Ranjit-Thapa-and-samadhan-kapse

Significant measures have been undertaken to synthesise ammonia proficiently, the future renewable energy fuel for its wide range of applications in various sectors. On this account, a research paper titled “Oxygen functionalization-induced charging effect on boron active sites for high-yield electrochemical NH3 production” has been published by Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Professor, Department of Physics and his research scholar Mr Samadhan Kapse in the journal Nano-Micro Letters having an impact factor of 23.655.

Abstract

Ammonia has been recognized as the future renewable energy fuel because of its wide-ranging applications in H2 storage and transportation sector. In order to avoid the environmentally hazardous Haber–Bosch process, recently, the third-generation ambient ammonia synthesis has drawn phenomenal attention and thus tremendous efforts are devoted to developing efficient electrocatalysts that would circumvent the bottlenecks of the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) like competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, poor selectivity of N2 on the catalyst surface. Herein, we report the synthesis of an oxygen-functionalised boron carbonitride matrix via a two-step pyrolysis technique. The conductive BNCO(1000) architecture, the compatibility of B-2pz orbital with the N-2pz orbital and the charging effect over B due to the C and O edge-atoms in a pentagon altogether facilitate N2 adsorption on the B edge-active sites. The optimum electrolyte acidity with 0.1 M HCl and the lowered anion crowding effect aid the protonation steps of NRR via an associative alternating pathway, which gives a sufficiently high yield of ammonia (211.5 μgh−1 mgcat−1) on the optimized BNCO(1000) catalyst with a Faradaic efficiency of 34.7% at −0.1 V vs RHE. This work thus offers a cost-effective electrode material and provides the contemporary idea about reinforcing the charging effect over the secured active sites for NRR by selectively choosing the electrolyte anions and functionalizing the active edges of the BNCO(1000) catalyst.

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A brief summary of the research in layman’s terms

In summary, this work displayed the significant role of O and C doping within BN architecture to promote NRR on the edge B sites via an associative alternating mechanism. The gradual formation of the ideal structure was systematically studied by means of XPS and the electronic properties was investigated from NEXAFS. A greater impact was found on the charging effect of B centres due to O-functionalized edges that induced a greater charge density from B to the adsorbed N2, overcoming the potential determining steps for NRR. This work simultaneously highlighted the importance of the choice of electrolyte, where in 0.1 M HCl our catalyst BNCO(1000) yielded 211.5 μg h−1mgcat−1 of ammonia at −0.1 V vs RHE with a FE of 34.7%. It was experimentally found and theoretically supported that the bulky anions in H2SO4 and H3PO4 blocked the B active sites by a Lewis acid-base interaction between the B sites and the O ends of the anions, hence not suitable for this class of materials. Thus, the present work offered an overall idea of catalyst designing and the medium to retain a high and consistent NRR performance.

Social implications of the research

Nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) performed electrochemically is regarded as a green and legitimate approach to ammonia synthesis and it has been intrinsically brought into the limelight by the worldwide research community, not only because of the immense use of ammonia in the agriculture and transportation sector but also due to urge to resolve the fallacies associated with the process. Primarily, the eternal problem persisting with NRR is the predominance of the combative hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the same potential range, which overpowers NRR over most of the catalyst surfaces, resulting in poor yield and Faradaic efficiency (FE) of ammonia production. Researchers thus majorly focus on varied catalyst development, which includes several strategies: (a) Selectivity of elements that would prefer binding with N2 over protons, (b) Blocking the HER active sites, (c) Phase-selective material designing, inhibiting HER at the active surface, (d) interface-engineering that would deviate the HER pathway inducing better Faradaic efficiency for NRR. Although either 1st-row transition metals or semimetals are regarded as more suitable candidates for NRR, a metal-free approach is rather preferred for the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of the process. Boron (B)-based electrocatalyst in this respect can act as a strong contender. The research also posits that Density functional theory is useful for the molecular level understanding to unveil the performance of different catalytic reactions.

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Collaborations

  • Ms Ashmita Biswas, Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
  • Mr Ramendra Sundar Dey, Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India

Dr-Manish-Kumar-Pandey

Dr Manish Kumar Pandey, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, has published a paper titled, “Koecher–Maass series have infinitely many critical zeros” in the journal Bull. London Math. Soc. having an Impact Factor of 2.396.

Abstract

The article studies the zeros of the Koecher-Maass series associated with a Siegel cusp form of degree 2. It is proved that the Koecher-Maass series associated with a Siegel cusp form has infinitely many zeros on the critical line.

Practical implementation

It is well known that zeros of the Riemann zeta function have connections with prime numbers. In a similar fashion, one can state the behaviour of the coefficients of such series at primes. These are results of pure mathematical flavour and their immediate application will take time.

Collaborations

    1. Dr Jaban Meher, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneshwar
    2. Dr Karamdeo Shankhadhar, Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal

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symposium-biology

Cell and molecular biology is a vast field that encompasses many different areas of research, from genetics to immunology, from biochemistry to the study of single-cell sequencing. In order to emphasise the on-going research in cell and molecular biology, The Department of Biological Sciences organised a two-day Symposium on Cell and Molecular biology (SCMB-2023) from February 16 to 17, 2023, at SRM University-AP. The symposium consisted of insightful talks by eminent speakers from different parts of India and abroad, including the Hebrew University (Israel), Technion-Israel Institute of Technology (Israel), Biological Research Centre (Hungary), Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel), The AMR Insights (The Netherlands), Indian Institute of Science, IIT-Jodhpur, CSIR- Institute for Microbial Technology, IIIT-Delhi and more. A pre-symposium workshop on computational handling of biological data was another highlight of the convention.

Pre-symposium Workshop

In the past decade, the use of computational tools and algorithms to analyze data or use of artificial intelligence to model biological systems and predict how they will behave under different conditions have increased extensively. With an aim to give the basic knowledge of how this computational approach works, the Department of Biological Sciences invited Dr Gaurav Ahuja and Miss Aayushi Mittal to have a hands on session on:

  1. Building Machine Learning models leveraging biological datasets in R-programming.
  2. Using AutoML techniques for building classification and regression models (Biological datasets)
  3. Case study with Metabo Killer Python Package (Mittal et al. 2022, Nature Chemical Biology).

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Symposium talks

Among all the eminent speakers the keynote speakers for the symposium were Prof. Orna Amster-Choder, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel and Prof. Motti Choder, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology who gave an insight on gene expressions. With all the hot topics of cell and molecular biology starting right from ribosomal role in diseases, protein quality control in neurodegeneration and its therapy, the speakers also spoke about different model system and techniques, for instance bacterial nanotubes in intercellular interactions, use of Caenorhabditis elegans for host pathogen interaction, CRISPR-Cas3 systems for large-scale genome manipulation and gene discovery and Pseudouridine RNA modification. These insightful talks on data analytics and cell and its regulation not only provided the participants with brainstorming sessions, it also provided a platform to discuss and channelise new thoughts.

The conference was jointly convened by Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, SRM University-AP, India and Dr Sutharsan Govindarajan, India Alliance Early Career Fellow and Assistant Professor at SRM University-AP. The symposium was held in a hybrid mode aimed to reach more budding scientists and established researchers. The target audience of the symposium included undergraduate students, postgraduate students, doctoral and post-doctoral scholars and researchers across the world. Participants from over nine institutes took part in the offline mode with a majority being undergrad students, whereas online participation witnessed registration from 327 institutes. The symposium had 120 offline participants and 572 online participants from 19 countries; 26 states and 3 union territories within India.

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The students of SRM University-AP are nurtured in a conducive educational ecosystem that moulds them into competent candidates ensuring research and academic success at national and international frontiers. The Department of Civil Engineering proudly congratulates Tanoogna Mallarapu, Jonnalagadda Cheritha and Gade Venkata Reddy, Final year BTech students for securing the second prize in the Paper presentation contest at the prestigious Aakaar Symposium held by The Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Bombay on March 17 and 18, 2023. The trio presented their paper titled “Study of alternative flexible pavement design approaches suitable for Maine conditions” which was part of the students’ paid internship on an overseas (USA) research project funded by the Maine Department of Transportation, USA. A total of 47 groups participated in the contest from various domains of civil engineering from all over India. The academic cohort bagged the position of runners-up under the guidance and mentorship of the faculty advisor, Dr Uma Maheswar Arepalli, Assistant Professor, SRM Univeristy-AP.

About the Symposium

Aakaar is an annual symposium organized by the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Bombay. The event comprises workshops, lecture series, panel discussions, industrial talks, exhibitions, and other activities. The festival also includes the Seventh International Civil Engineering Symposium (ICES), which aims to encourage young research enthusiasts to engage in rigorous research in civil engineering. ICES includes poster presentations, 3-minute thesis talks, city planning, and paper presentations. The symposium offers young and promising students enthusiastic about research the opportunity to present their work in front of experienced professors, civil engineering leaders, and industrialists.

The team had the incredible opportunity to meet renowned academicians and industrialists and learn about various projects in the civil engineering domain. Their work was highly praised by the judges with Dr Dharmaveer, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering Dept., IIT Bombay commenting that, “I enjoyed their presentation. I like their exposure to new tools and techniques, exploring new terms, learning, and understanding, which made them worthy.

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Tanoogna from the team stated her elevation in acquiring this success. “From the outset, I was motivated to participate in the competition and showcase my skills. Our advisor, Dr Uma Maheswar was always available to answer our questions, provide feedback on our work, and offer valuable insights that helped us refine our approach. His mentorship has played an integral role in our success, and we could not have accomplished this without his assistance. We are grateful for this opportunity and the platform that IIT Bombay provided us. It has been a fantastic journey, and I look forward to participating in more competitions and pushing my limits further,” said the young scholar.

Cheritha also expressed her gratitude towards her team’s accomplishment and the valuable experience the symposium had provided. “We were able to show case our work and was able to present it effectively and secured 2nd place in the category of paper presentation. Participating in this event is an incredible experience for me to gain knowledge. I am very grateful for my advisor and my teammates Tanoogna and Venkata Reddy for their hard work towards the accomplishment of the project and for being there in difficult situations.”

Venkat also commented that the event was beneficial in gaining knowledge and to present the project. The students thanked their mentor, Dr Uma Maheswar for the opportunities he had provided and his constant encouragement to strive for excellence.

Dr Uma Maheswar, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, SRM University-AP also voiced delight in the incredible performance of his students. “From the beginning, I had the feeling that the topic has the potential to win this competition. But this team of students has made it a reality with their excellent technical and soft skills. It was a moment of immense pride and happiness for us in the civil engineering department when our students won the contest at a prestigious platform like IITB. Heartful congratulations to Tanoogna, Cheritha, and Venkat. I wish them the best of luck in their future career endeavours.

Abstract of the Paper

AASHTOWare Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design (PMED) has been introduced to overcome the limitations of the AASHTO 1993 pavement design approach in the United States. However, due to the data requirements and work involved with accurate local calibration of PMED performance models, PMED seems challenging from a benefit-cost standpoint, especially for the states with low traffic volumes and limited resources. This study aims to understand the current flexible pavement design practices in the United States and recommend an alternative design approach for a state department of transportation. The methodology included an online survey with practitioners, a literature review, and a comparative analysis of selected alternative design approaches. Two approaches were chosen as an alternative design approach based on the online survey results, interviews, and literature review. One is updating layer coefficients for AASHTO 1993, and the second is developing its mechanistic-empirical (M-E) based pavement design approach for Maine. A layered elastic analysis using winJULEA or similar combined with standard performance empirical equations was considered a proposed M-E design tool for preliminary analysis. A sensitivity analysis using the range of design input values for Maine conditions and validation with a historical project database is planned. The presentation will discuss this study’s findings and the final recommendations derived from the comparative analysis.

comparative advantage in information technology exportsResearchers of the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences have worked on India’s comparative advantage in information technology exports with competing developing nations, including China, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brazil. The latest paper published by Assistant Professor Dr Manzoor Hassan Malik, Department of Economics and Assistant Professor Dr Aehsan Ahmad Dar, Department of Psychology, has implications for attaining sustainability in IT export growth. It is suggested that policies are directed at enhancing the overall performance of the IT sector. The novelty of the present study lies in the estimation of India’s competitiveness in IT exports in relation to the group of reference countries, namely China, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brazil. With its policy recommendations, this research is helping to shape the sustainability of the IT sector.

The paper titled An appraisal of India’s comparative advantage in information technology exports was published in the Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies with an impact factor of 1.560.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to estimate revealed comparative advantage and Normalised Revealed Comparative Advantage (NRCA) indices of India’s Computer and Information Services (CIS) export competitiveness about Information Technology (IT) competing developing nations, such as China, Philippines, Malaysia and Brazil. Using annual data of total exports for CIS, transportation (TNS), travel (TVL) and insurance (INS) services under service categories of the balance of payment, the present study estimates the pattern of Comparative Advantage (CA) in India’s CIS exports with respect to IT competing developing nations such as China, Philippines, Malaysia and Brazil from 2000 to 2018. The choice of the study period is determined by the availability of consistent data on IT service exports of these nations. The study also estimates the export position of CIS export in comparison to India’s traditionally strong commercial services export of TNS, TVL and INS during the study period. Both indices showed that India had a strong CA in CIS compared to the selected nations, indicating India’s relative export performance to be stronger than that of China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brazil. The cross-service index showed that India’s relative specialisation level in CIS with respect to the world’s average specialisation level was stronger than its relative specialisation level in TNS, TVL and INS services. Furthermore, The NRCA cross-nation index showed that India’s NRCA index score has been declining since 2010 with respect to these nations, which implied a decline in the competitiveness of CIS. On the other hand, NRCA has increased in the case of the Philippines, Malaysia and Brazil for most of the period post-2010.

The Annual Conventions of the National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) aim to provide a platform to present, discuss, and debate issues that confront individuals, groups, and communities in this fast-changing world. Dr Sunaina K, Assistant Professor of the Department of Psychology, has presented a paper titled Social Writing and the Development of Critical Thinking amongst School Students at the 32nd International Annual Convention of the National Academy of Psychology (NAOP), held at Ahmedabad University, Gujarat, from March 3 to 5, 2023.

Abstract

This study attempted to examine the texts, contexts and voices of young adolescents in social writing activities in schools and how thinking is constructed through the same activities. An intervention study of one-year duration on social writing, based on a longitudinal quasi-experimental design, has been conducted with 15 students in a government school in Kozhikode district in Kerala. The intervention programme was conducted with the help of a module of writing activities prepared by the researcher by using the Vygotskian pedagogic ideas. Each writing session was preceded by a dialogue session between the adult member and the students.

The study employed Thematic Content Analysis as the method of data analysis. The thematic analysis of the mediated learning of social writing unfolds the dialectical interplay between the human mediators, cultural tools and the motives for developing critical thinking skills in the students. From the analysis of the pattern of appearing ‘self-reflections’, a domain of critical thinking (Barnette, 1997), it can be said that interactive participation in the dialogue session enhances participation in the writing activities with the involvement of self. Active participation in the dialogue session helps the students gather maximum information on the theme of dialogues (collection of everyday concepts) and also makes some generalisations. These generalised ideas are transforming into conceptualised thoughts (thinking in ‘scientific concepts’) when the students go through in a deliberate, systematic thinking process while writing. This conceptualisation of ideas, visible in students’ texts, is the base of the critical thinking that is getting reflected in their writings and further helps them in critical reasoning, self-reflection and thinking about critical actions while writing.

AMCES-2023-WEBSITE-BANNER

The Department of Mechanical Engineering proudly congratulates G Chandra Mouli, PhD scholar for receiving the Best Oral Paper Presentation Award at the International Conference on Advances in Materials, Ceramics & Engineering Sciences (AMCES – 2023) organised by Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore, held during March 13-15, 2023. The paper titled “A New Approach to Enhance Microhardness and Corrosion Resistance with In-Situ Shot-Peened Al – Zn Coatings on ZK60 Magnesium Alloy by Cold Spray” was awarded the first prize among the 200+ papers presented at the conclave.

Congratulations to G Chandra Mouli and his mentor, Prof, GS Vinodkumar, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering for their cutting-edge research in enhancing the thickness, microhardness and corrosion resistance of metals!

Abstract

This paper aims to develop an improved microhardness and corrosion protective coating (Pure Al-Zn, Al-Zn-Al2O3 and Shot peened Al-Zn) on an Mg alloy substrate, by using the cold spray (CS) technique. A mixture of metal, ceramic/hard particles (Al2O3) and Shot-peened (Large Ni particles) has been used to improve the feedstock powder flowability and coating deposition efficiency. The long-term corrosion properties are evaluated by immersing these coupons in NaCl solution as a function of immersion time durations. The coatings are well-characterised for their structural, morphological, mechanical and electrochemical properties. Thus, it has been observed that in-situ-shot peening helps to enhance the thickness, microhardness and corrosion resistance.

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The Paari School of Business, SRM University-AP, has launched a brand-new management programme, the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), for working executives and businesspersons to upgrade and upskill their knowledge in the domain of business and management studies. The School also inaugurated AMEYA 2k23, the first edition of the Business Fest, aimed at students of management to showcase their skills in business studies and entrepreneurship. Chief Guest of the event, Dr Nagendra V Chowdary, Vice President – Academic Content & ET Cases, Timespro, Division of Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd., launched the EMBA programme in the august presence of Honourable Vice Chancellor of SRM University-AP, Prof. Manoj K Arora; Registrar, Dr R Premkumar; Dean-Paari School of Business, Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran; and Head of the Department, Dr CA Mahalakshmi Mudliar.

“The first Executive MBA programme was launched at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 1943 that has since established itself as one of the finest Business schools in the world. I do not doubt that Paari School of Business will experience similar success and the EMBA programme at SRM AP will secure a deserving position in the QS and FT rankings in the years to come”, said Dr Chowdary. The Dean of the School, Prof. Bharadhwaj, provided a synopsis of the programme, detailing the objectives, course structure, facilities, and resources of the EMBA programme. “Earlier, we had launched the Directorate of Executive Education and Professional Studies (DEEPS). The inauguration of the EMBA programme is the logical corollary of the same, facilitating working professionals with an opportunity to master advanced skillset relevant to the industry”, stated Prof. Bharadhwaj.

emba-ameya-launch

The first edition of the B-school fest, AMEYA 2k23, was also inaugurated by Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora. “AMEYA 2k23 is an ideal platform for young entrepreneurs and budding executives to display their knowledge and skillset in management studies. The fest serves a dual purpose to the varsity – increasing the branding and visibility of our nascent university and the Paari School of Business, also while encouraging students to inculcate leadership and managerial skills, crisis management, and effective communication skills to mould them into competent candidates for the industry”, said Prof. Arora. Dr CA Mahalakshmi Mudliar delivered a brief overview of the significance of the Business Fest. Prof. Arora, along with the other dignitaries on the stage, honoured Chief guest, Dr Nagendra V Chowdary, with a shawl and memento as a token of gratitude. Mr Arun Prasad G S conveyed the vote of thanks.

Site visit to Railway Project

site-visit

The Department of Civil Engineering has organised the third industrial visit to the ongoing railway project, “Construction works of 3rd railway line between Vijayawada and Gudur”. The tour was arranged with the support of Mr Basha, AGM, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and coordinated by Mr Lakwanth Singh Khalsa, Project Manager, Systra, India. The field visit was guided by engineers from Systra and GR Infra (GRIL) working on respective sites and coordinated by the faculty.

Visit Highlights:

  • Construction activities of Railway Under Bridge (RUB) at LC225: Understanding the difficulties due to black cotton soil and water seepage, diversion works of existing natural streams of irrigation channels, dewatering and pumping arrangements, alignment challenges, and girder design challenges.
  • Erection of Foot Over Bridge (FOB) at Chirala Railway Station
  • GRIL Laboratory Camp: Batching plant, Ready Mix Concrete, Quality Control tests, Concrete Permeability Test, etc.
  • Steel Bridge at BR. NO. 612: Procedure of fabrication, inspection, and erection of girders, components of the girder, etc.
  • Railway Formation: Earthwork, Blanket, Tests to be conducted at the site, and Method of laying.

Coordinating faculty: Dr A Uma Maheswar

site visit civil2

Agricultural Utility VehicleConventional agricultural utility vehicles used for crop cultivation involve complex operations such as ploughing and seeding, require trained personnel, and are expensive and not affordable to many farmers, especially in developing countries. Thus, there is a need for an agricultural utility vehicle for carrying out crop cultivation activities that alleviate the drawbacks of conventional practices.

Researchers at the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering have been granted a patent for an invention entitled An Agricultural Utility Vehicle for Crop Cultivation Activities (Application number 202241051059). Assistant Professor Dr Somesh Vinayak Tewari and his students Gundrevula Sisir Srivastav, Kolisetty Jayanth, Tempalli Pallavi Sri, and Jayana Keerthi Tanvita have accomplished this milestone through their dedicated research.

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses an agricultural utility vehicle (1000) for carrying out crop cultivation activities comprising a framed structure (200) having wheels configured to be driven in an open plot of land. An agricultural implement (400) is configured to be attached to the vehicle. An electric drive system (100) is configured to drive the framed structure, and a battery (300) is coupled to the electric drive system to provide power.