Research Work Research Articles

Biogenic engineered zinc oxide nanoparticle for sulfur black dye removal from contaminated wastewater: comparative optimization, simulation modeling, and isotherms

ABSTRACT This research work aimed to isolate and culture the bacterium Bacillus paramycoides for biogenic fabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles, specifically ZnO and ZnO-ME nanoparticles (nanoparticles fabricated from bacterial extracts only – ZnO, and from bacterial cell mass including extract – ZnO-ME). SEM investigation revealed the spherical-shaped NPs with 22.33 and 39 nm in size for ZnO and ZnO-ME, respectively. The Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) studies revealed mesoporous structure with pore diameters of 13.839 and 13.88 nm and surface area of 7.617 and 33.635 m2/gm for ZnO and ZnO-ME, respectively. Various parameters for the adsorption of sulfur black dye onto both ZnO and ZnO-ME were screened and optimized using Plackett–Burman Design (PBD), Full Factorial Design (FFD) and Central Composite Design (CCD). The results of the optimization modeling study revealed that FFD yielded the most predictable and best-fitting results among all the models studied, with R 2 values of 0.998 for ZnO and 0.993 for ZnO-ME. Notably, ZnO-ME exhibited a greater dye removal efficiency 80% than ZnO i.e., 71%, it may be due to the presence of amorphous carbon on the surface of ZnO-ME. Among the various isothermal models, the Freundlich model displayed the strongest correlation with the dye removal data, confirming the multilayer adsorption of dye on both nanoparticles and supporting physisorption. Therefore, ZnO and ZnO-ME nanoparticles have been proven as potential tools for mitigating environmental impacts associated with dye-containing wastewater.

First-principles investigation of structural electronic magnetic and thermodynamic properties of CdS alloyed with Co transition metal

This research work investigates the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of Cd1–xCoxS compounds. The supercells with 16 atoms have been studied by substituting a Cd atom with a Co atom in the cubic unit cell CdS from x = 0 to x = 1 in a Zinc-Blende structure based on the first principles of spin-polarized density functional theory as implemented in the WIEN2k code. The full potential augmented plane wave method FP-LAPW (Full potential linear augmented plane wave) was used in this study to evaluate the structural properties of the compounds, the exchange–correlation term is based on the PBE-GGA (Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation). For other properties, such as electronic structures, densities of states, and magnetic properties, the TB-mbj GGA (Tight Binding modified Becke–Johnson) exchange potential approximation is utilized. In addition to these properties, the thermodynamic properties were added advantage to clarify their comportment as temperature variation. The analysis of the density of spin-polarized states showed the ferromagnetic character with a from x = 0.125 to x = 0.875. The calculated total magnetic moments of Cd1–xCoxS are addressed concerning the change in lattice parameters. To track the shift brought on by adding Co, we ran our calculationsfrom x = 0.125 to x = 0.875 for Cd1–xCoxS compounds. Hence, the negative energyformation indicates that our compound can be made experimentally. The material may be used for solar cell applications. In summary, our findings represent a guide for future research. The findings of this work might provide useful direction for the usage of this alloy system in a variety of device applications, For example in high-efficiency tandem solar cells, magnetic sensors, and photoconductive detector applications.

IWO-IGA—A Hybrid Whale Optimization Algorithm Featuring Improved Genetic Characteristics for Mapping Real-Time Applications onto 2D Network on Chip

Network on Chip (NoC) has emerged as a potential substitute for the communication model in modern computer systems with extensive integration. Among the numerous design challenges, application mapping on the NoC system poses one of the most complex and demanding optimization problems. In this research, we propose a hybrid improved whale optimization algorithm with enhanced genetic properties (IWOA-IGA) to optimally map real-time applications onto the 2D NoC Platform. The IWOA-IGA is a novel approach combining an improved whale optimization algorithm with the ability of a refined genetic algorithm to optimally map application tasks. A comprehensive comparison is performed between the proposed method and other state-of-the-art algorithms through rigorous analysis. The evaluation consists of real-time applications, benchmarks, and a collection of arbitrarily scaled and procedurally generated large-task graphs. The proposed IWOA-IGA indicates an average improvement in power reduction, improved energy consumption, and latency over state-of-the-art algorithms. Performance based on the Convergence Factor, which assesses the algorithm’s efficiency in achieving better convergence after running for a specific number of iterations over other efficiently developed techniques, is introduced in this research work. These results demonstrate the algorithm’s superior convergence performance when applied to real-world and synthetic task graphs. Our research findings spotlight the superior performance of hybrid improved whale optimization integrated with enhanced GA features, emphasizing its potential for application mapping in NoC-based systems.

A theoretical analysis of rotating electromagnetohydrodynamic and electroosmotic transport of couple stress fluid through a microchannel

AbstractThe main motivation behind this research work is the electroosmotic flow (EOF), which characterizes the movement of charged particles in a fluid when subjected to an external electric field, which offers precise control over fluid movement without mechanical components. The study of bio‐fluids in rotating microfluidic platforms is becoming much more significant. Hence, it is important to discuss the non‐Newtonian fluids in such environments. This paper analytically investigates the hydrodynamic characteristics of combined electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) and EOF transport of non‐Newtonian fluid through a rotating microchannel with Navier‐slip boundary conditions at the walls. The couple stress fluid model is considered a non‐Newtonian fluid in the flow domain. The linearized Poisson‐Boltzmann equation is considered inside the electric double layer (EDL). The modified Stokes equation is governed by a combined imposed magnetic and EOF field. Closed form expressions are obtained for electrical potential, flow velocity, and volume flow rate in the channel using analytical methods. The dependence of rotating electromagnetic flow velocity and flow rates on appropriate parameters is explained. It is found that the rotational flow velocity displays an opposite pattern when the couple stress parameter and electric field intensity parameters are varied due to the influence of channel rotation. It is also found that the secondary flow rate ratio is amplified with the Hartmann number and slip length parameter, due to the stronger impact of the non‐Newtonian behaviour than the Newtonian situation on the volume flow rate at a relatively higher rotational value. The findings of this study may aid in the design and analysis of practical thermal micro/nano‐equipment for transporting biofluids.

Design and Fabrication of Switched Reluctance Motor for Energy Efficient Operation by Minimizing Torque Ripple

Around the world, motor is consuming more than 40% of the total-generated electrical energy. Accordingly, energy efficient electrical drives are the needs of the hour. The Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) is more energy efficient than other kinds. Since SRM has a rugged structure, it has inherent fault tolerance characteristics and is cost-effective than synchronous and induction machines. Nevertheless, the application of such a motor is limited due to low torque density, torque ripples and power losses because of control circuit. In this research work, the author proposed a novel-designed SRM, which is achieved by optimizing stator and rotor pole arc. Alongside, a novel control circuit, which has single transistor, is proposed. The modification of stator and rotor pole arcs assists in the reduction of the torque ripple. The stator pole arc is modified from 32 degree to 36 degree, and the rotor pole arc is modified from 30 degree to 28 degree. Thus, the torque ripple is reduced from 3.25 to 2.92 Nm, and thus, the useful torque is increased from 4.94 to 5.2 Nm. Furthermore, a single transistor switching device is used instead of the conventional one with four switches. Hence, energy loss on the control circuit is significantly reduced. From the experimental analysis, it is found that, with-pole-arc modified SRM has higher efficiency than the one without it.

Quality methods in virtual and augmented reality with a focus on education: a systematic literature review

AbstractWith the goal of developing a unified approach for implementation of training for quality methods—with the help of innovative assistance systems—the current state of research is determined within the scope of this work. These quality methods include Quality Management Systems such as Lean Management and Six Sigma. A systematic literature search is conducted to determine the current state of research on Augmented and Virtual Reality data glasses, which are considered here as innovative assistance systems. This search extends without restriction to the date of data collection at the beginning of the year 2022, as Augmented and Virtual Reality data glasses are considered to be particularly immersive technologies. Based on the databases Scopus and Web of Science, an extended systematic literature review was used for the research. By answering the research question and classifying the implemented research work, an overview of the current state of virtual and augmented reality research will be given. This makes it clear that further research is needed, especially with regard to the training of quality methods, to develop specific models and action guidelines.

Design, synthesis and optimization of silver nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica bark extract and its antibacterial application

The antibacterial effects of bio-inspired silver nanoparticles from Azadirachta indica bark were explored in this research work. Herein, the AgNPs were synthesized using aqueous extract of A. indica bark. The optimization of parameters was carried out using Box-Behnken Design using response surface methodology. The physicochemical characterizations of AgNPs were done by DLS, SEM, Zeta potential and FTIR. The DLS and SEM data revealed the average size of particles to be 76.35 nm and 30.6 nm, respectively. FTIR analysis has shown the involvement of conjugated alkenes in the biosynthesis and capping process. The antimicrobial activity was found to be increased in a dose dependent manner. Exploration of the mechanistic aspect of antibacterial activity suggested of cellular damages caused by AgNPs treatment due to membrane leakage. The binding of AgNPs with bacterial cell and cellular leakage were visualized by SEM. Further, in silico docking studies suggested of strong binding of BamA and PBP4 proteins found in E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, with β-sitosterol, salannin, nimbin etc. biomolecules found in the A. indica bark extract. The work can lead to further manufacturing innovation in the future.

Soil Carbon: Pool, Loss, Emission and Climate Change Sources and Knowledge Level of Some Land Use Systems in Sudan Savanna, Kwara State

This research work was carried out in Sudan savanna of Kwara State to determine the effects of land use types on soil carbon pool, loss, emission and to determine the farmer’s knowledge level and sources of information on climate change. Six villages were selected randomly and in each Local Government Area, three villages were visited and three farms planted each with maize/cassava intercrop, cashew plantation and natural forest were sampled. Soil samples were collected from the farmland randomly at the depth of 0–20cm and analysed for physical and chemical properties in the laboratory. Carbon pool index was higher under cashew plantation. The mass of carbon lost recorded was higher under maize/cassava intercrop and cashew plantation recorded the lowest mass of carbon lost. Equivalent Carbon dioxide emitted recorded was lower under cashew plantation and maize/cassava intercrop recorded higher equivalent of carbon dioxide emitted. Natural forest had the highest organic carbon. Simple random sampling of 126 respondents were interviewed. Results revealed majority (71.4%) are willing to invest in residue retention and 92.9% are willing to engage in climate change mitigation practices free of charge. Maize/cassava intercrop recorded the lowest carbon pool due to burning of plant residues and the use of tillage practices. The highest carbon pool index recorded under cashew plantation was due to leaves litter decomposition. Carbon emitted was generally higher under maize/cassava intercrop as a result of continuous and vigorous cultivation leading to loss of carbon. Some farmers are not fully aware of climate change mitigation practices, therefore, more observation should be given to afforestation scheme to mitigate climate change and government and nongovernmental organization (NGOs) should educate and encourage farmers to practice crop residue retention and also minimize bush burning.

The Integration of Complex Systems Science and Community-Based Research: A Scoping Review

Complex systems science (CSS) and community-based research (CBR) have emerged over the past 50 years as complementary disciplines. However, there is a gap in understanding what has driven the recent proliferation of integrating these two disciplines to study complex and relevant issues. In this review, we report on the results of a scoping review of articles that utilized both disciplines. After two levels of reviewing articles using DistillerSR, a web-based platform designed to streamline and facilitate the process of conducting systematic reviews, we used two forms of natural language processing to extract data. We developed a novel named entity recognition model to extract descriptive information from the corpus of articles. We also conducted dynamic topic modeling to deductively examine in tandem the development of CSS and CBR and to inductively discover the specific topics that may be driving their use in research and practice. We find that among the CSS and CBR papers, CBR topic frequency has grown at a faster pace than CSS, with CBR using CSS concepts and techniques more often. Four topics that may be driving this trend are collaboration within social systems, business management, food and land use and knowledge, and water shed management. We conclude by discussing the implications of this work for researchers and practitioners who are interested in studying and solving complex social, economic, and health-related issues.

A Study of Influence of Creativity of students and Socio-Economic status of their Parents on Academic Achievement at Higher Seconday Level

Given the conditions prevailing in the contemporary period, performance in education matters most. Life in general and for or a student in particular has become highly competitive. Today there is no place for a mediocre student, there is a limited room at the top, that room too only for the best. Today's society is more complex with huge knowledge base and much more complex and huge situations. A child in turn can not simply learn all these things through observation of his/her parents. To import the knowledge a school has become more essential and crucial. Thus, in a way the performance of an individual in an educational institution is relatively depended on the personal trends, quality of educational institution and the society as a whole. Thus, the present research work titled "A study of influence of creativity of students and socio-economic status of their parents on academic achievement at higher secondary level of Western Odisha" was undertaken. Present research study to as implications derived from the study, in this chapter an attempt was to capture holistic view. Educationists and psychologists have focused on discrete elements of reading and writing skills. Such a skill- based approach conceptualizes literacy as an autonomous variable whose impact on society and cognition flows from its intrinsic character. This model tends not only to make claims to universals but also privileges the text and the teacher, totally ignoring the knowledge the learner brings to the learning situation. It doesn't concern itself with the questions of power distribution and authority relations in society nor does it deal with the politics of literacy

Hate Speech and Abusive Language and Abusive Language Detection in Twitter using Machine Learning

Twitter's central goal is to enable everybody to make and share thoughts and data, and to communicate their suppositions and convictions without boundaries. Twitter's job is to serve the public discussion, which requires portrayal of a different scope of points of view. Yet, it does not advance viciousness against or straightforwardly assault or undermine others based on race, nationality, public cause, rank, sexual direction, age, inability, or genuine illness. Hate speech and abusive language can hurt a person or a community. So, it is not appropriate to use hate speech and abusive language. Now, due to increase in social media usage, hate speech and abusive language is very commonly used on these platforms. So, it is not possible to identify hate speech and abusive languagees manually. So, it is essential to develop an automated hate speech and abusive language detection model and this research work shows different approaches of Natural Language Processing for classification of Hate speech and abusive language through Machine Learning Algorithms.

Weakly restoring forces and shallow water waves with dynamical analysis of periodic singular solitons structures to the nonlinear Kadomtsev–Petviashvili-modified equal width equation

In this study, the nonlinear two-dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili-modified equal width (KP-MEW) equation is under investigation, which is described as a nonlinear wave model in weakly restoring forces and shallow water waves in the way of ferromagnetic, solitary waves in two dimensions with short amplitude and long wavelength and are also helpful in the investigation of various behaviors in nonlinear sciences. We successfully found the interesting and novel solitary wave results in bright solitons, kink solitons, dark solitons, anti-kink solitons, periodic singular solitons for nonlinear two-dimensional KP-MEW equation on the base of extension of simple equation technique under symbolic computational software Mathematica. The created solitons play an important role in nonlinear engineering and physics such as nonlinear optics, nonlinear dynamics, soliton wave theory, optical fiber and communication system. We are sure that these constructed results are novel and interesting which does not exist in the previous literature works. The graphical representation of constructed results is shown by 2D, 3D and contour graphs. The investigated research work proved that utilized technique is more concise, straightaway and efficient for study of other nonlinear partial differential equations.

Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Cu2Se Alloys by Simultaneous Engineering of Thermal and Electrical Transport Properties through S and Te Co‐Doping

Cu2Se‐based binary compounds have recently fetched the attention of researchers due to their remarkable electrical and extremely low thermal properties. In addition, Cu2Se‐based quaternary chalcogenides are expected to present exceptional thermoelectric performance. Cu2Se1−x−ySxTey‐like compounds are synthesized via microwave‐assisted hydrothermal method and their respective thermal and electrical transport properties are studied in this research work. The phase purity and homogeneity are examined by X‐ray diffraction and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry analysis. The introduction of S and Te elements into Cu2Se matrix enhances Seebeck coefficient resulting in improved electrical performance illustrating a maximum power factor of 989.4 μWK−2 m−1 at 673 K. Furthermore, S‐ and Te‐co‐doped samples exhibit reduced total thermal conductivity values with lowest value of 0.808 WK−1 m−1 for Cu2Se0.96S0.02Te0.02 sample in comparison to 1.18 WK−1 m−1 for the pristine sample. The simultaneous improvement in electrical and thermal properties results in enhanced figure of merit of 0.82 for Cu2Se0.96S0.02Te0.02 sample at 673 K.

A Thin Line between Education and Certification: A Battle of PhD Supervision in South African Universities

This study sought to critically review and demystify the postgraduate research supervision in South African universities. There is unnecessary discrimination among scholars concerning the certification of lecturers in South African universities. Some lecturers are not recognized as academically fit to supervise doctoral students even when there is evidence that they have the capacity to supervise doctoral research. While there is a lack of recognition of some lecturers with regard to doctoral research supervision, others support this lack of recognition with the argument that it is not fair for doctoral research to be supervised by a lecturer who is still a doctoral candidate. However, this paper argued that it is irrational to think that all lecturers with no PhD completely lack knowledge about academic research. This becomes more irrational if the lecturer in question has some published research works and has shown the skill through conference presentations. Against this backdrop using analytic theory, this study sought to challenge the status quo of how doctoral research is perceived in universities. This study utilized a conceptual desktop form of qualitative research and all sources used are adequately acknowledged. At the core of this paper, the researcher sought to appeal for co-supervision as recognition of those lecturers who are still pursuing their PhDs but already show the capacity to contribute to doctoral research supervision. In its entirety, this desktop conceptual research study found that the lack of recognition in South African universities is a neglect of upcoming researchers and it is recommended that lecturers who are upcoming researchers be involved in postgraduate/ doctoral research supervision. This study’s contribution is to motivate collaboration in doctoral supervision and mentorship for lecturers who are upcoming scholars in South African universities. Keywords: Doctoral Research, Lack of Lecturer’s Recognition, Universities Irrationality, Academic Experience

Entrepreneurial culture in small businesses in Sinaloa

This research work aimed to analyse the conditions of entrepreneurial activity and culture in the environment of small businesses in Sinaloa, considering the relevance and correlation between success stories and their processes. The importance of this topic is that there is a requirement for administrative orientation since the functions of the partners are related to the administrative role, and they have been updating themselves in the processes and management of local and international transactions that mark the new orientations. In this way, innovative techniques and strategies are required to deal with conflicts in relation to the above. Likewise, this will enable them to develop and implement strategies and actions aligned with the technological and sustainable (social, economic, and environmental) advances that are demanded today in the rules of world trade. Hypothesis. Adequate management is considered a pillar for the long-term success of small businesses, motivating the innovative spirit of an organisation's partners, and creating competitive advantages for the organisation over its competitors.

An empirical study on the factors influencing the new product development process in Indian automobile industries

Automobile manufacturing industries are looking at innovative ways to improve their company processes globally to maintain profitability in an increasingly complicated and competitive global market. There is fierce competition in the automotive business, which is evolving quickly. A crucial constituent of an organization’s success, survival, and vitality in such industries is the process of new product development. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the success factors of the new product development process in the Automobile industry. This research work tested the hypothesis that factors influence the process of new product development in the Automobile manufacturing industries of Maharashtra. The evidence was collected from higher officials of respective industries. The findings show that market orientation, market competition, and organizational culture have a significant impact on the New Product Development Process in the Automobile Manufacturing industry. The result of this study also shows that the role of governance and organization competence and resources do not impact the New Product Development Process. This suggests that management in the Automobile manufacturing industry strategy should focus on all the possible influential factors during the process of product development.

Potentials for Optimizing Roadside Greenery to Improve the Quality of Life in Cities

Trees and plants at the roadside or on median strips are called roadside greenery. These are not only beautiful in our environment but are also an important component of the biological system of a city. In addition, roadside greenery provides a variety of design, structural, traffic and ecological functions. These include shading and aesthetics, but also the sense of security and as a measure against the consequences of climate change. Worldwide, more and more people are living in cities and urbanization is steadily increasing. As a result, inner-city development is becoming increasingly dense, and the air is getting worse. In order to make people’s living environments as pleasant and healthy as possible, more greenery is needed in cities. In this research work, the relationship between quality of life and street greenery is investigated. The aim is to analyze the different needs and wishes of citizens and to identify and compile positive consequential effects of street greenery on people and the environment, as well as possible deficits in urban areas. A guideline for action with recommendations will support municipalities in upgrading and expanding street greenery in cities. The empirical study shows that street greenery is enormously important for the general and subjective quality of life for every age group. The perception of the population shows different assessments and ideals regarding street greenery. Overall, there is a desire among the population to maintain and optimize street greenery in the city.

Municipal Defensive Walls in Western Poland: The Example of Żagań

ABSTRACT Many relics of municipal fortifications are preserved in multiple cities in the Silesian — Lusatian region. Research works are mainly focused on area such a history, architecture or technical state, without correlation between these areas. The correct approach is to identify walls, or sections of them, as part of parallel, interdisciplinary research that covers the history and chronology of transformations, expansion phases, and their state of preservation which was also the primary and main goal of the research in case of Żagań municipal defensive walls. Thanks to architectural and archaeological analysis, it was possible to determine the chronology of the transformations and layers of the walls. Combining the results of the chronological analyses (C-14, dendrochronology) of wood samples from putlog holes with the results of architectural research allows hypotheses regarding the chronology of constructing objects to be confirmed or excluded. During the study it was found, that it is recommended to correlate the results of archaeological research conducted within the area of excavations next to the foundations of city walls with the results of the structural analyses of soil and water conditions. It is then possible to conduct a comparative analysis of the identified soil and anthropogenic layers. The correlation of architectural research in the field of the chronology of the construction of city walls with the results of the analyses of the cross-sectional deformation of their structure (based on 3D laser scanning) enables answers about the causes of the walls’ inclination to be obtained. The proposed algorithm for interdisciplinary cooperation in research of historical municipal walls is presented.

Genetic Improvement of Drought Tolerance in a Mega-Rice Variety Improved White Ponni through Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding

In the ever-changing climatic conditions, it has become important to enhance rice productivity to ensure global food security. Drought is one of the major limiting factors in rice pro- duction. Drought during the reproductive stage results in maximum or complete yield loss. Efforts have been taken to develop drought-tolerant rice lines by introgressing three major drought-effect QTLs, viz. qDTY1.1, qDTY2.1, and qDTY3.1, from Apo into a susceptible popular rice variety, Improved White Ponni (IWP). Backcross inbred lines of IWP × Apo were developed through the marker-assisted backcross breeding approach. Foreground analysis using linked markers resulted in the identification of 17 progenies carrying two or more QTLs, and the recurrent parent genome recoveries of these lines were >95.6% using 72 genome-wide SSR markers distributed throughout all chromosomes. Upon phenotypic evaluation of 17 IWP BILs, the water limited condition resulted in the identification of improved lines by recording the yield and the yield-related parameters. The promising performance of IWP BILs in terms of spikelet fertility (63.3%) and grain yield per plant (>10 g) under drought stress indicated the positive effects of introgressed qDTYs, while IWP recorded complete yield loss (94.2%). Out of the cultivars considered, the best-performing lines which truly exhibited drought tolerance, with more increased yield than the recurrent parent under water-limited conditions, and the effects of these QTLs and their interactions were examined in this research work.

An Unexplored Drug Mamajjaka (Enicostemma Littorale Blume)-A Drug Review

Traditional medicinal system of India consist variety of natural herbs which are playing significant role in human health. Among them Enicostemma littorale Blume is one the herbaceous plant of the Gentianaceae family. The biter nature plant help in curing fever, act as a laxative, useful in skin disorders, rheumatism, snake bite, abdominal disorders, diabetes, obesity and in many more diseases. The plant used in folklore since long time in many diseases. The plant constituents having antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycaemic, hepatoprotective and antitumor activity. This review consists of detail description along with its literature review, ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical, pharmacological properties, and toxicological study of Enicostemma littorale Blume. The methodology adopted in this review is using Ayurvedic literature and modern scientific research-based publications including journal and periodicals. This review provide base for future research work in different aspect in the field of drug research.