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Abstract Descend and ascend of deep-water human-occupied submersibles based on buoyancy changes are enabled using a denomination of dispensable drop-weights, and loss of buoyancy are managed using emergency drop-weights and jettisoning identified systems. Failing to release the drop weights or jettison results in submersible stranding on the sea floor, leads to emergency recovery, and hence the drop-weight configuration has to be highly reliable. The paper, for the first time, based on hydrostatic stability, descend/ascend velocity needs, ocean salinity profile and loss-of-buoyancy situations, proposes a novel on-demand reliability based methodology for determining the safe drop-weight configuration and degradation-based mission abort strategy for deep-ocean human submersibles. Probabilistic on-demand reliability analysis based on IEC61508 standards for safety–critical systems using component field-failure data is carried out and the drop-weight configuration essential to meet the human-rated safety integrity level 3 during all stages of the subsea mission is identified for the deep-ocean human scientific submersible Matsya6000, based on which a mission abort protocol is evolved.

Abstract Multi-phase systems are becoming more popular for applications requiring high power and precise motor control, even if single-phase AC power is still frequently utilized in households and some enterprises. While both systems have benefits over single-phase, there are trade-offs associated with each. Because of its balanced operation and effective power transfer, the three-phase (3-Φ) system is the most widely used multi-phase system. Nevertheless, different phase values can be investigated for particular applications where reducing torque ripple and harmonic content is essential. Using odd numbers of phases (such as 5-Φ) that are not multiples of three is one method. This design has the ability to reduce torque ripple by producing a more balanced magnetic field as compared with even-numbered phases. But adding more phases also makes the system design and control circuitry more complex. Systems with five phases (5-Φ) provide a compromise between performance and complexity. Applications such as electric ship propulsion, rocket satellites, and traction systems may benefit from their use. Nevertheless, choosing a multi-phase system necessitates carefully weighing the requirements unique to each application, taking into account elements like cost, power transmission, control complexity, and efficiency. The increasing popularity of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies has led to the need for inverters in current electric applications. Conventional inverters provide square wave outputs, which cause the drive system to become noisy and cause harmonics. Multi-phase multilevel inverters can be used to enhance inverter functioning and produce an improved sinusoidal output. This study focuses on an induction motor drive powered by a five-phase multilevel cascaded H-Bridge inverter. With less torque and current ripples in the motor rotor, the power conversion harmonics are reduced and the switching components of the inverter are under less stress. However, in comparison to traditional inverters, it does require a greater number of legs. Because the switches needed for the cascaded H-Bridge inverter are less expensive in five-phase systems, they are favoured over higher phase orders. Furthermore, the suggested inverter removes 5th order harmonics, something that is not possible with traditional inverters. A five-phase induction motor appropriate for variable speed driving applications is also suggested by this research. Lastly, utilizing pulse width modulation (PWM) converters and an FPGA controller, an experimental study is carried out to assess the dynamic performance of the suggested induction motor drive. Particular attention is paid to the In-Phase Opposition Disposition (IPD) PWM technique.

Abstract The navigational accuracy of sea animals and trans-ocean birds provides inspiration in using geo-magnetic field (GMF) for realizing strategic truly autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) capable of determining their absolute position on earth, without the aid of ship-referenced acoustic baseline systems. Supervised Machine Learning algorithms are applied on the GMF intensity data obtained from NOAA World Magnetic Model for a 900 km2 within the Indian mineral exploratory area in the Central Indian Ocean, with a resolution of 50 m, considering the sensitivity of commercially available magnetometers. It is identified that, for AUVs equipped with magnetometers with a detection sensitivity of 0.1 nT, the supervisory random forest regression and decision tree algorithm trained with priori GMF data, could provide trajectory guidance to AUVs with an absolute mean position accuracy in 2D plane, with reference to the last known position from Integrated Navigation system aided initially with GPS and with acoustic positioning in underwater. Circular Error Probable (CEP 50) of 53 m and 56 m, respectively. The scalar GMF anomaly navigation demonstrated to be a viable GPS-alternative navigation system could be extended to larger areas with inclination and declination vectors, as unique identifiers.

Abstract Our study aims to validate safety and efficacy of Feroglobin capsule compared with different iron supplementations in adult subjects diagnosed with non-anemic to mild anemic iron deficiency and fatigue. Enrolled 302 participants diagnosed with non-anemic to mild anemic iron deficiency and fatigue. Group A (n = 147) received Feroglobin, Group B (n = 146) received standard of care [Haem Up Gems capsules (Ferrous fumarate) or Fericip tablets (Ferrous ascorbate)]. 293 subjects completed the study with follow-up visits on days 30, 60, and 90. Feroglobin treatment significantly increased hemoglobin levels from mean 12.43 g/dl to 13.24 g/dl in 90 days. Ferritin levels improved significantly by 442.87% compared to the standard care’s 256.67%. Fatigue scale scores reduced by 47.51%, and all presenting health complaints resolved completely. Gastrointestinal symptoms observed were similar in both the groups. Both groups exhibited moderate treatment adherence. Quality of life improved in pain and general health domains, exhibiting a good tolerability. Adverse events were unrelated to the investigational products. Feroglobin serves as an efficacious therapeutic alternative for improving hemoglobin, ferritin, and reducing fatigue with low doses compared to standard of care. However, longer-term effects of low-dose require further investigations in different target groups.

Abstract Rapid placement of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) is essential for the transportation industry in response to the growing electric vehicle (EV) fleet. The widespread usage of EVs is an essential strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from traditional vehicles. The focus of this study is the challenge of smoothly integrating Plug-in EV Charging Stations (PEVCS) into distribution networks, especially when distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems are involved. A hybrid Genetic Algorithm and Simulated Annealing method (GA-SAA) are used in the research to strategically find the optimal locations for PEVCS in order to overcome this integration difficulty. This paper investigates PV system situations, presenting the problem as a multicriteria task with two primary objectives: reducing power losses and maintaining acceptable voltage levels. By optimizing the placement of EVCS and balancing their integration with distributed generation, this approach enhances the sustainability and reliability of distribution networks.

Abstract Cybersecurity is critical in today’s digitally linked and networked society. There is no way to overestimate the importance of cyber security as technology develops and becomes more pervasive in our daily lives. Cybersecurity is essential to people’s protection. One type of cyberattack known as “credential stuffing” involves using previously acquired usernames and passwords by attackers to access user accounts on several websites without authorization. This is feasible as a lot of people use the same passwords and usernames on several different websites. Maintaining the security of online accounts requires defence against credential-stuffing attacks. The problems of credential stuffing attacks, failure detection, and prediction can be handled by the suggested EWOA-ANN model. Here, a novel optimization approach known as Enhanced Whale Optimization Algorithm (EWOA) is put on to train the neural network. The effectiveness of the suggested attack identification model has been demonstrated, and an empirical comparison will be carried out with respect to specific security analysis.

Abstract This paper proposes an innovative approach for improving the charging efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs) by combining photovoltaic (PV) systems with AC–DC Power Factor Correction (PFC). The proposed approach employs bi-directional power flow management within the PFC system, allowing for enhanced resource utilization and EV battery capacity under a variety of environmental circumstances. A modified Lyapunov-based robust model reference adaptive controller (M-LRMRAC) is developed to provide real-time Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for the PV array. By quickly recording the MPP, this controller skilfully adjusts to shifting radiation and temperature dynamics. A noteworthy accomplishment is that the M-LRMRAC outperforms traditional Perturb and Observe (P&O) techniques by achieving quick MPP convergence (0.54 s). Additionally, the benefits of this integrated system go beyond effective MPPT. The method achieves operating at unity power factor and reduces total harmonic distortion, which results in improved power quality when charging EV Batteries (EVB). The entire solution provided by this multifaceted architecture improves the quality of electricity delivered to EV batteries while also increasing energy efficiency. This research helps to the evolution of sustainable and dependable EV charging infrastructure by solving difficulties and optimising performance. The combination of PV systems with AC–DC PFC, aided by the M-LRMRAC technology, presents a viable route for attaining efficient, clean, and high-quality EV charging, hence supporting the shift to a greener and more sustainable transportation landscape.

Abstract The rising temperatures and levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are anticipated to have a significant impact on the productivity of agricultural crops. Although, the individual effects of elevated CO2 and temperature have been extensively studied in C3 and C4 crops, there remains a scarcity of research investigating their interactive effects specifically on maize hybrids. The impact of elevated temperature and its interaction with elevated CO2 on phenology, physiology, biomass, and grain yield of maize hybrids was assessed in a field experiment using Free Air Temperature Elevation (FATE) facility. The results showed that elevated temperature (eT) increased the anthesis silking interval (ASI), while the presence of elevated CO2 along with elevated temperature (eT + eCO2) mitigated this effect. The differential expression were observed between hybrids depending on their genetic potential. Furthermore, the net photosynthetic rate (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) of hybrids decreased under elevated temperature but eT + eCO2 condition helped in reverting its impact to some extent. In term of leaf composition, the highest level of total soluble sugars (TSS) and starch was observed under eT + eCO2 conditions, possibly due to improved Anet in the presence of elevated eCO2. The negative impact of eT was also evident through increased proline and MDA content, but eT + eCO2 ameliorated the adverse effect of eT. The biomass and grain yield also responded similarly, among the hybrids 900M GOLD recorded superior performance for grain yield at eT condition exceeding 35 °C. On the other hand, DHM117 experienced a significant reduction in grain yield under eT, but performed better under eT + eCO2 due to its improved physiological response to eCO2. The study indicated that elevated levels of carbon dioxide can actually mitigate the detrimental effects of elevated temperature on maize crop. This positive impact on maize crop can be attributed to an enhanced physiological performance in the presence of eCO2 which enables the plants to maintain satisfactory yield levels despite the challenging environmental conditions.

Abstract DNA is an incontrovertible biosignature whose sequencing aids in species identification, genome functionality, and evolutionary relationships. To study life within the rocks of Earth and Mars, we demonstrate, in an ISO5 clean room, a procedure based on nanopore technology that correctly identifies organisms at picogram levels of DNA without amplification. Our study with E. coli and S. cerevisiae DNA samples showed that MinION sequencer (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) can unequivocally detect and characterise microbes with as little as 2 pg of input with just 50 active nanopores. This result is an excellent advancement in sensitivity, immediately applicable to investigating low biomass samples. This value is also at the level of possible background contamination associated with the reagents and the environment. Cultivation of natural and heat-treated Martian analogue (MMS-2) regolith samples, exposed to atmospheric water vapour or in increasing water concentrations, led to the extraction of 600–1000 pg of DNA from 500 mg of soil. Applying the low detectability technology enabled through MinION sequencer for a natural low biomass setting, we characterised the dry MMS-2 and found few soil-related organisms and airborne contaminants. The picogram detection level and the procedure presented here, may be of interest for the future Mars sample Return program, and the life research and planetary protection studies that will be implemented through the sample safety assessment.

Abstract Breast cancer (BC) among premenopausal women is an aggressive disease associated with poor outcome despite intensive treatment. Higher burden is observed in southeast Asian countries attributed to younger population structure. We compared the reproductive and clinicopathological characteristics, distribution of subtypes and survival between pre and postmenopausal women from a retrospective cohort of BC patients with median follow up over 6 years to examine the differences. In our cohort of 446 BC patients, 162/446 (36.3%) were premenopausal. Parity and age at last childbirth were significantly different between pre and postmenopausal women. Premenopausal BC had a higher proportion of HER2 amplified and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors (p = 0.012). Stratified analysis by molecular subtypes showed TNBC had significantly better disease free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) among premenopausal group (mean survival, pre vs. post, DFS = 79.2 vs. 54.0 months, OS = 72.5 vs. 49.5 months, p = 0.002 for both). Analysis on external datasets (SCAN-B, METABRIC) confirmed this finding for overall survival. Our data confirmed the previously observed association of clinical and pathological features between pre and postmenopausal BC. Exploration of better survival among premenopausal TNBC tumors is warranted in larger cohorts with long term follow up.

Abstract Spent catalyst, containing vanadium and tungsten oxide in a TiO2 glass fiber matrix, pose a risk of environmental contamination due to the high toxicity of its metal oxides if leached into the soil when disposed in landfills. Due to the increasing demand of metals and the continuous depletion of primary resources there is an growing necessity for recycling and reprocessing of spent catalysts and other secondary metal sources for environmental and economical reasons. Study of spent SCR catalyst soda roasting process with dissolved NaOH compared with the usual NaOH dry roasting and its influence in the subsequent water leaching. After optimization, the ideal parameters are roasting using a 0.4 ratio of NaOH/spent SCR catalyst in solution for 2 h at 973 K and de-ionized water leaching for 30 min, at 298 K with a pulp density of 30%. The research results show an important reduction of the roasting temperature and leaching time during the processing of spent SCR catalyst obtaining a 95.4% W and 80.2% V leaching efficiency liquor. Silicon compounds are one of the main impurities leached alongside the valuable metals and in this work, the silicon compounds leached are reduced significantly with the aim of avoiding the de-silication post-processing of the leach liquor. The main advantage of the proposed process is the increase of the leaching efficiency of vanadium and tungsten with a minimization of silicon impurities in a shorter time regardless of the leaching temperature.

Abstract Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are gaining increasing importance in the field of regenerative medicine. Although therapeutic value of MSCs is now being established through many clinical trials, issues have been raised regarding their expansion as per regulatory guidelines. Fetal bovine serum usage in cell therapy poses difficulties due to its less-defined, highly variable composition and safety issues. Hence, there is a need for transition from serum-based to serum-free media (SFM). Since SFM are cell type-specific, a precise analysis of the properties of MSCs cultured in SFM is required to determine the most suitable one. Six different commercially available low serum/SFM with two different seeding densities were evaluated to explore their ability to support the growth and expansion of BM-MSCs and assess the characteristics of BM-MSCs cultured in these media. Except for one of the SFM, all other media tested supported the growth of BM-MSCs at a low seeding density. No significant differences were observed in the expression of MSC specific markers among the various media tested. In contrary, the population doubling time, cell yield, potency, colony-forming ability, differentiation potential, and immunosuppressive properties of MSCs varied with one another. We show that SFM tested supports the growth and expansion of BM-MSCs even at low seeding density and may serve as possible replacement for animal-derived serum.

Abstract Rare earth elements (REEs) have obtained a greatest significant in human lives owing to their important roles in various high technology applications. The present method development was deal technology important REEs such as neodymium, terbium and dysprosium, selective extraction with possible separation and recovery studies, successfully. The chloride mediated mixed aqueous solution containing 1500 mg/L each of REEs such as Nd, Tb and Dy was subjected at selective separation of Nd from other associated REEs. Three organo-phosphorous based commercial extracting agents such as Cyanex 272, PC 88A and D2EHPA, were employed for the extraction, possible separation and recovery of rare earth elements. A comparative extraction behavior of all these three extractants as function of time, pH influence, extractant concentration, temperature and diluents were systematically investigated. The extraction tendency of organo-phosphorus reagents towards the extraction of either of the REEs follows of the sequence as: D2EHPA > PC 88A > Cyanex 272. The thermodynamic behavior of either of the extractants on liquid–liquid extraction processing of REEs was investigated and thermodynamic calculations were calculated and presented. Substantial recovery of neodymium oxalate followed by its calcined product as neodymium oxide was ascertained from XRD study and SEM–EDS analysis.

Abstract Fungal endophytes can influence production and post-harvest challenges in carrot, though the identity of these microbes as well as factors affecting their composition have not yet been determined, which prevents growers from managing these organisms to improve crop performance. Consequently, we characterized the endophytic mycobiome in the taproots of three carrot genotypes that vary in resistance to two pathogens grown in a trial comparing organic and conventional crop management using Illumina sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene. A total of 1,480 individual operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified. Most were consistent across samples, indicating that they are part of a core mycobiome, though crop management influenced richness and diversity, likely in response to differences in soil properties. There were also differences in individual OTUs among genotypes and the nematode resistant genotype was most responsive to management system indicating that it has greater control over its endophytic mycobiome, which could potentially play a role in resistance. Members of the Ascomycota were most dominant, though the exact function of most taxa remains unclear. Future studies aimed at overcoming difficulties associated with isolating fungal endophytes are needed to identify these microbes at the species level and elucidate their specific functional roles.