Research & Development Establishment (Engrs.)

Ferrite-based nanoparticles (NPs) are a good choice to load in epoxy polymer to make a structurally stable and to shield from electromagnetic interference. Addition of 7 wt% cobalt ferrite (CF) with epoxy cause the enhancement of electrical (by 22.95%) and thermal (by 19.75%) conductivity but compromise the mechanical property. Additional 25% Glass Fiber (GF) or 1% Single Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) loadings, led to improvement in the mechanical strengths (tensile by 79 or 55.5%, respectively, and flexural strength by 185.87 or 32.53%, respectively) and thermal conductivity (by 314.8 or 58.1%) of Epoxy/CF (EpCF 7 ) composite. GF or silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) has been added with EpCF 7 to make this composite more electrically nonconductive but SWCNT loading led to the enhancement of electrical conductivity by the six orders of magnitude. The impact of voids, formed within nanocomposite, has been investigated quantitatively. Void has deteriorated all the properties of overall nanocomposite. Digimat and Ansys have been used here for the theoretical comparative study between Epoxy/CF, Epoxy/CF/GF, Epoxy/CF/SiO 2 , and Epoxy/CF/SWCNT along with voids influence on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. These combinations with optimum mixing methodology offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio to make very much useful for light weight complex composite structure in aviation, marine, and other transport sectors or at electronic sectors.

Abstract. A polluted dust episode over the western Himalaya was characterized using in situ optical measurements, size-resolved aerosol sampling, single-particle analysis, and spectroscopic techniques. During the event, coarse-mode mass increased substantially, accompanied by elevated fine-mode particle number and black carbon concentrations. In situ observations revealed a threefold enhancement in the scattering coefficient and a 2–2.5-fold increase in the absorption coefficient relative to background conditions. Beyond these extrinsic property changes, intrinsic optical properties shifted markedly. Single scattering albedo and scattering Ångström exponent increased, and absorption Ångström exponent decreased, indicating compositional changes toward dust dominance with embedded anthropogenic absorbing aerosols. Single-particle analysis confirmed internal mixing of Fe-bearing mineral dust with carbonaceous material and secondary inorganic species. These compositional and morphological changes were reflected in the refractive index, which increased by approximately 4–6 % in the real part and 30–35 % in the imaginary part across visible wavelengths. The results demonstrate that polluted dust differs fundamentally from pure mineral dust and exhibits enhanced optical efficiency per unit mass and altered aerosol radiation interactions due to chemical transformation during transport. Accurate representation of such region-specific intrinsic properties is essential for quantifying aerosol radiative effects and boundary-layer interactions over the Himalayas.

This study investigates the relationship between seismic activity and avalanche occurrences in the Western Himalayas, focusing on the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, parts of Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The region is seismically active, lying within the highest seismic zones of the Himalayas, and is prone to avalanches due to its high-altitude, steep terrain, and glacial environment. Using four decades of data (1980–2018) on avalanche occurrences and seismic events, we aimed to isolate the influence of seismic activity on avalanche triggers, excluding meteorological factors such as fresh snowfall and wind deposition. Our analysis reveals a significant correlation between seismic events and avalanche occurrences, with a marked increase in avalanches following seismic tremors, independent of snow-related factors. These findings suggest that seismic activity plays a critical role in triggering avalanches in this region. The study’s insights contribute to improved avalanche forecasting and hazard assessment in the Western Himalayas, where seismic-induced avalanches pose significant risks to life and infrastructure. Further research is recommended to refine the understanding of the influence of earthquake epicenter distance on avalanche triggers, potentially enhancing predictive capabilities and mitigation strategies.

In the era of digital transformation, the integration of technology into modern Islamic education is crucial, as the sociological dynamics of communication in Indonesian madrasas undergo a fundamental shift from conventional patterns to digital-based interactions. This study aims to evaluate the impact of digital learning on the dynamics of social communication in madrasa environments and identify sociological factors that influence the effectiveness of such technology integration. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method combined with a meta-analysis approach was conducted on 456 scientific articles sourced from the Scopus database between 2008 and 2026. Of these, 35 final articles were selected based on inclusion criteria for effect size analysis. Data analysis was conducted using Random Effects Model estimation—given the heterogeneity between studies (I^2 > 50%)—and the Cochrane Q test using JASP v.0.18 software. The results showed a significant positive impact and were in the high category (d = 0.82) on the effectiveness of social communication and student participation in madrasas. Visualization through a funnel plot showed a symmetrical data distribution, indicating low publication bias in the analyzed literature. These findings also revealed that moderating variables, such as teacher digital competence and technological infrastructure support, are key determinants in the successful adoption of digital learning. The implications of this study emphasize the need for reconstruction of the Islamic education curriculum that aligns the values ​​of Islamic moderation (Wasathiyah) with digital communication skills to strengthen the resilience of madrasa communities in the digital era. Specifically for Islamic basic education, collaboration with parents is needed in digital security.

Sore throat is one of the most common symptoms reported during visits to the primary care physician. In most cases, its cause is a viral infection (90 to 95% of acute pharyngitis in adults and 70-85% in children), but there are also cases of other etiologies of infection or pain resulting from surgical procedures (including dental) or mechanical injuries. In most cases, symptomatic treatment in the form of antiseptic, analgesic or anesthetic preparations is used to treat sore throat, regardless of the cause. Among the preparations available on the market, those containing ketoprofen have begun to gain popularity, which may prove to be an interesting alternative to the drugs currently used, both in the practice of a general practitioner and in hospital care. The results of the study indicate that ketoprofen is highly effective in treating sore throats caused by both infections and surgical procedures, including dental procedures. Studies comparing ketoprofen with benzidamine have shown better efficacy of ketoprofen, longer duration of action and fewer side effects. The efficacy of ketoprofen in the pediatric population has also been proven for both the treatment of sore throats of infectious origin and those arising from surgical procedures. Ketoprofen lysine salt is also effective in relieving pain occurring after tooth extractions, and has a good safety profile. Its efficacy is significantly higher than placebo and comparable to that of paracetamol, with no significant side effects. Thanks to its neutral pH, it also does not irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. The findings presented here suggest that ketoprofen may become an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of sore throat and localized oral pain in both outpatient and inpatient care. However, potential side effects should be monitored and further studies should be conducted to clearly assess the safety profile and efficacy of ketoprofen.