Prion Protein Genotypes in Pakistani Goats

Babar, M.E.,Nawaz, M.,Nasim, A.,Abdullah, M.,Imran, M.,Jabeen, R.,Chatha, S.A.,Haq, A.U.,Nawaz, A.,Mustafa, H.,Nadeem, A. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2008 Animal Bioscience Vol.21 No.7

The PCR-amplified prion protein (PrP) gene was sequenced to determine the frequency of scrapie-associated as well as novel PrP genotypes in 72 healthy goats representing five breeds. A total of six genotypes were detected, resulting from the three reported 143 (H/R), 154 (R/H) and 240 (S/P) and the two novel 39 (S/R) and 185 (I/F) amino acid polymorphisms. Of the four silent mutations 42 (a$\rightarrow$g), 138 (c$\rightarrow$t), 231 (c$\rightarrow$a) and 237 (g$\rightarrow$c) detected in this study, 237 (g$\rightarrow$c) is novel. A genotype (SIP/RFP) harboring three amino acid polymorphisms 39 (S/R), 185 (I/F) and 240 (S/P) was found in few goats. Although both scrapie-associated genotypes with 143 (H/R) and 154 (R/H) polymorphisms and others with 39 (S/R), 185 (I/F) and 240 (S/P) polymorphisms were present in the studied Pakistani goats, their frequency was lower than that of the wild-type genotype SHRIS/SHRIS (34.7%). These results emphasize the need for further sequencing of the PrP gene in a large number of goats representing the five studied breeds, so that overall PrP variability can be assessed in these breeds in research addressing future concerns about scrapie.

Fabrication of pulsed laser deposited Ge doped CZTSSe thin film based solar cells: Influence of selenization treatment

Lokhande, A.C.,Chalapathy, R.B.V.,Jang, J.S.,Babar, P.T.,Gang, M.G.,Lokhande, C.D.,Kim, Jin Hyeok North-Holland 2017 Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells Vol. No.

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In the present work, Ge doped CZTGeS thin films are pulsed laser deposited followed by annealing treatment in selenium environment. The influence of selenization condition on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of the absorber thin films are investigated. The thin films characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy techniques confirm the formation of Kesterite CZTGeSSe thin film compound with dominant A1 mode vibration. The morphological and optical studies of the thin films reveal the formation of compact and void free microstructure with optimal band gap in the range of 1–1.2eV. The impact of selenization temperature on the quality of thin films has been studied and thin film solar cells are fabricated with CZTGeSSe absorbers grown at various annealing temperatures from 525 to 575℃ to evaluate the performance of devices as a function of an annealing temperature. The elemental Ge and Sn losses from the absorber compound confirmed from X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) depended on the annealing temperature and linearly increased with increasing temperature affecting the optical, compositional and microstructural properties of the thin films. Compositional non uniformity is one of the factors that limit the performance of solar cell device. PLD technique due to its advantage of achieving precise stoichiometry control combined with optimized selenization conditions can potentially address the issue. Compared to solar cell fabricated from absorber compound annealed at 525 and 575℃, the solar cell fabricated from the absorber annealed at 550℃ exhibited the best conversion efficiency of 3.82% with V<SUB>oc</SUB> 434mV, J<SUB>sc</SUB> 18.33mA/cm<SUP>2</SUP>, FF 47.0% and retained nearly 90% power conversion efficiency (PCE) stability after time period of 60 days.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Pulsed laser deposition of Ge doped CZTS thin films. </LI> <LI> Band gap tuning of CZTGeS thin films with selenization treatment. </LI> <LI> Effect of annealing conditions on structural, optical and morphological properties of CZTGeSSe thin films. </LI> <LI> Fabrication of CZTGeSSe thin film solar cells with efficiency over 3.82%. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

SILAR deposited iron phosphate as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient water splitting

Babar, P.T.,Lokhande, A.C.,Shim, H.J.,Gang, M.G.,Pawar, B.S.,Pawar, S.M.,Kim, Jin Hyeok Elsevier 2019 JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE - Vol.534 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The development of efficient and earth-abundant electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is important but still challenging. Herein, iron phosphate (FeP<I>i</I>) electrode is synthesized using a successive ionic layer deposition and reaction (SILAR) method on a nickel foam substrate at room temperature and is used as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting. The prepared FeP<I>i</I> electrodes show excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The FeP<I>i</I> electrode exhibits low overpotential of 230 mV and 157 mV towards the OER and HER, respectively, with superior long-term stability. As a result, an electrolyzer that exploits FeP<I>i</I> as both the anode and the cathode is constructed, which requires a cell potential of 1.67 V to deliver a 10 mA cm<SUP>−2</SUP> current density in 1 M KOH solution. The exceptional features of the catalyst lie in its structure and active metal sites, increasing surface area, accelerated electron transport and promoted reaction kinetics. This study may provide a facile and scalable approach to design a high-efficiency, earth-abundant electrocatalyst for water splitting.</P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Thermally oxidized porous NiO as an efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst for electrochemical water splitting application

Babar, P.T.,Lokhande, A.C.,Gang, M.G.,Pawar, B.S.,Pawar, S.M.,Kim, Jin Hyeok Elsevier 2018 Journal of industrial and engineering chemistry Vol.60 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Low-cost and competent electrocatalysts play a key role in an electrocatalytic water oxidation reaction. Herein, we report that readily available bare nickel foam (NF) can be used as conductive substrate and precursor to grow a porous nickel oxide (NiO) using a simple and scalable thermal oxidation method. The obtained NiO supported on NF is used as binder-free electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and its electrochemical properties are evaluated by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) in 1M KOH. The porous NiO thin film acts as an efficient electrocatalyst for the OER and achieves a catalytic current density of 10mAcm<SUP>−2</SUP> at an overpotential of 310mV with a smaller Tafel slope of 54mVdec<SUP>−1</SUP>. The electrode also shows good durability over 24h with negligible degradation. This durable and high-performance electrocatalyst can be a competitor to electrocatalysts that consist of costly elements and, require advanced synthesis; the NiO electrocatalyst shows progress towards the replacement of noble metal-based electrocatalysts for the OER.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Porous NiO has been synthesized by a simple thermal oxidation method. </LI> <LI> Thermally oxidized NiO show significantly enhanced OER activity. </LI> <LI> It is promising for fabrication of low-cost and robust OER electrode. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

A Novel and Smart Design of Superconducting Fault Current Controller: Implementation and Verification for Various Fault Condition

Jae Young Jang,Jiho Lee,Young Gun Park,Jinsub Kim,Jae Woong Shim,Min Cheol Ahn,Kyeon Hur,Tae Kuk Ko,Al-Ammar, A.,Babar, M. IEEE 2013 IEEE transactions on applied superconductivity Vol.23 No.3

<P>By the advent of the Smart Grid and integration of distributed generators, electrical networks are facing uncountable challenges. The existing protection schemes that simply limit the fault current to the predetermined set values may not perform optimally, and even the existing protection coordination schemes fail and lead to catastrophic failures in the increasingly complex and unpredictable grid operation. This paper proposes a novel and smart design of fault current controller constituting a full-bridge thyristor rectifier embedding a superconducting coil. When a fault occurs and the resulting current through the superconducting coil exceeds a certain preset value based on the current operating conditions of the grid to maintain the grid integrity, the magnitude of the fault current is regulated to a desired value by automatic controlling of the thyristor. This research also implements a lab-scale Smart FCC with smart current control capability and demonstrates the desired functionality and efficacy of design by changing the fault conditions. This proposed Smart FCC design will make the Smart Power Grid capable of self-healing against current faults.</P>

Binder-free novel Cu₄SnS₄ electrode for high-performance supercapacitors

Lokhande, A.C.,Patil, Amar,Shelke, A.,Babar, P.T.,Gang, M.G.,Lokhande, V.C.,Dhawale, Dattatray S.,Lokhande, C.D.,Kim, Jin Hyeok Elsevier 2018 ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA Vol.284 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this work, for the first time, we report the direct coating of ternary chalcogenide-based nanostructured Cu<SUB>4</SUB>SnS<SUB>4</SUB> (CTS) thin film electrodes for the energy storage application. The phase purity, composition, microstructure, optical and electrical properties of the synthesized electrode are validated through comprehensive characterization techniques. In the supercapacitive application, the CTS electrode delivers an excellent performance with the maximum specific capacitance of 704 F/g, an energy density of 27.77 Wh/kg and a power density of 7.14 kW/kg in 1 M NaOH electrolyte solution. The intrinsic electrode properties such as the electronic conductivity, crystal structure and film hydrophilicity are found to be influential parameters for the obtained high performance and are studied in detail. Furthermore, the solid-state supercapacitive device fabricated using CTS electrodes and polymer gel electrolyte (PVA/NaOH) in a symmetric configuration, demonstrated the highest specific capacitance of 34.9 F/g with an energy density of 2.4 Wh/kg, a power density of 0.291 kW/kg and more than 89.9% capacitive retention. The presented work reports a simple, cost-effective, scalable and replicable approach for electrode application in supercapacitor industry.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Specific capacitance of 704 F/g, an energy density of 27.77 Wh/kg and a power density of 7.14 kW/kg. </LI> <LI> The intrinsic electrode properties, such as the electronic conductivity, crystal structure and hydrophilicity are found to be influential parameters. </LI> <LI> Symmetric device: specific capacitance of 34.9 F/g, an energy density of 2.4 Wh/kg, a power density of 0.291 kW/kg with 89.9% capacitive retention for 1000 cycles. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>The obtained porous microstructure of the CTS thin film electrode using SILAR method and its electrochemical characterization in solid-state symmetric configuration. The CV and GCD curves are accomplished in the potential window range of 0–1.2 V. The device exhibited 89.9% stability retention after 1000 CV cycles.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

The versatility of copper tin sulfide

Lokhande, A. C.,Babar, P. T.,Karade, V. C.,Gang, M. G.,Lokhande, V. C.,Lokhande, C. D.,Kim, Jin Hyeok The Royal Society of Chemistry 2019 Journal of materials chemistry. A, Materials for e Vol.7 No.29

<P>In recent years, copper tin sulfide (CTS) chalcogenide compounds have witnessed applicability in various fields, rendering them as a formidable candidate for various applications. The intrinsic tunable properties accompanied by low cost, easy processing methods and eco-friendly character of CTS compounds collectively contribute to new avenues in industrial applications. In the past decade, chalcogenide CTS compounds have been extensively studied for thin film solar cell (TFSC) applications. However, with the consistent developments in scientific technology, various other applications related to optical, electrochemical, biological, functional coating and gas sensing technology have emerged. It is of vital importance to understand the driving mechanism of these applications for designing a new course for future research. Hence, in this review, the current status of various applications of CTS compounds is discussed. The key factors influencing the multifunctionality such as material properties, synthesis methods, and the doping strategy have been scrutinized. A comprehensive critical assessment of every application with ongoing developments, functional device fabrication, working mechanisms, associated issues/solutions and its potential future is made. The aim of the article is not only to overview the multiple existing applications of CTS compounds but also to develop a meritorious platform for further development in generating state of the art applications.</P>

Thermally oxidized porous NiO as an efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst for electrochemical water splitting application

P.T. Babar,A.C. Lokhande,M.G. Gang,B.S. Pawar,S.M. Pawar,김진혁 한국공업화학회 2018 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.60 No.-

Low-cost and competent electrocatalysts play a key role in an electrocatalytic water oxidation reaction. Herein, we report that readily available bare nickel foam (NF) can be used as conductive substrate and precursor to grow a porous nickel oxide (NiO) using a simple and scalable thermal oxidation method. The obtained NiO supported on NF is used as binder-free electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and its electrochemical properties are evaluated by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) in 1 M KOH. The porous NiO thin film acts as an efficient electrocatalyst for the OER and achieves a catalytic current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 310 mV with a smaller Tafel slope of 54 mV dec−1. The electrode also shows good durability over 24 h with negligible degradation. This durable and high-performance electrocatalyst can be a competitor to electrocatalysts that consist of costly elements and, require advanced synthesis; the NiO electrocatalyst shows progress towards the replacement of noble metal-based electrocatalysts for the OER.

Female Body Shape Classifications and Their Significant Impact on Fabric Utilization

T. Naveed,Y. Zhong,A. Hussain,A. A. Babar,A. Naeem,A. Iqbal,S. Saleemi 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.12

In apparel manufacturing, more than 50 % cost is consumed by the textile fabric. Therefore companies have significant apprehensions in the fabric utilization. It can result in more efficient and cost-effective in fabric utilization if they are related to different body shapes. The purpose of this study is to classify female body shapes and evaluate fabric utilization efficiency for each category of the body shape. To this end, three dimensional (3D) body scans are collected from 124 young female subjects. For the body shape analysis, 3D body scans are processed by using Moore neighbor algorithm and region prop function to perceive the outermost shell. Moreover, both front and side view of the scans is processed for data reduction using Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and clustering using K-Means ++. It has been observed through our analysis of a dataset that female bodies can be categorized into four body shapes, that is, oval shape, circle shape, triangle shape, and rectangle shape. It has also been observed that all four body shape categories exhibit dissimilar anthropometric size measures. The result implies that these body shapes have devoured different fabric utilization for the garments (fitted trouser and fitted shirt). It has been noted that in fitted trouser and fitted shirt the most effective is the rectangle shape (cluster 4) and the least is the circle shape (cluster 2) in the fabric consumption. Similarly, the fitted trousers utilize less fabric while the fitted shirts consume more fabric in all body shapes. These findings provide a better reference of fabric utilization and cost-effectiveness to the apparel manufacturers while producing garments for different categories of the body shape.

Design and SAR Analysis of Wearable Antenna on Various Parts of Human Body, Using Conventional and Artificial Ground Planes

Ali, Usman,Ullah, Sadiq,Khan, Jalal,Shafi, Muhammad,Kamal, Babar,Basir, Abdul,Flint, James A,Seager, Rob D. The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers 2017 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.12 No.1

This paper presents design and specific absorption rate analysis of a 2.4 GHz wearable patch antenna on a conventional and electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) ground planes, under normal and bent conditions. Wearable materials are used in the design of the antenna and EBG surfaces. A woven fabric (Zelt) is used as a conductive material and a 3 mm thicker Wash Cotton is used as a substrate. The dielectric constant and tangent loss of the substrate are 1.51 and 0.02 respectively. The volume of the proposed antenna is $113{\times}96.4{\times}3mm^3$. The metamaterial surface is used as a high impedance surface which shields the body from the hazards of electromagnetic radiations to reduce the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). For on-body analysis a three layer model (containing skin, fats and muscles) of human arm is used. Antenna employing the EBG ground plane gives safe value of SAR (i.e. 1.77W/kg<2W/kg), when worn on human arm. This value is obtained using the safe limit of 2 W/kg, averaged over 10g of tissue, specified by the International Commission of Non Ionization Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The SAR is reduced by 83.82 % as compare to the conventional antenna (8.16 W/kg>2W/kg). The efficiency of the EBG based antenna is improved from 52 to 74 %, relative to the conventional counterpart. The proposed antenna can be used in wearable electronics and smart clothing.