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The aim of this study is to assess the fatigue load-carrying characteristics of Ti–5Al–2.5Sn alloy reinforced with tungsten particles and determine its appropriateness for aerospace and other commercial uses. Ti–5Al–2.5Sn composite samples were produced using five distinct weight percentages of tungsten particles (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%) reinforcement through the microwave sintering technique. Five ASTM standard test samples were subjected to fatigue tests along with field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) analysis to examine the impact of tungsten reinforcement in a titanium alloy matrix. Analysis of crack propagation and failure study was conducted using finite element analysis (FEA) software. The experiment and FEA simulation results indicate that 0.5 wt% of tungsten-reinforced matrix (Ti–5Al–2.5Sn) composites show significant improvement in fatigue performance. Crack initiation begins in the matrix region due to cyclic stress, and the particle-breaking mechanism occurs under heavy loading conditions and was examined using FE-SEM. The results revealed that Ti–3Al–2.5Sn–2W composites acquire experimental fatigue strength of 384 MPa and 406 MPa which is 3.92% and 1% higher than that of the Ti–5Al–2.5Sn matrix. However, the finite element fatigue strength of 398 MPa and 412 MPa are 4.87% and 1% higher than that of the Ti–5Al–2.5Sn matrix.

In recent days, synthetic fibers are replaced by natural fibers in composite materials, due to their eco-friendly nature. Because of this reason, in this research work, the Caryota fibers were extracted from the fishtail form tree and to investigate the static mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties. The mechanical properties of 6ATCF composite had occurred the maximum tensile strength (72.24 MPa), flexural strength (71.03 MPa), and impact strength of (9.36 kJ/m2) in the static mechanical analysis due to their good bonding between the fiber and matrix. Comparably, the 6ATCF composite had 43%, 38%, and 44% improvement in the tensile, flexural, and impact to the 2UTCF composite. The 2UTCF has observed more amount of water absorption weight percentage, because of the shortening of fiber length in the composite. However, the 8ATCF composite had provided a high residual mass of 22.56% and low thermal conductivity of 0.189 W/m–K in the thermal analysis compared to the other composition. In addition, for finding the interfacial properties of surface roughness of fiber, fiber fracture, fiber pullout, matrix crack, and voids are analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Subsequently, the natural composite is utilized as a substitute material for roof sheets and to reduce heat transfer through buildings and energy conservation.

The developing countries are highly dependent on agriculture and agriculture businesses whereas agricultural supply chain in all these countries is facing unpredicted risks due to COVID-19. The objective of this research is to identify the supply chain risk in agriculture business, problems in agriculture supply chain business faced during COVID-19 and to explore the drivers of supply chain sustainability that tackles the supply chain disruptions in India. Based on the purposive sampling method, this paper describes the various factors and risks involved in agriculture supply chain business and the data obtained various districts of Tamil Nadu in India. The results have shown that supply chain risk is measured by six constructors: monetary risk, lack of infrastructure, demand and supply, quality control, climate and food safety risks. COVID-19 highlighted the need for resilient supply chains and sustainable procurement. Direct farmer-consumer connections, smart farming practices, infrastructure investments, and improved financial support are essential for achieving agricultural sustainability.

This study aims to analyse the inter-rail modal shift behaviour of suburban rail passengers to examine ridership for the proposed metro extension corridor in Chennai, India. This investigation was conducted in 2019 as part of a feasibility study for the extension of the metro line spanning between Chennai Airport and Kilambakkam, a southern suburb of Chennai. The same origin–destination pair is also served by the suburban rail system. It is an extension of the operating line from Washermenpet to the airport of the Phase I metro project. For this inter-rail competition study, a sample of 272 suburban rail passengers covering work, education and other trip purposes were interviewed using a stated preference questionnaire. Six stated scenarios were considered for analyses which included travel time saving by using the metro along with the fare difference between metro and bus. The study revealed that suburban rail passengers were less concerned about travel time saving and gave priority to fare difference irrespective of trip purpose. This shows the unique metro choice behaviour of suburban rail travellers in the Indian context.

The growth of flexible and wearable electronics drives progress in printed, flexible micro-supercapacitors for energy storage. This study fabricates flexible and foldable micro-supercapacitors using a nanocomposite of Ni-based Metal-Organic Framework (Ni-MOF) and copper selenide (CuSe). The conductive ink, blending Ni-MOF and CuSe, ensures thorough mixing for screen-printing. The resulting devices exhibit impressive electrochemical performance, with the NC-5 FAS device showing high areal capacitance, promising energy density and (3.65 mWhcm−2and power density (73.8 mWcm−2). Integration into a 3D enclosure configuration enhances performance, with improved capacitance, energy density (47.08 mWhcm−2) and power density and outstanding power density (985.8 mWcm−2), maintaining capacitance retention of the 93.9 % and with highly robust mechanical durability during flexibility tests. This study highlights tailored nanocomposite's potential to revolutionize flexible and foldable energy storage, advancing high-performance, portable electronics.

Everywhere in the world, the need for diesel fuel has been going up in recent years. Biodiesel fuels have the potential to become a good replacement for diesel, which is used a lot to meet current and future needs. This fuel can be made from new or used vegetable oils, assets that aren't good for humans to eat, and animal fat, all of which are non-toxic, biodegradable, and renewable. Even though there are many ways to use biodiesel, most researchers have said that it produces more harmful NOxemissions than diesel, which is a reason why the market for these fuels hasn't grown more. Diesel engines are causing more pollution, so people are looking for other ways to get rid of it and save the world. Nanocatalyst has a big effect on how an engine burns fuel, how well it runs, and how much pollution it puts out. Adding nanocatalyst to the biodiesel is a way to make it last longer, but it might change the way the fuel burns easily. In this study, a direct injection diesel engine was used to test diesel with one-step hydrothermal green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles, lemongrass oil, and Karanja oil. Different amounts of straight diesel are mixed with biodiesel made from unique feedstock, e.g., 80% diesel, 10% lemongrass, 10% karanja oil, 25 ppm, and 50, 75, or 100 ppm of different nanocatalysts. The test was done to measure how much fuel was used, how well the brakes used heat, how they burned, and how much pollution they put out compared to when they were running on good diesel fuel.

The research article addresses the reciprocating wear behaviour of hybrid AA7075 reinforced with boron carbide and boron nitride through a stir-casting technique. The experiment involved varying wt.% of the secondary particle boron carbide (3, 6 and 9) while boron nitride (3) was kept as constant. The hybrid composites were characterised using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The hardness and tensile behaviour of the hybrid composites were evaluated. Reciprocating wear behaviour of the hybrid composites were examined using a tribometer by varying the wear parameters such as load and sliding distance. The results revealed that AA7075/6boron carbide/3boron nitride had better hardness, tensile and wear properties. The surface morphology of the wear samples was analysed using SEM.

Eco-friendly packing polymer materials are in the spotlight but, lack of new biodegradable polymers either natural or synthetic is yet to establish the market more competitively. So, in the present work, clay as a nano-filler is embedded and organically modified in some synthetic and natural polymers which are well established commercially to enhance their biodegradability. The impact of clay on the properties of synthetic polymers namely, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and natural polymer cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) was studied. Results from differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) showed a decrease in the glass transition temperature of organically modified polymer clay nanocomposites (PCC) than pure polymers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) displayed a uniform surface with small-sized crystallites distributed on the polymer surface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra revealed the formation of enhanced intercalated structures in PCC. Furthermore, FTIR studies showed that the interlayer bonding (Si–O bands) of pure clay is deformed in PCCs. The tensile strength of PCC increased with an increase in organo-clay loading. This unique mechanical behavior is due to the agglomeration of organo-clay particles. Finally, the biodegradation studies revealed enhanced hydrolytic degradation in PCC than pure polymers. Hence, these PCCs are environmentally friendlier than their pure synthetic polymers without significant compromise in their properties, which makes it suitable for packaging industries.

In this research article, the detailed morphology characterization and thermal behaviour of AISI 4140 steel coated with ZnO-Mg were studied. Coating thickness of approximately ≈ 30, 60 and 90 µm were taken. The surface morphology of the coated samples was studied using Optical Microscope (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Phases present in the coated samples were confirmed using X-Ray Diffraction Technique (XRD) and Raman Spectroscopy. Thermal properties of the coated samples such as thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were determined. In addition, specific heat of the coated samples was also identified. The samples with coating thickness of 30 µm exhibit enhanced thermal properties compared to other coated samples. The results reveal that ZnO-Mg coating can significantly improve the thermal properties of AISI 4140 steel, which can be a fair candidate material for automotive applications.

Polycaprolactone (PCL) finds its application in the medical field in the areas of suture materials, scaffolds for tissue engineering and medical devices fabrication. To improve the anchoring or osteointegration of PCL, bioactive material will be reinforced or deposited as a layer over the PCL substrate. This experimental work aims to deposit Hydroxyapatite (HA),a bioactive material over PCL substrate material using Electron Beam Deposition (EBD). The results of the characterization studies reveal that the HA was successfully deposited over PCL substrate with suitable crystalline and surface roughness. It was also evident that Ca/P ratio of deposited HA was reasonably closer to that of standard stoichiometric HA. The HA layer deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) process could be an interesting option for enhancing the biocompatibility of additive manufactured polyamide. The results revealed that the water contact of HA coated PCL, the substrate has an angle of 113° with a hydrophobic surface and surface energy of 14.32 mJ/m2. However, the cell growth on coated sample was increased by 22 % and 45 % for 7th and 15th day respectively. This increment in coated sample was due to release of Ca2+ions Fluorescent microscopic image of cells seeded on coated sample clearly revealed that the viable cells (green in colour) growth was improved in coated samples.

The crankshaft is one of the heaviest parts of farm tractor which contributes around 11% total weight of vehicle. This research aims to optimise the lightweight model of internal combustion diesel engine crankshaft for better fuel economy of the farm tractor. Lightweight design of the crankshaft is carried out by sequential convex programming (SCP)-based topology optimisation. This optimisation is performed using minimum compliance as objective function and percentage of volume from 50% to 90% as response constraints. Analysis is carried out for optimisation results through ANSYS Workbench finite element analysis software. Optimised crankshaft model with feasible design and possible manufacturability is subjected for design validation to ensure strength. Von-Misses stress and total deformation of the volume fraction 90% optimised model are slightly higher compared to the benchmark model, but ensures good structural rigidity and factor of safety. Optimised crankshaft model results about 8% weight reduction in the existing crankshaft model by considering all factors influencing design and manufacturing.

The composite material under this investigation was fabricated using the microwave sintering process. The matrix materials chosen for the preparation of composite materials include pure titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al), and tin (Sn). Tungsten (W) is used as the reinforcing material, with variable weight percentages of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%. The purpose of this study is to assess the fundamental mechanical properties (microhardness, elastic moduli, fracture toughness, contact stiffness, etc.) and surface degradation properties (wear) of the composite materials that were fabricated. Furthermore, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy with line mapping analysis were performed to verify the existence of reinforcement particles evenly distributed in the matrix material and scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) examination was done on the wear tested samples. The density of the Ti-5Al-2.5Sn-2W composite material has been enhanced in comparison to the density of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn. The results of the Micro Vickers hardness test indicate that the Ti-5Al-2.5Sn-2W composite exhibits a hardness that is 3.1% higher than that of the Ti-5Al-2.5Sn material. In comparison to Ti-5Al-2.5Sn, the Ti-5Al-2.5Sn-2W composite displayed a 10% lower wear rate and 7% coefficient of friction, respectively. The findings show that increasing the weight percentage of tungsten (W) greatly enhances the mechanical and wear characteristics of the composites.

The present investigation examines a flat-plate solar collector (FPC) with a water heater that employs paraffin wax as a durable Phase change material (PCM) for solar energy storage. Paraffin wax, typically having low conductivity, can be improved by adding highly conductive hybrid nanoparticles. Combining MWCNT (excellent thermal conductivity) and SiO2(influence of shape and phase transition characteristics) nanomaterials reinforced with Paraffin wax (PFW) of 1.0 wt% to improve thermal conductivity and then incorporated in FPC results in hybrid nano-enhanced PCM (HnPCM). From 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the aforementioned experiment uses a 100-l water tank for water heating and analyzes the effect on the output temperature of FPC incorporating HnPCM. As a result of experimentation, FPC demonstrated superior performance with and without HnPCM, achieving efficiencies of 64.7 % and 71.7 %, respectively. Furthermore, it sustained hot water production for an extended period, even throughout the evening, with a maximum outlet temperature of 70 °C with HnPCM. Following a similar approach, numerical analysis is carried out in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. A three-dimensional transient CFD model was developed predicts the operational performance of the system with reasonable accuracy. ANSYS FLUENT simulates and analyzes the FPC to validate collector flow properties, notably temperature and pressure patterns. The results are compared to existing experimental data with a maximum relative error of 2.56 % and 3.44 %, respectively. This work outlines the impacts of the main operational conditions to the tile-shaped dual-function solar collector's efficiency. From a summary of the computational and experimental studies, it is evident that using HnPCM in the FSC greatly enhanced the acquired heat and can be incorporated for different solar energy storage applications.

An easy-to-make and potential technique for designing of supercapacitor has been proposed by printing conductive ink from porous Co3O4and graphite nanocomposite. This method simplifies the process of fabrication of energy storage devices. The ink used in this fabrication was prepared after blending the porous Co3O4nanoparticle composite with graphite, porous Co3O4nanosphere was synthesized in situ through a single-step calcination process of the zeolitic imidazolate framework precursor (ZIF-67). To ensure homogenous fabrication, the supercapacitor was prepared by screen-printing technology, which allowed for the even distribution of ink using a standard squeeze spreader. The performance was evaluated by designing two types of supercapacitors: an ultra-flexible symmetric supercapacitor (CG-1) and an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASSC), both of which utilized the solid polymeric electrolyte with a resistance of 4.92 Ω. Our research showed an enhanced specific capacitance of 85 Fg−1for CG-1 and 137 Fg−1for ASSC, indicating the high efficiency of these lab-created screen-printed supercapacitor devices. The ASSC supercapacitor exhibited remarkable capacitance retention (%). After 2500 cycles, it retained 96.3 %, and even after 5000 cycles, it retained 85.9 %. The results highlight its exceptional flexibility and durability, with a retention rate ranging from 97.8 % to 99.3 % when subjected to various bending angles. Finally, the current works present the fabrication of supercapacitors using a user-friendly screen-printing technique, where ink was prepared by the optimal recipe of ZIFs and graphite nanocomposite. Our approach involved preparing an ink with an optimized recipe of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) and graphite nanocomposites. It emphasizes the promising prospects of employing metal-organic frameworks, specifically ZIFs, as effective templates for producing porous electrode materials. This breakthrough paves the way for the production of innovative devices and their application in the future of state-of-the-art flexible energy storage.

The present study focuses on the drilling processes and its parameters of titanium–titanium boride composites which are optimized using Taguchi technique. The titanium–titanium boride composites aiming 20% and 40% of titanium boride (by volume) is processed through three different powder metallurgical techniques such as, spark plasma sintering, hot isostatic pressing and vacuum sintering, respectively. It is processed through the drilled holes in the composites of 1 mm thickness using a solid carbide drill of 2 mm diameter. The effects of process parameters such as, feed rate, spindle speed and processing techniques on the drilling thrust force and surface roughness are analyzed. The results reveal that the feed rate and processing techniques are the most significant parameters influencing the thrust force and surface roughness. High thrust force and surface roughness are observed for the composites with 40% of titanium boride (by volume) processed through the spark plasma sintering technique. Further, the wear mode of drill edges, workpiece damage and chip morphology are also examined.

The dynamic deformation of a viscoelastic material can cause heat generation. This heat generation is an aspect of energy dissipation. The present paper investigates the contribution of crosslink type and density on energy dissipation mechanism in natural rubber compounds. The influences of these elements are investigated using a very high frequency (VHF) analyzer (VHF 104) and a dynamical mechanical analyzer (DMA). The VHF 104 analyzer follows transmissibility and vibration isolation principle, whereas DMA works on dynamical mechanical the deformation principle. Higher crosslink density promotes lower heat generation in rubber compounds. Tan δinterpretation for energy dissipation characteristics of rubbery compounds should be done judiciously to avoid wrong interpretations. Polysulfidic linkages show higher damping ratios (ζ) than monosulfidic or disulfidic linkages due to their dissipative nature. The natural frequency (ωn) of a system at a given mass is the function of its crosslink density.

A modal shift occurs when one mode of transport has a comparative advantage in a similar marketover another. The present work concerns with the development of modal shift modelfor urban travel in Chennai, India. The modal shift model was calibrated using binary logit technique and validated using hold-out sample method. The validated model was used to predict the probability of shift in selected corridor. The recent introduction of metro rail in Chennai has lead to an increasing competition among public transport modes. To study the influence of metro on bus transport, a Stated Preference (SP) survey was conducted among express bus travellers. Using the SP survey data, a modal shift model was calibrated to estimate the plausible shift from bus to metro. Results indicate that variables like fare-difference, age, and incomeplay an important role in the shift behaviour. When metro fare increases with respect to express bus fare, bus passengers are less willing to use metro and vice-versa.

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This research article addresses about the joining of 4mm thick plates of Inconel 718 and ferritic stainless steel (S.S) 316L by Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding process without using the activated flux. Trial experiments were conducted to find the influence of welding current on the depth of penetration and depth to width (D/W) ratio. The studies proved that a complete penetration could be achieved in multi pass. Microstructure examination using optical and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) clearly exposed the development of unmixed zone and also the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) of Inconel 718. The chemical components of the Inconel 718 and SS316L were determined using Energy Dispersive Analysis (EDAX). Tensile and bend failures were observed at the parent metal of Inconel 718, SS316L and Inconel 718 & SS316L dissimilar joints. It was indicated from the notch tensile studies that the notch strength ratio was better than unity, which established that the weldments were ductile in all circumstances. The corrosion studies were carried out in the Nacl solution and it was found that Inconel 718 and SS316L dissimilar joint possess less corrosion resistance than similar SS316L weldment. It was inferred from the current study that the ultimate tensile strength of dissimilar weldments was better compared to similar weldments and the failure was observed in the parent metal for all the cases. Bend test results portrayed that dissimilar weldments possess better strength compared to SS316L weldments.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) scaffolds are unsuccessful in many clinical applications due to a high incidence of postoperative infection. The objective of this work is to fabricate GBR with an anti-infective electrospun scaffold by ornamenting segmented polyurethane (SPU) with two-dimensional Aloe verawrapped mesoporous hydroxyapatite (Al-mHA) nanorods. The antimicrobial characteristic of the scaffold has been retrieved from the prepared Al-mHA frame with high aspect ratio (∼14.2) via biosynthesis route using Aloe vera(Aloe barbadensis miller) extract. The Al-mHA frame was introduced into an unprecedented SPU matrix (solution polymerized) based on combinatorial soft segments of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(ethylene carbonate) (PEC), and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), by an in situ technique followed by electrospinning to fabricate scaffolds. For comparison, pristine mHA nanorods are also ornamented into it. An enzymatic ring-opening polymerization technique was adapted to synthesize soft segment of (PCL-PEC-b-PDMS). Structure elucidation of the synthesized polymers is established by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Sparingly, Al-mHA ornamented scaffolds exhibit tremendous improvement (175%) in the mechanical properties with promising antimicrobial activity against various human pathogens. After confirmation of high osteoconductivity, improved biodegradation, and excellent biocompatibility against osteoblast-like MG63 cells (in vitro), the scaffolds were implanted in rabbits as an animal model by subcutaneous and intraosseous (tibial) sites. Improved in vivo biocompatibilities, biodegradation, osteoconductivity, and the ability to provide an adequate biomimetic environment for biomineralization for GBR of the scaffolds (SPU and ornamented SPUs) have been found from the various histological sections. Early cartilage formation, endochondral ossification, and rapid bone healing at 4 weeks were found in the defects filled with Al-mHA ornamented scaffold compared to pristine SPU scaffold. Organ toxicity studies further confirm the absence of appreciable tissue architecture abnormalities in the renal hepatic and cardiac tissue sections. The entire results of this study manifest the feasibility of fabricating a mechanically adequate tailored nanofibrous SPU scaffold based on combinatorial soft segments of PCL, PEC, and PDMS by a biomimetic approach and the advantages of an Aloe verawrapped mHA frame in promoting osteoblast phenotype progression with microbial protection for potential GBR applications.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) scaffolds are futile in many clinical applications due to infection problems. In this work, we fabricated GBR with an anti-infective scaffold by ornamenting 2D single crystalline bismuth-doped nanohydroxyapatite (Bi-nHA) rods onto segmented polyurethane (SPU). Bi-nHA with high aspect ratio was prepared without any templates. Subsequently, it was introduced into an unprecedented synthesized SPU matrix based on dual soft segments (PCL-b-PDMS) of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), by an insitutechnique followed by electrospinning to fabricate scaffolds. For comparison, undoped pristine nHA rods were also ornamented into it. The enzymatic ring-opening polymerization technique was adapted to synthesize soft segments of PCL-b-PDMS copolymers of SPU. Structure elucidation of the synthesized polymers is done by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Sparingly, Bi-nHA ornamented scaffolds exhibit tremendous improvement (155%) in the mechanical properties with excellent antimicrobial activity against various human pathogens. After confirmation of high osteoconductivity, improved biodegradation, and excellent biocompatibility against osteoblast cells (in vitro), the scaffolds were implanted in rabbits by subcutaneous and intraosseous (tibial) sites. Various histological sections reveal the signatures of early cartilage formation, endochondral ossification, and rapid bone healing at 4 weeks of the critical defects filled with ornamented scaffold compared to SPU scaffold. This implies osteogenic potential and ability to provide an adequate biomimetic microenvironment for mineralization for GBR of the scaffolds. Organ toxicity studies further confirm that no tissue architecture abnormalities were observed in hepatic, cardiac, and renal tissue sections. This finding manifests the feasibility of fabricating a mechanically adequate nanofibrous SPU scaffold by a biomimetic strategy and the advantages of Bi-nHA ornamentation in promoting osteoblast phenotype progression with microbial protection (on-demand) for GBR applications.

The purpose of this research is to improve the thermal energy storage properties of paraffin wax by adding nanoparticles, such as Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nano SiO2.

Risk tolerance had been gaining renewed research interest in recent years. Most of the investment decision-making models prevailing in the market use risk tolerance of investors as one major input to determine the investment plans. Owing to such prime importance, it proves to be essential to understand the factors which have significant influence on the risk level of individual investors. Though there are general heuristics that form the basis for most of the decisions made by investment managers, there had always been a word of caution noting on the level of reliability of such heuristics. This research study aims to determine if those general assumptions related to the influence of demographic variables on the risk tolerance level of individual investors are really true, with specific reference to Indian investors in the capital markets. It was concluded through the findings of the study that the general heuristics related to all demographic variables except gender, occupation and income level of investors are found to be false. It was further concluded that only gender and income level of investors were significantly influential in determining the risk tolerance level of individual investors.

A new borax cross-linked biodegradable solid polymer electrolyte based on hydroxyethyl cellulose and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) was prepared. Characterizations of doped and undoped SPE were done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and electrochemical studies. The ionic conductivity of the films increased with increase in acid concentration and the ionic conductivity obtained at 303 K was 4.1 × 10−3S cm−1. Furthermore, effects of acid concentration on ionic conductivity and activation energy were discussed. Dielectric studies showed long tail-like feature indicating capacitive nature. A supercapacitor was fabricated and its electrochemical characteristics were studied. The supercapacitor showed a fairly good specific capacitance of 83 F g−1at 2 mV s−1and galvanostatic charge–discharge studies showed the mirror-like pattern with 98 % columbic efficiency. Cyclic stability was measured up to 2000 cycles.

The present work focuses on the fabrication of aluminum (6061-T6) matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with various weight percentages of SiC particulates using sand casting method. The addition of Mg in the melt during the process has improved the wettability between Al and SiC there by reduced the formation of SiO2 layer on the surface. The fabricated AMCs were characterized using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hardness tester and universal tensile testing machine. The OM and SEM images revealed the presence of homogeneous dispersion of SiC particle in the matrix. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD) test, the dispersion of reinforcement has been identified. With the increases in weight percentage of SiC particles in the aluminum matrix improved the mechanical properties of composites.

The article reports on a study which examines stress issues among bank employees in Sivakasi, India. Details provided include demographic factors of respondents, feelings of stress, and reasons of stress. Also provided are data on physical environment problems, opinion about job stress, and health-related concerns.

The article focuses on various investment alternatives for investors. It discusses the objectives of investors in investing which include rate of returns, tax planning, and hedge against inflation. It also talks about the different categories of investment alternatives including equity shares, life insurance, and financial derivatives.

The article reports on a study which examines the quality of work life of workers in the fireworks industry in Sivakasi, India. Findings of the study include 66.4% of respondents are rural residents, 74.4% are married, and 47.2% are satisfied with their salary level. Other results include 91.2% of the workers feel the improvement of their quality of work life, 76% consider their job as pleasant, and 36.8% find the industrial relations good.

The article discusses the performance of the regional rural banks (RRBs) in India. It states that the interest income of RRBs has dropped to 88.69 per cent in 2003-2004 from 95.19 percent in 2000-01 while total income increased to 162.2 billion rupee in 2010-2011. It also mentions that the growth rate of other income has fluctuated between 34.84 percent and 64.19 percent while the compound growth rate of other income is 12.20 percent.

This paper presents energy and exergy analyses of solar drying of coconuts in a hemispherical solar tunnel drier. Coconuts were dried from an initial moisture content of about 55% (w.b.) to 7% (w.b.) in the solar tunnel drier in 60 hrs whereas the open sun drying process takes 153 hrs for reducing the moisture content to the same level. The drying experiments were conducted at a mass flow rate of 7.25 kg/s with an average air velocity of 0.1 m/s. Using the first law of thermodynamics, energy analysis was carried out to estimate the amount of energy received by the solar tunnel drier and the ratios of energy utilization. However, exergy analysis was accomplished to determine the exergy loss and exergy efficiency by applying the second law of thermodynamics. Energy utilization, energy utilization ratio, exergy inflow and exergy loss in the drier were studied and these values are found to be increased with increasing solar radiation. The exergy inflow and exergy loss in the drier varied between 0.194 kJ/s–8.18 kJ/s and 0.085 kJ/s–5.377 kJ/s respectively. The exergy efficiency of the drier varied between 23.6%–53%.

The current energy situation requires not only enormous energy in a brief period of time but clean energy as well. In this direction, a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)—supercapacitor (SC) integrated energy device has been fabricated. This embedded energy system has a specific advantage such as easy manufacturing, low manufacturing costs, and flexible substrates compatibility. A natural photosensitizer was extracted from readily available beetroots and characterized using ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy. The zinc oxide semiconductor was synthesized using microwave technique and regarded as the DSSC photoanode material. The ZnO’s phase, purity, and morphology were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. The iodine-doped cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) biopolymer electrolyte functions as the DSSC and supercapacitor electrolyte. The solid polymer electrolyte conductivity and dielectric studies were performed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The laser-induced technique was used to synthesize graphene that plays a dual purpose as photocathode in DSSC and supercapacitor electrodes. The embedded energy unit from the DSSC-supercapacitor demonstrates a 6.75% fill factor representing its decent efficiency.

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The article discusses the challenges of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in India. It provides a brief history of development a culture of CSR within organisations. It adds that the limitations of jursidictions is one challenge for CSR. Another challenge is the absence of direct penalties imposed on the purchasing firms.