Resonance Band Research Articles

A simple and effective method for smartphone-based detection of polyamines in oral cancer

Oral cancer accounts for 50%–70% of all cancer-related deaths in India and ranks sixth among the most frequent cancers globally. Roughly 90% of oral malignancies are histologically arise from squamous cells and are therefore called oral squamous cell carcinoma. Organic polycations known as biogenic polyamines, for example, putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd), and spermine (Spm), are vital for cell proliferation, including gene expression control, regulation of endonuclease-mediated fragmentation of DNA, and DNA damage inhibition. Higher Spm and Spd levels have been identified as cancer biomarkers for detecting tumour development in various cancers. The current study utilises tannic acid, a polyphenolic compound, as a reducing and capping agent to fabricate AuNPs via a one-step microwave-assisted synthesis. The fabricated TA@AuNPs were utilised as a nanoprobe for colourimetric sensing of polyamines in PBS. When TA@AuNPs are added to the polyamine, the amine groups in polyamines interact with the phenolic groups of TA@AuNPs via hydrogen bonding or electrostatic interactions. These interactions cause the aggregation of TA@AuNPs, resulting in a red shift of the Surface Plasmon Resonance band of TA@AuNPs from 530 nm to 560 nm. The nanoprobe was found to be highly specific for Spm at low concentrations. TA@AuNPs were able to detect Spm successfully in artificial saliva samples. On recording the RGB values of the sensing process using a smartphone app, it was found that as the nanoparticles aggregated due to the presence of Spm, the intensity of the R-value decreased, indicating the aggregation of TA@AuNPs due to interaction with the polyamine.

Influence of ionospheric resonators on daily dynamics of the first Schumann resonance spectral parameters according to data from a meridional chain of ULF magnetometers

We have experimentally studied the influence of the local ionosphere, namely the ionospheric Alfvén resonator (IAR) and the lower ionospheric resonator at altitudes 80–300 km (sub-IAR) on the amplitude and polarization of the first Schumann resonance. The study is based on spectral analysis of data from simultaneous monitoring of ULF magnetic noise components at a meridional chain of stations: high-latitude stations Barentsburg and Lovozero, mid-latitude observatory NNGU NIRFI (NL, Nizhny Novgorod Region), a low-latitude station in Israel. We have also used monitoring data from the Borok and Crete observatories. At the stations in dark conditions, significant variations were found in the spectrum of the polarization parameter ε at the frequency of the first Schumann resonance (SR). Moreover, these variations had different character at different observatories. Analysis of the daily dynamics of the parameter ε has shown that these variations are associated with the influence of local sub-IAR having different optical thickness and quality factor at these observatories. The influence of sub-IAR on polarization in the SR band was found to depend on the ratio of the boundary frequency fb (the frequency that separates the negative and positive polarization of ULF magnetic noise) to the frequency of the first SR. The IAR influence on the polarization and amplitude of magnetic fields in the frequency band of the first Schumann resonance was discovered only at the NL and Lovozero stations: a high-quality Alfvén resonator in the ionosphere above the NL station could cause the SR frequency band to change and its central frequency to shift. Analysis of low-frequency data from the observatories separated by distances of 400 km has revealed that the influence of local ionospheric resonators can lead to a difference in the amplitude characteristics of the first SR even at such distances. It has also been shown that the influence of the IAR and sub-IAR resonators on the azimuthal angle of the magnetic field vector in the frequency band of the first SR is less noticeable and can generate variations in this parameter by 10°–20°. Numerical calculations performed for the spherical waveguide model made it possible to adequately interpret the features of the daily dynamics of the parameter ε in the frequency range of the first SR.

Влияние ионосферных резонаторов на суточную динамику спектральных параметров первого шумановс-кого резонанса по данным меридиональной сети УНЧ-магнито-метров

We have experimentally studied the influence of the local ionosphere, namely the ionospheric Alfvén resonator (IAR) and the lower ionospheric resonator at altitudes 80–300 km (sub-IAR) on the amplitude and polarization of the first Schumann resonance. The study is based on spectral analysis of data from simultaneous monitoring of ULF magnetic noise components at a meridional chain of stations: high-latitude stations Barentsburg and Lovozero, mid-latitude observatory NNGU NIRFI (NL, Nizhny Novgorod Region), a low-latitude station in Israel. We have also used monitoring data from the Borok and Crete observatories. At the stations in dark conditions, significant variations were found in the spectrum of the polarization parameter ε at the frequency of the first Schumann resonance (SR). Moreover, these variations had different character at different observatories. Analysis of the daily dynamics of the parameter ε has shown that these variations are associated with the influence of local sub-IAR having different optical thickness and quality factor at these observatories. The influence of sub-IAR on polarization in the SR band was found to depend on the ratio of the boundary frequency fb (the frequency that separates the negative and positive polarization of ULF magnetic noise) to the frequency of the first SR. The IAR influence on the polarization and amplitude of magnetic fields in the frequency band of the first Schumann resonance was discovered only at the NL and Lovozero stations: a high-quality Alfvén resonator in the ionosphere above the NL station could cause the SR frequency band to change and its central frequency to shift. Analysis of low-frequency data from the observatories separated by distances of 400 km has revealed that the influence of local ionospheric resonators can lead to a difference in the amplitude characteristics of the first SR even at such distances. It has also been shown that the influence of the IAR and sub-IAR resonators on the azimuthal angle of the magnetic field vector in the frequency band of the first SR is less noticeable and can generate variations in this parameter by 10°–20°. Numerical calculations performed for the spherical waveguide model made it possible to adequately interpret the features of the daily dynamics of the parameter ε in the frequency range of the first SR.

Management of Tomato Bacterial Canker Disease by the Green Fabricated Silver Nanoparticles

Bacterial canker disease caused by Clavibacter michiganensis is a substantial threat to the cultivation of tomatoes, leading to considerable economic losses and global food insecurity. Infection is characterized by white raised lesions on leaves, stem, and fruits with yellow to tan patches between veins, and marginal necrosis. Several agrochemical substances have been reported in previous studies to manage this disease but these were not ecofriendly. Thus present study was designed to control the bacterial canker disease in tomato using green fabricated silver nanoparticles (AgNps). Nanosilver particles (AgNPs) were synthesized utilizing Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). FTIR showed presence of bioactive compounds in green fabricated AgNPs and UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band in the range of 350 nm to 355 nm. SEM showed the rectangular segments fused together, and XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized AgNPs. The presence of metallic silver ions was confirmed by an EDX detector. Different concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40 ppm) of the green fabricated AgNPs were exogenously applied on tomato before applying an inoculum of Clavibacter michigensis to record the bacterial canker disease incidence at different day intervals. The optimal concentration of AgNPs was found to be 30 µg/mg that exhibited the most favorable impact on morphological (shoot length, root length, plant fresh and dry weights, root fresh and dry weights) and physiological parameters (chlorophyll contents, membrane stability index, and relative water content) as well as biochemical parameters (proline, total soluble sugar and catalase activity). These findings indicated a noteworthy reduction in biotic stress through the increase of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities by the green fabricated AgNPs. This study marks a first biocompatible approach in assessing the potential of green fabricated AgNPs in enhancing the well-being of tomato plants that affected with bacterial canker and establishing an effective management strategy against Clavibacter michiganensis. This is the first study suggests that low concentration of green fabricated nanosilvers (AgNPs) from leaf extract of Moringa oleifera against Clavibacter michiganensis is a promisingly efficient and eco-friendly alternative approach for management of bacterial canker disease in tomato crop.

Dual Features, Compact Dimensions and X-Band Applications for the Design and Fabrication of Annular Circular Ring-Based Crescent-Moon-Shaped Microstrip Patch Antenna.

This study uses annular circular rings to create multi-band applications using crescent-shaped patch antennas. It is designed to be made up of five circular, annular rings nested inside of each other. Three annular rings are positioned and merged on top of the larger rings, with two annular rings set along the bottom of the feed line. The factors that set them apart, such as bandwidths, radiation patterns, gain, impedance, and return loss (RL), are analysed. The outcomes show how compact the multi-band annular ring antenna is. The proposed circular annular ring antenna has return losses of -33 dB and operates at two frequencies: 3.1 GHz and 9.3 GHz. This design is modelled and simulated using ANSYS HFSS. The outcomes of the simulation and the tests agree quite well. The X band and WLAN resonant bands have bandwidth capacities of 500 and 4300 MHz, respectively. Additionally, the circular annular ring antenna design is advantageous for most services at these operating bands.

Giant excited-state absorption in resonant absorption band and intensity-depend ultrafast sign switching of nonlinear absorption in azonaphthalene compound

The ultrafast optical nonlinearity of an azonaphthalene derivative, hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) disodium salt, is investigated using transient absorption spectra (TAS) and Z-scan technique. Reverse saturable absorption (RSA) is observed within the resonant absorption band, which is usually dominated by ground-state bleaching (GSB) and stimulated emission (SE) in most organic compounds. This observation indicates a remarkably strong excited-state absorption (ESA) in HNB. Global analysis of TAS suggests an ultrafast conversion from saturable absorption (SA) to RSA, which is assigned to the internal conversion from locally excited (LE) state to the first singlet (S1) state. Further Z-scan study verifies the above results and reveals another intensity-depend SA-RSA transition, indicating increased S1 population under strong laser irradiation. The calculated value of third-order nonlinear absorption coefficient at 650 nm, 190 fs is determined as 1.23 × 10−12 m/W. These studies demonstrate significant potential of azonaphthalene in ultrafast laser protection if further modulation of excited-state absorption can be achieved.

A simulation-driven difference mode decomposition method for fault diagnosis in axial piston pumps

The strong periodic shocks produced by axial piston pumps during normal operation greatly weaken the performance of fault diagnosis methods. Extracting the fault resonance band seems to be an effective solution to weaken the impact of strong periodic shocks. However, these methods still fail to eliminate in-band noise, leading to the failure of the method. To address this issue, a simulation-driven difference mode decomposition (SDMD) method is proposed. Firstly, the raw signal is processed using the transmission path elimination technology to weaken the influence of excessive amplitude of the noise spectral line caused by the transmission path. Secondly, the finite element method is employed to construct a simulation model to assist in constructing the optimal filter. The signal is filtered by the optimal filter to initially eliminate out-of-band noise. Finally, the filtered signal is input into the convex optimization function for further purification to eliminate the in-band noise. Simulation and experimental verification show that the SDMD can more accurately extract the fault features under the influence of strong periodic shocks.

Cyclostationary harmonic product spectrum with its application for rolling bearing fault resonance frequency band adaptive location

Harmonic product spectrum (HPS) is an important tool in bearing fault diagnosis because it can quickly locate the fault resonance frequency band. However, its frequency band division strategy easily leads to over- or under-decomposition. This might cause the decomposed signal to contain too little fault information or too much interference. Although an adaptive HPS based on scale space representation for frequency band division is proposed, its frequency band division is driven by the data characteristics of the signal itself, rather than the fault characteristics in signal. It is difficult to completely separate faults from signals by frequency band division without considering fault characteristics. Therefore, an adaptive frequency band segmentation strategy aiming at fault characteristic, i.e., cyclostationarity, maximization is designed and introduced to improve HPS, thus proposing a new optimal fault resonance band location technique. It can achieve fault resonance band location accurately and resist the influence of various noise interferences.

Exploring the Dipteryx alata fruit endocarp as a novel source for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles: antibacterial and photocatalytic insights for water purification

ABSTRACT A simple, rapid, and non-toxic method was developed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract from the endocarp of Dipteryx alata fruit (DAE), a tree species native to the Brazilian Cerrado. The synthesis involved mixing DAE with a solution of AgNO3 (2 mM) at room temperature. AgNPs synthesis was confirmed through detection of the surface plasmon resonance band at 421 nm. Characterization revealed spherical AgNPs with an average diameter of 137.5 ± 59.3 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed phytochemical involvement in AgNPs reduction and capping, while XRD analysis indicated their crystalline nature with a face-centered cubic structure. AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis, with zones of inhibition ranging from 10–4 mm for E. coli and 9–13 mm for E. faecalis, indicating sensitivity to AgNPs. Photocatalytic activity against rhodamine B (RhB) resulted in 99.3% removal in 180 min, with a degradation rate constant of 0.034 L mg−1 min−1 based on pseudo second-order kinetics. Phytotoxicity studies confirmed the non-toxic nature of degraded RhB products on Cucumis sativus. These findings highlight the potential of AgNPs from DAE extract in antibacterial and dye remediation applications.

Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from Cedrela toona leaf extracts: An exploration into their antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant potential

Abstract This research work aims to synthesize environmentally benign and cost-effective metal nanoparticles. In this current research scenario, the leaf extract of Cedrela toona was used as a reducing agent to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by the color shift of the reaction mixture, i.e., silver nitrate and plant extract, from yellow to dark brown colloidal suspension and was established by UV-visible analysis showing a surface plasmon resonance band at 434 nm. Different experimental factors were optimized for the formation and stability of AgNPs, and the optimum conditions were found to be 1 mM AgNO3 concentration, a 1:9 ratio of extract/precursor, and an incubation temperature of 70°C for 4 h. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra indicated the presence of phytochemicals in the leaf extract that played the role of bioreducing agents in forming AgNPs. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the presence of AgNPs with a mean size of 25.9 nm. The size distribution and morphology of AgNPs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, which clearly highlighted spherical nanoparticles with a size distribution of 22–30 nm with a mean average size of 25.5 nm. Moreover, prominent antibacterial activity was found against Enterococcus faecalis (21 ± 0.5 mm), Bacillus subtilis (20 ± 0.9 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18 ± 0.3 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (16 ± 0.7 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16 ± 0.3 mm), and Escherichia coli (14 ± 0.7 mm). In addition, antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH and ABTS assays. Higher antioxidant activity was reported in AgNPs compared to the plant extract in both DPPH (IC50 = 69.62 µg·ml−1) and ABTS assays (IC50 = 47.90 µg·ml−1). Furthermore, cytotoxic activity was also investigated by the MTT assay against MCF-7 cells, and IC50 was found to be 32.55 ± 0.05 µg·ml−1. The crux of this research is that AgNPs synthesized from the Cedrela toona leaf extract could be employed as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer agents for the treatment of bacterial, free radical-oriented, and cancerous diseases.

Crystallographic structure, antibacterial effect, and catalytic activities of fig extract mediated silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) play a pivotal role in the current research landscape due to their extensive applications in engineering, biotechnology, and industry. The aim is to use fig (Ficus hispida Linn. f.) extract (FE) for eco-friendly Ag NPs synthesis, followed by detailed characterization, antibacterial testing, and investigation of bioelectricity generation. This study focuses on the crystallographic features and nanostructures of Ag NPs synthesized from FE. Locally sourced fig was boiled in deionized water, cooled, and doubly filtered. A color change in 45 mL 0.005 M AgNO3 and 5 mL FE after 40 min confirmed the bio-reduction of silver ions to Ag NPs. Acting as a reducing and capping agent, the fig extract ensures a green and sustainable process. Various analyses, including UV–vis absorption spectrophotometry (UV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles, and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the fig extract revealed the presence of eleven chemicals. Notably, the Ag NPs exhibited a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 418 nm, confirmed by UV analysis, while FTIR and XRD results highlighted the presence of active functional groups in FE and the crystalline nature of Ag NPs respectively. With an average particle size of 44.57 nm determined by FESEM and a crystalline size of 35.87 nm determined by XRD, the nanoparticles showed strong antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. Most importantly, fig fruit extract has been used as the bio-electrolyte solution to generate electricity for the first time in this report. The findings of this report can be the headway of nano-biotechnology in medicinal and device applications.

Synergistic enhancement of optical properties in erbium-doped borate glasses through copper nanoparticle incorporation

The present study investigated the impact of incorporating copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on the optical properties of erbium-doped borate glasses. Through melt-quenching and heat treatment techniques, glasses with varying Cu2O concentrations (x = 0–5 mol%) were synthesized. Physical and structural analyses revealed that Cu ions serve as effective network modifiers. They foster the formation of a greater proportion of BO4 tetrahedra and thus enhancing glass homogeneity. Optical absorption spectra demonstrate a distinct modulation of Er3+ absorption bands with Cu2O embedding, indicating the formation of CuNPs, as validated by the emergence of surface plasmon resonance bands. This structural evolution results in a noticeable reduction in the bandgap energy, signifying improved semiconducting behavior. Judd-Ofelt analysis highlighted the profound influence of CuNPs on hypersensitive transitions, thereby affecting oscillator strength. Photoluminescence measurements revealed amplified emission in the visible red and near infrared (NIR) region, attributed to the synergistic effects of CuNPs and Er3+ ions, with 5 mol % Cu2O exhibiting the highest emission intensity. Analysis of the radiative properties validates the enhancement of the emission cross-section, gain bandwidth, optical gain and radiative transitions. These enhancements contribute to a notable increase in the branching ratio from 0.91 % to 5.41 % accompanied by an increase in the quantum efficiency from ∼79 % to ∼90 %. Moreover, decay analysis revealed a notable enhancement in lifetime from 3.03 ms to 15.74 ms, which is indicative of enhanced radiative transitions. Overall, the incorporation of CuNPs into erbium-doped borate glasses facilitates significant enhancements in physical, structural, and optical properties. This positions them as promising materials for a wide array of optoelectronic applications. This comprehensive study sheds light on the complex interplay between CuNPs and erbium-barium borate glasses, offering valuable insights for the development of advanced optoelectronic materials with enhanced performance and functionality.

Static topological mechanics with local resonance

The locally resonant band gaps that lie in the vicinity of resonant frequency have been extensively employed in metamaterials for ultralow-frequency wave control, such as vibration isolation, negative refraction, superlensing, and cloaking. The combination of local resonance and band topology allows for the broadband tunable topological boundary modes, ranging from audible to ultrasonic frequencies. Recently, nontrivial topological boundary modes have been reported in static mechanical systems beyond frequency-based wave dynamics, in which the band gap is typically Bragg-like. In this paper, the concept of local resonance is extended from dynamic to static systems where the inertial effects are absent, and is leveraged to customize the topological modes. We impart a pseudo-mass to the static systems and retrieve the locally resonant band gap. The eigenvalues and associated bulk deformation fields of the topological mode can be tailored by shifting the pseudo-resonant frequency. Moreover, an effective non-reciprocity is achieved by passively breaking the lattice symmetry, and its cooperation with local resonances enables the static metamaterial to shield eccentric deformations and selectively filter boundary loads. All of these models are experimentally validated in an assembled truss-like lattice. This study is expected to provide a platform for exploring locally resonant topological phases without relying on wave motion.

Multiscale stochastic optimal control of hysteretic structures based on wavelet transform and probability density evolution method

PurposeContemporary stochastic optimal control by synergy of the probability density evolution method (PDEM) and conventional optimal controller exhibits less capability to guarantee economical energy consumption versus control efficacy when non-stationary stochastic excitations drive hysteretic structures. In this regard, a novel multiscale stochastic optimal controller is invented based on the wavelet transform and the PDEM.Design/methodology/approachFor a representative point, a conventional control law is decomposed into sub-control laws by deploying the multiresolution analysis. Then, the sub-control laws are classified into two generic control laws using resonant and non-resonant bands. Both frequency bands are established by employing actual natural frequency(ies) of structure, making computed efforts depend on actual structural properties and time-frequency effect of non-stationary stochastic excitations. Gain matrices in both bands are then acquired by a probabilistic criterion pertaining to system second-order statistics assessment. A multi-degree-of-freedom hysteretic structure driven by non-stationary and non-Gaussian stochastic ground accelerations is numerically studied, in which three distortion scenarios describing uncertainties in structural properties are considered.FindingsTime-frequency-dependent gain matrices sophisticatedly address non-stationary stochastic excitations, providing efficient ways to independently suppress vibrations between resonant and non-resonant bands. Wavelet level, natural frequency(ies), and ratio of control forces in both bands influence the scheme’s outcomes. Presented approach outperforms existing approach in ensuring trade-off under uncertainty and randomness in system and excitations.Originality/valuePresented control law generates control efforts relying upon resonant and non-resonant bands, and deploys actual structural properties. Cost-function weights and probabilistic criterion are promisingly developed, achieving cost-effectiveness of energy demand versus controlled structural performance.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Fruit Peel Extract of Citrus aurantifolia: Optimization, Its Characterization and Stability Test

In this present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by green biological synthesis method using plant extract from fruit peel of Citrus aurantifolia as reducing agents. All the parameters in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were optimized to achieve a better yield, controlled size and stability of the particles. The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was monitored via UV-vis spectrophotometer and stability test was done. The resulting UV-Vis spectra of synthesized AgNPs from C. aurantifoliafruit peel extract (CAFPE) showed standard surface plasmon resonance band at 420 nm which indicated the presence of AgNPs. The optimum result was obtained with an optimum concentration at 4 mM AgNO3, leaving in a dark room temperature for 24 h and using a concentration 1:3 ratio (extract: silver nitrate). Moreover, the stability of the CAFPE-AgNPs was also observed after 30 days of synthesis and even up to 10 months, indicating optimization plays major role towards the stability fate of nanoparticles. The FTIR analysis showed possible functional groups of biomolecules that play roles in the bioreduction and capping of silver nanoparticles. In addition, it is believed that these parameters are highly suitable for bulk production of single spherical AgNPs with diameter 29.6- 45.2 nm confirmed via FESEM. Thus, the obtained results clearly suggest that optimization of silver nanoparticles may have important role in attaining a better yield and stability of metal nanoparticles, refraining back to its original structure or particles.

Anticancer potential of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Catharanthus roseus leaves extract on cervical (HeLa229) cancer cell line

Cervical cancer is a significant global health issue among women due to its prevalence and impact on morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This underscores the critical necessity for the development of anticancer treatments that are not only more efficient but also safer. This study introduces a novel approach to combating cervical cancer by synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous Catharanthus roseus leaves extract and evaluating their anticancer activity. The aqueous extract of C. roseus showed remarkable potential to reduce silver ions rapidly. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AgNPs, with a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band observed at 429 nm. TEM/EDX and FE-SEM analysis confirmed the presence of spherical AgNPs with uniform size distribution. XRD analysis confirmed the face-centered cubic (FCC) structure of metallic silver in AgNPs. Moreover, AgNPs exhibited significant antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on HeLa229 cells, with higher selectivity towards cancer cells compared to normal cells. Moreover, wound healing assays showed the robust antimetastatic potential of AgNPs by inhibiting cancer cell migration. The real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated the impact of AgNPs on inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Overall, these findings highlight the promising role of Ag-NPs synthesized from C. roseus extract as effective anticancer agents,offering a promising alternative to conventional chemotherapy with potentially reduced side effects and increased efficacy.

Reconfigurable Metamaterial Antenna based an Electromagnetic Ground Plane Defects for Modern Wireless Communication Devices

In this paper, a design of a microstrip antenna based on metamaterial (MTM) and electromagnetic band gap (EBG) arrays. The patch is structured from 5×3 MTM array to enhance the antenna bandwidth gain product. The individual unit cell is structured as a split ring (SRR) with a T-resonator. The ground plane is defected with an EBG to suppress the surface waves diffraction from the substrate edges. The antenna is printed on a Roger substrate with permittivity of 10.2 and 1 mm thickness. It is found that the proposed antenna provides a frequency resonance around 2.45 GHz and 3.5 GHz with another band between 4.6 GHz to 5.6 GHz which are very suitable for Wi-Fi and 5G networks. Nevertheless, the antenna gain is found to vary from 3.5 dBi to less than 6 dBi. The antenna size is reduced enough to λ/5 of the guided wavelength to fit an area of 12 mm×20 mm. The proposed antenna performance is controlled with two PIN diodes for reconfiguration process. The antenna frequency resonance bands are found to be well controlled by stopping the current motion at the particular band. The antenna is fabricated and tested experimentally. Finally, the simulated results are compared to those obtained from measurements to provide an excellent agreement to each other with error of less than 3%.

Fast synthesis of gold nanoparticles by cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet in the presence of Au+ ions and a capping agent

Homogeneous gold nanoparticles were synthesized under atmospheric pressure using a non-thermal helium plasma jet in a single-step process. A current power supply was used to generate the plasma discharge rich in diverse reactive species. These species induce rapid chemical reactions responsible for the reduction of the gold salts upon contact with the liquid solution. In this study, spherical and monodispersed gold nanoparticles were obtained within 5 min of plasma exposure using a solution containing gold (III) chloride hydrate (HAuCl4) as a precursor and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a capping agent to inhibit agglomerations. The formation of these metal nanoparticles was initially perceptible through a visible change in the sample’s color, transitioning from light yellow to a red/pink color. This was subsequently corroborated by UV-vis spectroscopy, which revealed an optical absorption in the 520‒550 nm range for Au NPs, corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band. An investigation into the impact of various parameters, including plasma discharge duration, precursor and capping agent concentrations, was carried out to optimize conditions for the formation of well-separated, spherical gold nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to measure the size of these nanoparticles, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe their morphology and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was also employed to determine their crystallographic structure. The results confirm that homogeneous spherical gold nanoparticles with an average diameter of 13 nm can be easily synthesized through a rapid, straightforward, and environmentally friendly approach utilizing a helium atmospheric pressure plasma.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Calluna vulgaris: Characterizations, properties, and photocatalytic activities

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was carried out using leaf extract from Calluna vulgaris. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed through the emergence of a surface plasmon resonance band in ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The characterization conducted using various microscopic techniques revealed that the nanoparticles mostly ranged in size from approximately 20 to 70 nm. Analysis, including Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirmed the chemical, crystalline structure, and presence of silver, respectively. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited notable stability with an average zeta potential of -23.1 ± 0.6 mV. Evaluation of their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli demonstrated significant efficacy with diameters of inhibition zones measuring 10.23 ± 0.54 mm and 15.38 ± 0.32 mm, respectively. Additionally, the nanoparticles displayed a remarkable inhibition of approximately 88% against E. coli biofilm formation at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. They also exhibited unique photocatalytic performances. This research contributes to the literature in this field by producing new silver nanoparticles with cost-effectiveness, stability, antibacterial, antioxidant, antibiofilm, and photocatalytic properties, while using a previously untapped plant extract for this purpose.

Adaptive semiactive control of structure with magnetorheological dampers using wavelet packet transform

Conventional active controllers generally adopt initial dynamic properties of intact structures to calculate optimal control force for magnetorheological damper, which eventually leads to ideal damping force of the device. Also, they cannot assure trade-off between damping force and response reduction under non-stationary excitations. To this end, an adaptive semiactive control algorithm for magnetorheological damper is proposed. Using wavelet packet transform, an improved control law determines optimal control forces in terms of resonant and non-resonant frequency bands in time interval. Both frequency bands are established based on natural frequency(ies) of structures, making damping force rely on actual structural properties and achieving trade-off under non-stationary disturbances. A refined clipped-optimal control algorithm is then deployed to convert optimal control force to the device’s voltage. A numerical study of a six-degree-of-freedom structure under four near- and far-fault ground accelerations reveals that the scheme outperforms existing controllers while attaining cost-effectiveness of damping force versus response alleviations.