In the present study, we have prepared two phenyl ring substituted sulfanilamide bearing acrylamide linking groups. The four derivatives (C1-C4) were prepared by changing the left n-alkoxy terminal group. The liquid crystalline properties of the synthesized sulfanilamide-based compounds were investigated using POM and DSC studies. All four materials exhibit nematic liquid crystalline properties during both heating and cooling. They also demonstrate a broad temperature range and thermal stability. Further, we have studied the structure-property relationship to gain a better understanding of the effect of the linking group and variable alkoxy tail group on mesomorphic behavior. The results indicate that thermal stability, mesophase temperature range, and liquid crystalline properties depend on the linking group and variable alkyl chain length.

The multiple travelling salesman problem (MTSP) extends the classical travelling salesman problem (TSP) by involving multiple salesman in the solution. MTSP has found widespread applications in various domains, such as transportation, robotics, and networking. Despite extensive research on MTSP and its variants, there has been limited attention given to the open close multiple travelling salesman problem (OCMTSP) and its variants in the literature. To the best of the author's knowledge, only one study has addressed OCMTSP, introducing an exact algorithm designed for optimal solutions. However, the efficiency of this existing algorithm diminishes for larger instances due to computational complexity. Therefore, there is a crucial need for a high-level metaheuristic to provide optimal/best solutions within a reasonable timeframe. Addressing this gap, this study proposes a first meta-heuristic called multi-chromosome-based Genetic Algorithm (GA) for solving OCMTSP. The effectiveness of the developed algorithm is demonstrated through a comparative study on distinct asymmetric benchmark instances sourced from the TSPLIB dataset. Additionally, results from comprehensive experiments conducted on 90 OCMTSP symmetric instances, generated from the renowned TSPLIB benchmark dataset, highlight the efficiency of the proposed GA in addressing the OCMTSP. Notably, the proposed multi-chromosome-based GA stands out as the top-performing approach in terms of overall performance. Further, solutions to symmetric TSPLIB benchmark instances are also reported, which will be used as a basis for future studies.

In this work we report, aluminized polyborate catalyzed facile and efficient one-pot four component Hantzsch synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-decahydroacridines using substituted aromatic aldehydes (1 mmol), dimedone (2 mmol) and ammonium acetate (1.5 mmol) at 95-100oC under solvent-free condition. The prominent advantages of this methodology are good product yields (85-95%), eco-friendliness, mild reaction conditions and use of inexpensive catalyst. The structures of the targeted molecules were examined by FT-IR, 1H-NMR and mass spectral techniques.

Science and technology of nanosized bimetallic oxide nanomaterials records the various properties and applications. Especially biomedical applications are viewed in particular due to its nanosized particle size. The present experimentation is reporting the microwave-assisted synthesis of nanosized bimetallic oxides like copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) and barium titanate (BaTiO3) by solid state combustion route using poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a fuel. The structural and morphological characterizations of the bimetallic oxide nanomaterials are performed out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron micrograph (SEM) tools respectively. These analyses report the crystalline nature of both samples. EDX spectral study is also undertaken to know the existence of different metals in the above-mentioned samples. Bonding nature of the bimetallic oxide samples were readied by Fourier transfer infrared (FT-IR) instrumentation. The study reviewed the varied vibrational modes confirms the phase formation of the samples. UV-Vis and thermal study of these bimetallic oxide samples are also studied extensively to know the thermal and absorption behavior respectively. TGA of both the samples are traced and are showing decomposition at rapid rate. In addition, the maximum absorption peaks due to π - π* transition confirms the sample formation. Antimicrobial activity of the prepared oxide samples was studied for antibacterial and antifungal behavior. Both samples showing considerable activity against various bacteria and fungi.

In the contemporaneous sustainable manufacturing scenario and fourth industrial revolutions, requirements of most cutting-edge CNC machine tools are indispensable for finished products with high accuracy, precision and green complaints in particular. Such requirements have impelled the advanced manufacturing industries to evaluate and choose the proper CNC machine tools for best customized performances. In the face of proper and effective green evaluation, this paper incorporates a heterogeneous expert group based decision framework considering multiple significant technical and green criteria by assessing relative importance of diverse conflicting criteria having substantial contribution in performance analysis of CNC machine tools. As a demonstration of the suggested mathematical model, three real life decision making problems related to 3 axes-CNC machine tools based on the collected quantitative and linguistic data from catalogues, manufacturer’s portals, questionnaires, customer reviews etc. are established. The calculated findings are close to those obtained by previous researchers as well as are verified by well-established techniques. Besides, sensitivity and statistical analysis are performed to examine the robustness and stability of the ranking orders of the alternatives as well as to investigate the efficacy and consistency of the proposed method. Hence thus proposed formulated MCDM approach proves to be a highly effective and reliable decision making tool for choosing the most suitable CNC machine tools.

The purpose ofthis paper is to perform structural analysis of facilitators of modular architecturein healthcare services by applying interpretive structural modeling (ISM).Inputs were taken from healthcare industry experts and academicians inidentifying and understanding interdependencies among facilitators of modulararchitecture in healthcare services. Further these interdependencies arestructured into a hierarchy in order to derive structural models to deliveruseful insights for theory and practice. Using the ISM approach the facilitatorsof modularity in healthcare services were clustered according to their drivingpower and dependence power. Patient centricity is at the bottom level of thehierarchy implying highest driving power and requires higher attention todeliver quality care outcomes. Facilitators like value dense environment, knowledgeand competence, goal alignment and le-agile strategies have medium driverand dependence powers. The study added insights to the theory of modularsystems. Theauthors recognize that modularity helps in enhancing the patientcentric orientation. The findings provide potentially important information tohealth service managers and providers, enabling them to understand therequisites of modular architecture. This is the first study exploring therelationships between facilitators of modularity in healthcare services. Thestudy complements literature on service modularity with reference to specializedcare unit of maternity services.

The global water crisis requires effective wastewater treatment methods where conventional approaches often face challenges related to cost, recyclability, efficiency, and overall effectiveness. In this regard, the significantly small size, large surface area, and enhanced photocatalytic properties of recently developed nanoparticles have opened new avenues for wastewater treatment. This comprehensive review focuses on recent advancements in the synthesis methods for different types of nanoparticles and nanocomposites based on metals, carbon, polymers, waste materials, and zeolites which have highly sustainable and innovative results in wastewater treatment. The introduction of silver and gold nanoparticles has enhanced photocatalytic and biological activities. Similarly, zeolite and seaweed composites have exhibited efficient dye degradation capabilities. Eco-friendly carbon soot nanoparticles have shown promising biological activities, while nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots have exhibited long-term stability for various applications. Additionally, waste material-based calcium oxide nanoparticles and carbon quantum dot-carbon nanotube nanocomposites have also shown enhanced dye degradation activities.

Sampling plans are extensively used in pharmaceutical industries to test drugs or other related materials to ensure that they are safe and consistent. A sampling plan can help to determine the quality of products, to monitor the goodness of materials and to validate the yields whether it is free from defects or not. If the manufacturing process is precisely aligned, the occurrence of defects will be an unusual occasion and will result in an excess number of zeros (no defects) during the sampling inspection. The Zero Inflated Poisson (ZIP) distribution is studied for the given scenario, which helps the management to take a precise decision about the lot and it can certainly reduce the error rate than the regular Poisson model. The Bayesian methodology is a more appropriate statistical procedure for reaching a good decision if the previous knowledge is available concerning the production process. This article proposed a new design of the Bayesian Repetitive Group Sampling plan based on Zero Inflated Poisson distribution for the quality assurance in pharmaceutical products and related materials. This plan is studied through the Gamma-Zero Inflated Poisson (G-ZIP) model to safeguard both the producer and consumer by minimizing the Average Sample Number. Necessary tables and figures are constructed for the selection of optimal plan parameters and suitable illustrations are provided that are applicable for pharmaceutical industries.

The inhibiting effect of chloroquine compounds (ChCs) on the SARS-CoV-2 virus represents a highly debated form of study owing to the emerging proposals of mechanistic implications for exploring the mode of action of ChCs on the virus. Keeping in view the emerging significance of chloroquine derivatives, the present study was performed to screen one hundred and ninety known chloroquine derivatives for their interaction with several SARS-CoV-2 target proteins by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to obtain an in-depth understanding of the potential hits of these compounds against SARS-CoV-2. A total of 190 molecules from the chloroquine family were screened for the identification of potential new inhibitors of the three therapeutic target proteins of SARS-CoV-2, namely Mpro (master protease), PLpro (papain-like protease) and SGp-RBD (spike glycoprotein receptor binding domain). The ChCs bound to SARS-COV-2 Mpro, PLpro, and SGp-RBD were generated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Herein, a comparative analysis of chloroquine family products and a well-known drug against SARS-CoV-2, called Remdesivir, has also been presented. This investigation is intended to study the mechanism of interaction between ChCs and the SARS-CoV-2 virus and explore the unprecedented areas associated with the inhibitory activity of ChCs against this virus.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the Indian economy. To remain competitive in the global market, application of Lean Manufacturing Techniques (LMT) helps SMEs to improve their processes in alignment with customer needs. The purpose of this study is to reduce overall lead time by identification and eliminating non-value added activities (NVA) from the manufacturing system. In this paper, the current manufacturing processes have been thoroughly studied using the principle of work study. Several lean approaches such as- TAKT time computation, Value stream Mapping (VSM), layout optimization, Kanban, Andon etc. have been used to make improvement in line efficiency and hence productivity. The study shows that use of line balancing technique, matches the cycle time with calculated TAKT time. And the efficiency of the line has increased approx 10% and hence balance delay got reduced. Again VSM helps to reduce the lead time of foundry shops by 51 minutes. It is one of the few studies that deal with productivity improvement in Indian SME.