Biochar for environmental sustainability in the energy-water-agroecosystem nexus.
Biochar has an enormous potential in addressing global issues and can act as a catalyst in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Dr Lakhveer Singh, Assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science, SRM University-AP has co-authored and published a paper on the title “Biochar for environmental sustainability in the energy-water-agroecosystem nexus” in the research journal “Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews” with an Impact factor of 14.98.
Global warming, management of soil health, remediation of contaminated wastewater, and sustainable alternate source of energy are the major challenges of the 21st century. Biochar produced from waste biomass (crop residues, algal biomass, municipal waste, etc.) has dual advantages of waste management along with its application in different sectors. Biochar addition to soil improves soil health, porosity and aeration which mitigates greenhouse gas emission from soil.
In this manuscript, Dr Lakhveer Singh discusses the potential of biochar for bioenergy production (biogas and biological hydrogen production), greenhouse gases mitigation, carbon sequestration in soils, and wastewater remediation are discussed in detail along with the challenges and future prospects of biochar. This work has been executed in collaborations with the National Institute of Hydrology, Jal Vigyan Bhawan, Roorkee; J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology; YMCA, Faridabad; and IIT Delhi.
Dr Singh is an Editorial Board member of the Journal of Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery – Springer (I.F. 2.60) and a Guest Editor for Bioresource Technology Reports- Elsevier.
Read the full paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S136403212100664X
- Published in Departmental News, ENVS News, News, Research News
End of Second Wave of COVID – 19 in 8 States of India
A research study to predict the waning of the second wave of COVID-19 in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala & West Bengal
In the current pandemic situation, a pertinent question is the estimate of time by which the second wave of COVID – 19 spread could be contained and normalcy would return. In this context, Prof. D. Narayana Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, SRM University – AP initiated the study to predict the End-Time of COVID – 19 in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala & West Bengal. Dr. Soumyajyoti Biswas of SRM University – AP along with 4 B.Tech Students: Mr. Anvesh Reddy, Mr. Hanesh Koganti, Mr. Sai Krishna, and Mr. Suhas Reddy have carried out an interesting study to predict the end time of the second wave of COVID – 19 spread in these states. Study employed Susceptible – Infected – Recovered (SIR) Model making use of the information on the COVID – 19 affected people and the number of recovered people, the data which the state governments make them available. SRM Team made use of these data employed SIR Model and applied the methods of Machine Learning. The End -Times of the spread of COVID-19 for different states are given in the following table:
| States | Uttar Pradesh | Delhi | Karnataka | Maharashtra | Andhra Pradesh | Tamil Nadu | Kerala | West Bengal |
| End-time | May 27 | May 28 | July 1 | July 13 | July 16 | July 26 | August 12 | September 2 |
| Errors | -2 days, + 3 days | -2 days, + 2 days | – 6 days, + 5 days | -7 days, + 7 days | -16 days, + 28 days | -17 days, + 33 days | -14 days, + 14 days | -30 days, + 30 days |
End-Time is defined as the date on which the number of COVID affected cases get reduced to 5% of the peak number of cases occurred in the particular state.
The model is also validated with the actuals occurred in the States of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh: Peak of 37,944 was n 24th April 2021 and 5% of the peak number is 1897 and is predicted to occur on 27th May with an error of -2 days to +3 days
Actuals: 27th May: 3179, 28th May: 2276, 29th May: 2014, 30th May: 1864
Delhi: Peak of 28,935 was on 20th April 2021 and 5% of the peak number is 1490 and is predicted to occur on 28th May with an error of – 2 days to + 2 days
Actuals:26th May: 1491, 27th May : 1072, 28th May : 1141
The validation mentioned of the end-times of the second wave of COVID-19 spread increases our confidence level to the predictions made for other states also.
It can be noticed that in the States of West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, the second wave of COVID-19 continues to spread for longer periods and errors are large compared to the other states of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Perhaps, these factors could be attributed to the large gatherings that have occurred in the 4 states on several occasions.
Prof Narayana Rao said that these predictions mentioned above could help in estimating the impact on medium and small business sectors. In the education sector, it could help in planning the academic sessions, examinations, etc. It could also help to plan necessary medical infrastructure for healthcare in different states.
The details of the study can be found in [2105.13288] Machine learning predictions of COVID-19 second wave end-times in Indian states (arxiv.org)
- Published in News, Research News
No.1 Business School in Germany admits Aaditya Jain from CSE
Here’s an exclusive interview with Aaditya Jain, a Computer Science Engineering graduate from SRM University-AP who has secured admission in ESMT Berlin, Germany.
Q. Hi Aaditya, please tell us about yourself.
I am Aaditya Jain, a Computer Science Engineering graduate of Batch 2021 at SRM University-AP. I have always been fascinated by Business and Management and the impact that technology can bring about in transforming them. I have led AIESEC in Amaravati for 2 years and have done various internships in the field of Business & Management.
Q. Can you tell us your motivation behind applying to ESMT?
ESMT is a triple-accredited Business School, No.1 in Germany and No. 8 in Europe and No. 26 in the world (for its programme) according to ‘The Economist’, ‘Bloomberg Business’ and ‘Financial Times’- major ranking firms for the Business Schools. ESMT Berlin – European School of Management and Technology GmbH is located at the heart of Berlin, Germany. It is a business school founded by 25 multinational corporations including BCG, McKinsey, BMW, Allianz and others. I also applied to NOVA business school in Portugal, UCD Smurfit in Ireland and a few others.
Q. Can you talk about the course that you have enrolled in?
I would be pursuing a Master’s in Management (MBA) specialising in Global & Digital Strategy at ESMT Berlin, Germany. This is a 2-year programme with integrated Internships and Social Impact Projects launching my career into the field of Management Consulting/Marketing.
Q. Are you offered any scholarships there?
Yes, I am offered ‘Outstanding Student Leader’ scholarship of Euro 5500 by ESMT.
Q. How was your preparation for these university applications?
I always knew that I wanted a career in Management and Business. Right from my freshman year, I worked towards it. I started and led AIESEC in Amaravati (something highly valued by Business Schools), and I also did internships in the field of Marketing & Strategy. I made sure I get a pro-bono internship experience abroad and for that, I did an internship in Greece, Athens. I wrote my GMAT and at the same time, focused on my Essays. I think it’s all about being honest and genuine with yourself and others that count in the end.
Q. Can you elaborate on the support you received from SRM University-AP?
My university has immensely helped me in terms of both professional growth and financial assistance. I am grateful to SRM University-AP for providing me with sponsorship to attend my Master’s in these times of Covid-19 when everything is very uncertain. I am really thankful to Dr Srabani Basu who has helped me all throughout the 4 years of my journey at SRM AP. She mentored me, taught me business communication and interview skills, helped me develop my lateral thinking.
Q. What are your dreams about the future?
I want to work around the world, experience new cultures and be a pioneer in Digital and Strategic Transformation making sure the sustainable development of organisations. I also want to make sure that I impactfully and positively represent SRM University-AP wherever I go.
- Published in CSE NEWS, Departmental News, News, Student's Achievements
Foreign national students get placed in top-level companies
SRM University-AP has established several milestones in research and academic achievements since its inception. 100% of graduating students from the Maiden Batch are successfully placed in top-level firms through the campus placement drive. Two international students, Raja Swarnakar and Ramesh Kumar Yadav are placed at “Quick ride”, the widely used carpooling and taxi pooling app in India. Ramesh joined as a Business Development Manager, and Raja is hired as an engineer immediately after completing their internship at Quickride, securing a salary of ₹5 LPA.
The multidisciplinary, research-oriented university provides students with transformational learning experiences. The Department of Corporate Relations and Career Services (CR & CS) is committed to delivering the greatest training and placement opportunities possible. Additionally, the training and placement cell conducts regular series of rigorous training sessions designed to hone the technical and soft skills of students. Numerous mock interviews were conducted to aid participants in increasing their confidence and aptitude skills. Experienced faculty members with global exposure support students to gain knowledge about the latest trends in the industry.
SRM University-AP goes an extra mile for its students by arranging workshops with industry professionals on how to tackle campus placement interviews and make appealing impressions on recruiters from their desired companies. The success stories of these students, in securing attractive careers with top-tier enterprises, speak volumes about the training they receive here.
- Published in CR&CS NEWS, News, Student's Achievements