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The present study explores the synthesis of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles (CTAB: ZnO NPs) via a precipitation-cum-hydrothermal route, optimizing their multifunctional capabilities for photocatalytic dye degradation and antibacterial applications. The synthesized ZnO NPs exhibit a wurtzite hexagonal structure, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), with an average crystallite size of 47.12 nm, refined through Williamson-Hall (107.8 nm) and modified Debye-Scherrer (41 nm) analyses to account for lattice strain effects. UV–visible spectroscopy reveals a sharp absorption peak at 430 nm, with a corresponding band gap of 3.2 eV, indicative of strong quantum confinement effects. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) confirm the quasi-spherical morphology with minimal agglomeration, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) validates the purity of the ZnO composition. Photocatalytic investigations demonstrate a remarkable degradation efficiency of 100 % for reactive blue-81 (RB-81) dye under UV irradiation within 1.3 h, with a kinetic reaction rate of 5.71 × 102 μmol g⁻1 h⁻1. Quantum yield (QY) and space-time yield (STY) values of 2.53 × 10⁻⁴ molecules photon⁻1 and 1.27 × 10⁻⁵ molecules photon⁻1 mg⁻1, respectively, highlight the superior photonic utilization efficiency compared to conventional TiO₂-based photocatalysts. Antibacterial studies using the agar well diffusion method reveal significant inhibition zones of up to 3.42 cm and 2.14 cm for Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively, demonstrating potent antibacterial activity. The findings indicate that CTAB: ZnO NPs not only enhance photocatalytic degradation and antibacterial efficacy but also offer scalable potential for environmental remediation and biomedical applications.

Abstract Augmented reality (AR) stands as a widely embraced technology that significantly enhances learning experiences for students. AR offers an instructional approach supported by technological design, thereby fostering enriched learning interactions. This research proposes an interactive AR framework, intended to create an augmented reality learning environment (ARLE) for the specific needs of electronics engineering laboratory hardware operations. The ARLE functions as an active learning system designed using a user-centered methodology. It offers interactive 3D models of laboratory equipment, providing learners with preliminary training in equipment operation. The real-time connection between the laboratory apparatus and the AR environment is established using the Arduino board. This interface empowers users to control the AR simulation through the laboratory equipment seamlessly. An experimental study involving 80 engineering students was conducted to evaluate the impact of AR intervention on user experience, usability, and operational skills. The participants were divided into two groups: the experimental group (N = 40) and the control group (N = 40). The experimental group underwent electronics equipment training using ARLE, while the control group followed instructions from a standard instrument handbook. To assess the usability and user experience of ARLE, the system usability scale (SUS) and the user experience questionnaire (UEQ) were employed (N = 40). The findings revealed an SUS score of 80.9 for ARLE, categorizing it as “good” according to SUS ratings. Additionally, the UEQ results demonstrated significantly favorable scores across the six scales when compared to the benchmark dataset. The study's outcomes demonstrate that AR intervention offers learners significant pedagogical value, resulting in a substantial positive impact on operational skills in electronics laboratories.

Abstract Toxic dyes in water bodies and bacterial pathogens pose serious global challenges to human health and the environment. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) demonstrate remarkable photocatalytic and antibacterial potency against reactive dyes and bacterial strains. In this work, PVP-ZnO NPs have been prepared via the co-precipitation method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a surfactant. The NPs’ microstructure and morphology were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), having a size of 22.13 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis showed spherical-shaped PVP-ZnO NPs with sizer ranging from 20 to 30 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the hybrid nature of the NPs, and UV–Vis spectroscopy showed an absorption peak at 367 nm. The PVP-ZnO NPs exhibited high photocatalytic activity, achieving 88% and nearly 95% degradation of reactive red-141 azo dye with 10 mg and 20 mg catalyst dosages, respectively. The antibacterial properties of the NPs were demonstrated against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, with inhibition zones of 24 mm and 20 mm, respectively. These findings suggest that PVP-ZnO NPs can be effectively used for water treatment, targeting both dye and pathogenic contaminants.

In this article, we present a five-step block method coupled with an existing fourth-order symmetric compact finite difference scheme for solving time-dependent initial-boundary value partial differential equations (PDEs) numerically. Firstly, a five-step block method has been designed to solve a first-order system of ordinary differential equations that arise in the semi-discretisation of a given initial boundary value PDE. The five-step block method is derived by utilising the theory of interpolation and collocation approaches, resulting in a method with eighth-order accuracy. Further, characteristics of the method have been analysed, and it is found that the block method possesses A-stability properties. The block method is coupled with an existing fourth-order symmetric compact finite difference scheme to solve a given PDE, resulting in an efficient combined numerical scheme. The discretisation of spatial derivatives appearing in the given equation using symmetric compact finite difference scheme results in a tridiagonal system of equations that can be solved by using any computer algebra system to get the approximate values of the spatial derivatives at different grid points. Two well-known test problems, namely the nonlinear Burgers equation and the FitzHugh-Nagumo equation, have been considered to analyse the proposed scheme. Numerical experiments reveal the good performance of the scheme considered in the article.

Abstract In an era where technology is being used more and more in daily life, the potential and effective use of technology is becoming increasingly vital in education. Engineering education necessitates the use of technology to assist students in understanding abstract concepts and principles. Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that can be used to create effective and engaging technology-based solutions and instructional materials. This research aims to develop an augmented reality-based learning experience to teach students about electronics engineering concepts and determine the impact of AR intervention on students' academic achievement levels, learning attitudes toward the subject, and individual attitudes toward AR technology. A quasi-experimental research design was used on 107 first-year engineering students who were grouped into control and experimental groups. The control group consisted of 53 students who learned the fundamentals of electronics using existing techniques, while experimental group consisted of 54 students who learned the same subject using an Augmented Reality-based Lab Manual. The experimental outcomes indicate that the experimental group performed better in the post-test and obtained higher academic scores compared to the control group. In addition, AR intervention has a substantial positive effect on students' learning attitudes. The study also found that students' learning attitudes towards electronics courses and their academic achievement have a significant positive relationship. Additionally, there is a correlation between a student's academic achievement and their attitude toward AR technology. As a result, students who studied using AR technology had a more optimistic perspective about the electronics course and AR technology.

Abstract The education system evolves and transforms towards interactive and immersive learning tools in this digital age. Augmented reality has also evolved as a ubiquitous, robust, and effective technology for providing innovative educational tools. In engineering education, many abstract concepts require technological intervention for conceptual understanding and better instructional content. While learning through the immersive tools, system usability has great importance in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction. Effectiveness refers to users' accuracy and completeness in achieving defined goals; efficiency relates to expended resources about the precision and completeness with which users achieve their objectives; satisfaction deals with a positive attitude towards using the product. If the system fails to provide good usability, it may cause adverse effects such as increasing stress, lacking necessary features, increasing the users' cognitive load, and negatively impacting the student's motivation. In this study, two mobile augmented reality (MAR) applications were developed as an instructional tool to teach the students about Karnaugh maps in the digital electronics course. The first application is a Keypad-based MAR application that uses a keypad matrix for user interaction and the second application is a Marker-based MAR application that uses multiple markers to solve K-Map for producing an optimum solution of the given problem. An experimental study was conducted to determine the student's opinion of the developed MAR applications. The study was designed to determine the system usability of the two MAR applications using the System Usability Score (SUS) and Handheld Augmented Reality Usability Score (HARUS) models. 90 engineering students participated in the study, and they were randomly divided into two different groups: keypad-based group and Marker-based group. The keypad-based group included 47 students who had hands-on experience with a keypad-based MAR application, whereas the marker-based group included 43 students who had hands-on experience with multiple marker-based MAR applications. The experimental outcomes indicated that the keypad-based MAR application has better SUS and HARUS scores than the marker-based MAR application which suggests that the keypad-based MAR application has provided better user interaction.

This article introduces a computational hybrid one-step technique designed for solving initial value differential systems of a first order, which utilizes second derivative function evaluations. The method incorporates three intra-step symmetric points that are calculated to provide an optimum version of the suggested scheme. By combining the hybrid and block methodologies, an efficient numerical method is achieved. The hybrid nature of the algorithm determines that the first Dahlquist barrier is overcome, ensuring its effectiveness. The proposed technique exhibits an eighth order of convergence and demonstrates A-stability characteristics, making it particularly well suited for handling stiff problems. Additionally, an adjustable step size variant of the algorithm is developed using an embedded-type technique. Through numerical experiments, it is shown that the suggested approach outperforms some other well-known methods with similar properties when applied to initial-value ordinary differential problems.

This article proposes a family of non-standard methods coupled with compact finite differences to numerically integrate the non-linear Burgers’ equation. Firstly, a family of non-standard methods is derived to deal with a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) arising from the semi-discretization of initial-boundary value partial differential equations (PDEs). Further, a method of this family is considered as a special case and coupled with a fourth-order compact finite difference resulting in a combined numerical scheme to solve initial-boundary value PDEs. The combined scheme has first-order accuracy in time and fourth-order accuracy in space. Some basic characteristics of the scheme are analysed and a section concerning the numerical experiments is presented demonstrating the good performance of the combined numerical scheme.

Coronaviruses are enveloped non-segmented positive-sense RNA viruses belonging to the family Coronaviridae. The human coronavirus infections are mild; the epidemics of the two β-coronaviruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have caused more than ten thousand cumulative cases in the past twodecades. There is a new public health crisis threatening the world with the emergence and spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The virus originated in bats and was transmitted to humans through yet unknown intermediary animals in Wuhan, Hubei province in China during the month of December 2019. Till date around 7,823,289 reported cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) and 431,541 reported deaths till date. The disease is transmitted by inhalation or contact with infected droplets with incubation period of 2–14 days. The symptoms are usually fever, sore throat, dry cough, breathlessness, fatigue while many people are asymptomatic. Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) may progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and can cause multi-organ dysfunction. Currently diagnosis is done by demonstration of the virus in respiratory secretions by special molecular tests like real-time reverse-transcription–polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR), Radiological examinations (chest CT). Common laboratory tests like white cell counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) and measure symptoms can be used as preliminary screening at large scale after lock down the area or country. Treatment is essentially supportive; role of antiviral agents is yet to be established. It is paramount to implement infection control practices by infection source controlling, transmission route blocking, and susceptible population protection. Early preventive measures can be home isolation of suspected cases and those with mild illnesses and strict infection control measures at hospitals that include contact and droplet precautions. The worldwide impact of this Coronavirus new epidemic is yet uncertain.

Introduction. Various educational institutes follow various approaches to teaching-learning. Compared to the conventional learning approach, a flipped learning/inverted classroom approach was chosen to test students’ variability in academic performance and level of motivation through the ARCS model (attention, significance, confidence, satisfaction). Materials and Methods. Keller’s Motivation Survey of Instructional Materials was selected to assess the effect (in terms of motivation) of the flipped approach on the students. Keller’s ARCS motivation model was the basis for this survey which includes four motivational factors: attention, significance, confidence, and satisfaction. The multiple-choice test was conducted to measure the students’ academic performance. Results. After completion of the module, it was noted that significant improvements took place in the students’ academic performance, attention, confidence, and level of satisfaction. The relevance factor had not experienced much difference. Results. After completion of the module, it was noted that significant improvements took place in the students’ academic performance, attention, confidence, and level of satisfaction. The relevance factor had not experienced much difference. Discussion and Conclusion. The researchers’ key goal, according to previous reports, is to integrate various teaching-learning approaches in primary, secondary, k-12, etc.; engineering education has yet to be explored. The research aims to determine the level of academic achievement and motivation of the second year B. E. students for digital electronics course in the flipped learning approach as opposed to conventional teaching approach. The results can be bettered by incorporating parameters such as students’ perception, learning attitude, critical thinking skills, etc.

This paper investigates new solution sets for the Yang–Baxter-like (YB-like) matrix equation involving constant entries or rational functional entries over complex numbers. Towards this aim, first, we introduce and characterize an essential class of generalized outer inverses (termed as {2,5}-inverses) of a matrix, which commute with it. This class of {2,5}-inverses is defined based on resolving appropriate matrix equations and inner inverses. In general, solutions to such matrix equations represent optimization problems and require the minimization of corresponding matrix norms. We decided to analytically extend the obtained results to the derivation of explicit formulae for solving the YB-like matrix equation. Furthermore, algorithms for computing the solutions are developed corresponding to the suggested methods in some computer algebra systems. The main features of the proposed approach are highlighted and illustrated by numerical experiments.

The essential oil obtained from the fresh leaves of Zanthoxylum alatum was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Fourteen components were identified, and linalool (30.58%), 2-decanone (20.85%), β-fenchol (9.43%), 2-tridecanone (8.86%), β-phellandrene (5.99%), Sabinene (4.82%), and α-pinene (4.11%) were the main components. The EO and methanolic extract of Z. alatum exhibited potent antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata, Alternaria brassicae, and Curvularia lunata. The EO also showed significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Further, antimicrobial constituents of the EO were isolated by bioautography and preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) and identified as β-fenchol and linalool using GC/MS analysis. In addition to this, the free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant potential of EO and methanolic extract/fractions of Z. alatum were also investigated using in vitro assays including scavenging ability against DPPH•, reducing power and chelating ability on Fe2+ ions. Our results demonstrate that Z. alatum could be used as a resource of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds which may find applications in food and pesticide industries.