Search

With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm and the prolific growth in technology, the volume of data generated by intelligent devices has increased tremendously. Cloud computing provides unlimited processing and storage capabilities to process and store the generated data. However, the cloud computing paradigm is associated with high transmission latency, high energy consumption, and a lack of location awareness. On the other hand, the data generated by the intelligent devices is delay-sensitive and needs to be processed on the fly. Thus, cloud computing isn’t suitable for the execution of this delay-sensitive data. To curtail the issues associated with the cloud paradigm, the fog paradigm, which allows data to be processed at the proximity of IoT devices, was introduced. One common feature of the fog paradigm is its limitations in capabilities, which make it unsuitable for processing large volumes of data. To ensure the smooth execution of delay-sensitive application tasks and the large volume of data generated, there is a need for the fog paradigm to collaborate with the cloud paradigm to achieve a common goal. In this paper, an efficient resource allocation framework is proposed to efficiently and effectively utilise the fog and cloud resources for executing delay-sensitive tasks and the huge volume of data generated by end users. The allocation of resources to tasks is done in two stages. Firstly, the tasks in the arrival queue are classified based on the task guarantee ratio on the cloud and fog layers and allocated to suitable resources in the layers of their respective classes. Secondly, we apply Bayes’ classifier to previous allocation history data to classify newly arrived tasks and allocate suitable resources to the tasks for execution in the layers of their respective classes. A Crayfish Optimization Algorithm (COA) is used to generate an optimal resource allocation in both the fog and cloud layers that reduces the delay and execution time of the system. The proposed method is implemented using the iFogSim simulator toolkit, and the execution results prove more promising in comparison with the state-of-the-art methods.

This paper explores theories of motivation, including instinct theory, arousal theory, incentive theory, intrinsic theory, extrinsic theory, the ARCS model, self-determination theory, expectancy-value theory, and goal-orientation theory. Each theory is described in detail, along with its key concepts, assumptions, and implications for behavior. Intrinsic theory suggests that individuals are motivated by internal factors like enjoyment and satisfaction, while extrinsic theory suggests that external factors like rewards and social pressure drive behavior. Arousal theory says that to feel motivated, people try to keep an optimal level of activation or excitement. Incentive theory suggests that behavior is driven by the promise of rewards or the threat of punishment. The ARCS model, designed to motivate learners, incorporates elements of attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction. Self-determination theory proposes that individuals are motivated by their needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The expectation-value theory suggests that behavior is influenced by individuals' beliefs about their ability to succeed and the value they place on the task. The goal-orientation theory suggests that individuals have different goals for engaging in a behavior. By understanding these different theories of motivation, educators, coaches, managers, and individuals may analyze what drives behavior and how to harness it to achieve their goals. In essence, a nuanced comprehension of these diverse motivation theories equips individuals across varied domains with a strategic toolkit to navigate the complex landscape of human behavior, fostering a more profound understanding of what propels actions and how to channel these insights toward the attainment of overarching goals.

Electric vehicles have assumed a prominent role in future transport system due to the diminishing availability and escalating costs of fossil fuels, coupled with growing concerns about the impact of global warming. The purpose of the work consists in addressing the pressing need for efficient and sustainable solutions in the realm of electric vehicles and renewable energy integration. The tasks solved in the article to achieve the given goal are the following: an improved Boost-KY converter has been introduced to counter the inherent limitation of low PV panel voltage output. This converter effectively mitigates voltage and current ripples, thereby ensuring a stable power supply for EV charging. Additionally, the Moth Flame Optimized Proportional Integral (MFO-PI) controller has been implemented to regulate converter operation, demonstrating exceptional proficiency in mitigating PV output unpredictability. MATLAB simulation is done to validate the proposed system's performance. The most important results are the achievement of impressive maximum efficiency of 96.21% and remarkably low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) value of 1.04%. The system maintains consistent voltage and current levels for PV panels and EV battery, ensuring dependable energy supply. The significance of the results obtained consists in their potential to revolutionize the intersection of renewable energy integration, electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and sustainable transportation practices.The PV-based EV charging system not only reduces dependence on finite fossil fuel resources but also contributes to environmental preservation, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. Furthermore, system adheres to stringent requirements of IEEE 519 standards, positioning it as a catalyst for the adoption of clean energy solutions within the future transport system.

Bacterial pathogens have been of considerable interest in the field of plant pathology as they are known to cause serious constraints in crop production once infected. When environmental conditions favor disease development, the well-known bacterial pathogens including Pseudomonas syringae, Ralstonia spp., and Xanthomonas spp. exert severe harmful impacts across a variety of crop plants. The bacterial pathogens are known to infect plant tissues' extracellular spaces and release virulence factors directly into the cytosol or apoplast of the host plant. In this context, developing long-lasting and effective methods for controlling bacterial infections becomes essential for maintaining sustainable agricultural production. However, conventional methods such as copper-based bactericides and antibiotics are often proven to be ineffective and also adversely affect human health and the environment. Therefore, the immense challenges offered by bacterial diseases in global agriculture have encouraged interest in developing environment-friendly and sustainable alternatives for chemical pesticides. Abiotic elicitors are chemicals with non-biological origins that activate plant defense mechanisms and can potentially help in agriculture and crop protection. Numerous abiotic elicitors have shown impressive effectiveness in boosting plant defenses against bacterial infections, employing multiple mechanisms of induced resistance in various crops. The present review explores the rapidly developing field of abiotic elicitors and discusses their role in strengthening plant defenses through induction of resistance, understanding their role in boosting plant immunity, and highlighting both the potential benefits and current challenges to strengthen global food security.

The present crisis at hand revolves around the need to enhance plant resilience to various environmental stresses, including abiotic and biotic stresses, to ensure sustainable agriculture and mitigate the impact of climate change on crop production. One such promising approach is the utilization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to mediate plant resilience to these stresses. Plants are constantly exposed to various stress factors, such as drought, salinity, pathogens, and nutrient deficiencies, which can significantly reduce crop yield and quality. The PGPR are beneficial microbes that reside in the rhizosphere of plants and have been shown to positively influence plant growth and stress tolerance through various mechanisms, including nutrient solubilization, phytohormone production, and induction of systemic resistance. The review comprehensively examines the various mechanisms through which PGPR promotes plant resilience, including nutrient acquisition, hormonal regulation, and defense induction, focusing on recent research findings. The advancements made in the field of PGPR-mediated resilience through multi-omics approaches (viz., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) to unravel the intricate interactions between PGPR and plants have been discussed including their molecular pathways involved in stress tolerance. Besides, the review also emphasizes the importance of continued research and implementation of PGPR-based strategies to address the pressing challenges facing global food security including commercialization of PGPR-based bio-formulations for sustainable agricultural.

The significant environmental pollution caused by synthetic fibers drew researchers’ attention to the development of eco-friendly reinforcement for composite products. This study seeks to identify an alternative novel natural fiber from the Cryptostegia Grandiflora (CG) plant as a reinforcement material for bio composites. The fiber chemical compositions, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis, and tensile test for single fiber are all examined. The fiber had a cellulose content of 79.20% and a crystallinity index of 62%. Thermo Gravimetric Analysis confirms that Cryptostegia Grandiflora fiber (CGF) can withstand temperatures as high as 230°C. It has a density of 1.02 g/cc and a tensile strength of 791 MPa on average. This novel Cryptostegia Grandiflora fiber will undoubtedly be used as reinforcement material in bio-composite materials.

Nanocrystalline powders of 4 mol.% GdO1.5-4 mol.% SmO1.5 doped ZrO2 (4Gd4SmSZ) has been synthesized by co-precipitation process. Their phase transformation and crystalline growth behavior was investigated by Thermo gravimetric-Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) after calcinations at different temperatures. The XRD, Raman spectra and HRTEM results confirm the nature of tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2). The prepared 4Gd4SmSZ powders, remains in the single metastable tetragonal phase over the whole calcination temperature ranging from 873 K to 1273 K for 2 h. The crystallite size varies from 11.98 nm to 18.90 nm with increase of temperature from 873 K to 1273 K. The activation energy of the prepared powders at low temperature is considerably lesser than that at a higher temperature. The annealed 4Gd4SmSZ powders had shown excellent phase stability at 1573 K for 100 h. Keywords: Zirconia, Coprecipitation, Rare earth oxide, Phase transformation, Tetragonal, Activation energy

Context: Sida acuta Burm.f. (Malvaceae) extracts are reported to have applications against malaria, diuretic, antipyretic, nervous and urinary diseases. No fungal endophytes of S. acuta are reported. Objective: Isolation, identification and evaluation of antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer and haemolytic potential of fungal endophytes from the ethnomedcinal plant S. acuta. Materials and methods: Sida acuta stem segments were placed on PDA medium to isolate endophytic fungi. The fungus was identified by genomic DNA analysis and phylogenetic tree was constructed using ITS sequences (GenBank) to confirm species. The antibacterial efficacy of Aspergillus sulphureus MME12 ethyl acetate extract was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. DPPH free radical scavenging activity, anticancer and DNA fragmentation against EAC cells, and direct haemolytic activity (100–500 μg/mL) using human erythrocytes were determined. Results and discussion: The ethyl acetate extract of A. sulphureus (Fresen.) Wehmer (Trichocomaceae) demonstrated significant antibacterial potential against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi compared to streptomycin. MIC against test pathogens was in the range of 15.6–62.5 μg/mL. The antioxidant results revealed significant RSA from 12.43% to 62.02% (IC50 = 350.4 μg/mL, p ≤ 0.05). MME12 offered considerable inhibition of EAC proliferation (23% to 84%, IC50 = 216.7 μg/mL, p ≤ 0.05) supported by DNA fragmentation studies. The extract also offered insignificant haemolysis (5.6%) compared to Triton X-100. Conclusions: A single endophytic fungus, A. sulphureus MME12 was isolated and identified using molecular profiling. The above-mentioned findings support the pharmacological application of A. sulphureus MME12 extract and demand for purification of the active principle(s).

Aim: The aim was to investigate the use of Savary-Gilliard marked dilators in tight esophageal strictures without fluoroscopy. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and six patients with significant dysphagia from benign strictures due to a variety of causes were dilated endoscopically. Patients with achalasia, malignant lesions, and external compression were excluded. The procedure consisted of two parts. First, Savary-Gilliard or zebra guide wire was placed through video endoscopy and then dilatation was performed without fluoroscopy. In general, “the rule of three” was followed. Effective treatment was defined as the ability of patients, with or without repeated dilatations, to maintain a solid or semisolid diet for more than 12 months. Results: One thousand and twenty-four dilatations sessions in a total of 408 patients were carried out. The success rate for placement of a guide wire was 100% and for dilatation 97% without the use of fluoroscopy, after 6 months–24 years of follow-up. The number of sessions per patient was between one and seven, with an average of three sessions. The ability of patients, after one or more sessions of dilatations to maintain a solid or semisolid diet for more than 12 months was obtained in 386 patients (95.8%). All patients improved clinically without complications after the endoscopic procedure without fluoroscopy, but we noted 22 failures. Conclusions: Dilatation (dilation) using Savary-Gilliard dilators without fluoroscopy are safe and effective in the treatment of very tight esophageal strictures if performed with care.

Nine new substituted aryloxy-4-thiazolidones have been prepared from corresponding schiff bases and thioglycolic acid in benzene using Stark and Dien apparatus. The synthesized compounds were identified by spectral studies and screened for antimicrobial activity.

Domperidone is an antiemetic and pantoprazole is an antiulcer drug. Simple, precise, rapid and selective simultaneous equation and Q- analysis UV spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the simultaneous determination of domperidone and pantoprazole from combined tablet dosage forms. The methods involve solving of simultaneous equations and Q-value analysis based on measurement absorptivity at 216, 287 and 290 nm respectively. Linearity lies between 1-15 mcg/mL for domperidone and 0-50 mcg/mL for pantoprazole.

A simple and reproducible spectrophotometric method, requiring no prior separation, has been developed for the estimation of ondansetron and paracetamol in combined dosage form. First order derivative spectroscopy method is adopted to eliminate spectral interference. The methods obey Beer’s Law in concentration ranges employed for evaluation. Ondansetron and paracetamol have λmax at 302 nm and 246 nm respectively in methanol. The results of analysis have been validated statistically and recovery studies confirmed the accuracy of the proposed method.