Mapana Journal of Sciences

Plasma Technologies: A Sustainable Frontier for Environmental Conservation

2024-05-18T04:55:55+00:00

Plasma naturally exists throughout the universe, and recently, mankind has realized its vast technological applications. The scope of current plasma physics experiments has produced several well-established industrial applications in addition to several exciting new ones. This review aims to give a basic overview of the area of plasmas and the role plasma physics plays in current scientific endeavours to the broader scientific and technological community. This paper describes the benefits of plasma technology to humankind in various fields, including medicine and engineering disciplines like mechanical, chemical, and electrical. The technological applications include materials processing like semiconductor manufacturing, surface treatment, lighting, cutting by plasma, and plasma etching. Also, the various environmental applications of plasma as a roadmap to environmental sustainability are discussed. The possibilities for plasma physics in the future are summarized in conclusion.

Behavioural and morphological changes in Centropristis striata (Sea bass) under acute exposure to gaseous Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and conglomeration of SO2+ NO2

2024-06-10T05:13:34+00:00

This study investigates the acute toxicity of gaseous sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) on 8-week-old sea bass (Centropristis striata) in a synthetic marine water environment. SO₂ was generated by reacting sodium sulfite with hydrochloric acid, producing concentrations ranging from 2 ppm to 45 ppm, while NO₂ was generated using copper metal flakes and concentrated nitric acid. LC₃₀, LC₅₀, and LC₉₀ were determined after 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours for each gas, indicating the concentrations at which 30%, 50%, and 90% mortality occurred, respectively. Results showed a concentration-dependent increase in mortality rates for both SO₂ and NO₂, with 100% mortality observed at higher concentrations within the experimental duration. Behavioral observations included equilibrium loss, jumpings, gulping air, restlessness, erratic swimming, opercular movements, and sluggishness, which intensified over the 96-hour period. Morphological changes such as body patches, skin discoloration, scale shedding, mucus secretion, sedimentation of chemicals, and gill clumping were more pronounced with NO₂ exposure and further exacerbated by the mixture of SO₂ and NO₂. The combined exposure demonstrated synergistic effects, leading to enhanced mortality rates and more severe behavioral and morphological alterations. These findings provide crucial comprehension of the toxic effects of gaseous pollutants on sea bass, emphasizing the importance of considering combined impacts in environmental risk assessments. The observed changes serve as indicators of environmental pollution, highlighting the need for effective mitigation strategies to protect aquatic ecosystems.

Lyapunov Stability Of Tethered Dumbbell Satellites In Elliptical Orbit

2024-06-29T03:07:05+00:00

This paper represents the equilibrium positions and stability of two artificial satellites connected by light, flexible, and elastic long tethers under the combined effect of several classical perturbative forces in an elliptical orbit. The tether may be conducting or non-conducting. In our problem, it is taken as non-conducting in nature. We have treated the problem by taking five perturbative forces on the system simultaneously. Three perturbations exist due to the influences of the earth, namely geomagnetic fields, shadows, and oblateness. The other perturbations are due to the elasticity of the cable and solar light pressure. The effect of air resistance is neglected, considering the satellites as high-altitude satellites. To determine the stability of the satellites, we have used the Lyapunov method. The dynamical behaviors of the satellites are represented by differential equations. Based on analytical analysis of the differential equations of motion, we get the equilibrium positions of the system concerned in elliptical orbit. Lyapunov method gives the equilibrium position as unstable as expected.

Investigating the Break Up of Excited Hassium-270 Through Hot Alpha Emission: A Dynamical Cluster-Decay Model Approach

2024-04-12T09:38:17+00:00

Identifying and characterizing the decay chains forms a crucial part of nuclide identification in the synthesis of super-heavy elements (SHEs), which is achieved via cold or hot fusion reactions. A systematic theoretical calculation of alpha-decay half-lives in this region of the periodic system may be useful in the identification of new nuclei in both types of reactions. Here, we obtain the alpha-decay half-lives in the framework of the dynamical cluster-decay model (DCM) based on quantum mechanical fragmentation theory (QMFT), built using pre-formation probability and penetration probability. We calculate the α-decay half-life using the DCM (ℓ = 0 case), which considers the compound nucleus hot due to its recoil energy after neutron emission, providing a more accurate description than other models. Decay half-lives are compared with experimental results.

Adaptive Bi-LSTM-based Epileptic Seizure Prediction from EEG Signals Using Deep Learning Algorithm

2024-06-15T05:16:15+00:00

Millions of people worldwide who suffer from epilepsy are severely impacted by frequent, erratic seizures. Preventing seizures from occurring could greatly enhance patient care and safety. This paper presents an approach to real-time epileptic seizure prediction utilizing a unique kind of neural network known as Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM). The existing multidimensional CNN deep neural network models have average accuracy for multi-channel EEG data in predicting seizures. The proposed model was selected for its excellent ability to interpret complex seizure patterns from both historical and prospective data. We took advantage of a big dataset of real-time EEG recordings of brain activity. The testing yielded the results with the approach of 98% accuracy in predicting seizures. Using the Bi-LSTM model in real-time systems has shown that it can make precise predictions quickly, offering hope for improving the lives of those with epilepsy.

Photoluminescence Spectroscopy for Estimating the Age of The Latent Fingerprints: A New Potential Approach

2024-07-06T05:08:04+00:00

This study examined variations in spectral absorption and emission intensity of latent fingerprints over time, employing UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. There was noticeable absorption at 296nm on the samples, and the fluorescence emission intensity showed variations. A total of 1600 samples from various categories were analyzed to validate this hypothesis. The emission intensity observed under photoluminescence spectroscopy varied over time, showing greater intensities in controlled female and male samples compared to the uncontrolled samples that were exposed to environmental conditions. The emission intensity of the controlled female (CF) sample was the highest at 6341168 CPS, followed by the controlled male (CM) sample at 1270240 CPS. On the other hand, the uncontrolled female (UF) sample exhibited an emission intensity of 5431940 CPS, while the uncontrolled male (UM) sample had an intensity of 100764 CPS. This emission intensity variation proved to be an efficient age profiling marker for the latent fingerprints.

Temperature Modulated Genotoxicity in Coelomocytes of Ecologically Different Earthworm Species Exposed to Sub-lethal Doses of Zinc and Hexavalent Chromium

2024-06-25T17:49:42+00:00

Ecotoxicology is concerned with the possible long-term impacts of environmental stresses that alter organisms at the genetic level. Earthworm coelomocytes are sensitive environmental stress markers often employed in genotoxicity assessments. In this study, DNA damage was studied in coelomocytes of two different earthworm species, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Lampito mauritii, upon exposure to Zn²⁺ and Cr⁶⁺ spiked soils at variable temperatures viz., 18℃ (Cold), 24℃ (Control), 28℃ (Warm) to measure modulatory actions of temperature stress. The results of the study infer a clear species-specific response to combined toxicity. Hence, comet assay representing genotoxicity in coelomocytes is the warning signal of temperature and metal stress in earthworms. Therefore, temperature should be considered as an important factor in toxicity testing, as it indicates variations in local conditions that could affect the efficacy of heavy metal toxicity in earthworms of different ecological habitats.

Meiobenthic Diversity in Relation to Water Quality of Aamayizhanchan Canal of Thiruvananthapuram City, Kerala

2023-11-30T13:36:51+00:00

Monitoring and assessment of meiobenthic fauna is essential to evaluate the health status of urban canals, especially those used as urban sewage discharge sites. An attempt was made to assess the diversity of meiobenthos of Aamayizhanchan Thodu, a freshwater first-order canal flowing through Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala state, from January to April 2021. A total of 7 meiobenthic groups were identified, of which nematodes and foraminifera were registered from all stations with more abundance towards downstream reach. Ostracodes, oligochaetes, polychaetes, kinorynchs, and turbellarians are represented in the diversity and abundance of meiobenthos found higher in stations with higher salinity and from silty to sandy zones. Statistical analysis showed a significant (P<0.05) difference between stations in meiobenthic diversity and abundance. Despite the heavy effluent and municipal waste discharge to the canal, the meiobenthic diversity showed a significant relationship with water quality and canal water flow.

Quantifying the Effect of Seasonal Variations on the Latent Fingerprint Residues Through Photoluminescence Spectroscopy

2024-07-09T07:40:37+00:00

Perspiration fluctuates with the season. Body mass, humidity, temperature, and other factors affect perspiration. Due to higher temperatures, warmer seasons produce more perspiration in the individuals which is the opposite with colder seasons. Seasonal perspiration regulates body temperature in different climates. Due to seasonal and environmental factors, fingerprint residues are subject to variations. Photoluminescence and UV-VIS spectroscopy were used to evaluate fingerprint residues and their response with respect to seasonal variations. To test the hypothesis, 1600 latent fingerprint residues were collected under various conditions spanning the summer and winter seasons cycle for a year. The collected samples were subjected to ultraviolet (UV) light from 200nm to 1600nm to examine their absorption spectra. Further, their fluorescence intensities were measured using photoluminescence spectroscopy. The research's positive outcomes demonstrate that photoluminescence spectroscopy may accurately detect seasonal resonances on latent fingerprint residues, which can be termed seasonal markers.

Effective Edge Domination in iterated Jump Graph of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Graph

2024-02-25T16:48:24+00:00

Intuitionistic Fuzzy Graphs (InFGs) serve as a sophisticated framework for modeling complex and uncertain phenomena across diverse domains, such as decision-making, economics, medicine, computer science, and engineering. In this research, we develop and analyse the properties of jump graphs in the context of InFGs. The vertex set of the jump graph J(G) of a graph G is defined as the edge set of G, with adjacency between vertices in J(G) established if and only if the corresponding edges in G are non-incident. We systematically construct sequences of jump graphs for InFGs through iterative processes and investigate the structural characteristics of these sequences. Moreover, we introduce the concept of an effective edge dominating set for jump graphs of InFGs and rigorously determine the effective edge domination number for certain classes of graphs. These contributions enhance the theoretical foundation of InFGs and extend
their applicability to solving real-world problems characterized by uncertainty and complexity