Punjab Technical University

The existence and character of low-angular momentum quasi-bound states in 21 F was probed using a (p,n) reaction. Using an active target detector, the capture excitation function for 20 O + 1 H was measured for the first time. Near the barrier, the capture cross section manifests an oscillatory behavior with broad peaks ∼ 50-100 keV wide. The presence of these peaks reflects the existence of one or more low-angular-momentum states in the quasi-bound regime. One-channel coupled channel (CC) calculations, which account only for the ground state density distributions of the colliding nuclei, show reasonable agreement with the excitation function. However, they overpredict the experimental cross section at the lowest energies measured and fail to reproduce the experimentally observed oscillations. Inclusion of the first excited 2 + state in 20 O in R-matrix (CC) calculations does produce an oscillatory behavior that roughly reproduces the observed oscillations both in magnitude and position. This result suggests that the quasi-bound state in 21 F may share the vibrational character of the 2 + state in 20 O and possibly be coupled to it.

Accurate prediction of soil deformation is crucial for mitigating landslide hazards in mountainous regions, such as the Himalayas, where terrain instability continually threatens infrastructure and livelihood. While previous models have often relied on either geotechnical data or satellite-based observations in isolation, this study presents an integrated and interpretable framework for forecasting radar-backscatter-based deformation. The proposed Stacked Forecasting Ensemble Learner (SFEL) merges geotechnical parameters, traditional soil indicators, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-derived ΔVV deformation proxies processed using the Google Earth Engine into a unified ensemble learning pipeline. Using dual feature selection Pearson correlation and mutual information, the model achieved strong predictive performance for both the 1-month and 6-month horizons, with low root mean squared errors of 0.01 and 0.03 ΔVV/year, respectively. Shapley additive explanations confirmed the complementary roles of traditional and scientific features, revealing distinct shifts in feature importance across various temporal scales. While the results indicate the robustness of the SFEL model, they also highlight certain limitations, including regional data constraints and the proxy nature of radar backscatter as a deformation indicator. Nonetheless, this study demonstrates that integrating experiential soil knowledge with remote sensing and machine learning can advance both predictive reliability and interpretability, offering a scalable pathway for informed slope management and regional-hazard monitoring.

Submerged arc welding (SAW) slag is an industrial waste, generated in large quantities. Its disposal leads to the wastage of non-renewable resources and contributes to environmental degradation. Developing a hardfacing flux from waste-submerged arc welding slag marks a significant advancement in sustainability and industrial efficiency. By repurposing this byproduct, the approach not only tackles the issue of waste management but also conserves non-renewable resources and reduces costs. The resulting hardfacing layers were rigorously tested for chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical properties. The chemical composition of these hardfacings met the DIN 8555 specifications, and they successfully passed the side bend test, demonstrating a robust bond between the hardfaced layer and the base metal. Performance evaluations showed a 63.22% improvement in wear resistance, with a reduced coefficient of friction (0.251 compared to 0.293 for the base material), and a 220% increase in hardness. The hardfaced layers exhibited a defect-free, fine-grained microstructure. With recycling costs at merely 33% of virgin flux, this technology offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative for hardfacing applications.

In the present study, a cobalt-based alloy (Stellite-6, S-6) was deposited on low-carbon austenite steel (SS-316L) (base metal, BM) using a hybrid microwave heating (MH) process to improve its surface performance. The clad layers were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and microhardness testing. XRD study revealed dominant presence of Co (fcc), eutectic-based carbides (Cr 23 C 6 , (Fe, Cr) 7 C 3 , Cr 7 Mn 7 C 6 ), solid solution of CoCr, Ni-Fe-Cr, along with minor presence of Co (hcp) phases. The microstructural result confirmed a metallurgically sound interface between clad and substrate layer, free from pores and cracks. A distinct microstructural gradient was observed in the clads, including a planar zone at the BM clad interface, a columnar dendrite zone away from the planar zone and equiaxial dendrite structure near the surface of the clads. The formation of hard phases within S-6 deposit leads to significant increase in its microhardness value compared to the BM. The maximum microhardness of clad zone was found as 510 ± 20 HV at top of the clad area, roughly 2.5 times that of the substrate. The mechanical performance of the S-6 deposit was evaluated through a 3-point bend test, which yielded an average flexural strength of 231.5 ± 6 MPa accompanied by a deformation of 0.23 mm. The fractography of the tested S-6 deposit showed a mixed mode of failure of the fractured specimen.

Pasta is consumed worldwide and can be an excellent food matrix for supplementation. Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) flavedo byproduct is reported to contain considerable amounts of bioactive compounds, which represent a valuable and sustainable source of phenolics. So far, there is limited information available about the utilization of grapefruit flavedo byproducts for supplementation of pasta. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of freeze-dried grapefruit flavedo powder (GFP) incorporation at various concentrations (3, 6, 9, and 12%) on the phytochemical, functional, textural, microstructural, and sensory quality of the developed pasta. Fortification with GFP significantly (P<0.05) enhanced antioxidant activities relative to DPPH and FRAP and increased the total phenolic and flavonoid content from 132.41-211.63 mg GAE/100 g and 73.20-96.83 mg QE/100 g, respectively. Supplementation with GFP significantly (P<0.05) reduced the optimum cooking time of pasta, while cooking loss increased up to 6.32% with 12% GFP incorporation, which was still under the acceptable limits (<8%). The addition of GFP decreased the L* value, while the a* and b* values increased for the pasta. SEM analysis presented that GFP incorporation in pasta affected the structural integrity attributable to the enhanced fiber levels, inducing a weaker matrix, as ascertained by textural profile analysis (TPA) with a decline in hardness attribute with increasing GFP concentration. Sensory analysis divulged overall acceptability scores of 8.4 for the pasta with 6% GFP, while further increments in GFP levels led to decreased sensory scores. Grapefruit peels are typically discarded as waste, the outer layer of which, i.e., flavedo, could be used to enrich pasta. The present research divulged that pasta supplementation with freeze-dried flavedo powder could provide total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant potential without compromising on the technological and sensory quality of pasta. Utilization of this citrus waste as a bioactive food ingredient with promising effects represents a valuable byproduct valorization strategy.