Commemorating National Mathematics Day
The Department of Mathematics commemorated National Mathematics Day on December 20, 2024, with a remarkable event honouring the birth anniversary of the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. The celebrations encapsulated Ramanujan’s works, achievements, and the significance of mathematics in everyday life through various guest talks, programmes, and a movie screening.
Chief guest Prof. Rajat Tandon, Retired Professor from Hyderabad Central University, delivered the keynote session underscoring the significance of the subject and recognising its widespread applications in technology, engineering, economics, healthcare, and beyond. Dr Sazzad Ali Biswas, Assistant Professor from the Department of Mathematics, SRM AP, also elucidated exploring the world of mathematics and the myriad of opportunities that lie within academia, industry, and research.
The National Mathematics Day Celebrations also featured a movie screening of the Oscar-winning film A Beautiful Mind, a biographical drama about the mathematician John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics. The film engaged students in a deep exploration of mathematics and inspired them to achieve excellence in the field.
- Published in Departmental News, Math News, News
ACM Winter School 2024: A Platform for Innovation
The ACM Winter School 2024, organised by the Department of Computer Science, was aimed to enhance advanced learning in the field of computing. This prestigious programme successfully attracted participants from across India, representing 22 eminent institutions, including notable names like IIT Delhi, IIT Gandhinagar, and IIT Hyderabad.
The inaugural session, was graced by distinguished academic figures such as Prof. Nibaran Das from Jadavpur University and Prof. C V Tomy, the Dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences. The faculty coordinators, Dr Priyanka Singh, Dr Ajay B, Dr Ravi Kant Kumar, and Dr Niladri Sett, played significant roles in facilitating the event.
During the opening remarks, Dr Ajay B, who serves as an Assistant Professor and faculty coordinator, emphasised the importance of creating platforms that inspire innovative thinking and empower students with fresh, out-of-the-box ideas. His perspective resonated with the overarching goals of the Winter School to cultivate cre
ativity and collaboration among the participants.
Dr Priyanka Singh provided a comprehensive overview of the programme’s objectives, setting the tone for the enriching experiences that lay ahead. Following her, Prof. C V Tomy addressed the audience, underscoring the significance of such events in offering new insights and facilitating networking opportunities. He praised the organising team for their commitment to making this initiative a reality and highlighted its potential impact on the academic journeys of the participants.
With a dynamic lineup of sessions led by experts from various parts of the country, the ACM Winter School delivered a transformative learning experience. This gathering promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange, aiming to foster a deep understanding of critical computing topics among attendees.
Adding to the programme’s rich content, Dr Abhishek Singh was recognised as the esteemed resource person for the Winter School. His extensive expertise and invaluable insights have significantly enriched the experience, inspiring participants to engage in innovative thought. The gratitude expressed by the faculty coordinators—Dr Priyanka Singh, Dr Ajay B, and Dr Ravi Kant Kumar—reflects the lasting impact his contributions have made on all attendees.
The ACM Winter School 2024 promises to be a milestone event, equipping participants with knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly resonate in their academic and professional pursuits.
- Published in CSE NEWS, Departmental News, News
OCIT-2024: An International Conference Exploring Trends in Information Technology
The 22nd OITS International Conference on Information Technology (OCIT-2024) was hosted at SRM University-AP from December 12 to 14, 2024. The conference, which served as a premier platform to discuss advancements in information technology, brought together distinguished academics, researchers, industry professionals, and students from across the globe. OCIT-2024 witnessed a submission of 600 research papers, out of which 136 papers were accepted and registered for presentation after rigorous review.
OCIT 2024 had seven keynote speakers who delivered insightful presentations, offering deep expertise and futuristic perspectives on emerging trends: Prof. Arun Kumar Pujari, HOD of AI & CSE, Adviser & Professor Emeritus Mahindra University, Prof. Banshidhar Majhi, Professor (HAG), Comp Sc.& Engg. NIT Rourkela, Former Director, IIITDM KP, Former VC, VSSUT Burla, Prof. Prabir Kumar Biswas, IIT Kharagpur, Prof. Sharad Sharma (University of North Texas UNT), Dr Kannan Srinathan (IIIT Hyderabad), Prof. Siba Kumar Udgata (University of Hyderabad), Dr Kumar Goutam (Founder & President of QRACE).
Esteemed session chairs guided thought-provoking discussions, elevating the intellectual rigour of the conference. Presenters also shared cutting-edge research, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and innovation. The topics explored ranged from artificial intelligence and machine learning to advanced networking and quantum computing. The conference emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in addressing global challenges and shaping the future.
The conference concluded on a high note, inspiring participants to continue their pursuit of excellence in research and innovation. 12 papers were recognised as the best papers for their exceptional quality and contribution. All 136 accepted papers will be published in IEEE Xplore (Scopus Indexed). Additionally, approximately 15% of the papers will receive extended invitations for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
OCIT-2024 was a remarkable event, leaving a lasting impact on its participants and setting the stage for future technological advancements. The event celebrated the spirit of innovation and research through well-curated presentations.
- Published in CSE NEWS, Departmental News, News, Research Events, Research News
FDP on Algebra, Analysis, and Number Theory Concluded Successfully
The Department of Mathematics at SRM University-AP hosted a successful Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Algebra, Analysis, and Number Theory (AAN–2024) from December 16 to 20, 2024. This initiative aimed to strengthen faculty expertise in foundational mathematical disciplines essential for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) education while also promoting effective teaching strategies.
Held online via Zoom, the programme attracted over 500 interested participants from across India, although due to platform capacity, 480 were accommodated. The FDP featured a series of keynote lectures by distinguished speakers focusing on core areas of mathematics.
Prof. V Kannan delivered an extensive session on analysis, discussing key theorems such as the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem, the Intermediate Value Theorem, and the Heine-Borel theorem. The theoretical insights were complemented by tutorial sessions led by research scholars Mr Priti Prasanna Mondal and Ms Athulya P, who assisted participants in reinforcing their understanding through practical examples.
In the realm of number theory, Prof. Kalyan Chakraborty’s engaging lectures covered topics including plane curves, rational points, and elliptic curves, emphasising their importance and applications. Tutorial sessions by Dr Arkabrata Ghosh and research scholar Ms Leena Mondal supported these discussions with additional insights.
Dr Subha Sandeep Repaka presented comprehensive lectures on algebra, detailing concepts such as the structure of cyclic groups, Lagrange’s theorem, and Sylow’s theorems. These sessions were paired with tutorials that helped participants apply and solidify their knowledge.
Under the leadership of Convenor Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma and Co-Convenors Dr M Radhakrishnan and Dr G Damodar Reddy, the FDP offered valuable insights into advanced mathematical topics and innovative pedagogical approaches. Dr. Verma expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response, stating, “It was a privilege to organise this FDP, bringing together experts and participants to explore the depths of algebra, analysis, and number theory. This programme has served as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration and growth in the field.”
The programme marked a significant step towards enhancing mathematics education and research, inspiring participants to incorporate new ideas and methodologies in their academic endeavours.
- Published in Departmental News, Math News, News
Dr Gavaskar Publishes Patent on Generating Prompts
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering is proud to announce that Dr S Gavaskar has published his patent titled A System for Generating Prompts for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications (Application Number: 202441091788). This groundbreaking invention will prove to be a significant advancement in the field of AI, enabling the creation of contextually rich and user-specific prompts, thereby enhancing the accuracy and usability of generative AI systems across various domains.
A Brief Abstract:
This research invention relates to Prompt creation process for Generative AI Application by introducing Four way corpus directory(FWCD) comprising the Persona corpus, Localized Application Specific Content Corpus, Annotator corpus, and Stopword corpus to create well-formed, contextual prompts for AI models. It also employs Semantic Based Categorization and Ranking(SBCR) for semantically categorizing and ranking the content present in the Localized Application Specific Content Corpus . The invention improves the interaction between users and Generative AI. It helps deliver more accurate, semantic based outputs from the AI models, improving the overall performance and usability of the system.
Explanation in Layperson’s Terms:
Prompt engineering is the process of using natural language to create instructions that generative artificial intelligence (AI) models can understand and interpret.In this research we have create a system for prompt creation by which the users can create their own prompt with the combination of their persona details,stopword,annotator content from their localized corpus directory before applying to the LLM models such as ChatGPT,Copilot etc.
Practical Implementation / Social Implications:
- This concept can be implemented in Education Institutions to generate tailored prompts for learning materials and academic projects.Enterprises can use localized content to generate role-specific prompts. and marketing organizations can use to create prompts aligned with specific campaigns or audience demographics.It can also be used in organizations where multiple persons with different roles and responsibilities are there and they have their own localized content for which a prompt has to be created for an Generative AI Application.
This invention also lets people from different skill levels access the system and create their own prompt for their applications.
Future Research Plans:
Future research focus is on creating LLM and AI related applications to the field related to education.cyber security,Legal and Enterprises.
- Published in CSE NEWS, Departmental News, News, Research News
Smart Solutions for Road Safety
Dr Saswat Kumar Ram and Dr Banee Bandana Das from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering have developed an intelligent safety system to prevent road accidents caused by drowsiness and alcohol consumption. Their patented research, A System and Method for Vehicles to Prevent Road Accidents During the Inebriated State of the Driver (Indian Patent No. 202441037564), uses simple sensors and microcontrollers to provide real-time safety feedback, offering an affordable and effective solution for enhancing vehicle safety.
A Brief Abstract:
This research offers the best solution to improve security measures in the control system by integrating simple sleep and odour sensors. The goal is to create an intelligent safety management system. The devices used are microcontroller, motor drivers, motors, MQ-3 (alcohol sensor), IR sensor (drowsiness detection), buzzer, and lights, these are the main components used in this project for hardware. The embedded-C language is used for the Arduino IDE. The system is designed to provide safety feedback in a variety of applications. MQ-3 can be used to detect and identify environmental odours in people, whether drunken. Our aim is to design product that can be inexpensive and easy to integrate into existing control systems, making it suitable for many applications such as automobiles, workplaces, and homes. This research is a good step towards improving the security of the control system by using the ability of simple and inexpensive equipment for instant monitoring and response.
Explanation in Layperson’s Terms:
The proposed safety control system effectively detects drowsiness and alcohol consumption, utilizing simple sensors MQ-3 and IR sensor to enhance road safety. By integrating these sensors with Microcontroller, the system triggers real-time alerts to prevent accidents. Upon detecting alcohol, the car automatically slows down, minimizing speed and activating LED backlights to indicate the driver’s inebriated state. Similarly, when drowsiness is detected, the system reduces car speed, emits a buzzing sound, and activates lights, signaling the driver’s drowsy condition. This comprehensive approach addresses both drowsiness and alcohol consumption, two major contributors to road accidents. The system’s simplicity, affordability, and ease of integration make it a promising solution for enhancing vehicle safety.
Practical Implementation
The current invention addresses the generic problems that cause road accidents and tries to control the speed of the vehicle and play buzzer to ensure the safety of the passengers and driver. To best of authors’ knowledge, th parameter detection i.e. alcohol and drowsiness detection.
The present invention can be used in smart city and smart villages applications for making the road safe, driver and passengers safe, and few application areas are:
- Smart City and Smart Village: This technique and system can reduce road accidents caused due to alcohol consumption and drowsiness.
- Automobile Industry: The system can be easily integrated with the existing control system in vehicles to ensure safety.
Future Research Plans:
To develop more secure and reliable safety mechanism for safe driving.
- Published in Departmental News, ECE NEWS, News, Research News
Unveiling Microplastic Pollution in Landfill-Mined Bio-Earth
Dr Debajyoti Kundu, from the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, has conducted pioneering research on the composition of bio-earth recovered from landfill mining at the Bhandewadi landfill in Nagpur, India. His study, Unveiling the Composition of Bio-Earth from Landfill Mining and Microplastic Pollution, reveals the presence of microplastics in bio-earth, raising concerns about its safety for agricultural use. The research underscores the importance of addressing microplastic contamination to ensure the sustainable application of landfill-mined materials in agriculture.
A Brief Abstract:
This study explores the composition of bio-earth derived from landfill mining at the Bhandewadi landfill, Nagpur, India, and investigates the presence of microplastics within it. The bio-earth was characterized by key parameters such as moisture content, organic carbon, nutrient levels, and heavy metal concentrations. Microplastic contamination was also assessed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, revealing a significant presence of microplastics in the bio-earth. The findings highlight the need for further research and strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution to ensure the safe use of bio-earth in agricultural applications.
Explanation in layperson’s terms:
In this study, we looked at bio-earth, which is a material recovered from old landfill sites, and examined its quality and the presence of harmful microplastics. Landfill mining is an emerging technique that helps recover valuable resources from old waste. Bio-earth is often used as a natural fertilizer, but the problem is that it can contain tiny plastic particles (microplastics) which can harm the environment. Our research found that the bio-earth from a landfill in Nagpur, India, had both useful nutrients for plants and significant levels of microplastics. This is concerning because it could affect the safety of using such material in farming or gardening. Our work suggests that more research is needed to figure out how to remove these plastics and make the bio-earth safer for agricultural use.
Practical Implementation:
The findings of this research have significant implications for environmental management and waste recycling. The presence of microplastics in bio-earth poses risks to soil health, plant growth, and potentially to human health when used in agriculture. The research highlights the need for proper waste management techniques to reduce microplastic contamination and improve the safety of recycled materials like bio-earth. This study also calls for developing strategies to remove or reduce microplastics from landfill mining processes, ensuring that bio-earth can be used safely as a fertilizer or soil conditioner without further environmental harm.
Collaborations:
This research was conducted through collaboration between several esteemed institutions:
CSIR – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, India
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India
Future Research Plans:
We plan to develop methods for removing microplastics from bio-earth, assess their impact on soil and plant health, and explore sustainable waste processing techniques to reduce plastic contamination. Our goal is to enhance the safety and sustainability of landfill-mined materials in agriculture.
The link to the article:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10661-024-13229-2
- Published in Departmental News, ENVS News, News, Research News
Dr Kaushik’s Research on Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated Thermo-Catalytic Conversion of Carbon Dioxide
Dr Jaidev Kaushik, Assistant Professor from the Department of Chemistry, has introduced an innovative method for converting CO₂ emissions into valuable products like acetic acid, offering a sustainable solution to combat climate change. His groundbreaking research has been published in the Chemical Engineering Journal under the title, Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated Thermo-Catalytic Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to C1-C2 Products over Cu(0).
A Brief Abstract:
The global challenge concerning CO2 conversion to valuable products is anticipated to play a critical role towards net zero carbon emissions. Thermal CO2 reduction is advantageous in terms of higher conversion rates, selectivity, and already-established industrial thermal instruments for scalability. However, the method is energy-intensive, a hindrance to sustainably practical adoption. Herein, we present a comprehensive study of H2O2-mediated thermal CO2 conversion in the presence of dendritic zerovalent copper (d-ZCu) in a batch-type reactor, yielding C1 and C2 carbon products, with acetic acid (AcOH) as the major product (achieving an optimized yield of approximately 0.98 M and a selectivity of around 97% at near-ambient conditions of 25-150°C and 1-15 bar), along with trace amounts of methanol and ethanol, and carbon monoxide (CO) as a gaseous product. The reaction parameters, including temperature, time, pressure, and concentrations, were optimized to gain better insight into the reaction. To further explore the feasibility of the process, experiments were conducted in a continuous flow-packed bed reactor using similar parameters as those in the batch reactor, where CO was identified as the primary product of CO2 reduction. For advanced real-life applicability, the as-emitted exhaust gases from diesel and petrol engines, as sources of anthropogenic CO2, were utilized to establish the practical applicability of the proposed method.
Explanation in Layperson’s Terms:
In our work, we found a way to convert CO2, a gas that contributes to climate change, into useful products. We used hydrogen peroxide and a special type of copper catalyst (zerovalent and dendritic shaped) to change CO2 into things like acetic acid (used in vinegar), methanol, ethanol, and carbon monoxide. The main product we made was acetic acid, and the process worked well at lower temperatures and pressures, which means it used less energy. To see if this could be useful in real life, we tested it with CO2 coming from car exhaust, including diesel and petrol engines, and found that it could help reduce pollution. This shows that our method could be a practical way to reduce CO2 emissions from everyday sources.
Practical Implementation and Social Implications:
The practical implementation of our research offers a promising solution for reducing CO2 emissions by converting this harmful gas into valuable products like acetic acid, methanol, ethanol, and carbon monoxide. We used hydrogen peroxide and a dendritic zerovalent copper to operate our method at lower temperatures and pressures, making it more energy-efficient than traditional CO₂ reduction techniques. The implementation of this approach may not only help industries reduce their carbon footprint but also provide economic value by synthesizing widely used products. A key social benefit is its potential to capture and convert CO2 emissions from everyday sources, such as car exhaust, demonstrating how this method can help reduce pollution in urban environments. Overall, this technology supports the global effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, offering a practical and scalable solution for industries and everyday applications alike.
Collaborations:
Dr Sumit Kumar Sonkar (MNIT Jaipur, India)
Future Research Plans:
- The adsorption/photodegradation-assisted quick and efficient removal of next generation advanced pollutants such as microplastic, pesticides, pharmaceutical waste, etc. by hydrophobic carbon aerogel and their doped and functionalized versions.
- Utilizing waste derived heterogeneous catalysts in organic transformation reactions.
- Selective sensing of toxic metal ions/biomarkers/biomolecules using fluorescent nanomaterials.
- Upcycling of carbonates/CO2 via photo/thermal assisted reactions to get C1 and C2 hydrocarbons (green fuel).
The link to the article
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1385894724082779
- Published in Chemistry-news, Departmental News, News, Research News
Dr Bidisha on Translating Dalit Voices
Translation often serves as a vital bridge between languages and cultures and Translators are often poised as “gatekeepers” who preserve the authenticity and richness of a text. Dr Bidisha Pal, Assistant Professor at the Department of Literature and Languages in her research paper, “From Transregional to Global Space: Translating Dalit Autobiography and Bridging the Boundaries” speaks of the power of translation in safeguarding and raising awareness of caste. Her work also illustrates how translation smoothens the divide between language and enables the voice of the marginalised to be heard.
Abstract:
The present research brings forward some standpoints. First, the translation of Dalit autobiographies creates transnational solidarity. Second, the translators play the role of gatekeepers to show that translation sustains the literary and cultural essence ingrained within the texts and initiates and engages dialogic discussions among the audience and readers on the global platform. Third, the translation of Dalit autobiographies arrests the attention of those global readers who barely nurture any idea on caste, class, and casteist politics and deep-rooted issues like untouchability in India and constructs a distinct literary geography.
Explanation in layperson’s terms:
The research deals with the idea of literary translation and its necessity. These two autobiographies are written in regional Bengal. When translated, the boundary of regions gets dissolved, and the essence of the texts reach the global arena. Besides, translation also acts as the bridge to the outer world. However, oftentimes the act of translation is not an innocent act anymore; rather it interferes with the original meaning to transcreate.
Practical/ Social Implications:
The research talks about translation and its necessity to bridge boundaries. The texts that the article focuses on are from the people of the marginalized communities of Bengal who write to voice their concerns and who feature in a considerable period of history that should be known to people. Since, linguistic regionalism is the main constraint for the literary texts, translation provides the desired space and opportunity to help them reach the global platforms and their history and literature become part of the larger repertoire of World Literature.
The link to the article:
- Published in Departmental News, English Current Happenings, English news, News, Research News
Where Technology Meets Literature: Reviving Sindhi Libraries with a Digitised Five-point Framework
Minor languages face many challenges in India and elsewhere. With most of these languages on the verge of extinction, preservation efforts using technology need to develop a different vision for helping these languages and their communities. Dr Soni Wadhwa, Assistant Professor from the Department of Literature and Languages, has published her research in the article “Digital Technology for Literature Revitalisation: A Framework for Sindhi Libraries in India” in the Q1 journal Preservation, Digital Technology and Culture, highlighting on overcoming these challenges. Her research emphasises a five-point framework to revive Sindhi literature.
Abstract
Linguistic diversity does not find adequate space in LIS discourses around libraries in India and other regions with similar kinds of linguistic heritage. This study focuses on the state of Sindhi literature in India through a look at the libraries that house the works of Sindhi literary activity in post-Partition India. The objective is to highlight the role of libraries within language revitalization efforts. This study puts forth a five-point framework for digital transformation of Sindhi libraries in India which can help broaden the digital transformation efforts elsewhere in the Global South especially with minor languages and dialects. While the five-point framework is customized to the specific challenges faced by Sindhi regarding its script (and includes designing solutions for OCR, transliteration, and text to speech interaction), its principles could be applied to several other linguistic contexts, especially in the Global South. It, thus, seeks to bring LIS into sharp focus within the social imagination of communities of readers and as speakers of a language, and not just as academic institutions alone.
Practical Implementation/Social Implications of the Research
- Using this five-point framework, scholars from various fields (history, partition studies, language, literature, digital humanities, digital archiving, etc) can identify different ways of preserving the Sindhi language.
- The use of technology for this purpose can lead to technological innovation, which in turn can accelerate preservation efforts.
- Similar models and frameworks can be developed for other minor languages.
Collaboration
The project is funded by IIT Indore.
- Published in Departmental News, English Current Happenings, English news, News, Research News