Showing papers by "Government College published in 2016"

Smart grid

Abstract: Development in the field of electronics and communication set up new paradigm. The need of making the grid smart is increasing due to environmental constrain and effective use of the available electricity. The use of digital information and controls technology to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the electric grid.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using marine algae and evaluation of their catalytic activity

Abstract: The hazardous effects of current nanoparticle synthesis methods have steered researchers to focus on developing newer eco-friendly methods for synthesizing nanoparticles using non-toxic chemicals. Owing to the diverse applications of nanoparticles in various fields such as catalysis, medicine, diagnostics, and sensors, several novel green approaches have been explored for synthesizing nanoparticles using different natural sources such as plants, algae, bacteria, and fungi. Hence, in the present work, a green method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) under ambient conditions using aqueous extracts of marine brown algae is reported and the synthesized AuNPs were evaluated for their catalytic efficiency. The aqueous extracts of algae comprise reducing as well as capping agents required for the formation of AuNPs. The Fourier transform infrared spectra of the extracts revealed the presence of compounds having hydroxyl groups that are largely responsible for the reduction of auric chloride to AuNPs at room temperature. Results from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering studies suggested that most of the biosynthesized AuNPs are nearly spherical in shape with an average size in the range of 27–35 nm. High negative values of zeta potential measurement confirmed the stability of AuNPs. Moreover, the reduction kinetics of AuNPs studied by UV–visible spectrophotometry showed that they have good catalytic efficiency in the degradation of dyes as well as reduction of nitro compounds in the presence of sodium borohydride as reducing agent. This simple process for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles is rapid, cost-effective and eco-friendly. The formation of AuNPs was observed with the change of pale yellow gold solution to ruby red color of gold nanoparticles and confirmed by surface plasmon spectra using UV–visible spectroscopy. Nanoparticles synthesized through such environmentally benign routes can be used for synthesizing many other metal nanoparticles as well as for a wide range of biomedical applications, for commercial production on a large scale and also can be used as efficient catalysts for different organic reactions.

Active methylenes in the synthesis of a pyrrole motif: an imperative structural unit of pharmaceuticals, natural products and optoelectronic materials

Abstract: Pyrrole is one of the most important azaheterocycles, due to its wide range of applications in pharmaceuticals and optoelectronic materials, coupled with its utility as an intermediate in natural products. For several decades, realisation of the scope and potential of this heterocyclic system in both the pharmaceutical and materials industries, has sparked new efforts in finding more efficient synthetic methods for the preparation of pyrrole compounds. Inspired by the importance of this system, herein, we report a review on pyrrole based pharmaceuticals, natural products and optoelectronic materials. Synthetic approaches to pyrrole from active methylenes are also reviewed together with novel reports from our laboratory recently (till 2015).

A Four-Port MIMO Antenna Using Concentric Square-Ring Patches Loaded With CSRR for High Isolation

Abstract: A novel four-port multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system is designed using concentric square-ring patch antennas. All four ports are made to resonate at 2.4 GHz ISM band with an overall system dimension of 60×60×1.6 mm 3 . This design uses complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) loaded on its ground plane for enhanced isolation of - 22 dB between patch antenna elements. CSRR reduces mutual coupling by about 6.5 dB. The antenna operates with a 2:1 VSWR bandwidth of 75 MHz centered at 2.45 GHz. This collocated antenna system satisfies MIMO diversity performance with low envelope correlation between its waveforms. The effectiveness of concentric rings in MIMO design along with proposed isolation enhancement technique is validated using measurements from a prototype.

IoT based urban climate monitoring using Raspberry Pi

Abstract: Internet of Things is the web of physical objects that contain the embedded technology which is helping to develop man to machine or machine to machine communication. This paper mainly propounds a stand-alone system which is providing a dynamic datasheet about the parameters of the city environment. The system is using low cost low power ARM based minicomputer that is Raspberry Pi. It can communicate through Local Area Network (LAN) or the external Wi-Fi module. Commands from user are processed at the Raspberry Pi using Python language. The data can be monitored with other terminal devices like Laptop, Smart Phone and Tablet which is endowed with the internet facility. This framework is giving access to real-time information about an urban environment which includes the parameters: temperature, humidity, pressure, CO and harmful air pollutants.

Bacterial carrageenases: an overview of production and biotechnological applications

Abstract: Carrageenan, one of the phycocolloids is a sulfated galactan made up of linear chains of galactose and 3,6-anhydrogalactose with alternating α-(1 → 3) and β-(1 → 4) linkages and further classified based on the number and the position of sulfated ester(s); κ-, ι- and λ-carrageenan. Enzymes which degrade carrageenans are called k-, ι-, and λ-carrageenases. They all are endohydrolases that cleave the internal β-(1–4) linkages of carrageenans yielding products of the oligo-carrageenans. These enzymes are produced only by bacteria specifically gram negative bacteria. Majority of the marine bacteria produce these enzymes extracellularly and their activity is in wide range of temperature. They have found potential applications in biomedical field, bioethanol production, textile industry, as a detergent additive and for isolation of protoplast of algae etc. A comprehensive information shall be helpful for the effective understanding and application of these enzymes. In this review exhaustive information of bacterial carrageenases reported till date has been done. All the aspects like sources, production conditions, characterization, cloning and- biotechnological applications are summarized.

Poloxamer 407-based intranasal thermoreversible gel of zolmitriptan-loaded nanoethosomes: formulation, optimization, evaluation and permeation studies

Abstract: Zolmitriptan is the drug of choice for migraine, but low oral bioavailability (<50%) and recurrence of migraine lead to frequent dosing and increase in associated side effects. Increase in the residence time of drug at the site of drug absorption along with direct nose to brain targeting of zolmitriptan can be a solution to the existing problems. Hence, in the present investigation, thermoreversible intranasal gel of zolmitriptan-loaded nanoethosomes was formulated by using mucoadhesive polymers to increase the residence of the drug into the nasal cavity. The preparation of ethosomes was optimized by using 32 factorial design for percent drug entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. Optimized formulation E6 showed the vesicle size (171.67 nm) and entrapment efficiency (66%) when compared with the other formulations. Thermoreversible gels prepared by using poloxamer 407 showed the phase transition temperature at 32–33 °C which was in line with the nasal physiol...

Application of improved firefly algorithm for programmed PWM in multilevel inverter with adjustable DC sources

Abstract: Improved firefly algorithm is applied to determine the optimum switching angles for the 11-level cascaded H bridge multilevel inverter with non-equal DC sources.Firefly algorithm takes least estimation time and surpasses all other 11 metaheuristic algorithms.The algorithm and the model are developed using MATLAB and the validity of the simulation is confirmed by an experimental setup using FPGA Spartan 6A DSP.Results are compared with the results obtained using Particle swarm optimization and artificial bee colony algorithm and it is proved that the proposed method offers reduced THD with less computation period. Programmed pulse width modulation is an optimized pulse width modulation which is particularly applicable for high-power applications where the power losses must be kept below firm limits. Based on the offline estimation, it is capable of pre programming the harmonic profile of the output waveform over a range of modulation indices by eliminating some lower order harmonics. In this paper, improved firefly algorithm (FA) is applied to determine the optimum switching angles for the 11- level cascaded H bridge multilevel inverter (MLI) with adjustable DC sources in order to eliminate pre specified lower order harmonics and to achieve the desired fundamental voltage. Though number of optimization algorithms is available for the estimation of switching angles, Firefly algorithm takes least computation time and surpasses all other 11 metaheuristic Algorithms. The algorithm and the model are developed using MATLAB and the validity of the simulation is confirmed by an experimental setup using FPGA Spartan 6A DSP. Results are compared with the results obtained using particle swarm optimization (PSO) and artificial bee colony algorithm (ABCA) and it is proved that the proposed method offers reduced total harmonic distortion (THD) with less computation period.

Impact of Training and Development of Employees on Employee Performance through Job Satisfaction: A Study of Telecom Sector of Pakistan

Abstract: Training and development of employees and job satisfaction of employees are two crucial components for the performance of employee. In this study the influence of training and development on employee performance through job satisfaction is studied. 115 questionnaires were distributed among employees i.e. executives and managers of Telecom companies in Abbottabad, Haripur and Mansehra of which 105 were returned. Convenience sampling technique was used for data collection. The response rate was 91%. The finding of our study showed positive impact of training and development and job satisfaction with employee performance. Training and development will lead to higher job satisfaction level in employees and they will fulfill their duties with a great deal of responsibility with best performance.

Realizing cost-effective ZnO:Sr nanoparticles@graphene nanospreads for improved photocatalytic and antibacterial activities

Abstract: Strontium doped ZnO nanoparticles@graphene nanospreads were synthesized using a facile cost effective wet chemical method. Their structural, surface morphological, photocatalytic and antibacterial properties were studied and compared with those of the ZnO:Sr and bare ZnO particles. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that all the synthesized samples have hexagonal wurtzite structure. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) study displayed a platelet like morphology and EDX mapping confirmed the presence of the elements involved in the components of the synthesized composite material. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) analysis revealed that the ZnO:Sr nanoparticles are anchored on graphene sheets. The presence of the constituents of the composite is confirmed by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis. ZnO:Sr/G nanocomposite sample exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity against methylene blue dye compared to the ZnO:Sr and bare ZnO samples. Similarly, an improved antibacterial activity against two Gram-positive as well as two Gram-negative bacteria was also observed for the ZnO:Sr/G nanocomposite.

Undernutrition & tuberculosis in India: Situation analysis & the way forward

Abstract: Undernutrition and tuberculosis (TB) are linked and have a bidirectional relationship. Undernutrition increases the risk of TB which in turn, can lead to malnutrition. Undernutrition not only is a risk factor for progression of latent TB infection to active disease, but also increases the risk of drug toxicity, relapse and death once TB develops. The dietary intake of TB patients in the country is inadequate. Nutritional supplementation in patients with TB is associated with faster sputum conversion, higher cure and treatment completion rates, significant gain in body weight and body composition as well as better performance status. The Government of India has various social support schemes (including nutrition supplementation schemes) and policies, at the Centre as well as State levels. Here we discuss some successful examples and suggest a few solutions to address this gap; like considering TB patients as a vulnerable group for Targeted Public Distribution System and providing extra rations for the duration of treatment. Recommendations for the research community, civil societies, government organizations, non-governmental and corporate sector on the actions needed to achieve the goals of the End TB Strategy are also provided. Ultimately, reduction of TB burden in India and its elimination will require improving the nutritional status of the community as a whole.

Casein and Caseinate: Methods of Manufacture

Abstract: Casein is the principal protein found in milk. It is responsible for the white, opaque appearance of milk. It is combined with calcium and phosphorus in clusters termed micelles. Until the 1960s, casein was primarily used in technical, nonfood applications, such as adhesives for wood, paper coating, leather finishing, synthetic fibers, and plastics. But in the last 30–35 years, casein has been principally employed in food applications as an ingredient for enhancing the food’s physical properties, including whipping and foaming, water binding and thickening, emulsification and texture. Casein also improves a food’s nutritive value.

Video surveillance robot control using smartphone and Raspberry pi

Abstract: This paper proposes a method for controlling a wireless robot for surveillance using an application built on Android platform. The Android application will open a web-page which has video screen for surveillance and buttons to control robot and camera. Android Smartphone and Raspberry pi board is connected to Wi-Fi. An Android Smartphone sends a wireless command which is received by Raspberry pi board and accordingly robot moves. The Video Streaming is done using MJPG streamer program that gets mjpeg data and sends it through a HTTP session. The Raspberry pi programming is done in python language. The experimental result shows that the video streamed up to 15 frames per second.

Prediction of Stock Market Price using Hybrid of Wavelet Transform and Artificial Neural Network

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Accurate prediction of stock market is highly challenging. This paper presents a forecasting model based on Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for predicting financial time series. Methods/Statistical analysis: The idea of forecasting stock market prices with discrete wavelet transform is the central element of this paper. The proposed forecasting model uses the Discrete Wavelet Transform to decompose the financial time series data. The obtained approximation and detail coefficients after decomposition of the original time series data are used as input variables of back propagation neural network to forecast future stock prices. Approximation coefficients can characterize the coarse structure of the data and detail coefficients capture ruptures, discontinuities and singularities in the original data, to recognize the long-term trends in the original data. Findings: The proposed model was applied to five datasets. For all of the datasets, accuracy measures showed that the presented model outperforms a conventional model. It also proved that the hybrid forecasting technique has achieved better results compared with the approach which is not using the wavelet transform. Applications/Improvements: The accuracy of the proposed hybrid method can also be improved by developing a model using artificial neural network with Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Interference System.

Measurement of radon concentration in drinking water of Shimoga district, Karnataka, India

Abstract: This paper presents the distribution of radon activity concentration in drinking water samples and their annual effective dose exposure in Shimoga district. The radon concentrations in 38 drinking water samples were measured by using Emanometry technique. The measured radon concentration in drinking water samples ranged between 3.10 ± 0.25 and 38.50 ± 1.54 Bq l−1 with an average value of 13.60 ± 1.12 Bq l−1. This study reveals that 44.8 % drinking water samples analyzed have radon levels in excess of the EPA recommended maximum contamination level of 11.1 Bq l−1. The total mean annual effective doses of all the samples are significantly lower than the reference level of 0.1 mSv y−1.

Empirical formula for mass excess of heavy and superheavy nuclei

Abstract: A new empirical formula is proposed for mass excess of heavy and superheavy nuclei in the region Z = 96–129. The parameters of the formula are obtained by making a polynomial fit to the available theoretical and experimental data. The calculated mass excess values are compared with the experimental values and other results of the earlier proposed models such as finite range droplet model (FRDM) and Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov (HFB) method. Standard deviation of calculated mass excess values for each atomic number is tabulated. The good agreement of present formula with the experiment and other models suggests that the present formula could be used to evaluate the mass excess values of heavy and superheavy nuclei in the region 96 ≤Z ≥129. This formula is a model-independent formula and is first of its kind that produces a mass excess values with the only simple inputs of only Z and A.

Forecasting Gold Prices Based on Extreme Learning Machine

Abstract: In recent years, the investors pay major attention to invest in gold market ecause of huge profits in the future. Gold is the only commodity which maintains ts value even in the economic and financial crisis. Also, the gold prices are closely elated with other commodities. The future gold price prediction becomes the warning ystem for the investors due to unforeseen risk in the market. Hence, an accurate gold rice forecasting is required to foresee the business trends. This paper concentrates on orecasting the future gold prices from four commodities like historical data’s of gold rices, silver prices, Crude oil prices, Standard and Poor’s 500 stock index (S&P500) ndex and foreign exchange rate. The period used for the study is from 1st January 000 to 31st April 2014. In this paper, a learning algorithm for single hidden layered eed forward neural networks called Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is used which as good learning ability. Also, this study compares the five models namely Feed orward networks without feedback, Feed forward back propagation networks, Radial asis function, ELMAN networks and ELM learning model. The results prove that he ELM learning performs better than the other methods.

Comparison of alpha decay with fission for isotopes of superheavy nuclei Z = 124

Abstract: We have studied the α-decay properties of superheavy nuclei (SHN) Z = 124 in the range 282 ≤ A ≤ 333 using the Coulomb and proximity potential model for deformed nuclei (CPPMDN). The calculated α half-lives agree with the values computed using the Viola–Seaborg systematic, the universal curve of Poenaru et al. [Phys. Rev. C 83 (2011) 014601; 85 (2012) 034615] and the analytical formulas of Royer [J. Phys. G, Nucl. Part. Phys. 26 (2000) 1149]. To identify the mode of decay of these isotopes, the spontaneous-fission half-lives were also evaluated using the semiempirical relation given by Xu et al. [Phys. Rev. C 78 (2008) 044329]. The calculated half-lives help to predict the possible isotopes of this superheavy element Z = 124. As we could observe α chain consistently from the nuclei 288−312124, we have predicted that these nuclei could not be synthesized and detected experimentally via α decay as their decay half-lives are too small. The nuclei 313−318124 were found to have long half-lives and hence could be sufficient to detect them if synthesized in a laboratory.

Thermoreversible nanoethosomal gel for the intranasal delivery of Eletriptan hydrobromide

Abstract: The objective of the current study was to formulate and characterize thermoreversible gel of Eletriptan Hydrobromide for brain targeting via the intranasal route. Ethosomes were prepared by 3(2) factorial design with two independent variables (concentration of soya lecithin and ethanol) and two response variables [percent entrapment efficiency and vesicle size (nm)] using ethanol injection method. Formulated ethosomes were evaluated for preliminary microscopic examination followed by percent drug entrapment efficiency, vesicle size analysis, zeta potential, polydispersibility index and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM confirms spherical morphology of ethosomes, whereas Malvern zeta sizer confirms that the vesicle size was in the range of 191 ± 6.55-381.3 ± 61.0 nm. Ethosomes were incorporated in gel using poloxamer 407 and carbopol 934 as thermoreversible and mucoadhesive polymers, respectively. Ethosomal gels were evaluated for their pH, viscosity, mucoadhesive strength, in vitro drug release and ex vivo drug permeation through the sheep nasal mucosa. Mucoadhesive strength and pH was found to be 4400 ± 45 to 5500 ± 78.10 dynes/cm(2) and 6.0 ± 0.3 to 6.2 ± 0.1, respectively. In-vitro drug release from the optimized ethosomal gel formulation (G4) was found to be almost 100 % and ex vivo permeation of 4980 µg/ml with a permeability coefficient of 11.94 ± 0.04 × 10(-5) cm/s after 24 h. Histopathological study of the nasal mucosa confirmed non-toxic nature of ethosomal gels. Formulated EH loaded ethosomal thermoreversible gel could serve as the better alternative for the brain targeting via the intranasal route which in turn could subsequently improve its bioavailability.

Stereospecific Synthesis of 2-Iminothiazolidines via Domino Ring-Opening Cyclization of Activated Aziridines with Aryl- and Alkyl Isothiocyanates.

Abstract: Lewis acid catalyzed domino ring-opening cyclization of activated aziridines with aryl and alkyl isothiocyanates has been accomplished leading to the formation of a wide variety of highly substituted and functionalized 2-iminothiazolidines with excellent diastereo- and enantiospecificity (de, ee up to >99%). The reaction proceeds via a Lewis acid catalyzed SN2-type ring-opening of the activated aziridine followed by a concomitant 5-exo-dig cyclization in a domino fashion to furnish the 2-iminothiazolidine derivative in excellent yields (up to 99%).

Automated seed sowing agribot using arduino

Abstract: The Discovery of Agriculture is the first big step towards civilized life, advancement of agricultural tools is the basic trend of agricultural improvement. Now the qualitative approach of this project is to develop a system which minimizes the working cost and also reduces the time for digging operation and seed sowing operation by utilizing solar energy to run the agribot. In this machine, solar panel is used to capture solar energy and then it is converted into electrical energy which is used to charge battery, which then gives the necessary power to a shunt wound DC motor. Ultrasonic Sensor and Digital Compass Sensor are used with the help of Wi-Fi interface operated on Android Application to manoeuvre robot in the field. This brings down labour dependency. Seed sowing and digging robot will move on various ground contours and performs digging, sowing the seed and covers the ground by closing it. The paper spells out the complete installation of the agribot including hardware and software facet.

Nanoscale petrographic and geochemical insights on the origin of the Palaeoproterozoic stromatolitic phosphorites from Aravalli Supergroup, India

Abstract: Stromatolites composed of apatite occur in post-Lomagundi-Jatuli successions (late Palaeoproterozoic) and suggest the emergence of novel types of biomineralization at that time. The microscopic and nanoscopic petrology of organic matter in stromatolitic phosphorites might provide insights into the suite of diagenetic processes that formed these types of stromatolites. Correlated geochemical micro-analyses of the organic matter could also yield molecular, elemental and isotopic compositions and thus insights into the role of specific micro-organisms among these communities. Here, we report on the occurrence of nanoscopic disseminated organic matter in the Palaeoproterozoic stromatolitic phosphorite from the Aravalli Supergroup of north-west India. Organic petrography by micro-Raman and Transmission Electron Microscopy demonstrates syngeneity of the organic matter. Total organic carbon contents of these stromatolitic phosphorite columns are between 0.05 and 3.0 wt% and have a large range of δ(13) Corg values with an average of -18.5‰ (1σ = 4.5‰). δ(15) N values of decarbonated rock powders are between -1.2 and +2.7‰. These isotopic compositions point to the important role of biological N2 -fixation and CO2 -fixation by the pentose phosphate pathway consistent with a population of cyanobacteria. Microscopic spheroidal grains of apatite (MSGA) occur in association with calcite microspar in microbial mats from stromatolite columns and with chert in the core of diagenetic apatite rosettes. Organic matter extracted from the stromatolitic phosphorites contains a range of molecular functional group (e.g. carboxylic acid, alcohol, and aliphatic hydrocarbons) as well as nitrile and nitro groups as determined from C- and N-XANES spectra. The presence of organic nitrogen was independently confirmed by a CN(-) peak detected by ToF-SIMS. Nanoscale petrography and geochemistry allow for a refinement of the formation model for the accretion and phototrophic growth of stromatolites. The original microbial biomass is inferred to have been dominated by cyanobacteria, which might be an important contributor of organic matter in shallow-marine phosphorites.