Research News
- Patent on Controlling DC-DC Buck Power Converters January 30, 2025
The patent titled “A System to Control Dc-Dc Buck Power Converter And A Method Thereof” by research scholar K Mounika Nagabushanam, and Assistant Professors, Dr Somesh Vinayak Tewari, and Dr Tarkeshwar Mahto with application no: 202441098288 presents an innovative approach to managing power conversion in renewable energy systems extending its applications in electric vehicles and microgrids, highlighting the importance of robust power control in advancing sustainable energy technologies.
Abstract
The work disclosed a system to control DC-DC buck power converter and a method thereof. The system comprises a photovoltaic (PV) panel, a first DC-DC buck converter for voltage step-down, and a battery for energy storage. A bidirectional DC-DC converter manages power flow between the battery and the source bus, while a second bidirectional converter exchanges power with the AC grid. The load bus integrates a second DC-DC buck converter to regulate power for constant power loads and resistive loads. Switching components like IGBTs controlled through PWM signals, ensure precise power control. Inductive and capacitive elements stabilize voltage, filter ripples, and reduce noise. The system supports adaptive power distribution and robust load handling, ensuring efficient energy management.
Explanation in layperson’s terms
Passivity-based control (PBC) is a control technique applied to buck converters within renewable energy systems to maintain stability and efficiency despite varying input conditions. Buck converters are essential for stepping down fluctuating voltage outputs from renewable sources, such as solar panels, to a consistent level suitable for storage or direct use. In solar power systems, PBC is used to manage the voltage conversion from solar panels to batteries or the grid. It stabilizes the voltage output, ensuring efficient battery charging and smooth integration with the electrical grid. PBC’s application in renewable energy systems demonstrates its critical role in advancing sustainable energy technologies, providing a reliable and efficient power supply.
Practical and Social Implications
The proposed control can be used in Electric Vehicle, Microgrid applications to stabilize voltage under load variations.
Future research plans
Future research plan is to work on the testing of proposed control with high level DC-DC converters
- Book Chapter on Wastewater Treatment and Energy Production January 29, 2025
In an era where sustainable energy and environmental conservation are paramount, integration of Microalgae with Microbial Fuel Cells for Wastewater Treatment and Energy Generation emerges as a groundbreaking contribution to biotechnology. The book chapter, “Application of Microalgae-MFC to Mitigate Water Pollution and Resource Recovery” authored by Post-doctoral Research Scholar, Dr Ricky Rajamanickam under the guidance of Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dr Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian explores the revolutionary potential of microalgae-driven microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in tackling wastewater pollution while generating renewable energy. This work—featured in the book titled, Emerging Trends in Microbial Electrochemical Technologies for Sustainable Mitigation of Water Resources Contamination brings together leading experts offering invaluable insights for scientists, engineers, and policymakers striving for a cleaner and greener future.
Brief Introduction to the Book Chapter
The chapter explores the integration of microalgae with microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy generation. It delves into the mechanisms of microalgae-based MFCs, focusing on electricity generation, carbon capture, and the production of value-added bioproducts. The work highlights this technology’s potential for addressing water pollution and resource depletion while advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Significance of the Book Chapter
This chapter is significant as it addresses pressing global challenges such as water pollution, resource depletion, and the need for sustainable energy solutions. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and contributes to advancing integrated biotechnological solutions for environmental and energy challenges.
Target Audience
The book chapter targets environmental scientists, engineers, policy makers, and researchers working in biotechnology, wastewater management, and renewable energy. It is also resourceful for students and professionals interested in sustainable development and innovative biotechnologies.
Co-Authors or Major Contributors
Dr Ricky – (First author) (Postdoc)
Dr Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian (Corresponding author) (Associate Professor)
- Synthesising Flexible Solid-state Electrolytes for Electronic Devices January 29, 2025
Dr Chinmoy Das, Assistant Professor from the Department of Chemistry, and scholars Mr Sushant Wakekar and Mr Sasikumar K have published their invention titled “Li-based solid-state electrolyte and a method for its preparation” in the Indian Patent Office (Patent application No. 202441083351). The invention illustrates how to synthesise inexpensive Li(I) ion-based solid-state electrolytes that are feasible for fabricating flexible electronic devices. The team worked on inexpensive and readily available starting materials that provide self-supported and flexible solid-state electrolytes to advance LIB applications.
Abstract
In our invention, we described a rapid and robust synthetic methodology to prepare novel flexible solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) suitable for the fabrication of eco-friendly lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The mechanically flexible film has been synthesized upon in situ incorporation of Li(I) ion into two inexpensive biocompatible polysaccharide matrices through mixing. We achieved Li(I) ion-based superionic conductivity at room temperature which is feasible for the fabrication of flexible electronics in modern age society.
Practical Implementation/Social Implications of the Research
This invention can be implemented in various industries, such as electric vehicles (EVs), wearable and flexible electronics, and aerospace and aviation.
The team is extending their research towards the fabrication of cheaper sodium (Na+), potassium (K+)-ion based solid-state electrolytes with superionic conductivity and implementing them in designing the biodegradable sodium-ion / potassium ion batteries (NIBs / KIBs).
Continue reading → - A Novel System for Breast Cancer Diagnosis January 29, 2025
Faculty duo from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Dr Anirban Ghosh and Dr Sunil Chinnadurai, along with their research cohort, Phanindra Rayapudi Venkata, Baswala Srujana, Gadde Saranya, and Abburi Sowgandhi (B.Tech. ECE students) have published their patent titled “A System and Method for Breast Cancer Diagnosis” (Application number: 202441088356). Their cutting-edge research presents a system to help diagnose breast cancer more accurately and efficiently using advanced image analysis techniques.
Abstract
The present disclosure discloses a system for diagnosing breast cancer that utilizes topological data analysis to transform mammogram images into meaningful diagnostic insights. It includes a data preprocessing module for image standardization and enhancement and a feature extraction module to create histograms for topological analysis. The topological data analysis module converts these histograms into Persistent Homology Diagrams (PHDs) representing topological features. An Earth Mover’s Distance (EMD) matrix is generated by a similarity metric module to compare PHDs. Representative PHDs are identified using a representative selection module, enabling accurate classification by the classification module. The system’s performance is assessed through various metrics by a performance analysis module, and a web service module provides an intuitive interface for users to upload images and receive diagnostic results. This approach enhances breast cancer detection by focusing on persistent topological features, offering improved precision and interpretability.
Explanation of the Research in Layperson’s Terms
Here’s how the system works in simple terms:
1. Preparing the Images: Mammogram images are cleaned and adjusted to ensure they’re clear and easy to analyse. The focus is on areas that might show signs of cancer.
2. Extracting Patterns: The system looks for patterns in the images that could indicate healthy or unhealthy tissue. It turns these patterns into a visual map that represents the shape and structure of the tissue.
3. Analysing Shapes: The system uses math to study how these shapes appear and disappear as the image details change. The most persistent shapes (important ones) are kept, and random noise is ignored.
4. Comparing Images: A tool measures how similar or different these patterns are between images. This helps the system group them into healthy or cancerous categories.
5. Making a Decision: The system compares a new mammogram to its library of known patterns to decide whether it’s likely healthy or shows signs of cancer.
6. Easy to Use: Doctors can upload an image to a web-based tool and quickly get results, complete with visual explanations.
This system helps doctors by making the diagnosis process faster, more reliable, and easier to understand, which can lead to earlier and better treatment for breast cancer.
Practical Implementation/Social Implications of the Research
This research enhances breast cancer detection by enabling earlier, more accurate diagnoses and improving survival rates. Its web-based tool ensures access to advanced diagnostics in remote and underserved areas, reducing disparities in healthcare. Supporting radiologists with objective insights minimizes errors and workload, especially in resource-limited settings. Patients benefit from faster, clearer results, leading to timely and cost-effective treatment. Additionally, the innovative methods could inspire advancements in diagnosing other diseases, driving broader medical progress and improving global health outcomes.
Future Research Plans
Future research could expand this system to detect other diseases like lung or liver cancer, improve diagnostic accuracy by reducing false results, and integrate multimodal data for comprehensive analysis. Incorporating patient-specific information for personalized risk assessments, creating self-learning models, and optimizing computational efficiency could enhance its adaptability. Large-scale global trials and user-friendly interfaces would ensure effective implementation across diverse populations and healthcare systems, making the technology more versatile, accessible, and impactful.
Continue reading → - The Anxiety of Indianness in the Making of Sindhi Literature January 28, 2025
Very often, it is assumed that the “vernacular” language texts in India do not undergo any anxiety of proving themselves Indian while works written in English do. In her research paper, “A Literature of Frustration and Failure”: The Anxiety of Indianness in the Making of Sindhi Literature as an Indian Literature”, published in the esteemed Q2 journal Journal of Sindhi Studies, Dr Soni Wadhwa, Assistant Professor, Department of Literature and Languages, focuses on Sindhi post literary activity that unfolded in the first 20 years after independence to show that Sindhi has a history of going through anxiety of belonging in India.
Abstract
Studies of Partition frequently turn to literature to understand how displacement processes, among other things, impact aesthetics and representation. The article takes a broader view of aesthetics as representation: it demonstrates how turning to the literary archive of a moment and a community gives rise to questions about the politics of individual texts and literary historiography. Centred on Sindhi literature produced in India after Partition, it shows that examining the literary productivity of the community needs to involve questions of literature as political survival. It focuses on the earliest essays from the Sindhi literary scene in India (published in the Sahitya Akademi journal Indian Literature). The article argues that these essays register anxiety about the survival of a language trying to come into being in an already existing and complicated language-nation relationship. It unpacks three registers of anxiety visible in the literary archive to broaden the scope of the conversations around the Sindhi language and its literature.
This research has been conducted to advance interest in and conversations around Sindhi literature in India. Since Sindhi does not have a state in India, most people are not aware that it exists as a language and that it has a rich literary tradition.
After this article, Dr Soni Wadhwa intends to explore different writers, themes, and movements in Sindhi literature.
Collaborations
The research has been funded by George Mason University.
Continue reading → - Interdisciplinary Research on Groundwater Fluoride Contamination January 28, 2025
Assistant Professors – Dr Kousik Das, Dr Harish Puppala, Associate Professor- Dr Pankaj Pathak, Uttiya Dey, along with Research Scholars – Mr Mijanur Mondal, Ms Sudeshna Chell, Ms Sumana Dutta, and Ms Pankaj Kumar come up with an interdisciplinary research breakthrough in their paper, “Community-Level Vulnerability of Groundwater Fluoride Contamination and Exposure by the Application of Multi-Criteria Model.” The authors examine fluoride exposure in villages like Chintal Cheruvu, Rompicherla, Shantamangalur, Thimmapur, and Nadendla.
Abstract
Elevated fluoride (F⁻) levels in groundwater, primarily due to geogenic processes, pose significant health risks, including dental and skeletal fluorosis and neurological disorders. This study aimed to quantify source-dependent F⁻ exposure at the community level in selected tropical dry regions of Andhra Pradesh, India. These locations include Chintal Cheruvu, Rompicharala, Shantamangalur, Thimmapur, and Nadendla. Community surveys and drinking water sample analyses were conducted in these regions. Dental Fluorosis Index (DFI) used to estimate exposure levels across age and sex groups. Findings of surveys indicate that groundwater consumption with high F⁻ (4.3 mg/L) results in the highest exposure dose (0.62 mg/kg/day), with Chintal Cheruvu identified as the most affected. A strong positive correlation was observed between exposure dose, water F⁻ content, and the Community Fluorosis Index (CFI). Dental fluorosis prevalence exceeded 80% across all age groups, and household surveys revealed 100% unawareness of F⁻ exposure risks. The magnitude of FII for Chintal Cheruvu is 0.563 which is highest among the considered regions indicating that it is most impacted region that needs remedial measures first in the hierarchy. Rompicharala with FII as 0.252, Nadendla (0.223), Shantamangalur (0.214), and Thimmapur (0.188) follows the hierarchy.
Explanation in layperson’s terms.
The outcome of the study concludes that regionally most of the places of Andhra Pradesh is affected the by the groundwater fluoride contamination. People are getting affected by the consumption of high fluoridated water which is visible from the dental fluorosis. The area is having high groundwater fluoride is having highest severe dental fluorosis cases. Among the villages, Chintal Cheruvu had the highest fluoride level while Thimmapur had the lowest. Signs of dental fluorosis were most noticeable among younger individuals who are still developing. The exposure dose varied across villages, with Chintal Cheruvu having the highest exposure dose followed by Rompicharala. Other symptoms of fluorosis, such as skin allergies and body pain are also predominant. Most villages had alternative sources of drinking water, except for Chintal Cheruvu, where residents continued to use contaminated water due to a lack of alternatives. There is a clear link between lack of awareness about fluoride toxicity and higher exposure levels as apparent from the questionnaire survey.
Practical /Social Implications
The immediate action is necessary to reduce fluoride exposure, provide safe drinking water, and raise awareness about fluoride toxicity to meet sustainable development goals by 2030. The findings highlight the need for integrated approaches combining mitigation, education, and sustainable practices to tackle fluoride contamination and improve the overall well-being of affected communities.
- Revolutionising Cardiac Health Monitoring with Cutting-edge Innovation January 28, 2025
The research team consisting of Dr Manjula R, Assistant Professor from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and her students, Mr Adi Vishnu Avula, Mr Abdul Jawad Khan, Mr Chiranjeevi Thota and Ms Kavyanjali Munipalle has published their patent titled “System For Determining And Predicting Scattering Coefficients Of Myocardium Tissue In Near-Infrared-Band For In-Vivo Communications” in the Indian Patent Office with the Application no: 202441090535.
Their research harnesses the power of machine learning and near-infrared (NIR) technology to analyse myocardium tissue with unmatched precision. By predicting scattering coefficients using advanced models like Gradient Boosting and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), this breakthrough enables non-invasive diagnostics, early detection of heart conditions, and enhanced medical imaging. From 6G-enabled smart hospitals to regenerative medicine, this technology is set to transform healthcare.
With this groundbreaking invention, Dr Manjula and her research team pave the way for the future of connected, intelligent cardiac care!
Continue reading → - Dr Sushmita on Media, Marketing, and Management in Sports January 28, 2025
Dr Sushmita Kumari, Assistant Director of Sports, has authored a book titled “Media, Marketing, and Management in Sports: A Unified Approach.” Her publication presents a thorough examination of the pivotal roles that media relations, marketing strategies, and public relations play within the sports industry. Aimed at both students and professionals, the book delivers valuable perspectives on fan engagement, sponsorship dynamics, and effective crisis management. Through the use of real-world examples, Dr Sushmita highlights the transformative influence of digital media and the necessity for global adaptability in sports communication, making it an indispensable resource for anyone aspiring to succeed in the field of Sports.
Abstract:
The book, provides a comprehensive exploration of sports communication and management. It highlights the significance of media relations, marketing strategies, and public relations in shaping the success and image of sports entities. By integrating real-world examples, it delves into the interplay of traditional and digital platforms, showcasing their role in fan engagement, sponsorships, and crisis management. The content equips readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of sports media and branding.
Target Audience:
The book is designed for students and professionals in sports management, communication, and media industries. It caters to academics, sports enthusiasts, PR practitioners, and industry leaders who seek to enhance their expertise in sports branding, marketing, and public relations.
Collaboration Details:
Acknowledgments highlight the contributions of mentors, colleagues, students, and industry experts, emphasizing the book’s foundation in academic and practical insights. It also includes case studies and experiences from media professionals, enhancing its relevance and applicability.
Social or Practical Implications:
- Digital Transformation: The book addresses the transformative power of social and digital media in fan interaction and brand promotion.
- Crisis Management: It provides strategies for managing crises in sports, ensuring sustained reputation and stakeholder trust.
- Global Engagement: It emphasizes the importance of adapting to globalization and cultural sensitivities in sports communication.
- Sponsorship Dynamics: Insights into sponsorship management underline its role in generating revenue and aligning brand values.
- A Critical Review in Understanding Equity and Social Justice in Mathematics Education January 28, 2025
Dr Jayasree Subramanian, Associate Professor from the Department of Mathematics, has recently published a book chapter titled “Strengthening Equity and Social Justice Research in Mathematics Education Through Critical Interrogations of White Supremacy and Settler Colonialism” in the Fourth International Handbook of Mathematics Education by Springer Publications.
Abstract
In this chapter, we contextualise a suggested approach to strengthening equity and social justice research in mathematics education by inserting the mathematics education enterprise into two world events of 2020: the global COVID-19 pandemic and the global resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Our intent in doing so is to underscore how white colonialism is forever present everywhere in structures and institutions around the globe, including those of the mathematics education enterprise. The logic of both white supremacy and settler colonialism are described next and then combined into a compounding scheme of colonising white supremacist logic. To illustrate that colonizing white supremacist logic is not a manifestation of only the West, a discussion of the conflicts and contradictions of white supremacy and Brahminical supremacy in the mathematics education enterprise of postcolonial India is offered. Brief summaries of the five chapters in the “Equity and Social Justice” section of this Handbook are then provided; we highlight how the chapter authors interrogated colonialising white supremacist logic within their respective chapters and point toward additional opportunities. In concluding the chapter, we feature recent USA-based mathematics education research to illustrate different possibilities when equity and social justice research is strengthened through critical interrogations of white supremacy and settler colonialism.
About the Book
The Fourth International Handbook discusses developments not recognised or dealt with entirely in the first three Springer Mathematics Education handbooks and tackles controversial issues in the field. After starting with a provocative introductory chapter which asks whether controversy is a healthy feature of international mathematics education, the four following sections cover: (a) mathematics education in Asia; (b) the roles of theory in research and practice; (c) equity and social justice; and (d) curriculum and change. These themes are taken up in 28 chapters by 60 authoritative authors from all continents. The four sections are structured based on past, present, and future aspects.
Like the first three mathematics education handbooks, this handbook provides a valuable resource for teachers, practitioners and researchers, education policymakers, mathematicians, and graduate and undergraduate students.
Co-authors of the Book Chapter
1. David W. Stinson, College of Education and Human Development, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA (Lead Coauthor)
2. Cathery Yeh, Center for Asian American Studies, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA (Fellow coauthor)
Continue reading → - Establishing an Innovative Technology for Intelligent Management of Battery Systems January 28, 2025
Dr Satyavir Singh, Assistant Professor from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and his PhD scholar, Mr Tasadeek Hassan Dar, have published a groundbreaking research paper titled “Advanced integration of bidirectional long short-term memory neural networks and innovative extended Kalman filter for state of charge estimation of lithium-ion battery.” The research that revolves around establishing technology for intelligent management of battery systems and their sustainability for longer life has been published in the Q1 journal, Journal of Power Sources, having an impact factor of 8.1.
Further to their research, the team will continue to work on robust techniques to BMS in the future.
Abstract
The state of charge (SoC) of a battery is a crucial monitoring indicator for battery management systems and it helps to assess how much further an electric vehicle can travel. This work proposes a novel approach for predicting battery SoC by developing a closed-loop system that integrates a bidirectional long short-term memory neural network with an innovative algorithm- extended Kalman filter. A second-order equivalent circuit model is selected, and its parameters are computed using the variational and logistic map cuckoo search approach.
Further, an Extended Kalman filter is combined with an innovation algorithm to update process noise in real-time, and a bidirectional long short-term memory neural network takes the input from the Extended Kalman filter and gives the compensated error value for the final SoC estimation. 75% of dynamic stress test data from the Extended Kalman filter is used for training purposes, remaining data sets are used for testing purposes. The addressed algorithm is validated by evaluating its performance in comparison to individual algorithms and various combined approaches. Empirical analysis demonstrates that the proposed model achieves a root mean square error of 0.11% and mean absolute error of 0.1% positioning it as a valuable tool for battery management systems.
Continue reading →