Showing papers by "Arun Kumar published in 2023"
TL;DR: In this paper , a low-temperature solution-processed TiO2/AZO bilayer thin film was used as an ETL for planar perovskite solar cells.
Abstract: A highly functional electron transport layer (ETL) is essential for fabricating stable and efficient perovskite solar cells (PvSCs). Among the various n-type materials, mesoporous titanium dioxide (m-TiO2) is the most widely used ETL in combination with a compact layer. Despite contributing to good efficiency devices, low electron mobility, and a high annealing temperature (>450 °C) to form a crystalline film in the anatase phase, the use of m-TiO2 is a bottleneck for perovskite technology. Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) is a potential replacement for m-TiO2 as an ETL due to its relatively high electron mobility, high transparency, and low-temperature processing. Here, we demonstrate a low-temperature solution-processed TiO2/AZO bilayer thin film as ETL in a planar PvSCs configuration, which exhibits a power conversion efficiency of 13.94% with a JSC of 19.49 mA/cm2, a VOC of 1.05V, and a FF of 68% with a pixel area of 0.25 cm2. The unencapsulated TiO2/AZO-ETL-based PvSCs retained 70% of their initial efficiency after 1000 h in an ambient atmosphere. Our studies demonstrated that the solution-processed TiO2/AZO bilayer ETLs provide a promising approach for developing low-temperature, high-performance, and stable planar PvSCs.
1 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the potential compound potassium succinate succinic acid was probed using FT-IR and FT-Raman analyses, and the chemical bond stability which is largely important for biological activity is studied using NBO analysis.
Abstract: The development of antibacterial medications has recently been promoted due to the non- effective usage of antibiotics and the rise in severe bacterial infections. The effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy alternatives is constrained due to the prevalence of germs that are resistant to medications. Our current study's goal is to favor metallic compounds for antibiotic delivery in order to increase the effectiveness of the antibacterial regimen. Due to its bioactivity, potassium succinate-succinic acid is preferred because in general, the succinic acid compound has the greatest potential against microbial infections and a natural antibiotic because of its relative acidic nature. In the current study, the molecular geometry, band gap energies, molecular electrostatic interactions and potential energy distribution of the molecule were compared with those of certain succinate derivatives. The potential compound potassium succinate succinic acid was probed using FT-IR and FT-Raman analyses. Vibrational assignments pertaining to different modes of vibration with potential energy distribution have been improved by normal coordinate analysis. The chemical bond stability which is largely important for biological activity is studied using NBO analysis. The molecular docking study suggests that the molecule possesses antibacterial action and displays a minimal binding energy of -5.3 kcal/mol which can be endorsed for the prevention of any bacterial illness. From the results of our studies, the material would be stable and bioactive according to the FMO study, which indicates a band gap value of 4.35 eV and the pharmacokinetic features of the molecule, was predicted using the ADMET factors and the drug-likeness test.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
1 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors evaluated the feasibility of water harvesting and its utilization at twelve different sites representing six different agro-climatic conditions spanning pan India and found that water harvesting through tanks/ponds is a feasible approach and can increase the crop production as well as diversification.
Abstract: In India, the per capita availability of water is projected to be 1465 m3 and 1235 m3 by the years 2025 and 2050, respectively, and hence, India would be a water-stressed country as per the United Nations’ standard of less than 1700 m3 per capita water availability. India is predominantly an agricultural-dominant country. Rainfed agriculture in the country contributes 40% of food grain production and supports half of the human population and two-thirds of the livestock population. The country has 15 different agro-climatic zones, and each agro-climatic region has its own constraints of water availability and management along with the potential for their optimum utilization. Such situations warrant the formulation of regional-level strategies. Efforts were made to integrate and evaluate the feasibility of water harvesting and its utilization at twelve different sites representing six different agro-climatic conditions spanning pan India. It was found that water harvesting through tanks/ponds is a feasible approach and can increase the crop production as well as diversification. The results reveal that the range of crop diversification index increased from 0.49–0.85 to 0.65–0.98; the crop productivity index increased from 0.28–0.66 to 0.66–0.90; the cultivated land utilization index increased from 0.05–0.69 to 0.34–0.84; and the crop water productivity index increased from 0.20–0.51 to 0.56–0.96, among other production and diversification indices, due to additional water availability through rainwater harvesting intervention. Moreover, the gross return increased from INR 43,768–704,356 to INR 220,840–1,469,108 ha−1, representing a 108 to 400% increase in the returns due to the availability of water. The findings of this study suggest that the water harvesting in small ponds/tanks is economical and feasible, requires less technological intervention, and increases crop diversification in all the studied agro-climatic conditions, and hence, the same needs to be encouraged in the rainfed areas of the country.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors focused on knowledge management in Indian higher education and found that knowledge management requires a multi-faceted approach that involves policy support, technological investments, and a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Abstract: Purpose : The current research focused on knowledge management in Indian higher education. Knowledge management is an important aspect of higher education, as it helps institutions to effectively manage and share knowledge to enhance teaching, learning, and research outcomes. In the context of Indian higher education, there are several policy implications that can help to improve the effectiveness of knowledge management. Methodology : The research paper was prepared based on secondary data. These include creating a comprehensive knowledge management framework, encouraging collaboration among institutions, investing in technology infrastructure, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, and supporting open access to research publications and educational resources. Findings : I found that knowledge management in Indian higher education requires a multi-faceted approach that involves policy support, technological investments, and a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing. As the Government of India welcomes foreign universities, the significance of knowledge management becomes even more vital. Implementing these policy implications can help to improve the effectiveness of KM in Indian higher education and support the development of a more robust knowledge-based economy. Practical Implications : It is recommended that the government framework should also include guidelines for the development and implementation of knowledge management systems in higher education institutions. Collaboration among institutions is essential for effective knowledge management. The government should encourage institutions to collaborate with each other to share knowledge and resources. This can be done by creating networks or consortia of institutions that work together on specific projects or initiatives. Originality : Unlike prior research on knowledge management, the current work is to provide a comprehensive understanding of KM in higher education across various mediums.
TL;DR: In this article , the best trade-off between performance and transparency is focused on by optimizing the OMO electrode and the device layers with the help of optical simulation, and it is found that for the overcoat to undercoat oxide layer ratio of 1.17, a maximum short-circuit current density (JSC) of 4.34 µm−2 is achieved while a maximum AVT of 21.55% is obtained for a ratio of 0.78.
Abstract: Oxide–metal–oxide (OMO)‐based stacks are highly attractive by virtue of their favorable properties for being used as a top transparent electrode (TE) in semitransparent solar cells. Herein, getting the best trade‐off between performance and transparency is focused on by optimizing the OMO electrode and the device layers with the help of optical simulation. NiO/Ag/SnO2 as the OMO electrode integrated into a device having SnO2, Spiro‐OMeTAD, and MAPbI3 as the electron transport layer, hole transport layer, and photoactive layer, respectively, in n–i–p geometry is investigated. It is shown that an optimized OMO electrode in terms of average visible transparency (AVT) does not translate to the best device performance. It is found that for the overcoat to undercoat oxide layer ratio of 1.17, a maximum short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 4.34 mA cm−2 is achieved while a maximum AVT of 21.55% is obtained for a ratio of 0.78. On further optimization of the MAPbI3 thickness, for an oxide ratio of 1, a modeled device with 4.58 mA cm−2 with AVT of 31.55% is demonstrated. In addition, it is also found that by integrating an optical spacer layer after the OMO electrode, the JSC of the device shows a jump of >115% to 9.86 mA cm−2.
TL;DR: In this paper , a single crystal of 2-Aminopyridinium cyanoacetate (2APC) has been grown by solution growth slow evaporation technique.
TL;DR: In this article , the protein-protein network of human Sortilin1 and its targetability using small molecule nutra/pharmaceuticals was assessed using the Chimera software, and the binding pocket analysis of human SORT1 showed twelve potential drug interaction sites with varying binding score (0.86 to 5.83) and probability of interaction ( 0.004 to 0.304). Five of the interaction sites were observed to be targetable at therapeutically feasible concentration of the small molecules evaluated.
Abstract: Background Sortilin1 (SORT1) is a ubiquitously expressed transporter involved in sorting or clearing proteins and is pathologically linked to tissue fibrosis and calcification. Targeting SORT1 may have potential clinical efficacy in controlling or reversing cardiovascular fibrosis and/or calcification. Hence this study assessed the protein-protein network of human SORT1 and its targetability using small molecule nutra/pharmaceuticals. Material and methods Network proteins of SORT1 in homo sapiens was identified using the String database, and the affinity of the protein-protein interaction of this network was analysed using Chimera software. The tissue specific expression profile of SORT1 was evaluated and assessed for enrichment in different cell types including the immune cells. A library of in-house small molecules and currently used therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases were screened using AutoDock vina to assess targetability of human SORT1. Concentration affinity (CA) ratio of the small molecules was estimated to assess the clinical feasibility of targeting SORT1. Results IGF2R, NTRK2, GRN and GGA1 were identified as high affinity interaction networks of SORT1. Of these high affinity interactions, IGF2R and GRN can be considered as relevant networks in regulating tissue fibrosis or microcalcification process due to their influence on T-cell activation, inflammation, wound repair, and tissue remodelling process. The tissue cell type enrichment indicated major expression of SORT1 in adipocytes, specialised epithelial cells, monocytes, cardiomyocytes, and thyroid glandular cells. The binding pocket analysis of human SORT1 showed twelve potential drug interaction sites with varying binding score (0.86 to 5.83) and probability of interaction (0.004 to 0.304). Five of the drug interaction sites were observed to be targetable at therapeutically feasible concentration of the small molecules evaluated. Empagliflozin, sitagliptin and lycopene showed superior affinity and CA ratio compared to established inhibitors of SORT1. Conclusion IGF2R and GRN are relevant networks of SORT1 regulating tissue fibrosis or microcalcification process. SORT1 can be targeted using currently approved small molecule therapeutics (empagliflozin and sitagliptin) or widely used nutraceutical (Lycopene) which should be evaluated in a randomised clinical trial to assess the efficacy to reduce cardiac/vascular microcalcification process.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors propose a real-time approach for risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of venous thromboembolism using artificial intelligence/machine learning and advanced mathematical regression.
Abstract: Clinicians struggle to translate findings from discovery-based research to the care of individual patients. For example, selecting therapies based on venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence risk remains a largely unfulfilled goal. Those working in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis, and more generally in vascular care, have been saying for years that a sharper focus on the diagnosis and treatment of VTE is needed and that current efforts are not commensurate with the economic and health impacts of thromboembolism. We propose to address the needs above, in particular patient-specific risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for venous thromboembolism. We are leveraging ongoing improvements in the capability and resolution of noninvasive imaging (e.g., ultrasound technologies for examining the venous valve system in living patients) and image processing, aided by artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and advanced mathematical regression. We employ Firebase Realtime Database, an API that synchronizes application data across multiple platforms (e.g., iOS, Android, and Web devices) by storing data on Firebase’s cloud for real-time analysis. The framework is designed to assist clinicians and other medical professionals in real-time for collaborative patient care. Our approach is designed to broaden the accessibility of the clinical analysis to a wider range of stakeholders, including those without specialist knowledge.
TL;DR: In this paper , neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mABs) have been proposed and developed for the treatment of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients with mild to moderate diseases and to prevent further progression.
Abstract: Introduction: Neutralising monoclonal antibodies (mABs) have been proposed and developed for the treatment of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients with mild to moderate diseases and to prevent further progression. The combination of Casirivimab and Imdevimab blocks the entry of virus into cells by attaching to receptor binding domain of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike glycoprotein. The mABs are utilised as a pre-emptive strategy in certain high-risk groups such as those suffering from chronic liver, kidney and respiratory disease, malignancies and other immunocompromised states where efficacy of vaccines may be suboptimal. Aim: To evaluate the clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients who were treated with Antibody Cocktail drug (casirivimab and imdevimab). Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in patients confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2 from June 2021 to January 2022 and subsequently, the collected data was analysed from May 2022 to June 2022. The study was conducted in a tertiary care referral hospital in eastern India. All eligible patient subsequently received casirivimab and imdevimab at COVID-19 facility. Monitoring of patients was done upto 12 hour postinfusion. Demographic parameters, routine investigations and clinical outcomes were assessed. Data entry was done using Microsoft Excel. Data was entered, coded and analysed using International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. All analysis was done at a preset alpha error of 5% and results expressed at confidence levels of 95%. Results: Total 104 eligible cases were taken in present study. Nearly, 93% of those patients who had not been vaccinated were at higher risk for having severely elevated levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) as compared to 48% of those with COVID-19 vaccination. Nearly, 9 out of 10 patients with moderate-severe CRP levels were at nine times more risk for longer duration of hospitalisation as compared to normal levels of CRP. All patients having moderate-severe CRP levels required mechanical ventilation in comparison to mild CRP levels. Patients with comorbidities were more likely to get severe COVID-19 infections (p-value ≤0.05). Unvaccinated subjects were more likely to have severe infections than vaccinated subjects. (p-value ≤0.05). Prolonged hospitalisation (>7 days) was statistically significant in severe COVID-19. Unvaccinated subjects had a statistically significant rise in CRP over vaccinated subjects. The majority of the patients receiving antibody cocktail did not require prolonged hospitalisation while a minor fraction required invasive ventilation. Antibody cocktail was safe, well tolerated and had good efficacy and low mortality rate as compared to other modalities of treatment in this study. Conclusion: The duration of hospitalisation and outcomes were superior in patients having mild to moderate COVID-19 who received antibody cocktail without any serious side-effects.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors evaluated the analytical performance characteristics of the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test, a rapid, automated molecular test for severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 detection with gold standard RT-PCR test.
Abstract: Introduction: Real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, the gold standard test for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection, is a tedious process and requires proficient workforce. Accurate and fast test results may permit more efficient use of protective and isolation resources and allow rapid therapeutic interventions. Aim: To evaluate the analytical performance characteristics of the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test, a rapid, automated molecular test for SARS-CoV-2 with gold standard RT-PCR test. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) in Department of Microbiology at GGS Medical College, Faridkot from January 2021-June 2021. A total of 100 nasopharyngeal samples, collected from clinically suspected Coronavirus Diseae2019 (COVID-19) cases admitted at GGSMC during 1st January30th June 2021 were tested both by Xpert assay and RT-PCR test simultaneously, taking RT-PCR as the gold standard test. The data was analysed by MedCalc® statistical software version 19.6.4., and sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios and the agreement between the two tests were calculated. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 46 years. Of these, 55 were males and 45 were females. The overall sample sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert assay were both 100% and there was perfect agreement across specimens, if authors, set a cut-off Cycle threshold-value (Ct-value) at 40 cycles for Xpert. Of 100 samples, 32 were positive for SARSCoV-2 by either of the tests and 68 were negative. Xpert assay could detect 100% positive cases and RT-PCR test could detect 84.37% positive cases. Out of the 32 samples which were positive by Xpert assay, 5 (15.62%) samples had a Ctvalue greater than 40. Conclusion: The Xpert assay found to be useful as a point-ofcare test in acute scenario, where rapid and authentic diagnosis is essential, but do not have expertise and infrastructure to perform RT-PCR.
TL;DR: In this paper , a case of 22-year-old female who presented with history of diffuse headache since 1 week, history of double vision since1 week and excessive day time sleepiness since2 months.
Abstract: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune disease that causes severe demyelination, especially in the optic nerve and spinal cord with typical clinical manifestations of acute optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Seventy to ninety percent of the cases of NMOSD test positive for aquaporin 4 IgG Antibodies (AQP4 IgG Ab). Here we report a case of 22-year-old female who presented with history of diffuse headache since 1 week, history of double vision since1 week and excessive day time sleepiness since2 months. Patient had a past history of bilateral and simultaneous optic neuritis 9 months back. On further evaluation patient was diagnosed as seronegative NMOSD (AQP4 IgG Ab–negative).
TL;DR: In this article , the effect of morpholinium perchlorate (MP) derivatives in terms of molecular geometry, vibrational assessment, HOMO-LUMO energy gap, and NLO effects were compared.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors proposed an adaptive traffic flow and collision avoidance approach for vehicular platoons based on cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC), which is based on vehicle status data obtained through vehicular communications.
Abstract: Globally, the increases in vehicle numbers, traffic congestion, and road accidents are serious issues. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) traveling in platoons provide innovative solutions for efficient traffic flow management, especially for congestion mitigation, thus reducing accidents. In recent years, platoon-based driving, also known as vehicle platoon, has emerged as an extensive research area. Vehicle platooning reduces travel time and increases road capacity by reducing the safety distance between vehicles. For connected and automated vehicles, cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) systems and platoon management systems play a significant role. Platoon vehicles can maintain a closer safety distance due to CACC systems, which are based on vehicle status data obtained through vehicular communications. This paper proposes an adaptive traffic flow and collision avoidance approach for vehicular platoons based on CACC. The proposed approach considers the creation and evolution of platoons to govern the traffic flow during congestion and avoid collisions in uncertain situations. Different obstructing scenarios are identified during travel, and solutions to these challenging situations are proposed. The merge and join maneuvers are performed to help the platoon’s steady movement. The simulation results show a significant improvement in traffic flow due to the mitigation of congestion using platooning, minimizing travel time, and avoiding collisions.
TL;DR: In this article , two types of Humbert generalized fractional differenced ARMA processes are defined and the singularities for the spectral densities of the introduced models are investigated.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors evaluated the comparative pharmacodynamic properties of trehalose using a network pharmacology approach, and reported the selective targets of Trehalose relevant to drug discovery and development protocols and highlighted the limitations of rodent models in translating pharmacodynamic analysis of TREHOS for development of human therapeutics.
Abstract: Background Trehalose is used as a pharmaceutical excipient due to its several desirable pharmacokinetic and historically evident safety features. However, information on the pharmacodynamic properties of trehalose is lacking. Hence this study evaluated the comparative pharmacodynamic properties of trehalose using a network pharmacology approach. Materials and methods The specific targets of trehalose in human, mouse and rat were identified from the SwissTargetPrediction database, categorised and compared. The expression profile and subcellular localisation of the targets of trehalose in human was identified and correlated with the affinity of trehalose to these targets to assess its impact on the pharmacodynamic properties of trehalose. The affinity of trehalose to its metabolising enzyme in human, mouse, and rat was assessed by molecular docking and compared. Results A significant difference in the target categories and target types of trehalose was observed in human, mouse, and rat. The affinity of trehalose to human (66.03 ± 5.1 μM), rat (102.53 ± 11.3 μM) and mouse (42.07 ± 5.3 μM) trehalase was significantly different. Family A G protein coupled receptors were identified as the major target category of trehalose and cyclin dependent kinase 1 was observed as the high affinity target of trehalose in human and mouse. The correlation of target expression and affinity indicated minimal pharmacodynamic influence under physiological conditions. Conclusion This study reports the selective targets of trehalose relevant to drug discovery and development protocols and highlights the limitations of rodent models in translating pharmacodynamic analysis of trehalose for development of human therapeutics.