Robust text-dependent speaker verification system using gender aware Siamese-Triplet Deep Neural Network.

Speaker verification in text-dependent scenarios is critical for high-security applications but faces challenges such as voice quality variations, linguistic diversity, and gender-related pitch differences, which affect authentication accuracy. This paper introduces a Gender-Aware Siamese-Triplet Network-Deep Neural Network (ST-DNN) architecture to address these challenges. The Gender-Aware Network utilizes Convolutional 2D layers with ReLU activation for initial feature extraction, followed by multi-fusion dense skip connections and batch normalization to integrate features across different depths, enhancing discrimination between male and female speakers.

Identification and Evaluation of Natural Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of NS2B-NS3 Zika Virus Protease: A Computational Approach.

The Zika virus (ZIKV), an arbovirus within the Flavivirus genus, is associated with severe neurological complications, including Guillain-Barré syndrome in affected individuals and microcephaly in infants born to infected mothers. With no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments available, there is an urgent need for effective therapeutic options. This study aimed to identify new natural compounds with inhibitory potential against the NS2B-NS3 protease (PDB ID: 5LC0), an essential enzyme in viral replication.

Energy efficient group priority MAC protocol using hybrid Q-learning honey Badger Algorithm (QL-HBA) for IoT Networks.

In Internet of Things (IoT) networks, identifying the primary Medium Access Control (MAC) layer protocol which is suited for a service characteristic is necessary based on the requirements of the application. In this paper, we propose Energy Efficient and Group Priority MAC (EEGP-MAC) protocol using Hybrid Q-Learning Honey Badger Algorithm (QL-HBA) for IoT Networks. This algorithm employs reinforcement agents to select an environment based on predefined actions and tasks.

Self-propelling, protein-bound magnetic nanobots for efficient in vitro drug delivery in triple negative breast cancer cells.

The emergence of self-propelling magnetic nanobots represents a significant advancement in the field of drug delivery. These magneto-nanobots offer precise control over drug targeting and possess the capability to navigate deep into tumor tissues, thereby addressing multiple challenges associated with conventional cancer therapies. Here, Fe-GSH-Protein-Dox, a novel self-propelling magnetic nanobot conjugated with a biocompatible protein surface and loaded with doxorubicin for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), is reported.

A novel development of optimized hybrid MPPT controller for fuel cell systems with high voltage transformation ratio DC-DC converter.

The world is moving towards the utilization of hydrogen vehicle technology because its advantages are uniformity in power production, more efficiency, and high durability when compared to fossil fuels. So, in this work, the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Stack (PEMFS) device is selected for producing the energy for the hydrogen vehicle. The merits of this fuel technology are the possibility of operating less source temperature, and more suitability for stationery and transportation applications.

A novel fuzzy assisted sliding mode control approach for frequency regulation of wind-supported autonomous microgrid.

Autonomous microgrids (ATMG), with green power sources, like solar and wind, require an efficient control scheme to secure frequency stability. The weather and locationally dependent behavior of the green power sources impact the system frequency imperfectly. This paper develops an intelligent, i.

Physico-chemical characteristics of fresh faecal matter from a residential apartment: a short-term study conducted at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

The study presents findings from physico-chemical and elemental analyses of fresh faecal matter from a residential apartment in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Samples were taken every 8-10 days over 4 months to account for variability and establish baseline data. The study also examines the influence of dietary patterns and toilet cleaners on faecal sludge properties.

Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment in High TB-Burden Settings: A State-of-the-Art Review.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. The burden is highest in some low- and middle-income countries. One-quarter of the world's population is estimated to have been infected with TB, which is the seedbed for progressing from TB infection to the deadly and contagious disease itself.

An African vulture optimization algorithm based energy efficient clustering scheme in wireless sensor networks.

Energy efficiency plays a major role in sustaining lifespan and stability of the network, being one of most critical factors in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). To overcome the problem of energy depletion in WSN, this paper proposes a new Energy Efficient Clustering Scheme named African Vulture Optimization Algorithm based EECS (AVOACS) using AVOA. The proposed AVOACS method improves clustering by including four critical terms: communication mode decider, distance of sink and nodes, residual energy and intra-cluster distance.

The modification and adoption of biolubricants as alternatives in the automotive industry.

Lubricants are pivotal in mitigating friction and wear between surfaces, ensuring seamless movement of solid objects. However, the predominant use of petroleum-based lubricants in the automotive and industrial ssectors raises substantial concerns for future energy security. The exploration of vegetable oils as an alternative lubricant in the automotive industry was motivated by the depletion of fossil fuels and escalating environmental concerns.

Impact of EV interfacing on peak-shelving and frequency regulation in a microgrid.

A vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology enables bidirectional power exchange between electric vehicles (EVs) and the power grid, presenting enhanced grid stability and load management opportunities. This study investigates a comprehensive microgrid system integrating EVs with solar (8 MW), wind (4.5 MW), and diesel generation sources, focusing on peak load reduction and frequency regulation capabilities.

Uniform dipole resonance and suppressed quadrupole resonance for constant transmittivity full phase control plasmonic metasurfaces.

Transmission-type plasmonic phase metasurfaces utilizing the Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase require constant transmittivity with complete phase variation from 0 to 2π. Usually, this is achieved by rotating metallic nanoparticles in an otherwise uniform lattice arrangement. However, this rotation and the chosen lattice structure cause a significant change in the transmittivity, resulting in a lower intensity of light with certain phases and a higher intensity for other phases.

Measuring the impact of COVID-19 exposure on reporting of intimate partner violence in India using an intent-to-treat framework.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only posed alarming health challenges but also exacerbated the scenarios of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women globally. While global studies indicate a conspicuous increase in IPV during COVID-19 lockdowns; Indian studies exhibit mixed evidence. This ambiguity in world's most populous country underscores a greater need to examine the nexus between exposure to COVID-19 and IPV using a large nationally representative sample of India.

Evaluating the feasibility of estimating particulate mass emissions of older-model diesel vehicle using smoke opacity measurements.

Real-world emissions of particulate matter (PM) and smoke opacity were studied for an older-model diesel pickup truck during four types of driving tests, namely fixed-point test, snap-acceleration test, road test, and hill road test (uphill/downhill). A portable emissions measurement system (PEMS) and an opacimeter were used to measure real-time concentrations of PM and smoke opacity, respectively, and simultaneously. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between PM and opacity, suggesting the feasibility of using an opacimeter to estimate PM mass emissions from diesel vehicles.

Discovery of fossil avian footprints from Late Holocene sediments of Allahbund uplift in Great Rann of Kachchh of Western India.

The Great Rann of Kachchh is a sabkha terrain with a thick succession of Quaternary to Late Holocene sediments, deposited during high sea level after the Last Glacial Maxima. Geomorphologically, the Great Rann of Kachchh is subdivided into Bet Zone, Linear Trench Zone, Great Barren Zone, and Banni Plain. The Bet zone is a slightly elevated flat surface comprising a complex network of bets and interbet channels-the geomorphic entities developed as complex interplay of sea level and coseismic tectonic activity during the Holocene.

A dual-adaptive stochastic reinforcement chimp optimization algorithm for fire detection and multidimensional problem solving.

Chimp optimization algorithm (CHOA) is a recently developed nature-inspired technique that mimics the swarm intelligence of chimpanzee colonies. However, the original CHOA suffers from slow convergence and a tendency to reach local optima when dealing with multidimensional problems. To address these limitations, we propose TASR-CHOA, a twofold adaptive stochastic reinforced variant.

Hydroxyethylamine based analog targets microtubule assembly: an in silico study for anti-cancerous drug development.

Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal structures essential for cell architecture, cellular transport, cell motility, and cell division. Due to their dynamic nature, known as dynamic instability, microtubules can spontaneously switch between phases of growth and shortening. Disruptions in microtubule functions have been implicated in several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and birth defects.

Multi-sensor fusion and segmentation for autonomous vehicle multi-object tracking using deep Q networks.

Autonomous vehicles, often known as self-driving cars, have emerged as a disruptive technology with the promise of safer, more efficient, and convenient transportation. The existing works provide achievable results but lack effective solutions, as accumulation on roads can obscure lane markings and traffic signs, making it difficult for the self-driving car to navigate safely. Heavy rain, snow, fog, or dust storms can severely limit the car's sensors' ability to detect obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles, which pose potential safety risks.

Enhanced grinding process of a cement ball mill through a generalised predictive controller integrated with a CARIMA model.

Cement ball mills in the finishing stage of the cement industries consume the highest energy in the cement manufacturing stage. Therefore, suitable controllers that result in good productivity and product quality with reduced energy consumption are required for the cement ball mill grinding process to increase the profit margins. In this study, generalised predictive controllers (GPC)have been designed for the cement ball mill grinding operation using the model obtained from the step response data taken from the industrially recognized simulator.

Spectroscopic approach to optimize the biogenic silver nanoparticles for photocatalytic removal of ternary dye mixture and ecotoxicological impact of treated wastewater.

The fabricating of extremely effective, economical, ecologically safe, and reusable nanoparticle (NP) catalysts for the removal of water pollution is urgently needed. This study, spectroscopically optimizes the process parameters for the biogenic synthesis of AgNP catalysts using Cledrdendrum infortunatum leaf extract. The optimization of several synthesis parameters was systematically studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy to identify the ideal conditions for AgNPs formation.

New class of thio/semicarbazide-based benzyloxy derivatives as selective class of monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors.

Sixteen thio/semicarbazide-based benzyloxy derivatives (BT1-BT16) were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activities against monoamine oxidases (MAOs). Most compounds showed better inhibitory activity against MAO-B than against MAO-A. BT1, BT3, and BT5 showed the greatest inhibitory activity with an identical IC value of 0.

Finite element analysis of RC beams using static experimental data to predict static and dynamic behaviors.

This study comprehensively compares dynamic and static forces in reinforced concrete (RC) beams, utilising experimental and finite element analysis (FEA) methodologies. Experimental tests involve monotonic two-point loading of 1 m x 150 mm x 150 mm RC beams using a universal testing machine (UTM). Deflection measurements are taken at three distinct locations (S1-S3) using various sensors, including force resisting sensor (FRS), flex sensor (FLS), MEMS accelerometer, and Piezoelectric sensors.

Three Years of Stable Water Isotope Data of Daily Rain Samples Collected from Three Geomorphic Regions of India.

High-frequency precipitation (solid/liquid) isotope datasets are useful for identification of moisture sources and various dynamical and thermodynamical processes controlling precipitation formation. Here, we report three-year (2019-2021) daily rain isotope (both oxygen, δO hereafter, and hydrogen, δH, hereafter) datasets from three unique locations in India during the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM). The locations are- (1) Port Blair- an island situated in the Bay of Bengal (BoB); (2) Mahabaleshwar, located at the crest of the Western Ghats Mountain; and (3) Tezpur, in northeast India, situated close to a dense forest.

Decadal trends in the exclusive breastfeeding practices among working Indian mothers: a multi-level analysis.

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as feeding infants only breast milk of the mother or a wet nurse for the first six months, without additional food or liquids except the oral rehydration solution or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines. The working status of women in developed countries adversely affects the EBF rates, which calls for an assessment in rapidly developing countries like India. Therefore, the primary aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of EBF using the data from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS 3, 4, 5) conducted between 2005 and 06, 2015-16 and 2019-21 to estimate the likelihood EBF according to mothers' employment status.

Genotypic diversity and virulence factors of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a North Indian tertiary care hospital.

Klebsiella pneumoniae, a pathogen of concern worldwide can be classified as classical K. pneumoniae (cKp) and Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (HvKp).