University of Engineering & Management (UEM), Kolkata

Ferroresonance is a nonlinear phenomenon capable of producing sustained overvoltages in power systems due to the interaction between system capacitance and the nonlinear magnetizing characteristics of transformers. This paper presents the development of a controlled laboratory platform for the experimental realization and analysis of ferroresonance in a transformer–capacitor circuit. The required series capacitance was determined using Rudenberg’s graphical method, and protective arrangements are incorporated to ensure safe operation during high-voltage conditions. Experimental results confirm the successful initiation of ferroresonance and reveal a distinct jump phenomenon at a particular voltage. Bistable behavior is observed near the transition region, where ferroresonant and non-ferroresonant responses coexist under identical supply conditions. It is further found that the time required to reach steady-state ferroresonance decreases with increasing supply voltage. To support the experimental findings, the transformer’s nonlinear magnetization characteristic is derived from open-circuit test data and used to formulate the governing nonlinear differential equations of the system. A numerical simulation predicts the ferroresonance transition at a voltage, in close agreement with the experimental observation. The minor deviation is attributed to practical non-idealities that the model does not fully capture. The strong correlation validates the proposed nonlinear framework and provides deeper insight into ferroresonance dynamics.

Breast cancer is one of the major health concern and the second leading cause of death among women globally. The survival rates in breast cancer depends on the stages (Stage I–Stage IV), there by the early diagnosis and followed by surgery and chemotherapy is highly recommended. Conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery often have limited efficacy and are associated with severe side effects in breast cancers. Thereby, biosafe materials with high potency is in high demand. Phytochemical loaded nano materials are bio compatible, bio safe as a result, that can be explored in breast cancer therapy with least toxicity effect to other healthy tissues. Exploring the potentiality of targeted drug delivery approaches to mitigate breast cancer, focusing on plant-based bioactive molecules (phytochemicals) and their coupling with nano carriers to overcome the different limitations of traditional therapies. The utilization of phytochemicals in breast cancer management, known for their safety and therapeutic efficacy, is discussed as an alternative approach in this review. Challenges such as poor bioavailability, short half-life, and lack of site specificity, which limit their clinical application, are addressed in different sections. Strategies for mitigating these drawbacks include conjugating phytochemicals with nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, and carbon dots have also been described in this review. Nanocarriers enhance the stability, systemic bioavailability, and site-specific delivery of phytochemicals, enabling them to cross biological barriers effectively while reducing normal cell toxicity. These systems provide a “green corridor” to target breast cancer cells with improved therapeutic efficacy. Ongoing research and clinical trials highlight the promise of phytochemicals conjugated with nanocarriers in breast cancer therapy. This innovative therapeutic approach has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer management. Further research should focus on advancing the development and clinical application of phytochemicals conjugated with nanocarriers to ensure their widespread adoption in breast cancer therapy.

The gut microbiome is fundamental to gastrointestinal and systemic homeostasis through its interactions with dietary components and host-derived factors. Substantial evidence demonstrates a close functional association between the gut and the central nervous system (CNS), establishing a complex communication network that is essential for both health and disease. This review examines the role of the gut microbiota in regulating gastrointestinal physiology and brain function, with particular emphasis on the microbiota-gut-brain axis and its bidirectional signaling mechanisms. The gut microbiota supports normal brain function and gastrointestinal physiology through complex molecular interactions involving the enteric nervous system, neuromuscular junctions, and the CNS. Disruption of microbial balance, known as gut dysbiosis, results in impaired gut integrity, increased intestinal permeability, compromised blood-brain barrier function, and altered neuroimmune signaling. These changes are closely linked to the development and progression of neurological disorders. The microbiota-gut-brain axis constitutes a critical regulatory system that connects gastrointestinal and neurological health. Advancing the understanding of microbiota-mediated mechanisms may yield novel insights into disease pathogenesis and facilitate the development of microbiome-targeted therapeutic strategies.

Millet is a desirable crop due to its adaptability to climate change and its contribution to sustainable development goals (SDGs) in agronomic relevance and food value. The present study examines the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties of bioactive compounds and the proximate composition of three millets, viz. Echinochloa frumentacea, Paspalum scrobiculatum, and Panicum sumatrense were cultivated in Panchal, Bankura, West Bengal, India. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is employed to detect the presence of bioactive compounds. Further, total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant properties were examined. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity was performed against the ethanolic extract of P. scrobiculatum. E. frumentacea and P. sumatrense against P. aeruginosa (ATCC 10145), E. coli (ATCC 25922), and S. aureus (ATCC 6538). The carbohydrate content is highest in P. scrobiculatum. E. frumentacea and P. sumatrense possess a significant protein content. Echinochloa frumentacea contains the maximum fat content. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected the presence of hydrocarbon, fatty acid, and fatty amide compounds in the acidified methanolic extracts of millets. P. scrobiculatum showed the highest phenolic (203.25 ± 10.16 mgGAE/100 g) and flavonoid (179.02 ± 8.95 mgQE/100 g) content. E. frumentacea showed the maximum antioxidant activity (91.02 ± 4.56

In this research work, the authors have developed a highly efficient optical switch based on exotic GaN/Al0.45Ga0.55N/GaN/GaN p+-n-n−-n+ High Electron Mobility Avalanche Photodiode (HEM-APD) in 200 nm to 500 nm wavelength. The optical characteristics of a designed optical switch are analysed by developing a Quantum Modified Carrier Transport Model (QMCTM) coupled with the Monte Carlo simulation technique in terms of absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient, transmission, and reflection spectrum, gain and excess noise factor. Due to the incorporation of a small mole fraction of Al into the GAN, the 2-D Electron Gas (2-DEG) is formed at the interface between the GaN and AlGaN. The 2-DEG significantly enhances electron mobility in the active region of the device at low temperatures. Hence, the electron can travel quickly without restraint through the active region of the device. This phenomenon leads to quicker operation of the device. Additionally, the performance of the designed HEM-APD based optical switch is compared with its flat AlGaN/GaN counterpart. It is observed that the performance of the designed HEM-APD based optical switch is significantly higher compared to its counterpart. The authors have also validated the developed Quantum Modified Carrier Transport Model (QMCTM) coupled with the Monte Carlo simulation technique through experimental verification. This is the first report on development of highly efficient optical switch based on an exotic GaN/Al0.45Ga0.55N/GaN/GaN type p+-n-n–n+ High Electron Mobility Avalanche Photodiode (HEM-APD) in 200 nm to 500 nm wavelength.