking on the lifeworld of Islamophobia by addressing the erasure that happens with this homogenizing approach to Islamophobia. In particular, we consider the dialogical nature between the operational life of Islamophobia and the differing proximities to whiteness our intersectional subject positions make available. And in turn, how these availabilities come to shape the experience of Islamophobia is a prime focus of analysis. The authors ask: how does the systemic demarcation of Muslim subjectivity, across racial, ethnic, class, regional, and ideological lines, interact with how Islamophobia is experienced and operationalized? Leveraging an auto-ethnographic approach, we provide first-person narratives of Islamophobic encounters from our respective geopolitical and social locations to deconstruct and delineate an intersectional understanding of Islamophobia.

FOREVER22: Gas and metal outflow from massive galaxies in protocluster regions

Abstract We study gas and metal outflow from massive galaxies in protocluster regions at z = 3 − 9 by using the results of FOREVER22 simulation projects. Our simulations contain massive haloes with $M_{\rm h} \gtrsim 10^{13}~\rm {\rm M}_{\odot }$, showing high star formation rates of $> 100~\rm {\rm M}_{\odot }~yr^{-1}$ and hosting supermassive black holes with $M_{\rm BH} \gtrsim 10^{8}~\rm {\rm M}_{\odot }$. We show that the mass loading factor (ηM) sensitively depends on the halo mass and it is ηM = 1.2 (9.2) for $M_{\rm h}= 10^{13}~(10^{11})~{\rm {\rm M}_{\odot }}$. Once the halo mass exceeds $\sim 10^{12.5}~\rm {\rm {\rm M}_{\odot }}$, the outflow velocity of the gas rapidly decreases near a virial radius, and the gas returns to a galactic centre finally as a fountain flow. Also, the metal inflow and outflow rates sensitively depend on the halo mass and redshift. At z = 3, the inflow rate becomes larger than the outflow one if $M_{\rm h}\gtrsim 10^{13.0}~{\rm {\rm M}_{\odot }}$. Thus, we suggest that massive haloes cannot be efficient metal enrichment sources beyond virial radii that will be probed in future observations, e.g., studies of metal absorption lines with the Prime Focus Spectrograph on the Subaru telescope.

Exploring the effects of self-lubricating MoS2 in magnesium metal matrix composite: Investigation on wear, corrosion, and mechanical properties

The prime focus of this experimentation is to develop a lightweight self-lubricating surface composite with superior wear resistance. This article inquires into the consequences of Molybdenum di Sulphide (MoS2) for its 2, 4, and 6 vol% dispersion on magnesium surface by applying friction stir processing (FSP). The prepared composites were analysed for their microstructure, mechanical, and wear characteristics. The observation of the microstructure reveals the smaller grain size as a result crystallization process occurring during FSP and the uniform dispersion of reinforced particles. The surface composite shows a growing tendency in its hardness which can be assumed as the outcome of the reduced grain size and reinforcement dispersion. On the other hand, the developed composite exhibited lower tensile characteristics than the base matrix. The composite shows constructive enhancement in wear resistance with the increase in the vol% of MoS2 particles whereas the increase in load increases the wear rate. The value of the corrosion rate is decreased up to 60 % with 2 % reinforcement addition whereas further addition resulted in a higher corrosion rate.

The molecular mechanisms of spinocerebellar ataxias for DNA repeat expansion in disease.

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogenous group of neurodegenerative disorders which commonly inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. They cause muscle incoordination due to degeneration of the cerebellum and other parts of nervous system. Out of all the characterized (>50) SCAs, 14 SCAs are caused due to microsatellite repeat expansion mutations. Repeat expansions can result in toxic protein gain-of-function, protein loss-of-function, and/or RNA gain-of-function effects. The location and the nature of mutation modulate the underlying disease pathophysiology resulting in varying disease manifestations. Potential toxic effects of these mutations likely affect key major cellular processes such as transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial functioning, ion channel dysfunction and synaptic transmission. Involvement of several common pathways suggests interlinked function of genes implicated in the disease pathogenesis. A better understanding of the shared and distinct molecular pathogenic mechanisms in these diseases is required to develop targeted therapeutic tools and interventions for disease management. The prime focus of this review is to elaborate on how expanded 'CAG' repeats contribute to the common modes of neurotoxicity and their possible therapeutic targets in management of such devastating disorders.

Effect of Aggregate Proportion and Skeleton on the Strength of Porous Asphalt Mix

Investigating the skeleton behaviour of dry aggregates and the characteristics Of Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) of various open-graded bands is the prime focus of this study. The skeleton band has an impact on mechanical characteristics. To make porous asphalt mixes’ skeletal strength greater, aggregate proportion studies are necessary before evaluating its performance. So, the current research on how the gradation band behaves concerning aggregate proportions is studied in this paper. The coarse and fine aggregate percentages on the gradation that affect tensile strength values vary in this paper. The coarse content effect on the ITS value lower side and fine proportion on the gradation significantly affect and indicates the compacted sample’s binding property. In this paper, different couple conditions also effect the ITS values. The porous asphalt mixture’s main mote is to improve air void content and drainage facility while improving durability and strength parameters.

Positive Influence of Organisational Politics on Job Performance in Indian Higher Education Context: A Qualitative Inquiry

The job performance of academics in the higher education context has transcended from the prime focus of teaching to the concurrence of learning facilitation, research and publication. These reforms address a central research question: What are the emerging factors influencing job performance in the Indian higher education context? This study adopts a qualitative research design to explore the emerging factors affecting job performance. Thirteen academic researchers from Indian universities participated in the focus group discussions. The results of focus group discussions unravel five themes: demographics, behaviours, motivation, context and skills. The focus group discussions foregrounded the debate on knowledge-sharing behaviours, organisational politics and networking skills. However, what remains unknown is whether the organisational actors’ political characteristics influence their knowledge sharing, affecting their job performance. In this regard, the authors propose a new model that binds organisational politics to knowledge sharing and its impact on job performance. This novel approach to examining job performance contributes to theory by providing insights into the emerging themes that affect job performance and emphasising the role of political characteristics in understanding the job performance of academic researchers.

Profile of A District Town, Katwa: From Pre-colonial to Colonial Times

Burdwan district had six principle towns during colonial rule. In eastern zone there were Katwa, Kalna, Dainhat, and Burdwan and in the western strip there were Raniganj and Asansole.The process of urbanization and the features of both sides completely differ from each other. The main thriving force of the eastern portion urbanization was agriculture and the western portion had a complete industrial urge. In this paper I tried to draw a profile of Katwa from pre colonial to colonial times. Its history, geography and morphology, demography, ethnic variety and its special features have been discussed. I have focused Katwa from a glance of change and continuity. Its journey from a pre-historic settlement to a sub divisional town, is the prime focus of this paper.

Spray-freeze-drying as emerging and substantial quality enhancement technique in food industry.

Spray freeze drying is an emerging technology in the food industry with numerous applications. Its ability to preserve food quality, maintain nutritional value, and reduce bulk make it an attractive option to food manufacturers. Spray freeze drying can be used to reduce the water content of foods while preserving the shelf life and nutritional value. Spray freeze-drying of food products is a process that involves atomizing food into small droplets and then flash-freezing them. The frozen droplets are then placed in a vacuum chamber and heated, causing the liquid to evaporate and the solid particles to become a dry powder. Spray freeze drying has become a valuable tool for the food industry through its ability to process a wide range of food products. This review's prime focus is understanding spray freeze-dried approaches and emphasizing their applicability in various products.