Browse Items (11810 total)
Sort by:
-
Bacterial diversity of geochemically distinct hot springs located in Maharashtra, India
Bacterial diversity of four thermally different hot springs of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, India, was investigated using culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. A total of 144 bacterial cultures were isolated and identified using MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Culture-independent analysis by Ion Torrent sequencing targeting the V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene revealed the predominance of Firmicutes across all the hot springs, followed by Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Armatimonadetes, Actinobacteria, Nitrospirae, Acidobacteria, and DeinococcusThermus, with subtle differences in their abundance. At the lower taxonomic rank of genus, we noted the prevalence of Acinetobacter followed by Clostridium, Planomicrobium, Bacillus, Streptomyces, and Leptolyngbya. Metagenomics imputation using in silico approach revealed divergence in the metabolic capabilities of bacterial communities along the thermal gradient of host springs, with site TS (63C) featuring the abundant functional gene families. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
-
A study on the prospects of zimbabwe fertilizer industry for a sustainable market match
This paper is as a result of a process of seeking a solution to theperennial challenge of mismatch of fertilizer demand and supply in Zimbabwe. The study investigated the causes of the mismatch of fertilizer demand and supply in the post agrarian reform with a view to finding the factors that cause the mismatch. The study has been necessitated by the fact that Zimbabwe?s economy is agro-based and supportsmore than twelve million people. The study was informed by the following objectives: (i) To know and understand the existing demand and supply of fertilizer in Zimbabwe(ii) To find reasons for the gap in the market and its impact on Zimbabwe?s agricultural sector (iii) To examine the role of banks and financial institutions in leveraging farmer access to loans in Zimbabwe (iv) To understand the farmers' perceptions of the situation and make justifications of the mismatch and (v) To suggest and adopt suitable strategies which reinforce sustainable demand and supply of fertilizer in the country. In context and pursuit of the objectives, this study used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. A survey questionnaire was administered on the total of 380 respondents within the study returned questionnaires. The study was premised on 3 null hypotheses, one testing significance difference between product brand and market demand for fertilizer, another testing significance difference between availability and accessibility of fertilizer and yet another tested significance difference in the perception among farmers and stakeholders on the use of fertilizer. To do the hypothesis testing,data frequencies were run to note descriptive data patterns, cross-tabulations to establish a relationship between variable through various statistical tests: chi- square, correlations, ANOVA correlation coefficients, regression analysis and R-square value. Regression analysis was conducted to establish squared multiple correlation coefficient(R2) between Fertilizer Market,the unobserved dependent variable comprised of Demand (need for fertilizer, Supply/usage of fertilizer and availability of fertilizer) and independent composite variables of location/place of the fertilizer, fertilizer company brands, i.e. products, respondents in the study(people) and costs of financing fertilizer.This study accepted the first 2 null hypotheses and rejected the last hypothesis respectively.During the content thematic analysis salient themes and issues were; fertilizer availability at specific locations, high usage of ammonia brand, low application of fertilizer, inadequate fertilizer storage facilities, quality of fertilizer and accessibility to markets and specific fertilizers brands at specific periods. Upon triangulation, thequalitative responses were similar and complimentary to the quantitative responses.The composite or unobserved predictor variables; Place/Location of fertilizer, Type of fertilizer/Product brand, cost price and people accounted for the squared multiple correlation coefficient.573 or 57.3% (R2) adjusted R2 0.568 of the variance of Fertilizer Market dependent composite variable. This proportion in other words was the contribution of the independent variables. This suggests relationships that has the moderate effect (substantial) on Market the dependent variable based on the criterion that 0.573 is moderate. Regression analysis pointed to a strong Pearson correlations relation between fertilizer market and location (place where fertilizer was available) .004 and product 0.21. The unobserved predictor independent variable fertilizer type product or brand multiple correlation coefficient.517 or 51.3% (R2), fertilizer location or location could be found .542 or 54.2% (R2) with unobserved predictor dependent variable fertilizer market.Following onto this, the study highlights a model to help us better manage the mismatch. This model is developed from a collaborative ramework.The thesis ultimately makes conclusions and recommendations about crafting policies that will assist to match fertilizer demand and supply in Zimbabwe. -
-
Hybrid Renewable Road Side Charging Station with I2V Communication Functionality
The faster adoption of Renewable-based Energy Sources for charging Electric Vehicles is highly required. The paper proposes a novel strategy of design and developing a hybrid Road Side Unit (RSU) that would be easy to install and provides easy access to Electric Vehicle charging. The system inculcates Infrastructure to Vehicle (I2V) communication framework enabling communication between the Infrastructure and the Vehicle to identify the nearest charging station based on the availability. The communication framework is based on Wi-Fi communication and enables bidirectional communication between the Vehicle and the Infrastructure as well. The modelling and development of the RSU, and the active power flow regulation from the RSU to the Charging Station is also developed, using a Fuzzy Controller. 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Inphase and outphase concentration modulation on the onset of magneto-convection and mass transfer in weak electrically conducting micropolar fluids
The paper analyses the effect of concentration modulation at the onset of solute magneto-convection and heat transfer in a weak electrically conducting fluid by carrying out a linear and non-linear analysis. The Venezian approach is assented encompassing the correction Solute Rayleigh number and wave numbers for meagre amplitude concentration modulation. A multiscale method is applied to convert the analytically untraceable Lorenz model to an analytically traceable Ginzburg-Landau equation which is solved to quantify mass transfer through Sherwood number. It is observed that concentration modulation results in sub-critical motion however out-of-phase concentration modulation is more stable compare to others. 2019 Author(s). -
Investigating the contrast diurnal relationship of land surface temperatures with various surface parameters represent vegetation, soil, water, and urbanization over Ahmedabad city in India
Many climatic problems have arisen due to congested and inefficient planning, reduced vegetation cover, and increased pollution from factories and vehicles. One such primary concern is increased land surface temperature (LST) contributes to the urban heat island (UHI) occurrence. This research aims to understand better the UHI effect in the region neighbouring the Indian city of Ahmedabad. MODIS sensor data (onboard Aqua and Terra platforms) and Landsat data were used for the study. The research was done for the summer, monsoon, and winter seasons in the research region, using data from thirteen years between 2003 and 2015. The current study looked at LSTs' spatial and temporal differences to assess the SUHI effect over Ahmedabad city. The association between diurnal LST and various surface variables such as vegetation, built-up, soil, water, and so on has also been examined. A variety of land surfaces influences the diurnal variations of LSTs. The diurnal associations of LST with vegetation, urbanization, soil, and water factors have been studied. The overall study of LST' relationship with all of the various parameters reveals a very significant dynamic relationship. 2022 The Author(s) -
In-phase, out-of-phase, bottom-wall two-frequency boundary temperature modulations on the onset of Rayleigh-Bard convection
The onset of convection in a Newtonian liquid-containing system is investigated using a two-frequency boundary temperature. The consequences of three types of two-frequency boundary temperature modulations have been thoroughly investigated: (i) in-phase, (ii) out-of-phase, and(iii) bottom-wall. The combined effect of two frequencies with sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal wave types is also documented under these various types of boundary temperature modulations. To facilitate the study, the Venezian method is approvedand the critical Rayleigh number and its correction are calculated. The parameters resulting from the study's two frequencies of modulation are the mixing angle, (Formula presented.), the amplitudes, (Formula presented.), and the set of coprime integers, (Formula presented.). The system's thermodynamics determines the range of these parameters. The research discovered that out-of-phase two-frequency boundary temperature modulation is the most stable, while in-phase is the least stable. Besides that, any combination of wave type with square wave type yields the most excellent stability. Furthermore, the two-frequency boundary temperature modulation is more stable than the single-frequency and no-modulation cases. 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Comparative study of sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal two-frequency internal heat modulation in a Rayleigh-Bard system
A linear stability analysis is assented to investigate the effect of two-frequency internal heat modulation at the onset of convection in a Newtonian liquid. The correction Rayleigh number and wave number for small amplitudes is calculated using the Venezian approach. Under two-frequency internal heat modulation, the motion is found to be subcritical. To quantify heat transfer in the system, the three-mode Lorenz model is solved numerically. Various combinations of sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal waveforms influence the onset of convection and heat transfer in the system due to two-frequency internal heat modulation. The parameters' influence on heat transfer is seen to be dependent on the presence of a heat source or sink. 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
The onset of RayleighBard convection and heat transfer under two-frequency rotation modulation
The impact of 16 combinations of sinusoidal (sine) and nonsinusoidal (square, triangular, and sawtooth) time-periodic Coriolis force (rotation modulation) on RayleighBard convection in a Newtonian liquid is studied in this paper. This consideration is made to capture the possible effects of two-frequency rotation modulation on stability, that is, the onset of convection and the simultaneous amount of heat transfer in the system. The Venezian approach has been asserted on the linearized Lorenz model to derive the correction Rayleigh number as a function of the two frequencies. The Lorenz model with nonlinearities is evaluated numerically to assess the quantity of heat transfer in the system. The present study states that in comparison with existing studies of no-modulation and single-frequency rotation modulation, two-frequency rotation modulation yields higher stability bounds and thus diminishes the heat transfer. Heat transfer is found to be enhanced by a pair of coprime integers associated with the harmonics in the system. 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC -
Comprehensive understanding of biomedical usages of metal and non metal doped carbon dots
In recent years, carbon dots have garnered significant attention, particularly within the biomedical realm, owing to their exceptional characteristics. The unique attributes of carbon dots can be further enhanced through the introduction of heteroatom via doping. Various techniques have been devised by researchers to facilitate the doping of carbon dots, with both metallic and non-metallic elements. Elements such as nitrogen (81%), sulfur (67%), and silicon (64.1%) have been successfully employed for doping carbon dots leading to heightened quantum yields. This review compiles the diverse methodologies and elements employed in doping of carbon dots, and their applications in the biomedical domain in recent times. This review discusses the uses of doped carbon dots, both metal and non-metal-doped variants, elucidating their manifold utilities in various biomedical sectors, notably bioimaging, wound healing, and cancer therapy. The discussion culminates by addressing present challenges and offering insights into future prospects of doped carbon dots. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Fluorescent PVDF dots: from synthesis to biocidal activity
Infection by microorganisms is a serious concern in food storage, water purification, drugs, and particularly in biomedical devices. Long-term use of permanent implants often leads to its contamination due to pathogens. Timely tracking of bacterial activity and its interaction with antibodies are crucial for overcoming these infections. In this work, fluorescent polymeric biocides are obtained from a non-conjugated polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which is neither emissive nor known for its antibacterial activity. PVDF dot was synthesized via hydrothermal treatment eliminating the need for complicated and toxic preparation strategies. PVDF-based dot exhibits high fluorescence aroused from the carbogenic core due to the carbonization of the hydrocarbon chain. It is found that the dots were semiconducting contrary to the bulk form of PVDF. The photoluminescent polymer dots also exhibited an excellent antibacterial activity toward Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Streptococcus bacteria. This luminescence and biocidal activity of PVDF-derived dots have attractive applications in the field of fluorescent diagnostics and therapeutics. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
A Review on Recent Trends in Biological Applications of Non-conjugated Polymer Dots
With the advancement of zero-dimensional carbon materials, carbon dots (CDs) have received immense attention owing to their exceptional optical properties, tailoring of size, and ease of functionalization. They have wide applications in fluorescent sensing, chemical sensing, bioimaging, photocatalysis, etc. Zero-dimensional polymer nanoparticles are called polymer dots (PDs) and are classified into conjugated and non-conjugated PDs based on their conjugated system. Non-conjugated polymer dots (NCPDs) do not have specific conjugated fluorophore groups, but they have superior chemical stability and water solubility than the conjugated PDs. The carbon core of NCPDs is surrounded by polymer chains containing ample functional groups such as C=O, N=O, and C=N, which are responsible for the luminescent PDs. NCPDs are less toxic, photostable, and biocompatible and are relevant in biological explorations in bioimaging, drug delivery, biosensing, etc. This mini-review provides a systematic overview of the inherent properties and the biological applications of NCPDs. It also emphasises the synergistic impacts on the optical performance of modified PDs and significant future research concerns. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. -
Facile Synthesis of Polymer Dot and Its Antibacterial Action Against Staphylococcus aureus
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rising from nosocomial infections is an escalating threat to human life nowadays due to the overuse of drugs. The multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria have increased morbidity and mortality rates, becoming a crucial global clinical challenge. Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is one of the nosocomial pathogens that cause severe invasive diseases and skin infections to human health worldwide. Herein, a non-conjugated polymer dot (NCPD) was synthesized from less toxic and biocompatible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) via hydrothermal treatment. The fluorescence of the polymer dots was enhanced by nitrogen doping. The as-synthesized nitrogen-doped polymer dots (PDs) exhibit excitation-dependent luminescence emission and show green color fluorescence under UV light. The average size of the synthesized functionalized non-conjugated polymer dot is obtained as 4.08nm, and they exhibit an amorphous structure. No antibacterial property was observed for bulk polymer, but the doped polymer dots showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd 2024. -
State of the art MOF-composites and MXene-composites: Synthesis, fabrication and diverse applications
The composites of MXene and Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained considerable attention recently due to their synergic properties. MOFs are advantageous as it offers high surface area, good stability, and tunable chemical structure, MXenes, on the other hand, provide superior ion-transport characteristics, high conductivity, large surface-to-volume ratio, and facile modification strategies. Composite fabrication enables tuning the desired properties of the individual materials and propounds good stability and enhanced performance. This review assembles and describes the composites of MXene and MOF in various fields of application like energy storage devices, sensors, medicinal, separation membranes, medicinal, and photocatalysis in a comprehensible way. Here we first outline the characteristics of MOFs and MXenes along with a comparative study of different synthesis routes for the fabrication of the composites. The review also encompasses a detailed discussion on different industries and applications that the MXene and MOF composites are subjected to. Finally, the review provides future perspective for designing and development of newer composites as well as scope for further industrial approach. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Exploring the anti-inflammatory activities, mechanism of action and prospective drug delivery systems of tocotrienol to target neurodegenerative diseases
A major cause of death in the elderly worldwide is attributed to neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD (Alzheimers disease), PD (Parkinsons disease), ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), FRDA (Friedreichs ataxia), VaD (Vascular dementia) etc. These can be caused due to multiple factors such as genetic, physiological problems like stroke or tumor, or even external causes like viruses, toxins, or chemicals. T3s (tocotrienols) exhibit various bioactive properties where it acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and cholesterol lowering agent. Since T3 interferes with and influences several anti-inflammatory mechanisms, it aids in combating inflammatory responses that lead to disease progression. T3s are found to have a profound neuroprotective ability, however, due to their poor oral bioavailability, their full potential could not be exploited. Hence there is a need to explore other drug delivery techniques, especially focusing on aspects of nanotechnology. In this review paper we explore the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of T3 to apply it in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and also discusses the possibilities of nano methods of administering tocotrienols to target neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright: 2023 Mathew AM et al. -
GCMS analysis, anthelmintic, antibacterial and antifungal properties of unripe fruit peel extract of Musa paradisiaca L.
Endoparasites, namely, Ascaris sp., Taenia sp., Haemonchus contortus, Ancylostoma duodenale etc. are of serious concern since they can lead to financial loss if farm animals are attacked by these parasites. Finding out cost-effective natural remedies for these infections is an area of research in the field of veterinary sciences. The current study was undertaken with a view to explore the anthelmintic property of banana peel along with its other bioactive properties. The fruit is available abundantly throughout the year and the peel is often discarded as waste. This study has shown that the extracts of the Nendran variety of Musa paradisiaca L. fruit peel have potent anthelmintic, antibacterial and antifungal activities. Preliminary cytotoxicity studies have also given positive results. GCMS analysis has revealed the major phytochemicals responsible for the bioactive properties of the peel. Since the United Nations has urged countries to align research and development with a thrust on sustainable development, these kinds of natural alternatives are best suited in place of synthetic drugs. 2023 World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
NLP-based personal learning assistant for school education
Computer-based knowledge and computation systems are becoming major sources of leverage for multiple industry segments. Hence, educational systems and learning processes across the world are on the cusp of a major digital transformation. This paper seeks to explore the concept of an artificial intelligence and natural language processing (NLP) based intelligent tutoring system (ITS) in the context of computer education in primary and secondary schools. One of the components of an ITS is a learning assistant, which can enable students to seek assistance as and when they need, wherever they are. As part of this research, a pilot prototype chatbot was developed, to serve as a learning assistant for the subject Scratch (Scratch is a graphical utility used to teach school children the concepts of programming). By the use of an open source natural language understanding (NLU) or NLP library, and a slack-based UI, student queries were input to the chatbot, to get the sought explanation as the answer. Through a two-stage testing process, the chat-bot's NLP extraction and information retrieval performance were evaluated. The testing results showed that the ontology modelling for such a learning assistant was done relatively accurately, and shows its potential to be pursued as a cloud-based solution in future. 2021 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. All rights reserved. -
TEMPO mediated electrochemical oxidation of 4-pyridinemethanol using Pd and Pt Co-deposited polyaniline modified carbon fiber paper
Co-deposition of palladium and platinum (PdPt) nanoparticles on the conducting polymeric ?lm of Polyaniline (PAn) modified carbon fiber paper (CFP) electrode was carried out by using eletrochemical method. The modified electrode has been used for the oxidation of 4-pyridinemethanol. The electrochemical properties of fabricated multi-layered ?lms on carbon fiber paper (Pd-Pt/PAn/CFP) were studied by electrochemical AC impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization technics were environmentally benign and sustainable are used to analyze the structural properties of modified multi-layered electrode. The relative sizes and distribution of the nanoparticles on the electrode surface were analyzed using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical profilometry characterization techniques. Electrochemical studies by CV showed that the PdPt/PAn/CFP electrode had better electrochemical activity similar to PAn/CFP and Bare CFP electrode towards extensive electrochemical oxidation of 4-pyridinemethanol in presence of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl) in aqueous acidic medium. 2021 -
TEMPO-Mediated Aqueous Phase Electrooxidation of Pyridyl Methanol at Palladium-Decorated PANI on Carbon Fiber Paper Electrode
Palladium nanoparticles decorated on polyaniline coated carbon fiber paper electrode (Pd-PANI/CFP) was employed for TEMPO ((2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl) mediated electrocatalytic oxidation of pyridyl methanol to pyridyl carboxaldehyde using cyclic voltammetry in aqueous acidic media using a surfactant. The electrochemical properties of the modified electrodes were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The physicochemical properties of the modified electrodes were studied using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Optical profilometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Pd-PANI/CFP electrode has exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards TEMPO mediated oxidation of pyridyl methanol owing to higher electrochemically active surface area of the modified electrode. CV studies suggested higher electrochemical activity for Pd-PANI/CFP electrode when compared to PANI/CFP and bare CFP electrodes towards TEMPO mediated oxidation of pyridyl methanol. 2020 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim