Google Scholar University Ranking Algorithm to Evaluate the Quality of Institutional Research

Education quality has undoubtedly become an important local and international benchmark for education, and an institute’s ranking is assessed based on the quality of education, research projects, theses, and dissertations, which has always been controversial. Hence, this research paper is influenced by the institutes ranking all over the world. The data of institutes are obtained through Google Scholar (GS), as input to investigate the United Kingdom’s Research Excellence Framework (UK-REF) process. For this purpose, the current research used a Bespoke Program to evaluate the institutes’ ranking based on their source. The bespoke program requires changes to improve the results by addressing these methodological issues: Firstly, Redundant profiles, which increased their citation and rank to produce false results. Secondly, the exclusion of theses and dissertation documents to retrieve the actual publications to count for citations. Thirdly, the elimination of falsely owned articles from scholars’ profiles. To accomplish this task, the experimental design referred to collecting data from 120 UK-REF institutes and GS for the present year to enhance its correlation analysis in this new evaluation. The data extracted from GS is processed into structured data, and afterward, it is utilized to generate statistical computations of citations’ analysis that contribute to the ranking based on their citations. The research promoted the predictive approach of correlational research. Furthermore, experimental evaluation reported encouraging results in comparison to the previous modification made by the proposed taxonomy. This paper discussed the limitations of the current evaluation and suggested the potential paths to improve the research impact algorithm.     

The role of catalyst synthesis on the enhancement of nickel praseodymium (III) oxide for the conversion of greenhouse gases to syngas

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - Catalytic methane (CH4) dry reforming (MDR) reaction proceeds with the formation of carbon; hence the effects of the catalyst preparation method on the...     

The study on the properties of TiCxN1−x coatings processed by cathodic arc physical vapour deposition

Titanium carbonitride (TiCN) is a popular hard coating for carbide cutting tools in various applications. The properties of TiCN are within its composition and can be controlled by maintaining the C–N ratio within the coating to a certain level. This paper studied the influence of carbon content and coating composition within TiC_xN_1?x coatings with regard to their mechanical properties. The substrate used was tungsten carbide (WC-6Co), which was prepared in-house through a powder metallurgy process, while the TiC_xN_1?x coatings were deposited in-house using cathodic arc physical vapour deposition (CAPVD). TiC_xN_1?x coatings improved the mechanical properties of carbide inserts. An increase in carbon content within TiC_xN_1?x coatings improved surface lubricity, reduced coefficient of friction, improved surface microhardness and increased Young's modulus, but reduced thermal conductivity of carbide inserts. The colour of TiC_xN_1?x coatings also changed with carbon content.     

Thermal Evaluation of Diesel/Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Blend

Thermal properties of fossil fuel are the key fundamental characteristics, which can distinguish any compound as a potential fuel. The performance of diesel fuel blend along with stability and solubility parameter designs are evaluated. The results from the experimental study indicate that the increase in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) amount enhances the cetane number of diesel fuel blend significantly. However, the calorific value decreases as compared to pure diesel fuel. All values performed well according to the ASTM D‐975 diesel testing method. The thermodynamics of the prepared fuel blends also revealed that substantial solubility and diesel/H₂O₂ blend stability are provided even at lower temperatures. Such blends can be used as a feasible replacement of pure diesel fuel.     

Estimation of optimum binder content of recycled asphalt incorporating a wax warm additive using response surface method

This paper presents a new approach to estimate the optimum binder content (OBC) of recycled asphalts (RAs) incorporating a warm mix additive based on the interaction effects of compaction temperature, RA content and binder content using volumetric and strength characterisation. The experimental design was developed using response surface method (RSM) based on central composite design for various compaction temperatures (130–160 °C), RA contents (30–50%) and binder contents (4.9–6.0%). Laboratory tests were performed and analysed to meet the desired volumetric and strength properties according to the Malaysian specifications for the design of dense asphalt mixtures. Statistical analysis and mathematical models proposed by RSM were used to determine the OBC. The results showed that compaction temperature is the most significant factor in determining the OBC. There are minimum differences in the OBC variation of samples incorporating different dosage of RA. The developed model can be used for quick estimation of OBC for various levels of compaction temperature and RA content.     

Green synthesised zinc oxide nanostructures through Periploca aphylla extract shows tremendous antibacterial potential against multidrug resistant pathogens

To grapple with multidrug resistant bacterial infections, implementations of antibacterial nanomedicines have gained prime attention of the researchers across the globe. Nowadays, zinc oxide (ZnO) at nano‐scale has emerged as a promising antibacterial therapeutic agent. Keeping this in view, ZnO nanostructures (ZnO‐NS) have been synthesised through reduction by P. aphylla aqueous extract without the utilisation of any acid or base. Structural examinations via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction have revealed pure phase morphology with highly homogenised average particle size of 18 nm. SEM findings were further supplemented by transmission electron microscopy examinations. The characteristic Zn–O peak has been observed around 363 nm using ultra‐violet–visible spectroscopy. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy examination has also confirmed the formation of ZnO‐NS through detection of Zn–O bond vibration frequencies. To check the superior antibacterial activity of ZnO‐NS, the authors'' team has performed disc diffusion assay and colony forming unit testing against multidrug resistant E. coli, S. marcescens and E. cloacae. Furthermore, protein kinase inhibition assay and cytotoxicity examinations have revealed that green fabricated ZnO‐NS are non‐hazardous, economical, environmental friendly and possess tremendous potential to treat lethal infections caused by multidrug resistant pathogens.Inspec keywords: nanomedicine, zinc compounds, II‐VI semiconductors, wide band gap semiconductors, nanoparticles, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, antibacterial activity, transmission electron microscopy, particle size, Fourier transform infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, enzymes, biochemistry, molecular biophysics, microorganisms, drugs, toxicology, bonds (chemical), semiconductor growth, nanofabrication, vibrational modesOther keywords: green synthesised zinc oxide nanostructures, Periploca aphylla extract, antibacterial potential, multidrug resistant pathogens, multidrug resistant bacterial infections, antibacterial nanomedicines, P. aphylla aqueous extract, structural examinations, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, pure phase morphology, homogenised average particle size, SEM, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, bond vibration frequency, antibacterial activity, disc diffusion assay, colony forming unit testing, S. marcescens, E. cloacae, E. coli, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, protein kinase inhibition assay, cytotoxicity, lethal infections, ZnO     

Recent Approaches in the Development of Encapsulated Delivery Systems for Probiotics

The concept of probiotics has been well-known for more than a century. The availability and survival of the consumed probiotics in the colon has not been proved convincingly and needs further studies and clarification. It was not known whether the fastidious probiotics could reach the targeted site of action due to gastrointestinal stress. However, probiotics must sustain themselves in high number, survive during passage through the stomach to the intestine, and react symbiotically with the host when they reach the colon. This review consolidates some of the recent findings and new strategies on the development of a delivery system for targeted colonic delivery of probiotics.     

Nanocomposite-based controlled release formulation of an herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate incapsulated in zinc–aluminium-layered double hydroxide

Controlled release formulation of an herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (24D) was developed by the virtue of the formation of organic–inorganic nanohybrid material and its ion exchange property. The inorganic Zn–Al layered double hydroxide (ZAL) was used as a matrix, hosting an active agent or a guest, 24D by self-assembly technique. The resulting material (ZAD) was subsequently used to study the release property of 24D into aqueous solutions containing chloride, carbonate as well as distilled water. The release of the guest 24D was found to be rapid initially followed by a more sustained release thereafter and this behavior was dependent on the type of anions and their concentrations in the release medium, the aqueous solution. The mechanism of release has been interpreted on the basis of the ion exchange process between the 24D anion intercalated into the interlamellae host and carbonate or chloride and/or hydroxyl anions in the aqueous solution.