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Plasma sprayed nano refractory coatings
Nano powders may be reconstituted into micron sized plasma sprayable powders either by using a spray drier or a manual process by employing organic binders to agglomerate them. This paper deals with the synthesis of nano sized alumino-silicate plasma sprayable powders and plasma sprayed coatings prepared from them. Nano sized raw materials involving kyanite and andalusite refractory powders were converted into plasma sprayable powders by using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) binders. The preparation methodology involved obtaining free flowing, micron sized agglomerated nano-alumino-silicates particles which could be plasma spray coated by using an Atmospheric Spray Coating Facility. About 220 microns thick nano-alumino silicate coatings were deposited on 75 microns thick commercial NiCrAlY bond coat on stainless steel substrates. The challenges involved in plasma spray coating the nano material with low density was in obtaining good deposition efficiency, retaining the nano micro structures and the structural phase composition of the coating. The coatings were evaluated for materials characteristics such as crystal structural phase via XRD, microstructure via SEM and chemical composition via EDS. The microstructure depicted fine grained nano-sized surface morphologies, kyanite and andalusite phase structure, with high potential for application as refractory coatings. Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd. -
Plasma Sprayed Refractory Coatings from Aluminium Dross
Refractory coatings on metals offer a unique blend of chemical inertness, stability and mechanical properties at temperatures higher than what the metal can normally withstand. However, a balance must be struck with many factors: Thickness, adhesion, performance, durability, economy and suitability for specific end use requirements. The present-day technology requires the coating to give effective service under extreme temperatures while being environmentally friendly and be easily available. One application of refractory coating is in steel industry-pipe linings. This research works highlights the potential to use aluminum dross, an industrial waste material to generate refractory coatings, comprised of Al2O3 and MgAl2O4 after suitable processing. Al dross is a byproduct of the Aluminium smelting process which can be recycled mechanically to separate the residual Aluminium metal from the Aluminium oxide. These are usually produced in tones every year and are found to be dumped in landfills and other empty spaces which generate toxic fumes like methane and other gases when reacted with moisture. The Aluminium dross used in this work was analyzed and found to comprise of its usual constituents such as metallic Al, MgAl2O4, Al2O3, AlN and other oxides and nitrides in minute quantities. Manual procedures were conducted to synthesize plasma spray-able dross which was further introduced to standard laboratory tests for the removal of undesirable constituents like AlN and other nitrides which led to the optimization of quality of powders. Atmospheric plasma spray (APS) coating methodology was used to deposit 250?m thick coatings of re-processed Al dross, involving the spraying of the processed powder onto a bond coated (NiCrAlY) steel substrate. The raw, reprocessed and the plasma sprayed coated Al dross were evaluated for their material characteristics by employing X-ray Diffractometry (XRD) for crystal structural phases, microstructure and chemical composition by employing sophisticated microscopy (SEM) technique and EDS associated with the SEM. The paper is presented keeping in in view the aptness of reprocessed Al dross, an industrial waste material to be utilized as refractories for use in engineering industries. 2019 Elsevier Ltd. -
Plasmonic Ag-Integrated Mesoporous Mn2O3TiO2 Thin Films for Efficient Solar Hydrogen Production
The present work describes the synthesis of mesoporous Mn2O3TiO2 (TiMn) and Ag-integrated TiMn (TiMnAg) nanocomposites, and their superior photocatalytic activity in a thin-film form was demonstrated for solar H2 generation in direct sunlight. The integration of metallic Ag and TiMn significantly enhanced solar H2 production due to the combined effect of Schottky junction and heterojunction formation. The PIRET (plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer) effect of Ag and the consequent energy transfer to the surrounding lattice, and heterogeneous distribution of metal ions on the TiO2 surface with possible synergistic interactions among them, are additional reasons for efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion. TiMnAg-1 (0.5 wt % Ag-loaded on TiMn) and TiMn-3 (TiO2:Mn = 1:0.03 mol ratio) showed the highest H2 production rate (9.05 mmolh1g1), which is 60 times higher than that of bare TiO2 (0.16 mmolh1g1). TiMnAg-1 fabricated in a thin-film form shows 5.2 times higher solar H2 production activity than its powder counterpart. The interconnected mesoporous network in TiMnAg-1 is an additional advantage, which enhances diffusion and mass transfer during the reaction. The plausible photocatalytic reaction mechanism of the TiMnAg nanocomposites involves direct energy and electron transfer from metallic Ag nanoparticles and Mn2O3 species, respectively, to TiO2, which is then utilized for the reduction of H+ to H2. 2026 American Chemical Society -
Plasmonic Nanocomposite for Visible Light-Modulated Bimorph-Actuator
Soft actuators have great potential applications in sophisticated movement and sensitive devices due to their flexible nature, good interaction, and precise control. However, existing carbon-based optical actuators are limited in their response under visible light irradiation. The limited visible light absorbance of the carbon nanostructure brought the metallic nanoparticle into the soft actuators that can absorb visible light. This study introduces a new type of plasmonic photothermal-bimorph actuator, using graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and silver nanorods (Ag NRs) to overcome the limitations of traditional optical actuators. The bimorph film is actuated by visible and near-infrared light stimuli with various power densities showing reversible deformation behavior. The actuator shows significant bending associated with a ?50 change in bending angle under visible light irradiation with a response time of ?5 1 sec. Furthermore, a smart photo-controlled non-contact switch is fabricated based on photo-thermal conversion properties, demonstrating perfect integration of plasmonic bimorph actuators. The density functional theory based molecular dynamics calculations provide an additional understanding of the bending of actuators under external stimulus. Using illustrative demonstrations of actuators, these results hint at a method for generating multipurpose visible light-based soft robots, supporting a new approach to developing an optical locking system. 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Plasmonic Nanocomposite for Visible Light-Modulated Bimorph-Actuator
Soft actuators have great potential applications in sophisticated movement and sensitive devices due to their flexible nature, good interaction, and precise control. However, existing carbon-based optical actuators are limited in their response under visible light irradiation. The limited visible light absorbance of the carbon nanostructure brought the metallic nanoparticle into the soft actuators that can absorb visible light. This study introduces a new type of plasmonic photothermal-bimorph actuator, using graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and silver nanorods (Ag NRs) to overcome the limitations of traditional optical actuators. The bimorph film is actuated by visible and near-infrared light stimuli with various power densities showing reversible deformation behavior. The actuator shows significant bending associated with a ?50 change in bending angle under visible light irradiation with a response time of ?5 1 sec. Furthermore, a smart photo-controlled non-contact switch is fabricated based on photo-thermal conversion properties, demonstrating perfect integration of plasmonic bimorph actuators. The density functional theory based molecular dynamics calculations provide an additional understanding of the bending of actuators under external stimulus. Using illustrative demonstrations of actuators, these results hint at a method for generating multipurpose visible light-based soft robots, supporting a new approach to developing an optical locking system. 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Platelets to surrogate lung inflammation in COVID-19 patients
The neoteric severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been jeopardizing the world with the symptoms of seasonal flu. The virus contagion predicted to have been originated from Wuhan, China has by far trapped 4,198,418 cases from 212 countries in the world with two international conveyances with 284,102 deaths as of 11 May 2020 (10:18 GMT). Researchers around the globe have indulged in deciphering viral mode in the body for devising a cure. Affirmations from autopsies and preliminary findings on SARS-CoV-2 hypothesized on viral pathogenesis within the host, for instance, source of inflammation in lungs and pneumonia. This hypothesis assigns the platelets as agents of infection after viral entry. Presently, curbing infection to stall the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is the prima facie intervention employed, worldwide. However, public health authorities must monitor the state of affairs scrupulously, as the deeper our understanding of this novel virus and its associated outbreak, the better we can deal with it. Knowing this idea might be far-fetched, yet this postulate would serve as the groundwork for the present situation. 2020 Elsevier Ltd -
Platform Business Model for Intelligent Supply Chain Operations
Platform economy involves technology to connect the dispersed network of participants. The Platform Business Model denotes a triangular participation between; the platform itself, the supplier and the consumer. The global market is witnessing a rise of digital platforms with an increase in the power of algorithms and cloud-based computing, connecting millions of participants in the network. The technological advancement makes the digital platforms a formidable force that ushers in change and brings out economic revolution across the globe. Many entrepreneurs have been created by these platforms, the workforces have the freedom to choose their work time and job, leading to an economically vibrant society. Platform businesses exist across various verticals, even in manufacturing setup. A variety of goods can be produced in a flexible assembly line. Hence the concept of outsourcing may require new definition from low-cost labour-based countries to high technology low-cost countries. There may be a transformation of economies shifting towards service, as major manufacturers may reorient themselves into service operators. Overall, the platform business model would make the entire operation more transparent with real time data transfer between the participants, leading to efficiency across the entire chain of business activities. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023. -
Platinum decorated phosphorous doped graphitic carbon nitride supported molecularly imprinted carbon fibre electrode as a nano-interface for the detection of butylated hydroxy anisole
This research generated an electrochemical sensor using a carbon fibre (CFP) paper electrode coated using platinum-decorated phosphorous doped graphitic carbon nitride (Pt/PgCN). This sensor was designed to detect butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) selectively and sensitively. The molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were synthesized onto the Pt/PgCN coated CFP surface through electropolymerization using BHA as a template and 3-thiophene acetic acid as monomer. Numerous analytical methods were used to characterise the sensor electrode, including cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The results showed that the synergetic effect of PgCN, Pt nanoparticles, and PTAA, PgCN and Pt had a positive impact on the electrochemical detection, the sensor's linear range was determined to be between 5 10?10 M and 2.1 10?7 M. The sensor demonstrated excellent stability, good reproducibility, and high selectivity for detecting BHA. Moreover, the proposed sensor successfully detected BHA in real samples. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Platinum decorated polythiophene modified stainless steel for electrocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol
Abstract: Platinum nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited on conducting polymer polythiophene (PTh)-coated stainless steel (SS) substrate. A thin layer of PTh on the steel substrate facilitates uniform deposition of Pt nanoparticles on the substrate, thereby improving the surface area to a great extent. The electrochemical properties of the modified electrodes were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The physicochemical properties of the modified electrodes were investigated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The proposed method has been applied for the electrocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol in the presence of a mediator, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO). Cyclic voltammetric studies reveal that the electrocatalytic activity of PtPTh/SS electrode is higher than that of PTh/SS electrode toward the conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2019, Springer Nature B.V. -
Platt number of total graphs
The degree of an edge uv is defined as the number of edges incident on vertices u and v other than itself. The Platt number of a graph is the sum of degrees of all its edges. In this paper, the concept of degree of an edge is analysed in social networks. The Platt number is investigated in certain classes of graphs and their total graphs. Also related bounds are proposed on connected graphs. An algorithm developed to determine the Platt number of any connected graph is presented. 2018 Academic Publications. -
Play and Play Spaces for Global Health, Happiness, and Well-Being
Play has a significant role in an individuals learning and holistic development. Play and recreation are a need and right. Research on play indicates that the significance of play is neglected among the current generation. Play spaces are shrinking, and physical play is becoming extinct in most communities. This current scenario may or have led to poor physical and mental health outcomes. The proposed book chapter aims to present play and play spaces in physical and mental health. The literature of play theories in child development shows the role of play in socioemotional, physical, and cognitive development. The current paper brings together literature on play across the lifespan, highlighting how play and recreation impacts children, youth, adults, and older adults physical and mental health. The change in lifestyle patterns has contributed to the neglect of play and recreation. The paper throws light on the need for the attention of professionals and policymakers for interventions and advocacy at both local and global levels in promoting play and preserving natural play spaces. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Taylor and Francis Pte Ltd. 2022. -
Playing With Differences: Social-Emotional Learning to Reduce Bullying and Promote Inclusivity
Inclusivity is a key indicator for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. At the school level, bullying mars the appreciation of individual differences and acts as a barrier to inclusivity. The use of social-emotional learning is recommended to promote inclusivity and reduce bullying. Play is an enjoyable form of learning social-emotional skills for all age groups. It is also known to promote positive peer relationships and enable learners to develop a wide range of skills. Hence, educators can incorporate play through digital pedagogical tools and grade-wise play activities to engage students. Resultantly, learners can become emotionally intelligent individuals, sensitive to and respectful of differences. 2023 by IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Plugged in, tuned out: How earbuds on roads are becoming a silent menace
[No abstract available] -
Pluronic F127 and Dopamine Functionalized Fe2O3 Nanocomposites: A Multifunctional Polymer-Based Platform for Anticancer, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Applications
Cancer, bacterial infections, and oxidative stress continue to pose serious global health challenges, necessitating the development of multifunctional therapeutic agents. Iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles were selected as the core material owing to their intrinsic biocompatibility, redox activity, and established biomedical relevance. To overcome the limitations of particle aggregation and poor solubility, pluronic F127 (a biocompatible triblock copolymer) was employed as a stabilizer, while dopamine was introduced as a surface modifier to enhance functionalization, improve dispersion, and facilitate cellular uptake. The resulting Fe2O3-PF127-DOP nanocomposites were thoroughly characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, PL, and XPS analyses, confirming successful functionalization and enhanced stability. Antioxidant assays revealed 79.24% activity at 20 ?g/mL, comparable to Vitamin C, highlighting its antioxidant activity. Antibacterial studies against multiple pathogenic strains, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella dysenteriae, and Vibrio cholerae, showed markedly larger inhibition zones for Fe2O3-PF127-DOP than for Fe2O3, confirming its broad-spectrum antibacterial potential. Fe2O3-PF127-DOP exhibited superior cytotoxicity against HCT-116 colon cancer cells (IC50 = 15.3 ?g/mL) compared to Fe2O3 (IC50 = 17.2 ?g/mL), attributed to improved uptake and ROS-mediated apoptosis. Importantly, cytocompatibility studies on L929 fibroblast cells revealed high cell viability of 83% and 86% for Fe2O3 and Fe2O3-PF127-DOP, respectively, demonstrating the nanocomposite's biocompatibility. Overall, this study demonstrates that strategic functionalization of Fe2O3 with pluronic F127 and dopamine yields a stable, multifunctional nanocomposite with significant anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial applications. 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Pluronic f127 encapsulated titanium dioxide nanoparticles: Evaluation of physiochemical properties for biological applications
The infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to drugs are very bad for human health and kill thousands of people every year. Also, both human actions and natural processes make surface waters more likely to have drug-resistant bacteria grow and spread in the environment. Because of this, researchers need to find new ways to treat bacterial infections quickly becoming resistant to drugs as soon as possible. Drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles have enhanced biocompatibility, biocidal properties, pharmacokinetics, tumor targeting, and stability while exhibiting non-toxicity to normal cells and overcoming drug resistance. In the present work, the pluronic-F127 encapsulated titanium dioxide (PF127/TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a green process using Morinda citrifolia leaf extract. X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) revealed that synthesized NPs exhibit an anatase structure. FESEM and TEM images of synthesized PF127/TiO2 NPs showed a polymorphic structure and an average particle size of 5060 nm. The chemical composition of the prepared NPs, which included elements like carbon, titanium, and oxygen, was identified using the EDAX spectrum. With the DLS spectrum, the hydrodynamic sizes of PF127/TiO2 NPs were 176 nm. In the FTIR spectrum, the metal oxide stretching bands like O-Ti-O were located at 664 cm?1 for PF127/TiO2 NPs. The surface defects, including Ti and O vacancies, were studied using the photoluminescence spectrum. The prepared PF127/TiO2 NPs exhibited significant microbial activity for inhibiting hospital pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains, specifically (Staphylococcus aureus) S. aureus, (Streptococcus pneumoniae) S. pneumonia, (Klebsiella pneumoniae) K. pneumonia, (Shigella dysenteriae) S. dysenteriae and (Candida albicans) C. albicans. In addition, PF127/TiO2 NPs had highly anti-cancer properties against human blood cancer (MOLT-4) cell lines. Furthermore, we found that synthesized PF127/TiO2 NPs exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. 2023 -
Pluronic F127-functionalized cerium fluoride nanocomposite: synthesis, characterization, and its enhanced antibacterial activities
The persistence of pathogenic bacteria, rising antibiotic resistance, and the ongoing need for effective anticancer agents necessitate the development of advanced multifunctional therapeutic strategies. In this study, CeF? nanoparticles and PF127-functionalized CeF? (CeF?PF127) nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile wet chemical route and systematically characterized for their structural, optical, and biological properties. XRD confirmed the formation of phase-pure hexagonal CeF? with crystallite sizes of 31nm (CeF?) and 27nm (CeF?PF127), while SAED revealed lattice fringes of approximately 0.27nm (CeF?) and 0.29nm (CeF?PF127). EDAX and XPS validated the Ce/F stoichiometry and the successful surface functionalization with PF127. Optical analyses showed a slight reduction in band gap from 3.15 to 3.09eV upon polymer coating, and PL spectra indicated enhanced defect-related emission in CeF?PF127, suggesting stabilization of Ce3? ions and oxygen vacancy sites. Biological evaluations demonstrated that CeF?PF127 exhibited superior antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) and enhanced anticancer efficacy against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, with lower IC?? values over 2472h. Antibacterial studies against S. aureus, B. subtilis, K. pneumoniae, and S. dysenteriae revealed larger inhibition zones (1820.5mm) and improved MIC/MBC values (600/1000gmL?1) compared to bare CeF?. Biocompatibility assessment using L929 fibroblasts confirmed cell viability exceeding 80% for both samples. Collectively, these results demonstrate that CeF?PF127 is a stable, multifunctional nanocomposite with promising potential for biomedical applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Pluronic F127Folic Acid Modified Nickel Oxide Nanocomposites via a Facile One-Pot Approach for InVitro Anticancer, Antibacterial, and DPPH Radical Scavenging Studies
Drug-resistant bacteria and cancer remain major challenges in healthcare, highlighting the need for multifunctional nanomaterials. In this study, folic acid- and Pluronic F127-modified nickel oxide nanocomposites (NiOPF127FA) were synthesized via a one-pot method, and their invitro antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties were evaluated. XRD analysis showed a crystallite size of 19.42 nm for NiOPF127FA, while PL spectra exhibited a green emission peak at 507 nm, indicative of structural defects in the NiO lattice. NiOPF127FA displayed enhanced antibacterial activity against MRSA and Candida albicans compared to bare NiO, as evidenced by larger inhibition zones and lower MIC and MBC values. The DPPH assay demonstrated improved radical scavenging activity of the modified nanocomposites, likely related to their smaller size, higher surface area, and surface defect-mediated electron transfer. Invitro anticancer studies using rat C6 glioblastoma cells revealed dose-dependent decreases in cell viability, with IC50 values of 12.3 ?g/mL for NiO and 9.6 ?g/mL for NiOPF127FA. Fluorescence staining with AO/EB and DAPI indicated morphological changes in nuclei and alterations in MMP, consistent with induction of cell death. Overall, these findings suggest that NiOPF127FA nanocomposites exhibit improved invitro biological activity, providing a foundation for further preclinical investigations of their potential biomedical applications. 2026 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
PM2.5 Prediction Models: A Systematic and Comparative Review
Airborne particulate matter (PM) is an amalgam of liquid droplets found in air and microscopic solid particles. The particles differ in size, shape, and chemical composition. PM has a significant impact on climate and precipitation and adversely affects human health as it can infiltrate the lungs and enter the cardiovascular system. This article explores the various PM2.5 prediction models proposed to date to predict a region's particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration. As prediction techniques evolve rapidly, this study aims to assess the various methodologies proposed for predicting PM2.5 concentration in different regions according to the factors that influence it. Various machine learning, deep learning, and statistical models have been proposed to predict hourly or daily PM2.5 concentrations in the air. The previously proposed models were compared using the RMSE, MAE, and R2 scores as the evaluation metrics. Since most of these models were region-specific and mostly used different parameters for the prediction, the comparison highlighted the need for a generalized model that could be fine-tuned based on the parameters of a particular region. Thus, this review points to the need for a high-accuracy generalized prediction model for PM2.5 that adapts to the diverse parameters region-wise. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026. -
PMFRO: Personalized Mens Fashion Recommendation Using Dynamic Ontological Models
There is a thriving need for an expert intelligent system for recommending fashion especially focusing on mens fashion. As it is an area which is neglected both in terms of fashion and modelling intelligent systems. So, in this paper the PMFRO framework for mens recommendation has been put forth which indicates the semantic similarity schemes with auxiliary knowledge and machine intelligence in a very systematic manner. The framework intelligently creates mapping of the preprocessed preferences and the user records and clicks with that of the items in the profile. So, this model aggregates community user profiles and also maps the mens fashion ontology using strategic semantic similarity schemes. Semantic similarity is evaluated using Lesk similarity and NPMI measures at several stages and instances with differential set thresholds and the dataset is classified using the feature control, machine learning bagging classifier which is an ensemble model in order to recommend the mens fashion. The PMFRO framework is an intelligent amalgamation and integration of auxiliary knowledge, strategic knowledge, user profile preferences as well as machine learning paradigms and semantic similarity models for recommending mens fashion and overall precision of 94.68% and FDR of 0.06 was achieved using the PMFRO model. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
Pneumonia classification from chest X-rays using significant feature selection and machine learning
The chest X-ray images of normal lungs differ only subtly from those of lungs with pneumonia, making image-based diagnosis highly challenging. To address this issue, we developed a machine learning (ML)-based, lightweight, end-to-end Python package that processes chest X-ray images, implements robust feature selection methods, and classifies the images using various algorithms. While many studies have focused on improving classification accuracy using newer methods, few have addressed the interpretability of the extracted features or the growing computational demands of complex models. We used four publicly available datasets and extracted first-order, textural, and transform-based radiomic features to test our package. Features were selected using the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) combined with recursive feature elimination (RFE) and stability selection algorithms. Our final solution contains a method that extracts a finite set of features identified by stability selection and feeds them as inputs into classical ML algorithms. Our model achieved 98% accuracy on the primary dataset, and 97%1, 96%2, and 94%2% accuracy on the other three datasets. Our approach is fast, self-contained, and requires only an ideal set of features, making it suitable for resource-constrained clinical environments. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/