Search

Reduced graphene oxide is a modified form of graphene oxide used for gas sensing due to its large surface area and exceptional electrical conductivity. It is suitable for detecting various gases, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, ethanol and volatile organic compounds. Graphene-based materials have shown promise in gas sensing due to their sensitivity, selectivity, and cost effectiveness. Graphenebased sensors are versatile and can be easily integrated into existing systems, making them suitable for various industrial applications. The adjustable characteristics of graphene enable customization and modification of sensor performance, expanding its potential in gas sensing technology. The main goal of this study is to make metal oxide nanomaterials and reduced graphene oxide using a straight forward chemical method. Samples will be analyzed using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The research aims to assess the performance and efficacy of these nanocomposites compared to other materials in energy storage, catalysis, and sensing applications. The study also explores the parameters affecting gas detection abilities, surface chemistry, and electrical interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In all cases, the three-component reaction produced excellent yields (mean yield 96%). The reaction yield increased with an increase in catalyst amount from 2 mol% to 10 mol%, but catalyst loading beyond 10 mol % showed no improvement in the reaction yield. CeO SB 2 sb nanoparticles (NPs) have received a great deal of attention in recent years due to their numerous applications in a variety of fields such as catalysis,[1] ceramics,[2] fuel cells,[3] gas sensors,[4],[5] solid-state electrolytes,[6] ceramic biomaterials,[7] chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP),[8] and ultraviolet absorbtion.[9] The CeO SB 2 sb nanomaterial is an excellent catalyst due to its oxygen storage and release capacity (OSC) via the redox shift between Ce SP 4+ sp and Ce SP 3+ sp under oxidizing and reducing conditions.[10],[11] Different morphologies of CeO SB 2 sb nanomaterials for catalytic activity have been investigated.[1],[11] Numerous nanostructures of CeO SB 2 sb have been prepared and used as catalysts, including nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, nanorods, nanocubes, and nanospindles. To evaluate the effect of temperature on the reaction yield, the model reaction was conducted at different temperatures with an optimized catalyst loading. [Extracted from the article]

The study of the stretching sheet has extensive applications in the field of engineering and technology. Hence, the objective of the present study is to deal with the impact of pertinent parameters on Williamson fluid across a stretchable nonlinear sheet when chemical reaction, varied thermal radiation, and heat source/sink are present. Partial differential equations are used to model the resulting scenario, and after adding the necessary similarity variables, a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations is formed using flow equations. The reduced ODEs are tackled by applying the fourth-order RK-scheme together with shooting methodology, and the impacts of different system parameters are examined corresponding to the fluid’s velocity, energy, and concentration profile. The important findings are discussed using graphics and they are as follows: As magnetism increases, fluid velocity rises but falls with an increment in buoyancy; the temperature falls with a boost in Grashof number but rises with an inclination in Prandtl number; and fluid reaction concentration declines with the boost in chemical parameter and Schmidt number but rises with an increment in thermophoresis, heat source/sink, and Brownian motion parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoCeO2 NPs were successfully synthesized and confirmed using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. The catalytic performance of the synthesized CoCeO2 NPs catalyst was examined during the one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of biologically significant 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4H‐pyran derivatives. The reaction was easily accomplished using a one‐pot, three‐component reaction of dimedone, aryl aldehydes, and malononitrile in ethanol under reflux, with excellent yields and a short reaction time. The current catalytic system is more appealing because of its simple reaction conditions, uncomplicated product isolation, economic feasibility, and reusability of the catalyst free from significant loss of activity. This process offers an effective strategy for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4H‐pyran derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological studies of fishes are vital for enhancing our knowledge about biodiversity, ecology, evolution and fisheries management. The research aims to study the morphological features of Siganus vermiculatus along the Maharashtra coast. Specimens were collected from three distinct viz., Raigad (Alibag), Ratnagiri (Ratnagiri) and Sindhudurg (Malvan) were analyzed for their morphological traits. The morphological studies showed minor variations in the posterior body depth and head shape of the S. vermiculatus specimens from different locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt oxide thin films are successfully synthesized by sol‐gel spin coating method. The XRD study shows that the cobalt oxide thin films annealed at 400°C exhibit cubic polycrystalline structure. SEM images show a well adherent and uniform formation of cobalt oxide thin films with nanosized grains‐like morphology. From the optical study, the direct optical band gap values of as‐deposited and annealed cobalt oxide films are found to lie between 1.42–2.05 and 1.36–1.94 eV. The absorption coefficient of the cobalt oxide is found to be in the order of 104 cm−1. High refractive index of cobalt oxide indicates that it can be used as one of the layers in multilayer antireflection coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pristine and Co-doped ZnO (CZ) nanocapsules (NCs) have been successfully prepared using a simple and cost-effective co-precipitation method. The effect of 1–4 at.% Co-doped ZnO (C1Z–C4Z) samples on physicochemical and hazardous NO2 sensing performance were investigated and reported. The structural, morphological, spectral and compositional properties studied by XRD, FESEM and EDX, TEM, BET, FTIR, UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy and XPS techniques specify the phase formation of ZnO and doping of Co atoms into ZnO lattice. The NO2 gas sensing properties of CZ samples were studied at 120–280 °C operating temperature and 5–100 ppm concentration. The sensing results showed that the 3 at.% Co-doped ZnO (C3Z) sensor exhibited highest (286%) gas response with fast response/recovery time (3/319), stable, selective and reproducible towards 100 ppm NO2 gas at 200 °C operating temperature. Such types of materials are very promising for the fabrication of NO2 gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the enhancement in science and technology, necessity of complex shapes in manufacturing industries have become essential for more versatile applications. This leads to the demand for lightweight and durable materials for applications in aerospace, defense, automotive, as well as sports and thermal management. Wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) is an extensively utilized process that is used for the exact and indented shaped components of all materials that are electrically conductive. This technique is suitable in practically all industrial sectors owing to its widespread application. The present investigation explores WEDM for LM6/fly ash composites to optimize different process variables for attaining performance measures in terms of maximum material removal rate (MRR) and minimum surface roughness (SR). Taguchi’s L27 OA design of experiments, grey relational analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to optimize SR and MRR. It has been noted from ANOVA that reinforcement (R) percentage and pulse on time are the most influential aspects for Grey Relational Grade (GRG) with their contributions of 28.22 and 18.18%, respectively. It is found that the best process variables for achieving the highest MRR and lowest SR simultaneously during the machining of the composite are gap voltage of 30 V, pulse on time of 10 µs, pulse off time of 2 µs, wire feed of 8 m/min, and R of 9%. The predicted GRG is 0.84, and the experimental GRG value is 0.86. The validation experiments at the optimized setting show close agreement between predicted and experimental values. The morphological study by optical microscopy revealed a homogenous distribution of reinforcement in the matrix which enhances the composite’s hardness and decreases the density.

In this study, the stagnation point flow of a magnetized Williamson fluid past a stretching sheet in the presence of nonlinear thermal radiation and buoyancy effect is studied. The present situation is remodeled using similarity transformation that transforms the flow model of partial differential equations into the set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta scheme and shooting method are employed to solve these reduced equations. The effects of various associated parameters over the velocity and temperature profiles are plotted and the outcome of each associated parameter is discussed through graphs. The key findings are noted as follows: the velocity profile declines with an increase in the magnetic force number, and an increment in buoyancy parameter leads to the increase in the boundary layer thickness and decrease in the thickness of the thermal boundary layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buoyancy forces result from the cooling or heating of a continuous stretching sheet, which causes a change in the resulting flow and thermal fields, and hence the heat transfer behavior in the manufacturing process. The study of the thermal buoyancy induced in boundary layer flow is important due to its recent advances in the areas of nuclear energy, electronics, and space technology. In this perspective, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of the buoyancy parameter on the magnetohydrodynamics boundary layer flow over an exponentially stretched sheet in the presence of nonlinear thermal radiation and porous media. Using similarity transformation, the flow model of partial differential equations is transformed into a set of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The efficient fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta scheme with the shooting method is used to solve the reduced equations. The impact of various associated parameters on velocity and temperature profiles were analyzed and computed through graphs. The major outcome of the present study shows the enhancement in the velocity distribution with the increase in the buoyancy parameter. Also, the increase in thermal buoyancy and thermal radiation leads to an increase in fluid temperature. Moreover, it is worth to note that the fluid velocity declines with the augmentation of the magnetic parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An engine bracket is one of the most critical components of the engine used for mounting and supporting the engine in the vehicles. Today, the automobile industry requires lightweight components, which will reduce the car's overall weight when fitted into the vehicle. Topology optimization is a technique with the help of which the surface of a component is optimized to get the required shape for having reduced weight. The weight is reduced by optimizing the material on the surface of the details. In this paper, the work done is the application of topology optimization on the surface of the engine bracket arm. Then the optimized model is tested computationally using realistic conditions. Bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization is used as a technique for topology optimization. With the help of the BESO method, the material optimization is done, and then the weights are compared with the original component. A new algorithm is developed using MATLAB codes. The sensitivity ratio is considered using the von Mises strength as a critical parameter for the BESO method for optimization. The optimized bracket model is then assembled with the hub of the component, and then the assembly is simulated for verification using standard conditions. A comparison of weight reduction is there using topology optimization.

The academic performance assessment of students helps teachers, administrators, and policymakers to initiate corrective measures on academically poor students. This paper revisits the Zadeh-Deshpande formalism for evaluating students’ answer scripts using the concept of the reliability of information (degree of confidence) via the “degree of match” and fuzzy inference system in students’ performance evaluation. The case study infers that the overall performance of all the students is “average”. Furthermore, 206 of 237 students (87%) are declared as “average” with “high degree of certainty” by the evaluators (teachers). The aim of the proposed method is not to replace the traditional method of evaluation. Instead, the proposed technique is a step forward to enrich the present system of students’ performance assessment. Policymakers can use this method as it provides reliable information. A comparison between the results obtained from the academic performance of students using multiexpert and single-expert systems is also discussed in the paper.

The abrasive characteristics of LM6 alloys are difficult to machine, so designing a technology that allows for effective machining is essential. This paper aims to evaluate the effect of process variables, namely feed rate, spindle speed and drill material, towards the responses like Thrust force, Surface roughness and burr height when drilling of LM6 alloy. LM6 aluminium alloy was fabricated by the stir casting process. Experiments were conducted using L9 orthogonal array in a Vertical Machining Centre coupled with a dynamometer for measuring thrust force. Surface roughness was found by Surface roughness tester and burr height was measured using Vision Measuring System. The findings show that the created model can accurately estimate the thrust force (TF), surface roughness (SR) and burr height (BH) in LM6 alloy drilling within the parameters examined.

This study performed a steady-state numerical analysis to understand the temperature in different heat sink configurations for LED applications. Seven heat sink configurations named R, H-6, H-8, H-10, C, C3, and C3E3 were considered. Parameters like input power, number of fins, heat sink configuration were varied, and their influence on LED temperature distribution, heat sink thermal resistance and thermal interface material temperature were studied. The results showed that the temperature distribution of the H-6 heat sink decreased by 46.30% compared with the Cheat sink for an input power of 16 W. The result of the H-6 heat sink shows that the heat sink thermal resistance was decreased by 73.91% compared with the Cheat sink at 16 W. The lowest interface material temperature of 54.11 °C was achieved by the H-6 heat sink when the input power was used 16 W. The H-6 heat sink exhibited better performance due to more surface area with several fins than other heat sinks.

The examinee and the examiner play pivotal roles in the educational grading system. Students’ academic performance evaluation by multiple experts involves epistemic uncertainty, which can be modeled using a fuzzy set theory. How many evaluators/experts are almost similar in their perceptual subjective evaluation of the students answer paper? In other words, how many experts are reliable for a particular evaluation task with a defined possibility level? In this paper, the focus is on object’s features (students’ marks) as a basis in the subjective evaluation process to identify the degree of similarity among the domain experts. The case study reveals that 11 out of 20 evaluators are similar in their decision making of students’ academic performance with possibility (α-level cut, 0.98). The inter-rater reliability (κ-coefficient) among the selected 11 teachers is 0.41, which signifies a fair/moderate agreement in the evaluation process. This paper proposes an approach that is useful for the selection of experts having similar perceptions in judgment. This paper demonstrates a case study showing how it is useful to educational policy makers in the selection of examiners.

The endodontic file is a tapered, needle shape body used for the preparation of curved human root canals. During the preparation, process files get failed due to the locking action offered by the canal wall. The present study aimed to find the fatigue life of endodontic files at 23°, 33° and 43° root canal curvature angles. Four brands of files were selected for the present study viz. Hyplex CM, Pro-Taper Next, Hero Shaper, Pro-File Vortex. The strain life analysis done using ANSYS showed that the Hyplex CM file gives the highest fatigue life at 23°, 33° and 43° root canal curvature angles. Therefore, Hyplex CM file was selected for DoE Taguchi Optimization study. Each experimental reading was conducted on X Smart Plus experimental setup under purely rotary and combined reciprocating-rotary motion, at 500 rpm, 600 rpm and 700 rpm and 23°, 33° and 43° root canal curvature angles. Hyplex CM file given maximum fatigue life at 23° root canal curvature angle and 500 rpm speed of rotation. But if file motion is combined rotary-reciprocating, life reduces. The ANNOVA study showed that P-value and significance F are very small, which represented that the regression model is effective.

The oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic steels are one of the most important in fuel cladding materials for 4th Generation nuclear reactors because of their excellent mechanical properties such as irradiation resistance, swelling resistance, and elevated temperature tensile/compressive strength. Mechanical alloying (MA) is one of the most promising routes for developing nanocrystalline ferritic ODS steel materials. For the production of nanocrystalline ferritic ODS steel powders, the most influencing factor is the milling speed and milling time during the mechanical alloying process. With the improper selection of milling time and speed, the final milled powders become an amorphous structure consisting of high impurity inclusions in the microstructure, and strength was also affected. In order to overcome these drawbacks, the present investigation was taken into account for the selection of appropriate mechanical milling speed and time, which was optimized through Taguchi analysis followed by the MA process. The optimized mechanical milling speed and time of milled powders were characterized through X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

Selective inhibition sintering (SIS) process intends to produce near-net-shape components through sintering of specific region of powder particles. The prediction of surface quality in SIS parts is a challenging task due to its complex part building mechanism and influence of abundant process parameters. Therefore, this study investigates the key contributing parameters such as layer thickness, heater energy, heater feedrate and printer feedrate on the surface quality characteristics ( R a , R z and R q ) of high-density polyethylene specimens fabricated through selective inhibition sintering process. The SIS system is custom built and experiments are conducted based on four-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design. The empirical models have been developed for predicting the influence of selected parameters on surface quality. The optimal process parameters such as the layer thickness of 0.1 mm, heater energy of 28.48 J/mm 2 , heater feedrate of 3.25 mm/s and printer feedrate of 110 mm/min are attained using grey relational multi-criteria decision-making approach. Furthermore, response surface analysis revealed that surface quality of sintered components is influenced significantly with heater energy and heater feedrate, followed by layer thickness. The confirmation experiments based on optimal process variables validate the developed grey relational analysis strategy.

Steering knuckle connects steering system, suspension system and braking system to the chassis. The steering knuckle contributes a significant weight to the total weight of a vehicle. Increasing the efficiency of an automobile without compromising the performances is the major challenge faced by the manufacturers. This paper presents an effective topology optimization of steering knuckle used in a vehicle with the primary objective of minimizing weight. The study on optimization of knuckle is divided into two phases, the first phase involves making of a computer-aided design model of the original steering knuckle and carry out finite element analysis on the knuckle by estimating the loads, which are acting on the component. In the second phase, design optimization of the model of steering knuckle is carried out, and excess material is removed at the region where induced stress is negligible as obtained in finite element analysis assuming standard boundary and loading conditions. The paper describes a research work carried out to optimize structural topology giving the essential details. The methodology may be applied to optimize structural components used in applications where the ratio of desired properties to the cost, generally in terms of weight, is to be optimized. In the case of automobiles, strength to weight ratio has to be maximized. New researchers working in the area will have an understanding of the procedures, and further, the techniques may be applied to design in general.

Abstract Background The green fluorescent protein has revolutionized many areas of cell biology and biotechnology since it is widely used in determining gene expression and for localization of protein expression. Expression of recombinant GFP in E. coli K12 host from pBAD24M-GFP construct upon arabinose induction was significantly lower than that seen in E. coli B cells with higher expression at 30°C as compared to 37°C in E. coli K12 hosts. Since OmpT levels are higher at 37°C than at 30°C, it prompted us to modify the OmpT proteolytic sites of GFP and examine such an effect on GFP expression and fluorescence. Upon modification of one of the two putative OmpT cleavage sites of GFP, we observed several folds enhanced fluorescence of GFP as compared to unmodified GFPuv (Wild Type-WT). The western blot studies of the WT and the SDM II GFP mutant using anti-GFP antibody showed prominent degradation of GFP with negligible degradation in case of SDM II GFP mutant while no such degradation of GFP was seen for both the clones when expressed in BL21 cells. The SDM II GFP mutant also showed enhanced GFP fluorescence in other E. coli K12 OmpT hosts like E. coli JM109 and LE 392 in comparison to WT GFPuv. Inclusion of an OmpT inhibitor, like zinc with WT GFP lysate expressed from an E. coli K12 host was found to reduce degradation of GFP fluorescence by two fold. Results We describe the construction of two GFP variants with modified putative OmpT proteolytic sites by site directed mutagenesis (SDM). Such modified genes upon arabinose induction exhibited varied degrees of GFP fluorescence. While the mutation of K79G/R80A (SDM I) resulted in dramatic loss of fluorescence activity, the modification of K214A/R215A (SDM II) resulted in four fold enhanced fluorescence of GFP. Conclusions This is the first report on effect of OmpT protease site modification on GFP fluorescence. The wild type and the GFP variants showed similar growth profile in bioreactor studies with similar amounts of recombinant GFP expressed in the soluble fraction of the cell. Our observations on higher levels of fluorescence of SDM II GFP mutant over native GFPuv in an OmpT+ host like DH5α, JM109 and LE392 at 37°C reiterates the role played by host OmpT in determining differences in fluorescent property of the expressed GFP. Both the WT GFP and the SDM II GFP plasmids in E. coli BL21 cells showed similar expression levels and similar GFP fluorescent activity at 37°C. This result substantiates our hypothesis that OmpT protease could be a possible factor responsible for reducing the expression of GFP at 37°C for WT GFP clone in K12 hosts like DH5α, JM109, LE 392 since the levels of GFP expression of SDM II clone in such cells at 37°C is higher than that seen with WT GFP clone at the same temperature.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a lubricant derived from trimethylolpropane trioleate on power consumption and surface roughness during high-speed drilling of Al-6061, with the goal of developing an environmentally friendly cutting fluid. The study investigated the impact of additive concentration, spindle speed, and feed rate on energy consumption and surface roughness using a Taguchi L27 orthogonal array. Through analysis of the Taguchi experimental outcomes and single-to-noise ratios, the parameters were ranked accordingly. The results of the ANOVA analysis reveal that spindle speed has the greatest impact on Power (87.89%), followed by followed feed rate (6.96%) and additive concentration (2.98%). However, feed rate (43.51%) has the most significant influence on surface roughness, followed by speed (38.48%) and additive concentration (11.90%). Varying additive concentration affects more on surface quality rather than power consumption. Furthermore, a machine learning algorithm was developed to forecast and compare various key aspects of high-speed drilling machinability, including power and surface roughness. Three different measures of accuracy were used to evaluate the performance of the projected values: coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute percentage error, and mean square error. The decision tree performed better than other models in accurately predicting power and surface roughness. This research introduces an innovative method for assessing the most effective biodegradable cutting fluid and forecasting power and surface quality by developing an optimal combination., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Kathmore et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The pioneering German physician and microbiologist Heinrich Hermann Robert Koch (1843-1910) made pivotal contributions to the field of bacteriology, significantly advancing the germ theory of disease. His groundbreaking research in identifying the causative agents of anthrax, tuberculosis, and cholera revolutionized medical science and public health. Koch's development of essential microbiological techniques, such as using agar for bacterial cultures and introducing the Petri dish, transformed laboratory practices. Additionally, his formulation of Koch's postulates established a systematic method for linking specific pathogens to diseases, a framework that remains influential today. Koch's remarkable achievements were recognized with numerous prestigious honors, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905. His legacy lives on through institutions like the Robert Koch Institute and World Tuberculosis Day, commemorating his profound impact on global health and infectious disease research. Koch's work continues to serve as a cornerstone in studying and controlling infectious diseases., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Sravanthi et al.)

LM5 alloy is suitable for metal castings for marine and aesthetic uses due to its admirable resistance to corrosion. In order to make intricate shapes in the LM5 alloy, this study intends to assess the impact of Wire Electric Discharge Machining process variables, like Pulse on Time (Ton), Pulse off Time (Toff), Gap Voltage (GV) and Wire Feed (WF) on responses like Material Removal Rate (MRR), Surface Roughness (SR), and Kerf Width (Kw). The LM5 aluminium alloy plate was produced through stir casting process. SEM, EDAX and XRD images confirm the LM5 Al alloy's microstructure and crystal structure. WEDM studies were conducted using design of experiments approach based on L9 orthogonal array and analysed using Taguchi's Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N) analysis. Pulse on Time has the greatest statistical effects on MRR (68.25%), SR (79.46%) and kerf (81.97%). In order to assess the surface integrity of the WEDM machined surfaces, the SEM study on the topography was conducted using the optimum surface roughness process variables: Ton 110 μs, Toff 50 μs, GV 40 V, and WF 9 m/min. SEM images show the recast layer and its thickness. The average absolute error for MRR is 1.69%, SR is 3.89% and kerf is 0.88%, based on mathematical (linear regression) models. The Taguchi's Signal to Noise ratio analysis is the most appropriate for single objective optimization of responses., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Juliyana et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis (1818-1865) revolutionized medical practice through his introduction of antiseptic procedures. This breakthrough disrupted the chain of infection among new mothers and their infants, leading to dramatically reduced mortality rates from puerperal fever across continental Europe. Semmelweis faced significant resistance and disbelief when he argued through meticulous, empirically-based evidence that proper hand hygiene may prevent infection. Semmelweis' pioneering work on infection prevention remains highly relevant even today, as evidenced by contemporary practices aimed at controlling the spread of disease and improving patient safety through improved hygiene. In this article, we look into the key moments in Semmelweis's life that led to his revolutionary discoveries as well as oppositions against them and his lasting impact on modern medicine., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Paul et al.)

The licensing step of DNA double-strand break repair by homologous recombination entails resection of DNA ends to generate a single-stranded DNA template for assembly of the repair machinery consisting of the RAD51 recombinase and ancillary factors 1 . DNA end resection is mechanistically intricate and reliant on the tumour suppressor complex BRCA1-BARD1 (ref. 2 ). Specifically, three distinct nuclease entities-the 5'-3' exonuclease EXO1 and heterodimeric complexes of the DNA endonuclease DNA2, with either the BLM or WRN helicase-act in synergy to execute the end resection process 3 . A major question concerns whether BRCA1-BARD1 directly regulates end resection. Here, using highly purified protein factors, we provide evidence that BRCA1-BARD1 physically interacts with EXO1, BLM and WRN. Importantly, with reconstituted biochemical systems and a single-molecule analytical tool, we show that BRCA1-BARD1 upregulates the activity of all three resection pathways. We also demonstrate that BRCA1 and BARD1 harbour stand-alone modules that contribute to the overall functionality of BRCA1-BARD1. Moreover, analysis of a BARD1 mutant impaired in DNA binding shows the importance of this BARD1 attribute in end resection, both in vitro and in cells. Thus, BRCA1-BARD1 enhances the efficiency of all three long-range DNA end resection pathways during homologous recombination in human cells., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Background Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass intricate interactions among genetic, brain, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes. These disorders, which are influenced by hereditary and environmental factors, impair personal, social, intellectual, or occupational functioning. Typically emerging early in life, NDDs include conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), vision and hearing impairments, motor disorders, and specific learning disabilities. Children from impoverished and low-income neighborhoods are particularly vulnerable. The lack of comprehensive health data and public awareness about these conditions results in limited information regarding the prevalence of neurological illnesses in developing countries. India, with its large and ethnically diverse population, exemplifies this gap. Methods It is a prospective study to detect the prevalence and risk factors of neurodevelopmental disorders in children aged six months to nine years at a tertiary care center. Patient details, clinical findings, and relevant history were recorded on a pre-designed pro forma and analyzed statistically. Results Among the 1000 children in the study, 91 (9.1%) tested positive for NDDs. Among the 91 children who tested positive for NDD, the highest frequency is in the three to four years age group (17.6%), males were found to be in a higher ratio with 75.82%, with the male: female ratio being 3:1. Among the 91 children with NDD, intellectual disability was the most common disorder (20.9%), followed by ADHD (17.6%) and vision impairment (14.3%). Autism spectrum disorders, including autism and Asperger syndrome, and communication disorders, including stuttering and speech disorders, accounted for 13.2% each. Hearing loss was seen in 9.9% of children and multiple disorders were seen in 8.8% of the children from among 91 children. Conclusion Neurodevelopmental disorders are common and often coexist with other conditions. Children from low-income backgrounds are more affected. This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and characteristics of NDDs in a specific population., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Pune issued approval IESC/PGS/2022/37. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Bahal et al.)

Background Dengue is one of the most common vector-borne diseases in India, and it is transmitted by Aedes family mosquitoes. Hepatic injury is known to occur from dengue infection. Direct hepatotoxicity and deranged host immune responses to the virus are responsible for this hepatic dysfunction. Hence, the study was undertaken to understand the deranged hepatic enzymes using liver function tests (LFTs) and the severity and outcome of dengue fever in children. Methods This study is an observational-descriptive study conducted between June 2022 and May 2024. The study population includes children between the ages of one month and 16 years who have been diagnosed with dengue fever and admitted to pediatric wards and pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), with a sample size of 151. Informed consent from guardians and institutional ethical clearance were obtained. Results A total of 4.8% (N = 7) mortality was seen in this study with dengue patients. Hepatomegaly was seen in 34% (N = 49) of cases. There is a clear statistical significance that is seen among the non-survived and survived dengue patients with a 10-fold increase in serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels, respectively, along with total bilirubin, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and prothrombin time (PT). Conclusions The current study shows that deranged LFTs are associated with more severe disease with more PICU admissions and mortality of the disease. The evidence clearly indicates the inclusion of LFTs as a routine investigation to understand the severity of the disease and the prognosis of the outcome., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Sub-Committee of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, issued approval IESC/PGS/2022/29. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Avuthu et al.)

This research aims to use energy harvested from conductive materials to power microelectronic components. The proposed method involves using vibration-based energy harvesting to increase the natural vibration frequency, reduce the need for battery replacement, and minimise chemical waste. Piezoelectric transduction, known for its high-power density and ease of application, has garnered significant attention. Additionally, graphene, a non-piezoelectric material, exhibits good piezoelectric properties. The research explores a novel method of printing graphene material using 3D printing, specifically Direct Ink Writing (DIW) and fused deposition modelling (FDM). Both simulation and experimental techniques were used to analyse energy harvesting. The experimental technique involved using the cantilever beam-based vibration energy harvesting method. The results showed that the DIW-derived 3D-printed prototype achieved a peak power output of 12.2 µW, surpassing the 6.4 µW output of the FDM-derived 3D-printed prototype. Furthermore, the simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics yielded a harvested output of 0.69 µV., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a subtype of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA). PMA tends to exhibit a more aggressive course compared to PA. We present a case of a two-year-old male with a PMA in the suprasellar region who presented with developmental regression, loss of previously attained milestones such as the ability to hold his neck, walk, and talk, along with hypotonia in all four limbs. Serum cortisol and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured to rule out endocrine disturbances and were within normal limits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed a solid lesion in the suprasellar region, extending into the pituitary and interpeduncular fossae, compressing the pituitary gland, and effacing the third ventricle, causing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow obstruction and lateral ventricle dilation. The tumor appears hypointense on T1 and hyperintense on T2, with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), peripheral contrast enhancement, and no calcification, consistent with PMA. The CSF analysis was negative for malignant cells. Histopathological examination revealed monomorphous bipolar and spindle cells in an angiocentric pattern with a myxoid background, without rosenthal fibers, mitoses, or eosinophilic granular bodies, consistent with PMA but not seen in PA. Immunohistochemistry showed strong positivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100, with a Ki-67 index of 3-4%, indicating a low-grade tumor. The preferred treatment is surgical resection, but due to the tumor's deep location and potential long-term neurological effects, the parents opted against surgery. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed to alleviate CSF flow, following which the child showed mild improvement in symptoms. Treatment of nonresectable astrocytomas was controversial, but gross total surgical resection offers better disease control. Chemotherapy is for patients with recurrence or where total resection of the tumor is not possible, and radiotherapy, though the long-term disease control is good, has a variable visual outcome., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Avuthu et al.)

During the evolution process, a bamboo stem achieves a significant height (up to 20 m) to fulfil its phototropic requirements. While on land, the stem is mostly subjected to bending load which makes it liable to fail by uprooting. However, this failure is prohibited by smart structure of bamboo stem which includes graded arrangement of fibre bundles in the cross-section and a tapered cantilever form of the stem. This paper attempts to understand the optimal design of bamboo stem through the relationship between the stellar arrangement of stiff fibre bundles in the cross-section and the tapered form. In this work, a comparison between two types of stellar arrangement, namely uniform and graded, is presented in view of non-linear bending analysis through elastica theory and fracture-induced delamination, both numerically. It is observed from the results that a bamboo stem prefers to evolve with graded stellar arrangement which provides gradation of stiffness and toughness over the cross-section; the trend in toughness being opposite to that of stiffness. Moreover, interplay of stellar arrangement and gradation of stiffness-toughness thereof is found to be the governing mechanism for ensuring its mechanical integrity and stability in view of an optimal design perspective. The smart structure of bamboo is recommended for bio-mimicking., Competing Interests: On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Background The etiological profile of children with bicytopenia and pancytopenia has a very wide spectrum, ranging from transient causes like infections or nutritional deficiencies to bone marrow failure syndromes. Timely diagnosis and treatment impart favorable prognosis to this entity. There is a paucity of data regarding the etiology of cytopenia in hospitalized children at a tertiary center in India. Additionally, only a few studies have discussed the possible association between the severity of cytopenia at presentation and the possible etiology. Methods This is a cross-sectional observational study analyzing bicytopenia and pancytopenia in hospitalized children. Patient details, along with clinical findings and relevant investigations, were recorded on predesigned pro forma and analyzed statistically. Results Out of 202 children, 174 (86.13%) had bicytopenia, and 28 (13.86%) had pancytopenia, with a male predominance resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 1.65:1. The commonest age group affected was pre-adolescent age group (6-12 years). The causes of bicytopenia and pancytopenia in hospitalized children in the decreasing order of frequency were infections (65.84%), benign hematological disorders (18.81%), systemic illness (10.39%), and malignancies (4.95%). The cytopenia was more severe in children with pancytopenia than bicytopenia. Conclusions Infections outweigh the other causes of bicytopenia and pancytopenia. The severity of the cell line affected can help narrow down a diagnosis of cytopenia etiologies. Most of the children with bicytopenia and pancytopenia had treatable etiology and favorable outcomes., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune - 411018 issued approval I.E.S.C./291/2022. This is certify that the synopsis (IESC/PGS/2022/35) titled "Clinical And Etiological Profile of Bicytopenia And Pancytopenia In Pediatric Patients." to be done by Dr. Gaurav Kumar under the guidance of Dr. Sanjay Chavan from Department of Pediatrics is ethically approved. The synopsis was approved by the Institutional Ethics Sub-committee in it's meeting held on 28/09/2022. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Kumar et al.)

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is an organic aciduria inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, with an occurrence rate of one in 100,000. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH), encoded by the GCDH gene on chromosome 19. It is an important enzyme in the catabolism of amino acids such as tryptophan, lysine, and hydroxylysine. Its deficiency leads to the accumulation of organic acids such as glutaric acid and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid, which interfere with cerebral energy metabolism and cause neurological symptoms. Here, we discuss the case of a six-month-old male child who presented with status epilepticus following an eight-day history of fever. The child was started on anti-epileptics. Initially, the child was on non-invasive ventilation and was later intubated and taken on a mechanical ventilator. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain was performed, and the findings suggested GA1. The child was started on carnitine after samples were sent for tandem mass spectrometry (TMS) and urine gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), which came out to be positive for GA1. Despite the timely intervention, the child did not survive. Most cases exhibit movement disorders, with many presenting in acute encephalitic crises. Additionally, a significant portion of patients experience an insidious onset of the disease. An MRI of the brain shows widened Sylvian fissures in the majority of cases. Treatment of GA1 includes dietary modifications, including a low-lysine diet and administering carnitine. Early diagnosis and management result in decreased mortality and morbidity, which underscores the need for newborn screening., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Patil et al.)

Using a cutting-edge net-shape manufacturing technique called Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM), highly complex components that are not achievable with conventional wrought and cast methods can be produced. As a result, the aerospace sector is paying closer attention to using this technology to fabricate superalloys based on nickel to develop the holistic gas turbine. Because of this, there is an increasing need for the mechanical characterisation of such material. Conventional mechanical testing is hampered by the limited availability of material that has been processed, especially given the large number of process factors that need to be assessed. Thus, the present study focuses on manufacturing CM247LC Ni-based superalloy with exceptional mechanical characteristics by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). This study evaluates the effect of input process variables such as laser power, scan speed, hatch distance and volumetric energy density on the mechanical performance of the LPBF CM247LC superalloy. The maximum value of as-built tensile strength obtained in the study is 997.81 MPa. Plotting Pearson's heatmap and the Feature importance (F-test) was used in the data analysis to examine the impact of input parameters on tensile strength. The accuracy of the tensile strength data classification by machine learning algorithms, such as k-nearest neighbours, Naïve Baiyes, Support vector machine, XGBoost, AdaBoost, Decision tree, Random forest, and logistic regression algorithms, was 92.5%, 83.75%, 83%, 85%, 87.5%, 90%, 91.25%, and 77.5%, respectively., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Jatti et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)