JOURNAL PAPERS:

1. Butti, R., Kapse, P., Bhadauriya, G., Ahmad, S., Chaubal, R., Parab, P., Kadam, R., Mahapatra, S. S., Shet, T., Dutt, A., Gupta, S., & Kundu, G. C. (2023). Development and characterization of a patient‑derived orthotopic xenograft of therapy‑resistant breast cancer. Oncology reports, 49(5), 99. https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2023.8536

Abstract

Numerous years of cell line‑based studies have enhanced the current understanding of cancer and its treatment. However, limited success has been achieved in treating hormone receptor‑positive, HER2‑negative metastatic breast cancers that are refractory to treatment. The majority of cancer cell lines are unsuitable for use as pre‑clinical models that mimic this critical and often fatal clinical type, since they are derived from treatment‑naive or non‑metastatic breast cancer cases. The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize patient‑derived orthotopic xenografts (PDOXs) from patients with endocrine hormone receptor‑positive, HER2‑negative metastatic breast cancer who had relapsed on therapy. A patient who progressed on endocrine hormone therapy provided her tumor via a biobank. This tumor was implanted in mice. It was then serially passaged by implanting PDOX tumor fragments into another set of mice to develop further generations of PDOXs. These tissues were characterized using various histological and biochemical techniques. Histological, immunofluorescence and western blot analyses indicated that the PDOX tumors retained a similar morphology, histology and subtype‑specific molecular features to that of the patient’s tumor. The present study successfully established PDOXs of hormone‑resistant breast cancer and characterized them in comparison with those derived from the original breast cancer tissue of the patient. The data highlight the reliability and usefulness of PDOX models for studies of biomarker discovery and preclinical drug screening. The present study was registered with the clinical trial registry of India (CTRI; registration no. CTRI/2017/11/010553; registered on 17/11/2017).

2. Lavudi, K., Harika, G. V. S., Thirunavukarasou, A., Govindarajan, G., Patnaik, S., Golla, N., Kotakadi, V. S., Penchalaneni, J. (2023). Green Synthesis of Tecoma stans Flower and Leaf Extracts: Characterization and Anti-Proliferative Activity in Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines. (2022). Letters in Applied NanoBioScience, 12(3), 61. https://doi.org/10.33263/lianbs123.061

Abstract

Since times immemorial, many plant species have been utilized to cure severe diseases. A wide range of diversification has been observed in various medicinal plants, which are indeed able to cure several deadly diseases. The presence of secondary metabolites is a high priority for their medicinal characteristics. This study focused on T. stans (Yellow bells), a shrub that grows profoundly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Although many studies have been done on the medicinal value of this plant, not much has been done on cancer treatment and nanomedicine. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles are an eco-friendly approach to delivering the drug to the target size. Nano appearance is an add-on advantage of these compounds. Hence, it is emerging in medicine. Colorectal cancer is the fourth deadliest one globally. Hence the synthesized silver nanoparticles of T. stans flower and leaf extracts showed cytotoxically and wound healing properties on colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT 116 and SW 480). Synthesis of silver nanoparticles confirmation is done by Ultra Violet Visible spectrophotometry and Particle size analyzer. All the results showcase the beneficial effects of silver nanoparticles synthesized plant extracts and may be used as a novel medicine in the field of chemotherapy.

3. Sinha, A., Vaggu, R. G., Swain, R., & Patnaik, S. (2023). Repurposing of RAS-Pathway Mediated Drugs for Intestinal Inflammation Related Diseases for Treating SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Current Microbiology, 80(6). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-023-03304-1

Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging zoonotic virus, which causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Entry of coronaviruses into the cell depends on binding of the viral spike (S) proteins to cellular receptors Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The virus-mediated reduction of ACE2/Ang1-7 causes flooding of inflammatory cytokines. A similar scenario of hyper immunologic reaction has been witnessed in the context of Intestinal Inflammatory Diseases (IIDs) with the deregulation of ACE2. This review summarizes several IIDs that lead to such susceptible conditions. It discusses suitable mechanisms of how ACE2, being a crucial regulator of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) signaling pathway, can affect the physiology of intestine as well as lungs, the primary site of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ACE2, as a SARS-CoV-2 receptor, establishes a critical link between COVID-19 and IIDs. Intercessional studies targeting the RAS signaling pathway in patients may provide a novel strategy for addressing the COVID-19 crisis. Hence, the modulation of these key RAS pathway members can be beneficial in both instances. However, it’s difficult to say how beneficial are the ACE inhibitors (ACEI)/ Angiotensin II type-1 receptor blockers (ARBs) during COVID-19. As a result, much more research is needed to better understand the relationship between the RAS and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

4.  Esmaeilniakooshkghazi, A., Pham, E., George, S. P., Ahrorov, A., Villagomez, F. R., Byington, M., Mukhopadhyay, S., Patnaik, S., Conrad, J. C., Naik, M., Ravi, S., Tebbutt, N., Mooi, J., Reehorst, C. M., Mariadason, J. M., & Khurana, S. (2023). In colon cancer cells fascin1 regulates adherens junction remodeling. The FASEB Journal, 37(3). https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202201454r

Abstract

Adherens junctions (AJs) are a defining feature of all epithelial cells. They regulate epithelial tissue architecture and integrity, and their dysregulation is a key step in tumor metastasis. AJ remodeling is crucial for cancer progression, and it plays a key role in tumor cell survival, growth, and dissemination. Few studies have examined AJ remodeling in cancer cells consequently, it remains poorly understood and unleveraged in the treatment of metastatic carcinomas. Fascin1 is an actin-bundling protein that is absent from the normal epithelium but its expression in colon cancer is linked to metastasis and increased mortality. Here, we provide the molecular mechanism of AJ remodeling in colon cancer cells and identify for the first time, fascin1’s function in AJ remodeling. We show that in colon cancer cells fascin1 remodels junctional actin and actomyosin contractility which makes AJs less stable but more dynamic. By remodeling AJs fascin1 drives mechanoactivation of WNT/β-catenin signaling and generates “collective plasticity” which influences the behavior of cells during cell migration. The impact of mechanical inputs on WNT/β-catenin activation in cancer cells remains poorly understood. Our findings highlight the role of AJ remodeling and mechanosensitive WNT/β-catenin signaling in the growth and dissemination of colorectal carcinomas. © 2023 The Authors. The FASEB Journal published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

5. Mahapatra, S. R., Dey, J., Raj, T. K., Misra, N., & Suar, M. (2023). Designing a Next-Generation Multiepitope-Based Vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus Using Reverse Vaccinology Approaches. Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 12(3), 376. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030376

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a human bacterial pathogen that can cause a wide range of symptoms. As virulent and multi-drug-resistant strains of S. aureus have evolved, invasive S. aureus infections in hospitals and the community have become one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. The development of novel techniques is therefore necessary to overcome this bacterial infection. Vaccines are an appropriate alternative in this context to control infections. In this study, the collagen-binding protein (CnBP) from S. aureus was chosen as the target antigen, and a series of computational methods were used to find epitopes that may be used in vaccine development in a systematic way. The epitopes were passed through a filtering pipeline that included antigenicity, toxicity, allergenicity, and cytokine inducibility testing, with the objective of identifying epitopes capable of eliciting both T and B cell-mediated immune responses. To improve vaccine immunogenicity, the final epitopes and phenol-soluble modulin α4 adjuvant were fused together using appropriate linkers; as a consequence, a multiepitope vaccine was developed. The chosen T cell epitope ensemble is expected to cover 99.14% of the global human population. Furthermore, docking and dynamics simulations were used to examine the vaccine’s interaction with the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), revealing great affinity, consistency, and stability between the two. Overall, the data indicate that the vaccine candidate may be extremely successful, and it will need to be evaluated in experimental systems to confirm its efficiency.

6. Bose, S., Singh, D. V., Adhya, T. K., & Acharya, N. (2023). Escherichia coli, but Not Staphylococcus aureus, Functions as a Chelating Agent That Exhibits Antifungal Activity against the Pathogenic Yeast Candida albicans. Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland), 9(3), 286. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9030286

Abstract

Humans are colonized by diverse populations of microbes. Infections by Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, are a result of imbalances in the gut microbial ecosystem and are due to the suppressed immunity of the host. Here, we explored the potential effects of the polymicrobial interactions of C. albicans with Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium, and Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative bacterium, in dual and triple in vitro culture systems on their respective growth, morphology, and biofilms. We found that S. aureus promoted the fungal growth and hyphal transition of C. albicans through cell-to-cell contacts; contrarily, both the cell and cell-free culture filtrate of E. coli inhibited fungal growth. A yet to be identified secretory metabolite of E. coli functionally mimicked EDTA and EGTA to exhibit antifungal activity. These findings suggested that E. coli, but not S. aureus, functions as a chelating agent and that E. coli plays a dominant role in regulating excessive growth and, potentially, the commensalism of C. albicans. Using animal models of systemic candidiasis, we found that the E. coli cell-free filtrate suppressed the virulence of C. albicans. In general, this study unraveled a significant antimicrobial activity and a potential role in the nutritional immunity of E. coli, and further determining the underlying processes behind the E. coli-C. albicans interaction could provide critical information in understanding the pathogenicity of C. albicans.

7. Das, M., Sethy, C., Kundu, C. N., & Tripathy, J. (2023). Synergetic reinforcing effect of graphene oxide and nanosilver on carboxymethyl cellulose/sodium alginate nanocomposite films: Assessment of physicochemical and antibacterial properties. International journal of biological macromolecules, 239, 124185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124185

Abstract

Incorporating single or combined nanofillers in polymeric matrices is a promising approach for developing antimicrobial materials for applications in wound healing and packaging etc. This study reports a facile fabrication of antimicrobial nanocomposite films using biocompatible polymers sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and sodium alginate (SA) reinforced with nanosilver (Ag) and graphene oxide (GO) using the solvent casting approach. Eco-friendly synthesis of Ag nanoparticles within a size range of 20-30 nm was carried out within the polymeric solution. GO was introduced into the CMC/SA/Ag solution in different weight percentages. The films were characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, Raman, XRD, FE-SEM, EDAX, and TEM. The results indicated the enhanced thermal and mechanical performance of CMC/SA/Ag-GO nanocomposites with increased GO weight %. The antibacterial efficacy of the fabricated films was evaluated on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The CMC/SA/Ag-GO2% nanocomposite exhibited the highest zone of inhibition of 21.30 ± 0.70 mm against E. coli and 18.00 ± 1.00 mm against S. aureus. The CMC/SA/Ag-GO nanocomposites exhibited excellent antibacterial activity as compared to CMC/SA and CMC/SA-Ag due to the synergetic bacterial growth inhibition activities of the GO and Ag. The cytotoxic activity of the prepared nanocomposite films was also assessed to investigate their biocompatibility.

8. Chakraborthy, M., & Rao, A. (2023). A Feedback Loop between TGF-β1 and ATG5 Mediated by miR-122-5p Regulates Fibrosis and EMT in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Current issues in molecular biology, 45(3), 2381–2392. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45030154

Abstract

Autophagy is a cell’s evolutionary conserved process for degrading and recycling cellular proteins and removing damaged organelles. There has been an increasing interest in identifying the basic cellular mechanism of autophagy and its implications in health and illness during the last decade. Many proteinopathies such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease are reported to be associated with impaired autophagy. The functional significance of autophagy in exfoliation syndrome/exfoliation glaucoma (XFS/XFG), remains unknown though it is presumed to be impaired autophagy to be responsible for the aggregopathy characteristic of this disease. In the current study we have shown that autophagy or ATG5 is enhanced in response to TGF-β1 in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells and TGF-β1 induced autophagy is necessary for increased expression of profibrotic proteins and epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT) through Smad3 that lead to aggregopathy. Inhibition of ATG5 by siRNA mediated knockdown reduced profibrotic and EMT markers and increased protein aggregates in the presence of TGF-β1 stimulation. The miR-122-5p, which was increased upon TGF exposure, was also reduced upon ATG5 inhibition. We thus conclude that TGF-β1 induces autophagy in primary HTM cells and a positive feedback loop exists between TGF-β1 and ATG5 that regulated TGF downstream effects mainly mediated by Smad3 signaling with miR-122-5p also playing a role.

9. Behera, A., Biswas, M., Ergün, S., Karnati, S., & Sonawane, A. (2023). Detection of Peroxisomal Proteins During Mycobacterial Infection. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.), 2643, 123–134. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-3048-8_9

Abstract

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous organelles with essential roles in lipid and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. They are involved in modulating the immune responses during microbial infection, thus having major impact on several bacterial and viral infectious diseases including tuberculosis. Intracellular pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) employ various strategies to suppress the host oxidative stress mechanisms to avoid killing by the host. Peroxisome-mediated ROS balance is crucial for innate immune responses to M. tb. Therefore, peroxisomes represent promising targets for host-directed therapeutics to tuberculosis. Here, we present protocols used in our laboratory for the culture of M. tb and detection of peroxisomal proteins in M. tb infected macrophages.

10. Charles, S., Edgar, M. P., & Mahapatra, R. K. (2023). Artificial intelligence based virtual screening study for competitive and allosteric inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/07391102.2023.2188419

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious and dangerous coronavirus that first appeared in late 2019 causing COVID-19, a pandemic of acute respiratory illnesses that is still a threat to health and the general public safety. We performed deep docking studies of 800 M unique compounds in both the active and allosteric sites of the SARS-COV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) and the 15 M and 13 M virtual hits obtained were further taken for conventional docking and molecular dynamic (MD) studies. The best XP Glide docking scores obtained were -14.242 and -12.059 kcal/mol by CHEMBL591669 and the highest binding affinities were -10.5 kcal/mol (from 444215) and -11.2 kcal/mol (from NPC95421) for active and allosteric sites, respectively. Some hits can bind both sites making them a great area of concern. Re-docking of 8 random allosteric complexes in the active site shows a significant reduction in docking scores with a t-test P value of 2.532 × 10-11 at 95% confidence. Some specific interactions have higher elevations in docking scores. MD studies on 15 complexes show that single-ligand systems are stable as compared to double-ligand systems, and the allosteric binders identified are shown to modulate the active site binding as evidenced by the changes in the interaction patterns and stability of ligands and active site residues. When an allosteric complex was docked to the second monomer to check for homodimer formation, the validated homodimer could not be re-established, further supporting the potential of the identified allosteric binders. These findings could be important in developing novel therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

11. Dash, S. R., Das, B., Das, C., Sinha, S., Paul, S., Pradhan, R., & Kundu, C. N. (2023). Near-infrared enhances antiangiogenic potentiality of quinacrine-gold hybrid nanoparticles in breast cancer stem cells via deregulation of HSP-70/TGF-β. Nanomedicine (London, England), 10.2217/nnm-2022-0243. https://doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2022-0243

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to explore the antiangiogenic mechanism of quinacrine-gold hybrid nanoparticle (QAuNP) and near-infrared (NIR) radiation in patient-derived primary breast cancer stem cells. Materials & methods: Various cell-based in ovo angiogenesis and in vivo patient-derived xenograft mouse systems were used as models for the study. Results: The experimental results showed that QAuNP + NIR treatment deregulated the HSP-70/TGF-β physical interaction in primary breast cancer stem cells. Reduced TGF-β secretion in the tumor microenvironment inhibited angiogenesis activation in endothelial cells by deregulating the TGF-β-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade. Conclusion: This study revealed that QAuNP + NIR irradiation downregulated HSP-70 expression, inhibited the HSP-70/TGF-β interaction, reduced the secretion of TGF-β in the tumor microenvironment and ultimately inhibited TGF-β-mediated angiogenesis.

12. Kumari, K., Behera, H. T., Nayak, P. P., Sinha, A., Nandi, A., Ghosh, A., Saha, U., Suar, M., Panda, P. K., Verma, S. K., & Raina, V. (2023). Amelioration of lipopeptide biosurfactants for enhanced antibacterial and biocompatibility through molecular antioxidant property by methoxy and carboxyl moieties. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, 161, 114493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114493

Abstract

Biosurfactants having surface-active biomolecules have been the cynosure in environment research due to their vast application. However, the lack of information about their low-cost production and detailed mechanistic biocompatibility limits the applicability. The study explores techniques for the production and design of low-cost, biodegradable, and non-toxic biosurfactants from Brevibacterium casei strain LS14 and excavates the mechanistic details of their biomedical properties like antibacterial effects and biocompatibility. Taguchi’s design of experiment was used to optimize for enhancing biosurfactant production by optimal factor combinations like Waste glycerol (1%v/v), peptone (1%w/v), NaCl 0.4% (w/v), and pH 6. Under optimal conditions, the purified biosurfactant reduced the surface tension to 35 mN/m from 72.8 mN/m (MSM) and a critical micelle concentration of 25 mg/ml was achieved. Spectroscopic analyses of the purified biosurfactant using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance suggested it as a lipopeptide biosurfactant. The evaluation of mechanistic antibacterial, antiradical, antiproliferative, and cellular effects indicated the efficient antibacterial activity (against Pseudomonas aeruginosa) of biosurfactants due to free radical scavenging activity and oxidative stress. Moreover, the cellular cytotoxicity was estimated by MTT and other cellular assays revealing the phenomenon as the dose-dependent induction of apoptosis due to free radical scavenging with an LC50 of 55.6 ± 2.3 mg/ml.

13. Subhadra, S., Sreenivasulu, D., Pattnaik, R., Panda, B. K., & Kumar, S. (2023). Bluetongue virus: Past, present, and future scope. Journal of infection in developing countries, 17(2), 147–156. https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.16947

Abstract

Bluetongue (BT), once considered a disease of sheep confined to the southern African region, has spread all over the world. BT is a viral disease caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV). BT is regarded as an economically important disease in ruminants of compulsory notification to OIE. BTV is transmitted by the bite of Culicoides species. Research over the years has led to a better understanding of the disease, the nature of the virus life cycle between ruminants and Culicoides species, and its distribution in different geographical regions. Advances have also been made in understanding the molecular structure and function of the virus, the biology of the Culicoides species, its ability to transmit the disease, and the persistence of the virus inside the Culicoides and the mammalian hosts. Global climate change has enabled the colonization of new habitats and the spread of the virus into additional species of the Culicoides vector. This review highlights some of the current findings on the status of BT in the world based on the latest research on disease aspects, virus-host-vector interactions, and the different diagnostic approaches and control strategies available for BTV.

14. Sarangi, P. K., Mishra, S., Mohanty, P., Singh, P. K., Srivastava, R. K., Pattnaik, R., Adhya, T. K., Das, T., Lenka, B., Gupta, V. K., Sharma, M., & Sahoo, U. K. (2023). Food and fruit waste valorisation for pectin recovery: Recent process technologies and future prospects. International journal of biological macromolecules, 235, 123929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123929

Abstract

Pectin possesses a dual property of resistance and flexibility and thus has diverse commercial value which has generated research interest on this versatile biopolymer. Formulated products using pectin could be useful in food, pharma, foam, plasticiser and paper substitute industries. Pectin is structurally tailor-made for greater bioactivity and diverse applications. Sustainable biorefinery leaves greener footprints while producing high-value bioproducts like pectin. The essential oils and polyphenols obtained as byproducts from a pectin-based biorefinery are useful in cosmetics, toiletries and fragrance industries. Pectin can be extracted from organic sources following eco-friendly strategies, and the extraction techniques, structural alterations and the applications are continually being upgraded and standardized. Pectin has great applications in diverse areas, and its green synthesis is a welcome development. In future, growing industrial application of pectin is anticipated as research orients on biopolymers, biotechnologies and renewable source-based processes. As the world is gradually adopting greener strategies in sync with the global sustainable development goal, active involvement of policy makers and public participation are prime. Governance and policy framing are essential in the transition of the world economy towards circularity since green circular bioeconomy is ill-understood among the public in general and within the administrative circles in particular. Concerted efforts by researchers, investors, innovators, and policy and decision makers to integrate biorefinery technologies as loops within loop of biological structures and bioprocesses is suggested. The review focusses on generation of the different nature of food wastes including fruits and vegetables with cauterization of their components. It discusses the innovative extraction and biotransformation approaches for these waste conversions into value-added products at cost-effective and eco-friendly way. This article compiles numerous effective and efficient and green way pectin extraction techniques with their advantages with varying success in an integrated manner.

15. Chakraborty, A., Roy, S., Hande, M. P., & Banerjee, B. (2023). Telomere attrition and genomic instability in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss in humans: A preliminary study. Mutation research. Genetic toxicology and environmental mutagenesis, 886, 503580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mrgentox.2022.503580

Abstract

Genome instability is defined as an elevated rate of DNA damage and mutations as a result of exposure to potential direct and indirect mutagens. This current investigation was designed to elucidate the genomic instability among couples experiencing unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (uRPL). A cohort of 1272 individuals with history of unexplained RPL with normal karyotype was retrospectively screened for levels of intracellular ROS production, baseline genomic instability and telomere functionality. The experimental outcome was compared with 728 fertile control individuals. In this study, it was perceived that individuals with uRPL exhibited higher intracellular oxidative stress, along with higher basal levels of genomic instability as compared with the fertile controls. This observation elucidates the role of genomic instability as well as involvement of telomeres in cases of uRPL. It was also observed that higher oxidative stress might be associated with DNA damage and telomere dysfunction resulting in genomic instability among subjects with unexplained RPL. This study highlighted the assessment of genomic instability status in individuals experiencing uRPL.

16. Sarkar, K., Dutta, K., Chatterjee, A., Sarkar, J., Das, D., Prasad, A., Chattopadhyay, D., Acharya, K., Das, M., Verma, S. K., & De, S. (2023). Nanotherapeutic potential of antibacterial folic acid-functionalized nanoceria for wound-healing applications. Nanomedicine (London, England), 10.2217/nnm-2022-0233. https://doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2022-0233

Abstract:

Aim: The functionalization and characterization of antibacterial nanoceria with folic acid (FA) and elucidation of their in vivo wound healing application. Materials & methods: Functionalization of nanoceria were done with FA using a chemical method and their antibacterial activity, cellular biocompatibility and in vivo wound healing application were evaluated. Results: The functionalization of nanoceria with FA was done with 10 to 20 nm size and -20.1 mV zeta potential. The nanoformulation showed a bacteriostatic effect along with biocompatibility to different cell lines; 0.1% w/v spray of FA-nanoceria demonstrated excellent wound healing capacity within 14 days in a Wister rat model. Conclusion: The antioxidant and reactive oxygen species scavenging activity of the FA-nanoceria make it a promising therapeutic agent as a unique spray formulation in wound healing applications.

17. Kumari, K., Nandi, A., Sinha, A., Ghosh, A., Sengupta, S., Saha, U., Singh, P. K., Panda, P. K., Raina, V., & Verma, S. K. (2023). The paradigm of prophylactic viral outbreaks measures by microbial biosurfactants. Journal of infection and public health, 16(4), 575–587. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2023.02.016

Abstract

The recent emergence and outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed the incompetence of countries across the world to deal with a global public health emergency. Although the recent advent of vaccines is an important prophylactic measure, effective clinical therapy for SARS-Cov-2 is yet to be discovered. With the increasing mortality rate, research has been focused on understanding the pathogenic mechanism and clinical parameters to comprehend COVID-19 infection and propose new avenues for naturally occurring molecules with novel therapeutic properties to alleviate the current situation. In accordance with recent clinical studies and SARS-CoV-2 infection markers, cytokine storm and oxidative stress are entwined pathogenic processes in COVID-19 progression. Lately, Biosurfactants (BSs) have been studied as one of the most advanced biomolecules of microbial origin with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral properties, antiadhesive, and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, this review inspects available literature and proposes biosurfactants with these properties to be encouraged for their extensive study in dealing with the current pandemic as new pharmaceutics in the prevention and control of viral spread, treating the symptoms developed after the incubation period through different therapeutic approaches and playing a potential drug delivery model.

18. Mandal, D., Lohan, S., Sajid, M. I., Alhazza, A., Tiwari, R. K., Parang, K., & Montazeri Aliabadi, H. (2023). Modified Linear Peptides Effectively Silence STAT-3 in Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines. Pharmaceutics, 15(2), 666. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15020666

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) has drawn enormous attention as a powerful tool because of its capability to interfere with mRNA and protein production. However, designing a safe and efficient delivery system in RNAi therapeutics remains challenging. Herein, we have designed and synthesized several linear peptides containing tryptophan (W) and arginine (R) residues separated by the β-alanine (βA) spacer and attached to a lipophilic fatty acyl chain, cholesterol, or PEG. The peptide backbone sequences were: Ac-C-βA-βA-W4-βA-βA-R4-CO-NH2 and Ac-K-βA-βA-W4-βA-βA-R4-CO-NH2, with only a difference in N-terminal amino acid. The cysteine side chain in the first sequence was used for the conjugation with PEG2000 and PEG550. Alternatively, the side chain of lysine in the second sequence was used for conjugation with cholesterol or oleic acid. We hypothesized that amphiphilic peptides and optimum fatty acyl chain or PEG could function as an effective siRNA carrier by complementing each structural component’s self-assembly and membrane internalization properties. None of the designed peptides showed cytotoxicity up to 10 µM. Serum stability studies suggested that the newly designed peptides efficiently protected siRNA against early degradation by nucleases. Flow cytometry analysis indicated 50-90% cellular uptake of siRNA using the newly developed modified linear peptides (MLPs). Western blot results revealed more than 90% protein downregulation after targeting STAT3 in MDA-MB-231 and SKOV-3 cell lines. In summary, a new peptide class was developed to safely and efficiently deliver siRNA.

19. Basu, J., Madhulika, S., Murmu, K. C., Mohanty, S., Samal, P., Das, A., Mahapatra, S., Saha, S., Sinha, I., & Prasad, P. (2023). Molecular and epigenetic alterations in normal and malignant myelopoiesis in human leukemia 60 (HL60) promyelocytic cell line model. Frontiers in cell and developmental biology, 11, 1060537. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2023.1060537

Abstract

In vitro cell line model systems are essential in supporting the research community due to their low cost, uniform culturing conditions, homogeneous biological resources, and easy experimental design to study the cause and effect of a gene or a molecule. Human leukemia 60 (HL60) is an in-vitro hematopoietic model system that has been used for decades to study normal myeloid differentiation and leukemia biology. Here, we show that IMDM supplemented with 20% FBS is an optimal culturing condition and induces effective myeloid differentiation compared with RPMI supplemented with 10% FBS when HL60 is induced with 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (Vit D3) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). The chromatin organization is compacted, and the repressive epigenetic mark H3K27me3 is enhanced upon HL60-mediated terminal differentiation. Differential gene expression analysis obtained from RNA sequencing in HL60 cells during myeloid differentiation showed the induction of pathways involved in epigenetic regulation, myeloid differentiation, and immune regulation. Using high-throughput transcriptomic data (GSE74246), we show the similarities (genes that did not satisfy |log2FC|>1 and FDR<0.05) and differences (FDR <0.05 and |log2FC|>1) between granulocyte-monocyte progenitor vs HL60 cells, Vit D3 induced monocytes (vMono) in HL60 cells vs primary monocytes (pMono), and HL60 cells vs leukemic blasts at the transcriptomic level. We found striking similarities in biological pathways between these comparisons, suggesting that the HL60 model system can be effectively used for studying myeloid differentiation and leukemic aberrations. The differences obtained could be attributed to the fact that the cellular programs of the leukemic cell line and primary cells are different. We validated several gene expression patterns for different comparisons with CD34+ cells derived from cord blood for myeloid differentiation and AML patients. In addition to the current knowledge, our study further reveals the significance of using HL60 cells as in vitro model system under optimal conditions to understand its potential as normal myeloid differentiation model as well as leukemic model at the molecular level.

20. Singh, A., Muduli, C., Senanayak, S. P., & Goswami, L. (2023). Graphite nanopowder incorporated xanthan gum scaffold for effective bone tissue regeneration purposes with improved biomineralization. International journal of biological macromolecules, 234, 123724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123724

Abstract

In the current work, biomaterial composed of Xanthan gum and Diethylene glycol dimethacrylate with impregnation of graphite nanopowder filler in their matrices was fabricated successfully for their potential usage in the engineering of bone defects. Various physicochemical properties associated with the biomaterial were characterized using FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM etc. The biomaterial rheological studies imparted the better notable properties associated with the inclusion of graphite nanopowder. The biomaterial synthesized exhibited a controlled drug release. Adhesion and proliferation of different secondary cell lines do not generate ROS on the current biomaterial and thus show its biocompatibility and non-toxic nature. The synthesized biomaterial’s osteogenic potential on SaOS-2 cells was supported by increased ALP activity, enhanced differentiation and biomineralization under osteoinductive circumstances. The current biomaterial demonstrates that in addition to the drug-delivery applications, it can also be a cost-effective substrate for cellular activities and has all the necessary properties to be considered as a promising alternative material suitable for repairing and restoring bone tissues. We propose that this biomaterial may have commercial importance in the biomedical field.

21. Patel, P., Nandi, A., Verma, S. K., Kaushik, N., Suar, M., Choi, E. H., & Kaushik, N. K. (2023). Zebrafish-based platform for emerging bio-contaminants and virus inactivation research. The Science of the total environment, 872, 162197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162197

Abstract

Emerging bio-contaminants such as viruses have affected health and environment settings of every country. Viruses are the minuscule entities resulting in severe contagious diseases like SARS, MERS, Ebola, and avian influenza. Recent epidemic like the SARS-CoV-2, the virus has undergone mutations strengthen them and allowing to escape from the remedies. Comprehensive knowledge of viruses is essential for the development of targeted therapeutic and vaccination treatments. Animal models mimicking human biology like non-human primates, rats, mice, and rabbits offer competitive advantage to assess risk of viral infections, chemical toxins, nanoparticles, and microbes. However, their economic maintenance has always been an issue. Furthermore, the redundancy of experimental results due to aforementioned aspects is also in examine. Hence, exploration for the alternative animal models is crucial for risk assessments. The current review examines zebrafish traits and explores the possibilities to monitor emerging bio-contaminants. Additionally, a comprehensive picture of the bio contaminant and virus particle invasion and abatement mechanisms in zebrafish and human cells is presented. Moreover, a zebrafish model to investigate the emerging viruses such as coronaviridae and poxviridae has been suggested.

22. Samanta, I., Roy, P. C., Das, E., Mishra, S., & Chowdhary, G. (2023). Plant Peroxisomal Polyamine Oxidase: A Ubiquitous Enzyme Involved in Abiotic Stress Tolerance. Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 12(3), 652. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030652

Abstract

Polyamines (PAs) are positively charged amines that are present in all organisms. In addition to their functions specific to growth and development, they are involved in responding to various biotic and abiotic stress tolerance functions. The appropriate concentration of PA in the cell is maintained by a delicate balance between the catabolism and anabolism of PAs, which is primarily driven by two enzymes, namely diamine oxidase and polyamine oxidase (PAO). PAOs have been found to be localized in multiple subcellular locations, including peroxisomes. This paper presents a holistic account of peroxisomal PAOs. PAOs are flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent enzymes with varying degrees of substrate specificity. They are expressed differentially upon various abiotic stress conditions, namely heat, cold, salinity, and dehydration. It has also been observed that in a particular species, the various PAO isoforms are expressed differentially with a spatial and temporal distinction. PAOs are targeted to peroxisome via a peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS) type 1. We conducted an extensive bioinformatics analysis of PTS1s present in various peroxisomal PAOs and present a consensus peroxisome targeting signal present in PAOs. Furthermore, we also propose an evolutionary perspective of peroxisomal PAOs. PAOs localized in plant peroxisomes are of potential importance in abiotic stress tolerance since peroxisomes are one of the nodal centers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and an increase in ROS is a major indicator of the plant being in stress conditions; hence, in the future, PAO enzymes could be used as a key candidate for generating abiotic stress tolerant crops.

23. Kumar Panda, R., Darshana Patra, S., Kumar Mohakud, N., Ranjan Sahu, B., Ghosh, M., Misra, N., & Suar, M. (2023). Draft genome of clinical isolate Salmonella enterica Typhimurium ms204 from Odisha, India, reveals multi drug resistance and decreased virulent gene expression. Gene, 863, 147248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2023.147248

Abstract

Salmonellosis, a food-borne illnesses caused by enteropathogenic bacterium Salmonella spp., is a continuous concern in both developed and developing countries. This study was carried out to perform an in-depth examination of an MDR Salmonella strain isolated from gastroenteritis patients in Odisha, India, in order to understand the genomic architecture, distribution of pathogenic island regions, and virulence factor diversity. Fecal samples were obtained from individuals with acute gastroenteritis and further subjected to panel of biochemical tests. The IlluminaHiSeq X sequencer system was used to generate whole-genome sequencing. The draft genome was submitted to gene prediction and annotation using RAST annotation system. Pathogenicity Island database and bioinformatics pipeline were used to find Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPI) from the built scaffold. The gene expression in SPI1 and SPI2 encoded regions was investigated using qRT-PCR. The taxonomic position of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium was validated by serotype analysis and 16S rRNA based phylogenetic analysis. The de-novo genome assembly showed total length of 5,034,110 bp and produced 37 contigs. There are nine prophage areas, comprising of 12 regions and scaffold 8 contained a single plasmid, IncFIB. The isolate contains six known SPI genes content which was shown to be largely conserved from SPI1 to SPI2. We identified the sit ABCD cluster regulatory cascade and acquired antibiotic resistance genes in S. enterica Typhimurium ms204. Further research may aid in the correct diagnosis and monitoring of MDR Salmonella strains with a variety of physiological activities.

24. Dash, S. R., & Kundu, C. N. (2023). Cancer-induced pain management by nanotechnology-based approach. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology, 10.2174/1389201024666230123150856. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201024666230123150856

Abstract

Cancer patients frequently report experiencing pain as one of their symptoms. Cancerrelated pain is often caused by the tumor itself, especially when the tumor is pressing on nerves. In addition to the pain caused by the tumor itself, patients also experience discomfort from the treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and the diagnostic procedures. The majority of today’s pain therapies rely on opioid analgesics, which have not been shown to be effective. The adverse effects of opioids and their addictive properties call for the development of innovative treatment techniques. Nanotechnology offers answers to the issues raised above, which are related to the utilization of more conventional modes of therapy. These nanotechnology-based nanotherapeutics reduce the systemic toxicity, offering outstanding selectiveness and prolonged release of the analgesic drugs at the target site. Thus, these reduce cancer-induced pain in the patients. In this article, we will explain the mechanism behind the most common types of pain that are caused by cancer, including neuropathic, somatic, and visceral pain. In addition, a comprehensive discussion is held on the use of various nanotherapeutics as analgesic drug carriers, as well as on their impacts and the potential opportunities that lie ahead in the field of cancer pain treatment.

25. Jaiswal, K. S., Malka, O., Shauloff, N., Bersudsky, M., Voronov, E., Gupta, B., & Jelinek, R. (2023). Genistein carbon dots exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 223, 113173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113173

Abstract

Genistein, an isoflavone from soybean, has attracted attention due to its health benefits, particularly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Clinical applications of genistein, however, have been limited due to the considerable hydrophobicity and lower bioavailability of the molecule. In this study, carbon dots (C-dots) synthesized from genistein as the carbonaceous precursor exhibit antioxidant properties in test-tube and cell experiments. Anti-inflammatory activity of the genistein-C-dots was also recorded in LPS stimulated macrophages, manifested in inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and enhancement anti-inflammatory cytokine expression. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the genistein-C-dots, particularly in comparison to the parent genistein molecules, likely account to the display of functional genistein residues on the C-dots’ surfaces, and low band gap energy facilitating electron scavenging. Importantly, the genistein-C-dots featured biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, underlining their potential as a therapeutic vehicle against inflammatory conditions.

26. Chatterjee, R., Mahapatra, S. R., Dey, J., Raj Takur, K., Raina, V., Misra, N., & Suar, M. (2023). An immunoinformatics and structural vaccinology study to design a multi-epitope vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus infection. Journal of molecular recognition: JMR, 36(4), e3007. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmr.3007

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus has been widely reported to be majorly responsible for causing nosocomial infections worldwide. Due to an increase in antibiotic-resistant strains, the development of an effective vaccine against the bacteria is the most viable alternative. Therefore, in the current work, an effort has been undertaken to develop a novel peptide-based vaccine construct against S aureus that can potentially evoke the B and T cell immune responses. The fibronectin-binding proteins are an attractive target as they play a prominent role in bacterial adherence and host cell invasion and are also well conserved among rapidly mutating pathogens. Therefore, highly immunogenic linear B lymphocytes (LBL), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), and helper T lymphocytes (HTL) epitopes were identified from the antigenic fibronectin-binding proteins A and B (FnBPA and FnBPB) of S aureus using immunoinformatics approaches. The selected peptides were confirmed to be non-allergenic, non-toxic, and with a high binding affinity to the majority of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) alleles. Consequently, the multi-peptide vaccine construct was developed by fusing the screened epitopes (three LBL, five CTL, and two HTL) together with the suitable adjuvant and linkers. In addition, the tertiary conformation of the peptide construct was modeled and later docked to the Toll-like receptor 2. Subsequently, a molecular dynamics simulation of 100 ns was employed to corroborate the stability of the designed vaccine-receptor complex. Besides exhibiting high immunogenicity and conformational stability, the developed vaccine was observed to possess wide population coverage of 99.51% worldwide. Additional in vivo and in vitro validation studies would certainly corroborate the designed vaccine construct to have improved prophylactic efficacy against S aureus.

27. Kode, J., Maharana, J., Dar, A. A., Mukherjee, S., Gadewal, N., Sigalapalli, D. K., Kumar, S., Panda, D., Ghosh, S., Keshry, S. S., Mamidi, P., Chattopadhyay, S., Pradhan, T., Kailaje, V., Inamdar, S., & Gujjarwar, V. (2023). 6-Shogaol Exhibits Anti-viral and Anti-inflammatory Activity in COVID-19-Associated Inflammation by Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasomes. ACS omega, 8(2), 2618–2628. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c07138

Abstract

Recent global health concern motivated the exploration of natural medicinal plant resources as an alternative target for treating COVID-19 infection and associated inflammation. In the current study, a phytochemical, 6-shogaol [1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)dec-4-en-3-one; 6-SHO] was investigated as a potential anti-inflammatory and anti-COVID-19 agent. In virus release assay, 6-SHO efficiently (94.5%) inhibited SARS-CoV2 replication. When tested in the inflammasome activation model, 6-SHO displayed mechanistic action by regulating the expression of the inflammasome pathway molecules. In comparison to the existing drugs, remdesivir and hydroxy-chloroquine, 6-SHO was not only found to be as effective as the standard anti-viral drugs but also much superior and safe in terms of predicted physicochemical properties and clinical toxicity. Comparative molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated a stable interaction of 6-SHO with NLRP3 (the key inflammasome regulator) in the explicit water environment. Overall, this study provides important cues for further development of 6-SHO as potential anti-inflammatory and anti-viral therapeutic agents.

28. Sinha, A., Bhattacharjee, R., Bhattacharya, B., Nandi, A., Shekhar, R., Jana, A., Saha, K., Kumar, L., Patro, S., Panda, P. K., Kaushik, N. K., Suar, M., & Verma, S. K. (2023). The paradigm of miRNA and siRNA influence in Oral-biome. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, 159, 114269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114269

Abstract

Short nucleotide sequences like miRNA and siRNA have attracted a lot of interest in Oral-biome investigations. miRNA is a small class of non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression to provide effective regulation of post-transcription. On contrary, siRNA is 21-25 nucleotide dsRNA impairing gene function post-transcriptionally through inhibition of mRNA for homologous dependent gene silencing. This review highlights the application of miRNA in oral biome including oral cancer, dental implants, periodontal diseases, gingival fibroblasts, oral submucous fibrosis, radiation-induced oral mucositis, dental Pulp, and oral lichenoid disease. Moreover, we have also discussed the application of siRNA against the aforementioned disease along with the impact of miRNA and siRNA to the various pathways and molecular effectors pertaining to the dental diseases. The influence of upregulation and downregulation of molecular effector post-treatment with miRNA and siRNA and their impact on the clinical setting has been elucidated. Thus, the mentioned details on application of miRNA and siRNA will provide a novel gateway to the scholars to not only mitigate the long-lasting issue in dentistry but also develop new theragnostic approaches.

29. Panda, S., Singh, P. K., Mishra, S., Mitra, S., Pattnaik, P., Adhikary, S. D., & Mohapatra, R. K. (2023). Indian Biosimilars and Vaccines at Crossroads-Replicating the Success of Pharmagenerics. Vaccines, 11(1), 110. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010110

Abstract

The global pharma sector is fast shifting from generics to biologics and biosimilars with the first approval in Europe in 2006 followed by US approval in 2015. In the form of Hepatitis B vaccine, India saw its first recombinant biologics approval in 2000. Around 20% of generic medications and 62% of vaccines are now supplied by the Indian pharmaceutical industry. It is this good position in biologics and biosimilars production that could potentially improve healthcare via decreased treatment cost. India has witnessed large investments in biosimilars over the years. Numerous India-bred new players, e.g., Enzene Biosciences Ltd., are keen on biosimilars and have joined the race alongside the emerging giants, e.g., Biocon and Dr. Reddy’s. A very positive sign was the remarkable disposition during the COVID-19 pandemic by Bharat Biotech and the Serum Institute of India. India’s biopharmaceutical industry has been instrumental in producing and supplying preventives and therapeutics to fight COVID-19. Despite a weak supply chain and workforce pressure, the production was augmented to provide reasonably priced high-quality medications to more than 133 nations. Biosimilars could cost-effectively treat chronic diseases involving expensive conventional therapies, including diabetes, respiratory ailments, cancer, and connective tissue diseases. Biologics and biosimilars have been and are being tested to treat and manage COVID-19 symptoms characterized by inflammation and respiratory distress.

30. Li, C. P., Wu, D. H., Huang, S. H., Meng, M., Shih, H. T., Lai, M. H., Chen, L. J., Jena, K. K., Hechanova, S. L., Ke, T. J., Chiu, T. Y., Tsai, Z. Y., Chen, G. K., Tsai, K. C., & Leu, W. M. (2023). The Bph45 Gene Confers Resistance against Brown Planthopper in Rice by Reducing the Production of Limonene. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(2), 1798. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021798

Abstract

Brown planthopper (BPH), a monophagous phloem feeder, consumes a large amount of photoassimilates in rice and causes wilting. A near-isogenic line ‘TNG71-Bph45’ was developed from the Oryza sativa japonica variety ‘Tainung 71 (TNG71) carrying a dominant BPH-resistance locus derived from Oryza nivara (IRGC 102165) near the centromere of chromosome 4. We compared the NIL (TNG71-Bph45) and the recurrent parent to explore how the Bph45 gene confers BPH resistance. We found that TNG71-Bph45 is less attractive to BPH at least partially because it produces less limonene. Chiral analysis revealed that the major form of limonene in both rice lines was the L-form. However, both L- and D-limonene attracted BPH when applied exogenously to TNG71-Bph45 rice. The transcript amounts of limonene synthase were significantly higher in TNG71 than in TNG71-Bph45 and were induced by BPH infestation only in the former. Introgression of the Bph45 gene into another japonica variety, Tainan 11, also resulted in a low limonene content. Moreover, several dominantly acting BPH resistance genes introduced into the BPH-sensitive IR24 line compromised its limonene-producing ability and concurrently decreased its attractiveness to BPH. These observations suggest that reducing limonene production may be a common resistance strategy against BPH in rice.

31. Bhal, S., & Kundu, C. N. (2023). Targeting crosstalk of signaling pathways in cancer stem cells: a promising approach for development of novel anti-cancer therapeutics. Medical oncology (Northwood, London, England), 40(2), 82. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-022-01905-7

Abstract

Wnt, Hedgehog (Hh), and Notch signaling pathways are the evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways that regulate the embryonic development and also play crucial role in maintaining stemness properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and angiogenesis. It has been highly challenging to inhibit the CSCs growth and proliferation as these are capable of evading chemotherapeutic drugs and cause cancer recurrence through multiple signaling pathways. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies to target the key players involved in the crosstalk of these signaling pathways need to be developed. In this review, we have identified the interacting molecules of Wnt, Hh, and Notch pathways responsible for enhancing the malignant properties of CSCs. Analyzing the functions of these crosstalk molecules will help us to find an approach toward the development of new anti-cancer drugs for inhibition of CSCs growth and progression. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play a significant role in various cellular processes, like chromatin remodeling, epigenetic modifications, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulations. Here, we have highlighted the research findings suggesting the involvement of LncRNAs in maintenance of the stemness properties of CSCs through modulation of the above-mentioned signaling pathways. We have also discussed about the different therapeutic approaches targeting those key players responsible for mediating the crosstalk between the pathways. Overall, this review article will surely help the cancer biologists to design novel anti-CSCs agents that will open up a new horizon in the field of anti-cancer therapeutics.

32. Husain, S., Nandi, A., Simnani, F. Z., Saha, U., Ghosh, A., Sinha, A., Sahay, A., Samal, S. K., Panda, P. K., & Verma, S. K. (2023). Emerging Trends in Advanced Translational Applications of Silver Nanoparticles: A Progressing Dawn of Nanotechnology. Journal of functional biomaterials, 14(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14010047

Abstract

Nanoscience has emerged as a fascinating field of science, with its implementation in multiple applications in the form of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has recently been more impactful in diverse sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture sector, and food market. The peculiar properties which make nanoparticles as an asset are their large surface area and their size, which ranges between 1 and 100 nanometers (nm). Various technologies, such as chemical and biological processes, are being used to synthesize nanoparticles. The green chemistry route has become extremely popular due to its use in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Nanomaterials are versatile and impactful in different day to day applications, resulting in their increased utilization and distribution in human cells, tissues, and organs. Owing to the deployment of nanoparticles at a high demand, the need to produce nanoparticles has raised concerns regarding environmentally friendly processes. These processes are meant to produce nanomaterials with improved physiochemical properties that can have significant uses in the fields of medicine, physics, and biochemistry. Among a plethora of nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles have emerged as the most investigated and used nanoparticle. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become vital entities of study due to their distinctive properties which the scientific society aims to investigate the uses of. The current review addresses the modern expansion of AgNP synthesis, characterization, and mechanism, as well as global applications of AgNPs and their limitations.

33. Das, A., Sinha, T., Mishra, S. S., Das, D., & Panda, A. C. (2023). Identification of potential proteins translated from circular RNA splice variants. European journal of cell biology, 102(1), 151286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151286

Abstract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNA molecules generated from precursor RNAs by the head-to-tail backsplicing of exons. Hundreds of studies demonstrated that circRNAs are ubiquitously expressed and regulate cellular events by modulating microRNA (miRNA) and RNA-binding protein (RBP) activities. A few circRNAs are also known to translate into functional polypeptides regulating cellular physiology. All these functions primarily depend on the full-length sequence of the circRNAs. CircRNA backsplice junction sequence is the key to identifying circRNAs and their full-length mature sequence. However, some multi-exonic circRNAs exist in different isoforms sharing identical backsplice junction sequences and are termed circRNA splice variants. Here, we analyzed the previously published HeLa cell RNA-seq datasets to identify circRNA splice variants using the de novo module of the CIRCexplorer2 circRNA annotation pipeline. A subset of circRNAs with splice variants was validated by the circRNA-rolling circle amplification (circRNA-RCA) method. Interestingly, several validated circRNAs were predicted to translate into proteins by the riboCIRC database. Furthermore, polyribosome fractionation followed by quantitative PCR confirmed the association of a subset of circRNAs with polyribosome supporting their protein-coding potential. Finally, bioinformatics analysis of proteins derived from splice variants of circCORO1C and circASPH suggested altered protein sequences and structures that could affect their physiological functions. Together, our study identified novel circRNA splice variants and their potential translation into protein isoforms which may regulate various physiological processes.

34. Chanda Roy, P., & Chowdhary, G. (2023). Molecular cloning of glutathione reductase from Oryza sativa, demonstrating its peroxisomal localization and upregulation by abiotic stresses. Acta biochimica Polonica, 70(1), 175–181. https://doi.org/10.18388/abp.2020_6441

Abstract

Abiotic stress is a major constraint on crop productivity and in the agricultural field, multiple abiotic stresses act synchronously leading to substantial damage to plants. A common after-effect of abiotic stress-induced damage in plants is an increased concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative damage. Glutathione reductase (GR) plays a significant role in curtailing ROS. Apart from the GR enzyme, the peroxisome as an organelle also plays a significant role in ROS homeostasis. Here, we report a peroxisome localized GR, whose expression was found to be upregulated by various abiotic stresses. The in silico analysis also revealed that the peroxisomal localization of GR could be a common phenomenon in angiosperms, suggesting that it could be a suitable candidate against abiotic stress combinations.

35. Behera, C. K., Gyandeep, G., Mishra, R., Mohanty, R. P., Pal, A., Behera, J., Samal, S., & Das, B. (2023). Genetic analysis of a Fanconi anemia case revealed the presence of FANCF mutation (exon 1;469>C-T) with implications to develop acute myeloid leukemia. Molecular biology reports, 50(1), 931–936. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-022-08071-z

Abstract

Background: Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder and one of the most common inherited forms of aplastic anemia. FA is an autosomal recessive or X-linked genetic disorder that is characterized by typical physical malformations and haematopoietic anomalies. In most cases of FA, patients harbor homozygous or double heterozygous mutations in the FANCA (60-65%), FANCC (10-15%), FANCG (~ 10%), FANCD2 (3-6%) or FANCF (2%) genes in different ethnic populations, which leads to inherited bone marrow failure (IBMF). Hence, it is important to screen such mutations in correlation with clinical manifestations of FA in various ethnic populations. Approach: An 11 year old female pediatric patient of an East India family was presented with febrile illness, having thrombocytopenia with positive dengue IgM (Immunoglobulin M) and treated as a case of dengue hemorrhagic fever at the initial stage of diagnosis. Chromosomal breakage study was performed based on the abnormal physical examination, which showed 100% breaks, triradials, and quadrilaterals in mitomycin (MMC)-induced peripheral blood lymphocyte culture. Importantly, conventional cytogenetic assay in most of the bone marrow cells revealed an additional gain in chromosome 3q+ [46,XX,add(3)(q25)] and terminal loss in chr8p- [46,XX,del(8)(p23)], which might have a prognostic relevance in the outcomes of the FA patient. The bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were repeated and the results showed acute leukemia with 39% blast cells. Whole-genome sequencing analysis of the patient confirmed the presence of (exon 1; 496 > C-T) non-sense mutation leading to a truncated FANCF protein attributed to a stop codon at the amino acid position 166. Conclusion: The study reported the presence of a homozygous C-T exon 1 mutation in FANCF gene in the female pediatric patient from Odisha, India associated with FA. Furthermore, both parents were found to be carriers of FANCF gene mutation, as this allele was found to be in heterozygous state upon genome sequencing. The pathogenicity of the agent was robustly supported by the clinical phenotype and biochemical observations, wherein the patient eventually developed acute myeloid leukemia. The findings of the study infer the importance of early detection of FA and the associated mutations, which might lead to the development of acute myeloid leukemia.

36. Sahu, B., & Bal, N. C. (2023). Adipokines from white adipose tissue in regulation of whole body energy homeostasis. Biochimie, 204, 92–107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biochi.2022.09.003

Abstract

Diseases originating from altered energy homeostasis including obesity, and type 2 diabetes are rapidly increasing worldwide. Research in the last few decades on animal models and humans demonstrates that the white adipose tissue (WAT) is critical for energy balance and more than just an energy storage site. WAT orchestrates the whole-body metabolism through inter-organ crosstalk primarily mediated by cytokines named “Adipokines”. The adipokines influence metabolism and fuel selection of the skeletal muscle and liver thereby fine-tuning the load on WAT itself in physiological conditions like starvation, exercise and cold. In addition, adipokine secretion is influenced by various pathological conditions like obesity, inflammation and diabetes. In this review, we have surveyed the current state of knowledge on important adipokines and their significance in regulating energy balance and metabolic diseases. Furthermore, we have summarized the interplay of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory adipokines in the modulation of pathological conditions.

37. Sahu, B., Tikoo, O., Pati, B., Senapati, U., & Bal, N. C. (2023). Role of Distinct Fat Depots in Metabolic Regulation and Pathological Implications. Reviews of physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology, 186, 135–176. https://doi.org/10.1007/112_2022_73

Abstract

People suffering from obesity and associated metabolic disorders including diabetes are increasing exponentially around the world. Adipose tissue (AT) distribution and alteration in their biochemical properties play a major role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that AT heterogeneity and depot-specific physiological changes are vital in the development of insulin resistance in peripheral tissues like muscle and liver. Classically, AT depots are classified into white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT); WAT is the site of fatty acid storage, while BAT is a dedicated organ of metabolic heat production. The discovery of beige adipocyte clusters in WAT depots indicates AT heterogeneity has a more central role than hither to ascribed. Therefore, we have discussed in detail the current state of understanding on cellular and molecular origin of different AT depots and their relevance toward physiological metabolic homeostasis. A major focus is to highlight the correlation between altered WAT distribution in the body and metabolic pathogenesis in animal models and humans. We have also underscored the disparity in the molecular (including signaling) changes in various WAT tissues during diabetic pathogenesis. Exercise-mediated beneficial alteration in WAT physiology/distribution that protects against metabolic disorders is evolving. Here we have discussed the depot-specific biochemical adjustments induced by different forms of exercise. A detailed understanding of the molecular details of inter-organ crosstalk via substrate utilization/storage and signaling through chemokines provide strategies to target selected WAT depots to pharmacologically mimic the benefits of exercise countering metabolic diseases including diabetes.

38. Simnani, F. Z., Singh, D., Choudhury, A., & Akhtar, A. (2023). Impact of COVID-19 on Brain and Psychological Health, its Possible Mechanisms, and Coping Strategies. Recent patents on biotechnology, 17(1), 62–79. https://doi.org/10.2174/1872208316666220617110402

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has been depicted to possess a robust association with psychological disorders. SARS-CoV-2 is the most recent virus of the coronavirus family and has the potential to bind the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptor. The receptor is mainly present peripherally and to some extent in the brain. Different psychological and neurodegenerative disorders can arise due to the peripheral origin of destruction. These triggers could be inflammatory pathways releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines reaching the brain and causing neuroinflammation. In continuation with traditional viruses, SARS-CoV-2 too might lead to brain diseases like meningitis, encephalitis, etc. Besides, several peripheral hormonal changes like cortisol can influence neurochemical alterations, thereby inflicting mood-related activities and psychological phenomena. In this regard, health care workers, frontline line warriors and relatives of COVID-19 patients can be the secondary victims; however, patients with COVID-19 remain the primary ones prone to neurological health problems. Several strategies like socialization, engagement, physical activity, etc., are well-opted measures to get relief from and check psychiatric disturbances. The worth of this review can be attributed to the understanding of brain-related mechanisms of COVID-19 in the context of its mechanism of action to create the pathology pertaining to brain disorder, precisely psychological devastation. Likewise, its epidemiological relevance has concisely been mentioned. Furthermore, different categories and classes of people prone to psychological deterioration are briefly elaborated on. Lastly, some coping strategies and approaches have been discussed to minimize or combat mental health problems.

39. Panda, J., Sahoo, T., Swain, J., Panda, P. K., Tripathy, B. C., Samantaray, R., & Sahu, R. (2023). The Journey from Porous Materials to Metal-organic Frameworks and their Catalytic Applications: A Review. Current organic synthesis, 20(2), 220–237. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570179419666220223093955

Abstract

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), a class of inorganic-organic hybrid materials, have been at the center of material science for the past three decades. They are synthesized by metal ions and organic linker precursors and have become very potential materials for different applications ranging from sensing, separation, catalytic behaviour to biomedical applications and drug delivery, owing to their structural flexibility, porosity and functionality. They are also very promising in heterogeneous catalysis for various industrial applications. These catalysts can be easily synthesized with extremely high surface areas, tunable pore sizes, and incorporation of catalytic centers via post-synthetic modification (PSM) or exchange of their components as compared to traditional heterogeneous catalysts, which is the preliminary requirement of a better catalyst. Here, in this review, we have presented the history of MOFs, different synthesis procedures, and MOFcatalysed reactions; for instance, coupling reactions, condensation reactions, Friedel-Crafts reaction, oxidation, etc. Special attention has been given to MOFs containing different catalytic centers, including open metal sites, incorporation of catalytic centers through PSM, and bifunctional acidbase sites. The important role of catalytic centers present in MOFs and reaction mechanisms have also been outlined with examples.

40. Panda, C., & Mahapatra, R. K. (2023). Bi-Directional Relationship Between Autophagy and Inflammasomes in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cellular and molecular neurobiology, 43(1), 115–137. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-021-01184-2

Abstract

The innate immune system, as the first line of cellular defense, triggers a protective response called inflammation when encountered with invading pathogens. Inflammasome is a multi-protein cytosolic signaling complex that induces inflammation and is critical for inflammation-induced pyroptotic cell death. Inflammasome activation has been found associated with neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Autophagy is a crucial intracellular quality control and homeostasis process which removes the dysfunctional organelles, damaged proteins, and pathogens by sequestering the cytosolic components in a double-membrane vesicle, which eventually fuses with lysosome resulting in cargo degradation. Autophagy disruption has been observed in many NDs presented with persistent neuroinflammation and excessive inflammasome activation. An interplay between inflammation activation and the autophagy process has been realized over the last decade. In the case of NDs, autophagy regulates neuroinflammation load and cellular damage either by engulfing the misfolded protein deposits, dysfunctional mitochondria, or the inflammasome complex itself. A healthy two-way regulation between both cellular processes has been realized for cell survival and cell defense during inflammatory conditions. Therefore, clinical interest in the modulation of inflammasome activation by autophagy inducers is rapidly growing. In this review, we discuss the structural basis of inflammasome activation and the mechanistic ideas of the autophagy process in NDs. Along with comments on multiple ways of neuroinflammation regulation by microglial autophagy, we also present a perspective on pharmacological opportunities in this molecular interplay pertaining to NDs.

41. Samanta, I., Chaturvedi, S., Roy, P. C., & Chowdhary, G. (2023). Molecular cloning, subcellular localization, and abiotic stress induction analysis of a polyamine oxidase gene from Oryza sativa. International journal of Agronomy, 5686484, 1-9, https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/5686484.

Abstract

Abiotic stress is a major bottleneck for crop productivity. To counter abiotic stresses, plants have developed several strategies, and the accumulation of polyamine (PA) serving as an osmolyte is one of them. The cellular pool of PAs is primarily regulated by polyamine oxidases (PAOs) either by terminal catabolism or by back conversion (BC) of polyamines. The role of PAO in abiotic stress tolerance has also been reported. Polyamine oxidases are primarily localized in the cytosol, cell wall, and apoplastic regions; however, lately, their peroxisomal localization has also been demonstrated. In this study, we reported the detection of polyamine oxidase isoform 3 from Oryza sativa (OsPAO3) in peroxisome as early as 12 h post-transformation under in vitro conditions using fluorescent microscopy. The gene was also found to be significantly upregulated by salinity, dehydration, cold, and heat stress. We have also demonstrated that the expression of OsPAO3 gene was mediated by a second messenger, calcium. The upregulation of OsPAO3 by salinity, dehydration, cold, and heat stresses suggests that it could be a suitable candidate for providing tolerance to plants against abiotic stress combination or stress matrix, which is a common feature in agricultural field conditions. Furthermore, the data provided here would be valuable in understanding the abiotic stress-mediated signal transduction network of PAOs.

42. Choudhari, J., Nimma, R., Nimal, S. K., Totakura Venkata, S. K., Kundu, G. C., & Gacche, R. N. (2023). Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC phytochemicals induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation signaling pathways, EMT, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and stem cell markers in melanoma cell lines. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 312, 116472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116472

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Prosopis juliflora (Sw.), DC is a xerophytic plant species that extensively grow in Asia, Africa, Australia, and Brazil. From ancient time P. juliflora is being utilized in various folk remedies for example in wound healing, fever, inflammation, measles, excrescences, diarrhea and dysentery. Traditionally, gum, paste, and smoke obtained from the leaves and pods are applied for anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial purposes.

Aim of the study: Our previous studies have demonstrated the promising potential of Prosopis Juliflora leaves methanol extract (PJLME) against breast cancer, and suggested its possible integration as a complementary medicine for the effective management of breast cancer. However, evidence against how PJLME mechanistically target the cancer proliferative pathways and other targets is poorly understood. The basic aim of the present study was to understand the anti-melanoma potential of PJLME against B16f10 cells with possible mechanisms of action.

Materials and methods: MTT assay was used to determine cell viability. Wound and transwell migration assay was performed to check migration potential of cells after PJLME treatment, while clonogenic assay was carried out to understand its colony inhibition actvity. Flow cytometry was used to perform annexin V/PI assay (apoptosis assay), ROS assay, cell cycle analysis. In-vitro angiogenesis assay was performed to check formation of capillary like vascular structure after PJLME treatment. Apoptotic genes, signaling pathways markers, EMT markers and stem cell markers were determined by western blotting. In-vivo BALB/C mice xenograft model study was performed to check the effect of PJLME on in-vivo melanoma tumor growth.

Results: The experimental outcome of the present study has clearly demonstrated the inhibition of growth, migration, invasion, colony formation and apoptosis inducing potential of PJLME against mouse melanoma cancer cells. Treatment of B16F10 melanoma cells with PJLME resulted in arrest of cell cycle at G0/G1 phase. Annexin V-FITC/PI assay confirmed the apoptosis inducing potential of PJLME in B16F10 and A375 melanoma cells. Furthermore, Western blot experiments confirmed that the treatment of PJLME downregulates the expression of anti-apoptotic gene like Bcl2 and increase the expression profile of pro-apoptotic genes like Bax, Bad, and Bak in B16F10 melanoma cells. HUVEC (Human umbilical vein endothelial cells) tube formation assay clearly demonstrated the anti-angiogenic potential of PJLME. The study also revealed that PJLME has potential to inhibit the Akt and Erk signaling pathways which are participating in cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion etc. The outcome of qRT-PCR and immunoblotting analysis clearly unveiled that PJLME treatment leads to downregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as stem cell markers. Finally, the in-vivo animal xenograft model study also revealed the anti-melanoma potential of PJLME by significantly inhibiting the B16F10 melanoma tumor growth in BALB/c mice model. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of PJLME showed the presence of variety of bioactive molecules associated with anticancer effects.

Conclusion: The outcome of the present investigation clearly demonstrated the anti-melanoma potential of PJLME against B16f10 melanoma cells. PJLME can be explored as an adjuvant or complementary therapy against melanoma cancer, however further studies are required to understand the clinical efficacy of PJLME. Nevertheless, it can be further explored as a promising resource for identification of novel anticancer candidate drug.

43. Betallu, M. A., Bhalara, S. R., Sapnar, K. B., Tadke, V. B., Meena, K., Srivastava, A., Kundu, G. C., & Gorain, M. (2023). Hybrid Inorganic Complexes as Cancer Therapeutic Agents: In-vitro Validation. Nanotheranostics, 7(3), 270–280. https://doi.org/10.7150/ntno.81557

Abstract

A series of novel mixed transition metal-Magnesium tartarate complexes of general formulation [MMg(C4H4O6)2 .xH2O] (where M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) is prepared with bidentate tartarate ligand. The synthesized complexes (C1 to C6) are characterized by various analytical techniques such as Elemental analysis, Thermo gravimetric analysis, FT-IR Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Magnetic susceptibility study etc. All complexes exhibit the composition MMgL2 where M = Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) and L = bidentate tartarate ligand. Analytical data reveals all complexes possesses 1:1 (metal: ligand) ratio. FT-IR spectral study shows that bidentate tartarate ligand coordinate with metal ion in a bidentate manner through two oxygen atoms. Thermo gravimetric analysis of all complexes shows that degradation curves of complexes agrees with recommended formulae of the complexes. X-ray diffraction technique suggests that all complexes (C1 to C6) are polycrystalline in nature. All newly synthesized metal tartarate complexes and ligand were screened in vitro for their anticancer activity against human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell line. The bioassays of all these complexes showed C3 (Co) and C5 (Cu) Mg-tartarate complexes contains maximum antiproliferative activity at 200 µg/ml concentration on MDA-MB-231 cells as compared to other complexes. MDA-MB-231 cells treated with C3 (Co) and C5 (Cu) Mg-tartarate complexes also showed inhibition in cell migration.

44. Nasker, S. S., Ajayan, P. M., & Nayak, S. (2023). Emerging Trends and Future Direction of Graphene Family of Materials as Potential Antimicrobials: A Critical Review. ACS Materials Letters, 5(3), 673-693. DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialslett.2c01116

Abstract: Graphene research has progressed at an unprecedented rate since 2004 when Novoselov and Geim isolated and described a single sheet of graphene. In fact, the relentless progress in graphene literature over the past decades makes it challenging to diversify research efforts in varied directions. The superior optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of graphene usher in a broad spectrum of applications that attracts the interest of various scientific domains, including material scientists, physicists, chemists, and biologists. These exceptional properties of the graphene family of materials (Gfam) have inspired researchers to explore a cornucopia of potential applications surrounding graphene and its derivatives in the realm of bacterial, fungal, and viral cells. Herein, we provide an exhaustive discussion of the antimicrobial mechanism of Gfam against different pathogen types: bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In addition, we present the physicochemical differences among members of Gfam and the correlation of their germicidal activities to material properties. A comparative analysis of Gfam’s activities pertaining to bare metals and the enhanced broad-spectrum antimicrobial action of graphene family-based nanocomposites as well as surface coatings are also described. The review analyzes and discusses the present constraints and anticipated future directions that would enable graphene-based nanomaterials to advance as high-performance antimicrobial structures. Thus, Gfam as a robust biocidal material of interest can effectively bridge the gap between academia and industry.

BOOKS/BOOK CHAPTERS:

1. Mitra, T., Mahapatra, S. S., Mishra, B., Panda, V. K., Malhotra, D., Roychowdhury, A., Kundu G.C., Hypoxia in Cancer: Significance and Impact on Cancer Therapy. Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-0313-9_1.

2. Adebo, O. A., Chinma, C. E., Obadina, A. O., Soares, A. G., Panda, S. K., & Gan, R. Y.  (Eds.) (2023). Indigenous Fermented Foods for the Tropics. Academic Press, USA.

3. Sahu, S., Parija, T., Panda, S.K. (2023). Starter cultures: an insight into specific applications in flavoring and health promotion. In Adebo, O. A., Chinma, C. E., Obadina, A. O., Soares, A. G., Panda, S. K., & Gan, R. Y.  (Eds.). Indigenous Fermented Foods for the Tropics. Academic Press, USA, 409-418.

4. PATENT FILED/PUBLISHED/GRANTED:

1. Dr. Bandana Panda, Dr. Gaurav Patri, Dr. Chanakya Nath Kundu, Mr. Biswajit Das. Patent title: A novel application of I -PRF for human dental pulp stem cells proliferation. (India Patent Application no. 202331016204)

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation of traditional Indian herbal powder for dental care and its evaluations. Standardization of tooth powder were done by testing pH, tapped density, ash values, moisture content, phytochemical screening, microbial contamination. The herbs used in the powder may contain secondary plant metabolites, so the developed combination may prove efficient for dental care and the various therapeutic uses. Preparation method was simple and cost- effective. The prepared combination is efficient in curing the yellow teeth, dental caries, and gingivitis. The dental care powder is recommended to use infants, i.e the powder is high in safety and free of side effects.

RESEARCH FUNDING

Title of the Sanctioned Project: Quinacrine inhibits metastasis and angiogenesis in oral cancer stem cells through the inhibition of tumour-associated macrophages derived inflammatory cytokines

Principal Investigator’s Name: Prof. Chanakya Nath Kundu

Co-Principal Investigator’s Name: Dr. Tithi Parija

Name of Funding Agency: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Govt. of India

Abstract of the Project:

Oral cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related death in men and women. The progression of this cancer is associated with inflammation via the secretion of various cytokines. Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major cell types within the tumor microenvironment (TME), secrete multiple cytokines, which amplifies tumor aggressiveness through invasion, progression, and metastasis. Although multiple chemotherapeutic drugs have been developed to reduce the tumor growth by depleting the TAMs derived cytokines but these drugs are associated with many drawbacks. Drug resistance, toxicity and requirement of higher doses and are the major issues in clinic. Quinacrine (QC) is a well-known anti-cancer agent, which exhibits various pharmacological properties and anti-cancer potentiality against many cancers. Till now, no study shows the anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic potential of QC in patient derived TME through cytokines dependent phenomena. Herein, we will systematically study the potentiality of cytokines for the formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in patient derived oral cancer cells and evaluated the mechanism of QC mediated-reduction of CSCs properties in cells. To address this issue, cytokines-enriched conditioned medium (CM) will be generated by treating fixed doses of PMA and LPS in co-cultured of SCC-9+THP-1 cells. A CSCs populated environment will be created after addition of cytokine enriched-CM to patient derived primary oral cancer cells. After incubation with CM, induction of inflammation, CSCs growth, metastasis and angiogenesis will be found. QC will reduce the metastasis and angiogenesis by inhibition of inflammatory process through reduction of cytokines in patient derived CSCs.

Ph.D. DEGREE AWARDED (PROVISIONAL)

Student’s Name:  Dr. Soumya Prakash Biswal

Supervisor’s Name: Dr Raghavendra Samantaray, Assistant Professor, School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar.

Co-Supervisor’s Name: Dr. Rojalin Sahu, Associate Professor, School of Applied Sciences, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar. 

Thesis Title: Design and Synthesis of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Metal Complexes for Optical, Catalytic, and Biomedical applications.

Abstract of the Thesis:

With a goal to realise the application potentials of hybrid Metal Organic frameworks (MOFs)in the field of catalytic, environmental and biological research, we have synthesised a seriesof MOFs and critically analysed their structure-function relationship. Briefly, MOF hybridsare a blend of organic and inorganic materials with a crystalline and porous structure. InMOFs, organic linker molecules surround the positively arranged metal ions or clusters.Owing to their higher surface area, porous nature, and post-synthesis modification (PSM)potential in the last decades, MOFs have been extensively used in separation, adsorption,sensing, bio-medical, and environmental applications. We considered synthesising robustUiO-66 MOFs series and perform PSM on them to evaluate their structural diversity and theunderlying optical behavior. The Uio-66 MOF and its PSM with various anhydrides ((Maleic,Acetic, Valeric, Phthalic, and 2,3-Diphenylmaleic (stilbene)) were synthesised viahydrothermal process and characterized by a range of imaging and spectroscopic techniquessuch as diffused reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy, Powder X-ray Diffraction, ScanningElectron Microscopy imaging, and Transmission Electron Microscopy imaging. The PSM onUiO-66 series, indeed, revealed new optical absorptions in these modified frameworks, andthe new optical absorptions are critically analysed by both experiments and theory (DFTcalculations) from the view point of Electron Withdrawing (EWG) and Electron DonatingGroup (EDG) behavior of the added functionalities in the UiO-66. Apart from these noveloptical variations in UiO-66 series, we assumed the catalytic potentiality in theseframeworks. Upon undertaking the catalytic study, UiO-66 proved themselves as excellentcatalyst for the model hydrogenation reduction of 4-Nitro Phenol (4-NP) to 4-Amino Phenol(4-AP), where NaBH 4 was used as a reducer. The study results implicate excellent catalyticbehaviour of UiO-66 due to the Lewis acid nature at metal nodes and larger surface area. Themost interesting finding of the study was the excellent recyclability ability of UiO-66confirmed by repetitive consecutive use in our study. We have also developed nano-composite of metal oxides for exploring their diverse applications, such as catalyst action andbiological activities. Overall, the current study encompasses synthesis, characterisation, bio-informatics structural elucidation, and application studies giving a rich insight into the Metal-Organic Framework and Nano-composites developments.

Student’s Name:  Dr. Bipasa Kar

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. Debdutta Bhattacharya, Scientist-D, ICMR – Regional Medical Research Center, Bhubaneswar.

Co-Supervisor’s Name: Dr. C.N.Kundu, Professor Research Dean, School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 

Thesis Title:Identification of phyto – compounds as antimicrobials against beta-lactamase-producing gram-negative bacteria: in silico, in vitro study.

Abstract of the Thesis:

Over the past few years antimicrobial resistance is a huge concern. In the prime threat pathogen list, beta-lactamase producing gram-negative pathogens takes the top position. To tackle this antimicrobial resistance, both epidemiological study and drug discovery are important. Here we have screened bacterial clinical isolates from NE India and performed a prevalence study for beta-lactamase genes. This study showed that, 38% were only ESBL producers and 24% were only MBL producers in those regions. Next we selected CTX-M-3, CTX-M-15, NDM-1 and VIM-1 as representatives for searching alternative drugs. We have performed molecular docking and pharmacokinetic property screening to select best phyto-compounds. Next we selected four compounds against CTX-M-3 and CTX-M-15 proteins and four against NDM-1, VIM-1 protein. Among the best phyto-compounds silibinin against CTX-M proteins and hesperetin against NDM-1, VIM-1 proteins showed highest binding affinity, stability throughout the MD run. Next, the compounds were purchased to screen theirin vitro anti-bacterial effects. The compounds alone and in combination with conventional antibiotics acted as expected. Anti-bacterial assay revealed the compounds are bactericidal in nature. Both the compounds showed significant beta-lactamase inhibitory activity. Thus, both in silico and in vitro study confirmed the beta-lactamase inhibitory activity of silibinin and hesperetin and they both can be further promoted for in vivo clinical trials. 

Student’s Name:  Dr. Akashi

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. Sam J Mathew, Associate Professor, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana 

Co-Supervisor’s Name: Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar, Professor and Director General R&D KIIT, School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Thesis Title: Characterization of the role of Myosin Heavy chains (MyHCs) in Mammalian Ske letal Muscle Development and Disease.

Abstract of the Thesis:

Skeletal muscle contractility is essential for fundamental functions such as posture maintenance, locomotion and metabolic homeostasis. Interaction between the actin and myosin filaments of the functional unit of muscle, the sarcomere, is responsible for the contraction. Muscle myosins are hexameric ATPase dependent motors comprising one pair of myosin heavy chains (MyHCs) and two pairs of myosin light chains. Apart from the MyHC isoforms expressed in adult muscle fibers, three developmental MyHC isoforms, namely, MyHC-embryonic, MyHC-slow and MyHC-perinatal are expressed during embryonic development and muscle regeneration. Mutations in genes encoding these developmental MyHCs have been reported to lead to several myopathies, cardiomyopathies and contracture syndromes, suggesting their crucial role in embryonicdevelopment. However, the precise function of these developmental isoforms is not clear. Therefore, we have investigated the functional significance of MyHC-embryonic, -slow and perinatal using in-vitro and in-vivo models of myogenic differentiation. Using Myh3 loss of function mice, we found that the lack of MyHC-embryonic leads to mis-regulation of other MyHCs, alterations in fiber size, fiber number and fiber type at neonatal stages. We also find that loss of MyHC-embryonic leads to mis-regulation of genes involved in muscle differentiation. Interestingly, the loss of MyHC-embryonic has distinct effects on different muscles, possibly reflecting the unique fiber type composition of different muscles. Most significantly, our results indicate that MyHC-embryonic is required during embryonic and fetal myogenesis to regulate myogenic progenitors and myoblastdifferentiation through paracrine signaling. Using C2C12 mouse myoblasts cell line as an in-vitro model of myogenic differentiation, we find that loss of MyHC-perinatal leads to altered expression dynamics of transcription factors regulating myogenesis, precocious differentiation of myoblasts by activating caspase3-mediated differentiation program, cellular metabolism shifts towards glycolytic type and non-cell autonomous regulation of myoblasts and muscle precursors. Remarkably, siRNA mediated knockdown of MyHC-embryonic or MyHC-perinatal results in distinct effects on MyHC expression. Absence of MyHC-embryonic leads to compensatory upregulation of MyHC-slow isoform, a slow muscle specific isoform. However, MyHC-perinatal knockdown results in compensatory upregulation of MyHC-IIb isoform, a fast muscle specific isoform. This indicates both MyHC-embryonic and MyHC-perinatal have specific roles in the regulation of MyHC isoform expression. We have also investigated the crucial role of MyHC-perinatal in muscle regeneration post injury. Our work suggests that the knockdown of MyHC-perinatal in regenerating muscle leads to alterations in fiber morphology, reduction in adult muscle stem cell numbers and induces fibrosis at 5 days post injury. Preliminary experiments of the MyHC-slow specific knockdown during C2C12 myogenic differentiation have not shown significant effects on the expression dynamics of myogenic regulatory factors. Overall, our data reveals the crucial roles of developmental MyHC isoforms in proper muscle formation.

Student’s Name: Dr. Aniruddha Das

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. Amaresh C. Panda, Scientist-D, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Co-Supervisor’s Name: Dr. Selvakumar Elangovan, Associate Professor, School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.  

Thesis Title:Identification and characterization of circular RNA splice variants.

Abstract of the Thesis:

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules with regulatory functions. Circular RNAs are covalently closed RNA molecules generated by a process known as backsplicing. CircRNAs with no free ends make them a very stable form of RNA resistant to exonuclease degradation. Circular RNAs have also been shown to play a role in several disease conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neurological disorders. CircRNAs affect cellular pathways through miRNA sponging or RBP sponging activity or by translating into protein. These functions primarily depend on the circRNA sequence, which accounts for its association with miRNAs/RBPs and determines their translation into proteins.

The unique chimeric backsplice junction gives a unique feature to circRNAs, separating them from their linear counterpart and essential for their detection and quantification. Recent advances in high-throughput RNA sequence strategies involving circRNA enrichment followed by sequencing could detect and quantify these circular RNAs with higher accuracy. However, it is technically challenging and error-prone to derive the full-length sequence of circRNA splice variants from RNA sequencing due to their low abundance, similarity with linear mRNA counterpart, and alternative splicing. Since circRNA sequence determines the function of circRNA, it becomes increasingly important to devise a method for accurate and efficient identification of the full-length sequence of circRNA and the function of circRNA splice variants in a given cell.

In this study, we sought to develop a method where total RNA was enriched for circRNA using RNase R exonuclease treatment followed by rolling-circle cDNA synthesis using H-minus reverse transcriptase resulting in tandem repeats of circRNA cDNA. First, the full-length cDNA was PCR amplified using one primer over the unique backspliced junction region and the reverse primer immediately upstream of the forward primer. These full-length PCR products were then resolved on an agarose gel followed by Sanger sequencing to reveal the different splice variants of circRNAs. Furthermore, we identified that the differential association of miRNAs and RBPs with different circRNA sequences leads to altered regulation of genes that eventually affect the regulation of various cellular processes.
In addition, the computational analysis identified altered open reading frames (ORFs) in circRNA splice variants. Furthermore, several circRNAs in HeLa cells were predicted to be translated into peptides spanning backsplice junctions and were supported by mass spectrometry analysis. Further, polyribosome analysis followed by quantitative-PCR confirmed the association of a subset of circRNAs with polyribosome supporting their protein-coding potential. Finally, bioinformatics analysis of proteins derived from splice variants of circASPH, circCORO1C, circASXL1, and circZNF148 suggested altered domains and structures which could have different physiological functions. However, further studies are required to explore the physiological functions of these novel proteins identified here. Together, our study identified novel protein isoforms translated from circRNAs which may regulate different physiological processes.

Student’s Name: Dr. Gyan Prakash Mishra

Supervisor’s Name:Dr. Sunil K Raghav, Scientist-F, DBT – Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 

Co-Supervisor’s Name:Dr.Bhawna Gupta, Associate Professor, School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 

Thesis Title: A multi-omics approach to understand the host response upon pathogen infection.

Abstract of the Thesis:

Pathogen infection such as bacterial or viral in both human and mice elicit host response through activation of cross-antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs). DCs generate various immune responses and also educate naive T cells to differentiate into effector T cells to clear the pathogen. Transcription of immune response genes in these DCs is tightly controlled to maintain the balance between multiple immune responses such as inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and antiviral. However, how these responses are regulated at the molecular level through epigenetic regulation of gene expression is largely unknown. To understand DCs response against bacteria or viruses, here in this study, we focused on the murine conventional type -I dendritic cells (cDC1) activated with various Toll-like receptors (TLR) that recognize pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMPs) associated with bacteria or viruses. We utilized the multi-omics approach to capture the transcriptome and genome wide enhancer activity through RNA-seq and H3K27ac ChIP-seq respectively in TLR9, TLR3 stimulation conditions. To understand the epigenetic control of various immune responses in cDC1, we focused on the global co-repressor protein NCoR1. We integrated genome-wide binding of NCoR1 using ChIP-seq in TLR activation condition along with RNA-seq and H3K27ac ChIP-seq in NCoR1 depleted condition to understand the overall impact on enhancer activity and gene expression upon TLR activation. Comprehensive analysis of the multi-omics datasets revealed spatio-temporal activity of TLR9 and TLR3 specific enhancers. Moreover, NCoR1 depletion increased enhancer activity and expression of genes belonging to inflammatory, anti-inflammatory as well as antiviral response in TLR9 activation whereas TLR3 showed decreased enhancer activity and expression of antiviral genes. The differential effect of NCoR1 in TLR3 versus TLR9, we mapped several publicly available ChIP-seq datasets. We found IRF3, an important transcription factor under TLR3 activation, showed decreased phosphorylation as well as binding at key enhancer regions of important antiviral genes. Furthermore, the decreased transcription of antiviral genes after NCoR1 knock-down translated into expected increase in Sendai virus (SeV) load. Overall, our study showed that the role of NCoR1 as corepressor is biased or skewed towards TLR9 as compared to TLR3.

During the analysis of multi-omics datasets that we generated from NGS experiments, a large number of genomic regions, such as transcription factor binding sites, chromatin marks were identified and the overlap of these genomics regions were performed to answer a variety of biological questions. Although several command-line tools are available to perform such an analysis, we observed there is a notable lack of an integrated web server application to perform genomic region intersections, generate publication-ready plots and perform functional annotation. Hence to address this gap, in this study we also developed a comprehensive and user-friendly web server application called BedSect.

Another host response particularly against RNA viruses is through molecular editing by host deaminase enzymes such as APOBEC and ADAR proteins. APOBEC and ADAR lead to C-to-T/G-to-A and A-to-G/T-to-C transition respectively. To understand the role of RNA editing, we studied the transcriptome of SARS-Cov2 virus isolated from 246 COVID-19 positive patients in India till Jun’ 2020 and 1106 samples between Nov’ 20 to May 2021. We performed intra-host variability (iSNV) analysis to identify mutations in the viral genome and found a skewed distribution of APOBEC and ADAR specific mutations compared to other mutations. Interestingly, many samples carried iSNVs at positions which defined the B.1 lineage and the India specific B.6 lineage. We further confirmed RNA editing in SARS-CoV2 viral genome by an observed high and constitutive ADARB1 expression in SARS-CoV-2 infected Vero cells. Further, we observed significant accumulation of iSNVs in Vero cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 from 11 samples at the seventh-passage compared to the original viral isolate. Overall, our study indicates that the host response to virus infection through RNA editing may lead to accumulation of variants in spatio-temporal scales and that might increase the fitness of the strains by influencing its virulence, infectivity or transmissibility that may be both beneficial or detrimental to the virus.

In summary, we employed the state-of-the-art multi-omics approach to understand the host response upon pathogen infection in murine dendritic cells and humans infected with SARS-CoV2 virus. Our study deciphered several molecular mechanisms such as epigenetic and RNA editing regulation as a host response toward pathogen infection.

Student’s Name:  Dr. Madhurima Chatterjee

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. Gopal Chowdhary, Associate Professor, School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Co-Supervisor’s Name: Dr. Uma Rao, Former Head, Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, PUSA, New Delhi

Thesis Title: Exogenous and host-mediated RNAi gene silencing of functionally different genes in spotted pod borer Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract of the Thesis:

The productivity of grain legumes is critically constrained due to several biotic and abiotic stresses resulting tremendous yield and economic losses every year worldwide. The larval stages of Lepidopteran spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata is one of the most serious herbivores damaging more than 50% of annual pigeonpea production by attacking various parts of the plant including flowers and pods. Moreover, synthetic insecticide resistance has become the major limitation in managing these insect pests. In this study, the possibility of gene silencing is exhibited in M. vitrata through exogenous administration of target gene specific dsRNA and also host-delivered RNAi in pigeonpea.
To begin with, an array of functionally important genes, associated with the midgut, chemosensory, cell signalling and development, named Serine Protease 33 (SP33), H+ transporting ATP synthase delta subunit (HTAS), Triosephosphate Isomerse (TIM), Acyl-CoA delta-9 desaturase (ACCOA), Glutamate Receptor Ionotropic, Kainate 2-like (GLUR), Cadherin-like protein (CDH), non-visual Arrestin (ARR2) were selected to standardize efficient dsRNA delivery strategy. The study could establish the effect of gene silencing in M. vitrata through haemolymph injection as well as ingestion. Efficient transcript perturbation of target genes, higher transcript accumulation of key RNAi pathway gene DICER and detection of siRNA in dsRNA injected larvae authenticated successful gene silencing in M. vitrata. Also, identification of inhibitor molecules like morpholine, piperidine, carboxamide and piperidine–carboxamide through in silico analysis for blocking the function of SP33 established the utility of functional genomics.
The second part of the research work deals with the successful demonstration of gene silencing in M. vitrata through host-delivered RNAi (HDRNAi) in the highly recalcitrant pigeonpea for three functionally different target genes, Alpha-amylase (α-amylase), Chymotrypsin-like serine protease (CTLP) and Tropomyosin (TPM). In continuation of the first part showing the effect of gene silencing by haemolymph injection, the onset of HDRNAi has been validated in pigeonpea by introducing RNAi-hairpin constructs of the three selected target genes using shoot apical meristem-targeted in planta transformation strategy. Evaluation of transgenic events at plant level bioassays revealed reduced insect feeding as well as larval mortality compared to the wild type control plants. Additionally, molecular evidences for down regulation of the target genes in the insects that fed on the respective transgenic plants further authenticated successful HDRNAi.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL AWARD RECEIVED BY THE FACULTY MEMBER

Name of the Faculty: Prof. Gopal C. Kundu

Title of the Award: Fellow of The Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC)

Award Received: Name of the Agency Royal Society of Chemistry, Place United Kingdom

About the Award:

Prof. Gopal C. Kundu, Director (R&D), KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT DU), Professor, KIIT School of Biotechnology, and Professor, Medicine and Molecular Research, KIMS has recently been admitted to a prestigious Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), a professional society based in the United Kingdom for his outstanding contribution in the area of drug discovery and breast cancer research. This Society with over 55,000 members across the world is an internationally renowned not-for-profit publishing and knowledge business, and has a reputation as an influential champion for the Chemical Sciences.

Through the ‘Leaders in the Field’ scheme, the Society identifies outstanding individuals in the chemical science community. Fellows of the RSC have the opportunity to channel their expertise and commitment to promoting the value of chemistry and chemical biology, through the international framework of the Society. The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) was established in 1841. RSC partners with industry and academia, advises governments on policy, and promotes the talent, collaboration, innovation, information and ideas that lead to great advances in science

Name of the Faculty: Dr K Sony Reddy

Title of the Award: INSA Medal for Young Scientists 2022

Award Received: Honorarium of INR 1,00,000

Name of the Agency: Indian National Science Academy, DST, Place: New Delhi

About the Award:

The Indian National Science Academy (INSA), established in 1935 with the objective to promote science in India and harness scientific knowledge for human and national welfare. Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi is an autonomous institution of Dept. Science & Technology, Govt. of India. It is recognized by the Government of India, as a Premier National Scientific Society. A Government of India’s decision in 1968 has mandated INSA to represent India in all the international science fora. It also publishes journals, holds scientific conferences, and publishes proceedings and monographs. To encourage the pursuit of excellence in the field of ‘Science and Technology,’ the academy established four categories of awards: International Awards, General Medal & Lecture Awards, Subject-wise Medals/Lectures, and Awards for Young Scientists.
The INSA Young Scientist Award, instituted in 1974, is considered as the highest recognition of promise, creativity and excellence. The award is made annually to the individuals below the age of 40 years, and being distinguished for these attributes. The research carried out in India by the nominees is been taken into consideration for the award. In 2022, 4 scientists (including Dr. K Sony Reddy), working in the field of Health Sciences throughout India, have been awarded.

ANY NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL AWARD OR PUBLICATION (R&D RELATED) RECEIVED BY STUDENTS

Name of the Student: Saptarshi Sinha

Title of the Award: Research Excellence Award 2022

Award Received: Institute of Scholars (InSc), India

Sanctioned Amount of Project or Award: Not applicable

About the Award:

Research Excellence Award 2022 for the research work titled “Olaparib enhances the Resveratrol-mediated Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells by inhibiting the Homologous Recombination Repair pathway”, published in Experimental Cell Research, Elsevier.

Although sensitization of BRCA-mutated, homologous recombination (HR)-deficient breast cancer cells through PARP inhibitor is widely studied, not much is known about the treatment of BRCA-wild-type, HR-proficient breast cancer. Our aim was to investigate whether a natural bioactive compound, Resveratrol (RES), can induce DNA double-strand breaks in HR-proficient breast cancer cells and Olaparib (OLA), a PARP inhibitor, can enhance the RES-mediated apoptosis by deregulating the HR repair pathway. The detailed mechanism of anti-cancer action of RES+OLA combination in breast cancer has been evaluated using in vitro (MCF-7 and T47D cell lines), ex vivo (patient-derived primary breast cancer cells), and in vivo (xenograft mice) preclinical model systems. OLA increased RES-mediated DNA damage, downregulated the HR proteins, caused a late S/G2 arrest, enhanced apoptosis and cell death in RES pre-treated breast cancer cells at much lower concentrations than their individual treatments. Direct measurement of HR pathway activity using a GFP plasmid-based assay demonstrated reduced HR efficiency in I-SceI endonuclease-transfected cells treated with OLA. Moreover, RES+OLA treatment also caused significant reduction in PARP1-mediated PARylation and efficiently trapped PARP1 at the DNA damage site. Upon RES treatment, PARylated PARP1 was found to interact with BRCA1, which then activated other HR proteins. But after addition of OLA in RES pre-treated cells, PARP1 could not interact with BRCA1 due to inhibition of PARylation. This resulted in deregulation of HR pathway. To further confirm the role of BRCA1 in PARP1-mediated HR pathway activation, BRCA1 was knocked down that caused complete inhibition of HR pathway activity, and further enhanced apoptosis after RES+OLA treatment in BRCA1-silenced cells. In agreement with in vitro data, similar experimental results were obtained in ex vivo patient-derived breast cancer cells and in vivo xenograft mice. Thus, RES+OLA combination treatment enhanced breast cancer cell death by causing excessive DNA damage and also by simultaneously inhibiting the HR pathway.

The post School of Biotechnology (Jan – Mar 2023) appeared first on KIIT University News & Events.

For Journal paper:

1. Jena, A. K., Sahu, M. C., Kannan, U. M., Mallik, S. K., Sahoo, S., & Pradhan, G. K. (2023). Bipolar Resistive Switching in TiO2 Artificial Synapse Mimicking Pavlov’s Associative Learning. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15(2), 3574–3585. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.2c17228 (IF: 10.383)

Abstract: Memristive devices are among the most emerging electronic elements to realize artificial synapses for neuromorphic computing (NC) applications and have potential to replace the traditional von-Neumann computing architecture in recent times. In this work, pulsed laser deposition-manufactured Ag/TiO₂/Pt memristor devices exhibiting digital and analog switching behavior are considered for NC. Based on the LTP-LTD, a neural network simulation for the pattern recognition task using the MNIST data set is investigated, which shows a high recognition accuracy of 95.98%. Furthermore, more complex synaptic behavior such as STDP and Pavlovian classical conditioning is successfully emulated for associative learning of the biological brain.

The post School of Applied Sciences (Jan – Mar 2023) appeared first on KIIT University News & Events.

BOOKS / BOOK CHAPTERS:

Pandey, B. (2023b). 8 The barking dog and crying bird in partition stories: beastly modernism and the subaltern animism of manto, Rakesh and Anand. In Edinburgh University Press eBooks (pp. 143–158). https://doi.org/10.1515/9781474498043-011

The post School of Languages (Jan – Mar 2023) appeared first on KIIT University News & Events.

Journal Papers

1. Jurkovič, M., Gorzelanczyk, P., Kalina, T., Jaros, J., & Mohanty, M. (2022). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on road traffic accident forecasting in Poland and Slovakia. Open Engineering, 12(1), 578–589. https://doi.org/10.1515/eng-2022-0370

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the performance of the transport sector and its overall intensity. Reducing mobility has a major impact on road traffic accidents. The aim of this study is to forecast the number of road traffic accidents in Poland and Slovakia and to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic affected its trend. For this purpose, data for Poland and Slovakia in the selected relevant period were analyzed. Based on actual data from the past, a forecast was made for the future considering two scenarios – one where there is no effect of pandemic, and another with effect of pandemic. Forecasting the number of accidents in Poland was carried out using selected time series models related to linear trend (Holt and Winters method) and the exponential model. In the case of Slovakia, the model without trend and the exponential model were used to forecast the number of traffic accidents. The results of the research show that the pandemic caused a decrease in the number of traffic accidents in Poland by 31% and in Slovakia by 33%. This is a significant decline, but it is linearly dependent on restrictive measures that affect the mobility of the population. A similar trend can therefore be expected on a European scale.

2. Mamillapalli, R. S., Ranganaidu, V. and Bera, D.K. (2022). Systematic literature review on Lean framework for implementation in small real estate projects. Neuro Quantology, 20(13), 2940-2952.

Abstract

Rapid developments are happening with vast construction activities across the world. Globally Lean Construction (LC) has gained attention for its benefits in reducing wastage, increasing the value to customers, effective use of resources and increasing the profit to the organizations. For more than two decades construction industry also adopted the principles of lean construction and the same yielded good results. But lean construction in adoption and implementation have not penetrated small and medium construction companies. Only by few large companies for big projects have adopted and availed the benefits of lean construction. This raises the question of whether lean principles work well only for large projects and big construction companies? For small construction companies and projects implementing lean, there is a need for a framework. This study reviews the literature in a systematic research method of approach about the framework for implementation of lean construction in real estate projects. The study identifies the need for a framework for the implementation of lean construction for small projects and construction companies as the gap in the literature. Very less work has been carried out by the researchers in the lean adoption and implementation for cast in situ construction projects which is to be addressed by the researcher for future scope of research. The study concludes that there is no proper literature available that guides organizations to handhold, train and implement lean techniques. This research study will help the researchers to explore in implementation and development of project-based training modules of lean construction tools and techniques for better adoption in small real estate construction projects.

3. Gorzelanczyk, P., Jurkovič, M., Kalina, T., & Mohanty, M. (2022). Forecasting the road accident rate and the impact of the covid 19 on its frequency in the polish provinces. Komunikácie, 24(4), A216–A231. https://doi.org/10.26552/com.c.2022.4.a216-a231

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the development of road transport, not only in Poland, but also worldwide. Limited mobility, especially at the beginning of the pandemic, had a large impact on the number of road accidents. The aim of the present study is to predict the number of road accidents in Poland and to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on variability of the number of road accidents. To attain the objective, annual data on the road accidents for every province in Poland were collected and analysed. Based on historical crash data, obtained from the police, the number of road accidents was forecasted for both pandemic and non-pandemic scenarios. Selected time series models and exponential models were used to forecast the number of accidents.

4. Mohanty, T., Kumar, A., Acharya, P.K., Patro, S.K. and Saha, P. (2022). Performancs of structural geopolymer concrete utilizing ferrochrome ash and fly ash as source material. Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series A, 103, 1183-1194.

Abstract

An investigation on performances of geopolymer concrete utilizing fly ash (FA) and ferrochrome ash (F.Ash) as source material is presented in this article. The article not only reports on various properties of the geopolymer concrete but also on the structural behavior of reinforced geopolymer concrete beams under two-point loading. Geopolymer concrete mixtures are prepared by varying the dosage of FA and F.Ash. Flexural properties like moment resistance, deflection and crack pattern of geopolymer reinforced concrete beams containing FA and F.Ash were studied and compared to conventional reinforced concrete beams, in addition to the studies on the strength and durability of geopolymer concrete. Best property values are observed in geopolymer concrete containing FA and F.Ash in proportion 50:50. The flexural strength of reinforced geopolymer concrete beams was found superior to conventional concrete beams. The conventional concrete beam was observed to deflect more during failure than geopolymer beams. It is also observed that a reinforced geopolymer concrete beam made from 50%FA + 50% F.Ash source material takes more load before initiation of crack in comparison to conventional concrete beam.

5. Acharya, P. K., & Patro, S. K. (2022). Evaluation of Functional, Microstructural, Environmental Impact, and Economic Performance of Concrete Utilizing Ferrochrome Ash and Slag. Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy, 8(4), 1573–1589. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40831-022-00587-9

Abstract

This paper reports on the functional, economic, and environmental performance of sustainable concrete prepared from the waste materials like ferrochrome ash (FCA) and air-cooled ferrochrome slag (ACFS). FCA and ACFS are metallurgical waste materials from the ferrochrome industry, which contain residual chromium and face disposal problems. The leaching of chromium from FCA is reported to be 26 times more than the regulatory limit, as such banned for landfilling. The sustainable management of these metal residues in concrete making through the combined use of FCA (up to 40%) and ACFS (100%) for part replacement of the cement and total replacement of virgin coarse aggregate was examined. The technical performance of such concrete when examined in terms of compressive strength, modulus of rupture, and sulfate resistance has better performances up to 11% than conventional concrete. Environmental performances when examined through global warming potential (GWP), ozone depletion potential (ODP), abiotic depletion potential (ADP), photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP), eutrophication potential (EP), and acidification potential (AP) have advantages up to 47% when compared to normal concrete. The leaching of hexavalent chromium from such concrete is far below the regulatory limit. The economic performance of such concrete is found 22% cheaper than normal concrete. The microstructure of ferrowaste concrete is found denser than control concrete.

6. Mishra, K. R., Mohanty, M., & Dey, P. P. (2022). Modelling traffic safety at uncontrolled median openings: A case study in India. Iatss Research, 46(4), 441-449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iatssr.2022.07.001

Abstract

Assessment of traffic safety is an essential study in transportation engineering. In a developing country like India, around 150,000 people die in road crashes every year. Furthermore, at uncontrolled median openings, the severity of road crashes is higher due to the presence of impatient U-turning road userswho don’t obey the rule of priority. Traditionally, road crash data have been used since long to analyze traffic safety. However, in developing countries, the main drawback of this conventional method is limited availability of accident data as very few accidents get reported. Moreover, the accuracy of these reported data is questionable. Therefore, now-a-days, various surrogate traffic safety measures like Post Encroachment Time (PET), and Time to Collision (TTC) are being used to examine the safety of road users. Among them, PET is regarded as the most consistent, and most widely used safety indicator. Therefore, in the present study, PET across different traffic volume levels has been determined. Videography data has been collected from selected median openings located on six-lane divided urban roads. PET values for different traffic volumes, and different category of vehicles have been analysed in detail. Further, the distribution of PET values across the fullwidth of road has also been studied. Concept of critical speed is introduced which is compared with conflicting speed to assess unsafe conflicts and determine a critical PET. Finally, regression models have also been proposed with good levels of accuracy to determine the PET values for various category of vehicles travelling at different conflicting speeds.

7. Mohanty, M., Panda, R., Gandupalli, S. R., Arya, R. R., & Lenka, S. K. (2022). Factors propelling fatalities during road crashes: A detailed investigation and modelling of historical crash data with field studies. Heliyon, 8(11), e11531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11531

Abstract

One of the major concerns in developing countries like India is to maintain traffic safety under mixed and

heterogenous scenario. Although zero accidents is the need of the hour, the first step to attain it is nsuring zero deaths and no serious long-term disabling injuries in road crashes. To reduce the road crash fatalities, explicit and detailed studies have been conducted by utilising historical road crash data of two emerging smart cities of India – Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam. Traffic flow data and characteristics of road infrastructure has also been collected by performing field studies at accident prone locations. Various factors including vehicular characteristics, road user characteristics, and road infrastructure have been analyzed using various non-parametric tests to identify the contributing factors resulting in fatalities. It is observed that out of 14 variables used for study, 8 factors were significantly related to fatal crashes. These included categories of victim and accused, 85th percentile speed, presence of road markings, availability of sight distance, etc. The significant factors were subjected to binary logistic regression to determine the odd’s ratio of significant factors. The logistic regression predicted 79% of deaths correctly. Crash fatality prediction models are developed using both Classification and Regression Tree (CART) classification tree with 83% accuracy. Although CART classification led to higher accuracy, binary logistic regression is more robust as it considered more significant factors as compared to CART. Subsequently, a severity index has been proposed based on proportions of actual fatal crashes and usage of K-means clustering technique. The proposed indices shall be really helpful in traffic safety management, specifically in reduction of fatalities during road crashes.

8. Samal, S.R., Mohanty, M. and Selvaraj, M.S. (2022). Assessment of traffic congestion under Indian environment – A case study. Communications, 24(4), D174 – D182.

Abstract

Traffic congestion is a major problem around the globe. The prime reason for congestion is unavailability of traffic infrastructure to meet the traffic demand. Road users are forced to face undesirable delay, which influences the economy, environment and health. The present study examines the congestion in the urban roads of Bhubaneswar, a smart city in India. Travel time for various categories of vehicles was estimated and congestion indices in terms of buffer index were evaluated. Multiple linear regression modeling has been used to evaluate the congestion parameters. The p-value for all the independent variables in the developed model is < 0.05. Four elements, namely Strict traffic law implementation, Adequate parking facilities, Decentralization and Controlling the road side activities are required to improve the serviceability and mobility of urban road networks.

9. Alali, M., Paikaray, B. and Mohapatra, B.G. (2022). Behavioral investigation of the footings on geosynthetics-reinforced ferrochrome slag. International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development, 13(4), 436-453.

Abstract

The rapid growth in all sectors puts great pressure on natural resources, making them vulnerable to depletion, not to mention the huge volume of waste, which is an inevitable result of this growth, especially industrial ones. These challenges drove researchers to seek sustainable alternatives with the least dependence on natural resources and invest in industrial wastes simultaneously. In the last decade, ferrochrome slag was able to draw the attention of researchers to use it in the construction sector, but it did not have an opportunity to prove its worth as a foundation material despite its outstanding physical and mechanical properties. In the current research, and after verifying the environmental acceptance of ferrochrome slag through the leaching test to determine the toxicity of waste seeping into the ground, an experimental investigation was carried out through a series of laboratory model footing tests using a bed of ferrochrome slag with a medium relative density of 65%, the bearing capacity of each square and rectangular foundation that laying on the slag bed was evaluated in unreinforced and reinforced conditions with two different types of geosynthetic materials, geogrid and geotextile (non-woven), the variable parameters included the type of footing, the sort of reinforcement and the number of reinforcement layers. The findings showed a good response to the inclusion of the geosynthetic layers, adding a layer of geogrid, two and three layers increased the bearing capacity of square footing by 7%, 32%, and 52%, respectively. The bearing capacity ratio (BCR) with adding three layers of geotextile for rectangular footing (1.95) was found to be better than that of square footing (1.64), however, for three layers of the geogrid, the BCR value of square footing (1.52) was slightly more than that of rectangular footing (1.48). The environmental acceptance and the good response to the geosynthetics open up the chance for the ferrochrome slag to stand out as a sustainable alternative to granular footing materials, with geotextiles outperforming their geogrid counterparts in improving the bearing capacity of both types of foundations studied.

Book Chapters

1. Parida, S.K., Padhi, J., Chakraborty, P. and Das, B. (2022). Drought characterization during monsoon months based on Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in Nuapada District, Odisha, India. In: Yadav, S., Negm, A.M., Yadava, R.N. (eds) Water Quality, Assessment and Management in India. Earth and Environmental Sciences Library. Springer, Cham.

Abstract

Frequent droughts experienced in World’s different parts due to the effect of climate change. It is a challenging situation considering wide variation of conditions leadings to drought. Therefore, better scientific analysis is necessary to forecast, monitor and manage the drought. In this study, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is computed because of its popularity across the World as an important indicator across space and time. Estimation of SPI 3 Aug and Sep drought value for Bodan, Khariar, Komna, Nuapada and Sinapali blocks of Nuapada District were found out for the interpretation of drought in the months of monsoon. This is achieved by using the rainfall data month wise for different blocks from 1983–2017. It was observed that, Bodan and Sinapali blocks experienced maximum number of total (moderate+severe+extreme) drought events based as per SPI 3 Aug as well as SPI 3 Sep. Highest severe drought events occurred in Nuapada and Sinapali blocks whereas maximum extreme drought events (2) detected by Khariar block as per SPI 3 Aug. Similarly, maximum events of severe (3) and extreme droughts (2) occurred in Bodna and Komna blocks respectively as per SPI 3 Sep. Also in this study, two threshold precipitation values were computed in monsoon months for the identification of agricultural drought. Agricultural drought threshold limit varied from 462.1 to 595.5 mm and 464.6 to 622.5 mm as per SPI 3 Aug and SPI 3 Sep values respectively. Maximum drought duration of 13, 18, 23, 21 and 17 months experienced by Bodan, Khariar, Komna, Nuapada and Sinapali blocks respectively. This analysis can guide different strategies on the management of water and also for planning of the crops in various blocks of Nuapada District.

Grant or Project Awarded:

(Core Research Grant under SERB Sponsored Research Scheme)

Title of the Sanctioned Project: Design, Optimization, and Demonstration of Chemical Column and Pressure Injection Treatment to Enhance the Shear Strength Characteristics Along with Phytoremediation of the Abandoned Ash Pond

Principal Investigator’s Name: Prof. Aparupa Pani, Assistant Professor II, School of Civil Engineering, KIIT University

Co-Principal Investigator’s Name: Prof. Shivanand Shirkole, Assistant Professor, Food Engineering and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, ICT-IOC, Bhubaneswar and Prof. Susmita Mishra, Professor, Chemical Engineering, NIT Rourkela

Name of Funding Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India

Sanctioned Amount of Project: Rs. 46.7 Lakhs for 3 years

Abstract of the Project:

Consultancy

The post School of Civil Engineering (Oct – Dec 2022) appeared first on KIIT University News & Events.

Journal Papers

Argyros, I. K., Sharma, D., Argyros, C. I., Parhi, S. K., Sunanda, S. K., & Argyros, I. K. (2022). Extended three step sixth order Jarratt-like methods under generalized conditions for nonlinear equations. Arabian Journal of Mathematics, 11(3), 443–457. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40065-022-00379-9

Abstract

We The convergence balls as well as the dynamical characteristics of two sixth order Jarratt-like methods (JLM1 and JLM2) are compared. First, the ball analysis theorems for these algorithms are proved by applying generalized Lipschitz conditions on derivative of the first order. As a result, significant information on the radii of convergence and the regions of uniqueness for the solution are found along with calculable error distances. Also, the scope of utilization of these algorithms is extended. Then, we compare the dynamical properties, using the attraction basin approach, of these iterative schemes. At the end, standard application problems are considered to demonstrate the efficacy of our theoretical findings on ball convergence. For these problems, the convergence balls are computed and compared. From these comparisons, it is confirmed that JLM1 has the bigger convergence balls than JLM2. Also, the attraction basins for JLM1 are larger in comparison to JLM2. Thus, for numerical applications, JLM1 is better than JLM2.

Regmi, S., Argyros, I. K., Argyros, C. I., & Sharma, D. (2022). Extended Comparison between Two Derivative-Free Methods of Order Six for Equations under the Same Conditions. Fractal and Fractional, 6(11), 634. https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract6110634

Abstract

Under the same conditions, we propose the extended comparison between two derivative free schemes of order six for addressing equations. The existing convergence technique used the standard Taylor series approach, which requires derivatives up to order seven. In contrast to previous researchers, our convergence theorems only demand the first derivative. In addition, formulas for determining the region of uniqueness for the solution, convergence radii, and error estimations are suggested. As a consequence, we broaden the utility of these productive schemes. Moreover, we present a comparison of attraction basins for these schemes to obtain roots of complex polynomial equations. The confirmation of our convergence findings on application problems brings this research to a close.

Bhowmick, S., Bagchi, S., & Bandi, R. K. (2018). Self-dual cyclic codes over M₂(\mathbb{Z}₄). Discussiones Mathematicae General Algebra and Applications, 42(2), 349. https://doi.org/10.7151/dmgaa.1395

Abstract

In this paper, we study the structure of cyclic codes over M₂(Z₄) (the ring of matrices of order 2 over Z₄), which is perhaps the first time that the ring is considered as a code alphabet. This ring is isomorphic to Z₄[w]+ Z₄[w], where w is a root of the irreducible polynomial x²+x+1 ∈ Z₂[x] and U≡ . In our work, we first discuss the structure of the ring M₂(Z₄) and then focus on the structure of cyclic codes and self-dual cyclic codes over M₂(Z₄). Thereafter, we obtain the generators of the cyclic codes and their dual codes. A few non-trivial examples are given at the end of the paper.

Woldeamanel, M. M., Senapati, S., Mohapatra, S. D., Subudhi, H., Rath, P., & Panda, A. K. (2022). Ethnomedicinal and Ethnobotanical Investigations and Documentation of Plants Used by Traditional Healers of Eastern India. Current Traditional Medicine, 8(6). https://doi.org/10.2174/2215083808666220510115510

Abstract

This study is an effort to document extensively and systematically the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal knowledge in the four districts (Puri, Cuttack, Bhadrak, and Mayurbhanj) of Odisha in Eastern India. It provides new insights into the rich ethnomedicinal knowledge and plants biodiversity in these four districts. The method of convenience sampling was conducted to get the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal knowledge of the healers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the information got was quantified and documented with the aid of various databases. Eleven traditional healers endowed information on their traditional medicinal knowledge. 74 plant species belonging to 44 botanical families are documented and among these 44 botanical families, five (Rutaceae, Malvaceae, Astaraceae, Annonaceae, and Euphorbiaceae) are mostly used by the healers. The healers mainly use leaves and roots in the medicine’s preparation. Twenty-five ailments are treated by these traditional healers, which are majorly dominated by dermatological treatments. The pharmacological mining of these 74 plants revealed that a few pharmacological and biological activities of each medicinal plant had been studied. Our study revealed that these four districts of Odisha have a rich biodiversity of medicinal plants. Promoting the plantation of some of these species can enhance the income of the traditional healers of these districts and simultaneously make the exploitation of these plant species sustainable. We also found that the pharmacological and biological activities of many plant species are yet to be explored.

Maity, J. P., Samal, A. C., Rajnish, K., Singha, S., Sahoo, T. R., Chakraborty, S., Bhattacharya, P., Chakraborty, S., Sarangi, B. S., Dey, G., Banerjee, P., Chen, C., & Santra, S. C. (2023). Furfural removal from water by bioremediation process by indigenous Pseudomonas putida (OSBH3) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OSBH4) using novel suphala media: An optimization for field application. Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 20, 100895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2022.100895

Abstract

The release of furfural as effluent from industries has been considered a major pollution source since it adversely affects health and the environment. The main objective of this article is to employ the effective indigenous bacteria to remove the furfural from wastewater. In the present study, the indigenous isolates OSBH₃ (strain number) and OSBH₄ (strain number) were isolated from furfural-containing-oily-sludge and were identified by 16S-rRNA technique with >99% nucleotide similarity as Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) (Acc. No. GU329915) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (Acc. No. GU329916) respectively. Thus, the indigenous P. putida (OSBH₃; Acc. No. GU329915) (in presence of modified nitrogen-phosphorous-fertilizer media), can be applicable for furfural (Toxic) remediation from industrial effluent water by the eco-friendly process.

Tripathy, R. R., Jana, S., Maji, S. K., & Sarkar, S. (2022). Catecholase activity of a Mn(III) Complex: An approach through ¹ H‐NMR spectroscopy. Chemistry Select, 7(48).  https:// doi.org/10.1002/slct.202203205

Abstract

A mononuclear Mn(III) complex, [Mn^IIIL(Cl)], has been synthesized using a newly designed compartmental ligand, H₂L. Both of them have been characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Interestingly the complex behaved as a model of catechol oxidase toward oxidation of 3,5-Di-tert-butyl catechol to the corresponding quinone. The progress of the oxidation process has been monitored with the help of ¹H-NMR spectroscopy after stirring the reaction mixture in methanol at room temperature. NMR spectral data confirmed completion of the process after 48 hours. Kinetic investigations were carried out in methanol-water mixture and acetonitrile to check the effect of solvent on the rate of reaction, if any. A greater turnover number was obtained in acetonitrile than methanol-water medium.

Bundschuh, J., Niaz, N. K., Alam, M. K., Berg, M., Herath, I., Tomaszewska, B., Maity, J. P., & Kim, K. (2022). Global arsenic dilemma and sustainability. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 436, 129197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129197

Abstract

Arsenic (As) is one of the most prolific natural contaminants in water resources, and hence, it has been recognized as an emerging global problem. Contamination of As in rice and baby cereal via export/import is a global problem. Ensuring As-safe drinking water and food is still not considered as a human right. It is a key priority in UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNESCO’s global priorities. A global umbrella for sharing knowledge, experience and resources is an urgent need. This analysis and review lend a fresh perspective for a sustainable As mitigation by 2030.

Shaikh, W. A., Chakraborty, S., Islam, R. U., Ghfar, A. A., Naushad, M., Bundschuh, J., Maity, J. P., & Mondal, N. K. (2021). Fabrication of biochar-based hybrid Ag nanocomposite from algal biomass waste for toxic dye-laden wastewater treatment. Chemosphere, 289, 133243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133243

Abstract

An algal biochar-based nanocomposite (nAgBC) was synthesized and employed as a low-cost adsorbent for Congo red (CR) removal. nAgBC efficiently adsorbs the Congo Red. Maximum adsorption efficiency of 95.92% (18 mg/L CR) was achieved (qe = 34.53 mg/g) with 0.5 g/L of nanocomposite after 60 min, at room temperature (300 K) at pH 6. The surface functional groups (–OH, NH, Cdouble bondO, SO, and CH) of nAgBC are significant to remove pollutant. The process corresponds to multilayer chemisorption onto the heterogeneous surface takes place for removal. The mechanisms involve by an electrostatic interaction with H-bonding and CR supramolecule.

Dey, G., Banerjee, P., Maity, J. P., Sharma, R., Gopalakrishnan, G., Huang, Y., Huang, H., & Chen, C. (2022). Heavy metals distribution and ecological risk assessment including arsenic resistant PGPR in tidal mangrove ecosystem. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 181, 113905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113905

Abstract

Heavy metals (HM) are the major proximate drivers of pollution in the mangrove ecosystem. The HM concentration was observed higher at active-tidal-sediment compared to partially-active-sediment. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and contamination factor (CF) indicated the tidal-sediment was highly contaminated with arsenic (As) and moderately contaminated with Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn). The isolated IRB (Priestia megaterium, Bacillus safenis, Bacillus aerius, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus velenzenesis, Bacillus lichenoformis, Kocuria palustris, Enterobacter hormaechei, Pseudomonus fulva, and Paenibacillus favisporus; accession number OM979069-OM979078) exhibited the arsenic resistant behaviour with plant-growth-promoting characters (IAA, NH3, and P-solubilization), which can be used in mangrove reforestation and bioremediation of HM.

 Irunde, R., Ijumulana, J., Ligate, F. J., Maity, J. P., Ahmad, A., Mtamba, J. O., Mtalo, F., & Bhattacharya, P. (2022). Arsenic in Africa: potential sources, spatial variability, and the state of the art for arsenic removal using locally available materials. Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 18, 100746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2022.100746

Abstract

Arsenic sources are both natural and anthropogenic in Africa. The factors of climate change can trigger As release in Africa, and distributed in water, soil, sediment, fish, and vegetation. >50% of water exceed WHO value of 10 μg/L. Tanzania and Ethiopia have reported high levels of As in human tissues, toenails, and urine among pregnant women related to groundwater. In urine, concentrations up to 150 μg/L were reported among pregnant women depending on As contaminated drinking water within Geita gold mining areas in the north-western part of Tanzania. Significant studies on human exposure to As and health effects are required in Africa.

Ligate, F. J., Lucca, E., Ijumulana, J., Irunde, R., Kimambo, V., Mtamba, J. O., Ahmad, A., Hamisi, R., Maity, J. P., Mtalo, F., & Bhattacharya, P. (2022). Geogenic contaminants and groundwater quality around Lake Victoria goldfields in northwestern Tanzania. Chemosphere, 307, 135732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135732

Abstract

The water of Lake Victoria goldfields in Geita and Mara districts were analysed (pH, EC, Eh), major ions, and trace elements. The concentration levels of the major ions were mostly within the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards in the following order of their relative abundance; for cations, Ca²⁺∼Na⁺>Mg²⁺>K⁺ and for anio ns was HCO₃⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > NO₃⁻, Cl⁻ > PO₄³⁻.48% of water samples exceeded the WHO guideline value of 10 μg/L arsenic for drinking purposes. Consumption of arsenic-polluted water poses health risks to the exposed communities in the study area. Regular update of water quality monitoring programs is recommended.

Banerjee, P., Stewart, K. A., Dey, G., Antognazza, C. M., Sharma, R., Maity, J. P., Saha, S., Doi, H., De Vere, N., Chan, M. D., Lin, P., Chao, H. J., & Chen, C. (2022). Environmental DNA analysis as an emerging non-destructive method for plant biodiversity monitoring: a review. Aob Plants, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plac031

Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has recently transformed and modernized biodiversity monitoring. The study evaluates the development of eDNA-based methods for (vascular) plants, comparing its performance and power of detection with that of traditional methods, to critically evaluate and advise best practices needed for innovating biomonitoring. eDNA also has considerable potential for plants, where successful detection of invasive, endangered and rare species, and community-level interpretations have provided proof-of-concept. Additionally, eDNA methods were found to be effective in studying species interactions, community dynamics, and even effects of anthropogenic pressure. It can be adopted and implemented, rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive plant monitoring approach.

View of Prediction of world happiness scenario effective in the period of COVID-19 pandemic, by artificial neuron network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), and regression tree (RT). (n.d.). https://www.nveo.org/index.php/journal/article/view/2995/3792

Abstract

Present work to predict the world happiness based on data of world happiness in the period of the COVIT-19 pandemic by Artificial Neuron Network (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Regression tree (RT) by MATLAB using six valuables (GDP per capita, social support etc.). ANN #3 model 6-20-1 is effective by the sign of highest accuracy as 83.68%, among of diver error analysis. Study predicts the World Happiness Effective Scenario on the period of COVIT-19 was found increasingly based on data of WHO from 2020 consist with Finland from 7.809 (7.748-7.870) score in 2017-19 with 7.889 (7.784-7.995) score in 2020.

Kumar, R., Sharma, P., Yang, W., Sillanpää, M., Shang, J., Bhattacharya, P., Vithanage, M., & Maity, J. P. (2022). State-of-the-art of research progress on adsorptive removal of fluoride-contaminated water using biochar-based materials: Practical feasibility through reusability and column transport studies. Environmental Research, 214, 114043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.114043

Abstract

Fluoride (F) is one of essential elements, however, in higher dose it causes fluorosis, dental, skeletal growth problems, etc., worldwide. Efficient and cost-effective F-removal from water is essential. Biochar-based-materials can remove fluoride by adsorption process under low pH, biochar dose, initial concentration, temperature, and co-existing ions. Modified biochar possesses various functional groups (–OH, –C=C, –C–O, –CONH, –C–OH, X–OH), in which enhanced –OH) onto the surface, plays a significant role in fluoride adsorption via electrostatic attraction and ion exchange. Regeneration and reusability of biochar sorbents need to perform to improve removal efficiency and reusability in field conditions.

Banerjee, P., Stewart, K. A., Dey, G., Sharma, R., Maity, J. P., Chan, M. D., Chang, K. W., Chen, T., Hsu, C., & Chen, C. (2022). When conventional methods fall short: identification of invasive cryptic Golden Apple Snails (Pomacea canaliculata; P. maculata) using environmental DNA. Hydrobiologia, 849(19), 4241–4257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-022-04979-6

Abstract

Cryptic invasions are difficult to distinguish and easily overlooked by conventional identification methods, creating false biodiversity information. Molecular markers represent the only reliable method to distinguish cryptic species. Environmental DNA (eDNA) method was assessed in semi-natural (mesocosm) and natural waterbodies across Taiwan for species identification. P. canaliculata and P. maculata shells demonstrated overlapping qualitative and quantitative measures, which were unable to differentiate species. However, DNA-based barcoding (COI gene) differentiated P. canaliculata, and P. maculata and revealed their distribution. eDNA study quickly and effectively detected P. canaliculata and P. maculata, which could revolutionize tracking two immensely invasive and economically destructive species.

Banerjee, P., Stewart, K. A., Antognazza, C. M., Bunholi, I. V., Deiner, K., Barnes, M. J., Saha, S., Verdier, H., Doi, H., Maity, J. P., Chan, M. D., & Chen, C. (2022). Plant–animal interactions in the era of environmental DNA ( eDNA )—A review. Environmental DNA, 4(5), 987–999. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.308

Abstract

Plant–animal interactions (PAI) represent major channels of energy transfer through ecosystems, where both positive and antagonistic interactions simultaneously contribute to ecosystem functioning. Environmental DNA (eDNA)-based monitoring represents an increasingly common, nondestructive approach for biodiversity monitoring, which could help to elucidate PAI. eDNA can be identified PAI such as pollination, herbivory, mutualistic, and parasitic relationships, they have often identified higher taxonomic diversity in several direct comparisons with DNA-based gut/bulk sampling and conventional survey methods. However, the research needs to include the influencing factors of eDNA detection involved in PAI, methodological standardization, and more inclusive sequence reference databases.

Banerjee, P., Stewart, K. A., Antognazza, C. M., Bunholi, I. V., Deiner, K., Barnes, M. J., Saha, S., Verdier, H., Doi, H., Maity, J. P., Chan, M. D., & Chen, C. (2022). Plant–animal interactions in the era of environmental DNA ( eDNA )—A review. Environmental DNA, 4(5), 987–999. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.308

Abstract

Methanolic extracts from fresh ripened noni fruits (NFs) (Morinda citrifolia) were analysed. The qualitatively starch, terpenoids, saponin, and cardiac glycosides were analysed. Results shows that the NFs oil for pain treatment comes from field study of woman (80 years old). In ripened NFs extract, contain 100 phytochemicals, including D-limonene, 3-carene, gamma-terpinene, methyl eugenol, caryophyllene, hentriacontane etc. GCMS and virtual screening-cum-molecular docking studies documented caryophyllene that could be used for pain-reliever. These compounds have been shown to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, inflammation in the brain and oxidative stress-related effects. The bioactive potential of ripened NFs is an alternative medication source.

Sharma, R. K., Dey, G., Banerjee, P., Maity, J. P., Lu, C., Siddique, J. A., Wang, S., Chatterjee, N., Das, K., & Chen, C. (2023). New aspects of lipopeptide-incorporated nanoparticle synthesis and recent advancements in biomedical and environmental sciences: a review. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 11(1), 10–32. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2tb01564a

Abstract

Extensive attention on green nanoparticle synthesis has been focused on as a vital step in bio-nanotechnology to improve biocompatibility, biodegradability, eco-friendliness, and huge potential utilization in various environmental and clinical assessments. Inherent influence on the study of green nanoparticles plays a key role to synthesize the controlled and surface-influenced molecule by altering the physical, chemical, and biological assets with the provision of various precursors, templating/co-templating agents, and supporting solvents. The metal/metal oxide, and composite nanomaterial synthesis have been deliberated as well as the elucidation of the reaction mechanism. The effective strain for nanoparticle production could be effective, eco-friendly, and economic.

Chaouhan, H. S., Vinod, C., Mahapatra, N., Yu, S., Wang, I., Chen, K., Yu, T., & Li, C. (2022). Necroptosis: A Pathogenic Negotiator in Human Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(21), 12714. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232112714

Abstract

Over the past few decades, mechanisms of programmed cell death have attracted the scientific community because they are involved in diverse human diseases. Initially, apoptosis was considered as a crucial mechanistic pathway for programmed cell death; recently, an alternative regulated mode of cell death was identified, mimicking the features of both apoptosis and necrosis. This review is focused on illuminating the mechanisms underlying necroptosis, the functions of necroptosis-associated proteins, their influences on disease progression, natural and chemical compound based targeted therapies that elicit beneficial roles of necroptotic cell death which might provide suggestions for further research in this field.

Book Chapters

Praharaj, S., & Rout, D. (2022). Surface Modified Carbon Nanotubes in Removal of Textile Effluents. Acs Symposium Series, 175–197. https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2022-1425.ch008

Abstract

The textile industry is one of the largest and high water-consuming manufacturing sectors in the world and hence releases a huge volume of wastewater. At different stages of textile production, large amounts of effluents are discharged which are heavily contaminated with dyes and fluorescent brighteners, vegetable oils, fats, dissolved solids, organic acids, suspended solids, toxic metals, fibres, polymeric impurities, etc. This pollution severely deteriorates the aquatic ecosystems and imposes an unseen threat to humans, marine life, and the environment. Removal of such pollutants from wastewater is urgently demanding effective methods of treatment. In this context, several techniques such as membrane separation, ion exchange, coagulation, ozonation, adsorption, chemical reaction, electrodialysis, filtration, photocatalytic degradation, flocculation, reverse osmosis, biological degradation, etc have been adopted worldwide. Among the above-mentioned technologies, adsorption is proved to be one of the efficient methods for the removal of contaminants from wastewater owing to its simple design, ease of operation, high adsorption capacity, insensitivity, flexibility, etc. Recently, carbon nanotube (CNT) particularly surface-modified CNT and its derivatives as adsorbents are paid a lot of attention among the scientific community and industries across the globe due to their distinctive features i.e. cylindrical hollow structure, large surface area, flexible surface chemistry, higher sorption capacity, and well-flourished mesopores. Hence, in this chapter, we focus on the role of surface-modified carbon nanotubes in the removal of textile effluents.

Parhi, S., Dash, N., Praharaj, S., & Rout, D. (2022). An overview of voltammetric techniques to the present era. IOP Publishing EBooks, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1088/978-0-7503-5127-0ch1

Abstract

The last few decades have evidenced the growth and maturation of electroanalytical techniques with voltammetry at the center of the field. The early stages of this method encountered many problems making it less significant as compared to spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrophoresis. However, advancement in the late 20th century was mostly driven by sophisticated and inexpensive instrumentation including operational amplifiers, Polaroid land cameras, etc. The voltammetry techniques exhibit merits of superior sensitivity with a wide range of inorganic and organic species (10−12–10−1 M), a large temperature span, simultaneous measurement of several analytes, easy and rapid analysis, capability to govern mechanistic and kinetic parameters, generation of different types of waveforms with simplicity, and capability to measure small currents. Researchers can usually explore these advantages to quantify the electrochemical properties of a diverse range of compounds. It has been proved to be useful to conduct fundamental studies on redox reactions in different media, electron transfer processes, adsorption mechanisms, transport properties, and thermodynamics of solvated species. Applications also extend to study compounds of pharmaceutical interest and can prove to be effective in the analysis of complex structures when combined with HPLC. This chapter will cover the development of the major types of voltammetric techniques and their applications to different fields of study.

Praharaj, S. and Rout, D. (2022), Bi_aAO_b for the treatment of environmental pollutants. In Bismuth-Based Materials for Environmental Remediation. IOP Publishing.

Abstract

This chapter is focused on the synthesis of Bi a AO b based compounds and their
utilization in the removal of different pollutants for environmental remediation. Finally, the challenges and prospective outlook are proposed to guide future work in this direction. They are suitable for the degradation of pollutants including air/water purification and sewage treatment. This chapter is focused on the synthesis of Bi_aAO_b based compounds and their utilization in the removal of different pollutants for environmental remediation. Finally, the challenges and prospective outlook are proposed to guide future work in this direction. 

Sharma, R.K., Siddique, J.A., Chen, C.Y., Maity, J.P. (2022), Advanced Applications of Ionic Liquids – 1st Edition. (2022, November 2). https://shop.elsevier.com/books/advanced-applications-of-ionic-liquids/siddique/978-0-323-99921-2

Abstract

Remarkable expansions have been made in inorganic synthesis applying, or in the existence of ILs (ionic liquids), which has led to the development of sundry compounds with fascinating characteristics. ILs interact with the growing system through H-bond “co-π-π stacking” mechanism, forming a variety of morphologically different hybrid materials under mild reaction conditions. This creates an ordered solvation layer of ILs on the surface, which influences the interfacial interactions. Thus, differences in size, geometry, polarity, and coulomb coupling forces between cations and anions, which influence ILs’ viscosity and transition temperatures, directly contribute to the final produced particle’s morphology, size, and compactness.

Conference papers

Chakraborty, S., Coppola, G., Pugliese, V., Maity, J.P., Dey, G., Algieri, C. and Calabro, V. Arsenic removal from groundwater by membrane technology- challenges for the society. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol 54, No. 5, doi: 10.1130/abs/2022AM-383965. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2022AM/webprogram/Paper383965.html, 2022.

Abstract

Arsenic, a toxic element, needs to remove from water. Nanofiltration applications at large scales are obstructed by the difficulty of As(III) (most toxic form) removal and fouling issues. Application of nanofiber membranes in arsenic remediation is also described: these membranes, characterized by high surface area, uniform pore-size distribution, and improved pore connectivity, exhibit excellent adsorption capacity. Although the research activities in this field have made progress, several problems need to be solved, such as improvement of the porosity and the size of the pores, and the mechanical strength for promoting their use in industrial operating conditions.

Ijumulana, J., Ligate, F., Ligate, F., Irunde, R. F., Irunde, R. F., Kimambo, V., Kimambo, V., Tomasek, I., Tomasek, I., Ahmad, A., Ahmad, A., Maity, J. P., Maity, J. P., Hamisi, R., Hamisi, R., Mtamba, J. O., Mtamba, J. O., Bhattacharya, P., Bhattacharya, P., . . . Mtalo, F. W. (2022). HANDLING SPATIAL UNCERTAINTY OF GEOGENIC CONTAMINANTS IN WATER SYSTEMS: NEW INSIGHTS INTO FLUORIDE CONTAMINATION IN DRINKING WATER THROUGH GEOSPATIAL METHODS. Abstracts With Programs. https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2022am-381482

Abstract

Novel approach of data analysis by considering the spatial aspects of fluoride (WHO limit 1.5 mg/L) in the aquifers of Tanzania (>80% households depend on groundwater), was studied. Combination of spatial statistical methods and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tools to identify and map potential and significant risk-zones of geogenic fluoride contamination. High-risk-zones in terms of dental caries exist around major stratovolcanoes, especially Mt. Kilimanjaro and along the EARV escarpments at high elevations. The high-risk-zones in terms of fluorosis exist in the lowlands at the foot of major stratovolcanoes, especially Mt. Meru and Mt. Hanang’ in Arusha and Manyara regions, respectively.

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Journal Papers

1. Sugato Hajra, Jagannath Panda, Jaykishon Swain, Hang-Gyeom Kim, Manisha Sah, Malay Kumar Rana, Raghabendra Samantaray, Hoe Joon Kim, Rojalin Sahu. (2022). Triazine skeletal covalent organic frameworks: A versatile highly positive surface potential triboelectric layer for energy harvesting and self-powered applications, Nano Energy, 101, 107620. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.107620,   

Abstract

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with triazine skeleton have been developed via reticular chemistry. In this present work, a triazine-based nitrogen-rich organic moiety has been used for the COF synthesis and then tested for the output performance of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) using the same. The synthesized COF has been characterized by several physical characterization techniques. For the first time, the surface potential of the prepared COF material was tested experimentally using Kelvin probe force microscopy, which indicates a very high positive triboelectric potential of 2.03 V. The single unit of COF-based TENG delivered 70 V, 0.6 μA, and 38 nC as an electrical output. In the case of multiunit TENG, the current and voltage values are boosted as the parallel connection of four units of TENG gave the peak-to-peak current output rises by 6.3 μA. In comparison, the series connection of four units of TENG gave a high peak-to-peak voltage of 175 V. This work describes the synthesis of N-rich COF material, fabrication of the TENG, and the excellent energy harvesting performance with the realization of low-cost self-powered hand strengthening device. This result paves the way to achieve fruitful exercise monitoring units towards improving lifestyle

2. Nityananda Agasti, Vinay Gautam, Priyanka, Manju, Nilesh Pandey, Mahaveer Genwa, P. L. Meena, Sanjay Tandon, Raghabendra Samantaray, (2022), Carbon nanotube based magnetic composites for decontamination of organic chemical pollutants in water: A review, Applied Surface Science Advances, 10, 100270, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsadv.2022.100270

Abstract

Contamination of water by organic chemical pollutants is one of the most critical environmental problems today as these are harmful to human beings and the aquatic ecosystem. Organic chemical pollutants persist for a long time in water and cause deleterious effects on human health even in small concentrations. Hence, decontamination of water demands simple methods using efficient materials. Carbon nanotube (CNT) based composites with metal/metal oxide have been materials of significant interest for decontamination of organic chemical pollutants from water due to their catalytic, magnetic, and structural features. Most of the adsorbents/catalysts pass through the challenge of separation from solution, and incorporation of magnetism can make them easily separable in presence of an external magnet. In this review, we present recent progresses and prospects in carbon nanotube based magnetic composites as potential decontaminants. We (i) identify the types of CNT based magnetic composites, (ii) evaluate the magnetism in the composite, (iii) identify different types of organic chemical pollutants in water decontaminated by CNT based magnetic composites, (iv) study the mechanism of removal of pollutants by the composite, (v) assess various parameters such as, nature & composition of CNTs, surface area, pore size & pore volume of the composite, pH of the medium, concentration of the pollutant, nature of the pollutant, temperature and contact time, those affect the efficiency of the composite. A comprehensive analysis on the interaction of organic pollutants and the composite, which play a pivotal role in decontamination of water, has been presented. The removal of organic pollutants like dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, aromatic hydrocarbons and persistent organic pollutants from water has been covered. Overall, this review provides insight for the future efforts on CNT based magnetic composites for the decontamination of organic chemical pollutants in water.

3. Ramesh Kumar, Bikram Basak, Parimal Pal, Sankha Chakrabortty, Young-Kwon Park, Moonis Ali Khan, WooJin Chung, SoonWoong Chang, Yongtae Ahn, Byong-Hun Jeon (2022) Feasibility assessment of bioethanol production from humic acid-assisted alkaline pretreated Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) followed by downstream enrichment using direct contact membrane distillation, Bioresource Technology, Volume 360, 127521, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127521

Abstract

The effective fractionation of structural components of abundantly available lignocellulosic biomass is essential to unlock its full biorefinery potential. In this study, the feasibility of humic acid on the pretreatment of Kentucky bluegrass biomass in alkaline condition was assessed to separate 70.1% lignin and hydrolyzable biocomponents. The humic acid-assisted delignification followed by enzymatic saccharification yielded 0.55 g/g of reducing sugars from 7.5% (w/v) pretreated biomass loading and 16 FPU/g of cellulase. Yeast fermentation of the biomass hydrolysate produced 76.6% (w/w) ethanol, which was subsequently separated and concentrated using direct contact membrane distillation. The hydrophobic microporous flat-sheet membrane housed in a rectangular-shaped crossflow module and counter-current mode of flow of the feed (hot) and distillate (cold) streams yielded a flux of 11.6 kg EtOH/m2/24 h. A modular, compact, flexible, and eco-friendly membrane-integrated hybrid approach is used for the first time to effectively valorize Kentucky bluegrass biomass for sustainable production of biofuel.

Book/Book Chapters

Raghabendra Samantaray, Soujanya Ghosh, Nityananda Agasti (2022). MOF-based Electrochemical Sensors for Nitrogen Oxide/Carbon Dioxide, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis, ISSN: 9781003188148

NATIONAL AWARD RECEIVED

Name of the Faculty: Dr. Sankha Chakrabortty

Title of the Award: AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH in 10^th Faculty Branding Awards-2022

Award Received: Education-expo TV, Place: Kolkata

About the Award:

The Faculty Branding Awards are established by Education Expo TV (EET) CRS, a research & branding independent organization serving since 2011. The FBA was launched in year 2013 to give recognition to academicians, scientists, researchers & faculties working in different colleges, Universities, organizations & institutions across the India & world. The FBA objective is to identify and award outstanding contributions in teaching & research area. The evaluation criteria followed by FBA panel based on the parameters like research paper written as first author, review & article published, books & chapters written as first author & edited, PI ship of projects, seminar organized, invited talks given, Radio/TV talks, popular articles published, patent awarded, consultancy project undertaken, teaching methodology etc. The FBA-2013 to 2022 were super successful with huge participation.  

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Journal Papers

1. Mukherjee, S., Mishra, P.C., Aljuwayhel, N.F., Ali, N. & Chaudhuri, P. (2022). Thermo-fluidic performance of SiO₂–ZnO/water hybrid nanofluid on enhancement of heat transport in a tube: Experimental results. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 182, 107808. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2022.107808. (Impact Factor: 4.779)

Abstract

This paper reports an experimental investigation on the convective heat transfer and flow performance of silica-zinc oxide (SiO₂–ZnO)/water hybrid nanofluid (HNF) flowing inside a tube with constant heat flux at different Reynolds number (Re) from 7743 to 23,228. A well-stabilized SiO2–ZnO/water HNF with 0.025–0.10weight fractions (φ) was produced via two-step method. Thermal conductivity and viscosity of HNF were measured. The convective heat transfer and flow characteristics of the HNF were determined. Thermal conductivity and viscosity of HNF showed notable enhancements as compared to water. The convective heat transfer coefficient (CHTC) of HNF enhanced with increasing φ and Re. A maximum of 29.44% enhancement in CHTC was obtained with φ of 0.10 at Re = 20,131 when compared to water. Further, the friction factor and pressure drop of HNF increased with increasing φ. A maximum of 17.45% increase in friction factor and a maximum increase of 24% in pressure drop were recorded with φ of 0.10 at Re = 23,228 as compared to water. New CHTC and friction factor correlations of high accuracies (R² > 90%) have been proposed. A Figure of Merit (FOM) was drawn to describe the thermal performance of HNF. Based on the analysis, the optimum thermal performance was achieved with φ of 0.10 at Re = 20,131.

2. Khadanga, V., Mukherjee, S., Mishra, P.C. & Chakrabarty, S. (2022). Heat transport performance of nanoparticles in gases: case study of Al₂O₃ nanoaerosol. Journal of Engineering Physics and Thermophysics, 95(5), 1232- 1239.

Abstract

The concept of nanofluids has already shown that the heat transfer potential of traditional working fluids could be improved by dispersing various nanosized particles in them. Up to now, liquids are used as the base materials and dispersed nanoparticles are solid. In the present paper, we study solid nanoparticles dispersed in a gaseous medium (nanoaerosol), and the behavior of heat transfer of nanoparticles mixed with a gas flow is analyzed. Nanoparticles of Al₂O₃ mixed with an air stream are considered inside a tube subjected to a constant heat flux of 696.534 kW/m². The timescale analysis of heat transfer in a nanoparticle–gas mixture is carried out. The effect of the particle volume fraction and the Reynolds number Re on the convective aerosol heat transfer coefficient and the Nusselt number is analyzed. The timescale study shows that conduction is dominant in a nanoaerosol. The maximum enhancements in the convective aerosol heat transfer coefficient and the Nusselt number are obtained as 59 and 55.27%, respectively, with increasing particle volume fraction in the range of 0.002–0.01.

3. Agarwal, M., & Singh, S. (2022). Upper bound analysis of closed-die forging of eccentrically-located SiCp AMC preforms. Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, 25(2), 275-285.

Abstract

The paper presents analysis of closed-die forging of eccentrically-located SiCp AMC cylindrical preforms at cold conditions using ‘UpperBound0 approach. The deformation has been considered in two subsequent stages, i.e. frees barreling and constrained deformation stages. Second stage was again divided into two modes, i.e. unilateral and bilateral constrained deformations. For basic experimental analysis, the preforms were fabricated via liquid metal stir casting manufacturing route using LM6 Aluminium alloy and Silicon Carbide particles as reinforcements. These preforms were located eccentrically in the closed-die with respect to die axis and subsequently forged into double-hub flange components. The generalized expressions for velocity field, strain rates, various energy dissipations and average forging load were formulated for all the above deformation stage and results were compared with the experimental findings. It is expected that the present work will be useful for the analysis of the precision net-shape flashless closed-die forging operations at cold conditions.

4. Dey, S., Mishra, R., Mohapatra, M., & Sabut, S. (2022). Micro active catheters and embolization techniques: a brief review based on design and working efficacy. Biomedical Engineering: Applications, Basis and Communications, 34 (4), 2230001. https://doi.org/10.4015/S101623722250024

Abstract

Micro catheters are thin-walled devices gaining pivotal importance in the field of micro invasive surgeries. The need for an efficient design of a micro catheter with the enhancement of its prime characteristics like-kink resistance, lower bending response, increased perumbular capacities, etc., has been the key parameters for research among biomedical engineers. The article highlights the nuances in the technology in the fabrication of micro active catheters and the procedure and necessity of embolization in the process of catheterization. Efficacies of different designs of micro active catheters were studied based on a variety of clinical data trials by several researchers and doctors. Superior materials capable of enhancing the torque efficacy of the device like auxetic materials and their effect on bending angles were studied. Clinical trials were undertaken based on various designs and approaches for the device and the critical characteristics were studied. The micro active catheter with guide-wire shows maximum bending angle and considerable torque making it ideal for micro invasive procedures in constricted as well as divergent blood vessels. 

5. Mohapatra, B., Tripathy, S., Singhal, D., & Saha, R. (2022). Significance of digital technology in manufacturing sectors: Examination of key factors during COVID-19. Research in Transportation Economics, 93, 101134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.retrec.2021.101134 (Impact Factor: 2.904)

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has been the center of human existential chaos throughout the world, which also has affected the manufacturer in an extraordinary and unexpected way. With the decline in demand, supply, and workforce the industries are driven into the gloom. The concerned research objective is to explore the factors which impact manufacturing throughout the world during the epidemic of Covid-19. Further, it delineates the usage of advanced digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics (BDA), and internet of things (IoT) to bring on solutions/approaches to evolving to pandemic-constrained manufacturing. An overall of twelve key factors is determined from extensive literature reviews which are categorized into challenges and solutions. Here, ISM methodology has been used to establish the interrelationship among identified twelve challenges and solutions. Further, MICMAC analysis has categorized them according to their driving and dependence power. The consequences display the absence of autonomous factors whilst efficient supply chain, centralized decision making, product diversification, and JIT along with revenue generation turn out to be significant dependant factors. The facilitators like digital technologies are the pre-cursors to the ultimate solution of revenue generation and termed preliminary solutions. The outcomes of this research will suggest eventual policy recommendations for industry leaders to progress manufacturing within Covid-19 constraints. It will offer a sturdy base for manufacturers around the world to tune to the new digital transformation of the production scenario.

6. Sahoo, T.K., & Ghose, P. (2022). Effect of Inlet Swirl on Combustion Performance and Soot Formation of a Turbulent Methane-Air Non-Premixed Flame. Jordan Journal of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, 16 (2), 309 – 318.

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of swirl intensity on flame temperature, radiation heat flux, soot formation, dispersion, and other major species concentrations were investigated for methane-air non-premixed combustion. Harwell standard furnace has been chosen for computational modeling. Eddy dissipation combustion model is used to evaluate reaction rate considering one-step global combustion reaction mechanism for methane. Standard k-ε turbulent model, discrete ordinate (DO) radiation model, and Moss-Brookes soot models are used for simulation. The weighted-sum-of-gray-gases model (WSGGM) is employed to calculate the radiation absorption coefficient. A fair agreement has been observed between published experimental and simulation results. The numerical results show that as the swirl intensity increases, the radial component of the flow increases, hence the flame becomes wider. Consequently, the temperature distribution, soot formation, and the species mass concentration are also strongly influenced by the swirl intensity. It has also been observed that the flame temperature decreases with the consideration of soot generation due to an increase in radiation heat loss of eight percent. Incomparable to any swirl, the average wall heat flux increases to 62.72% when the swirl number is 5.

7. Sahoo, B., Sharma, N., Sahoo, B., Ramteke, P.M., Panda, S.K., & Mahmoud, S.R. (2022, October). Nonlinear vibration analysis of FGM sandwich structure under thermal loadings. Structures, 44, 1392-1402.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2022.08.081 (Impact Factor: 4.010)

Abstract

The geometrically nonlinear thermal frequencies of the functionally graded (FG) sandwich structures are predicted numerically in the current work considering the variable temperature distributions (linear and nonlinear). For numerical analysis of the FG sandwich structure, an in-house finite element code has been developed in MATLAB using the higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) and Green–Lagrange nonlinear strain kinematics. The governing equation of motion for the graded sandwich structure is obtained using Hamilton’s principles, and the direct iterative method is used to predict the nonlinear vibration response of the sandwich structure. The temperature distributions along the thickness of the sandwich structure are considered. Temperature dependent material properties are considered in the present work for computation of frequency responses under thermal environment. The material properties are described in accordance with the power-law distribution. The current models are initially validated with the published results. The influence of various input parameters, i.e. the curvature ratio (CRO), thickness ratio (TRO), aspect ratio (ARO), boundary conditions, and power-law indices on the nonlinear vibration behaviours of FG sandwich structure have been studied.

8. Kumar, V., Dewangan, H.C., Sharma, N., & Panda, S.K. (2022). Numerical frequency and SERR response of damaged (crack/delamination) multilayered composite under themomechanical loading: An experimental verification. Composite Structures, 293, 115709. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2022.115709 (Impact Factor: 6.603)

Abstract

This research predicted the influences of combined damage (delamination and crack) and thermomechanical loading on the modal values and strain energy release rate (SERR) of the curved shell panel. The results are obtained computationally using a computer code (MATLAB platform) with the help of isoparametric finite element (FE) steps and the higher-order deformation polynomial. The Hamilton principle is adopted to obtain the final governing equation for the frequency analysis of the damaged structure. Additionally, the deflection, strain, and stresses are recorded by back substituting the numerical solutions to compute the desired energy values. The obtained solution accuracy and the stabilities are verified by performing the convergence and the comparison (published frequencies and SERR) studies. Moreover, a few lab-scale modal experimentations (cracked laminated composite with and without temperature increments) are carried out to accomplish the proposed model. Lastly, a series of numerical examples related to the SERR and modal responses of the current damaged curved composite structure is solved by considering the geometrical, material, and damage parameters (shape and sizes of delamination and orientation of crack). The SERR values calculated using the virtual crack closure technique. The pointwise comprehensions related to the inputs and the model are envisaged in details.

9. Jena, H., Panigrahi, A., & Jena, M. (2022). Mechanical property of jute fibre reinforced polymer composite filled with clam shell filler: a marine waste. Advances in Materials and Processing Technologies, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/2374068X.2022.2085387.

Abstract

The present work utilises clam shell, a marine waste as filler material in a natural fibre composite. Different contents of clam shell filler of 0, 5 and 10 wt.% are considered for preparing the composite by the hand lay-up technique. The addition clamshell filler in the composite improves the tensile strength and tensile modulus by 51.40 and 63.47 % from 0 to 5 wt.% of clam shell filler, respectively. Similarly, flexural strength, flexural modulus and inter laminar shear strength of the composites show the maximum value at 5 wt.% filler addition. Beyond this value, the mechanical strength is reduced. Hardness values of the composites are increased with the increase in inclusion of the clam shell filler. In contrast, the addition of filler reduces the impact strength of the composites. Again, to determine the viscoelastic behaviour of the jute epoxy composite with the clam shell filler, dynamic mechanical analysis is performed. Storage modulus and loss modulus are found to be increasing with the increase in wt.% of filler. For all composites, the damping factor improves with the increase in temperature and obtained the highest height in the transition region. It is low below the glass transition temperature.

10. Mandal, P., Roy, S., & Singh, U.P. (2022). Investigation on the optical and electrical performance of aluminium doped gallium oxide thin films. Optical and Quantum Electronics, 54(8), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-022-03851-0 (Impact Factor: 2.794).

Abstract

Gallium oxide is an extensively researched wide band gap material that has numerous applications in optoelectronic devices. This article focuses on fabrication of amorphous gallium oxide (a-gallium oxide) deposited by RF plasma sputtering at low temperature on glass substrates to fabricate large area flexible electronics. Particularly, this work aims to improve their optical and electrical performances by metal doping as well as substrate pre-heating. Here, the properties of 9.5% aluminium doped a-Ga2O3 and 6.1% europium doped a-Ga2O3, grown by co-sputtering on soda lime glass substrate at 400 °C were analyzed. The thin films produced were nano-structured with an average grain size of ~ 12 nm. The maximum optical transmittance in the UV–vis range for 9.5% Al and 6.1% Eu doped a-Ga2O3 is 82% and 84%, respectively. Although the variations in optical band gap are not appreciable with doping Al and Eu to undoped a-Ga2O3 ~ 3.98 eV, their electronic properties show tremendous difference. Hall effects measurements show that by doping with 9.5% Al, the a-gallium oxide thin films record an increase in both mobility and conductivity of 2 orders. On the other hand, the 6.1% Eu doped a-Ga2O3 does not show any appreciable change in both mobility and conductivity. This was further investigated through first principle density function theory (DFT) to correlate the structure to its properties for both the dopants. Therefore, aluminium doping in a-gallium oxide shows potential towards its application in flexible and cheaper electronic devices.

11. Panda, S.K., Rana, B.K., & Kumar, P. (2022). Entrainment in multifluid systems, and rotation induced occurrences. European Journal of Mechanics-B/Fluids, 96, 156–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euromechflu.2022.08.001 (Impact Factor: 2.598).

Abstract

Fluid entrainment is a complex and deeply attractive phenomenon that is frequently encountered in both industry and nature. In general, entrainment deals with the basic understanding of penetration one fluid into another which leads to occurrence of complex interfacial structure. The present article addresses a detailed description of the recent studies on entrainment dynamics caused by the external rotational flux across the interfaces is elaborated. Despite of considerable progress in understanding rotation induced entrainment, there are still several questions unanswered due to its difficulty, unpredictability, three-dimensional effects, and chaotic nature. Therefore, here we explained numerous numerical, experimental, and analytical investigations with their relevance in engineering applications wherein the increase of interfacial area causes enhancement of heat and mass transfer. The description also includes various patterns of entrained fluid entities due to rotations induced across the interface. Furthermore, the entrainment behaviors have been critically analyzed to draw out the distinct categorization of rollers relying on parameters such as submergence ratio with different gas–liquid pairs.

12. Pati, P.R., & Satpathy, M.P. (2022). Effect of process parameters on sliding wear performance of red brick dust-filled glass–epoxy composites. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part J: Journal of Engineering Tribology, 236(9), 1846-1854. https://doi.org/10.1177/13506501211010553 (Impact Factor: 1.818)

Abstract

This research is focused on the study of the tribological properties of epoxy composites reinforced with red brick dust and glass fiber. Wear tests are conducted on a pin-on-disk apparatus. The wear rate and coefficient of friction are measured after tribological tests. The relative effect of process parameters such as sliding velocity, normal load, filler content on specific wear rate, and coefficient of friction is also examined using the Taguchi model and analysis of variance technique. Furthermore, an innovative optimization approach is adopted by combining grey relational analysis with the metaheuristic firefly algorithm to obtain the desired response values. A nonlinear regression model is generated to cater to the relationship between the grey relational grade and the process parameters. This model is further employed in the firefly algorithm to move the firefly to the neighboring brighter and attractive firefly. The most influencing factors for wear rate and friction coefficient are sliding velocity and normal load, respectively. This work not only opens up an opportunity for value-added utilization of waste material such as red brick dust but also the proposed metaheuristic approach can be customized and applied for any multi-response optimization problem.

13. Das, P., Kar, S.P., & Sarangi, R.K. (2022). Review on thermal performance of heat exchanger using phase change material. International Journal of Energy Research, 46(12), 16208 -16240. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.8345 (Impact Factor: 4.672)

Abstract

This article reports detailed investigation of using different Phase Change Materials (PCM) in various designs of Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Devices: specifically, heat exchanger. The focus is on the performance analysis of different types of heat exchangers acting as TES having various PCMs which are substantially reviewed in this paper. The study highlights the difference in their geometry and performance output. Further, the importance of different performance enhancement methods with parametric study of different heat exchangers using PCM is described. From the detailed investigation, finally, it is realised that the different factors such as no. of outer tubes, no. of inner tubes, tube material selected, type of PCM, provision of an extended surface, use of different metal foams and nanoparticles, various types of composites, charging and discharging characteristics and packed and cascaded units are different heat transfer enhancement methods to improve the heat transfer. A novel kind of heat exchanger known as Webbed tube heat exchanger using PCM is discussed for an efficient TES unit. Further, a review of quantitative analysis of melting time, solidification time, charging and discharging time is discussed.

14. Chavda, A., Mehta, P., & Harichandan, A. (2022). Numerical analysis of multiphase flow in chemical looping reforming process for hydrogen production and CO₂ capture. Experimental and Computational Multiphase Flow, 4(4), 360-376. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42757-021-0105-7

Abstract

The unsteady characteristics of bubble dynamics inside the air reactor within the first 0–40 s of reforming has always been studied for defining the design criteria of the reactor. In the study, a temporal aspect of the hydrodynamics and chemical kinetics in the reactor of a chemical looping reforming system in form of volume fraction contours of solid species and molar fraction of H₂O has been numerically simulated by considering manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) based metal oxides as oxygen carriers. The Finite Volume Method based approach has been employed to simulate the steam reactor model by encompassing it as a fluidized bed reactor. The granular flow under kinetic theory has been employed using a multiphase Eulerian-based approach for both gas and solid phases in the form of a shrinking core model. An influence of various operating parameters such as particle size of the oxygen carriers, steam inlet velocity, and temperature of the steam reactor on an overall conversion rate of iron-based oxide (FeO) and manganese-based oxide (MnO). The maximum steam conversion rate for FeO and MnO was observed at 32% and 34% at 0.6 m/s steam velocity, 48% and 60% at a maximum temperature of 1273 K, and 47% and 64% at a particle size of 100 μm, respectively.

15. Sinha, G.S., Kumar Mishra, N., Muthukumar, P., & Sharma, M. (2022). Thermal performance and emission analysis of self-aspirated kerosene pressure stove with porous radiant burner using kerosene nanofuels. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-022-04179-8 (Impact Factor: 3.519)

Abstract

This paper reports the development of a self-aspirated ceria-based nano-particle blended kerosene-fueled pressure stove to work on Porous Radiant Burner and its performance analysis. The novel self-aspiration system makes the stove exhibit higher thermal efficiencies and lower emissions than any other design reported before. It was found that the new stove exhibits ~ 6% higher thermal efficiency than the conventional stove when kerosene is used and ~ 10% higher values with the nanofuel. Furthermore, performances of the Porous Radiant Burner were tested with a CO, and NOx emissions of the PRB-kerosene stove were found significantly low (80% lower than the conventional stove). The newly developed Porous Radiant Burner stove performs close to an LPG stove in terms of thermal efficiency and emission level.

16. Alok, P. & Sahu, D. (2022). Numerical analysis of a two-phase injection refrigeration cycle using R32. Journal of Thermal Engineering, 8(2), 157-168. https://doi.org/10.18186/thermal.1077857.

Abstract

The present paper reports the performance of a popular refrigerant R32 (Difluoromethane, CF2H2) experiencing the two phase injection process. Two phase injection process may lower the discharge temperature of a multistage compressor. In order to investigate the role and impact of two-phase injection on a compressor, a Scroll compressor is selected because scroll compressor has high tolerance for liquid refrigerant. A reputed compressor is chosen where all the operating conditions and specifications are available in public domain. The modelling and analysis of refrigeration system is carried out using a simple MATLAB code. Around 200 iterations were performed for four different condensing and evaporating temperatures. The maximum reduction in discharge temperature is found to be 44°C when compared to R410A used in the same system.

17. Chaudhuri, S., Mohanty, R.L., & Mishra, V.K. (2022). Convective heat transfer in electromagnet hydrodynamic flow of third grade fluids through large parallel plates: a study on effect of parametric variation on thermal characteristics. Sādhanā, 47(2), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12046-022-01862-x (Impact Factor: 1.214).

Abstract

Electromagnet hydrodynamic flow and heat transfer of a non-Newtonian third grade fluid through two parallel plates of large width are studied for both heating and cooling. The plates are subjected to uniform heat fluxes. A magnetic field and an electric field are externally imposed. The effects of viscous dissipation and Joule heating are included in the analysis. The non-linear equations governing the physical situation are solved by employing the Least Square Method (LSM), a semi-analytical technique widely applied for solving non-linear problems. For implementing the least square method, the presence of any small parameter is not required. Non-dimensional velocity and temperature distributions are obtained and the effects of the third grade fluid parameters, Hartmann number, electric field parameter, Brinkman number on the velocity, temperature, and Nusselt number are discussed. The results imply that the Nusselt number reverses its sign when the Brinkmann number reaches a critical value. The bulk mean temperature decreases so much that the difference between the wall temperature and the bulk mean temperature becomes negative, which results in a negative Nusselt number (indicating heat transfer from the fluid). In the case of heating, the Nusselt number increases with the Hartmann number for all values of the third grade fluid parameter.

18. Pandey, V., Yadav, M.K., Gupta, A., Mohanta, K., Panda, S.K., & Singh, V.K. (2022). Synthesis, morphological and thermomechanical characterization of light weight silica foam via reaction generated thermo-foaming process. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 42(14), 6671-6683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2022.07.034 (Impact Factor: 6.364)

Abstract

Low-cost thermo-foaming technique involving sucrose dehydration reaction with H2SO4 has been used for ceramic foam processing. The heat and gas generated during the reaction induces a thermo-foaming effect in the sucrose-ceramic mixture. This converts the sucrose-ceramic slurry into a carbonaceous porous ceramic-scaffold. The converted carbon is seen to agglutinate with the ceramic particles. During sintering, they are removed subsequently, thereby enlarging the pores. Influence of solids-loading, sintering temperature and H2SO4 concentration on the foaming behaviour, pore morphology and thermo-mechanical properties are studied. The fabricated silica foams are found to have porosity within the range of 70 %− 90 % and compressive strength of 0.8–2.8 MPa. The extreme porosity of the silica foams and their intercrystallite pores within the struts results in the low thermal conductivity (0.0943 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹) of the specimens. The fabricated foam is seen as a promising material for insulation applications like catalyst supports, filters and bio-scaffolds.

19. Yadav, M.K., Pandey, V., Mohanta, K., & Singh, V.K. (2022). A low-cost approach to develop silica doped Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) scaffold by valorizing animal bone waste and rice husk for tissue engineering applications. Ceramics International, 48 (17), 25335 – 25345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.05.207. (Impact Factor: 5.532)

Abstract

In the present study Hydroxyapatite (HAp) derived Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) and Silica (SiO2) based scaffold was successfully fabricated for the first time by effective utilizing various waste such as animal waste bone (AWB) and rice husk (RH) as a source of HAp and SiO2 respectively. Scaffold development involved simple steps comprising of segregation of waste materials followed by sample preparation through die compaction and sintering (1000 °C and 1300 °C). Advanced characterization techniques like XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR were employed to study the properties of the waste materials as well as the developed composite scaffold. The presence of silica from RH combines with the HAp during high temperature sintering and initiates the phenomenon of phase transformation of HAp to TCP along with the formation of a glassy phase. The extent of phase transformation increases as the wt% of RH increases. XRD analysis revealed the development of different phases. SEM microstructure shows that the addition of silica restricts the grain growth and supports the formation of crystalline glassy phase termed as Si-TCP. FTIR results confirmed the presence of phosphate, carbonate, and hydroxyl groups in the sintered samples. The porosity of the scaffold was in the range of 34–61% and the compressive strength was up to 4.1 MPa. The SEM images of scaffold dipped in simulated body fluid (SBF) shows formation of apatite layer throughout the surface. The bioactivity of the scaffold was highly influenced by the addition of silica in the HAp matrix. The apatite forming ability of the developed porous was much greater than that of pure HAp for the same incubation period. The obtained properties of the developed scaffold are comparable to that of natural bone. Thus the present work creates an opportunity to use AWB for the development of composite for tissue engineering applications.

20. Kumari, J., Tiwari, M., Mohanta, K., & Singh, V.K. (2022). Fabrication and characterization of silica ceramic compact prepared using Aloevera mucilage as a binder. International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, 19(6), 3030 – 3039.  https://doi.org/10.1111/ijac.14197 (Impact Factor: 2.328)

Abstract

In this study, silica compacts were fabricated through a powder processing route at different compaction pressure, using Aloe-Vera (AV) mucilage as a binder. The silica compacts were prepared at 90, 100, and 110 MPa compaction pressure using 0%–16 wt% of AV binder. The optimum amount of AV binder was 14 wt% for both 90 and 100 MPa and 12 wt% for 110 MPa. The maximum achieved green density and green strength of silica compacts at the optimum binder amount were 62.3% and 4 MPa, respectively at 110 MPa compaction pressure. The green silica compacts prepared at 110 MPa compaction pressure exhibited a minimum porosity of 21% and maximum flexural strength of 15 MPa after sintering at 1400°C. The green silica compacts with the optimum amount of binder were strong enough for machining. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the functional groups present in AV mucilage. The binder burnout characteristic of AV mucilage in the silica compact was determined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. Additionally, AV gel acted as a binder and solvent simultaneously for ceramic compaction.

21. Jyoti, V.P., Yadav, M. K., Mohanta, K., & Singh, V.K. (2022). Green Properties of Dry Pressed Alumina Compact Prepared Using Aloe Vera Gel and Sucrose as a Binder. Transactions of the Indian Ceramic Society, 81(1), 7-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/0371750X.2022.2032359 (Impact Factor: 2.355).

Abstract

The present study is focused on the scope of aloe vera (AV) gel and sucrose as a binder to prepare green ceramic compact samples through dry pressing. The alumina compacts having 0-14 wt% (0-2.8 wt% on dry basis) AV gel and 0-2 wt% sucrose binder have been prepared as a function of moisture content at optimum compaction pressure. The green properties of the resulting samples have been characterized through SEM, FTIR, etc and compared with other binders. Primary results revealed that alumina compact with an optimum binder content attained maximum green density and flexural strength. The maximum green density and maximum green flexural strength are 64% and 13.5 Mpa, respectively. The experimental results have also been correlated with the microstructure of green compacts. Dry pressed compacts are sufficiently strong for green machining. The strength of binder-based green ceramic samples has been attributed to better particle packing due to adsorbing and plasticizing properties of AV gel and sucrose binder, as revealed by IR analysis. The sintered properties of fired samples at 1600°C have exhibited minimum (2.3%) porosity. Therefore, the current study creates a scope of AV gel and sucrose as a binder for the green processing of alumina-based compacts.

22. Sahoo, B.P., Das, D., & Chaubey, A.K. (2021). Strengthening mechanisms and modelling of mechanical properties of submicron-TiB2 particulate reinforced Al 7075 metal matrix composites. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 825, 141873. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2021.141873 (Impact Factor: 6.044)

Abstract

The physics of matrix-reinforcement consonance in metal matrix composites (MMCs) is quite complex and it is difficult to quantify the effects of individual parameters on the composite properties. Strengthening mechanisms proposed so far are under assumptions of uniform particle dispersion and perfectly bonded interface. However, practically it is quite difficult to achieve a perfect uniformity in particle dispersion, and a perfect interface bonding may not be achieved through liquid state processing of MMCs. This paper accentuates on implementation of various established strengthening mechanisms on mechanical properties of Al 7075/submicron-TiB2 MMCs, synthesized through semisolid stirring and ultrasonic agitation assisted squeeze casting route. Analytical models were proposed to predict elastic modulus and yield strength of the MMCs considering the effects of porosity, and the proposed models were validated with the experimental results and predicted results of some established models. Reasonable agreement of the proposed model was attained with the experimental results and the established models, more prominently at higher volume fractions of particle incorporation.

Conference Papers

1. Nayak, S. K., Behera, S. P., Mishra, P. C., & Sarkar, A. (2023). Measurement of Local Spray Impingement Density by Using a Novel Patternator. Recent Advances in Mechanical Engineering (pp. 495-502). Springer, Singapore.

Abstract

The current investigation confronts the measurement of the local impingement density of fluid spray which plays crucial role in ultra-fast cooling of heated metal surfaces in steel industry, electronic chip cooling, automobile industry for fuel injection, aviation, etc. An experimental setup was designed and fabricated to explore the influence of several controlling variables to enhance the spray density of a mechanical patternator. The flow behavior of the air atomizing nozzle was investigated at various parametric combinations and conditions. The working fluid used in this study was normal water-assisted with a range of air pressure from 2 to 4 bar. The amount of water was accumulated by the tubes attached to the patternator, and impingement density was calculated at the designated locations of the tubes.

Books / Book Chapters

1. Mishra, P.C., Noor, M. M., & Hoang, A. T.  (2022) Advances in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, 1st Edition, 1-378, Taylor & Francis, CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003216742

Abstract

This book presents selected proceedings of the International Conference on Advances in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering-2020 (ICAMIE-2020) and highlights the research hotspots in next generation mechanical system design, thermal and fluid system design, materials and smart manufacturing processes and industrial engineering. This field covers the topics which include modern-age smart materials, materials processing and applications, smart machinery and machine design, system dynamics and simulation, bio mimics, energy system, micro- and nano- scale transport, automotive engineering, advance material characterization and testing, green manufacturing, intelligent systems, human factors, production planning & control etc. This book also provides the meaningful research content along with the various applications to stimulate the intellectual excitement of the researchers. This proceedings book can be an imperative reference for researchers, professionals and industry personnel to take their research up to next echelon for proficient professional practice.

2. Swain, S., Kumar, A., Singh, Y., Singh, A., Ganguly, A., Sinha, A. R., … & Nayak, B. (2022). Exploring Jatropha as a Multifaceted Shrub: A Comprehensive Review. Advances in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, 228-235.

Abstract

Importance of the fossil fuel is beyond description but unfortunately its reserve is limited. Vegetable oils and their biodiesels partially succeed in facing the energy requirement of society, but their characteristics are unable to touch the quality level of petroleum products. Properties of some non-edible oils resemble with petro-Diesel properties and jatropha is one of them. Though in India, jatropha use is not so widely observed, still in South American countries like Brazil, Chilli and in some other tropical nations, it is largely cultivated, because of its multidimensional use. Now a days, many nations have joined hands to verify whether in future jatropha oil can act as a substitute to fossil fuel, which will be very useful in reducing the hegemony of Arab countries. This paper relates to properties, preparation and scope of different non consumable oils in general and jatropha oil in particular.

3. Saha, P., Raja, P., Sinha, A. K., Behera, R. K., Ashutosh, K., Gautam, S., Chakraborty, P., Khan, B., Saikia, R., Mishra, A., Mishra, P.C. & Nayak, B. (2022). Biogas Production, Utilisation and Recent Updates in the State of Odisha: A Comprehensive Review. Advances in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, 206-213.

Abstract

Now a days, the huge increase in the population growth is giving a great challenge to the researchers to replace the fossil fuel by the renewable energy sources. Because of the shortage of natural resources, the researchers are moving towards the manmade fuels, by utilising the renewable sources of energy. The most significant sources of renewable energy in India are biomass, biogas, cosmological, wind and hydro power etc. It is important to note that the Biogas is one of the popular source of energy for isolated areas. Biogas is most commonly produced from various waste materials, which do not have any cost, like cow dung and other animal waste, kitchen waste, municipal waste and from the plant matter such as leaves and water hyacinth. Biomass is one possible source of renewable energy, besides that it absorbs the waste materials and protects the environment from global warming. Moreover, the recycling of the nutrient rich residues can be further utilised for fields, for improving the energy levels of soil. A brief review of the main translation processes and its utilisation is provided, with specific regard to the production of a fuel suitable for spark ignition and compression ignition gas engines.

4. Kumar, V. B., Srivastav, A., Chatterjee, P. R., Kundu, U., Damle, N., Dheeraj, P., Jha, U., Singh, A., Shahdeo, A., Deka, H., Agarwal, S., Mishra, P.C. & Nayak, B. (2022). Emission Analysis of Diesel Engine Fuelled with Jatropha Oil Methyl Ester Blends. Advances in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (pp. 236-242). CRC Press.

Abstract

In the present era, due to the high brake thermal efficiency of modern diesel engines, the conventional fuel consumption in agricultural sector has increased to an extreme end, which is causing drastic depletion of the natural resources. Due to good oxidation characteristics and lubricating nature, the biodiesel is attracting the world to its side as an alternative fuel. The present paper elaborates the emission characteristics of an agricultural diesel engine utilising jatropha oil methyl ester with diesel blends (B10, B20 and B30). All the emission values were noted and plotted in the graph against loads varying at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%. The results depict that BD20 is the blend, which shows less tendency towards the emissions like CO, CO2, HC, while there is a slight increment in both NOx and smoke emission in comparison to the other test fuel blends, which gives a conclusion that B20 is a best alternative fuel capable of replacing current petroleum diesel fuels to reduce the engine emissions.

Patent Granted

Name of the inventors: Chauhan, H., Satapathy, S., Sahoo, A.K.

Title of the Patent: Multifunctional Headgear (Indian patent).

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a multifunctional headgear 100. The headgear 100 includes a cooling unit 104 to provide cooling-effect, illumination sources 108 to illuminate a predetermined area, a rain cover 110 to protect from rain, a charging module 114 to enable charging of rechargeable devices, and a communication unit 106 to transmit meteorological attributes. The headgear 100 includes a protecting segment to protect eyes of the user from dust and dirt. The headgear 100 includes a power supply and management unit 116 to supply conditioned electric power to the headgear 100. The headgear includes solar panels 120 to enable generation of electric power through insolating solar radiations.

Ph.D. Degree Awarded

Student’s Name: Dr. Hullash Chauhan

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. S. Satapathy & Dr. A. K. Sahoo, School of Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Title:  Study on Mental Stress of Agri Farmers by Sustainable Engineering

Abstract of the Thesis:

At the individual farmer level, the occurrences of mental work load, health problems such as stress, anxiety, unhappy, feeling depression, physical problems and psychological distress have been identified as key risk factors while working in adverse weather conditions. Moreover, the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomforts and disorders cause serious health related problems due to psychological stress that affect the mental well-being of farmers reducing their work efficiency. The mental-stress has an important aspect affecting the individuals’ performances when they try for a varying level of complex-tasks. The exposing of human-beings to higher-levels of mental-stresses seems to be intolerable, and may affect in successfully completion of the tasks. The stresses in workplaces have been most harmful physical as well as emotional effects. With regard to farming occupation, it has been more dangerous with greater fatality-rates than any other occupation. Thus, an attempt was made in this research to identify the key risk-factors in farming work-places in addition to the levels of depressions, anxieties and work-stresses of farmers of Indian agriculture leading to mental ill-health among them. Further, this work aimed at developing a compact integrated device for measuring the mental-stress associated variables among the farmers. In order to design the device, different commercially available standard devices for measuring individual parameters/variables associated with the mental-stress of farmers in the form of their emotions were identified such as “Pulse Rate, High BP, Low BP, Temperature, and SO₂”, respectively.

Student’s Name: Dr. Biswajit Mohapatra

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. Sushant Tripathy & Dr. Deepak Singhal, School of Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Title:  An investigation on Some Aspects of lean in Manufacturing Sector

Abstract of the Thesis:

Lean, the warrior philosophy, has its reputation rooted in rescuing industries in crisis and transforming them into global players. Industries were driven into the gloom, with the decline in demand, supply, and workforce during the COVID pandemic. Further, post-pandemic, numerous industries have to resurrect themselves to bring back stability and competitiveness in the global market. In India, industries are starting to embrace lean, especially in MSMEs, as these contribute maximum to GDP but waste generated is also huge. To adopt lean, the barriers in manufacturing industries are to be examined along with its solutions and also tools needed to execute them. This research propelled by these ideas delves deep into lean barrier identification and prioritization, solutions proposal and order of importance pertaining to each barrier, and tools to execute the solutions. Industry-specific examples towards sustainability by a novel “ranking of techniques” are also unfolded. A real challenge is addressed to generate revenue in industries post-pandemic era. The implications of this research would bring clarity and awareness to academicians and industry professionals/managers the know-how of when to start implementing lean and where to start from. It would concertize the concepts, applications, and feasibility of lean in manufacturing industries. It will offer a sturdy base for manufacturers around the world to tune to lean and digital transformation of the production scenario.

Student’s Name: Dr. Rajan K.M.

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. A.K. Sahoo & Dr. B.C. Routara, School of Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Title:  Machinability Studies During Turning and Electro- Discharge Machining of Wrought and Additive Manufactured Titanium Alloys

Abstract of the Thesis:

Machining of titanium alloys is considered as difficult and also a major concern for manufacturing industries due to their low thermal conductivity, high chemical reactivity with cutting tool materials and low elastic modulus. This leads failure of cutting tools and consequently affects the surface quality. Thus, selection of appropriate cutting tool materials and process parameters are essential for its effectiveness in industrial applications. Therefore, this research emphasizes on CNC turning of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V using coated carbide inserts under flood cooling environment to study the machinability characteristics such as tool wear, surface roughness, cutting temperature and chip morphology. Surface roughness lie between 0.215-0.830 µm and even below 1µm during machining. Additive manufactured Ti-6Al-4V has higher mechanical properties as compared to wrought alloys that negatively influences the machinability characteristics and also lacks ductility. The main limitation is the poor surface quality; staircase effect and adhering of non-melted powder particles to the fabricated components. Again, fatigue life of components increases with decrease of surface roughness. Therefore, the need of machining of AMed titanium alloys in recent years is gaining importance. Therefore, the objective of the study is to develop AMed Ti-6Al-4V through direct metal laser sintering process and investigate its machinability characteristics. As most of the heat generated at the interfaces has been carried away through flood cooling, the rate of growth of tool wear, cutting temperature, surface roughness and degree of serration decreases and thus makes the performance of AMed Ti alloys are comparable with wrought Ti alloys. Optimal parameters for multi-responses are 0.1 mm depth of cut, 0.1 mm/rev feed rate and 70 m/min cutting speed and improved. Mathematical models are said to be significant and fitted well. Because of the improved machinability, AMed Ti alloys find itself suitable in industrial applications. The current study also focused on selecting the best cooling strategy and cutting parameters for turning Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy for sustainability. The cutting performances in dry, flood, and MQL settings are first compared, and MQL is found to perform better. The performance of stationary and rotary copper electrodes on Electro-discharge machining of wrought Ti-6Al-4V have been studied. Material removal rate (MRR), tool ware rate (TWR) and surface roughness (SR) were analyzed with three controllable input parameters such as pulse on time (Ton), Peak Current (Ip) and Gap Voltage (V). The design of experiment is chosen for the experimentation as the Box-Behnken response surface design method. The results are analyzed using grey relational analysis (GRA) coupled with firefly algorithm (FA).

Student’s Name: Dr. Rabinarayan Bag

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. A. Panda & Dr. A.K. Sahoo, School of Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Title:  Machinability investigation in hard turning of AISI 4340 steel under dry, MQL and nanofluid assisted MQL environments

Abstract of the Thesis:

In general, dry turning is the preferred choice for machining hardened steel because of high heat generation which softens the workpiece and minimizes the shear strength of the material. MQL-assisted machining provides cooling, lubricating, chip flushing, and environmentally friendly functions and is considered near dry sustainable machining. Three machining parameters namely cutting speed (v), feed rate (f), and depth of cut (d) with three levels have been adopted for the experimentation using the L27 Taguchi orthogonal array. The measured outputs such as average surface roughness (Ra), flank wear (VBc), cutting temperature (T), and chip morphology were considered for this experimental investigation. In this context, an attempt has been made in the recent investigation to study the machinability aspects at a higher cutting speed range i.e. 80-260 m/min for coated carbide cutting inserts in hardened steel machining which is rarely observed. A machinability analysis has been performed on the assessment of hard turning of AISI 4340 steel using PVD and CVD coated carbide tool under dry and dual jet MQL environment. Based on the experimental result, machining performance assessment of hard turning of AISI 4340 steel using CVD coated carbide tool under dual jet nanofluid MQL environment has been performed. At last, sustainability assessment during hard turning of AISI 4340 steel using CVD coated under dual jet nanofluid MQL environment has been performed. Abrasion, diffusion, and adhesion are the main wear mechanisms as observed. The occurrence of chip serration reasons for the formation of saw tooth type of chip because of cyclic crack at the free surface of the chip because of severe plastic deformation. For all machining environments, the hard turning of AISI 4340 steel and the cutting speed are found to be the most affecting term for tool flank wear and cutting temperature. For all cutting conditions the optimal parameters found to be d1 (0.2 mm)-f1 (0.05 mm/rev)-v1 (80 m/min). Further, Sustainability Pugh matrix evaluation revealed that NFMQL cutting environment improved the economical, technological, environmental and operator health sustainable parameters. Minimisation of energy consumption by 35.81 % and carbon footprints savings by 18.72 kg of CO₂ observed under NFMQL at optimal cutting conditions and consequently saves manufacturing cost and CO₂ emission respectively. This satisfies green and cleaner manufacturing of AISI 4340 steel. MQL hard machining and nanofluid assisted MQL hard machining for sustainability will be immensely beneficial for the research community for the replacement of traditional grinding in machining industries due to better environmental, economical benefits. This may be implemented on shop floors for environmentally cleaner sustainable machining.

Student’s Name: Dr. Saroj Kumar Muduli

Supervisor’s Name:

Dr. P.C. Mishra, Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering

Dr. R.K. Mishra, Scientist G, Group Director, CEMELAC, DRDO

Thesis Title: Performance Assessment of an Annular Combustor over its Flight Envelope

Abstract of the Thesis:

An annular combustor is tested in test rig simulating to H = 0 and various altitude operating conditions. Experimental data have been generated and utilized to validate numerical results in computational model. A 13⁰ sector is modeled for the computational study. The primary air injection ports, dilution ports, cooling holes on liners and all major components of the combustor flow path are modeled and ICEMCFD is used as grid generation tool. ANSYS CFX has been used to solve the governing equations on finite volume method. All velocity and pressure equations were solved as a single system implicitly. Eddy-dissipation combustion model is selected for the whole study. Computational analysis has been carried out for operating conditions starting from ISA sea level static to ISA 12 km 0.6 Mach number. Data generated for this combustor by actual testing on the ground test bed for few cases are compared with the CFD results at different sections. Parameters such as overall pressure loss, combustor efficiency, temperature non-uniformities and exhaust emissions are analysed. The computational model estimated the pressure losses which are within 1 % of the experimental data. As combustor exit temperature non-uniformities (RPF & CPF) are very important with respect to aero engine life, these parameters are further assessed with varying altitude, atomisation characteristics such as fuel flow variation, fuel particle size , spray cone angle and fuel air ratio. Pressure swirl atomizers generally have small outlet diameters that are prone to rapid fuel distribution changes due to blockage. To consider these variations in fuel flow and their effect, the fuel flow is varied by ± 5 % from the nominal fuel flow. Similarly, cone angle shifts the high temperature zone upstream closer to combustor dome, hence the residence time for complete combustion and dilution is more thus causing a lower gas temperature at combustor exit. Exhaust emission constituents such as NO, CO and UHC which are important from environmental point of view have been assessed under different operating conditions. As no regulated emission limits are exercised so far in military applications, the data are generated and analysed over the operating envelope from combustor performance point of view. The predictive tool validated with experimental data from a full-scale full-annular combustor testing on aero-thermal test stand has been used for the assessment of all performance parameters and is the novelty of this work. These results will be an invaluable asset for designers as well as for operators for assessing the aero engine performance at various altitude and Mach number for full flight operation in the intended platform.

Student’s Name: Dr. Vikas Singh Panwar

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. A. Pandey & Dr. Md. E. Hasan, School of Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Title:  Design and Analysis of a Solar Powered Four Wheeled Wet and Dry Floor Cleaning Robot Controlled Autonomously using Soft Computing Algorithms

Abstract of the Thesis:

In current scenario, when everyday a new project with large and complex infrastructure is building up around the world, definitely there is a need and demand of maintaining them. And when we discuss about the maintenance of any building or structure, then the most tedious and boring task is cleaning. But nowadays, workloads on individuals and industries are increasing day-by-day, so the demands for service robots are also increasing at same intensity. Even in the present time when various contagious infections are shaking the world around us, the demand of autonomous floor cleaning robot has been increased drastically. Therefore, there is a need of multi-tasking Floor Cleaning Robot (FCR) which can efficiently perform wet and dry cleaning simultaneously without any human intervention. In the presented work, developed FCR employs a novel cleaning and operating system which helps in performing dry and wet cleaning operation continuously one after another. With reference to many available FCR in market and research field, a practical design is perceived using designing tools and a fully functional prototype is fabricated. To make it cost-effective and eco-friendly, solar panel is also attached on top of the model which will power the FCR. The kinematic and dynamic model of the developed FCR is analyzed and presented systematically. Navigational controls are developed by using different soft computing algorithms based on multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA), multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MPSO), particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm tuned feed forward neural network (FNN) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) architecture with the help of sensor’s information so that FCR can navigate autonomously by negotiating the obstacles coming in the way while carrying out the cleaning task in an unknown environment. The proposed techniques; performances are demonstrated using computer simulations using Virtual Robot Experimentation Platform (V-REP) software and implemented in real time using the developed experimental FCR. Furthermore, a comparative study of the navigational performance of proposed path planning approaches in terms of path length and travel time has been performed to determine the most efficient technique for navigation in an unknown environment.

Student’s Name: Dr. Dipabrata Banerjee

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. Swayam Bikash Mishra, School of Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Title:  Mathematical and Experimental Approach for Geometrical Deformation of Fused Deposition Modeling Built Parts

Abstract of the Thesis:

To meet the challenging demands of the customer in the global market, manufacturing industries are adopting digital manufacturing technologies that can increase the part quality and minimise the part cycle time. This digitisation in manufacturing industries gives birth to Rapid Prototyping (RP) processes. Among all RP processes, the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is widely appreciated for its easy and advanced mechanism. FDM process has the ability to build precise 3D complex parts from CAD files by depositing material in a layer over layer manner with less human intervention and material waste. FDM fabricated parts are accurate, durable and exhibit adequate mechanical strength. Since FDM is a parametric dependant process, the selection of proper process parameters plays a significant role in part quality and strength. In our research work, the effect of process parameters such as part orientation, layer thickness, raster width, overlap distance, part length, part width and raster angel on warpage, surface roughness and circularity of FDM build parts are investigated mathematically and experimentally to check the dependency level. Experiments are carried out adopting the design of experiment (DOE) approach to extract maximum data from a minimum number of experimental run orders. Statistical significance of each process parameter is checked using analysis of variance (ANOVA) table. Quadratic regression equations are proposed establishing the correlation between process parameters and performance characteristics. Internal failure of the raster, formation of warpage and internal surface irregularities are checked using scanning electron machine (SEM) micrographs. A new swarm-based metaheuristic algorithm known as Ant-Lion optimiser (ALO) is adopted to get some optimum process parameter settings to improve the performance measures.

Student’s Name: Dr. Manish Kumar Agarwal

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. Saranjit Singh, School of Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Title:  Analysis of Deformation Characteristics during Forging of SiCp Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composites

Abstract of the Thesis:

The present thesis presents investigation of deformation characteristics during forging (closed-die) of SiCp AMC. The perform (cylindrical) fabricated via liquid metal stir casting manufacturing route were located centrally in closed-die set with respect to its axis and forged into axi-symmetric double-hub flange component. Initial experiments were conducted to examine the mechanical characterization of the AMC preforms under consideration, which also included investigations into interfacial frictional conditions and stress-strain behaviour of the AMC material. Under a controlled die-travel till the die corners were filled completely, during forging of the preforms, corresponding height reductions and die loads were recorded. The complete deformations were considered in two stages, i.e. free barreling and constrained distortion stages. The theoretical expressions (generalized using ‘Upper Bound’ technique) for strain rates, velocity field, various energy dissipations along with average die loads for all the deformation modes considered in the present study were formulated. The variation in die loads, die cavity fills and energy dissipations due to the effect of perform aspect ratio and die velocity were critically examined and experimentally compared the results. The present work also presents both theoretical (based on ‘Upper Bound’ approach) and experimental investigations, where theoretical analysis considers a modified interfacial frictional law and preforms free barreling. It is expected that the present work will be useful to assess various deformation characteristics during forging of metal matrix composites.  

Student’s Name: Dr. Rishitosh Ranjan

Supervisor’s Name: Dr. B. Surekha & Dr. P. Ghose, School of Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Title: Numerical and Experimental Investigations of A356 Casting using Cooling Slope Method

Abstract of the Thesis:

The present thesis involves numerical and experimental research on the fabrication of the aluminum cast alloy with improved microstructural and mechanical properties after using Semi-Solid Metal (SSM) processing method, which is the cooling slope method. The numerical simulation is conducted to study the effect of slope angle and length on the velocity and solid fraction while the molten metal is flowing over the cooling slope. It has been observed that the solid fraction decreases with the increase in the slope angle and decrease in the slope length. In order to obtain the casting with low hardness, it is desired to have a large grain size and high sphericity to the fabricated casting. This is possible only when the molten metal has a low solid fraction and high nucleation sites at the end of the cooling slope. The numerical simulation results show that the said condition of the molten metal could be achieved by utilizing the higher value of slope angle and the lower value of the slope length. The optimal range of the slope angle and slope length values obtained from the simulation study is used for the fabrication of A356 casting using the cooling slope method. The experiments are conducted as per the Central Composite Design (CCD) to establish the non-linear regression model that represents the fabrication of A356 casting using the CS method. During the fabrication process, in addition to the slope angle and slope length, the nozzle height is considered the input process parameters, whereas the microhardness, grain size, and sphericity of the sample are treated as the responses. The variation of said responses across the cross-section of the casting, the measurements are taken at three locations: the center, mean, and outer radius. The non-linear regression models are established for the A356 sample produced under two conditions, namely with and without isothermal treatment. The statistical validity of the regression models is tested with the Analysis of the Variance (ANOVA). Further, the estimated correctness of the established regression representations is verified using ten experimental test samples. The percentage deviation between the experimental and model-predicted values suggests that the developed mathematical models represent the physical process with reasonably good accuracy.

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Journal Papers

• Nayak, A., Parida, M.K., Kumar, V. & Prasanna, G. (2022). Investigation of thermal neutron detection efficiency of Boron Carbide converter material using GEANT4 simulation for different types of detector configurations, Journal of Instrumentation, 17(7), P07012-P07040, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-0221/17/07/P07012 (Impact Factor: 1.121)

Abstract

A lot of advancement in the field of semiconductors has made it possible to design a solid-state neutron detector. They are small, have economical bulk fabrications, require low power for their operation. In the present research work, a systematic GEANT4 simulation have been performed on estimating the simulated thermal neutron detection efficiency (η) for different detector geometrical configurations design with Boron Carbide ( 10 B 4 C) as a converter material. These detectors geometry configurations designs are planar, rectangular parallel trenches, cylindrical perforation, stack and spherical. The objective of the simulations was to obtain critical geometrical features for which the efficiency reaches the maximum value.

• Behera, T. M., Samal, U. C., Mohapatra, S. K., Khan, M. S., Appasani, B., Bizon, N.,  Thounthong, P. (2022). Energy-Efficient Routing Protocols for Wireless Sensor Networks: Architectures, Strategies, and Performance. Electronics, 11(15), 1 – 26, https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics11152282) (IF: 2.690).

Abstract

In a WSN environment, cluster formation and CH selection consume significant energy. Elementary protocols such as LEACH and C-LEACH are well proven, but gradually limitations evolved due to increasing desire and need for proper modification over time. This paper overviews the modifications in the threshold value of CH selection in the network. With the evolution of bio-inspired algorithms, CH selection has also been enhanced considering behaviour of the network. This paper includes brief description of LEACH-based and bio- inspired protocols, their pros and cons, assumptions, and criteria of CH selection. Finally, the performance factors of various protocols are compared and discussed.

• Nayak, D.; Ray, K.; Kar, T.; Kwan, C. (2022). Walsh–Hadamard Kernel Feature-Based Image Compression Using DCT with Bi-Level Quantization. Computers 2022, 11(7), 110. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers11070110

Abstract

To meet the high bit rate requirements in many multimedia applications, a lossy image compression algorithm based on Walsh–Hadamard kernel-based feature extraction, discrete cosine transform (DCT), and bi-level quantization is proposed in this paper. The selection of the quantization matrix of the block is made based on a weighted combination of the block feature strength (BFS) of the block extracted by projecting the selected Walsh–Hadamard basis kernels on an image block.

• Bera, S., Shrivastava, V.K., and Satapathy, S.C. (2022), Advances in Hyperspectral Image Classification Based on Convolutional Neural Networks: A Review, Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, 133(2), 219–250, https://doi.org/10.32604/cmes.2022.020601. (IF:2.027).

Abstract

Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification has been one of the most important tasks in the remote sensing community over the last few decades. Due to the presence of highly correlated bands and limited training samples in HSI, discriminative feature extraction was challenging for traditional machine learning methods. Recently, deep learning based methods have been recognized as powerful feature extraction tool and have drawn a significant amount of attention in HSI classification. Among various deep learning models, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown huge success and offered great potential to yield high performance in HIS classification. Motivated by this successful performance, this paper presents a systematic review of different CNN architectures for HSI classification and provides some future guidelines. To accomplish this, our study has taken a few important steps. First, we have focused on different CNN architectures, which are able to extract spectral, spatial, and joint spectral-spatial features. Then, many publications related to CNN based HSI classifications have been reviewed systematically. Further, a detailed comparative performance analysis has been presented between four CNN models namely 1D CNN, 2D CNN, 3D CNN, and feature fusion based CNN (FFCNN). Four benchmark HSI datasets have been used in our experiment for evaluating the performance. Finally, we concluded the paper with challenges on CNN based HSI classification and future guidelines that may help the researchers to work on HIS classification using CNN.

• Mukherjee, D, Raja, G.L, Kundu, P, Ghosh, A (2022), Modified augmented fractional order control schemes for cart Inverted Pendulum using constrained Luus-Jaakola Optimization, International Journal of Modeling, Identification and Control, Inderscience, 38(3-4), 367-379, https://doi.org/10.1504/IJMIC.2021.123361

Abstract

The upright position of an inverted pendulum system is an unstable equilibrium and fractional order based control schemes are becoming increasingly popular in stabilising an unstable system. Therefore, a novel combination of FOLyapunov rule and FOPI/two-degree of freedom FOPI (2DOF-FOPI) controller is proposed to tackle this problem. Parameters of FOPI/2DOF-FOPI controllers are obtained using multi-objective constrained Luus-Jaakola multipass optimisation method. Comparative simulation studies are carried out with direct synthesis based PID control scheme, combination of FOMIT rule augmented with either FOPI/2DOF-FOPI controllers. It is evident that the proposed combination of FOLyapunov method and FOPI/2DOF-FOPI controllers outperforms the other schemes.

• Maity, S.K., Dutta, P. & Pandit, S. (2022) Compact Drain Current Modeling of Planar InGaAs Quantum well MOSFET. Micro and Nanostructures, 156(9), 207361.1-207361.14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micrna.2022.207361

Abstract

In this article, we propose a physics-based compact drain current model of planar InGaAs channel-based  quantum well  MOS transistor. The effects of essential physical phenomenon such as quantum confinement, multiple sub-band energies, wavefunctions and perturbations in sub-band energies are considered in the model by deriving the time-independent Schroedinger wave equation. The potential and inversion carrier profiles are obtained through direct solution of Schroedinger and  Poisson equations  inside the device. The proposed model also considers other important physical aspects such as band non-parabolicity, velocity overshoot and  threshold voltage  roll-off. The model is thus physics-based and does not include any empirical fitting parameter. Professional numerical simulator data for a variety of bias voltages and channel thicknesses have been used to validate the expected outcomes of our model. A reasonable agreement between the transistor characteristics as predicted by our model and that available experimentally is obtained, thus justifying the accuracy of our model.

• Ahire, N., Awale, R.N., Patnaik, S. & Wagh, A. (2022). A comprehensive review of machine learning approaches for dyslexia diagnosis, Multimed Tools and Applications (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-022-13939-0

Abstract

 EEG can add multiple dimensions towards the identification of learning disability being an abnormality of the brain. The machine learning techniques can examine, classify, and process EEG signals to accurately understand brain activities and disorders. This paper is a comprehensive review of the application of machine learning techniques in the classification of EEG signals of dyslexia and analysis of an improved framework to extemporize the classifier’s performance and accuracy in discriminating between dyslexics and controls. The presence of noises and artefacts often reduces the performance of classifiers and hampers results. This study reviews input pre-processing, feature selection, feature extraction techniques and machine learning algorithms for the early detection of disorder.

• Patnaik, S. (2022). Speech emotion recognition by using complex MFCC and deep sequential model. Multimedia Tools and Applications (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-022-13725-y

Abstract

This paper is about emotion classification by using Complex Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (c-MFCC) as the representative trait and a deep sequential model as a classifier. The main contributions of this work are of two-folds. Firstly, introducing conception of c-MFCC and investigating it as a robust cue of emotion and there by leading to significant improvement in accuracy performance. Secondly, establishing correlation between MFCC based accuracy and Russell’s emotional circumplex pattern. Emotional signals are combinations of several psychological dimensions though perceived as discrete categories. Results of this work are outcome from a deep sequential LSTM model. Proposed c-MFCC are found to be more robust to handle signal framing, informative in terms of spectral roll off, and therefore put forward as an input to the classifier.

• Tappeta, V.S.R., Appasani, B., Patnaik, S. & Ustun, T.S.S. (2022) A Review on Emerging Communication and Computational Technologies for Increased Use of Plug-In Electric Vehicles, Energies, 15(8), 6580.  https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186580

Abstract

The electric vehicle (EV) shows unprecedented behaviour during vehicle battery charging, and sending the charge from the vehicle’s battery back to the grid via a charging station during peak hours has an impact on the grid operation. Balancing the load during peak hours, i.e., managing the energy between the grid and vehicle, requires efficient communication protocols, standards, and computational technologies that are essential for improving the performance, efficiency, and security of vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and grid-to-vehicle (G2V) communication. This paper presents existing literature on emerging protocols, standards, communication technologies, and computational technologies for EVs. Frameworks, standards, architectures, and protocols proposed by various authors are discussed in the paper to serve the need of various researchers for implementing the applications in the EV domain.  

• Barreto, F., Sarvaiya, J. & Patnaik, S. (2022) Learning Representations for Face Recognition: A Review from Holistic to Deep Learning, Advances in Technology Innovations, 7(4), 279-294.  https://doi.org/10.46604/aiti.2022.8308

Abstract

This study reviews the development of different face recognition (FR) methods, namely, holistic learning, handcrafted local feature learning, shallow learning, and deep learning (DL). With the development of methods, the accuracy of recognizing faces in the labelled faces in the wild (LFW) database has been increased. The accuracy of holistic learning is 60%, that of handcrafted local feature learning increases to 70%, and that of shallow learning is 86%. Finally, DL achieves human-level performance (97% accuracy). This enhanced accuracy is caused by large datasets and graphics processing units (GPUs) with massively parallel processing capabilities. Furthermore, FR challenges and current research studies are discussed to understand future research directions. The results of this study show that presently the database of labelled faces in the wild has reached 99.85% accuracy.

• Barreto, F., Sarvaiya, J., Patnaik, S. & Yadav, S.K. (2022). Unsupervised Domain Adaptation using Maximum Mean Covariance Discrepancy and Variational Autoencoder, International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications (IJACSA), 13(6), https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2022.01306104

Abstract

Face Recognition models performed very well on the benchmark datasets, but their performance sometimes deteriorated for real-world applications. Few researchers looked at Unsupervised Domain Adaptation (UDA) to find the domain-invariant feature spaces. They tried to minimize the domain discrepancy using a static loss of maximum mean discrepancy (MMD). From MMD, the researchers delved into the higher-order statistics of maximum covariance discrepancy (MCD). MMD and MCD were combined to get maximum mean and covariance discrepancy (MMCD), which captured more information than MMD alone. We use a Variational Autoencoder (VAE) with joint mean and covariance discrepancy to offer a solution for domain adaptation. Analysis was done using the TinyFace benchmark dataset and the Bollywood Celebrities dataset. Three objective image quality parameters, namely SSIM, pieAPP, and SIFT feature matching, demonstrate the superiority of MMCD-VAE over the conventional KL-VAE model.

Conference Papers

• Samant, T., Banerjee, S., Rath, M.K.  & Swain, T. (2022) Human Activity Recognition using Signal Processing and Classical ML Algorithms, 2022 IEEE 7th International conference for Convergence in Technology (I2CT), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1109/I2CT54291.2022.9825173

Abstract

For many of the modern-day applications, human beings are being tracked based on their activity all throughout a given period. The applications may be in surveillance systems, health care, human interaction, marketing, etc. This has become a specific field of study altogether and people are extensively working on this field to find better solutions to the given real-world problems. The data is being collected through devices such as smartwatches (Fitbits, Apple Watch, etc.) or smartphones and is further used to analyze the activity of the human by whom the device is being used. Here we have used the data from UCI Machine Learning Repository, which gives us the information acquired from 30 peoples’ smartphones. We have gyroscope and accelerometer data upon which appropriate signal processing techniques have been applied to generate features. Then these features are fed to various classical ML and ensemble models, and we perform a comparative analysis by looking into their specifics and accuracies.

• Banerjee, S., Rath, M., Swain, T. & Samant, T. (2022) Music Generation using Time Distributed Dense Stateful Char-RNNs, 2022 IEEE 7th International conference for Convergence in Technology (I2CT), 1-5, https://doi.org/10.1109/I2CT54291.2022.9824167.

Abstract

Sequence generation is one of the state-of-the-art topics in recent days, where given a sequence of inputs, the aim is to generate a similar sequence of outputs in a given context. The applications range from sentence autocompletion in mail bodies to text suggestions for automatic replies, etc. A similar idea can therefore be utilized to generate a sequence of musical notes using some LSTM/GRU based architecture, where we train our model based on given sequences of musical notes. If we look at music of a certain genre, it’s simply a time series data where the data is in frequency domain. Fortunately, for musicians these frequencies have a notation, which can serve as texts to train any given time series model. Hence, in this paper we propose a Char-RNN based model, which can understand the patterns in each composition or a raga and generate new piece of music based on that. The model must not simply copy paste the sequence or generate any random note at a given instant of time but be capable enough to grasp the patterns in which the given piece of music is based upon and create a similar, new piece of music out of that.

• Dash, B.B., Banerjee, S., Samant, T., Swain, T. & Rath, M.K. (2022). Large Scale Follower Recommendation in Instagram, 3rd International Conference for Emerging Technology (INCET), 1-6, https://doi.org/10.1109/INCET54531.2022.9824114

Abstract

With advancements in predictive and prescriptive analytics over the past few years, various businesses have been extensively using recommender systems for marketing purposes. Say whether it’s some sort of association analysis for customer market or any social networking for connecting people together, this very concept of recommenders has been utilized up to a very large extent over the past decade. When it comes to implementing the underlying concepts behind these systems, most of the time we get to have a paradox of choice of various techniques, which need to be carefully analyzed and acted upon to get the desired accuracy of the model. In cases where the recommendations are made based on a connected graph, we need proper feature generation techniques, which play an important role in training the model as per our objective. In this paper, we propose a combination of feature extraction techniques employed over a Gradient Boost Decision Tree model for recommending people whom a person is likely to follow. We also shall investigate a few ways where the recommendation made based on the common followers of two or more profiles and how likely two or more people may or may not know each other. In any problem, hyperparameter tuning plays the most important part which is a key aspect to optimize the model (so that it doesn’t overfit or underfit the data available) and is totally problem specific.

• De, U.C., Banerjee, S., Rath, M.K., Swain, T. & Samant, T. (2022). Content Based Apparel Recommendation for E-Commerce Store, 3rd International Conference for Emerging Technology (INCET), 1-6, https://doi.org/10.1109/INCET54531.2022.9824870.

Abstract

Recommendation systems are extensively in use these days. These recommendations may be in the form of friend suggestions on Facebook, suggesting similar questions in Quora, or product suggestions on e-commerce sites, etc. Whenever we use an e-commerce website or app, we get to see product recommendations based on previous search history. Starting from OTT platforms like Prime and Netflix to general e-commerce sites like Flipkart and Amazon all of them use this feature so that the product search for the end-user becomes easier. It’s estimated that e-commerce platforms generate around 35% of their revenue just by these recommendation systems which run for their users. In this paper, we present a content-based recommendation system for women’s apparel where, given an apparel, the system generates other apparel to the users, which are similar to the query apparel. We use various text-based techniques to retrieve the information from the product page based on the product image and its description.

Book Chapters

• Mukherjee, D, Raja, G.L, Kundu, P, Ghosh, A. (2022). Design of optimal fractional order lyapunov based model reference adaptive control scheme for CSTR, Editors: Indrani Kar, Elsevier, IFAC, pp. 436-441.

Abstract

When a first-order irreversible exothermic reaction takes place in a CSTR, the plant model relating the reactor temperatures along with delay is of second-order unstable type. Hence, this article focuses on developing an optimal FOL based MRAC scheme. The optimal values of adaptive gain, as well as extra degree of freedom, are obtained using a modified PSO algorithm. The closed-loop responses and control efforts are compared with that of FOL based MRAC scheme by using an ABC algorithm. Moreover, the aforementioned optimization methods are also employed to develop respective optimal FOMIT based MRAC schemes for comparison purposes. Simulation studies validate the effectiveness of the proposed particle swarm optimized FOL-based MRAC scheme.

• Mukherjee, D, Raja, G.L, Kundu, P, Ghosh, A (2022), Analysis of Fractional Calculus-Based MRAC and Modified Optimal FOPID on Unstable FOPTD Processes, Das, B., Patgiri, R., Bandyopadhyay, S., Balas, V.E. (eds), Springer, Singapore, pp. 202-209.

Abstract

This article shows a novel approach of fractional calculus using both G-L and R-L methods which are used to develop fractional order tuning rule of MRAC for first-order CSTR with time delay. The efficacy of FOPID controller is also investigated, and its parameters are computed using a modified PSO algorithm. Comparative simulation studies are carried out between normal PSO and modified PSO on time domain metrics. Another comparative simulation studies are investigated between fractional and conventional Lyapunov rule. The effect of perturbation in plant model is also studied to show efficacy of the rule.

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Journal Papers

1. Gautam, N., Kumar, H., & Panda, R. K. (2022). Evolution of community radio in India and its application with respect to information and communication technology in education. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6nS1.7871 

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the way we work, communicate, and impart knowledge. Due to the need to maintain physical distancing, education in India has been greatly hindered in the last two years. The education of around 250 million children in India was gravely impacted due to school closures which were caused by strict lockdown. To counter this crisis, governments all over the world collaborated with industry stakeholders and managed to create an education ecosystem which relied on Information & Communication Technology. But due to uneven broadband connectivity in rural areas and prohibitive costs associated with high-speed internet, most students are not able to fully exploit this new online education ecosystem. This research paper seeks to outline an alternative method of remote learning which employs community radio as the medium. Community Radio is one of the most cost-efficient modes of communication and has a distinctive edge when it comes to accessibility in villages and other far-flung regions of the country. Hence the integration of community radio in the overall Information & Communication Technology ecosystem will go a long way in solving the present education crisis.

Books / Book Chapters 

1. Pavarala, V., Malik, K. K., & Jena, A. (2022). Community radio as development radio: A critical analysis of third-sector radio in South Asia. In J. Loviglio, & M. Lindgren (Eds.), Routledge companion to radio studies (pp. 287-297). Routledge.

Abstract

This chapter offers a critical examination of the so-called third-sector radio (public and private radios being the other two) in South Asia. The evolution and growth of radio in the region, from about the 1920s during the colonial period, has been quite firmly embedded in a development paradigm. Community radio, whose history is about 20 years old in the subcontinent, has been predicated upon the development and social change imperative. This framework has not only defined community radio in this part of the world but also inhibited its evolution into a truly alternative medium based on communication rights. Using examples, primarily, from India and Bangladesh, and, secondarily, from Sri Lanka and Bhutan, we argue that both the state and civil society have been complicitous in framing community radio within a post-World War II discourse of development communication. While grassroots media initiatives such as community radio emerged globally as a challenge to the dominant paradigm of linear, top-down communication from the elites to the marginalized, in South Asia, even as the rhetoric is grafted on to a participatory communication perspective, community radio has been co-opted into an anodyne model of ‘development radio’.

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Journal Papers

1. Mishra, D. (2022). Autobiography as a source of ecological sustainability with reference to literature, International Journal of Social Ecology and Sustainable Development, 13(1), 1 – 9. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJSESD.287125

Abstract

Literature has been very successful in addressing many ecological and environmental problems in relation to the living beings. It has been long that the relationship between the ecology and literature has been established with the wide range of literary works having its base on environment and its issues. The paper elucidates how ecological imbalance plays an important role in making people captured and captivated under staunch religious practices in the reign of Talibanis for whom ecological mishaps became the foreground to control the Swat Valley and substantiates those ecological mishaps finally resulted in making people submissive and succumb to the devout religious practice thereby coming under religious dominance of the religious extremist groups. The people’s surrender and acceptance towards the Talibani ways finally brought social changes like the cessation of freedom of women and termination in women’s education by making women cut off from the free society thus establishing a nexus between the regulations of the rulers and the fettle of the ruled with the ecological adversities.

2. Singhania, V., & Mishra, D. (2022). Digitalization of texts: An analysis with reference to the Indian Epic Mahabharata, ECS Transactions, 107(1), 19049 – 19056. https://doi.org/10.1149/10701.19049ecst

Abstract

Digitalization plays a very important role in the revitalization of cultural heritage and keeps our societies connected across generations. India’s rich tangible and intangible culture consisting of its profound history, timeless folklores and mythologies have carved a special niche for India across the world. The Mahabharata is one of two Indian epics that depicts the story of a dynastic conflict between two sets of relatives for control of the Bharata kingdom in central India. To preserve the manuscript of the Mahabharata in a way that it could be made available for posterity; the introduction of digital technologies and digitization seemed viable, giving an opportunity to preserve, transcend originals, disseminate the information to a much larger audience, allowing the prevailing information to be rewritten, reconstructed, decoded and expanded, and voiced. This paper is an attempt for the qualitative investigation of the various tools of digitalization and their impact with reference to the epic – Mahabharata. 

3. Palai, G., & Mishra, D. (2022). Dasavatar of Lord Jagannath with respect to management, evolution and feminism, ECS Transactions, 107(1), 19099 – 19104. https://doi.org/10.1149/10701.19099ecst

Abstract

Lord Sri Jagannath is the presiding Lord of ‘Srikhetra Puri’. All the incarnations of Lord Vishnu emanate from Sri Jagannath. He is an Avataree, the absolute and supreme Divinity. The cultural and ritual panorama of Sri Jagannath is as pulsating, vibrant and colorful as the Lord Himself. His ‘dasavatar’ concept is the carrier of the scientific account of evolution, management and feminism. In the changing socio-cultural environment, the Dasavatar concept of Lord Jagannath is used as a resource base for the study of physical environment. Indian mythology is very vast and enriched with huge amount of knowledge pertaining to the ten incarnations of Jagannath. The essence of leadership and modern management skills are embedded in His avatar.  The Lord came in different incarnations as a role manager or a leader based on different situations. Dasavatars are being referred to understand the leadership qualities required in the modern management techniques to overcome any kind of situation or problems. Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are the most towering leaders of any time.

4. Mishra, D. (2022). An analysis of the role of emotional intelligence in corporate leadership, ECS Transactions, 107(1), 14959 – 14973. https://doi.org/10.1149/10701.14959ecst

Abstract

Emotional intelligence, an important aspect of corporate communication is a fact which cannot be ruled out. In today’s corporate world, the success or failure of any company is attached to public perception. A leader is considered to be in an advantageous position if he/she has control over emotions and is kind and considerate towards his/her team members. Gone are the days when people used to be silent spectators and danced to the tune of their leader. There have been so many instances where a company loses out its most efficient employees due to emotional outburst of their leaders. A good leader knows not to react even during adverse situations. Sometimes, emotional intelligence is considered to be more effective than technical skills and cognitive skills, especially regarding social skill, and it is a fact that charismatic leaderships are favoured across cultures. It can be one of the important traits for a leader in the corporate sector and for organizations seeking to enhance their cross-cultural leadership effectiveness. The paper is a conceptual work on emotional intelligence as an aspect of leadership in corporate communication and the impact of emotional intelligence on various world leaders thereby strengthening the attributes of leadership in corporate communication.

5. Jena, G. K., & Swain, S.C. (2022). Need for technology intervention in functioning of SHGs run by tribal women to promote tribal culture, ECS Transactions, 107(1), 11957-11967. https://doi.org/10.1149/10701.11957ecst

Abstract

This study is to appraise the need of information technology for the functioning of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in promoting tribal culture related to their living, particularly for the sal leave gatherers and simple artisans that do bamboo works and crafts. Tribal women through the SHGs and information technology can be a potential source of promoting tribal cultural and facilitating economic development of the district as a whole. A small fraction of tribal women has access to smartphones. However, all of the tribal women who are the members of SHGs have their perception on smartphone. This study is based on the responses of 70 such tribal women on their way of living., culture and perception on smartphones for social networking. On the basis of Analysis of Variance, it is found that technology intervention in the functioning of the SHGs has the potential to promote tribal culture.

Key Words: SHGs, Tribal Women, Culture, Information Technology, Gatherers, Artisans, Nayagarh, Odisha.

6. Mohanty, L., & Swain, S. C. (2022). Use of digital technologies by the MSMEs to preserve cultural heritage of India and achieve sustainable development goals, ECS Transactions, 107 (1), 14343-14354. https://doi.org/10.1149/10701.14343ecst

Abstract

The objectives of this paper are to highlight the cultural heritage of India, to establish the involvement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in preserving cultural heritage of India, and to ascertain how use of digital technology can facilitate the functioning of MSMEs in preserving cultural heritage of India and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly reducing poverty and eliminating hunger. It is basically a descriptive research based on secondary data collected from existing literature and analyzed to highlight how technology intervention in the functioning of MSMEs can preserve cultural heritage of India. It is found that India’s rich cultural heritage can be preserved through digitization. However, considering the changing nature of technology, the preservation process needs to be adaptable to changing technological set up.

Conference Papers

1. Mishra, D., Refaet, H., & Subidhi, R. N. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 on Ecotourism in India and Egypt: A comparative analysis, Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, 199 – 209. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-0357-1_17

Abstract

COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, was first detected in Hubei, a province in China in a wet market way back in November 2019. After that, it has spread all over the world like a bonfire. One of the hugely affected sectors during this pandemic is tourism industry. It was all of sudden, tourists were barred to come in and go out of their country by the government. All major tourist and religious places were closed in most of the countries, for months together, even for their own nationals. Ecotourism has been one of the most important tourism patterns as it focuses on enhancing the principles of sustainable tourism by ensuring the satisfaction of the traveler’s and hosting communities while enhancing the appreciation and conservation of natural resources, trying to adopt its tourism offerings to suit the updates of the tourism sector during and after COVID-19; all the tourism destinations around the world have given too much attention to ecotourism as it is expected that ecotourism will flourish because of the major changes that has been caused by COVID-19 as it is expected that the tourism preference patterns will change to less crowded and nature-oriented ones. India and Egypt are the two countries which have similarities in culture and are situated in Asia. They share nearly similar cultures, history and ethnicity. Both countries faced the first wave of COVID-19 at a similar time, and the havoc caused was more or less comparable. The study was conducted in both countries on the basis of the common questionnaire that was asked to the participants in written as well as in oral form who comprised of population of different profession and sphere. The main objectives of this paper are to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on ecotourism in India and Egypt. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the governmental and private tourism professionals in both countries to explore the current status of ecotourism in both India and Egypt and know their opinion about to which extent ecotourism could be used as a very effective tool to overcome the challenges that have been created by COVID-19. 

2. Mishra, D., & Sain, M. (2022). Role of teachers in developing learning pedagogy, International Conference on Advanced Communication Technology (ICACT), 1315-1321. https://doi.org/10.23919/ICACT51234.2021.9370819

Abstract

The rapid development of science and technology such as multimedia technology has offered a better tool to explore the new teaching method. In fact, multimedia technology has played an important role in English language teaching, especially, in the non-native speaking of English situations. It also aims to make non-native speakers of English as language teachers aware of the strategies to use it in an effective manner. This paper aims to analyze the use of technology to English language teaching in the non-native speaking countries and to bring out the problems faced by both teachers and learners of English. Multimedia teaching method has been used in college English teaching wider and wider. It has contributed a lot to higher teaching quality. Chalk and Talk teaching method is not enough to teach English effectively. There should change in the methodology of teaching and free from all kind of biases. Not only that a teacher must have the quality of adapting himself/herself to the new technological revolution by incorporating it into teaching practices. This paper gives an in depth analysis of the new methodology that could be adopted in teaching practices in order to make teaching effective and student centric. 

3. Mishra, D., & Sain, M. (2022). Web based Learning: A methodology to teach literature in a classroom, International Conference on Advanced Communication Technology (ICACT), 1329 – 1335.

https://doi.org/10.23919/ICACT51234.2021.9370796

Abstract

The internet has succeeded in emerging as a major component in our daily lives, and its presence in education sector is outstanding. Web-based syllabuses have been enjoying an upper hand and have succeeded in getting attention of learners and the instructors. If presentations at international conferences are any indication, the interest in this new instructional medium is indeed commanding. Web-based learning involves the use of appropriate technology with the corresponding pedagogical approaches managed in the context of today’s educational setting. Web-based learning encompasses all educational interventions that make use of the internet. There are currently three broad classifications or configurations within WBL: tutorials, online, discussion groups, and virtual patients. The distinctions between these configurations are often blurred, and in fact a given WBL intervention might use a combination of two or three, but the implications for teaching warrant a conceptual, albeit at times arbitrary, separation. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to understand the concept of Web based learning and its advantages along with its use in literature, culture and folklore studies, and the various methodologies to implement it in a class of Folklore studies. 

4. Sahoo, S.K., & Swain, S.C. (2022). Repatriated migrants in re-engineering supply chain of agricultural produce of rural Odisha. In: Mallick, P.K., Bhoi, A.K., González-Briones, A., Pattnaik, P.K. (eds) Electronic Systems and Intelligent Computing. Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, 860, 685–696, Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9488-2_65

Abstract

Agricultural produce does not get the apt recognition so far as the pricing and match between the supply and demand forces of it are concerned. In fact, the supply chain of the agricultural produce in India, particularly in the state of Odisha, is very weak. The supply chain of agricultural produce, i.e. the flow of agricultural produce from the farmers to the end-users, i.e. consumers, is not a smooth one for which the farmers receive a very less price, whereas the consumers pay exorbitant prices for the agricultural produce. Sometimes, the farmers fail to sell their produce owing to the unavailability of buyers, particularly for perishable produce during harvesting season. It happens for two things: (1) because the supply chain of agricultural produce is not scientific, and (2) because the farmers don’t have enough man-hours during harvesting season to sell their products directly to the consumers in the local markets. However, the insertion of some productive manpower in the existing supply chain of the agricultural produce may solve the purpose. The current pandemic owing to Covid-19 has caused an inflow of out-migrant people to their native places, i.e. repatriated migrants or returnee migrants. Since those returnee migrants are having the threat of life in migrated place for the on-going pandemic, their inclusion in the supply chain of agricultural produce may solve the problems of pricing and mismatch of demand and supply forces of agricultural produce. Against this backdrop, this paper is to design a framework to make use of the repatriated migrants in upgrading the supply chain of the agricultural produce. The methodology adopted for this paper is content analysis from the existing literature and secondary data.

Book Chapters

1. Sahoo, S.K., & Swain, S.C. (2022). Smart banking in financial transactions of migrants: A study on the in-migrants of the Gajapati district of Odisha. In: Nandan Mohanty, S., Chatterjee, J.M., Satpathy, S. (eds) Internet of Things and its applications. EAI/Springer Innovations in Communication and Computing. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77528-5_13

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to evaluate the impact of smart banking on financial transactions of migrants. In fact, the basic objective of the study is to ascertain whether smart banking has made the life of migrants, particularly pertaining to financial transactions, better off. The scope of this study is confined to in-migrants of the Gajapati district of Odisha, India. Mixed methods research is followed for the study. While quantitative data are collected from 50 in-migrants of the district through a structured questionnaire, qualitative data have been collected through in-depth interviews conducted among selected cases with peculiar experience, both positive and negative, on smart banking and focus group discussion among ten experts from the domain of banking, technology in-built in banking and contemporary research. Findings from quantitative data have been substantiated by the qualitative data.

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