The representative member of group VB TMDCs, NbSe₂ nanoparticles, have attracted significant attention due to their unique structural and optical properties, which make them promising candidates for various applications in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. In this report, the author reports for the first time the synthesis of NbSe₂ nanoparticles via the sonochemical method at ambient temperature with controlled size, a well defined crystal structure, and desirable optical properties. The investigation of the compositional and structural analysis revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles are well defined, near stoichiometry, with a hexagonal crystal structure belonging to the space group P63_mmc. The other morphological and optical characteristics of synthesized nanoparticles studied through Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), UV-VIS NIR spectroscopy, etc. were discussed here.

The complex and changing underwater environment, along with the presence of various suspended particles, leads to laser attenuation and backward scattering. As a result, the detection capabilities of underwater LiDAR are significantly limited. To address the challenges associated with the backward scattering problem using traditional time discrimination circuits, this paper proposes a high-speed signal processing system for underwater LiDAR based on complete waveform sampling. The system includes the design of a photodiode preamplifier circuit and a main control board with a sampling frequency of up to 2 GHz. With this design, the underwater LiDAR can achieve a ranging accuracy of 0.075m and implement relevant backscatter filtering algorithms. This paper can serve as a valuable reference for the design of signal processing systems for underwater LiDAR

This presents a density-based traffic light signal system in which the timing of the signal changes automatically depends on the amount of traffic at each given intersection. Because traffic congestion is a serious issue on all of Ahmadu Bello University's gates, it is time to transition from a manual to an automated system with decision-making capabilities. The current traffic signalling system is based on a predetermined time schedule, which might be inefficient if one lane is operational while the others are not. A prototype for an intelligent traffic control system was created to solve this challenge. Higher traffic density on one side of the intersection may necessitate a longer green time than the regular permitted time. As a result, a process is in place in which the time periods for green and red lights are assigned based on the amount of traffic present at the time. Infrared (IR) sensors were used to do this. The microcontroller was used to allocate the glowing period of green lights once the density has been calculated (Arduino Uno). The sensors on one side of the road monitor the presence of vehicles and communicate the information to the microcontroller, which determines how long a flank will remain open or when the signal light will change. Also displayed is the operating principle of the density-based traffic signal control system, demonstrating the prototype's efficiency

Settlements situated downstream of hills and dams are invariably at the risk of floods. Constant landuse/landcover changes in the Vishwamitri watershed and long-term climate variability have made Vadodara City more susceptible to river flooding in recent times. In the past, the local government authorities have only tried to solve this issue within the administrative boundary of the Vadodara City. This study demonstrates the importance of watershed scale investigation over administrative scale. The study presents a review of the current flooding and environmental degradation challenges that are affecting the Vishwamitri Watershed. For the analysis, the entire watershed was classified into two parts (1) Upper Watershed, and (2) City Limits. The data deficient upper watershed was studied with the aid of site visits and secondary sources. Floodplain within the city limits was simulated for the 2005 peak discharge event (805 cumec) using Hydrological Engineering Centre - River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) software and HEC-GeoRAS (a set of procedures, tools, and utilities for processing geospatial data in ArcGIS using a graphical user interface). The simulated water surface elevation from HEC-RAS was validated with the in-situ data available within the city limits. The generated floodplain extent map was used for conducting a primary flood impact survey and analysing the inundation affected zones. Various aspects of the flood plain like landuse, landcover, built form, affected demography, river system, natural environment and habitat were analysed during this survey. For mitigation of floods and other maladies associated with the watershed, this probing suggest restoration of the river ecosystem back to its original state to the maximum possible extent. Nature based solutions were found to be the remedy for most of the issues pertaining to the floodplain. The study can potentially help concerned stakeholders of any flood prone urban settlement to envision the issue of flooding with the whole river system and watershed in mind. This will discourage the usual approach of interventions limited to administrative boundaries.

Nowadays, flying is a fundamental part of society. Traveling is increasingly accessible, which feeds not only the aeronautical industry but also, for instance, the tourism sector in some regions. However, despite its importance in society in general, leading to more and more airplanes in the air, the aviation industry also becomes one of the primary sources of pollution, and when considering leisure aviation the problem becomes even more complicated. So in recent years, all aeronautical manufacturers have been working on solutions that reduce the sector's impact on climate change. Landings are of particular importance in the fuel consumption aspect, especially if it's taken into account that for various reasons a pilot may decide to abort the maneuver, being a few more kilos of fuel that will be consumed and consequently made more pollution. The present work, based on a set of algorithms, intends to propose an architecture that based on the history of successful landings from, for instance, ADS-B tools, provides the pilot suggestions, in order to reduce the probability of a go-around.

Development of bimodal systems with signals for two diagnostic technique has been increasing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique that distinguish pathological from healthy tissues. To improve the images contrast, nanoparticulate contrast agents (CAs) have been developed, allowing the attachment of several CA molecules in on nanoparticle. In this work, we associated AgInSe₂ quantum dots (QDs) with gadolinium complexes, obtaining nanoprobes for MRI and optical imaging. The nanosystems showed good optical properties and values of relaxivity superior to the CAs used clinically. Thus, these nanoprobes have the potential to be used as CAs for MRI and optical imaging.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) inertial sensors are integral components of a variety of smart electronic devices, most notably MEMS vibrating gyroscopes, which are rotational inertial sensors. The applications of MEMS vibrating gyroscopes range from household appliances to GPS, and even to military applications. However, the stability and reliability of these MEMS inertial sensors in space applications still pose challenges. In this research study, we introduce a simple design for a vibrating ring gyroscope with eight S-shaped support springs connected to a centrally placed anchor. The symmetric design structure with S-shaped support springs provides higher sensitivity while minimizing mode mismatch. The design and modelling analysis of the vibrating ring gyroscope was conducted using ANSYS software. The proposed vibrating ring gyroscope has a ring radius of 1000 µm, an 80 µm arc radius for the support springs, ring and support spring thicknesses of 10 µm, and a 190 µm radius for the centrally placed anchor. The vibrating ring gyroscope operates at two identical wine glass resonant modes, one for driving resonance frequency and the other for sensing resonance frequency. Both simulated resonance frequencies were measured at 26.27 kHz and 26.31 kHz. The modelled result achieved a mode mismatch of 40 Hz, which can be easily rectified with tuning electrodes.

Energy is very essential indicator for the sustainable development and economic growth of any country. Pakistan is heavily relying on imported fossil fuels; their excessive use contributes to environmental pollution. According to National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, Pakistan is producing 63% of its electricity from fossil fuels. The world is now shifting towards renewable energy sources such as biomass, wind energy, solar energy, ocean energy, hydropower, and geothermal energy. As of now, Pakistan fulfills 5.4% of its energy demand from renewable energy sources including biomass, wind, and sun and 25% from hydropower. Due to economic and political challenges, the country is facing a severe energy deficit (7,000 MW). By 2030, Pakistan plans to fulfill 30% of its energy demand from renewable sources. The untapped potential of energy from renewable sources in Pakistan is nearly 60,000 MW from hydropower, 40,000 MW from Sun, 346,000 MW from wind. To address the escalating energy demands and bridge the energy deficit, Pakistan must intensify its efforts in harnessing renewable energy resources.

With the rapidly progressing world in the field of manufacturing, non-conventional machining still requires numerous advances. The requirement of machining a material with Brinell hardness greater than 200 BHN with utmost precision and intricate geometric features is catered, to some extent, by Wire Electric Discharge Machining (WEDM). WEDM is a non-conventional electro-thermal contactless machining process in which the cutting operation involves a thin strand of metallic wire with pulsating current flowing through to create a spark between workpiece and wire. The complexity of this operation demands countless input parameters to be optimized to produce the best possible results. Various techniques have been used by researchers for this purpose. This paper reviews five such techniques of optimization including Taguchi Technique, Design Of Experiments (DOE), Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and a combination of different techniques. Furthermore, an analysis is provided for the best three approaches for each technique. This paper also discusses an in-depth knowledge of the applications of these techniques along with the process flow diagram to summarize the process.

Air pollution is greatly influenced by the emissions generated by automotive engines, making it a pressing concern. To address this issue, a considerable amount of research is currently devoted to recovering waste heat from these engines. To achieve this specific objective, a gamma-type Stirling engine has been meticulously chosen. This study focuses on elucidating a new isothermal method, which provides an effective means for analyzing Stirling engines. By employing the powerful MATLAB software, a set of differential equations is proficiently solved. Remarkably, the simulation results obtained from this computational approach closely align with the experimental data, indicating the accuracy and reliability of the methodology. Furthermore, this research delves into the feasibility of employing the Stirling engine as a Combined Cooling Heating and Power (CCHP) system, shedding light on its potential applications in various domains