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The conversion of forest to agricultural land has been a major worldwide concern and a cause of deterioration of soil quality. The study examined the influence of land uses on the soil quality index (SQI) using minimum datasets (MDS) constructed from soil profiles through two methods namely, additive (SQIa) and weighted (SQIw). In this study, 29 geo-referenced soil profiles (116 layers) up to a depth of 150 cm were collected in Northeastern India, representing forest, jhum, jhum fallow, and agricultural land uses. Principal component analysis (PCA) with multiple correlation analysis is found to be a suitable statistical method for selecting the key soil quality indicators. From PCA, organic carbon (OC), sand, clay, available P and available S were selected as soil quality indicators in MDS. Our results showed that these MDS significantly varied within the profiles depending on the land-uses. The estimated values of SQIs showed that SQIa was higher than SQIw across the soil depths and land-uses. For the surface soil, SQIa values were in the order of forest (2.97) > jhum fallow (2.82) > agriculture (2.68) > jhum land (1.97) and for profile soil jhum fallow (2.38) > forest (2.37) > agriculture (2.33) > jhum (1.88). Similarly, SQIw followed the trend of forest > jhum fallow > agriculture > jhum for all the three studied depths. The statistical analysis showed that the surface, subsurface, and profile soil had no significant impact on SQIw for agriculture, fallow jhum, and forest. The overall data indicated that jhum land had a significantly lower SQI than other land-uses for all soil depths. From this study, the information generated can be useful to assess the soil quality in different land-uses for managing soil health in similar areas of the Northeastern region of India. The findings are also useful in the ecosystems in which soils develop in an acid edaphic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation reports the development and characterization of a clay-polymer composite loaded with urea and Trichoderma harzianum (UTCPC) to enhance soil moisture and nitrogen availability and manage wilt-nematode complex in lentil grown in residual moisture after rainfed rice. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization proved successful synthesis of UTCPC. The bentonite clay (8% w w−1) and Th concentration (10% w w−1) were optimized based on the maximum spore count of the UTCPC and viability of the Th spores at one month of storage at room temperature. The incubation and pot culture experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with six N levels replicated thrice in combinations with UTCPC. Under incubation experiment, the treatment of 100% N through farmyard manure (FYM) along with UTCPC application (T3) resulted in the highest soil moisture (18.5%) and lowest nitrate (NO3-N) content (42%) at 6 and 10 days after incubation, respectively, suggesting its sustained moisture-retaining and slow nitrate (NO3-N) release properties of the UTCPC. Under pot experiment, the treatment T3 expressed the highest soil moisture (28.8%) and NO3-N (17.6 kg ha−1) content even at 60 days after sowing. The disease severity index of all the treatments comprising UTCPC with or without nutrient application was significantly lower than the untreated soil. The lowest population of Fusarium spp. (13.8%) and Meloidogyne spp. (8%) were observed in T3. Therefore, UTCPC can be considered as an eco-friendly agri-input in enhancing moisture retention and sustaining nutrient release to the soil as well as providing biocontrol agents to manage Fusarium-Meloidogyne complex in lentil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractTo automate the approach of assessing the health and efficacy of large structural systems globally through structural health monitoring systems, a vast network of sensors that must be mounted throughout the entire structure and connected to a continuous power supply is necessary. Clusters of wires need to be placed throughout the structures to support the network, or batteries must be changed frequently, adding to the network’s high maintenance expenses. The present study investigates the scope of powering such low-energy devices with a localized renewable energy source based on smart piezoelectric components such as PZT-patched energy harvesting systems. This paper analyses the performance of the PZT patch mounted on different structures that are predominantly activated in d31 mode. A vibration testing rig is manufactured to perform experiments for investigating the effect of material properties, natural frequencies, vibrating structural mass, and their interaction with the output power of a PZT transducer. Optimal mass, material, and structural configurations are attempted to be identified experimentally. The hypothesis, predictions, and results are evaluated further based on a converged finite element model. Subsequently, we introduce a novel concept of chiral fractal substrates in piezoelectric energy harvesters, wherein a significant improvement is noticed in the energy output along with increased frequency-band programmability. The power output of such architected and optimized energy harvesters holds the potential to serve as a reliable and sustainable alternative to conventional batteries, effectively providing a renewable source of power to energize and sustain low-power micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsating airflow-driven gas-solid fluidization is an effective method to segregate particles of different densities. The current article presents an elaborate computational study on the development of simulation methodology, and parametric trend identification of pulsating airflow-driven granular segregation for the first time using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), discrete element modeling (DEM) coupled analysis. The rigorous validation of the computational prediction has been produced against the experimental result reported by Li et al. (2021) and an excellent agreement has been observed. Segregation behavior for different density ratios of particles, different patterns of pulsation, and different particle shapes is presented in the current article. The segregation index improves with the density ratio of the binary mixture of particles, but the rate of increment of the segregation index is highly dependent on the airflow rate. Near the optimal value of airflow rate, the rate of increment of the segregation index reduces with the density ratio. Keeping the bed height and material property constant, different patterns of pulsation namely—sinusoidal, triangular, and exponential have been adopted. The segregation index is higher for sinusoidal patterns, whereas it reduces when the pattern is changed to triangular and exponential. Particles of constant volume with different shapes are also considered to understand the effect of particle shape on segregation. The segregation index deteriorates with the increasing surface area of the particle at constant volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unsteady three-dimensional flow of nanofluid over a stretching surface in the presence of a magnetic field and thermal radiation are investigated. Zero nanoparticle flux at the wall has been considered. Buongiorno's model for nanofluid has been used in this study. Employing similarity transformations, the governing partial differential equations are transformed to ordinary ones and the transformed equations are then solved numerically by using the shooting technique with the help of Runge–Kutta method. The computed results are compared with previously reported work and found in excellent agreement. Fluid velocity initially decreases with the increase of the unsteadiness parameter. Temperature and nanoparticle volume fraction both increase with the increase of unsteadiness parameter. Due to the increase of thermal radiation temperature increases, nanoparticle volume fraction decreases initially but increases away from the surface. The effect of the other governing parameters on velocity, temperature and concentration fields are discussed through their graphical representations. Besides, the local skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number and local Sherwood number are presented through graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electromechanical responses of single and multi-layered piezoelectric functionally graded graphene-reinforced composite (FG-GRC) plates are studied based on an accurate higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) involving quasi-3D sinusoidal plate theory and linear piezoelectricity. These FG-GRC plates are composed of randomly oriented graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) reinforcing fillers and the piezoelectric PVDF matrix considering two different distribution patterns such as linear- and uniform- distribution (LD and UD) of GPLs across the thickness. The modified Halpin-Tsai (HT) and Rule of mixture (ROM) models are utilized to determine the effective material properties of FG-GRCs. The analytical model of FG-GRCs is extended further to analyze the time-dependent linear viscoelastic electromechanical behavior of the system based on Biot model of viscoelasticity in the framework of inverse Fourier algorithm. The viscoelastic electromechanical responses include the static deformation and electric responses of simply supported FG-GRC plates which are investigated by considering transverse mechanical and external electrical loading, as well as other critical parameters like aspect ratio and weight fraction of GPLs. The numerical results reveal that the electromechanical response of FG-GRC plates can be enriched due to the addition of a small weight fraction of GPLs. The coupled multiphysics-based computational framework proposed here for predicting the viscoelastic electromechanical behavior of laminated composites can be exploited for stimulating and developing a wide range of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and devices incorporating time-dependent programming features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An expanding sheet problem is more relevant when the thickness of the sheet is variable and it bears frequent applications in polymer press, paper production, metallic plate cooling, etc. On the other hand, activation energy is an important phenomenon of chemical reaction in flow dynamics of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. The activation energy and chemical reaction have vital applications in food preparing, the mechanism of water and oil emulsions, chemical engineering, and more. So in this project, the impacts of activation energy and binary chemical reaction on MHD two-dimensional boundary layer flow of Williamson nanofluid on an expanding surface of variable thickness embedded in Darcy–Forchheimer porous medium are investigated. Using suitable transformations, the governing equations are transformed into a set of non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Later, numerical solutions have been achieved by well-known MATLAB inbuilt function 'bvp4c'. Several vital results are explored for variations of involved physical parameters and those are presented in graphical and tabular modes. The achieved results suggest that when wall thickness parameter increases, there is a contrast in behaviors of velocity, temperature and nanoparticle concentration if there is a condition that the shape parameter is greater than or less than unity. For the former case, the above flow properties reduce with wall thickness parameter, whereas, for the latter case, those are showing significant growth. The Brownian motion of nanoparticles causes an increase in temperature and a reduction in nanoparticle concentration, whereas due to thermophoretic force, both temperature and nanoparticle concentration rise. Due to the presence of activation energy in chemical reaction, the nanoparticle concentration enhances, while, temperature decreases(increases) near(away from) the sheet. With increasing reaction rate parameters, nanoparticle concentration diminishes, but temperature increases near the sheet. The surface drag force decreases with Williamson fluid parameter, while it increases with the magnetic parameter, inverse Darcy number, and Forchheimer parameter. On the other hand, the surface heat flux and surface mass flux are decreasing functions of Williamson fluid parameter, magnetic parameter, inverse Darcy number, and Forchheimer parameter. It also reveals that surface heat flux reduces with increasing reaction rate parameters, whereas surface mass flux increases. Finally, for the growth of activation energy parameter, initially surface heat flux rises and surface mass flux declines, but for its larger values, the quantities turn out to be constants. Also, the surface heat and mass fluxes are decreasing functions of thermophoresis parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practical combustors in furnaces, industrial heaters, and gas turbine engines face a sudden loss of flame due to rich blowout (RBO) at an extremely rich fuel-air mixture or lean blowout (LBO) at an extremely lean fuel-air mixture. Thus, the stability limits of the combustion regime are governed by RBO and LBO. In the present study, we focus on the dynamics of swirl-stabilized premixed combustion near lower and higher flammability limits, where the possibilities of LBO and RBO, respectively, are observed. Near RBO and LBO, we employ metrics from statistics and dynamical systems theory to characterize the transition in flame dynamics. We observe that the range of frequencies obtained using Fourier Transform near RBO and LBO is alike. The emergence of dominantly low-frequency oscillation near those blowout limits is investigated using Hilbert Transform. The mean frequency of the combustion system gradually reduces near both blowout limits due to behavioral oscillations prominently observed. The scaling property of flame oscillation is examined using the Hurst exponent, and we observe a decreasing trend of the parameter as combustion approaches both LBO and RBO. Therefore, for the gradual reduction of the Hurst exponent near both flammability limits, we can use the parameter as a precursor for both RBO and LBO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn 2015, the Government of India launched Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), a flagship gender-based awareness campaign program, to promote girls’ survival and education in India. The existing literature has a dearth of rigorous empirical evidence on the impact of this program on girls’ well-being. This study fills this gap in the literature. We examine the impact of the BBBP program on girls’ educational and learning outcomes. Using data from multiple large nationally representative surveys, we estimate the impact of the BBBP program by employing difference-in-differences framework. We do not find any statistically significant impact of the program on girls’ enrollment, their grade completion, and girl-specific educational expenditure. Our empirical results also suggest limited impact of the BBBP program on girls’ learning outcomes. These results are robust to alternative empirical specifications. We also examine heterogeneity of our results across different age-cohorts in rural and urban India as well as states with disparate levels of economic development. Furthermore, we triangulate some of our quantitative results using qualitative data collected from school teachers and parents of girl children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The centuries-old Eravimangalam Subramanyaswamy Temple in the Malappuram district of Kerala, India, is one of many active temples with significant remnants of historical outdoor wall paintings threatened with being rebuilt/replastered with modern materials. As the significance of the site to the local community is the figure of the deity housed within the temple, the shrine’s outer structure carrying the historical wall paintings is considered replaceable. This work explores the creation of tools that communities can use in the future to make an informed choice about sustainable conservation of their heritage, and to place some significance on the structure as well as the deity represented. The study uses two main approaches: virtual reconstruction, and the testing of greener formulations for the removal of deposits on outdoor wall paintings. 3D reconstruction and image manipulation were used to create visualizations of a possible finished treatment, and supported by cleaning tests on mock-ups of the wall paintings that reproduce the original materials, techniques, and their present condition. Testing of greener formulations was performed to remove deposits from burning oil lamps, as commonly used in temples in Kerala. The tested products that are derived from natural feedstocks are safer for human beings and will enable the local conservators to work with them without any adverse effects. This work aims to serve as a means to initiate community involvement in decision-making and create opportunities for sustainable conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research work is to establish the theory of the domain of influence of diffusion disturbance with potential-temperature disturbance under the theory of generalized thermo-elastic diffusion using Lord and Shulman model. For a finite time t > 0, it has been proved that the potential due to displacement, temperature and diffusion effect does not produce any disturbances outside a bounded domain and the domain of influence is dependent on the support of thermo-elasto-diffusive load, the thermo-elasto-diffusive coupling constant and the phase-lag parameters. It has been shown that the domain of influence of the present case reduce to the domain of influence for classical thermo-elasticity theory with or without diffusion and the thermo-elasticity theory with one relaxation parameter without diffusion. Also, the effect of diffusion on thermal wave propagation is shown. This theorem will be applicable to analyze the deformation occur in elastic solids due to internal and external loads for the thermo-elasto-diffusive models and problems based on it in the field of engineering physics like solid-state-physics, physical metallurgy (fabrication of semi-conductor devices in mixture metals and molten semi-conductor), material engineering (separation of polymers), aircraft engineering, mechanical engineering and also in the industries like oil extraction from hydrocarbon and manipulation of macro-molecules like DNA etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising demand for electricity and climate change issues associated with conventional sources has raised the need for renewable energy. With limited scope from traditional sources of finance, green bonds provide an alternative and innovative market for green financing. This study aims to critically analyse, for the first time, the status of the green bond market system in six economically diverse Asian countries and identify the current enablers and inhibitors for its growth. It is found that the lack of formal institutional set-up, domestic bond economy, developing stages of the capital bond market with limited private participation and lack of international certification impedes the development of green bond market. Deepening of capital markets like in the case of developed countries will help in tapping both domestic and international investors while simultaneously aligning with global commitment towards climate change issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online quality control methods emphasize manufacturing processes to attain maximum conformance with respect to the specifications of the concerned quality characteristics of a product. One key factor that affects the effectiveness of these methods is the diagnosis interval. In this paper, the existing cost model along with its cost components for online quality control methods has been revisited and modified by incorporating new variables like the rate of production, the loss due to false alarm, the loss due to non-detection of process abnormalities, and considering a workable break-up of diagnosis cost for finding the optimal diagnosis interval from the perspective of present-day manufacturing engineering. As already mentioned, the proposed cost model has not ignored the loss due to the generation of defective items as well as the adjustment cost available in the pertinent literature. The modified cost function thus proposed has been appropriately minimized to obtain the corresponding optimal diagnosis interval. The proposed methodology has been compared numerically with other methodologies to establish its effectiveness. The cornerstone of the proposed methodology lies in reinforcing its effectiveness through a real-life case example in manufacturing. Sensitivity analysis has also been carried out for the real-life case example to fortify the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is aimed at a detailed investigation of harmonic plane wave propagation through an isotropic, unbounded and homogeneous thermoelastic medium under the recently proposed Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) thermoelasticity theory. The dispersion relation is derived and its solution for the longitudinal plane wave propagation is obtained analytically. Two different modes of longitudinal wave are identified as elastic and thermal mode waves. The asymptotic expressions of various important characteristics of the wave fields such as phase velocity, specific loss and penetration depth for both the waves are obtained for limiting cases of very high and low frequency values. The Whitham stability of harmonic plane waves is established. Further, the computational tool is used to achieve numerical results for these wave characteristics and to illustrate the analytical findings graphically. Some important observations about the prediction of the MGT model in comparison to the other existing models, i.e. classical coupled thermoelastic model, LS model and GN-III model, are highlighted. Effects of material parameters on the propagation of waves are analyzed in a detailed manner. From the theoretical as well as numerical results, it is investigated that the MGT model accounts for finite speed of elastic wave as well as thermal wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reappraises nature of technology transfer in a colonial context by underlining how the colonised mediated and shaped what was ostensibly an imposition by the imperial administration. This wider point is illustrated by demonstrating the ways in which in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, different groups of Indians used newly introduced railways to reconceptualise meanings of travel by adding new categories of travel while significantly modifying the extant ones. Crucially deviating from both ‘technology as imperialism’ and ‘technology as subversion’ historiographical paradigms, this article argues for a more nuanced appraisal of technology transfer, especially emphasising the role of users in shaping the impact of technology. Examining a diverse range of sources, viz., railway records (Annual Railway Reports and railway passenger statistics), newspaper reports and travelogues and pamphlets written by Indian railway travellers, the article claims Indians not only mediated the impact of trains on travel in late colonial India; but they shaped the outcome of this technology transfer in ways that reveals agency and remarkable involvement with a new mode of transit. In short, the article demonstrates dynamic interaction between imperial policies and responses of the colonised through the lens of technology transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the shaft-loaded blister test (SLBT) is employed to investigate the de-bonding of a poly-metha-methyl-acrylate (PMMA) layer adhesively bonded to a steel layer. During de-bonding, the mode-mixity does not remain constant in this test; hence, the variation of mode-mixity with the change in de-bond size (blister radius) and the out-of-plane displacement of the PMMA layer is established through Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Experiments are performed in which the load, load-point displacement, and de-bond size is recorded synchronously. Three different thicknesses of PMMA layer are considered in experiments. The variation in toughness as a function of mode-mixity is evaluated. FE simulations with embedded cohesive zone model (CZM) are carried out, and the mixed-mode cohesive zone modelling parameters are identified by comparing the numerical results with experimental observations. By using this approach, the toughness variation as a function of mode-mixity and the CZM parameters is determined using the SLBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omnichannel retailing integrates multiple physical and digital customer touch points to provide a comprehensive experience to customers. Prior research has employed diverse theoretical perspectives to understand the impact of omnichannel integration quality on consumer behaviour in different contexts and produced inconsistent results. Our research portrayed an integrated research model using the SOR framework and used existing empirical findings to investigate the influence of omnichannel integration quality (i.e., channel service configuration and integrated interaction) on consumer patronage (i.e., purchase intention and loyalty). We used a meta-analytic structural equation modelling method to synthesize 41 prior publications, comprising 44 studies, and validate the structural model. We found that omnichannel integration quality positively affects purchase intention and loyalty. Also, consumer experience mediates the effect of omnichannel integration on purchase intention and loyalty. Our study moreover highlights the moderating role of culture on the relationships between omnichannel integration quality and consumer purchase intention. We have discussed the implications for research and practice in detail and highlighted the opportunities for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hierarchical carbonaceous nanofillers viz. carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT-COOH as 1D), hydroxylated few-layer graphene (FLG-OH as 2D), and hybrid 3D i.e., MWCNT-COOH immobilized into FLG-OH were dispersed into segmented thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) by twin-screw extrusion (TSE). The concentration of nanofillers was varied as 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5 wt%. To increase the level of dispersion, hybrid 3D nanofillers were also incorporated into TPU by producing cellular structures through supramolecular self-assembly route (SSAR). The cellular structure in which the nanofillers were found to be uniformly dispersed was then compounded by TSE technique. The large-scale uniform dispersion was observed at higher loading (2 wt%) by SSAR followed by TSE when compared with direct TSE. Uniform dispersion was found at 1 wt% loading by direct TSE. PU nanocomposite film reinforced with 2 wt% hybrid 3D nanofillers showed good gas barrier property with ~63% reduction of helium gas permeability to 472 cm3/m2/day from 1287 cm3/m2/day of neat PU film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite widespread kratom use, there is a lack of knowledge regarding its effects on driving. We evaluated the self-reported driving behaviors of kratom consumers and assessed their simulated-driving performance after self-administering kratom products. We present results from: 1) a remote, national study of US adults who regularly use kratom, and 2) an in-person substudy from which we re-recruited participants. In the national study (N = 357), participants completed a detailed survey and a 15-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) that monitored naturalistic kratom use. For the remote study, outcomes were self-reported general and risky driving behaviors, perceived impairment, and driving confidence following kratom administration. For the in-person substudy, 10 adults consumed their typical kratom products and their driving performance on a high-fidelity driving simulator pre- and post-kratom administration was evaluated. Over 90% of participants surveyed self-reported driving under the influence of kratom. Most reported low rates of risky driving behavior and expressed high confidence in their driving ability after taking kratom. This was consistent with EMA findings: participants reported feeling confident in their driving ability and perceived little impairment within 15-180 min after using kratom. In the in-person substudy, there were no significant changes in simulated driving performance after taking kratom. Using kratom before driving appears routine, however, self-reported and simulated driving findings suggest kratom effects at self-selected doses among regular kratom consumers do not produce significant changes in subjective and objective measures of driving impairment. Research is needed to objectively characterize kratom's impact on driving in regular and infrequent consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractNatural convection inside a cylindrical enclosure is important in many industrial applications. Laminar natural convective heat transfer in the annular space between heated semi-circular cylinder in a horizontal concentric cylindrical enclosure, which has relevance to cooling of electronic components, is studied in this work. Constant wall temperature (CWT) and constant wall heat flux (CWHF) boundary conditions are considered on the inner cylinder, whereas the outer cylindrical enclosure is maintained at a fixed lower temperature. The Finite Volume Method (FVM) is used for the computations. The effect of the Rayleigh number (Ra=102 to 105) and the angular orientation of the semi-circular cylinder on the convective heat transfer is investigated. The fluid flow, temperature profile, and heat flow are visualized via streamlines, isotherms, and heatlines. Further, the overall heat transfer is explained based on the local and average Nusselt number on the inner cylinder wall. The effect of the angular orientation of the inner cylinder is noticeable for Ra≥103. The angular orientation ϕ = 90° greatly enhances the heat transfer as compared to all other orientations for all Ra≥103 for both CWT and CWHF boundary conditions. The correlation between the average Nusselt and Rayleigh numbers for a particular orientation is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sampling strategies with fractional acceleration 0 < ρ < 1 achieve substantial operational savings compared with purely sequential counterparts. But, acceleration customarily yielded second-order (s.o.) lower and upper bounds for requisite characteristics when ρ − 1 was not an integer. First time in the literature, we have recently designed acceleration with asymptotic s.o. expansions in normal mean problems with ρ − 1 arbitrary. In this article, a general unified theory is now developed leading to asymptotic s.o. expansions for customarily studied characteristics with arbitrary ρ − 1 . That is, the previously known s.o. lower/upper bounds can be replaced with appropriate s.o. expansions in a variety of inference problems with prescribed accuracy. We emphasize the theoretical foundation and ensuing analyses with a series of interesting inference problems from (a) a number of non-normal distributions as well as (b) one- and two-sample distribution-free scenarios. These prove a desirable breadth of coverage under our proposed big tent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of testing composite hypotheses with respect to the equal parameters of a normal distribution using the constrained Bayesian method is discussed. Hypotheses are tested using the maximum likelihood and Stein's methods. The optimality of our decision rule is shown by the following criteria: the mixed directional false discovery rate, the false discovery rate, and the Type I and Type II errors, under the conditions of providing a desired level of constraint. The algorithms for implementing the proposed methods and the computational tools for their application are included. Simulation results show validity of the theoretical results along with their superiority over the classical Bayesian method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims at describing the reflection of thermoelastic waves under a recently proposed thermoelasticity theory by Quintanilla [Some solutions for a family of exact phase-lag heat conduction problems. Mech Res Commun. 2011;38:355–360.]. Here the author has highlighted the condition for well-posedness by treating the three-phase-lag heat conduction theory differently and extended the results to obtain an alternative thermoelasticity theory with a single-delay term. In the present work, we formulate a mathematical model under this new theory to investigate the reflection of thermoelastic waves at the boundary of an elastic medium. The work is discussed for an isotropic medium with temperature-dependent elastic parameters. Unified field equations for Quintanilla's theory along with three other theories, namely, classical thermoelasticity theory, Lord-Shulman theory and Green-Naghdi theory, are considered for the analysis. The three waves, i.e. elastic-mode longitudinal wave, thermal-mode wave and transverse wave are found, among which only the first two are observed to be coupled. The amplitude ratio and phase velocity for various waves are obtained for incident longitudinal and incident transverse wave cases. The results are presented graphically for various angles of incidence and temperature dependence index parameter. Some important observations are highlighted and comparison between the considered theories is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We begin with a discussion of results on the asymptotic properties associated with purely sequential minimum risk point estimation (MRPE) methodology for an unknown mean when the distribution is unspecified, under squared error loss (SEL) plus the cost of sampling. We proceed to show that, given certain moment conditions, such properties can be extended to estimation problems under a broader class of loss functions, namely: first order risk-efficiency under powered absolute error loss (PAEL) plus the powered cost of sampling. In addition to purely sequential strategy, we also prove these asymptotic properties for a more operationally convenient, accelerated sequential procedure. We follow-up with extensive data analyses from simulations under mixture distributions. We conclude with illustrations using data from two cancer studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diphenhydramine (DPH), known as the brand name Benadryl, is an over-the-counter medication associated with accidental ingestion leading to nonfatal overdoses. Additionally, DPH has been used in tandem with illicit substances leading to fatal drug overdoses. In response to DPH being seized with illicit drugs as an adulterant, as well as its growing intentional misuse, we sought to explore its recent involvement in fatal and nonfatal drug overdoses in the state of Tennessee. We conducted a statewide cross-sectional study to determine the characteristics of DPH-involved fatal and nonfatal overdoses in Tennessee during 2019–2022 using data from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System, the Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics, and the National Forensic Laboratory Information System Public Data Query System. Frequencies were generated to compare demographic characteristics, circumstances, and toxicology between fatal and nonfatal DPH-involved overdoses. We identified 143 suspected nonfatal DPH and 409 fatal DPH-involved overdoses in Tennessee from 2019 to 2022. Nonfatal overdoses remained consistent while fatal overdoses peaked in 2021. Most nonfatal overdoses were under 18 (63.4%), while most fatal overdoses were between 18 and 64 years of age (95.7%). For fatal overdoses, fentanyl was the most prevalent substance on toxicology followed by prescription opioids. Nonfatal overdoses remained consistent while fatal overdoses peaked in 2021 in Tennessee. Use of DPH among other illicit substances lends to evidence suggesting its use as an adulterant. Monitoring of DPH-involved fatal and nonfatal overdoses is critical to inform harm reduction initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider two independent populations, N (μ 1 , σ 1 2) and N (μ 2 , σ 2 2) , with all four parameters assumed unknown, (μ 1 , μ 2) ∈ R 2 and (σ 1 , σ 2) ∈ R + 2 . In this paper, our goal is to revisit sequential minimum risk point estimation (MRPE) problems for the parameter μ 1 − μ 2 (≡ δ , say) under the squared error loss (SEL) plus linear cost of sampling in our quest for comparing two treatments. We explicitly consider two separate scenarios: (i) σ 1 = σ 2 = σ , but σ (∈ R +) is assumed unknown, and (ii) σ 1 , σ 2 are unknown and unequal. In defining the relevant purely sequential stopping rules, customarily one incorporates multiples of sample standard deviations to set up requisite boundary crossing conditions. We set out to replace the multiples of sample standard deviations used in defining requisite boundary crossing conditions with Gini's mean difference (GMD), mean absolute deviation (MAD), along with a number of combinations of the sample standard deviations, the GMD's, and the MAD's. We prove that the ensuing body of such newly developed purely sequential MRPE strategies have associated second-order regret expansions and that the GMD-based as well as the MAD-based strategies are better equipped to withstand occurrences of possible outlying observations. Our theory and methodologies are amply supported by both large-scale simulations and the illustrations with real data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fungus species, Nemania hydei, isolated from Avicennia marina in Pranburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand is described. The samples were collected from mangrove habitats, and the fungus was isolated and characterised. Nemania species produce carbonaceous, superficial stromata that are multi-peritheciate with papillate ostioles. They are frequently isolated from decomposing angiospermous wood and are primarily considered saprophytic, although some are endophytic, while a few are pathogenic. DNA extraction was performed on pure cultures, and the ITS, LSU, RPB-2, and TUB sequence data were amplified. Molecular phylogenetic investigation revealed that the isolate formed a distinct and well-supported clade with Nemania viridis as a sister taxon. Morphological observations further demonstrated unique characteristics that distinguish N. hydei from its closest taxonomic relative. Primarily, they differ in the shape and size of ascospores, asci, and the characteristic reaction of the apical ring. Despite the existence of over 70 known species within the genus Nemania, only four species have been previously documented from mangrove ecosystems. The discovery of N. hydei contributes to knowledge of species from mangroves, expanding our understanding of the diversity within Nemania in marine habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three-dimensional fabric structures with metallic yarns and different fibers offer additional opportunities to enhance the electromagnetic shielding potential. This study involves the manufacturing of a Three-Dimensional Orthogonal Woven (3DOW) hybrid conductive fabric to be potentially used in an electromagnetic shielding field. 3DOW fabric consisting of copper filament-based core-sheath hybrid yarn in the weft direction has been manufactured to obtain maximum shielding effect. Hybrid yarns were produced using the DREF-III spinning technique, having copper filament in the core and sheathing by Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) staple fibers. The experiment was designed using Box-Behnken method. The orthogonal fabric samples are tested in an electromagnetic frequency region of 8-12 GHz using Free Space Measurement System (FSMS) to estimate absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance. Hybrid yarn parameters such as PPS fiber diameter, copper filament diameter, and yarn linear density considerably affect electromagnetic shielding. 3DOW fabric's electromagnetic shielding effect increase with the diameter of the copper core filament, as does PPS yarn's diameter, showing a promising trend towards shielding. The findings of orthogonal structure can be further extended in other Three-Dimensional structures like multi-layer, angle interlock, draperies, and tops for civilians and soldierly applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last five decades have witnessed sociologists formulating various scales to measure and assess the degree of alienation of workers. Critical Marxists, however, argue that de-ideologisation and valueneutrality cannot be seen as desirable properties of a reconceptualization of the Marxian notion of alienation. Most Marxist scholars are not in favour of a comparative-quantitative analysis of Marx's theory of alienation. Nevertheless, Sen situates Marx's theory in the category of those which carry out "realization-focused comparison" (as opposed to "transcendental institutionalism"), by comparing societies that actually exist or may evolve. This paper articulates the need for an operationalization of the concept of alienation in empirical terms and calls for a meaningful dialogue between the capability approach to meaningful work and the emerging and significant body of literature on alienation and capabilities. It argues that alienation, translated to the capability vocabulary as "impairments in responsible agency to attain the capabilities one has reason to value" may also be mapped onto failed social relationships. Even when we do not limit the concept of alienation to the system-anti-system binary, we need to understand it in the context of the failures of economic institutions existing in the contemporary world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDue to practical applications, we are motivated in the present study to analyze the effects of nonlinear natural convection in a nanofluid flow past a vertical plate in the presence of a first-order chemical reaction and thermophoresis (the normal flux of the nanoparticles is zero at the boundary). The two-phase model for the nanofluid is also considered. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using similarity transformations. Numerical solutions for the transformed equations are attained by using a Runge-Kutta method with a shooting technique. The effects of the relevant physical parameters on the velocity, the temperature, and the nanoparticle volume fraction are analyzed. Also, the consequences of the parameters on the flow, heat, and mass transport phenomena are observed and analyzed explicitly. The results of this study are interesting and motivating for further investigations on the problem for different situations and with different geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzodiazepine-positive overdoses increased between 2019 and 2021 in Tennessee. We sought to determine the changes in the number and characteristics of prescription and illicit benzodiazepine-positive fatal drug overdoses during this period. A statewide study was conducted to determine changes in the number and characteristics of benzodiazepine-positive drug overdose decedents using 2019–2021 data from the Tennessee State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System. The analyses were limited to Tennessee residents aged ≥ 18 years. A benzodiazepine-positive overdose was defined as any benzodiazepine on toxicology, regardless of the presence of other substances. Frequencies were generated to compare demographics, circumstances, prescription history, and toxicology between 2019 and 2021 for illicit and prescription benzodiazepine-positive fatal overdoses. Between 2019 and 2021, 1666 benzodiazepine-positive unintentional or undetermined fatal drug overdoses out of 5916 total overdoses that occurred among adult Tennessee residents with available toxicological information. Prescription benzodiazepines were identified in 80.7% of deaths, whereas illicit benzodiazepines were identified in 12.0% of deaths. Many decedents had an anxiety disorder (45.5%), while over half of all decedents had a history of substance use disorder (52.3%). Most benzodiazepine-positive overdoses involved fentanyl (71.3%). This analysis can inform local and regional public health workers to implement focused prevention and intervention efforts for people with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders to curb overdose epidemics among persons using benzodiazepines in Tennessee. Public health campaigns should focus on educating people on appropriate prescription medication use and the dangers of obtaining substances illicitly. Given the high proportion of opioids in this population, further education also is needed on the dangers of polysubstance drug use. The differences between prescription and illicit benzodiazepine-positive fatal overdoses indicate the need to develop substance-specific prevention and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen in the vent gas stream of the hydrocracker (used to produce bio-jet fuel) cannot be reused since it has many impurities. The metal membrane can be a potential candidate for recovering hydrogen from this vent gas. In this work, the authors report the development of a composite palladium membrane and its application, for the first time, in the recovery of hydrogen from a simulated vent gas environment. A dense thin film (thickness ~3 µm) of Pd metal was coated on a ceramic support tube by the sputter deposition technique. The hydrogen permeance of the Pd membrane was found to be 18.75 × 10-6 mol·m-2·h-1·Pa-1, which was reduced to 3.25 × 10-6 mol·m-2·h-1·Pa-1, with an exposure of 100 h in the simulated bio-jet fuel environment. To avoid the loss of permeability, a thin layer of Pt can be coated over the Pd membrane. The present study used MATLAB software to simulate the Pt-coated Pd composite membrane performance in the bio-jet fuel production environment. Simulation studies confirmed that a membrane area of ~95 cm² (250 mm length and 12 mm OD) is sufficient for the complete recovery of hydrogen from the vent gas stream of hydrocracker at a feed velocity of 0.075 m/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing population and subsequent increase in waste necessitate recycling of waste products to minimize the environmental burden. This study was conducted in semi-arid tropics of Punjab to evaluate different rates of sludge application as a supplementary source of nutrients to conventional fertilizers in maize. The grain yield was significantly higher with the application of 5 t ha−1 sludge over control and marginally lower than in 10 t ha−1. Cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) in grains were below international standards even after maximum dose of sludge treatment and can be declared as safe for consumption. The bioconcentration factor of Cd and Ni increased by 82% and 49% with 10 t ha−1 over control, respectively while it remained same for Cr and Pb. Significant increase in exchangeable Cd, Pb in carbonate, and easily reducible oxide, Ni and Cr in residual fraction with 10 t ha−1 sludge over control were found. Mobility of only Pb and Cd increased with increasing sludge treatment. Conclusively, sludge application can be beneficial in increasing plant biomass, however heavy metal accumulation in plants may limit its use. Long-term effect of sludge applications as nutrient sources must be evaluated to get more in-depth insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate pedo-morphological properties to quantify the soil quality of alluvial soils in Indo-Gangetic Plains, India. In total, 241 geo-referenced soil profiles were collected representing four major landforms. The optimal scaling method was used to transform the categorical variables into numerical variables and the minimum datasets (MDS) were identified by categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA). Structure type and grade, texture class was highly loaded in PC 1 and explained about 36% of the variability. Four variables e.g. texture class, root quantity, structure size and hue were selected as MDS with 44%, 23%, 18% and 15% contribution to morphological soil quality index (MSQI), respectively. The MSQI of the study area varied 0.437–0.986 for surface and 0.110–0.989 for the sub-surface soils. The MSQI of alluvial landforms followed the sequence of old alluvial plain > young alluvial plain > meander plain > flood plain, respectively. The correlations of the selected pedo-morphological indicators were conducted and they were validated with laboratory data. In conclusion, landform-specific soil quality indicators were appropriate for the evaluation and monitoring of alluvial soils and MDS identified in this study could be effectively used to evaluate soil quality in a similar landscape with limited data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary purpose of the present article is to investigate the effect of strain rate and temperature rate factors on a homogeneous, unbounded isotropic elastic medium originating due to continuous line heat source. This study is based on the modified Green-Lindsay Model (MGL) theory proposed by Yu et al. (2018). This model eliminates the discontinuous nature of the displacement field reported under the temperature-rate-dependent thermoelasticity theory (GL) established by Green and Lindsay. The present work obtains the analytical solution for the distributions of stress components, temperature and displacement through the potential function approach accompanied by the Laplace transform method. The inverse Laplace transformation is performed by using short-time approximation method to find the approximated analytical solution of the problem in space-time domain. A detailed analysis of solution is discussed for MGL model and compared to the results predicted by other existing generalized thermoelastic models. The effect of strain-rate and temperature-rate-terms is acknowledged explicitly in mathematical formulation and other significant effects are notified. However, this new model predicts the infinite speed of disturbance analogous to classical theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of biocontrol agents in farm operations for pest control programs is gaining priority and preference globally. Effective delivery, infectivity of the biocontrol agents, and quality shelf-life products containing these bioagents are vital parameters responsible for the success of biopesticides under field conditions. In the present study, moisture-retaining bio-insecticidal dustable powder formulation (SaP) of Steinernema abbasi (Sa) infective juveniles (IJs) was developed and assessed for its shelf life, physicochemical profile, and bio-efficacy against subterranean termite under field conditions. Formulation exhibited free-flowing character, with pH of 6.50–7.50, and apparent density in the range 0.50–0.70 g cm−3. The bioefficacy study for two rabi seasons (2020–2021, and 2021–2022) in wheat and chickpea grown in an experimental farm heavily infested with subterranean termites (Odontotermes obesus) revealed a significant reduction in plant damage due to pest attack in formulation-treated plots, monitored in terms of relative number of infested tillers in wheat and infested plants in chickpea fields. The reduced damage to the crop caused by termite was reflected in the relative differences in the growth and yield attributes as well. The study establishes the potential of the developed product as a biopesticide suitable for organic farming and integrated pest management operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is an attempt to develop an effective stratified successive sampling estimation procedure which may cope with the problems of simultaneous presence of scrambled response and random non-response in realistic surveys. A generalized class of estimators has been suggested using imputation tool for reducing negative impacts of non-responses in sample surveys. Several estimators are presented as members of the suggested family. We have studied the properties of the suggested strategy and also derived its optimum condition. The dominance of the proposed estimator over the conventional ones has been justified through numerical illustrations carried out over the data set of natural population and population generated through simulation studies using wide varieties of distribution function. Encouraged with the outcomes of the proposed strategy, suitable recommendations to the survey statisticians are also made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting a well-powered and adequately controlled clinical trial in children is often challenging. Bayesian approaches are an attractive option for addressing such challenges as they provide a quantitatively rigorous and integrated framework that makes use of current control data to check and borrow information from historical control data. However various practical concerns and related statistical issues emerge when implementing such Bayesian borrowing approaches. In this manuscript we use a motivating case study to discuss a rigorous stepwise approach on how to address those issues within the Bayesian framework. Specifically, a comprehensive quantitative framework is proposed to assess the extent, synergy, and impact of borrowing. Steps on computing the measures to interpret borrowing are illustrated. Those measures can further help to determine whether additional discounting of external information is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid diagnosis of patients with severe Dengue infection can be useful for the efficient clinical management of cases caused by the Dengue virus. Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFIA) have been broadly used for rapid Dengue diagnosis, because of their quick readouts with the human eye, simplicity of use, and affordability. Despite the availability of several commercial Dengue point-of-care assays, none has shown to be successful in discriminating between severe and nonsevere forms of Dengue infection. In the current study, for the first time, a novel lectin-based point-of-care assay for the early detection of patients with severe Dengue infection with gold-adorned sheets as detection labels is being reported. In this assay, Dengue severity was diagnosed by detecting the glycosylation profile of vitronectin, a known Dengue severity marker. Two lectins were employed namely DSA (Datura stramonium) and MAA (Maackia amurensis) that can recognize specific glycans like galactose Gal-(1–4) GlcNAc and sialic acid in an (α2–3) linkage, which displayed high sensitivity and high specificity, i.e. 90% and 85% for DSA and 90.91% and 95% for MAA. The new assay has a detection limit of 5 µg µl−1 and enables the quick (30 min) and sensitive detection of severe Dengue cases. The reported point-of-care immunoassay exhibits considerable promise for early identification of patients with Dengue severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the size of pesticide pictograms on comprehensibility and their adherence to principles of familiarity, compatibility, and standardization. Pictograms usually involve complex details, and space limitation demands size reductions, which reduces overall comprehensibility, especially in agriculture and healthcare. Two experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, the effect of different sizes of pictograms on comprehension was tested. In experiment 2, the level of compliance for different ergonomic principles on different sizes of pictograms was investigated. Results of experiment 1 indicated significant variation in comprehension level (p <.05), with maximum comprehension for the size 15 mm × 15 mm (87.6%) and minimum comprehension for the size 7 mm × 7 mm (69.4%). Results of experiment 2 indicated significant variation in compliance of ergonomic principles with different pictogram sizes (p <.05), with maximum compliance for the size 15 mm × 15 mm (7.7, 7.7, 7.6) and minimum compliance for the size 7 mm × 7 mm (6.3, 6.3, 6.3). A significant increase in the comprehensibility of pictograms and their adherence to familiarity, compatibility, and standardization was observed with the increase in the sizes of pictograms. The smallest size of pictograms with a mean comprehension level ≥ 65% and scores for familiarity, compatibility, and standardization ≥ 7 (on a scale of 1 to 10) was 10 mm × 10 mm. The potential application of this research is to identify the most comprehensible size of pictograms that adhere to the principles of familiarity, compatibility, and standardization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay traces a changing geo-politics brought about by the forces of Western colonisation. It maps the intellectual pathways two Bengalis – Raja Rammohun Roy and Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar – chalked out in their negotiations with real and mythical spaces of the East and the West. The fashioning of their own self-identities then becomes a part of this process. The evolution of Roy's analytical frame, and Vidyasagar's literary frame for examining and romancing the West is laid out, after the historical context is explained. Roy's reflexive engagement with the Occident was to travel and see for himself this land of fantasy (which remained an elite practice and which Roy sets in motion). Ishwarchandra's literary frame of translation formed a deep pool of imagination within indigenous minds – an internalised geographical space which did not need a validity check – therefore representing a deeper colonial penetration of the Bengali/Indian imagination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zirconium is an important structural and cladding material in nuclear industry. Zr and Hf coexist in nature, their separation is important for use in nuclear reactors. An in-house synthesized Alkyl Phosphine Oxide (APO) ligand has been identified which provides better separation factor and extraction compared to Tributyl Phosphate (TBP) at lower feed acidity. There is high amount of silica in zirconium nitrate solution which results in formation of emulsion in mixer-settler. A novel differential contactor, pulsed stirred column (PSC), is explored to prevent emulsion formation during selective extraction of Zr from nitrate medium. Experimental studies on extraction of Zr using APO based organic phase are carried out in the PSC having 20 mm inner diameter (ID) and 1 m active section height. Aqueous phase is zirconium nitrate solution containing 75 g/L Zr in nitrate medium. The effects of stirring speed and residence time on percentage extraction are investigated. 99.99% pure Zr is obtained from zirconium nitrate solution without any emulsion formation. At optimized operating conditions (aqueous phase flowrate 10 ml/min, organic phase flowrate 45 ml/min, pulsing velocity 1.25 cm/s, rotational speed 1000 rpm), extraction of Zr is found to be 54%. 100% stripping of loaded organic using 0.5 M oxalic acid as strippant is also achieved in the PSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The combined effects of Stefan blowing and Thompson–Troian slip on mixed convection flow of a nanoliquid over a flat plate with first-order compound response are examined. In several industries and engineering sectors, nanofluid plays a vital role in augmenting heat transport properties. Moreover, nanoliquids are used in chemical manufacturing, cooling of electronic machinery, and biomedical disciplines. The fluids with slip consequences have a wide variety of applications. As the Thompson–Troian slip model permits the alteration of the amounts of slip close to the areas of elevated shear speed and shear anxiety, the effects of this slip model are examined in this article. Using appropriate transformations, the partial differential equations (PDEs) of the model are changed to ordinary differential equations (ODEs), and the reduced ODEs are numerically solved. This study has noteworthy effects on the flow, the heat transfer, and the accumulation transport characteristics. With a rise in the slip velocity and the critical shear rate, the fluid velocity increases, while the temperature field decreases for a rise in the velocity slip. It is also observed that when the Lewis number increases its value from 0.3 to 0.4, the heat transfer rate at the plate increases by almost 30.88%, and the accumulation velocity transport at the plate rises by 56.92%. Interestingly, dual solutions exist for some specific range of values of the relevant parameters. The results of this study will be of use to scientists and engineers to understand better the flow and heat transfer characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

W. tinctoria, an Indian herb Indrajao, has significant therapeutic potential. While studies have highlighted the anti-inflammatory potential of the leaves and bark of this plant, similar efficacy of the seed-pods remains unexplored. We demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects of the hexane fraction (Fr-B) of ethyl acetate extract of the seedpods in reducing lipopolysaccharide and palmitate mediated inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages and HepG2 cells. GC-MS and NMR profiling of Fr-B revealed the existence of hexadecanoic acid, ethyl hexadecanoate, 9,12-octadecanoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid ethyl ester, ethyl linoleate and octadecanoic acid ethyl esters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present literature, various algorithms are available for computing the shortest path between two objects. The maximum number of these algorithms compute the shortest path either between two static objects or one static object and one dynamic object. This article presents an insight to integrated Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) based smart devices for tracking mobile rogue objects based on dynamic source and dynamic destination optimal cost estimation. This device considers any two mobile objects to estimate the shortest path between them. The proposed Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) based algorithm considers the property of dead-end removal and nth path exploration with efficient self-loop removal strategy. To review the performance of the proposed algorithm, experimentations are carried out and compared with several well-established shortest cost estimation techniques available in the literature – Floyd Warshall, Bellman Ford, Dijkstra, A* algorithms and the only dynamic shortest path algorithm. The detailed algorithmic comparisons clearly indicate the superiority of the proposed one over the existing dynamic and present state-of-the-art shortest path estimation methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological advancement in smart cities can have adverse effects on the environment. Timely monitoring of smart cities to preserve environmental sustainability is a thrust area of research. It can be done by using change detection with multi-temporal satellite data. The success of these methods solely depends on the calibre of the backend image segmentation and Land-use Land-cover classification technique. The limitation of using cutting-edge classification algorithms is the availability of a proper dataset and identification of the edge structure of different LULC classes. In contrast, a segmentation algorithm cannot detect LULC classes automatically. In this research, we eliminated these shortcomings by considering a hybrid approach. We proposed a multi-class Support Vector Machine (SVM) and ISODATA-embedded large-scale change detection method. This method can automatically segment, detect, and perform LULC change analysis. We have considered the multi-sensor dataset of Barasat, West Bengal, India, obtained from the WorldView satellite sensor for the experimental study. The proposed method is validated concerning three different cutting-edge methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is dedicated toward subtractive manufacturing of difficult to process material, Ti-6Al-4 V through an extensively employed precision abrasive machining operation, grinding. Ti-6Al-4 V is the most extensively used material, which needs grinding during its finishing in many cases. However, grinding of the material is challenging due to the characteristics like high chemical reactivity at higher temperature, high hot-hardness, low elastic modulus, and low thermal conductivity. Due to elevated reactivity at raised up temperature, titanium tends to adhere to the abrasive wheel during grinding thus leading to ineffective cutting performance. Its low thermal conductivity intensifies thermal damage to the bonded abrasives forming glazed grits. The present experimental study deals with finding optimum cutting conditions for enhancing grindability of the alloy that involves optimizing the grinding infeed values for different conventional wheels. The optimized dressing infeed is used in the subsequent grinding operation where enhancement of grinding condition is investigated under the application of cutting fluids. The major considerations of the study are identifying coolants and delivery techniques, which follow sustainable developments, and suitable conventional abrasive grinding wheels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]