Search

Jelly seed disorder in mangoes is one of the key issues reported in North India as well as other mango-producing countries across the world. Since miRNAs have not yet been fully identified in mangos, it is possible that they play a part in the development of jelly seed sickness. Although the identification of miRNA has not been thoroughly investigated, there is the possibility that miRNA might have some role associated with jelly seed disorder. Unigenes of jelly seed RNA sequencing data of mango cv ‘Dashehari’ was used for miRNA prediction in the cmii tool. A total of 14 putative miRNAs from 13 different families were identified in jelly seed transcriptome data, the length of these miRNAs was 20–21 nucleotides. psRNA Target tool and BLAST2GO analysis were used to identify and annotate targets. The predicted targets of miRNAs revealed a wide range of gene targets for both translational and cleavage-type inhibition, confirming the hypothesis that a single miRNA might target genes engaged in several metabolic pathways and physiological functions. Predicted miRNA target genes include transcription factors (NAC, ERF, ARF, MYB etc) and different transporters, sugar metabolism, stress-responsive and structural genes associated with different functional pathways. Validation of pri-miRNA 164, pri-miRNA 414, pri-miRNA 5021 and pri-miRNA 5658 was performed through RT–PCR analysis. This work has led to the discovery of conserved putative miRNAs by homology searching against Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified a set of putative miRNAs that are expressed in jelly seed transcriptome data and might be linked with the disorder. The results gathered from this study will be valuable in further investigating the roles and regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs vis-à-vis ripening and jelly seed disorder.

Assistive technology (AT) helps to assess the daily living of frail people and may have a strategic role to detect and prevent falls. In this article, the task of classifying different classes of postural sway behaviors has been addressed by developing a neuro-fuzzy (NF) inference approach that is robust against noise. The proposed approach classifies four different postural behaviors, namely, stable standing (ST), anteroposterior (AP), mediolateral, and unstable (UNST). The strategy exploits data generated by a wearable sensor node, to be positioned on the user chest. A dedicated experimental setup has been realized to emulate the postural dynamics and generate the dataset. Two novel indices to assess the robustness of the system have been proposed. The first index is a measure of residuals between the predicted and the expected postural status, which equally weights estimations with respect to expected classes. The second metric is a reliability index, which allows for assessing the degree of trust of each estimation performed by the NF inference. Results obtained demonstrate the suitability of the proposed methodology, showing a capability of almost 100% to correctly classify patterns among different allowed classes, with reliability indexes of 97.56% and 98.50% for the training and test patterns, respectively. Also, the robustness of the NF classification algorithm against noisy data has been demonstrated.

Despite their contribution in boosting the economy, internal migrants remain invisible to policymakers. The sudden lockdown imposed by the Indian government post-COVID-19 and internal migrants’ unpreparedness created a deplorable and unprecedented situation for them in various cities. The crisis has reinforced the need to understand the dynamics and intersectionality of mobility and the disaggregated database of migrants. It has also called for implementing a comprehensive migration policy for internal workers. To create a credible database, registration of internal migrants should be the first and foremost task for policymakers. To this end, steps have been taken to set up an ‘e-Shram Portal’, an initiative of the central government of India directed by the Supreme Court. This article aims to shed light on the need for identification and registration of internal migrants so that their importance in policymaking is realised and the government could address the challenges involved in the process. Integrating migrants into development is a comprehensive and challenging process.

This article empirically investigates the migration patterns of Indian nurses who have returned from Gulf countries, where obtaining long-term visas and citizenship is difficult, to determine whether their return should be considered a temporary or permanent settlement. The study addresses the likelihood of future migration and explores migration trajectories among these individuals. Our analysis reveals that returned nurses are more inclined to migrate again if currently employed in India’s private sector, which offers lower financial rewards compared to the public sector. On the other hand, those in contract-based public sector jobs express a willingness to relocate to Western countries but not back to Gulf countries. The limited occurrence of circular migrations to Gulf countries among nurses highlights their lower position in the hierarchy of destination countries. This study illustrates the complexities of nurse migration decisions, demonstrating that migration trajectories do not always follow a linear path towards perceived ‘better’ destinations.

Abstract Repatriation to Sri Lanka has become a primary challenge to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Indian refugee camps, and a matter of significant public discussion in India and Sri [...]

The tensile strength of the ECAP processed composite of AA6063/(Si3N4)x/(Cu(NO3)2)y (x=12%, y=2-6%) at various strain rates from 0.0001 to 1s-1 with an increment of 10 was examined in relation to the seven-fracture image texture descriptor through void features such as void size and distribution. In order to measure the matrices of voids on the fracture surface created through the coalescence of void results to enhance the material hardening as strain rate increases, the second order statistical texture analysis has been used. With respect to the rising strain rate, it was observed that the composite fracture image feature parameter correlation, homogeneity improved by 6 %, and 20.74% for AA6063/12%Si3N4/6%Cu(NO3)2 after I passes as compared to AA6063/12% Si3N4 after III pass. The contrast was reduced by around 58.643% when reinforcement went from a single reinforcement of 12% Si3N4 with I Pass to a composite of two reinforcements (Si3N4, Cu(NO3)2) that had 6% Cu(NO3)2 with I Pass. After three passes on AA6063/12%Si3N4/2%Cu(NO3)2, the maximum entropy was seen due to the material's increased plastic deformation, which led to an uneven particle distribution. As strain rate and copper nitrate percentage grew from 0 to 6 percent, the tensile strength of the composite improved by 34.69%. To assess the importance of fracture image features in relation to tensile strength with respect to strain rate, a regression model was developed. In order to get information about the fracture studies from fractography, the contrast with varying strain rate was nevertheless the aspect, which had the greatest influence.

Cupping is essential in determining the quality of coffee. To cup coffee properly one must first understand the nature of coffee. And to do that, a brief history of coffee [...]

Emigrants from Kerala, India, were among the international migrants affected by the displacing consequences of COVID-19 — job losses, decreasing wages, inadequate social protection systems, xenophobia and overall uncertainty — which led to large-scale return migration to India. Returning home due to exogenous shocks calls into question the voluntary nature of return, the ability of returnees to reintegrate and the sustainability of re-embedding in the home country. The role of return migrants in the development of their societies of origin is also unclear. In this commentary, we explore the circumstances of return migration since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on a case study of Kerala and provide insights on the future of emigration from this corridor along with policy suggestions. The role of return migrants in the development of their societies of origin requires further research and policy interventions.

Apalutamide (APA), a second-generation nonsteroidal antiandrogen BCS Class II drug with poor solubility and high permeability. A novel 1:1 cocrystal of Apalutamide (APA) with methylparaben (MP) was identified by cooling crystallization during the cocrystal screening and characterized by various solid-state techniques, such as PXRD, DSC, TGA, FT-IR, and 13C solid-state CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of APA and its cocrystal (APA-MP) were determined by the SC-XRD technique. The crystal structure analysis of the APA-MP cocrystal revealed that the APA and MP molecules are connected through strong O–H···O hydrogen bonds. The novel cocrystal improves the solubility and dissolution rate in different physiological conditions compared to poorly soluble APA due to strong hydrogen bond between the drug and the coformer. The cocrystal is stable (physically and chemically) under stress conditions, such as exposure to the relative humidity, mechanical grinding, open exposure to atmosphere at cRT (critical room temperature) and compression pressure of 10 tons. In addition, the compatibility of the cocrystal with excipients used in the drug product of APA (ERLEADA) was also investigated, and no disproportionation of cocrystal was observed.

This paper seeks to enhance our comprehension of the interplay between COVID-19, international labour migration, and food security. The primary objective is to discern food security characteristics among female migrant workers (FMWs) returning to Kerala from Gulf countries, particularly under heightened social and economic uncertainties shared with male migrant workers (MMWs). This study conducted in the state of Kerala, India, examines the food security perceptions of Gulf migrants using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Samples of both returning FMWs and male migrant workers (MMWs) were identified through snowball sampling from the latest Kerala Migrant Survey (KMS) 2018 and Return Migrant Survey 2021. Oversampling was conducted for return FMWs, otherwise only constituting 20 per cent of the random sample. A total of 1154 samples were collected across all 14 districts in Kerala. The analysis indicates that food insecurity was not prevalent among the majority but was significant among a minority of surveyed migrant workers. The results also show that while FMWs experience food insecurity as a lack of access to food variety, MMWs experience food insecurity in the access to food varieties and the absolute quantity of food.

Purpose: Pulpectomy may be indicated in restorable primary teeth exhibiting irreversible pulpitis or pulpal necrosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the cleaning and shaping efficacy of NiTi systems (Reciproc®Blue and MTwo®) with manual stainless-steel instrumentation in primary molars using micro-CT analysis. Methods: Fifty-seven maxillary second primary molars were scanned using micro-CT. Teeth with three divergent roots were divided randomly (n= 15) according to instrument type (K file, MTwo®, and Reciproc® Blue). Teeth with root fusion were instrumented manually as a separate group (n= 12). Pre- and post-instrumentation micro-CT images were superimposed, and the instrumentation area (IA) and procedural complications were recorded. Results: No statistically significant differences in IA between file systems was observed in the non-fused teeth. The mean IA of fused roots was significantly lower than in the non-fused distobuccal (p= 0.003) and palatal (p< 0.001) roots. The root segment had a significant effect on IA (p< 0.001) and the highest mean IA was observed in the apical third. Manual instrumentation had fewer procedural complications compared with rotary systems. Conclusion: No differences were determined in the cleaning and shaping effectiveness of all systems in non-fused teeth. Uninstrumented areas (> 60%) occurred in both non-fused and fused primary teeth with fewer procedural complications observed after manual instrumentation.

Using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF), this study traces the livelihood conditions of a coastal community located in Kanniyakumari district in south India. From a vulnerable, pre-modern phase, this fishing group, by adapting to technologically advanced craft and gears moved into a more dynamic phase of modernisation with diverse livelihood opportunities. Unfortunately later, this fishing community began to suffer economically as the use of harmful gears in their boats resulted in the decimation of marine resources and subsequently a reduction in their income. In the absence of any institutional support mechanism to sustain them, fishing households have begun looking outside their home environs for economic opportunities to better their living conditions. One of the more significant ways through which the fishing community has been able to cope with its strained circumstances is to migrate to the Gulf countries.

This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on migration. The rapid spread of the pandemic caught countries across the world off guard, resulting in widespread lockdowns that clamped down on mobility, commercial activities and social interactions. In India, the pandemic precipitated a severe ‘crisis of mobility’, with migrant labourers in many major cities seeking to return to their hometowns. Their desperate attempts to return home by any means available rendered the lockdown ineffective in several areas, prompting clashes with authorities, last-minute policy relief and, eventually, the arrangement of transport measures. This paper aims to shed light on the vulnerability of India’s internal migrants in terms of their mobility, gender and mental health. In addition, it critically analyses the limitations of public policy in addressing migrants and suggests recommendations for the way ahead.

Aim: Successful endodontic treatment of primary teeth requires comprehensive knowledge and understanding of root canal morphology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the root canal configurations of primary maxillary second molars using micro-computed tomography. Methods: Extracted human primary maxillary second molars (n= 57) were scanned using micro-computed tomography and reconstructed to produce three-dimensional models. Each root canal system was analysed qualitatively according to Vertucci’s classification. Results: 22.8% (n= 13) of the sample presented with the fusion of the disto-buccal and palatal roots; of these, Type V was the most prevalent classification. For teeth with three separate roots (n= 44), the most common root canal type was Type 1 for the palatal canal (100%) and disto-buccal canal (77.3%) and Type V for the mesio-buccal canal (36.4%). Overall, 7% (n= 4) of mesio-buccal canals were ‘unclassifiable’. Conclusion: The root canal systems of primary maxillary second molars were not only complex but had a range of configurations that may contribute to unfavourable clinical outcomes after endodontic treatment.

Air conditioning in the automobile has become an important area of research. The performance of an air conditioning system in an automobile depends upon three basic important factors such as compressor speed, evaporator load, and condensing temperature. How these factors when varied affects the COP of the system have been detailed in this review paper. Several performance studies on various refrigerants (R134a, R152a, CO2and R1234yf) used in the automotive air conditioning system operating with various conditions revealed the better COP for R152a in comparison with R134a, whereas COP of R1234yf and CO2was observed to be slightly lower than R134a. However, safety measures must be followed while using R152a due to its slightly flammable nature (ASHRAE A2 group). In this work, various alternative air conditioning systems used for automobiles have been presented in detail.

Wilting of guava trees has been regarded as national problem in India. Since, it is highly remunerative crop; disease is extremely important. The guava wilt was first reported in Taiwan during 1926 and in India during 1935. Several pathogenic fungi, nematodes and bacteria were found associated with the wilted trees of guava around the world; however, Fusariumspp. has been considered as major pathogen. Research on guava wilt carried out under network projects at ICAR-CISH revealed the cultural, morphological, molecular and pathogenic variability of Fusariumspp. across the India and its bio-management. Early age wilting of trees has mostly been observed due to complex of Fusarium oxysporumf. sp. Psidii, F. solaniand Meloidogyne enterolobii.Enough research work on pathogenicity, cultural/morphological characters, molecular characterization, epidemiology and management of Fusariumspp. has been carried out but effect of interaction between Fusarium-Meloidogynecomplex on expression of guava decline is yet to be thoroughly worked out. Complete guava crop management package should be developed, including healthy planting material production, proper care for nutrition, regular pruning and management of nematode fungus complex.

ABSTRACTOne of the important factors to be considered in an electric power system is to maintain the frequency constant, so that power stations run satisfactorily in synchronise among the connected pool of power generation systems. The main purpose of load frequency control (LFC) is to reduce the frequency deviation and net interchange of power flow between electrical power generating units and for achieving steady-state error to be zero. This research paper proposes the way to improve the LFC by employing energy storage systems (battery energy storage systems and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES)) during change in load demand. The energy storage devices are acting quickly and they are effectively damp electro mechanical oscillations in a power system. Moreover, they provide storage capacity and the kinetic energy of the generator shares the sudden changes in power requirement. An integrated hybrid BES and SMES energy storage systems along with LFC minimise the deviation of frequency by contribution of additional power requirement. Investigating the performance of the LFC with storage system under step change of load (∆Pd) has been analysed by employing proportional-integral (PI) and fuzzy logic controller (FLC) for frequency regulation and load tracking. Even, the PI controller attains zero steady-state error in system frequency, it has unsatisfied dynamic (overshoots and settling time) performance followed by disturbances. The mismatch power in the power system makes frequency deviation followed by the change in load demand and electrical power generation and it is balanced by employing of an energy storage system with proper controller. The simulation results are illustrated that the performance of LFC system is enhanced by BES storage system which effectively reduces frequency deviation than SMES system. The comparative analysis has been made for LFC with BES, SMES and hybrid storage system employing FLC and PI controller design also. A significant improvement in the frequency profile has been obtained with FLC controller than PI controller followed by the step load changes.

Byline: A. Naveen, T. Prasanna, B. Farzana, S. Rajan, C. Adithan Background : Genotypes of the drug-metabolizing enzyme CYP2D6 influence plasma levels of 25% of commonlyprescribed drugs. This is the [...]

In modern days, Microstrip patch antennas become more popular because of its fascinating features such as low cost, light weight, low profile planar configuration which can be effortlessly made conformal to host surface. In order to overcome the demerits of patch antenna like low gain, low efficiency, low directivity and narrow bandwidth, it is obligatory to implement patch antennas in array configuration by creating cuts in the ground, by increasing the height of patch, rising the substrate thickness and by decreasing the permittivity of the substrate. Percentage of bandwidth of the patch antenna can also be increased by the above mentioned techniques. Circuit board FR4 (Flame Retardant 4) is used for designing this patch antenna, since it has fabulous performance during the fabrication process. In this paper, design of two layered electromagnetically coupled rectangular patch antenna with microstrip-line inset-fed with minimized return loss has been proposed for the wireless devices.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is the recording of electrical activities of the brain. It is contaminated by other biological signals, known as artefacts. In this research paper, the performance analysis of three swarm intelligence incorporated adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) - based techniques is made with respect to ECG artefact removal from the corrupted EEG signal. Swarm intelligence algorithms such as improved artificial immune system (IAIS), artificial immune system (AIS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are employed for artefact removal, by tuning the parameters of ANFIS individually. The performances of the methods are experimentally validated for both simulated and real data sets. Measures such as signal to noise ratio (SNR), mean square error (MSE) value, correlation coefficient, power spectrum density plot, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy are used for analysing the performance of the methods of simulated data set. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of ANFIS-tuned IAIS (ANFIS-IAIS), are found to be 94.9%, 100% and 99.2%, respectively The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of ANFIS-AIS and ANFIS-PSO are 91.9%, 100%, 98.7% and 87.9%, 100%, 98.3%, respectively. From the results, it is found that ANFIS-IAIS is more effective in removing ECG artefacts from EEG signals than ANFIS-AIS and ANFIS-PSO.Analiza vladanja algoritama inteligencije roja u odstranjivanju ECG artefakata iz onečišćenog EEG signalaElektroencefalografija (EEG) je postupak snimanja električnih aktivnosti mozga. Postupak je zagadena drugim biološkim signalima zvanim artefaktima. U radu je predstavljena analiza vladanja tri pristupa zasnovana na inteligenciji roja i pristupu adaptivnog neuro-neizrazitog zaključivanja (ANFIS) za uklanjanje ECG artefakta iz onečišćenog EEG signala. Algoritmi inteligencije roja kao što su unaprijedeni umjetni imunosni sustav (IAIS), umjetni imunosni sustav (AIS) i optimizacija roja čestica (PSO) korišteni su za uklanjanje artefakata individualnim podešavanjem parametara ANFIS pristupa. Vladanje metoda eksperimentalno je potvrdeno na simulacijskim i stvarnim podacima. Mjerila kao što su odnos signal-šum (SNR), srednja kvadratna pogreška (MSE), korelacijski koeficijent, graf gustoće spektra snage (PSD), osjetljivost, specifičnost i točnost korištena su za analizu vladanja metoda na simulacijskim podacima. Osjetljivost, specifičnost i točnost IAIS pristupa uz ANFIS podešavanje parametara (ANFIS-IAIS) pokazalo se kao, redoslijedom, 94,9%, 100%i 99,2%, što je veće u odnosu na druge metode. Osjetljivost, specifičnost i točnost ANFIS-AIS i ANFIS-PSO pristupa je 91,9%, 100% i 98,7% te 87,9%, 100% i98,3%, redoslijedom. Rezultati pokazuju da je ANFIS-IAIS pristup efektniji u otklanjanju ECG artefakata iz EEG signala u odnosu na ANFIS-AIS i ANFIS-PSO pristupe.

In this paper investigation is done on the MHD Jeffrey nanofluid flow towards a stretching cylinder in the presence of non-linear thermal radiation, triple stratification, Soret and Dufour and slip. The governing equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations by using suitable transformations. The HAM method is used to solve these equations. The temperature profile and local Sherwood number increase when Dufour number is hiked where as local Nusselt number fall off. While increasing local Soret number, the concentration profile increases where as Sherwood number decreases.

Quality of reconstruction of signals sampled using compressive sensing (CS) algorithm depends on the compression factor and the length of the measurement. A simple method to pre-process data before reconstruction of compressively sampled signals using Kronecker technique that improves the quality of recovery is proposed. This technique reduces the mutual coherence between the projection matrix and the sparsifying basis, leading to improved reconstruction of the compressed signal. This pre-processing method changes the dimension of the sensing matrix via the Kronecker product and sparsity basis accordingly. A theoretical proof for decrease in mutual coherence using the proposed technique is also presented. The decrease of mutual coherence has been tested with different projection matrices and the proposed recovery technique has been tested on an ECG signal from MIT Arrhythmia database. Traditional CS recovery algorithms has been applied with and without the proposed technique on the ECG signal to demonstrate increase in quality of reconstruction technique using the new recovery technique. In order to reduce the computational burden for devices with limited capabilities, sensing is carried out with limited samples to obtain a measurement vector. As recovery is generally outsourced, limitations due to computations do not exist and recovery can be done using multiple measurement vectors, thereby increasing the dimension of the projection matrix via the Kronecker product. The proposed technique can be used with any CS recovery algorithm and be regarded as simple pre-processing technique during reconstruction process.

The very early stages of high rate tensile loading are important when attempting to characterize the response of materials during the transient loading time. To improve understanding of the conditions imposed on the specimen during the transient stage, a series of high rate loading experiments are performed using a Kolsky tensile bar system. Specimen forces and velocities during the high rate loading experiment are obtained by performing a thorough method of characteristics analysis of the system employed in the experiments. The in-situ full-field specimen displacements, velocities and accelerations during the loading process are quantified using modern ultra-high-speed imaging systems to provide detailed measurements of specimen response, with emphasis on the earliest stages of loading. Detailed analysis of the image-based measurements confirms that conditions are nominally consistent with those necessary for use of the one-dimensional wave equation within the relatively thin, dog-bone shaped tensile specimen. Specifically, measurements and use of the one-dimensional wave equation show clearly that the specimen has low inertial stresses in comparison to the applied transmitted force. Though the accelerations of the specimen continue for up to 50 μs, measurements show that the specimen is essentially in force equilibrium beginning a few microseconds after initial loading. These local measurements contrast with predictions based on comparison of the wave-based incident force measurements, which suggest that equilibrium occurs much later, on the order of 40–50 μs .

Background: One of the important functions of blood vessels and retinal vessels is that to extract the information in tissue of the retina for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases such as glaucoma, hyper tension, blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) etc. While the retinal image has to segment the blood vessels and optic disc are proposed in this novel method. Methods: Modern ophthalmology can support non-intrusive diagnosis of this proposed method while the first step is implemented by graph cut technique in the retina vascular tree of extraction. Optic Disc (OD) has been used to locate the blood vessel information and it is the high intensity part of an eye. In this paper, ellipse fitting technique has been used to find the cup boundary of optical disc in an efficient manner. Conclusion: Experimental results have successfully shown the diagnosis of the glaucoma, cardio vascular and other diseases.

Background: The notorious invasive pest fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda(J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), native to Americas entered the Asian continent and was first time reported on maize from India in 2018. The predatory species Rhynocoris marginatus(Fab.) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) has been reported as a potential predator that preys on a number of economic pests in India such as Helicoverpa armigera(Hubner), Spodoptera litura(Fabricius), Mythimna separata(Walker), and Anomis flava(Fabricius). The present study described the biology and feeding potential of the predator on S. frugiperdaunder laboratory conditions where temperature and relative humidity varied from 26 to 28 °C and 75–80%, respectively, and the photoperiod was L12: D12 hrs. Results: Incubation period and the total nymphal/developmental period of the predator were 9.65 and 55.89 days, respectively. The percentage of survivorship of nymphs to adults was 62.50%. Females showed a higher longevity than males. The predator’s fecundity reached 349.30 eggs/female, laid in 6 to 8 batches. Abdominal length and width were greater in the case of females than in males. Male consumed about 158.55 larvae of the fifth instar prey, at an average of 1.86 larvae per day. Females consumed a greater number of larvae (184.95) than males, with a higher daily predation rate of 1.93 larvae. Time taken to approach the prey was longer in the case of males (5.58 min) than females (3.57 min), whereas handling time was longer in females (115.37 min) than in males (85.71 min). Weight gained by females (61.90 mg) was higher than that by males (44.20 mg) after 24 h of predation. Conclusions: The present study revealed that female adult predator and fifth-instar nymphs of R. marginatuspreyed efficiently on S. frugiperda. The shorter ovipositional period of the predator was a positive sign for its mass multiplication, enabling rapid buildup of the predator population. This study is a step in the evaluation of the efficacy of R. marginatusfeeding on fall armyworm. Further field studies are required on its mass release and effect in reducing the fall armyworm larval population.

This study explored the association between family history of hypertension and diabetes with their diagnosis among older Indian adults. The study further examined the role of body mass index (BMI) as a potential mediator in these associations.

A Mutual Inductive Coupled (MIC) DC-DC power converter circuit for Photo-Voltaic (PV) system employing fuzzy logic based maximum power point tracking is presented in this research paper. The proposed DC-DC converter has been modelled and simulated using Matlab-simulink environment for obtaining high gain. The mutually coupled inductor uses one core instead of two or more, which reduces size of the converter. A passive regenerative snubber is exploited for absorbing the energy of stray inductance and also the capacitors are charged in parallel and discharged in series through the mutual coupled inductor for achieving high voltage gain of this converter. The voltage gain characteristics of the MIC converter have been studied for various coupling coefficient, turns ratio of two-winding mutual inductor and duty cycle. Moreover, PV system is conveniently interfaced with proposed power converter for maximizing the solar energy yield and analysed by employing Perturb & Observe (P&O) and fuzzy logic based MPPT algorithms under various operating conditions. The obtained results reveal that, the fuzzy controller provides good improvement in tracking of maximum power and helps to extract considerable amount of additional solar energy from a PV module as compared with P&O algorithm.

Crystalline SnO2 – TiO2 thin films were deposited on glass substrates by using the precursor solution containing tin acetate and calcium titanate as the source materials. After the deposition, the films were subjected to annealing at two different temperatures of 150o C and 3000 C. The structural, morphological and electrical properties have been investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the as-deposited as well as the annealed films were well crystallized and polycrystalline with cubic structure having (110) preferred orientation. AFM analysis showed uniform surface morphology with very low surface roughness values. The electrical parameters like the resistivity values are found decreasing and the mobility and carrier concentration values are observed to increase with annealing temperature. Sensor studies on SnO2 – TiO2 films annealed at 300o C showed very good response to methanol gas.

CdSe thin films doped with 10% of Indium and 10 % Zinc were prepared by electron beam evaporation technique and the films were annealed at 200 oC for 30 min. Well crystalline films were deposited and the crystallite variation was studied for doping effect and it was found to be about 48 and 52 nm respectively. Optical band gap values are found to be modified by doping as well as annealing. PEC solar cells were fabricated using CdSe:In and CdSe:Zn films which showed 1.54% and 1.88% conversion efficiency respectively. Annealed films showed considerable influence in the optoelctronic properties and its improvement in conversion efficiency to about 2.75% and 2.87% respectively. In order to increase the photo output the films were annealed at 200o C at temperature. The photo output was Voc = 0.476 V, Jsc = 9.8 mA cm-2, ff = 0.44, η = 2.76 % at 80 mW cm-2 . Photoetching increased the output parameters.

CdSe and its Zn/In/suitable element doped films are very important interesting materials for the realization of electronic and photoelectronic devices for energy conversion. The growth of ternary In/Zn/Cd selenides opens up the possibility of their applications for novel opto-electronic devices in the visible region of electromagnetic radiation. The (CdZn)Se and (CdIn)Se systems enable a tunable band gap region between 1.72 and 2.82 eV at normal temperature facilitating the development of several new light emitting diodes, photo detectors, blue green lasers. Thin films of these materials are usually synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy, electron beam evaporation and chemical techniques. Many researchers have reported about these materials prepared by different techniques and their properties as well as their use in PEC cell fabrication mainly followed by other optoelectronic devices also. This review gives an account of all these data in a representative distributed manner so as to cover many decades of published papers in this ever green topic of energy conversion research.