Thapar University

About: Thapar University is a education organization based out in Patiāla, Punjab, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Cloud computing. The organization has 2944 authors who have published 8558 publications receiving 130392 citations.

A hybrid Taguchi-artificial neural network approach to predict surface roughness during electric discharge machining of titanium alloys

Abstract: In the present study, electric discharge machining process was used for machining of titanium alloys. Eight process parameters were varied during the process. Experimental results showed that current and pulse-on-time significantly affected the performance characteristics. Artificial neural network coupled with Taguchi approach was applied for optimization and prediction of surface roughness. The experimental results and the predicted results showed good agreement. SEM was used to investigate the surface integrity. Analysis for migration of different chemical elements and formation of compounds on the surface was performed using EDS and XRD pattern. The results showed that high discharge energy caused surface defects such as cracks, craters, thick recast layer, micro pores, pin holes, residual stresses and debris. Also, migration of chemical elements both from electrode and dielectric media were observed during EDS analysis. Presence of carbon was seen on the machined surface. XRD results showed formation of titanium carbide compound which precipitated on the machined surface.

Bacillus megaterium mediated mineralization of calcium carbonate as biogenic surface treatment of green building materials

Abstract: Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation is a biomineralization process that has various applications in remediation and restoration of range of building materials. In the present study, calcifying bacteria, Bacillus megaterium SS3 isolated from calcareous soil was applied as biosealant to enhance the durability of low energy, green building materials (soil-cement blocks). This bacterial isolate produced high amounts of urease, carbonic anhydrase, extra polymeric substances and biofilm. The calcium carbonate polymorphs produced by B. megaterium SS3 were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transmission infra red spectroscopy. These results suggested that calcite is the most predominant carbonate formed by this bacteria followed by vaterite. Application of B. megaterium SS3 as biogenic surface treatment led to 40 % decrease in water absorption, 31 % decrease in porosity and 18 % increase in compressive strength of low energy building materials. From the present investigation, it is clear that surface treatment of building materials by B. megaterium SS3 is very effective and eco friendly way of biodeposition of coherent carbonates that enhances the durability of building materials.

Size and shape dependent attachments of Au nanostructures to TiO2 for optimum reactivity of Au–TiO2 photocatalysis

Abstract: This study demonstrated the effects of supported Au nanoparticles of various sizes and shapes on its co-catalytic activity imparted to TiO 2 during photocatalytic oxidation of salicylic acid. The TiO 2 photoactivity is remarkably improved with the decreasing size (9.5 ± 0.06 to 3.5 ± 0.25 nm) and increasing surface to volume (S/V) ratio (0.629–1.95 nm −1 ) of spherical Au co-catalysts loading. The amount of Au (0.02 wt%) nanostructures supported to TiO 2 for its optimum photoreactivity is found to be 100 times less than the conventional prerequisite of 1–2 wt% metal photodeposition. The Au nanorod (aspect ratio = 2.8 ± 0.12 and S/V = 0.54 nm −1 ) attachment to TiO 2 significantly decreased the photoactivity compared with the highly active quantum size (3.5 ± 0.25 nm) Au co-catalysts loading. The interaction of Au nanoparticles of various morphology with TiO 2 induces the photoexcited charge transfer process in varied extent, leading to diverse photocatalytic activity. Zeta potential (surface charge and conductance) measurement of aqueous dispersion of TiO 2 , Au nanoparticles and salicylic acid was carried out to investigate the interaction among the various components in the photoreaction system.

The Role of Parental Math Anxiety and Math Attitude in Their Children’s Math Achievement

Abstract: The present study investigated the antecedents and consequences of children’s math anxiety and math attitude. A total of 595 students aged 10 to 15 years (5th to 10th grades) and 1 parent of each (mother or father) participated in the study. The study was conducted in India, with the study sample drawn from schools in South-West Punjab. Math anxiety of parents and their children was measured using the Mathematics Anxiety Scale Short Version (MARS-SV), the Mathematics Anxiety Scale for Elementary School Students (MARS-E), and the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale for Adolescents (MARS-A). Math attitude was assessed with the Attitude Towards Mathematics Inventory (ATMI). A math achievement test was constructed for each grade level based on their curriculum. Path analyses were conducted to test the suggested conceptual model, and the results indicate that parental math anxiety and math attitude act as precursors to their children’s math anxiety and math attitude and further influence the math achievement of their children.