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In today's world, the Internet of Things (IoT) plays a major role to interconnect all the devices and improve the overall Quality of Life (QoL) for people. The main concern among IoT systems revolve around three pillars namely security, confidentiality, and privacy owing to the sensitive nature of the data being transmitted and processed byIoT devices. Traditional cryptographic approaches address these concerns by ensuring the authenticity and confidentiality of IoT systems. However, the majority of IoT devices are resource-constrained, which implies that they operate under significant resource constraints such as limited computational power, constrained battery life, physical compactness, and restricted memory capacity. To this end, Lightweight cryptography (LWC) offers methods specifically designed to accommodate the limitations of resource-constrained IoT devices. This work establishes the role of light weight cryptography for such resource constrained IoT networks in terms of security perspectives. In this work, we explore the security vulnerabilities of IoT systems and the associated lightweight cryptographic methods highlighting four components namely lightweight block ciphers, lightweight stream ciphers, hash functions, and Elliptic Curve Cryptography. The work further discusses the role of LWC and reviews the recent advancements in different sectors of IoT such as smart city, industries, healthcare, smart grids, and agriculture. Finally, several open research directions are highlighted in order to guide future LWC and IoT researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducts an extensive comparative analysis of computational intelligence approaches aimed at predicting the compressive strength (CS) of concrete, utilizing two non-destructive testing (NDT) methods: the rebound hammer (RH) and the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test. In the ensemble learning approach, the six most popular algorithms (Adaboost, CatBoost, gradient boosting tree (GBT), random forest (RF), stacking, and extreme gradient boosting (XGB)) have been used to develop the prediction models of CS of concrete based on NDT. The ML models have been developed using a total of 721 samples, of which 111 were cast in the laboratory, 134 were obtained from in-situ testing, and the other samples were gathered from the literature. Among the three categories of analytical models—RH models, UPV models, and combined RH and UPV models; seven, ten, and thirteen models have been used respectively. AdaBoost, CatBoost, GBT, RF, Stacking, and XGB models have been used to improve the accuracy and dependability of the analytical models. The RH-M5, UPV-M6, and C-M6 (combined UPV and RH model) models were found with highest performance level amongst all the analytical models. The MAPE value of XGB was observed to be 84.37%, 83.24%, 77.33%, 59.46%, and 81.08% lower than AdaBoost, CatBoost, GBT, RF, and stacking, respectively. The performance of XGB model has been found best than other soft computing techniques and existing traditional predictive models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A helicopter is a multivariable, nonlinear, higher order and strongly coupled system. The helicopter dynamics is subjected to unknown external disturbances and sensitive to parametric uncertainties. Such complications require a sophisticated control approach which may handle all these difficulties. The paper presents a trajectory control approach using an improved teaching learning based optimization (iTLBO) method, which optimizes the parameters of proportional integral derivative controller. This control approach is validated by minimizing the yaw and pitch errors of two degrees of freedom helicopter system. It is observed that the experimental results in a laboratory setup does not stand true when subjected to weather changes during the helicopter flight. To overcome this situation, a real time like conditions are created in the laboratory using the two external fans creating strong wind disturbance and the proposed controller is implemented to eliminate the resulting external disturbances created due to high speed wind of external fans. Initially, modelling of helicopter system is achieved using the Lagrangian approach. Then, the TLBO is tuned to improve the controller performance using MATLAB platform. The effectiveness and superiority of iTLBO is proved over other optimization techniques available in literature like GA, PSO and TLBO by using linear and nonlinear benchmark functions. The optimized parameters hence obtained are implemented on helicopter system under the presence of external air disturbance and disturbance less results are obtained. Results obtained are validated using time response analysis on the MATLAB/Simulation platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Big data analytics, cloud services, internet of things (IoT), personal mobile devices, social networks and artificial intelligence (AI) have created strong demand for enterprises to amass information. Studies show that the amount of data being recorded is increasing about 30–40% per year. Based on some estimates, in 2023, approximately 330 million terabytes of data were created each day. It is further estimated that 80–90% of data created never gets accessed again. Magnetic tape and hard disk drives and semiconductor-based solid-state drives are used to store data. Hard disk and solid-state drives are online, and tape drives are offline and used for archival storage of big data and backup. The market share of solid-state drives continues to increase; however, they are more expensive than hard disk drives in cost per TB. Over the years, areal recording densities of magnetic data storage devices have continued to increase by two digits annually because of the introduction of new technologies. Total capacity and units shipped have increased astronomically but price per TB continues to go down which keeps magnetic storage industry under constant pressure. In 2024, because of low cost per TB, hard disk drives are projected to control more than half of the world's data and will remain robust for some time. In 2023, magnetic tape drives remained dominant for archival storage and backup because of high volumetric density and low cost per TB. This paper starts with a description of new technologies to meet growing areal density demands followed by an overview of the current market and outlook of magnetic data storage devices. Competitive solid-state drives for data storage are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabidiol (CBD), derived from Cannabis sativa, has gained remarkable attention for its potential therapeutic applications. This thorough analysis explores the increasing significance of CBD in treating neurological conditions including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, which present major healthcare concerns on a worldwide scale. Despite the lack of available therapies, CBD has been shown to possess a variety of pharmacological effects in preclinical and clinical studies, making it an intriguing competitor. This review brings together the most recent findings on the endocannabinoid and neurotransmitter systems, as well as anti-inflammatory pathways, that underlie CBD's modes of action. Synthesized efficacy and safety assessments for a range of neurological illnesses are included, covering human trials, in vitro studies, and animal models. The investigation includes how CBD could protect neurons, control neuroinflammation, fend off oxidative stress, and manage neuronal excitability. This study emphasizes existing clinical studies and future possibilities in CBD research, addressing research issues such as regulatory complications and contradicting results, and advocates for further investigation of therapeutic efficacy and ideal dose methodologies. By emphasizing CBD's potential to improve patient well-being, this investigation presents a revised viewpoint on its suitability as a therapeutic intervention for neurological illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new Data-Driven Teaching Learning-Based Optimization (DDTLBO) method used to improve the self-balancing and position control of a two-degree of freedom ball and balancer (2DOFBB) system. DDTLBO is a modified version of teaching learning-based optimization (TLBO) method, based on the natural pattern followed by "learners" in an academic class to improve their knowledge. In this, an intelligent algorithm is used on MATLAB platform to handle the nonlinearities and un-stability of the ball and balancer system. A ball-balancer is a highly nonlinear, electromechanical, multivariable and underactuated system. A sophisticated automated intelligent control approach is used to handle these complications. In the proposed approach, the pattern followed by inclination angle of balancer plate is traced after observing the control dynamics of 2DOFBB system. Modeling of ball balancer system is accomplished with the help of proportional integral and derivative (PID) controller. Further, an intelligent data-driven computational approach is implemented, which improves the execution of TLBO optimization method. This improved optimization is used to tune the performance of proportional integral derivative controller employed on the ball balancer system. This approach addresses the major challenge of unknown disturbances on the closed loop system of the considered problem. The dominance of proposed intelligent approach is verified over other optimization techniques using benchmark CEC functions. The optimized parameters of PID controllers hence obtained are implemented on 2DOFBB system. Results obtained are validated using real-time response analysis on the MATLAB/Simulation platform, which demonstrates the dominance of DDTLBO-PID controller over traditional controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BoLA class II DQA and DQB genes in crossbred cattle were studied using PCR-RFLP, cloning, and sequencing techniques. Seventy-two crossbred cattle (Vrindavani) were used in the current study. HaeIII and XbaI restriction enzymes digested DQA exon 2-3, revealing seven (HaeIII-A-G) and three (XbaI A-C) motifs, respectively. The BoLA-DQB gene was analyzed using PCR-RFLP with PstI and TaqI restriction enzymes, yielding five restriction motifs for each restriction enzyme (PstI-A-E and TaqI-A-E). In crossbred cattle, addition, deletion, and substitutions were observed in distinct sequences, resulting in variations in overall gene length. Changes in nucleotides at positions 64–80, 110–200, and 207–264 were largely responsible for polymorphism in DQA exon 2. The phylogenetic analysis predicted a high degree of nucleotide and amino acid changes in DQA exon 2-3 and DQB exon 2. DQA genes had a nucleotide dissimilarity of 0.3–25.4 percent, while DQB genes had a nucleotide dissimilarity of 1.5–14.3 percent. We cloned and sequenced 20 genotypes based on PCR-RFLP of the DQA and DQB genes. The current study observed variation in the DQA and DQB genes and will serve as a foundation for future research on the BoLA DQA and DQB genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and control of the 2DoF Ball Balancer system is presented in this work. The ball balancer is a feedback-based underactuated system that is nonlinear, multivariate, and electromechanical. The proportional derivative (PD) controller is optimized by using Bat Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Flower Pollination Algorithm in this research. By regulating the plate inclination angle, the suggested controller accomplishes self-balancing control for a ball on the plate. The modelling of the ball balancer system is accomplished using a 2DoF ball balancer system. In addition, Bat Algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization, and the Flower Pollination Algorithm are used to analyze the state of a process autonomously. The system's model is created using MATLAB/Simulink approaches, and the results present the system with a steady and controllable output for ball balancing and plate angle control. The author control the position of the ball balancer by using the PD controller and optimized the parameter of the controller through FPA, BA, and PSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After some 50 years, NASA will restart manned missions to the moon and beyond. The second scheduled mission of NASA's Artemis program (Artemis II) and the first scheduled crewed mission of NASA's Orion spacecraft will be launched in about November 2024. It is time to revisit the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger accident involving magnetic tape data recorders and lessons learned from the investigation. The magnetic tape reels, which had been under 90 feet of seawater for 6 weeks off the Florida coast after the explosion, were recovered from three instrumentation (digital) tape recorders. Recorders' case seals were breached, and the tape was exposed to seawater and corrosion products. The tape layers were cemented, and tape reels could not be unwound and read. The author, working at IBM Development Lab in Tucson, was invited by the Reagan Commission to investigate the cause of the accident. One of the interests of the commission was to listen to recordings to determine what Challenger astronauts knew before the crash. Particularly, were they conscious after the blast and for how long and what were their last words? The author assembled an interdisciplinary team of 19 people. It took the team about a month to develop a tedious methodology to be able to unwind and make replicas of the damaged tapes which then could be read by NASA using conventional recorders. Some of the information was released to the press and was covered by major international newspapers and major evening news. It was reported that astronauts were alive for 73 s after takeoff up to the explosion and their last words were "Uh-Oh". It was dubbed as a "minor miracle" by the media and NASA. The paper provides a summary of investigations carried out by the IBM team and lessons learned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author is a recipient of a B.S., two M.S., Ph.D., M.B.A. and five honorary doctorates, a total of 10 college degrees. He has worked both in major corporate research labs and academia. He is an Academy Professor (San Jose, CA), and has served as an Ohio Eminent Scholar and The Winbigler Professor in the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University for 29 years. In 2013–2014, he served as Science and Technology Policy Fellow on House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, United States Congress, Washington, DC. He has consulted various industries and served as an Expert Witness. He has held visiting professorships worldwide. He is a prolific author with 10 scientific books, 100 + handbook chapters, and 900 + scientific papers. He has also edited more than 60 books and holds more than 25 U.S. and foreign patents. He has given 300 + keynote/plenary addresses at major international conferences on six continents. He delivered a TEDx 2019 lecture on Lessons from Nature. His biography has been listed in over two dozen Who's Who books including Who's Who in the World. He has received more than two dozen awards from professional societies, industry, and U.S. Govt. agencies. The author brings a unique experience having born in India and been living in the US for several decades, with college degrees from India, the US and Europe, having worked in corporate research labs, academia and US Congress, and traveled and lived across the globe on business. The paper will start with introductory remarks starting with his brief introduction, followed by research strategy, execution, publications with a focus on citations and impact, presentations, job placement, and balance between work, personal life and health. His perspective on personal and professional life should be of interest in research guidance to graduate research students, postdoctoral fellows, and young faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is a contagious viral disease of pigs which is endemic in several parts of the world, including India. Prophylactic vaccination using live attenuated vaccine is the preferred method of control. However, there is significant inter-individual variation in the antibody response to vaccination. In this study, we measured the E2 antibody blocking percentage after 21 days of CSF vaccination in a mixed pig population consisting of Landrace, indigenous Ghurrah pigs, and their crossbreds. A Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) carried out using single-SNP and haplotype based methods detected a 1.6 Mb region on SSC2 (28.92−30.52 Mb) as significantly associated with antibody response to CSF vaccination. The significant region and 1 Mb flanking sequences encompass 3 genes – EIF3M, DNAJC24 and ARL14EP, which code for proteins involved in Pestivirus replication and host immune response system. Our results combined with previous studies on immune response of pigs present this region as a suitable candidate for future functional investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A1An example of a research plan - skeleton paper with conceptual figures with hypothetical data trends Graph: Fig. A2An example of a skeleton paper in bullet form with data and references Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To examine the outcomes of a postoperative day one (POD 1) phone call to families of ambulatory surgical patients, as a means of guiding clinical interventions and quality initiatives, with a focus on children undergoing adenotonsillectomy (T&A). Methods: Retrospective analysis of outcomes of a POD 1 questionnaire completed in children <18 years of age undergoing T&A at a tertiary care children's hospital over a 3‐year period (August 14, 2018–August 31, 2021). Results: Responses to the questionnaire were obtained for a total of 1428/3464 (41.2%) children undergoing T&A during the study period. There was no difference in gender, age at surgery, race, ethnicity, insurance product, or preoperative diagnosis for those whose caregiver responded to the questionnaire versus those who did not. Parent responses included 84 (5.9%) who reported problems or concerns postdischarge. These included 18 (1.3%) patients unable to take their pain medication, 9 (0.6%) refusing oral intake, 28 (2.0%) with postoperative emesis, 27 (1.9%) with fevers, and 6 (0.4%) with a change in breathing. A total of 75/122 (61.5%) who reported pain were taking their pain medication as directed. Nineteen (1.3%) patients were noted to have bleeding after surgery, including 4 (21.5%) with nosebleeds, and 12 (63.2%) with oral cavity bleeding requiring no interventions. Conclusions: The POD 1 questionnaire identified patients with common concerns and complications after T&A. Although most of these concerns were infrequent, it afforded the clinical team the opportunity to provide additional education and instructions on care and management to caregivers after their child's surgical procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is a well-known chronic disease that diminishes the insulin producing capability of the human body. This results in high blood sugar level which might lead to various complications such as eye damage, nerve damage, cardiovascular damage, kidney damage and stroke. Although diabetes has attracted huge research attention, the overall performance of such medical disease classification using machine learning techniques is relatively low, majorly due to existence of class imbalance and missing values in the data. In this paper, we propose a novel Prediction Model using Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique, Genetic Algorithm and Decision Tree (PMSGD) for Classification of Diabetes Mellitus on Pima Indians Diabetes Database (PIDD) dataset. The framework of the proposed PMSGD prediction model is composed of four different layers. The first layer is the pre-processing layer which is responsible for handling missing values, detection of outlier and oversampling the minority class. In the second layer, the most significant features are selected using correlation and genetic algorithm. In the third layer, the proposed model is trained, and its effectiveness is evaluated in the fourth layer in terms of classification accuracy (CA), classification error (CE), precision, recall (sensitivity), measure (FM), and Area_Under_ROC (AUROC). The proposed PMSGD algorithm clearly outperforms its counterparts and achieves a remarkable accuracy of 82.1256%. The best outcome achieved by the proposed system in terms of CA, CE, precision, sensitivity, FM and AUROC is 82.1256%, 17.8744%, 0.8070%, 0.8598, 0.8326 and 0.8511, respectively. The obtained simulation results show the effectiveness and superiority of our proposed PMSGD model and their by reduced error rate to help in decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article develops an evolving type-2 quantum fuzzy neural network (eT2QFNN) control scheme for achieving trajectory tracking with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The proposed approach involves quantum membership functions, automatic rule growing process, and parameter adjustment learning scenario to deal with the problems of inadequacy, uncertainties, and noise in conventional control techniques. Furthermore, the proposed approach is operated in a parallel structure with the proportional derivative (PD) controller to compensate the transients in performance and learn the dynamic characteristics of the system. Besides, a sliding theory-based adaptive law is equipped with the control approach to compensate for the nonlinearity of the UAV. To assess the performance, numerical simulations and real-time experiments are carried for pitch and yaw axes control of two degrees of freedom (2DoF) helicopter test rig with the proposed approach. The simulations and experiments are aimed at achieving an offline path tracking with an objective to minimize the deviation error and improve the time response characteristics of the UAVs. The results depict the robustness of the proposed approach in terms of integral time absolute error for a helicopter following various trajectories. Note to Practitioners—This article addresses the problem of trajectory tracking and attitude control in a two-rotor UAV system. In practical application, there are multiple end users for an efficiently controlled UAV system. Generally, the trajectory tracking and attitude control are associated with the capability of UAVs to perform vertical take-off, landing, maneuver, and cyclic rotation as per the change in path. Furthermore, the control of UAVs for trajectory tracking and attitude provides a unified framework in efficiently following the desired path and maintaining the desired attitude. This has potential applications in the field of search and rescue operations, surveillance, military applications, environmental exploration, and aerial cinematography. Although trajectory tracking and attitude control problems have been studied a lot, the drawbacks due to uncertainties, immediate response to trajectory changes, and attitude settling are still open and challenging. This article proposed an eT2QFNN for a two rotor of UAV system with PD controller using automatic rule growing process. Sufficient trajectories are developed to make the UAV follow them under the proposed approach. Both simulation and real-time experiments were conducted and the results of the developed controller are compared with conventional approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a foreword for a special issue of the journal Microsystem Technologies. The special issue features selected papers from the 11th International Conference on Computing, Communication and Sensor Network (CCSN) held in September 2022 at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The conference covered various interdisciplinary areas such as computing, communication, sensor networks, and circuit designs. The papers included in this special issue have undergone a rigorous review process and were selected for publication. The foreword expresses the hope that readers will find the papers informative. [Extracted from the article]

The emergence of smart cities and sustainable development has become a globally accepted form of urbanization. The epitome of smart city development has become possible due to the latest innovative integration of information and communication technology. Citizens of smart cities can enjoy the benefits of a smart living environment, ubiquitous connectivity, seamless access to services, intelligent decision making through smart governance, and optimized resource management. The widespread acceptance of smart cities has raised data security issues, authentication, unauthorized access, device‐level vulnerability, and sustainability. This article focuses on the holistic overview and conceptual development of smart city. Initially, the work discusses the smart city idea and fundamentals explored in various pieces of literature. Further various smart city applications along with notable implementations, are put forth to understand the quality of living standards. Finally, the article depicts a solid understanding of different security and privacy issues, including some crucial future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work represents the implementation of the various fuzzy controller with robust sliding mode control (SMC) technique on a nonlinear system considering various external disturbances and model uncertainties. The nonlinear system considered here is a single link inverted pendulum. The proposed work combines the advantages of the sliding mode controlling technique and fuzzy logic controller. A set of linguistic rules are designed in fuzzy logic control, which causes the system to be chattering free. Parameters of the nonlinear system are adjusted according to fuzzy adaptive laws, while the uncertainties of the nonlinear system have been approximated using a fuzzy system. Various types of controller based on fuzzy sliding mode, like approximation based sliding mode control technique; equivalent control based fuzzy sliding mode technique, and switch-gain regulation based sliding mode control methods have been implemented here. A comparative analysis of various methods is also have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes the idea of fault classification-based control for the steady-state operation of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). The idea of fault classification is achieved with the help of wavelet transforms and support vector machines, and the control is performed using a wavelet fuzzy controller. Initially, a brief idea of faults that affect the stable operation of USVs is identified. Furthermore, the surge and sway translational motion of USVs are realized with the help of a ball balancer setup. The fault data are measured in terms of plate angle, ball position, and motor operating voltage for developing the fault classifier. The proposed algorithm depicted improved classification accuracy when compared with conventional methods. To accommodate the operation of the system as per the operating state, a wavelet-based fuzzy controller is proposed. The proposed controller solves the problem of position tracking and balancing for ball and plate system with high precision, hence achieving the stable operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating complexity in the process control industry emanates the demand for novel and advanced control techniques, which results in enhanced performance indices. A hybrid optimal control method i.e., FOPID control using chaotic state of matter search with elite opposition-based learning for controlling CSTR is proposed in this paper. Fractional order PID is a generalized form of PID Controller. It uses fractional calculus, resulting in a more flexible and better response accompanying rigorous adoption for substantially closed-loop system stability. Hybridization of SMS with chaotic maps and elite oppositional-based learning results in enhanced exploration capability along with randomization. In this paper, the results show that the CSMSEOBL tuned FOPID controller provides superior and optimum performance when compared to other metaheuristic algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary This research article presents an artificial neural network (ANN)‐based indirect adaptive control method for nonlinear dynamical systems. In this article, a modified Elman recurrent neural network (MERNN) is proposed as an identifier and controller for controlling nonlinear systems. The architecture of the proposed controller is a modified form of the existing Elman recurrent neural network. The parameter training of ANN‐based controllers is obtained by using the most popular optimization algorithm which is known as the back‐propagation algorithm. A comparative study includes Elman, Diagonal, Jordan, feed‐forward neural network (FFNN), and radial basis function network (RBFN)‐based controllers to compare with the proposed MERNN controller. To determine the controller's robustness, parameter variations, and disturbance signals have been considered. The performance analysis of the proposed controller is illustrated by two simulation examples. The simulation results reveal that MERNN can not only identify the unknown dynamics of the plant but also adaptively control it compared to the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in computing and communication technology have increased the number of devices connected to the Internet, leading to the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. However, currently available network security measures are mainly designed for devices with higher computing power and cannot be directly applied to IoT devices. Client authentication is a fundamental aspect of security in IoT systems and is often achieved using digital signatures. Current IoT client authentication methods, such as RSA and ECDSA, are resource-intensive and vulnerable to attacks. Non-interactive zero-knowledge proof approaches are more suitable for IoT networks. MQTT is a widely used communication protocol in the IoT environment, but the client authentication feature of the standard MQTT protocol is poor. This paper proposes improving the elliptic curve cryptography-based non-interactive zero-knowledge proof authentication algorithm ECDSA. The proposed algorithm, T-ECDSA, uses a timestamp-based key to encrypt/decrypt the signature, valid only for a short period, making signature reuse invalid. The T-ECDSA is incorporated into the MQTT broker to avoid the requirement of a different dedicated server for authentication purpose. The experimental results demonstrate better security and improved time and execution complexity for the T-ECDSA compared to the standard ECDSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas bubbles are of interest in various applications. The study of their movement is of importance. Gas bubbles are typically formed under liquids. Movement of liquid droplets on bioinspired conical surfaces is known to be facilitated by the Laplace pressure gradient. These conical surfaces, with various wettabilities and shapes, can also be used to move gas bubbles. In this study, effect of various liquids on movement of air bubble under liquid was studied. It was found that liquids with high surface tension and high density are more efficient in moving air bubbles. High surface tension and higher density increases the Laplace pressure gradient force and the buoyancy force, respectively, which drive under liquid air bubbles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a fault-tolerant control (FTC) algorithm to monitor the anomalies and control them for unmanned helicopters. This overcomes the drawbacks due to heteroscedasticity and restrictions on the input variables in conventional FTCs and improves the training and testing efficiencies with enhanced control. This is achieved by adopting the support vector data descriptor (SVDD) to learn the operating states of the unmanned helicopter during normal and motor fault operations. Furthermore, a neural integrated fuzzy (NiF) controller is trained to cope up with the states classified by the developed classifier. To realize the development of the proposed control algorithm, the motor faults in the unmanned helicopter are developed by observing the pitch and yaw motor operation of unmanned helicopters. A two-class classification is developed using SVDD for identifying the motor faults and the NiF is trained for controlling the plant during the anomaly. The results depicted 98.6% training accuracy and 98.96% prediction accuracy along with efficient control when tested for a faulty condition on a helicopter test rig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will address the political objective behind the Modi government passing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), planning to prepare a National Population Register (NPR) and a National Register of Citizens (NRC). It will examine the psychological impact of these moves on the minority community and why these moves were seen as precursors to their possible political disenfranchisement. It will examine the manner in which anti-CAA/NPR/NRC protest sites came up spontaneously across the country, how these protests were organized, and their lack of a clear leadership. It will also examine the decision of mainstream Opposition parties to keep away from these protests and the consequences of this decision. It will argue that this decision cost the political parties and the nation dearly. It shifted the political discourse within the majoritarian spectrum and led to these parties losing credibility with the protestors and the minority community. Finally, it will also examine the failure of the mainstream political parties in preventing violence by the state against the protestors (such as in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Delhi) and in moderating the protests so that they do not fall prey to violent provocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things (IoTs) enables coupling of digital and physical objects using worthy communication technologies and introduces a future vision where computing systems, users and objects cooperate for convenience and economic benefits. Such a vision requires seamless security, data privacy, authentication and robustness against attacks. These attributes can be introduced by blockchain, a distributed ledger that maintains an immutable log of network transactions. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review on how to remodel blockchain to the specific IoT needs in order to develop Blockchain based IoT (BIoT) applications and aim to shape a coherent picture of the current state-of-the-art efforts in this direction. After describing the basic characteristics and requirements of IoT, evolution of blockchain is presented. In this regard, we start with the fundamental working principles of blockchain and how such systems achieve auditability, security and decentralization. Further, we describe the most relevant BIoT applications, its architecture design and security aspects. From there, we build our narrative on the centralized IoT challenges followed by recent advances towards solving them. Finally, some future directions are enumerated with the aim to guide future BIoT researchers on challenges that needs to be considered ahead of deploying the next generation of BIoT applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authors of selected papers from the conference were invited to submit full length papers for possible inclusion in this special issue of Microsystem Technologies (MST). Prof. Bharat Bhushan Co-Editor in Chief, Microsystem Technologies Sept. 2023 Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. This special issue consists of selected papers presented at the 9th International Conference on Microelectronics, Circuits and Systems (Micro 2022) organized at University of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India in collaboration with Applied Computer Technology, Kolkata, India. [Extracted from the article]

Air bubbles are of interest in various applications. The study of their formation, interaction with underlying surfaces, and their movement is of importance. Bioinspired conical surfaces have been known to exhibit Laplace pressure gradient which facilitates the movement of liquid droplets. These conical surfaces, with various geometries and wettabilities, can be used to regulate gas bubble movement. In this study, contact angles of air bubbles and their movement on various conical surfaces were investigated. The effect of parameters including cone orientation, air bubble volume, tip angle, and wettability on air bubble movement were studied. A smaller tip angle cone with high wettability was found to be most efficient for an air bubble movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The word "nanotribology" was introduced for the first time in the title of a paper and a book in 1995. This field encompasses fundamental studies of surface characterization, adhesion, friction, scratching, wear, and lubrication at the atomic scale. At most solid-solid interfaces of technological relevance, contact occurs at numerous asperities. It is of importance to investigate a single asperity contact in the fundamental tribological studies. A nanoprobe sliding on a surface in probe-based microscopies, including atomic force microscopy (AFM) at ultralow loads, simulates one such contact. AFMs and depth-sensing nanoindentation techniques are also used for nanomechanical characterization. The field is referred to as nanomechanics. AFMs can also be used for nanoelectrical characterization which includes electrical resistance, surface potential, and capacitance mapping. Research in the field of nanotribology and nanomechanics was initiated by or for the magnetic storage industry in the late 1980s. Later in the mid-1990s, nanotribology and nanomechanics research became important in bio/nanotechnology devices which involve relative motion, as well as ultrathin films. Adhesion, friction and wear issues in bio/nanotechnology devices led to the development of the field of bio/nanotribology. Research in ultrathin films used in the cosmetic industry, including hair, hair conditioner, skin, and skin cream, led to development of the field of nanotribology in cosmetics. Biologically inspired design, adaptation, or derivation from nature, referred to as biomimetics or bioinspiration, can guide us to initiate and produce nanomaterials, nanodevices, and processes in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. So called, green nanotribology research is important in this field. This perspective article presents an overview of fundamental understanding of nanotribology and nanomechanics and their applications in various fields ranging from magnetic storage, bio/nanotechnology, hair and hair conditioner, skin and skin cream, and bioinspiration (green nanotribology). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air bubbles are interfacial fluid dynamics phenomena in many natural and technological processes. The dynamics of air bubbles is of interest in many applications. In this study, to facilitate the transport of air bubbles, triangular patterns were used, inspired by conical spines of cactus, which develop Laplace pressure gradient. The effect of various wettabilities and included angles of the triangular patterns on air bubble transport were investigated. The air bubbles can climb even if a pattern is mounted on a vertical plane. The effect of the size of air bubbles was also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) plays an essential role in identifying and isolating various faults in a system. In general, fault detection is attained by monitoring the extent of matching between the actual operating condition and an analytical model prediction. This process aids in achieving enhanced performance, and for operating the system within the acceptable bounds. In this article, a neural network‐based classification method and fuzzy‐based control strategy are adapted to perform FDD on a two degree of freedom (2DoF) helicopter system. The operating voltage, pitch, and yaw outputs of the 2DoF helicopter system were considered for developing the algorithm. The signal processing properties of the discrete wavelet transform and pattern recognition properties of a multilayer perceptron neural network are adapted to design the classification algorithm. The developed algorithm improves training and testing efficiency. In order to reinstate the normal operation of the system, the classifier output is integrated with a hybrid fuzzy‐proportional integral derivative controller. This control technique enhances the 2DoF helicopter response as the time taken by the pitch and yaw angle to settle trajectory is reduced. The results depicted validate the efficiency of the projected approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mouth self-examination (MSE) is shown as a speedy, economical, and effortless method of oral cancer detection. As previous studies were conducted in population with high literacy, the current survey was performed to explore the usefulness of MSE for finding the oral cancerous precancerous lesions in indigenous low literate population of Dehradun district. Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional survey which was done on the Buksa tribal communities in Dehradun district, India. Out of seven tehsils in the district, two were randomly selected, from which two villages were selected. Individuals belonging to Buksa tribe above the age of 18 years were gathered in commonplace. A total of 539 people who gave their consent were enrolled for study. Using a questionnaire, information regarding sociodemographic details, history of risk factors, and practice of MSE was obtained by interview method, followed by recording oral findings by a single expert. Later, performance of MSE was taught to the participants and they were asked to record the same. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test were applied wherever applicable and significance level was kept at below 0.05. Results: It was observed that out of 539 participants, 220 (40.8%) practiced MSE and 319 (59.2%) have never practiced MSE. Further analysis showed that a total of 39% males and 42.7% females had MSE habits and this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In totality, the prevalence of oral lesions identified by health worker was 213 (39.5%), whereas MSE showed only prevalence rate of 69 (12.8%). MSE had low sensitivity (24.6%), whereas high specificity (87.4%) for all the lesions and most sensitive in detecting ulcers (72.7%), and highest specificity in identifying red lesions (99.2%). Conclusion: Even though the sensitivity of MSE for detecting oral premalignant/malignant lesions was low, specificity was very high. Frequent efforts to educate and encourage public on MSE may enhance efficacy and compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last few months, the whole humanity is experiencing largest and most severe sudden influx of COVID‐19 outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus (CoV) originated from Wuhan, China. According to the WHO reports, total 3 862 676 positive cases and 265 961 deaths have been recorded worldwide due to COVID‐19 infection as of May 9, 2020. CoVs are a large family of viruses (enveloped, single‐stranded RNA viruses), which includes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus (MERS‐CoV). New SARS CoV2 is the members of Betacoronavirus genus. These viruses cause infections in bats, camels and humans, and a few other associated species. Despite many neurologic complications associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, it is still unclear whether these symptoms results from direct neural injury or due to some other reason. Currently, it appears that most of the neurological symptoms of COVID‐19 are nonspecific and secondary to the systemic illness. A single case of acute hemorrhagic necrotizing encephalopathy has been reported. SARS‐CoV‐2 associated Guillain‐Barré syndrome is an atypical case. Till today, no convincing evidence is available to confirm that the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus directly affects nerves system in humans. However, postinfection surveillance will be necessary to identify the possible post‐COVID‐19 neurologic syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a dynamic and quickly changing world, digital innovation and transformation can help enhancing organizational efficiency and have competitive advantage. In addition, the digital innovation and transformation can facilitate the development of a growth‐oriented culture of workforce. Therefore, this study aims at developing the digital innovation and transformation capabilities at large organization. The study uses a four‐layered process for driving the digital innovation and transformation in the case organization. The study positions the digital innovation and transformation mechanism through the lens of the dynamic capability view and institutional theories. The findings indicate the emergence of digital champions as change agents, a digital council as a monitoring channel, a digital core team as technological enablers and reverse mentoring as an innovative cultural dimension of change facilitating dynamic capabilities of the organization. In terms of institutional pressures, coercive and mimetic pressures emerged as major contributors to the advancement of the digital skill set and digital mindset of the experienced workforce especially, supported by Hofstede's cultural dimensions. Study further delineates the insights for practice, theory and policy. To this end, the study showcases the future scope of work at the case company, since it is an ongoing project on digital innovation and transformation to make organization and related infrastructure resilient, digital and innovative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh water sustains human life and is vital for human health. For some of the poorest countries, 1 in 10 people do not have access to safe and easily accessible water sources. Water consumption by man continues to grow with an increasing population. The current supply of fresh water needs to be supplemented to meet future needs. Living nature provides many lessons for water harvesting. It has evolved species which can survive in the most arid regions of the world by passively collecting water from fog and condensation of water vapour in the night. Before the collected water evaporates, species have mechanisms to transport water for storage or consumption. These species possess unique chemistry and structures on or within the body for collection and transport of water. Among the high diversity of species surviving in deserts, only a handful of species have been studied. Based on lessons from nature, bioinspired water harvesters can be designed. In this paper, an overview of various desert plants and animals is given and known water harvesting mechanisms of some are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address water shortages worldwide, proactive measures are needed to supplement the water supply. In arid regions, many plants and animals use fog or the moisture in air as a source of water. An important consideration for efficient water collection is to transport collected water droplets as rapidly as possible to storage/use before they are evaporated. Triangular geometry has been used for faster transport of water droplets. In the case of a triangular geometry, if a droplet is placed at its apex, the droplet is driven across the triangular region by the Laplace pressure gradient. However, the magnitude of the gradient decreases along the triangle. In this study, nested triangles were designed to provide a higher pressure gradient. Water condensation and transport studies were carried out on the nested pattern at a temperature below the dew point in ambient air. It was found that the nested pattern increases the droplet travel speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh water sustains human life and is vital for human health. It is estimated that about 800 million people worldwide lack basic access to drinking water. About 2.2 billion people (nearly one-third of the global population) do not have access to a safe water supply, free of contamination. Also, over 2 billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress. Current supply of fresh water needs to be supplemented to meet future needs. Living nature has evolved species which can survive in the most arid regions of the world by water collection from fog and condensation in the night. Before the collected water evaporates, species have mechanisms to transport water for storage or consumption. These species possess unique chemistry and structures on or within the body for collection and transport of water. In this paper, an overview of arid desert conditions, water sources and plants and animals, lessons from nature for water harvesting, and water harvesting data from fog and condensation are presented. Consumer, emergency and defence applications are discussed and various designs of water harvesting towers and projections for water collection are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is becoming increasingly worse in the world. To address water shortages, the water supply needs to be supplemented. In arid regions, flora and fauna use fog or the moisture in air as a source of water. An important consideration in efficient water collection is transport of water droplets collected as rapidly as possible to storage/use before they are evaporated. Wettability gradient on a surface is expected to increase the rate of transportation. In this study, a bioinspired triangular surface with multistep wettability gradient was fabricated. Water condensation and transport studies were carried out on triangular surfaces with wettability gradient in ambient air. Wettability gradient is found to accelerate the water transport. The droplets can climb even if a surface is mounted on an inclined plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In arid deserts, water supply is supplemented by water from fog and condensation. Once the droplets are collected, they are transported to a location where they are consumed or stored before they evaporate. Conical geometries or triangular patterns are known to create Laplace pressure gradient inside droplets which facilitates droplet transport. Water collection by fog on conical and triangular patterns have been studied. The research on the water collection by condensation exist only on flat triangular patterns. These flat surfaces have limitations for practical purposes, such as the Laplace pressure gradient does not act of droplets unless they touch the border. That is not the case in cones, which makes them superior for practical water collection. In this study, for the first time, water collection from condensation on cones have been studied. Cones of different tip angle, cone length, and surface area were used. Effect of inclination angle and array was also characterized. The results are compared to water collection by fog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living nature exists in arid deserts in spite of scarce water supply. In most cases, water supply is supplemented by fog and condensation. Water collection from fog is a promising method to supplement fresh water supply. Due to the short duration of fog, attempts should be made to increase the fog water collection before it vanishes. In addition, the condensation process can be added to increase the water collection. In this study, water collection was carried out using both fog and condensation. The water collection process in the combined system was investigated on surfaces with bioinspired triangular patterns. As the patterned surface was cooled to 5 °C in the fog flow, because of condensation, the water collection rate increased to approximately two times the amount collected in the fog alone. The approach to combine the collection of fog and condensation can be used to develop efficient water collection systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial cells react with intestinal surfaces and produce enzymes and metabolites that influence human health, host metabolism and immunity. Gut microbiota and probiotics also influence host physiology. Here, we review 1) the role of host–microbiota composition and microbial enzymes in human well-being and in human metabolism for the degradation of indigestible dietary components; 2) the effects of gut microbiota on drug metabolism; 3) the roles of probiotic composition, metabolites, e.g. vitamins, bacteriocins, acids and bioactive peptides, and effector compounds, e.g. polysaccharides, outer membrane proteins, pili, muropeptides and CpG-rich DNA, for clinical outcomes; and 4) a new perspective of microbial global positioning system (mGPS) for segregation of human disease phenotypes on the basis of their microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research work is (was done to) determination of the effect of the use of percentages of glass powder (0%,6%,12%,18%) with cement and fine aggregates will replaced by marble dust (0%,20%,40%,60%) to assess the pozzolanic nature of fine glass powder and Glass Powder when mixed in concrete and compare the difference in performance with other pozzolanic materials are mixed in concrete like silica fume and fly ash. The present study shows that waste glass, if ground finer than 600µm shows a pozzolanicbehaviour. It reacts with lime at early stage of hydration forming extra CSH gel therebyforming denser cement matrix. Thus early consumption of alkalis by glass particles helpsin the reduction of alkali-silica reaction hence enhancing the durability of concrete. Numbers of test were conducted to study the effect of of glass powder (0%,6%,12%,18%) with cement and fine aggregates will replaced by marble dust (0%,20%,40%,60%)on compressive strength,Split Tensile Strength,Flexural Strength & Slump Test. The results showed that The maximum value of compressive strength at 28 days obtained at 18% glass powder and 40% marble powder is 44.81 mpa which is 14.13% higher than control mix. Thus concrete mix containing 18% glass powder and 40% marble powder can be effectively used in structures designed for compression. The maximum value of split tensile strength fo concrete containing18% glass powder and 40% marble powder is 5.76 mpa. The maximum value of flexural strength at 28 days was obtained at 18% glass powder and 40% marble powder is 8.43 which is 38% higher than conventional concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desert beetles, desert grass and cacti use different mechanisms to transport the collected water. It is transported to a location where it is consumed or stored. The mechanisms include heterogeneous wettability, grooves, and Laplace pressure gradient due to conical geometry, respectively. A systematic study is presented which investigates the effect of conical geometry for water collection purposes. Parameters including tip angle, cone length, surface area, and inclination angle were varied. The effect of grooves, heterogeneous wettability, and array were also investigated. Force due to the Laplace pressure gradient and gravity were found to be the two primary forces driving the droplets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cacti use spines with conical geometry to transport water to its base. A conical shape with curvature gradient generates a Laplace pressure gradient along the droplet, which is responsible for droplet motion. In this study, the triangular shape was used which also generates a Laplace pressure gradient along the droplet. A bioinspired surface, composed of a hydrophilic triangular pattern surrounded by a rim of superhydrophobic region, was used to transport water collected from the fog on the hydrophilic pattern. The growing droplets start to coalesce into bigger ones. Eventually, they are big enough to touch the superhydrophobic borders, which trigger the transport motion. Droplet mobility and water collection measurements were made on triangular patterns with various geometries to determine the most efficient configurations. Results from this study can be used to enhance the performance of water collection systems from fog. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 2)'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water condenses on a surface in ambient environment if the surface temperature is below the dew point. For water collection, droplets should be transported to storage before the condensed water evaporates. In this study, Laplace pressure gradient inspired by conical spines of cactus plants is used to facilitate the transport of water condensed in a triangular pattern to the storage. Droplet condensation, transportation and water collection rate within the bioinspired hydrophilic triangular patterns with various lengths and included angles, surrounded by superhydrophobic regions, were explored. The effect of relative humidity was also explored. This bioinspired technique can be used to develop efficient water collection systems. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 2)'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature is known for using conical shapes to transport the collected water from fog for consumption or storage. The curvature gradient of the conical shape creates a Laplace pressure gradient in the water droplets which drives them towards the region of lower curvature. Linear cones with linearly increasing radii have been studied extensively. A smaller tip angle cone transports water droplets farther because of higher Laplace pressure gradient. Whereas a larger tip angle with a larger surface slope transports water droplets because of higher gravitational forces. In this study, for the first time, a nonlinear cone with a concave profile has been designed with small tip angle and nonlinearly increasing radius to maximize water collection. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 2)'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh water sustains human life and is vital for human health. Water scarcity affects more than 40% of the global population and is projected to rise. For some of the poorest countries, 1 in 10 people do not have access to safe and easily accessible water sources. Water consumption by man continues to grow with increasing population. Furthermore, population growth and unsafe industrial practices, as well as climate change, have put strain on 'clean' water supply in many parts of the world, including the Americas. Current supply of fresh water needs to be supplemented to meet future needs. Living nature provides many lessons for water source. It has evolved species, which can survive in the most arid regions of the world by water collection from fog and condensation in the night. Before the collected water evaporates, species have mechanisms to transport water for storage or consumption. These species possess unique chemistry and structures on or within the body for collection and transport of water. In this paper, an overview of arid desert conditions and water collection from fog, and lessons from living nature for water collection are provided. Data on various bioinspired surfaces for water collection are also presented. Some bioinspired water purification approaches are presented. Next, consumer to military and emergency applications are discussed and water collection projections are presented. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 2)'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]