Darbhanga College of Engineering

ABSTRACT Carbon compounds generated from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as exceptionally promising functional materials for enhanced energy storage and conversion, owing to their adjustable porosity, extensive surface area, customizable shape, and plentiful active sites. Most recently published reviews on MOF‐derived carbon materials primarily focus on individual aspects such as supercapacitors (SCs), specific electrocatalytic reactions (oxygen reduction reaction ORR/oxygen evolution reaction (OER) or Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)), synthesis strategies, or catalyst design, resulting in fragmented coverage of the field. In contrast, the present review provides a comprehensive and integrated perspective by systematically correlating material design, synthesis strategies, structure–property relationships, and electrochemical mechanisms across both energy storage (SCs, Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs)/KIBs, Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs), and ZABs) and energy conversion (ORR, OER, HER, HOR, CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR), and nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR)). Furthermore, it highlights emerging topics—including advanced synthesis routes, operando/in situ characterization, structure–reaction relationships, pilot‐scale production, commercialization, and future research directions—that are largely underrepresented in existing reviews. Ultimately, critical challenges and future outlooks are discussed, encompassing the creation of innovative MOF‐derived carbon materials, concurrent improvement of catalytic efficiency and stability, a more profound comprehension of internal structure–reaction correlations, the application of operando and in situ characterization techniques, and the advancement of scalable pilot‐scale production methods for practical energy applications.

This study proposed a hybrid machine learning framework integrated with reliability analysis to predict the factor of safety against liquefaction and quantify the associated uncertainties. Three optimized Extreme Gradient Boosting models, XGB-AOA, XGB-ESMA, and XGB-MPA, were developed and evaluated using comprehensive statistical, graphical, and probabilistic analyses. Model performance was assessed through actual and predicted comparisons, multi-criteria score evaluation, Regression Error Characteristic curves, Anderson-Darling testing, internal k-fold cross-validation, and external validation. Reliability-based methods, including the first-order reliability method, second-order reliability method, and higher-order approximations, were applied to estimate the probability of failure and reliability index. Model interpretability was investigated using SHapley Additive explanations (SHAP) to identify the most influential variables governing liquefaction resistance. Results indicated that the XGB-ESMA model achieved superior prediction accuracy, robustness, and generalisation capability compared with XGB-MPA and XGB-AOA. Reliability analysis revealed a high probability of failure (approximately 60–64

Rapid urbanisation demands walling materials that are simultaneously energy-efficient, low-carbon and affordable. This paper presents a multi-criteria comparison of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks with conventional solid and hollow concrete blocks across physical, mechanical, thermal, acoustic, structural, economic and environmental indicators, benchmarked against IS 2185 (Parts 1 and 3), IS 6041 and IS 6441. Compressive strength, thermal conductivity and capillary sorptivity were determined on fifteen AAC and fifteen concrete block specimens at the DCE Darbhanga laboratory, while the remaining parameters were compiled from Indian Standard limits, manufacturer data and published literature. Although concrete blocks develop higher compressive strength (5.0–15.0 N/mm² against 3.0–4.5 N/mm² for AAC), AAC masonry reduces wall self-weight by about 70 per cent, jointing mortar consumption by 75 per cent and thermal transmittance by 76 per cent (0.78 against 3.25 W/m²K). For a ten-storey commercial building modelled in Seismic Zone III, AAC infill lowered structural steel by 8.5 per cent and concrete volume by 6.8 per cent, giving a 10.2 per cent reduction in total structural cost, while EnergyPlus simulation indicated an 18.3 per cent annual cooling energy saving. Embodied carbon is 54 per cent lower per square metre of wall. An engineering decision matrix is proposed to guide material selection.

Elaeocarpus ganitrus, a traditionally sacred tree of Ayurvedic medicine is emerging as a valuable bioresource with considerable potential to contribute to sustainable food systems. This review is a comprehensive study of its phytochemical profile, which contains alkaloids (e.g., rudrakine and elaeocarpine), flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol), phenolics (e.g., gallic acid, caffeic acid), and tannin. These bioactive molecules are the basis of its significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and neuroprotective activities. This article addressed the use of E. ganitrus fruit pulp and seed extracts as natural preservatives in food systems in which it helps to increase the shelf life of perishable food via inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and oxidative spoilage as natural preservatives, although synthetic preservatives are widely used. Conventional formulations such as E. ganitrus milk and decoctions are repackaged as functional food ingredients or nutraceuticals, which can have health benefits related to stress management, metabolic health, and immunity. In addition, the review also notes sustainable agro-forestry utilization of the tree in stabilizing the soil, controlling erosion, improving biodiversity and providing livelihood to smallholder farmers in Himalayan and Southeast Asian areas. In the context of the circular economy, the valorization of the seed waste as biodegradable fillers for the manufacture of eco-friendly packaging for food is mentioned as a possible solution. Apart from these, various problems are also addressed, including the uniformity of extracts, certification for application in food, lack of a large-scale cultivation and clinical validation. Above all else, it emerges as a promising multipurpose tree having potential for integration into sustainable food systems, thereby enhancing biodiversity, soil health, and resilient agro-forestry systems.

This experimental research investigates the mechanical properties of V butt welded joints using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). The thickness of the EN 10,025-S275JR mild steel plates is 10 mm. Three grades of the specimen like low, medium and high-grade mild steels are used in this research work. After carefully prepared the plates as per the guidelines given by ASME, using GMAW by varying Wire Feed Speeds (WFS), welding current and welding voltage. the welding is performed. Each grade. Nine specimens have been prepared for this research work. The butt jointed welds of these nine plates are tested by Ultrasonic Test (UT) to understand the weld defects. Then destructive test is being conducted to evaluate the mechanical performance under Tensile, Shear, Bending, Hardness and impact loading. The welded joints demonstrate exceptional mechanical performance under the ideal GMAW process parameters, which include wire feed speed of 340 mm/s, welding current of 180 A, arc voltage of 21 V, and CO₂ shielding gas at a flow rate of 10 LPM. The welded joint is demonstrated by the tensile strength of 399 N/mm². Additionally, the joint showes a 45.6 kN shear load capacity and a 43 kN fracture load, indicating that it can tolerate both tensile and shear failure modes. Besides, a hardness value of 66 confirms a balanced mix of strength and ductility, while a toughness value of 81 J indicates good energy absorption before breakage. Together, these findings confirm that the chosen welding conditions are effective in generating high-quality. By optimizing the welding process, the research aims to enhance the quality, reliability, and lifespan of welded joints, benefiting industries like structural steel fabrication, pipeline construction, and heavy machinery manufacturing.