Journal of Scientific Research

Search for the True Nature of Nucleus-Nucleus Potentials

M. S. Islam — 2024-05-01

A review on the research contributions from the nuclear and particle physics laboratory of Rajshahi University is presented. Special emphasis has been given to the nuclear physics research using the molecular nucleus-nucleus (NN) potentials derived from the Pauli-laden energy density functional (EDF) theory. The successes of EDF-derived non-monotonic (NM) NN potentials, compared to other familiar optical model potentials such as Woods-Saxon (WS), Squared Woods-Saxon (SWS), double folding (DF) for NN interactions, have been discussed. The phenomenal successes of NM potentials with a repulsive core have been found to suggest that the true nature of NN potential is NM with the Pauli-compliant EDF as its root.

Determination of Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Content and Gut-health-promoting Efficacy of Developed Sorghum-based Functional Beverage

A. D. Pal — 2024-05-01

Considering the steady rise in gut-related issues worldwide, the study determined the nutritional composition, phytochemical content, and gut-health-promoting properties of a developed functional beverage containing Sorghum in combination with oats, barley, and whey versus the basic beverage (B) without Sorghum. Moreover, the functionality was assayed in vitro in a simulated human gastrointestinal environment to predict its efficacy in a human host. Variation 2 (V2), ranked highest through sensory acceptance (8.8), exhibited high fiber (43 %) and proteins (72.2 mg/dL), low reducing sugar and fat, a significant concentration of minerals (calcium, iron, and phosphorus), and phytochemicals (17.82 mg/dL alkaloids, 170.94 mgQE/dL flavonoids, and 85.5 mg GAE/dL polyphenols), which may propagate gut health. Moreover, V2 manifested potent antioxidant capacity (76.05 % DPPH radical inhibition and 35.2 µg/dL reducing potential) and prebiotic abilities, all of which may bestow gut-health promoting abilities. Interestingly, the phytochemical content and functional potentials were found to be retained even after an in vitro human gastrointestinal digestive treatment, indicating their effectiveness inside the human body. Therefore, intake of Sorghum in the form of V2 beverages may benefit gut health and supplement a healthy lifestyle owing to their biochemical composition and functional potential.

Strong Red, Blue, and Yellow Emissions from Eu³⁺ and Dy³⁺-Doped CaF₂ Nanocrystals

S. Sarkar — 2024-05-01

This paper represents a simplistic hydrothermal method for the synthesis of lanthanide (Ln³⁺)-doped (Ln= Eu, Dy) alkaline earth metal fluoride, i.e., CaF₂ nanocrystals coated with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The structural and optical characterization of as-prepared nanocrystals is performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and PL lifetime measurements. It is observed that CaF₂ exhibits strong red emission when doped with Eu³⁺(5 mol%) ions, whereas it shows strong blue and yellow emission when doped with Dy³⁺ (2 mol%) ions. PAA coating helps to enhance the stability as well as water dispersibility of the nanocrystals. Moreover, this method can be extended to make other lanthanide-doped alkaline earth metal fluoride nanocrystals. The high photoluminescence efficiency and water solubility of the nanocrystals make the material to be used in many fields of optical devices as well as biological applications.

UV Assisted Enhanced Photodegradation of Carbaryl Pesticide with Ag Doped ZnO NPs

A. Satheesh — 2024-05-01

Every year approximately one million tonnes of pesticide effluents are releasing into natural streams and water bodies from nearby industries and agricultural fields. It is necessary to remove pesticides and their residues from water bodies to protect environment and ecosystem. Photodegradation is an effective method to remove the organic contaminants from water bodies due to its low cost, environmental friendliness and absence of secondary pollutants. This work presents about the synthesis, characterization of pure and silver doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and their efficiency towards the photo degradation of carbaryl pesticide. Pure and Ag doped nanoZnO particles were synthesized by wet chemical method using zinc nitrate as precursor and the synthesized nano particles were studied using FT-IR, XRD, UV-Vis, SEM, EDAX, TEM and fluorescence spectral analysis to evaluate its structural, morphological, optical and fluorescent properties. Carbaryl pesticide was taken at a fixed concentration of 5 ppm, and subjected to photo degradation by adding 5 mg/L of pure and Ag doped nanoZnO separately under UV irradiation. It is observed that in 60 min 90 % of the pesticide was degraded with pure ZnO NPs and 98 % with Ag doped ZnO NPs.

Exposing Larvae to Night Lighting Inhibits Embryonic Diapause in the Next Generation in the Domestic Silkworm, Bombyx mori

A. Iwamoto — 2024-05-01

The domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori) is reared under controlled environments. Therefore, silkworms may be exposed at night to light used by humans working or living nearby. Artificial light at night (LAN) disturbs natural lighting cycles and negatively affects insect physiology, behavior, and ecology in the field. However, the effects of dim LAN on domestic silkworms have not been assessed in detail. The present study investigated the effects of night lighting on diapause regulation in Bombyx mori, with a focus on light sensitivity. The silkworm larvae were exposed to LAN at intensity varying from 0.1‒100 lux under a short-day photoperiod that should induce diapauses, and then the incidence of diapause in eggs laid by resultant moths was evaluated. The incidence of diapause was 100 % in control (without night lighting) silkworms, but the incidence in those exposed to LAN ≥ 0.1 lux was < 2 %. These results showed that exposing larvae to night lighting at 0.1 lux under a short-day photoperiod substantially inhibited diapause induction in the next generation.

Effect of Feeding Agaricus Bisporus (White Button) Mushroom on Serum and Liver Cholesterol and Excretion of Cholesterol and Bile Acids in Rats

R. Goyal — 2024-05-01

This study investigated the hypocholesterolic effects of (Agaricus bisporus) an Indian edible mushroom, in male Albino rats. The study revealed a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol content in experimental groups I and II, fed with 5 and 10% mushroom diet, respectively. The decrease in cholesterol was attributed to a reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). No significant changes were observed in the concentration of serum high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) between the control and experimental groups. However, a significant increase was noted when HDL cholesterol was expressed as a percentage of total cholesterol. Liver cholesterol levels (total, LDL, and VLDL) were significantly reduced in the experimental groups compared to the control group. The liver HDL cholesterol content in the experimental groups I and II increased by 13 % and 28 %, respectively. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the bulk of faces produced by the experimental groups compared to the control group. Fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acids also increased in rats fed a mushroom diet. Present findings suggest a potential hypocholesterolemic effect of Agaricus bisporus, highlighting its possible role in promoting cardiovascular health.

Volumetric and Ultrasonic Properties of Liquid Mixtures of Ethyl Benzene with Alkanols at Different Temperatures

A. F. M. Sanaullah — 2024-05-01

The densities (ρ), and ultrasonic speeds (u) of pure ethyl benzene, 1-butanol, 1- pentanol, and those of their binary mixtures, with ethyl benzene as a common component, covering the whole composition range have been measured at 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15, 318.15 and 323.15 K. From the experimental data the excess molar volume (V_m^Ε), deviations in isentropic compressibility (∆κ_s) and deviations in ultrasonic speed (∆u) have been determined. The sign and magnitude of these parameters were found to be sensitive towards interactions prevailing in the studied systems. The excess or deviation properties (V_m^Ε, Du, or ∆κ_s) have been correlated using a Redlich-Kister type equation to obtain their coefficients and standard deviations. The variations of derived parameters mentioned above with composition offer a convenient method to study the nature and extent of interactions between the component molecules of the liquid mixtures, which are not easily obtained by other means.

Re-imagining Chemistry Laboratory Experiments by using Natural Pigments– Fostering Chemistry Students towards Sustainability

S. S. Das — 2024-05-01

Green Chemistry and Sustainability are the two widely used concepts in the present-day Higher Education Chemistry curriculum. This paper issues a call for action for chemistry instructors to build stronger connections in the chemistry curriculum to sustainability. An acid-base titration is a commonly used experiment in undergraduate laboratories where synthetic indicators are generally used to locate the endpoint by observing the color change. In this paper, the ability of aqueous extracts of Lagerstroemia speciosa (locally known as Azar) as a natural indicator was investigated by using it instead of commonly used synthetic acid-base or neutralization indicators like Phenolphthalein, Methyl Orange, etc. The natural acid-base indicators are non-toxic, easily available, cost-effective, and environmentally benign. This inquiry-based investigation project can raise the standard of chemistry education while preserving local resources that can be used to address today's sustainability challenges. Thus, by considering several interconnected challenges to identify sustainable solutions that can be adopted in both higher secondary school and undergraduate chemistry education, such studies will enrich students' understanding of chemistry.

Polynomial Collocation Methods Based on Successive Integration Technique for Solving Neutral Delay Differential Equations

A. E. K. Pushpam — 2024-05-01

This paper presents a new approach to using polynomials such as Hermite, Bernoulli, Chebyshev, Fibonacci, and Bessel to solve neutral delay differential equations. The proposed method is based on the truncated polynomial expansion of the function together with collocation points and successive integration techniques. This method reduces the given equation to a system of nonlinear equations with unknown polynomial coefficients which can be easily calculated. The convergence of the proposed method is discussed with several mild conditions. Numerical examples are considered to demonstrate the efficiency of the method. The numerical results reveal that the proposed new approach gives better results than the conventional operational matrix approach of the polynomial collocation method. It demonstrates the reliability and efficiency of this method for solving linear and nonlinear neutral delay differential equations.

Study of Geomagnetic Storms Associated with Solar Wind and Interplanetary Parameters During Solar Cycles 23 and 24

H. Dharmashaktu — 2024-05-01

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between solar wind parameters, such as solar wind speed (V), interplanetary magnetic field IMF (B, Bz) and geomagnetic activity index (Dst, Ap). We identified 103 intense geomagnetic storms (GMS) associated with decrease in Dst (disturbance storm time) ≤ -100nT during 1997- 2006 and 2011-2018, the period spanning over solar cycle 23 and 24. A comparative study has been done using the superposed epoch analysis, often used to demonstrate an effect or a periodicity (Chree analysis). The strength of the geomagnetic storm (Dst) shows significant dependency on the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) B. The average correlations during solar cycles 23 and 24 are -0.60 and -0.62 respectively, which is quite reasonable. Considering previous studies, Dst is strongly dependent on the southward magnetic field component (Bz), whereas in our present study the average correlation coefficient has been found to be weak and the time lag between Bz minimum and Dst minimum has found up to 5 hours. These results indicate that significant growth in Bz occurs before the main phase of the GMS and not during the main phase. Dst shows high correlation with solar wind speed V during solar cycle 23 (-0.71) than 24 (-0.58) whereas the A_p index exhibits low average correlation with V for solar cycle 23 (+0.51) and SC 24 (+0.31). The correlation coefficient between Dst and Ap index for solar cycle 23 (−0.62) is lower than that for solar cycle 24 (-0.72). Dst shows higher anti-correlation with BV then with B alone but shows low correlation with BzV.

Higher Dimensional Bianchi Type-III String Cosmological Models in Lyra Geometry

K. P. Singh — 2024-05-01

Here, we studied Bianchi type-III string cosmological models generated using a cloud of strings with particles connected to them in the framework of Lyra geometry considering five-dimensional spacetime. We assume that the shear scalar and scalar expansion are proportional to obtain the exact solutions of the survival field equations here. Secondly, we adopt the assumption considering the Reddy string condition. From the different cases obtained here, the first case gives the Bianchi type-III string cosmology in Lyra geometry in five-dimensional spacetime, and the second case gives the five-dimensional vacuum model in general relativity. The various parameters of the model universe, which are very important for the description of the Universe, are obtained, and their properties are studied and compared with the recent observational findings. The model universe obtained here starts with the Big Bang, and as time progresses, both particle density and energy density decrease with the expansion of our Universe.

Performance of Secure Framework AES Algorithm using Cloud Computing

R. Rani — 2024-05-01

The conventional advanced encryption standard (AES) method requires improvement to accommodate modern security hazards in cloud computing. Outsourcing private and secret information to distant information networks is difficult due to new problems connected with the confidentiality and safety of information. The structure presented by this study has essential components involving improved security and owner-data privacy. The dual-cycle key attribute alters the 128-bit AES method, accelerating encryption at 1000 bits per second. However, a singular circular bar with 800 blocks per second has been used historically. The suggested technique uses less energy and improves the distribution of load, trust, and control of resources on the entire network. The proposed framework calls for the use of AES with 128, 64, 32, and 16 bytes of simple text. Visualizing simulation outcomes shows the technique's capability for obtaining specific quality features. According to the assessments, the proposed framework reduces energy consumption by 14.43 %, connection utilization by 11.53 %, and delay by 15.67 %. As a result, the suggested framework improves protection, decreases resource usage, and shortens latency when delivering computing services over the cloud. The experiment was done with Anaconda Python and Eclipse.

Petrographic Variations in the Deccan Basalt Lava Flows of Rajura Volcanics, central India: Textural Implications

M. S. Deshmukh — 2024-05-01

The present study encompasses petrographic variations in simple Deccan basaltic lava flows of the Rajura volcanics, central India. The Deccan basalt lava flows entirely covered the area and exposed in the form of moderate hillocks. During geological fieldwork, flows are identified and differentiated based on mineral content, relative grain size, presence of phenocrysts, and red bole horizons. Flow mapping reveals three basalt lava flows: mafic plagioclase microphyric basalt, phyric basalt, and plagioclase mafic microphyric basalt. The petrographic study of the lava flows was carried out to understand the mineralogy, textural patterns, crystallization, and genetic significance of the lava flows. The result indicates dominant plagioclase and clinopyroxene minerals with opaques exhibit porphyritic, glameroporphyritic, ophitic, and sub-ophitic textures. The petrographic variations are due to the combination of several factors like gravitational sinking of phenocryst, low viscosity, and slow rate of effusion of lava flows, as described by earlier workers. Plagioclase occurs as phenocrysts and in the groundmass phase, indicating early crystallization of phenocryst followed by crystallization of groundmass. The petrographic studies are further useful to correlate the lava flows exposed in different hillocks of the area.

Improved Distribution-free Control Chart for the Joint Monitoring of Location and Scale

V. K. Ghadage — 2024-05-01

The nonparametric (distribution-free) Shewhart-type control chart based on the Pettitt test has recently been introduced in the literature for joint monitoring of the location and the scale parameters of a continuous process. The chart is based on a simple random sampling (SRS) technique (denoted as SP-SRS chart). In the literature, the ranked set sampling (RSS) technique is preferred over the SRS technique as it reduces the variability and improves the performance of the control chart. The aim of this paper is to develop a distribution-free control chart based on the Pettitt test using the RSS technique (denoted as SP-RSS Chart) further to enhance the joint monitoring of location and scale. The run length performance of the proposed SP-RSS chart is compared with the SP-SRS chart. The comparison revealed that the proposed SP-RSS chart outperforms the SP-RSS chart for joint monitoring of the location and scale of a continuous process.

Solution oSolution of Exponential Diophantine Equation n^x +43^y = z², where n≡2(mod 129) and n+1 is not a Perfect Square

S. Aggarwal — 2024-05-01

Nowadays, researchers are very interested in studying various Diophantine equations due to their importance in Cryptography, Chemistry, Knot Theory, Astronomy, Geometry, Trigonometry, Biology, Algebra, Electrical Engineering, Economics, and Astrology. The present paper is about the non-negative integer solution of the exponential Diophantine equation n^x + 43^y = Z², where x, y, z are non-negative integers, n is a positive integer with n ≡2(mod 129) and n+1 is not a perfect square. The authors use the famous Catalan conjecture for this purpose. Results of the present paper indicate that 2, 3, 0, and 3 are the only required values of and respectively, that satisfy the exponential Diophantine equation n^x + 43^y = Z², where x, y, z are non-negative integers, n is a positive integer with n ≡ 2(mod 129) and n+1 is not a perfect square. The present technique of this paper proposes a new approach to solving the Diophantine equations, which is the main scientific contribution of this study, and it is very beneficial, especially for researchers, scholars, academicians, and people interested in the same field.

Unusual Magnetic Behaviour of Ultrafine Stable Nickel Nanoparticles

O. Mondal — 2024-05-01

Ultrafine nickel nanoparticles have been synthesized using a capping agent-assisted chemical reduction technique using two different reaction media – water and ethylene glycol. The effect of the capping agent and reaction medium concentration on the particle size and their magnetic properties have been extensively studied. The size of the nickel nanoparticles, as revealed from X-ray diffractograms and transmission electron micrographs, is less than 5 nm. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum confirms that the synthesized nanoparticles are pure nickel. No other element is present in the spectrum. The nanoparticles exhibit surface plasmon resonance in ultraviolet (⁓310 nm). The blue shift in the absorbance peak's position further confirms the particle's miniaturization. The samples should have exhibited superparamagnetic behavior because the particle size is in the nanometer range. Instead, the ferromagnetic behavior of the samples has been observed at ambient temperature, which is attributed to the formation of clusters of nanoparticles. This property makes the material applicable for data storage technology.

Photoluminescence, Scanning Electron Microscope and Atomic Force Microscope Analyses of Organic NLO Single Crystal of Hippuric Acid for Opto-electronic and Photonic Applications

N. Mahalakshmi — 2024-05-01

A bulk single crystal of Hippuric acid (HA) was grown by a low temperature solution growth technique. The unit cell parameters were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The optical transmittance of grown crystal was determined by UV-Vis-NIR analysis and the lower cut-off wavelength was observed at 304 nm. The Urbach energy shows HA has good crystallinity. Photoluminescence study reveals the suitability of the grown crystal for near- violet fluorescence emission. The electronic polarizability was calculated by using Lorentz-Lorenz equation. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis, reveals that the material surface is like layer structure. Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) analysis was used to analyse the surface roughness of the grown material.

A Note on Semiprime Hyperideal in Ternary Hypersemirings

M. Salim — 2024-05-01

This research aims to define and investigate the properties of semiprime hyperideals in ternary hypersemirings. The researchers introduce the notion of semiprime hyperideal in a ternary hypersemiring and characterize it. The study has expanded by introducing the ideas of weak n-system and strong n-system in a ternary hypersemiring, and using these; the researchers characterize semiprime hyperideals. Again, the researchers introduce the prime radical β(I) of a hyperideal I in a ternary hypersemiring and obtain the important result that for a proper hyperideal of a ternary hypersemiring R, β(I) ={r ∈ R: every weak m-system in R which contains rhas a nonempty intersection with I}. Finally, the work has been concluded by introducing the concept of fully idempotent ternary hypersemirng, and using this concept. It has been proved that if S is a commutative ternary hypersemiring with hyperidentity, then S is a regular commutative ternary hypersemiring with hyperidentity.

Effects on Structural and Optical Properties of PMMA by Integration with Cu Nanoparticles

Alisha — 2024-05-01

Cu-PMMA nanocomposite films have been prepared via ex-situ chemical route by reduction of cupric chloride dissolved in aqueous CTAB solution with hydrazine and then incorporated the prepared Cu nanoparticles in a solution of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in chloroform and cast into thin films. Optical and structural characterizations of resulting nanocomposite films were performed using UV-visible spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Characteristic Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) peak of Cu nanoparticles was observed at about 2.14 eV (577 nm) in absorption spectra of Cu-PMMA nanocomposite films. From the observation of absorption spectra, the optical band gap and Urbach’s energy values have been calculated. Band gap values of Cu-PMMA nanocomposite films were found to decrease from 3 eV to 2.4 eV, while Urbach’s energy values increased with the increase in the concentration of Cu nanoparticles in PMMA. The decrease in the optical band gap and increase in Urbach’s energy values indicated the modifications in the optical band structure of the PMMA matrix on the incorporation of Cu nanoparticles. TEM micrograph revealed spherical Cu nanoparticles embedded in PMMA with an average diameter of 6.5+ 2.5 nm.

Qualitative Behavior of Cosmological Model with Cosmic Strings and Minimally Interacting Dark Energy

V. G. Mete — 2024-05-01

This article is devoted to the study of Kaluza-Klein space-time filled with cosmic string and attractive massive scalar field in the presence of minimally interacting dark energy in general relativity. Some physically significant conditions have been utilized to obtain a deterministic solution of the field equations. The behavior of cosmological parameters such as volume, scalar field, deceleration parameter, equation of state (EoS) parameter, statefinder parameter, Om diagnostic are discussed. It is also worth noting that the conclusions of the cosmological parameter are consistent with modern observational data.

Numerical Study of Magnetohydrodynamic Free Convection in a Rectangular Cavity with Corner Heater Having a Triangular Obstacle

M. J. Islam — 2024-05-01

This study explores the numerical investigation of magnetohydrodynamic free convection flow within a rectangular cavity featuring a triangular obstacle near a corner heater. The upper horizontal wall is maintained at a cool temperature, while the right bottom corner is heated, and the remaining walls are kept adiabatic. Solving the governing nonlinear differential equations for general flow problems, along with boundary conditions, is accomplished using the Galerkin weighted residual finite element method. The simulation spans a broad range of parameters, including Rayleigh number , Hartmann number , and Prandtl number Results are presented in terms of stream functions, temperature profiles, and Nusselt Numbers. At low Rayleigh numbers , the isotherms exhibit near-parallel alignment with the upper portion of the triangular obstacle, while higher values lead to more distorted isotherms. An increase in Rayleigh number corresponds to a significant enhancement in flow circulation and heat transfer. Isotherms distributions remain consistent with increasing Hartmann numbers, but higher Hartmann numbers influence streamlines. Validation of the numerical model against previously published results demonstrates good agreement.

MHD Flow of a Viscous Fluid with Equal Kinematic and Magnetic Viscosity Pasta Perfectly Conducting Porous Plate

D. R. Kuiry — 2024-05-01

The effect of MHD flow of viscous, incompressible fluid with small electrical conductivity past an infinitely long perfectly conducting porous plate started impulsively from rest in the presence of a constant transverse magnetic field fixed relative to the fluid is investigated. We also imposed a small uniform suction or injection at the plate.Skin friction at the plate, non-dimensional forms of the velocity, and the induced magnetic field have been obtained. The graphs of velocity and magnetic field are also drawn for various values of suction, and magnetic parameters are clearly explained. From the investigations, it is found that the fluid velocity decreases due to the increasing value of kinematic viscosity and constant suction velocity. It also finds that the induced magnetic field increases due to constant suction velocity.

Is Barrett Equation Universally Applicable for Explaining Dielectric Constant of Ferroelectrics and Ferroelectric Thin Films?

S. Lahiry — 2024-05-01

Slater’s formula for perovskite ferroelectrics was modified by Barrett to include the quantum effect. Dielectric constant vs temperature (e¢ vs. T) data for Strontium titanate (ST) and Potassium tantalate (KT) in single crystals and ceramics fitted well, while the data (e¢ vs. T) for Barium titanate (BT) in single crystals and ceramics did not fit at all to Barrett’s equation. That is, ferroelectrics like ST, which show only Curie-Weiss temperature but does not show a ferroelectric transition, obey Barrett’s equation. The Curie-Weiss law fitted the data of BT well. That KT a cubic and consequently a paraelectric down to 13 K obeys Barrett’s equation is intriguing. e¢ vs T values of Barium strontium titanate (Ba_xSr_1-xTiO₃), thin films could be fitted to the Curie-Weiss law, thus eliminating the existence of quantum effect in thin films.

Facile Room Temperature Deposition of ZnS Thin Films on Flexible Plastic Substrates via Nebulized Spray Method

A. Paul — 2024-05-01

This study focuses on investigating a potential method for depositing zinc sulfide (ZnS), in thin film form at room temperature. A facile and effective approach was employed in this study, wherein a suspension of ZnS powder in methanol was applied onto flexible plastic substrates using a spray deposition method. Structural analysis of the resulting films revealed a broad X-ray diffraction peak along the (100) plane, indicating the presence of nanoscale crystallites. The band gap of the ZnS films was determined to be 3.78 eV. Furthermore, the films exhibited photo luminescence emission centered at a wavelength of 410 nm, which corresponds to the blue edge of the chromaticity diagram.