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In this study, the influence of Al-doping concentration on the thermal and rheological characteristics of pristine zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofluids was investigated across a range of temperatures and nanoparticle concentrations. A multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network (ANN) with an optimized topology was employed to model the thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluids. The addition of 0.13 M of Al-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles at 1 % rate led to a remarkable 64 % increase in the thermal conductivity of the base fluid (50:50 ratio water + ethylene glycol mixture). Furthermore, incorporating 1 % of these Al-doped nanoparticles outperformed pure zinc oxide, resulting in a 44 % boost in thermal conductivity. The enhanced heat transfer capabilities of Al-doped zinc oxide were evident across different doping and nanoparticle concentrations. The viscosity of nanofluids increases with an increase in nanoparticle concentration and decreases with an increase in temperature. ZnO and Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles have been prepared and studied their structural, morphological and elemental properties using XRD, SEM and EDS respectively. The predicted thermal and rheological behaviours are in close agreement with the experimental values.

Irradiation-induced defects and the precipitates in the wrapper material of the Indian Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR), SS 316 are analyzed using the synchrotron source-based Angle Dispersive X-Ray Diffraction (ADXRD) technique with X-rays of energy 17.185 keV (wavelength ∼0.72146 Å). The differences and similarities in the high displacement damage samples as a function of dpa (displacement per atom) and dpa rate in the range of 2.9 × 10−7- 9 × 10−7 dpa/s are studied. Ferrite and M23C6 are commonly observed in the present set of high displacement damage 40–74 dpa SS 316 samples irradiated at temperatures in the range of 400–483 °C. Also, the dislocation density has increased as a function of the irradiation dose. The X-ray diffraction peak profile parameters quantified such as peak shift and asymmetry show that the irradiation-induced defects are sensitive to the dpa rate-irradiation temperature combinations. The increase in yield strength as a function of displacement damage is also correlated to the dislocation density.

Aims. To evaluate scope of diagnosing tools-Alvarado score, CRP, USG, and CT in acute appendicitis. Method. Conducted observational study of 152 patients in Department of Emergency Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, India between January to December 2022. The diagnostic tool’s (Alvarado score, CRP, USG, CT (abdomen), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and ROC were analyzed to diagnose acute appendicitis. Results. Among 152 study patients, males - 86, females - 66, higher number of age group was 7-61.2%) (0.0271), CRP - identified 95.1% (

Organic solid waste loading emerges as a serious environmental threat. Vermicomposting and composting are the two biological processes having the potential to effectively treat organic waste. In composting, in a controlled environment, microorganisms are used to treat organic wastes. Vermicomposting is a low-cost waste management technique incorporates earthworms and microorganisms to produce highly nutritive vermicompost, which in turn preserves the ecosystem. In vermicomposting, earthworms are the important players, the rate of mineralization is increased and nutritive cast is produced as a byproduct. Vermicompost improves soil aeration, microbial population, soil enzyme activity, and texture while also fostering plant growth. Crop growth and yield are greatly impacted by vermicompost. Vermicast ensures sustainable agricultural practices in addition to improve soil health and plant growth. Adsorption, precipitation, redox reactions, and complexation all work together to make heavy metals unavailable during composting. Heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, and manganese are bioaccumulated by earthworms. When persistent organic pollutants are composted, microbes take them up and reduce their bioavailability. Through vermicast, earthworms convert microplastics into nanoplastics. This review discusses developments in composting and vermicomposting of organic wastes, the potential contribution of earthworms, presence of heavy metals in organic waste, the influence of biochar on composting and removal of toxic pollutants through composting and vermicomposting.

Biochar is a promising solution in the competent removal of such toxicants due to its cost-effectiveness, natural properties, biologically rich composition, and environment-friendly characteristics. All the possible heavy metals found in industrial effluents and how to treat them with biochar-based adsorption strategies to lead to a cleaner hydrosphere system were analyzed. Biochar interactions in heavy metal adsorption are studied and profiled to a small extent to allow regional knowledge of how these interactions occur and how biochar studies are taking place. Industrial effluents possess various toxic pollutants that extend their exposure to all kinds of living organisms, contaminating and degrading the biosphere. Adsorption helps mitigate difficulties such as wastewater treatment, remediation studies, and hazardous waste management, providing a sustainable and quality life. The characteristics of biochar produced through pyrolysis using different biomasses analyzed are carbon 35–90 wt%, surface area 5–2100 m2/g, and total pore volume 0.001–50 cm3/g at the temperature range of 400°C–750ºC. The optimum conditions required for maximum adsorption efficiency (96%–99%) of heavy metals majorly lie under the range of temperature 30°C–60°C, pH 5–8, and time 30 min to 1 h. The outcome of this review has significant results on remediation techniques, highlighting biochar’s potential as a flexible tool and as an adsorbent in addressing the challenges related to the possible threats implied by heavy metal contamination in industrial effluents.

Canals are a very imperative source of irrigation for the agricultural sector in India. Seepage causes major water loss in canals, and hence, the installation of liners becomes necessary. Compacted clay soils are commonly used as liners in the canals. This structure will most probably be subjected to salinization and desalinization cycles throughout its life. Because of the interaction between the pore liquid and clay particles, physico-chemical influences considerably impact the behavior of clay barriers. In this paper, the effect of interacting fluid on volume change, consolidation parameters, and hydraulic conductivity of compacted clay soil is investigated with the help of a one-dimensional consolidation test. The compacted clay specimens were immersed alternatively with distilled water (DW) and sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions (SW) at constant loading of 10 kPa, which replicates the load conditions in the field canal due to 1 m head of water and incremental loading as per IS 2720 part 15 standards. The experimental results proved that there is a percentage volume change increase of about two times for each stage inundated with 4M NaCl solution than its preceding stages inundated with distilled water at constant loading of 10 kPa. The consolidation rate was accelerated with 4M NaCl solution than the normal consolidation at incremental loading. The permeability coefficient in the salt water-induced sample increased by 217% more than the distilled water-induced sample at incremental loading. Therefore, the soil specimen subjected to alternate salinization and desalinization cycles significantly affects the volumetric and consolidation behavior, leading to decreased life of clay barrier structures.

Polymer-based soil stabilization has fascinated substantial interest in the field of research intending to gain a better knowledge of the anticipated soil characteristics after polymer treatment. Intricate research on the engineering performance of expansive soil which is highly challenging due to its swell and shrink nature based on variations in water regime, treated with guar gum, a biopolymer made from gum along with polyethylene terephthalate fibre, one of the most generated plastics, resulting in massive waste, is accomplished through this entire experimental investigation. Comprehensive geotechnical tests and microstructural examinations have been performed to optimize the guar gum for enhancement of soil properties and to comprehend the interactive mechanism with the soil. The biopolymer at dosages 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% was added to the soil. Polyethylene terephthalate Fibre with an aspect ratio of 28 is used with the soil at an increment of 0.4% up to 1.6%. The optimum dosage of biopolymer was mixed with polyethylene terephthalate fibres, and its effect on geotechnical properties was carried out separately. From the experimental investigations, it is comprehended that there is a reduction of 27% and 40% in plasticity index and swelling, respectively, at an optimum dosage of 0.5% GG when compared to untreated soil. Furthermore, there is a marginal decrease of 24% in dry density, 310% increase in CBR value, and 33% reduction in compressibility of the soil treated with 0.5% GG with 1.6% PET fibre, when compared to virgin soil. The present study was conducted to improve the subgrade soil strength beneath the pavements. The usage of biopolymer and its combination with polyethylene terephthalate fibres shows that there is a considerable improvement in modifying the geotechnical properties, and its coupling effect contributes to higher California bearing ratio values. According to the outcomes of this investigation, it is proven that biopolymer and polyethylene terephthalate fibre is definitely an alternate to conventional materials. The present study was conducted to improve the subgrade soil strength beneath the pavements.

Nowadays the automotive industry mostly prefers innovative solid-state welding technologies that would enable to welding of lightweight and high-performance materials. In this work, 3105-H18 Aluminium alloy (Al) and pure Copper (Cu) specimens with 0.5 mm thickness have been ultrasonically welded in a dissimilar (Al-Cu) manner. Optimization of process parameters of ultrasonic welding has been carried out through full factorial method, three levels of variables considered for this experimental studies namely, weld pressure, amplitude, and time, also each variable interaction with welding strength has been studied. Additionally, micro-hardness and microstructure investigation in welded joints has been studied. The result shows that the weld strength greatly influenced weld amplitude at a medium and higher level of weld pressure. The interface micro-hardness of the welded joint has lower compared to the base metal.

Nano-alumina-doped catechol formaldehyde polymeric composite was prepared, characterized, and applied as an adsorbent for the removal of an anionic dye Congo red (CR) and a cationic dye SafraninO (SF), by adsorption process especially from aqueous solutions. Characterizations such as particle size distribution, zeta potential, BET, FTIR, and FESEM-EDAX were carried out for the adsorbent prepared. All experiments were conducted at the batch condition to study the effects of initial dye concentration (CR: 30–90 mg/L and SF: 10–50 mg/L), pH (2–11), temperature (25–55°C), and adsorbent dosage (0.05–0.3 g) on dye removal. The isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin) were analyzed for this adsorption work. The kinetic data obtained were analyzed by the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Bangham, and Chien–Clayton equations. Dyes adsorption data were well fitted with the Freundlich isotherm equilibrium model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Study results suggested that the nano-alumina-polymeric composite could be an effective adsorbent for anionic dye rather than cationic dye.

It is essential to understand the weld interface characteristics and mechanical properties of dissimilar joints to improve its quality. This study is aimed at exploring the properties of friction welded magnesium–titanium dissimilar joint using tensile testing coupled with digital image correlation, optical and scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and microhardness measurements. Microstructurally different regions such as contact zone, dynamic recrystallized zone, thermo-mechanically affected zone, and partially deformed zone in the magnesium side were observed. No discernible regions were observed in the titanium side, as it had not undergone any significant plastic deformation. Phase analysis indicated that the aluminium from the magnesium side diffused toward the weld interface and formed a thin continuous intermetallic layer by reacting with the titanium. Microhardness mapping showed a steep hardness gradient from the titanium to magnesium side. Critical analysis is done on the tensile characteristics of the specimen and the response of the local regions to the deformation process is mapped.

In creep conditions, conventionally, C* and C(t) line integrals are used for characterising the crack tip. However, the true crack driving force or its rate cannot be described by any of the conventional parameters. The theoretical validity of conventional crack tip-characterising parameters like J or Ct is also restricted, making it hard to anticipate the driving forces underlying cracks. To investigate the creep crack growth behaviour of this material an experimental analysis of SS316LN at 650 °C is performed. The crack extension is modelled through the node-release technique, and a configurational force-based rate of change of J integral is calculated by post-processing of the finite element results. The results show that the Ct and dJepc/dt calculated from FE analyses are similar and the trend is also similar to the experimentally measured C*-values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevine powdery mildew is the world's most important plant disease, and Ampelomyces frequently fight them. While it does not usually cause plant death, its major infections can result in significant production losses and severely impact wine quality. Fungicides are frequently used to control the disease, which can have long-term adverse effects on the ecosystem. As a result, alternative and environmentally friendly disease management approaches must be developed. The study aimed to reduce costly and toxic fungicide use by using Ampelomyces, a natural biofungicide, against various powdery mildew fungi. GC-MS analysis was also used to determine the antagonistic potential and efficacy of volatile organic chemicals produced by several Ampelomyces spp. against Erysiphe necator, which causes powdery mildew of grapes. The molecular characterization of A. quisqualis isolates based on using rDNA ITS region was also carried out and sequenced. GC-MS analysis identified various antimicrobial compounds, such as squalene (4.643%), octadecanoic acid (3.862%), tetradecanoic acid (3.600%), and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) (1.451%). The least abundant compounds were 2-Hexadecanol, 1-Tricosanol, and 2-propenyl ester, with percentages of 0.485, 0.519, and 0.560, respectively. These bioactive compounds revealed by GC-MS analysis in crude extracts of A. quisqualis had a stronger antifungal and antibacterial activity against E. necator. As a result, using A. quisqualis to control the powdery mildew of grapes significantly reduced pathogen growth and disease incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. To evaluate scope of diagnosing tools-Alvarado score, CRP, USG, and CT in acute appendicitis. Method. Conducted observational study of 152 patients in Department of Emergency Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, India between January to December 2022. The diagnostic tool’s (Alvarado score, CRP, USG, CT (abdomen), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and ROC were analyzed to diagnose acute appendicitis. Results. Among 152 study patients, males - 86, females - 66, higher number of age group was <30 years, abnormal variables in study patients are BP - 79%, HR - 80%, RFP pain - 57%, anoxia - 78%, nausea/ vomiting - 68%, RIF tenderness - 69%, rebound tenderness - 63.8%, elevated temperature - 62%, pain - 44.7%, leukocytosis - 70.7%, and left shift - 38.2%. In comparison, Alvarado scores-identified 98% patients, (<5 score - 8.2%, 5-6 score - 30.6%, >7-61.2%) (0.0271), CRP - identified 95.1% (<0.001), USG identified (group 1-33%, group 2-12.2%, group 3-11.3%, and group 4-43.5%, and CT identified 152/152 (100%) patients with acute appendicitis. The odds ratio/95% CI of diagnostic tools (USG - 0.878, 0.66, CRP - 7.337, 2.623, Alvarado score - 0.81, 0.687). Sensitivity (Alvarado's score - 84.74%, USG - 83.33%, CRP - 76.43%), and specificity was (Alvarado's score - 84.32, USG - 72.97%, CRP-83.86%. The PPV (Alvarado's score - 74.56%, USG - 75.5%, CRP - 33.16%), NPV (Alvarado's score - 32.5%, USG - 79.1%, CRP - 81.03%), and diagnostic accuracy (Alvarado's score - 72.01%, USG - 73.05%, CRP - 68.81%). ROC in individual tools-Alvarado score was specific than USG, and CRP. ROC in combination toolsAlvarado score and USG was specific than USG, and CRP. Conclusion. Among the diagnostic tools tested, as individual tool-Alvarado score was specific, in combination, and Alvarado score and USG were accurate, specific, sensitive, hence combination of tools will identify acute appendicitis early to reduce mortality by undiagnosed or late diagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevine powdery mildew is one of the most important plant diseases widely affecting crops in many countries. The main aim of the present study was to use Ampelomyces quisqualis isolates to suppress the powdery mildew of grapes under field conditions. The findings revealed a strong correlation between the mycoparasite, Ampelomyces quisqualis and the grape powdery mildew pathogens, suggesting its potential for effective control. The results revealed that a single spray of A. quisqualis @ 2.0 per cent (MDU1) succeeded by two sprays of Trichoderma asperellum @ 2.0 per cent (Tasp,7) were found to be effective against Erysiphe necator. In addition, liquid formulation of A. quisqualis isolate MDU1 (2% w/v) as a foliar spray at 2% containing 2 × 106 spores ml-1 the during initial occurrence of the disease up to three sprayings at 15 days interval was found to be best. Thus, a liquid formulation of A. quisqualis isolate MDU1 proved effective in managing grapes powdery mildew disease under field conditions. The rDNA ITS region of A. quisqualis isolates was analyzed at the molecular level, and the resulting sequences were subjected to GC-MS analysis. The secondary metabolite identification using GC-MS revealed the presence of antimicrobial compounds, including squalene with the highest peak of 4.643 percent, octadecanoic acid with 3.862 percent, tetradecanoic acid with 3.600 percent, and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) with 1.451 percent. These bioactive compounds revealed by GC-MS analysis in crude extracts of A. quisqualis had a stronger antifungal activity against E. necator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, water demands have risen inexorably over the last decade. The world's growing need for water has become a huge concern. The resource has been depleted due to wastewater, global warming, and industrialization. The importance of resource conservation and management must be prioritized. This work introduces an Internet of Things concept for water scanning and management in this work, which provides real-time feature extraction via the Internet. The suggested strategy addresses emerging needs within the aquatic sector, like gauging flow velocity and the imperative for scrutinizing water provision to minimize wastage and promote conservation. It also utilizes pH and conductivity sensors to examine the excellence of the aquatic that is distributed to every home. Traditional water metering methods necessitate consistent personal engagement for conservation, rendering them unwieldy and inefficient. To address the shortcomings of existing models, the proposed strategy employs wireless technology for smart quality sensing and information communication. HIGHLIGHTS The goal of this project is to create and deploy a real-time system that uses GSM technology to track water quantity, detect leaks, monitor water quality, and bill users according to the quantity detected.; The goal of the suggested system is to offer a complete answer to the problem of effective water management.; The system's usage of GSM technology allows for real-time remote monitoring of water quality, accurate quantity measurement, rapid detection and relay of leaks, and automated payment based on those metrics.; This holistic strategy promotes a more efficient and adaptable water supply system by assuring the ongoing evaluation of water quality and improving the general administration and longevity of water resources.;

A vortex tube is a simple device with no moving parts that has the inherent capability of separating the high pressure inlet stream into two low pressure outlet streams. One of the outlet streams is the peripheral stream that has higher temperature than the inlet while the other outlet stream is the inner or core stream that has temperature lower than the inlet. Various theories have been put forwarded by many investigators to explain the mechanism of this temperature separation in vortex tube. This article deals with the analytical approach to calculate the amount of heat transfer between the core and the peripheral streams. In the process, we have established an empirical relationship between the length of the vortex tube and the surface that divides the cold and the hot flows, proceeding in the opposite directions through the tube. We have also derived the dependence of heat transfer on the length of the vortex tube keeping the diameter of the vortex tube constant. The necessary boundary conditions needed for the analysis are obtained from CFD analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduced direct product, restricted direct product of interval neutrosophic automata and prove that direct, restricted direct product of cyclic and retrievable of interval neutrosophic automata are cyclic and retrievable interval neutrosophic automata.

We introduce the concept of reverse subsystem and prove that the necessary and sufficient condition for RNQ to be a reverse subsystem. Also, we prove that the union and intersection of reverse subsystems of interval neutrosophic automata is reverse subsystem.

This paper presents the optimized surface morphology to enhance transferred charge between the mental and dielectric of the modelled triboelectric nanogenerator. The structured shape of the dielectric layer is a vital factor in enhancing the output performance of the triboelectric nanogenerator. In this study, flat, cone, circular and rectangular shapes are structured on the dielectric surface of TENG. Its output performance is examined by conducting a numerical study on the finite element method in COMSOL Multiphysics software. Among the above stated structured surface TENGs, the structured rectangular surface triboelectric nanogenerator produces an improved output open-circuit voltage of 26 V for an externally given 3K Pascal pulse pressure as input. Hence, the result indicates that the structured surface TENGs can make a portable self-powered healthcare device such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure measurement.

Tetrahedral amorphous (ta-C) carbon-based memory devices have recently gained traction due to their good scalability and promising properties like nanosecond switching speeds. However, cycling endurance is still a key challenge. In this paper, we present a model that takes local fluctuations in sp^2 and sp^3 content into account when describing the conductivity of ta-C memory devices. We present a detailed study of the conductivity of ta-C memory devices ranging from ohmic behavior at low electric fields to dielectric breakdown. The study consists of pulsed switching experiments and device-scale simulations, which allows us for the first time to provide insights into the local temperature distribution at the onset of memory switching. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Navigation satellite system plays a major role in finding the position of a user. Similar to GPS, Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is developed by India to cater the country needs. The NavIC Standard Positioning Service User Receiver (UR) placed at ACS College of Engineering (12.8914° N, 77.4657° E), Bangalore for field trial and data collection. The accuracy of the navigation system is influenced by several kinds of error factors, among which the signal delay influenced by the ionosphere is the greatest error factor. The delay in signal causes error in satellite signal range data and it is called range error. This range error can reduce the accuracy of user position. Hence estimation of range error is very essential. In order to give the appropriate user position, estimation of Total Electron Content (TEC) is vital, which indicates ionospheric error (signal delay). In this paper, VTEC of ionosphere is estimated for the entire day and over a month. The observation data required for estimation of TEC is collected from NavIC SPS receiver located at ACS College of Engineering Station (ACSCES), Bangalore. By using estimated VTEC value, it is possible to correct range error which results in accurate position estimation. NavIC TEC derived using pseudo range at ACSCES is compared with GPS TEC and IRI-2016 TEC which belongs to IISC Station. From the comparison, it is observed that, the maximum NavIC TEC is 43.0552 TECU and maximum GPS TEC is 44.6131 TECU and maximum IRI-2016 TEC is 18.6 TECU. RMSE between GPS and NavIC TEC is 5.486 TECU, correlation coefficient is 0.9748 and average difference is 5.2306 TECU. Similarly, RMSE between NavIC and IRI-2016 TEC is 9.9899 TECU, correlation coefficient is 0.93 and average difference is 9.421 TECU. From the collected data, C/No are plotted for each satellite. From the C/No plots, it is observed that, C/No is good i.e. above 40 dB-Hz. Based on the results, it is evident that, NavIC is suitable for navigational applications in Indian region.

While potential for battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) is increasing as the need to minimise greenhouse gas pollution and the utilization of energy production, the restricted driving range and the uninviting market price constitute BEV obstacles to reliable assessment as a conventional car. This paper suggests a double-motor multispeed direct-drive BEV drivetrain to improve average engine running performance in everyday travelling whilst raising any production or control sophistication, effectively saving minimal battery resources and production costs. The characteristics of the proposed drivetrain are first defined through quantitative and visual measurements, which divide the conventional one-engine propulsion to two with different permanent gears to optimise engine performance. Centred on dynamic powertrain modelling in Simulink, the economic change strategy and circulatory system consisting transfer control were planned and checked. Based on the simulation performance, it is stated that substantial increases in energy quality can be accomplished. Thanks to the optimised torque transfer control technique, the vehicle’s incredibly low pull is registered during the shifting phase. Finally, it can be inferred that the suggested dual-motor drivetrain is better than the conventional single-motor equivalent in terms of fuel efficiency, driving range, and expense. There is substantial increase in total machine running areas of affordable to solitary machine performance and megacity driving ages, similar to WLTC, FTP-75, and JP 10-15, with 5 to 8 percentage performance enhancement being achieved.

This paper explains an empirical model that has been developed to arrive at the Best Possible Fare (BPF) for all the ad-hoc requests made by the corporate passengers. For the purpose of this research, a corporate request is considered ad-hoc if the booking request is initiated after the corporate channel for the particular flight is closed. By charging the best possible fare, the airline will be able to marginally increase its revenue without deviating from the guidelines of the corporate channel. This model updates itself with the available capacity at the time when the ad-hoc request is initiated, also considers the previous booking data to forecast the passenger demand and the channel behavior. This will lessen the manual intervention and its associated errors, and will take care of the number of corporate requests that can be approved and size of the corporate booking requests that can be approved. As the factors affecting the booking trend of the airlines have been covered earlier in various research papers as discussed in the literature review, we have directly focused on deriving the empirical solution in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]