Unlocking Cholesterol Homeostasis: A Mathematical Modelling Perspective
In a significant stride towards understanding cholesterol homeostasis, Dr Koyel Chakravarty, Assistant Professor and Mr Sukdeb Manna, a PhD Scholar in the Department of Mathematics has co-authored a paper titled “Unlocking Cholesterol Homeostasis: A Mathematical Modelling Perspective.” The paper has been published in the esteemed journal, The European Physical Journal Plus, with an impact factor of 3.4. This collaborative effort showcases the innovative application of mathematical modelling in unravelling the complexities of cholesterol regulation within the body.
The research not only contributes to the existing body of knowledge in this field but also sheds light on potential avenues for further exploration and understanding. Dr Chakravarty and Mr. Manna’s work underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in scientific research and highlights SRM University-AP’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and innovation.
Their collaborative efforts serve as an inspiration to aspiring researchers and underscore the university’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and discovery. Congratulations to Dr Chakravarty and Mr Manna on this remarkable achievement, and we look forward to more groundbreaking contributions from them in the future.
Abstract:
Limited progress in the mathematical modelling of cholesterol transport systems is hampering novel therapeutic interventions. This issue is addressed by the present study through precise design, employing four compartmental models to elucidate cholesterol dynamics in the comprehensive bloodstream. Disparities in medical advancements, particularly in cholesterol-related pathophysiology, are aimed to be bridged, advancing medical science and patient care outcomes.
Therapeutic strategies for reducing blood cholesterol are explored by the model, with parameter influences on equilibrium stability revealed through sensitivity analysis. System parameters are effectively manipulated by imposing sensitivity analysis, and pinpointing areas for model refinement. Stability analysis contributes to diverse realistic models, confirming local asymptotic stability. Model efficacy in studying cholesterol transport dynamics is supported by analytical and numerical assessments. The study concludes with the present model validation to substantiate it by comparing the present outcomes with the existing ones.
Explanation of The Research in Layperson’s Terms:
Basically, scientists are having trouble figuring out how to model how cholesterol moves around in the body, which is important for developing new treatments. This study tries to solve that problem by creating detailed models that show how cholesterol behaves in different parts of the bloodstream. The goal is to bridge the gap in medical knowledge about cholesterol-related problems and improve how we treat patients. The models help us understand how different treatments might affect cholesterol levels, and by analyzing them closely, we can figure out which factors are most important. This lets us tweak the models to make them more accurate. The study shows that the models are reliable by testing them both analytically and numerically, and comparing the results to what we already know.
Practical Implementation or the Social Implications of the Research
1. Personalized Medicine: The mathematical models developed in this research could help in designing personalized treatment plans for individuals with high cholesterol levels. By understanding how different factors affect cholesterol dynamics, doctors can tailor therapies to each patient’s specific needs, leading to more effective and targeted treatments.
2. Drug Development: Pharmaceutical companies could use these models to screen potential drugs for lowering cholesterol. By simulating how different compounds interact with cholesterol transport systems, researchers can identify promising candidates for further testing, potentially speeding up the drug development process.
3. Healthcare Cost Reduction: Better understanding of cholesterol dynamics could lead to more efficient use of healthcare resources. By optimizing treatment strategies and preventing complications related to high cholesterol, healthcare costs associated with conditions like heart disease could be reduced, benefiting both individuals and society.
4. Public Health Initiatives: Insights from the research could inform public health initiatives aimed at reducing cholesterol-related diseases. For example, policymakers could use the models to design targeted interventions such as education campaigns promoting healthy lifestyle choices or policies to improve access to cholesterol-lowering medications.
5. Improved Patient Outcomes: Ultimately, the goal of this research is to improve patient outcomes by better understanding and managing cholesterol homeostasis. By developing more accurate models of cholesterol transport dynamics, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions, leading to better control of cholesterol levels and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and other related conditions.
Future Research Plans:
1. Current models may focus on a limited set of factors influencing cholesterol transport. Future research could explore the integration of additional biological factors such as genetic variations, hormonal influences, and dietary components into the models to create a more comprehensive understanding of cholesterol homeostasis.
2. Most existing models of cholesterol transport assume static conditions. Future research could develop dynamic models that capture the time-dependent changes in cholesterol levels in response to various stimuli, such as meals, physical activity, and medication intake. Dynamic models would provide a more accurate representation of real-world cholesterol dynamics and enable the evaluation of time-sensitive interventions.
Picture Related to the Research
- Published in Departmental News, Math News, News, Research News
Patent Granted for Research in Developing Tarnish Resistant Silver Alloys
Yet another groundbreaking achievement for the researchers at SRM University-AP! Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean-Research and Professor, Department of Physics, Prof. G S Vinod Kumar, Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Ms Harsha K, PhD scholar, continue to make their mark in the university’s excellent research legacy by having their patent “Tarnish Resistant Silver Composition and a Process for its Preparation” being granted by the Indian Patent Office. This innovative research team has used density functional theory to explain the tarnishing of silver. Their work also focuses on finding alloying elements that protect silver.
Abstract
The research is on the development of tarnish-resistant silver alloys from an experimental and computational perspective. With time, silver atoms on the surface of the metal undergo sulphidation and form Ag2S molecules. These particles will accumulate to form a layer whose thickness goes beyond 10nm, and then the human eye will start to find a discolouration on the surface of silver, which is tarnish. The stain colour changes from light yellow to dark brown. This reduces the lustre of silver and makes them aesthetically non-pleasing. The silver jewellery and articles manufacturing industry suffers from this tarnishing as it leads to the loss of material and money and ruins intricate designs made of silver. The research study attempts the problem by alloying silver with appropriate elements, which are computationally checked and verified. The team works with alloying elements such as Cu, Zn, Ge, Ti, Zr, Mg, Al, and Be. Along with tarnish resistance, the proposed alloys maintain high reflectance, good hardness, and excellent workability when spinning.
Figure.1 The images of different silver alloys after accelerated tarnish test in as-cast condition (first row) and after undergoing passivation heat treatment at 450°C for 1 hour in the presence of oxygen (second row).
Practical implementation/social implications of the research
- Stainless silver is in demand as customers want their precious metal articles to be kept for a longer time as heirlooms. So, the product that we could develop out of our composition will be making more demand for silver.
- It can increase the market potential of silver.
- It can lead to more innovations in the jewellery industry.
Collaborations
- Waman Hari Pethe
- Ashlyn Chemmannur
- TITAN
The team would continue to work on the scope of research to develop more tarnish-resistant compositions, improve the tensile strength, scratch resistance, surface hardness, and workability of silver alloys and find novel elements which can add to desirable properties of silver.
Figure.2 Reflectance of alloys (a) before tarnish test (b) after tarnish test
- Published in Departmental News, Mechanical Engineering NEWS, News, Physics News, Research News
Dr Manjula R and Students Publish Book Chapter on Machine Learning in 6G Networks
In an exciting development, Dr Manjula R, Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, along with B.Tech. students Mr Adi Vishnu Avula, Mr Jawad Khan, Mr Chiranjeevi Thota, and Ms Venkata Kavyanjali Munipalle, have authored a book chapter titled “Machine Learning Approach to Determine and Predict the Scattering Coefficients of Myocardium Tissue in the NIR Band for In-Vivo Communications – 6G Network in book name “Edge-Enabled 6G Networking: Foundations, Technologies, and Applications”.
This achievement highlights the innovative research and collaboration showcase the dedication and expertise of both faculty and students in the field of computer science and engineering. The book chapter explores the cutting-edge advancements in 6G networking and its potential applications, shedding light on the future of communication technologies.
We congratulate Dr Manjula R and the team of talented students on this significant accomplishment and look forward to seeing more groundbreaking research from them in the future. Stay tuned for more updates on their work and achievements.
Abstract
The accurate calculation of the scattering coefficient of biological tissues (myocardium) is critical for estimating the path losses in prospective 6-G in-vivo Wireless Nano sensor networks (i-WNSN). This research explores machine learning’s potential to promote non-invasive procedures and improve in-vivo diagnostic system’s accuracy while determining myocardium’s scattering properties in the Near Infrared (NIR) frequency. We begin by presenting the theoretical model used to estimate and calculate scattering coefficients in the NIR region of the EM spectrum. We then provide numerical simulation results using the scattering coefficient model, followed by machine learning models such as Linear Regression, Polynomial Regression, Gradient Boost and ANN (Artificial Neural Network) to estimate the scattering coefficients in the wavelength range 600-900 nm.
We next contrast the values provided by the analytical model with those predicted via machine learning models. In addition, we also investigate the potential of machine learning models in producing new data sets using data expansion techniques to forecast the scattering coefficient values of the unavailable data sets. Our inference is that machine learning models are able to estimate the scattering coefficients with very high accuracy with gradient boosting performing better than other three models. However, when it comes to the prediction of the extrapolated data, ANN is performing better than other three models.
Keywords: 6G, In-vivo, Dielectric Constant, Nano Networks, Scattering Coefficient, Machine Learning.
Significance of Book Chapter
The human heart is a vital organ of the cardiovascular system and is very crucial for any living being. However, this organ is prone to several diseases—Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)—an umbrella term. CVDs are the set of the heart diseases that comprises heart attack, cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis to name a few. CVD alone account for most of the deaths across the globe and is estimated reach 23.3 million deaths due to CVD by 2030. Early detection and diagnosis of CVD is the ultimate solution to mitigate these death rates. Current diagnostic tests include, however not the exhaustive list, ECG, blood test, cardiac x-ray, angiogram.
The limitations of these techniques include bulkiness of the equipment, cost, tests are suggested only when things are in critical stage. To alleviate these issues, we are now blessed with on-body or wearable devices such as smart watches that collect timely information about the cardiac health parameters and notify the user in a real-time. However, these smart watches do not have the capability to directly detect the presence of plaque in the arteries that leads to atherosclerosis. These devices have the capability to track certain health parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, other activity levels, any deviation in the measured values of these parameters from the normal values might give an indication of cardiac health issues. This requires a formal diagnostics test such as cardiac catheterization or cardiac x-ray leading to the original problem.
Therefore, in this work we aim to mitigate these issues by proposing the usage of prospective medical grade nanorobots—called nanosurgeons, that can provide real-time live information on the health condition of the internal body. Particularly, our work assumes that these tiny nanobots are injected into the cardiovascular system that keep circulating along with the blood to gather health information. Such nanosized robots are typically expected to work in the terahertz band owing to their size. At such high frequency, the terahertz signals are prone to high path losses due to spreading, absorption and scattering of the signal during propagation. Our work aims at understanding these losses, especially the scattering losses, of the terahertz signal in the NIR band (600-900 nm) using the existing models, analytically. Further, to understand the strength of machine learning in predicting these scattering losses, we also carryout simulation work to estimate and predict the scattering losses using Linear Regression, Polynomial Regression, Gradient Boost and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models.
Our preliminary investigation suggests scattering losses are minimal in NIR band and machine learning can be seen as a potential candidate for perdiction of scattering losses using the available experimental data as well as using data augmentation techniques to predict the scattering losses at those frequencies for which either experimental data is not available or can prevent the use of costly equipment to determine these parameters.
- Published in Computer Science News, CSE NEWS, Departmental News, News, Research News
A Review of Non-isolated BDC Topologies for Renewable Energy Systems
The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering is glad to announce that the paper titled “A Comparative Analysis of Non-Isolated Bi-directional Converters for Energy Storage Applications”, authored by Dr Tarkeshwar Mahto, Dr Somesh Vinayak Tewari, Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy, Assistant Professors and Ms K Mounika Nagabushanam, PhD Scholar has been published in the IOPs Engineering Research Express having an impact factor of 1.7. The paper explores various non-isolated bi-directional DC-DC converter topologies for renewable energy systems, providing insights into their performance and suitability for different applications.
Abstract
Bi-directional DC-DC converters (BDC) are required for power flow regulation between storage devices and DC buses in renewable energy-based distributed generation systems. The fundamental requirements of the BDC are simple structure, reduced switching components, a wide range of voltage gain, low voltage stress, high efficiency, and reduced size. There are different BDC topologies for various applications based on the requirements in the literature. Various BDCs are categorised according to their impedance networks. Isolated BDC converters are large due to high-frequency transformers and hence used for static energy storage applications whereas non-isolated BDC is lightweight and suitable for dynamic applications like electric vehicles. This paper reviews types of non-isolated BDC topologies. The performance of five non-isolated BDC converters under steady-state conditions is evaluated using theoretical analysis. On this basis, the suitability of BDC for different applications is discussed. Further advantages and limitations of converters are discussed by using comparative analysis. The optimisation of BDC for distributed generation systems from the perspectives of wide voltage gain, low electromagnetic interference, and low cost with higher efficiency is identified. Theoretical analysis of the converters is validated by simulating 200W converters in MATLAB Simulink.
The main challenges with energy storage systems are frequent failures due to frequent charging and discharging and the volume of the power converter. The team plans to:
- To design a converter with fewer components, low switching stresses, high power transfer capability, and higher efficiency to deliver continuous current to the energy storage system.
- To work on various control techniques to keep the DC link voltage of the propulsion system constant.
Link to the article
- Published in Departmental News, EEE NEWS, News, Research News
A Crash Course in Decoding Language with Ms Andalib Mahmud
The Department of Literature and Languages invited Ms Andalib Mahmud, distinguished psychologist and master practitioner and trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), to deliver an insightful guest lecture at SRM University-AP to students enrolled in the open elective course “Decoding Language,” taught by Dr Srabani Basu on May 02, 2024. Ms. Mahmud captivated the audience by elucidating the theory and practice of ‘reframing,’ a behavioural intervention technique utilised in NLP. She expounded on the intricacies of reframing, its techniques, objectives, and efficacy in modifying behaviour patterns. To enhance understanding, Ms Mahmud engaged the students in stimulating group activities, transforming the lecture into an experiential learning session.
The event not only provided students with theoretical knowledge but also offered practical insight into the application of NLP techniques. Ms Mahmud’s expertise and engaging teaching style left a lasting impression on the students, enriching their understanding of language decoding and behavioural interventions. The lecture was a resounding success, inspiring students to delve deeper into the field of NLP and its applications in language and communication.
- Published in Departmental News, English Current Happenings, News
Easwari School of Liberal Arts Facilitates Transformative Academia-Social Sector Dialogue
The Easwari School of Liberal Arts hosted the highly anticipated “Academia-Social Sector Dialogue” event, aiming to foster collaboration between academia and the social sector. The event brought together experts, social actors, scholars, practitioners, and students to engage in insightful discussions about the intersection of education and social sector development.
The event, convened by Prof. Vandana Swami, brought together a distinguished array of social sector leaders, Academicians from various states across India, deans, faculties, and students. It was a day of enlightening discussions and knowledge exchange, aiming to bridge the gap between academia and the social sector.
At the heart of this dialogue was a commitment to nurturing well-rounded, socially conscious leaders of tomorrow. The event provided a platform for students to engage directly with eminent figures from the social sector, fostering a deeper understanding of real-world challenges and opportunities.
The dialogue saw participation from leading social actors, including Liby Johnson (Gram Vikas, Odisha), Ronak Shah (Seva Mandir, Udaipur), Nishant Aggarwal (Donyi Polo Cultural and Charitable Trust, Arunachal Pradesh), Swapna Sarangi (Foundation for Ecological Security, Odisha), Gayatri Menon (Independent Researcher, Public Health Foundation of India, Bengaluru and Academic luminaries, such as Suraj Jacob (Azim Premji University, Bengaluru) and Manu Mathai (World Resources Institute, Bengaluru) Yamini Aiyar, Former President, Center for Policy Research, New Delhi, added depth to the dialogue, offering nuanced perspectives on the intersection of academia and the social sector.
Prof. Vishnupad, Dean of Easwari School of Liberal Arts, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s outcomes, stating, “We are delighted to have facilitated this enriching exchange between academia and the social sector. The discussions were not only insightful but also generative, paving the way for potential future collaborations between students and social sector organisations that can bring about positive change in the society.”
A highlight of the event was the keynote speech by Amitabh Behar, Global Executive Director of OXFAM. Behar’s insights sparked discussions among attendees, leading to reflection and action-oriented dialogue on caste, gender, and economic inequality. This prompted introspection and dialogue on the responsibilities of civil society in addressing these urgent issues.
The event featured thought-provoking panel discussions on two key themes: “Social Sector and the Indian State: Challenges and Opportunities” and “Role of Social Sector in Liberal Arts Education.” Panellists deliberated on the complexities and possibilities within the social sector, exploring ways to address challenges and leverage opportunities for societal progress. The dialogue was not only engaging but also fruitful, laying the groundwork for potential collaborative efforts in the future.
Furthermore, discussions on the Easwari School of Liberal Arts Summer Immersion Programme underscored the institution’s commitment to experiential learning and social impact.
Prof. Vandana Swami, Professor, Easwari School of Liberal Arts remarked, “Academia-Social Sector Dialogue epitomises SRM University-AP’s ethos of excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. It serves as a testament to the university’s unwavering dedication to shaping future leaders who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and empathetic global citizens”.
- Published in Departmental News, History Current Happenings, Liberal Arts News, Media Studies, News
Paaridhan: Weaving a Tapestry of Culture and Ethnicity!
“India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues you could drown in.” – Kiran Millwood Hargrave
This was a reality at SRM University-AP on May 01, 2024, as the university transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural pride and unity as it celebrated “Paaridhaan”. Students dazzled the campus with an array of performances, fashion walks, and activities, each showcasing the rich tapestry of our diverse backgrounds. The campus was engulfed in a colourful hue as students attended the celebration adorned in traditional ethnic wear.
This remarkable event, organised under the aegis of the Directorate of Student Affairs, included breathtaking dance acts, soulful musical performances, and a fashion show that captivated all in attendance. This celebration brought the university together and left lasting memories of a community united in its diversity.
- Published in Departmental News, News, student affairs news
Groundbreaking Research on Advanced Technology Nodes
Dr M Durga Prakash, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, and his PhD scholar, Ms U Gowthami, have published a research paper titled “Performance Improvement of Spacer-engineered N-type Tree Shaped NSFET towards Advanced Technology nodes” in the Q1 journal, IEEE Access. The paper has an impact factor of 3.9 and will pave the way for significant advancements in the field.
Here’s an abstract of their research paper
Abstract:
Scaling gate lengths deep is most reliable with tree-shaped Nanosheet FETS (NSFET). This paper uses TCAD simulations to study the 12nm gate length (LG) n-type Tree-shaped NSFET with a stack of high-k dielectric (HfO2) and (SiO2) spacers. The Tree-shaped NFET device features high on-current (ION) and low off-current (IOFF) with T(NS) = 5 nm, W(NS) = 25 nm, WIB=5nm, and HIB = 25 nm. Comparison of single- and dual-k spacer 3D devices and DC properties are shown. Because fringing fields with spacer dielectric prolong the effective gate length, the dual-k device has the highest ION / IOFF ratio, 109, compared to 107. This research also examines where work function, inter bridge height, breadth, gate lengths, temperature, and analog/RF and DC metrics affect the device. The suggested device has good electrical properties at 12 nm LG, with DIBL = 23 mV/V, SS = 62 mV/dec, and switching ratio (ION / IOFF) = 109. The device’s performance proves Moore’s law applies to lower technological nodes, enabling scalability.
The link to the article- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10499264 DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3388504
- Published in Departmental News, ECE NEWS, News, Research News
Enhancing International Placements with Simandhar Education
The Paari School of Business has networked with various industry, academia, and social sector partners to ensure that the management and commerce students are placed at national and international firms with lucrative packages. Recently, the school had a visit from Simandhar Education, one of India’s leading institutes providing certified US finance courses in India on April 29, 2024. Mr Rahul Roy and Mr Anupam Biswas, SME from Simandhar Education, shared a comprehensive insight into a potential collaboration between Paari School of Business and Simandhar Education.
Simandhar Education is one of the renowned Indian institutes that provide US CPA/CMA/EA courses. They have 100+ Corporate Tie-ups for training and placement, including with Big 4s and Top 10 global accounting firms. They are the best channel partner of Becker in India, an approved channel partner of AICPA and a Silver approved partner of IMA.
Mr Roy explained the extensive services offered by Simandhar Education in providing quality training and placements for the students of Paari. These include live interactive classes, recorded classes, unlimited practice tests, mock tests, revision lectures, etc. This partnership could be a silver lining for the students of Paari as it enhances their chances of placement in multinational firms in the US.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Paari Current Happenings
Critical Analysis of the Influence of Hydroclimatic Variability and Anthropocene on the Groundwater of the Sundarbans
The water crisis in India, especially in the coastal regions, has worsened alarmingly, coercing environmentalists and researchers to critically study the reason behind this phenomenon. The Sundarbans region faces a scarcity of drinking water in terms of quality and quantity due to various reasons. Dr Kousik Das, Asst. Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dr Harish Puppala, Asst Professor, Department of Civil Engineering and Mr Mijanur Mondal, Research Scholar from the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering has conducted a groundbreaking study on the increased salinization of water due to human activities. The research trio has published a paper titled “Understanding the susceptibility of groundwater of Sundarbans with hydroclimatic variability and anthropogenic influences” in the prestigious Q1 journal Groundwater for Sustainable Development, which has an impact factor of 5.9, critically analysing the numerous factors that affect the quality of drinking water in the Sundarbans region.
Abstract
Coastal aquifers worldwide are experiencing increased salinisation due to climate change and human activities. Sundarbans, in India, is one such area where this phenomenon is noticed at an unprecedented rate, making drinking water unpotable for consumption. Existing studies lack a comprehensive analysis of the underlying causes. This study conducts a systematic literature review to identify drivers of groundwater salinisation, examining climate change parameters such as rainfall patterns, sea level rise, El Niño-Southern Oscillation, and tropical cyclones. Significant groundwater level declines from 1996 to 2017 are primarily attributed to variations in the Indian Ocean Dipole and El Niño Southern Oscillation, affecting rainfall and recharge rates. During tropical cyclones, groundwater levels rise rapidly, and quality is sensitive to El Niño Southern Oscillation. Rising sea levels, changing rainfall, and increasing population density worsen salinisation. Shallow aquifers have high salinity, whereas deep aquifers exceed permissible limits. This underscores the urgent need to address drinking water scarcity and potential migration resulting from complex interactions between climate, population, and groundwater management.
Social Implications of the Research
- Water Quality Monitoring: Implementing regular monitoring of salinity levels in groundwater to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Community Awareness Programmes: Conducting educational campaigns to inform local communities about the risks of high salinity levels in drinking water and promoting the judicious use of water sources so that unscientific abstraction can be reduced.
- Policy Development: Formulating policies at the local and national levels to regulate salinity levels in drinking water and ensure public health protection.
- Infrastructure Improvement: Investing in water treatment facilities or technologies to remove high salt levels from groundwater sources. Alternative sources and rainwater harvesting can be taken into consideration.
Collaborations – IIT Kharagpur, India
The research team plans to work on Groundwater vulnerability modelling using AI/ML in Sundarbans, India next. The team has begun collecting primary data using questionnaire surveys and interviews to throw light on socio-economic conditions and to understand the core reasons for the water crisis and health and psychological issues due to water unavailability, especially during extreme events like cyclones.
Link to the article
- Published in CIVIL NEWS, Departmental News, ENVS News, News, Research News