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Ethical engineering practice is a global issue. However, cultural norms and social realities may result in differences in ethical behavior. A basic instructional challenge is developing the ability of students to understand ethical practice and to facilitate discussion of ethical issues across regional and cultural boundaries. The present project seeks to facilitate discussion and analysis of ethical practices of undergraduate engineering students at our university, Texas Tech, and peers at universities in Ukraine and India, our partnering countries. An undergraduate ethics course for engineering majors and the website https://EthicalEngineer.ttu.edu are currently the primary channels through which this project is being developed and implemented. The paper describes (1) steps in developing the website, which is currently operational, (2) progress developing partnerships and recruiting participants, and (3) results from preliminary tests of machine-assisted methods for analyzing students' submissions to the website. The Ethical Engineer is an emerging web-based innovation for facilitating cross-cultural discourse in engineering ethics.

The current work reveals the creation of Ag: CeIn2O5 (ACI NPs) metallic oxide nanoparticles using solution combustion for antibacterial research, photocatalytic degradation of a malachite green and electrochemical quantification of substances. Different analytical techniques were used to determine the chemical, physical and structural aspects of ACI NPs. The prepared ACI NPs is subjected to UV–Vis spectroscopy to evaluate the absorption and energy band gap, which was found to be 349 ​nm (λmax) and 3.5 ​eV respectively. Malachite green (5 ​ppm) elimination in the presence of UV–visible light was examined by utilising ACI NPs as a photo-catalyst. Due to improved charge separation and quick electron mobility with in the nanoparticles, the ACI NPs demonstrated a superior photocatalytic degradation efficiency (94.4%). Additionally, a functional electrode containing ACI NPs was developed by modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with ACI NPs. According to electrochemical studies to quantify H2O2, which shows the linearity in peak current with concentration ranges from 2.5 to 15 ​mM. The antibacterial property of the prepared nanoparticles was characterised by comparing with the standard antibiotic streptomycin at 10 μg/disc in a dose-dependent manner (20, 25, 30, 35, 40, & 45 ​μg/mL) which exhibits the zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 19.2–32.25 ​± ​0.08 ​mm, against methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a dose-dependent method. As a result, it was established that the ACI NPs acts effectively as a multifunctional material and could be scaled up for the detection of H2O2, degradation of malachite green and possess antibacterial activity against MRSA.

This paper presents a modified single-buyer energy trading model for a grid-tied microgrid that uses a multi-agent system (MAS) approach in a two-stage market auction for multiple sellers and multiple buyers (MSMB).Additionally, a new linear bidding algorithm (LBA) is made available for use by stakeholders (sellers and buyers) in order to select the quote prices for day-ahead trade. By utilising available distributed generation (DG), distributed storage systems (DSS), and demand response (DR) in the first stage (local) market, if not forwarded to the second stage (global) market, this strategy seeks to reduce peak demand and maximise cost benefits for stakeholders and aggregators. The suggested market framework is simulated using MATLAB and Simulink. The simulation results of a test system, which indicate the differences before and after DR and DSS (DRaDS) are taken into consideration, are used to emphasise the effects of DRaDS on market clearing prices from the proposed two-stage market auction.

Abstract Background The natural antibody responses to B-cell epitopes from dengue structural proteins were assessed using immune sera from people having well-defined past dengue infections with one of the four serotypes. Method Based on an immune-computational analysis previously conducted, nineteen epitopes from the envelope (E) and eight epitopes from pre-membrane (prM), which were more than 50% conserved across all the four DENV serotypes, were selected. Peptides to represent these B-cell epitopes were obtained from commercially available arrays, and were subjected to enzyme linked immunosorbent assay with sera obtained from dengue seropositive healthy volunteers (DENV1 n = 12: DENV2 n = 12: DENV3 n = 12 and DENV4 n = 12), and 10 dengue seronegative healthy volunteers from Sri Lanka. The cut-off value for the positive antibody response was set by taking the mean response of a peptide to the negative sera plus three standard deviations. The peptides (N = 7) showing the broad immune responses were used to generate antibodies in three mice (Balb/c) batches. The mice antisera were then subjected to microneutralization assays against all the four DENV serotypes. An EC50 viral neutralization ≥ 40 times the serum dilution was considered as neutralizing. Results Five of the E-peptide and two prM peptides were recognised by most individuls exposed to infections with each of the four serotypes, showing a serotype cross-reactive broad antibody response. The mice immune sera against the peptides representing the five E protein epitopes neutralized all the four DENV serotypes. Two of these five epitopes are from the Domain II, whereas one of them includes the whole bc-loop region. Conclusion The antibody responses of highly conserved epitopes across the serotypes, were broadly responsive with sera of all four DENV serotypes collected from individuals infected with only one DENV serotype. Weakly conserved epitopes showed rather specific antibody responses dominated by one or few serotypes.

In the present study we look into the impact of 12 different watershed projects implemented in Kerala under the Western Ghats Development Programme on the water availability and soil conservation. The impact of the watersheds was assessed by examining the benefits that each watershed offered to the sample respondents, people participation in watershed programmes at different stages, budget utilization and target achieved with the help of a semi-structured interview schedule. The data collected were analysed using cluster analysis and ANOVA. The results of the data differentiate 12 watersheds into two different clusters with 4 watersheds in one cluster and the remaining watersheds in another. The results of the study found that there is a significant difference in people's participation with respect to different stages of project execution in different watersheds and also within each watershed. The study also pinpoints difference in achieving target and budget utilization among different watersheds.

We define cohomology of module bundles over associative algebra bundles. We establish a one to one correspondence between the first cohomology classes and the extensions of module bundles. Using this correspondence we give sufficient condition in terms of cohomology for an algebra bundle to be semisimple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance of good health and avoiding a viral infection is the prime focus for an individual during COVID-19 pandemic. Water being a universal solvent is used widely to clean the disinfectants in public places and individual household level. This study was designed to find any change in the water consumption pattern among the households after the emergence of COVID-19. To study this, a questionnaire was prepared and sent to the respondents through Google Forms. Collected data was analysed using suitable statistical methods and the results indicate that there was a significant change in the consumption pattern of drinking water from cold to hot (37.98%) among the respondents and also with respect to the total water usage. As the disease is communicable in nature, more water is needed to clean and disinfect the surface areas, washing hands etc. This eventually has a significant burden on the water resources in countries where water is already deficient, like India. It is recommended to adopt water conservation practices/technologies at the individual level by means of rain water harvesting techniques or use of efficient water aerator taps etc. to reduce water consumption.

The current study investigates the effect of graphene oxide (GO) on the mechanical properties of standard concrete. To compare, conventional concrete was designed to attain a compressive strength of 30 MPa, and GO was added to create graphene oxide concrete. The workability and compressive strength of various concrete mixtures were evaluated. The best mixture, GC2 (0.2% GO), demonstrated a compressive strength of 42 MPa and a flexural strength of 6.0 MPa after 28 days of curing. Additional analysis of GC2 using SEM, EDAX, and XRD revealed a more compact microstructure of hydration products. The results of this study suggest that graphene oxide (GO) enhances the mechanical properties of concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano particulates fortified metal lattice composites are finding extensive variety of utilizations in car and sports hardware fabricating businesses. In the present investigation, an endeavor has been made to create copper-zinc-nano ZrO2 particulates strengthened composites by utilizing fluid liquefy technique. 4, 8 and 12 wt. % of nano ZrO2 particulates were added to the Cu-Zn base grid. Microstructural studies were finished by utilizing SEM and EDS examination. Mechanical behavior of Cu-Zn-4, 8, 12 wt. % of nano ZrO2 composites were assessed according to ASTM benchmarks. Checking electron micrographs uncovered the uniform dispersion of nano ZrO2 particulates in the copper zinc composite network. EDS examination affirmed the nearness of Zr and O components in nano ZrO2 strengthened composites. Further, it was noticed that hardness, UTS, yield quality of Cu-Zn composite expanded with the expansion of 4, 8 and 12 wt. % of nano ZrO2 particulates. Ductility of nano composites was decreased by adding zirconium oxide particulates. Fractography of tensile specimens were carried out by using SEM micrographs to understand the failure mechanisms.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have driven improvements in photovoltaic technology as a promising post-silicon photovoltaic technology. However, their decency in providing efficiency is quite intriguing but remains poor in stability. Advancement in lower dimensional technology indicates the shortcomings of 3D perovskite materials, which can be overcome by the introduction of 2D perovskites in an appropriate manner. Two-dimensional perovskites have piqued researchers' interest in photovoltaic technology because of their remarkable structural and electrical properties which yield an increase in stability and enhance its light absorption properties. Therefore, 2D/3D multi-dimensional perovskite solar cells are expected to provide substantial stability and higher efficiency. In this study, 2D perovskite materials such as BA2MA2Pb3I10 and BA2MA2Pb4I13 were used as the capping layer on a 3D MAGeI3 layer to fulfil the mixed-dimensionality. The band alignments of both 2D and 3D perovskite were matched decently and other properties like defect tolerance and other IV characteristics on varying defect densities are provided in this study. Mixed-dimensional perovskite with n = 4 showed increased efficiency with respect to single 3D perovskite in decimals, yet is more stable in harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The clinical presentation of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria differs between children and adults, but the mechanistic basis for this remains unclear. Contributing factors to disease severity include total parasite biomass and the diverse cytoadhesive properties mediated by the polymorphic var gene parasite ligand family displayed on infected erythrocytes. To explore these factors, we performed a multicohort analysis of the contribution of var expression and parasite biomass to severe malaria in two previously published pediatric cohorts in Tanzania and Malawi and an adult cohort in India. Machine learning analysis revealed independent and complementary roles for var adhesion types and parasite biomass in adult and pediatric severe malaria and showed that similar var profiles, including upregulation of group A and DC8 var, predict severe malaria in adults and children. Among adults, patients with multiorgan complications presented infections with significantly higher parasite biomass without significant differences in var adhesion types. Conversely, pediatric patients with specific complications showed distinct var signatures. Cerebral malaria patients showed broadly increased expression of var genes, in particular group A and DC8 var, while children with severe malaria anemia were classified based on high transcription of DC8 var only. This study represents the first large multisite meta-analysis of var expression, and it demonstrates the presence of common var profiles in severe malaria patients of different ages across distant geographical sites, as well as syndrome-specific disease signatures. The complex associations between parasite biomass, var adhesion type, and clinical presentation revealed here represent the most comprehensive picture so far of the relationship between cytoadhesion, parasite load, and clinical syndrome. IMPORTANCE P. falciparum malaria can cause multiple disease complications that differ by patient age. Previous studies have attempted to address the roles of parasite adhesion and biomass in disease severity; however, these studies have been limited to single geographical sites, and there is limited understanding of how parasite adhesion and biomass interact to influence disease manifestations. In this meta-analysis, we compared parasite disease determinants in African children and Indian adults. This study demonstrates that parasite biomass and specific subsets of var genes are independently associated with detrimental outcomes in both childhood and adult malaria. We also explored how parasite var adhesion types and biomass play different roles in the development of specific severe malaria pathologies, including childhood cerebral malaria and multiorgan complications in adults. This work represents the largest study to date of the role of both var adhesion types and biomass in severe malaria.

Nano particulates fortified metal lattice composites are finding extensive variety of utilizations in car and sports hardware fabricating businesses. In the present investigation, an endeavor has been made to create copper-zinc-nano ZrO2 particulates strengthened composites by utilizing fluid liquefy technique. 4, 8 and 12 wt. % of nano ZrO2 particulates were added to the Cu-Zn base grid. Microstructural studies were finished by utilizing SEM and EDS examination. Mechanical behavior of Cu-Zn-4, 8, 12 wt. % of nano ZrO2 composites were assessed according to ASTM benchmarks. Checking electron micrographs uncovered the uniform dispersion of nano ZrO2 particulates in the copper zinc composite network. EDS examination affirmed the nearness of Zr and O components in nano ZrO2 strengthened composites. Further, it was noticed that hardness, UTS, yield quality of Cu-Zn composite expanded with the expansion of 4, 8 and 12 wt. % of nano ZrO2 particulates. Ductility of nano composites was decreased by adding zirconium oxide particulates. Fractography of tensile specimens were carried out by using SEM micrographs to understand the failure mechanisms.

Purpose: The research explores and examines factors for supplier evaluation and its impact on process improvement particularly aiming on a steel pipe manufacturing firm in Gujarat, India. Design/Methodology/approach: The conceptual research framework was developed and hypotheses were stated considering the analysis of literature and discussions with the managers and engineers of a steel pipe manufacturing company in Gujarat, India. Data was collected using in-depth interview. The questionnaire primarily involves the perception of evaluation of supplier. Factors influencing supplier evaluation and its influence on process improvement is also examined in this study. The model testing and validation was done using partial least square method. Outcomes signified that the factors that influence evaluation of the supplier are quality, cost, delivery and supplier relationship management. Findings: The study depicted that quality and cost factors for supplier evaluation are insignificant. The delivery and supplier relationship management have significant influence on evaluation of the supplier. The research also depicted that supplier evaluation has significant influence on process improvement. Research limitations/implications: The study has been made specifically for ABC steel pipe manufacturing industry in Gujarat, India and may not be appropriate to the other industries or any parts of the world. There is a possibility of response bias as the conclusions of this research was interpreted on survey responses taken from the employees of case study company, so it is suggested that future research can overcome this problem by employing various methodologies in addition to surveys like carrying out focus group and in-depth interviews, brainstorming sessions with the experts etc. Originality/value: Many researchers have considered quality, cost and delivery as the factors for evaluating the suppliers. But for a company it is quintessential to have good relationship with the supplier. Hence, the factor, supplier relationship management is considered for the study. Also, the case study company focused more on quality and cost factors for the supplier evaluation of the firm. However delivery and supplier relationship management are also equally important for a firm in evaluating the supplier.

Abstract Background Filarial antigen tests are key tools for mapping the distribution of bancroftian filariasis and for detecting areas with persistent infections following mass drug administration (MDA). A recent study showed that the new Alere Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) has better analytical sensitivity than the BinaxNOW Filariasis card test (Card Test) for detecting circulating filarial antigen, and the FTS detected more positive results than the Card Test in a field study performed in a highly endemic area in Liberia. Methods The present study compared the performance of the FTS and the Card Test in community surveys that were conducted in southern Sri Lanka and in Indonesia (Central Java) in areas with low-level persistence of LF following multiple rounds of MDA with diethylcarbamazine plus albendazole. The studies were performed in densely populated semi-urban areas where Wuchereria bancrofti is transmitted by Culex quinquefasciatus. Results Antigenemia rates by FTS were 138 % higher in the Sri Lanka study (43/852 vs. 18/852) and 21 % higher in the Indonesia study (50/778 vs. 41/778) than antigenemia rates by Card Test. Antigenemia rates were significantly higher in males than in females and higher in adults than in children in both study sites. Although overall antigenemia rates and test scores were significantly higher by FTS than by Card Test in both study areas, rates in young children were similar with both tests in both areas. Conclusions These results extend the previously reported superior sensitivity of the FTS to areas with low residual infection rates following MDA, and this could affect mapping and post-MDA survey results in adults. However, our findings suggest that results of transmission assessment surveys (TAS) performed in school-aged children are likely to be similar with both tests.

This study aims to characterize the antigenicity of the Capsid (C) protein and the human antibody responses to C protein from the four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes. Parker hydrophilicity prediction, Emini surface accessibility prediction and Karplus & Schulz flexibility predictions were used to bioinformatically characterize antigenicity. The human antibody response to C protein was assessed by ELISA using immune sera and an array of overlapping DENV2 C peptides. DENV2 C protein peptides P1 (located on C protein at 2-18 a.a), P11 (79-95 a.a) and P12 (86-101 a.a) were recognized by most individuals exposed to infections with only one of the 4 DENV serotypes as well as people exposed to infections with two serotypes. These conserved peptide epitopes are located on the amino (1-40 a.a) and carboxy (70-100 a.a) terminal regions of C protein, which were predicted to be antigenic using different bioinformatic tools. DENV2 C peptide P6 (39-56 a.a) was recognized by all individuals exposed to DENV2 infections, some individuals exposed to DENV4 infections and none of the individuals exposed to DENV1 or 3 infections. Thus, unlike C peptides P1, P11 and P12, which contain epitopes, recognized by DENV serotype cross-reactive antibodies, DENV2 peptide P6 contains an epitope that is preferentially recognized by antibodies in people exposed to this serotype compared to other serotypes. We discuss our results in the context of the known structure of C protein and recent work on the human B-cell response to DENV infection.