Ravikumar V

@sit.ac.in

Assistant Professor
Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumakuru



              

https://researchid.co/ravikumarv

EDUCATION

M.tech in power electronics

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Renewable energy
smart grid

232

Scopus Publications

6

Scholar Citations

2

Scholar h-index

Scopus Publications

  • Islanding detection for reconfigurable microgrid with RES
    Pravin Kumar, Vishal Kumar, and Barjeev Tyagi

    Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

  • Fluorescent Fe2O3-CdSe nanocomposite probe for selective detection and removal of picric acid
    Vishal Kumar, Anshu Kumar, Mrinmoy Kumar Chini, and Soumitra Satapathi

    Elsevier BV
    ABSTRACT Here, we present a methodology and promising novel hybrid nano-structure that comprises of magnetic core encapsulated inside a thin silica shell, electrostatically adsorbed with a positively charged spacer arm of fluorescent Cysteamine-capped CdSe quantum dots (QDs). This multimodal nanosensor provides an efficient, sensitive and selective detection of Picric Acid (PA) (LOD ≈ 2.2 μM) (Quenching constant KPA ≈ 4.3×104 M-1) in solution via photo-induced electron transfer mechanism. The sensing mechanism is probed via UV-Vis spectroscopy, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The removal of PA, attached to the spherical magnetic core-shell particles, is achieved using an external magnet. This elegant architecture results in an ultra-small magneto-fluorescent nanoparticle (particle size ≈ 12.7 nm), offering a novel platform for the development of a field-based PA sensor. This strategy is having the potential for applications in the field of low-cost and stand-off sensor.

  • Fabrication of Cysteamine capped-CdSe QDs anchored graphene xerogel nanosensor for facile onsite visual detection of TNT
    Vishal Kumar, Anshu Kumar, Prathul Nath, and Soumitra Satapathi

    Elsevier BV
    Abstract Owing to the importance of explosive detection for the security of land and the environment, the exploration of new methodologies for sensing electron-deficient nitroaromatics explosives (NAEs) is urgently imperative. In this work, we firstly reported a colorimetric sensor for visual detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) based on Cysteamine capped-CdSe quantum dots (QDs) decorated graphene-chitosan xerogel (GSXS), which is shown to have high signal-to-background ratio. Meisenheimer complex formation, which is a well-known sensing mechanism, is characterized by steady state and time resolved spectroscopy supported by Density-Functional-Theory (DFT). Upon Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) illumination, this stable Meisenheimer complex actively suppresses the attributed fluorescence of QD-GSXS and thus providing a novel path for chemical sensing applications. Under optimized conditions, the sensor displayed a wide linear range from 0.0 to 311.4 μ M with a limit of detection 9.7 μ M. The developed chemosensor showed several advantages, including good selectivity and excellent stability. The proposed approach can be utilized for the rapid and sensitive detection of NAEs in the solution phase and also for clinical application.

  • Deploying Micro-PMUs With Channel Limit in Reconfigurable Distribution Systems
    Gagandeep Singh Dua, Barjeev Tyagi, and Vishal Kumar

    Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

  • A Novel Approach for Configuration Identification of Distribution Network Utilizing μpMU Data
    Gagandeep Singh Dua, Barjeev Tyagi, and Vishal Kumar

    Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
    Estimating the configuration of the distribution network (DN) is essential for coordinated protection, reliable automation, and robust control applications. This article presents a novel approach to detect the configuration of the DN by acquiring and processing real-time measurement from the optimally placed microphasor measurement unit (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\\mu$</tex-math></inline-formula>PMU). Initially, the <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\\mu$</tex-math></inline-formula>PMU placement problem is formulated subjected to the various working configuration of the distribution network for complete observability. After that, measurements from <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\\mu$</tex-math></inline-formula>PMU nodes are obtained to develop the problem of identifying the network configuration. Conceptual mechanism behind configuration identification approach is to compare time series measurements with the estimated version. The estimated measurement is derived by adopting load-flow analysis pertaining to different network configurations. Comprehensive testing in 33-node DN under different scenarios viz. nominal load, uncertain variation in load, load ratio effect, and evaluation with a reduced number of measuring devices verifies the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed configuration identification approach.

  • Letter to the editor concerning "primary cervical decompression surgery may improve lumbar symptoms in patients with tandem spinal stenosis" by Inoue T, et al. (Eur Spine J; 2021 jan 6. doi: 10.1007/s00586-020-06,693-0)
    Vishal Kumar, Sarvdeep Singh Dhatt, Sabarathinam Ravi Subramaniyam, and Deepak Neradi

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    We read the article “Primary cervical decompression surgery may improve lumbar symptoms in patients with tandem spinal stenosis” by Inoue T, et al. [1] with great interest and had a long deliberation and appraisal on the different aspects discussed in the concerned article. At the go, we congratulate the authors for selecting a retrospective analysis of a common combination of stenosis, but scarcely described in literature. Certain significant points of concern which need redressal are:

  • Median Effective Volume of 0.5% Ropivacaine for Ultrasound-guided Costoclavicular Block: A Dose-finding Study
    Anu Kewlani, Nidhi Bhatia, Jeetinder Kaur Makkar, and Vishal Kumar

    Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
    Background The median effective dose of ropivacaine required for producing an effective costoclavicular block has not yet been determined. The authors conducted this dose-finding study with the objective of determining the median effective dose of 0.5% ropivacaine required to produce a successful costoclavicular block for surgical anesthesia in 50% of the patients (ED50) as well as the calculated dose required for effective blockade in 95% of the patients (ED95). Methods This single-armed prospective study was conducted on 40 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II patients, aged 18 to 60 yr, with a body mass index of 18 to 30 kg/m2, scheduled to undergo forearm and hand surgeries under ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block. A volume of 0.5% ropivacaine administered in the costoclavicular space was determined using the sample up-and-down sequential allocation study design of binary response variables. The first patient received a volume of 26 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. After a successful or unsuccessful block, the volume of local anesthetic was decreased or increased, respectively, by 2 ml in the next patient. Evaluation of sensory and motor block was performed every 5 min for 30 min and graded using a 3-point scale. Surgical anesthesia was considered to be successful if a minimum score of 14 was achieved and the surgeon was able to proceed with surgery without needing to supplement anesthesia. Results The volume of local anesthetic administered ranged from 8 to 26 ml. Centered isotonic regression with a bias-corrected Morris 95% CI derived by bootstrapping showed ED50 of 13.5 ml (95% CI, 11.5 to 15.4 ml) and ED95 of 18.9 ml (95% CI, 17.9 to 27.5 ml). Conclusions A 19-ml dose of 0.5% ropivacaine is likely to produce an effective ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block for providing adequate surgical anesthesia to 95% of the patients. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New

  • 30-Day Mortality Rate in Hip Fractures Among the Elderly with Coexistent COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review
    Prasoon Kumar, Karan Jindal, Sameer Aggarwal, Vishal Kumar, and Rajesh Kumar Rajnish

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Purpose Hip fractures in the elderly require a multi-disciplinary approach and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The current COVID-19 pandemic has affected substantially this high-risk population group. This present review was done to ascertain whether or not the pandemic has affected the 30-day mortality and outcomes of hip fracture in the elderly. Research Question Does the coexistence of COVID-19 infection and hip fractures in the elderly increase the mortality rates? Methodology A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using three databases (PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS) to compare the mortality rates between COVID-19 positive/suspect and COVID-19 negative patients. The secondary outcomes included comparison of in-hospital mortality, complication rate and length of hospital stay. Risk of bias assessment was done using the MINORS tool. Results The present review included 20 studies. Primary outcome: A significantly higher 30 day mortality rate was seen in COVID-19 positive/suspect patients with an Odds ratio of 6.09 (95% CI 4.75–8.59, p < 0.00001). Secondary outcome: We observed significantly higher rates of inpatient mortality [OR 18.22, (95% CI 7.10–46.75], complication rate (OR 9.28, 95% CI 4.46–19.30), and length of hospital stay (MD: 4.96, 95% CI 2.86–7.05) in COVID-19 positive/suspect patients as compared to COVID-19 negative patients. Conclusion COVID-19 has deteriorated the outcomes in elderly patients with hip fractures and associated with higher rates of mortality in the short term. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to contain this “pandemic within a pandemic” and improve the overall outcome to survival.

  • Outcomes and complications of the INFIX technique for unstable pelvic ring injuries with high-velocity trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Sandeep Patel, Sameer Aggarwal, Karan Jindal, Vishal Kumar, and Siddhartha Sharma

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    The pelvic INFIX technique has been proposed as a useful alternative to symphyseal plating for management of unstable pelvic ring injuries. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure, shorter operative time and less perioperative blood loss have been purported as potential advantages. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the outcomes and complications of the INFIX technique for unstable pelvic ring injuries. A systematic review of literature was performed on the PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases. Prospective and retrospective studies in all languages, whether comparative or non-comparative, pertaining to the use of INFIX in pelvic fractures were included. Studies which did not evaluate INFIX, case reports, conference abstracts and those with less than 10 cases were excluded. Cadaveric studies, technique papers and studies that did not describe the prespecified outcome measures were also excluded. Meta-analysis consisted of two different arms: a comparative arm, to compare INFIX to symphyseal plating, and a non-comparative meta-analysis arm, to determine pooled rates of outcomes and complications. Risk of bias was determined by the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS) tool. A total of 22 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 7 were comparative and 15 were non-comparative. 746 patients were included for qualitative analysis and pooled analysis done for 589 patients. The average follow-up of these studies ranged from a minimum of 5.4 months to a maximum of 54 months. Comparative meta-analysis (n = 3 studies) of plating and INFIX showed significantly lesser blood loss (mean difference = 176.46 mL; 95% CI − 207.54 to − 145.38) and shorter operative time (mean difference = 26.43 min, 95% CI − 31.79 to − 21.07) with INFIX, but no significant difference in the overall complication rates (OR 1.59, 95% CI 0.83–3.05) and functional outcome scores (mean difference = − 2.51, 95% CI − 5.73 to 0.71). Pooled analysis showed overall good radiological (mean percentage of excellent to good reduction = 91.4%, 95% CI 0.860–0.969) and functional outcomes (mean Majeed score = 86.48, 95% CI 83.34–89.61) with INFIX. The most common complications were lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury (overall rate 28%, 95% CI 15.1–41%) and heterotopic ossification (HO) (overall rate 9.4%, 95% CI 5.5–13.3%); rates of other complications were low. Significant heterogeneity was noted in the pooled analysis of blood loss, operative time, functional outcome, HO and LFCN injury. The overall strength of evidence was found to be weak. The INFIX technique can be considered as a viable alternative to symphyseal plating for unstable pelvic ring injuries. It has the advantages of shorter operative times and less blood loss, along with comparable functional outcomes, when compared to plating. Overall, good functional outcomes can be expected. However, well-designed, multi-center randomized controlled trials are needed to conclusively prove the benefit of this technique.

  • Is Minimally Invasive Plating Osteosynthesis Better Than Conventional Open Plating for Humeral Shaft Fractures? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies
    Kumar Keshav, Anurag Baghel, Vishal Kumar, Deepak Neradi, Kumar Kaustubh, and Prabhaker Mishra

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC

  • Need for Testing and Supplementation of Vitamin D3 After Release of COVID-19 Lockdown in Patients with Increased Musculoskeletal Pain
    Sarvdeep Singh Dhatt, Vishal Kumar, Deepak Neradi, Praveen Sodavarapu, Tensubam Tomthin Meetei, and Vijay Goni

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Aims To evaluate vitamin D3 levels in patients who presented with increased musculo-skeletal pain after release of lockdown period when compared to pre-lockdown status. Introduction During this COVID pandemic, many countries have implemented lockdown measures and people have to work from home and many students and workers have to restrict themselves to home. During this period, their outdoor activities were limited. After the partial release of this lockdown many of them started to have some kind of physical activity and started experiencing body pains. We evaluated such patients for vitamin D3 levels and symptoms of fibromyalgia. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of patients from age group 18–60 presented to outpatient department or on telephonic consultation after partial release of lockdown. All patients who had mild back ache before lockdown and had symptoms exaggerated during this lockdown release were included. All patients were investigated for vitamin D3, PTH, thyroid profile, liver functional and kidney functional tests. Results Out of 120 patients presented to us in a period of 3 months, 31 patients had increased symptoms when compared to pre-lockdown status. 20 out of 31 patients had low vitamin D3 levels. 14 patients also developed symptoms of fibromyalgia. Conclusion There might be many reasons for increased pain during lockdown, but we focussed specially only on vitamin D3 because of its association with increased symptoms of COVID-19. This is a gentle reminder to test for vitamin D3 levels and supplement if found deficient. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00376-8.

  • INFIX-safe and effective surgical option for complex fracture patterns of the anterior pelvic ring: A prospective single center study
    Sushank Sharma, Sameer Aggarwal, Sandeep Patel, Vishal Kumar, Karan Jindal, and Anindita Sinha

    Elsevier BV
    Background Complex fracture patterns of anterior pelvic ring are a challenge and usually needs extensive surgeries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate INFIX as a minimally invasive procedure for such injuries in terms of feasibility, outcomes and complications in the Indian population. Methods Patients with complex fracture patterns of anterior pelvic ring were selected for anterior INFIX application along with standard posterior stabilization. Outcomes were assessed radiographically by Matta's criteria and amount of displacement. Post-operative CT scan for relation of implant to vital structures and Doppler at varying hip flexion for possible vascular occlusion was used. Functional outcomes included both disease specific scores (Majeed score, IOWA pelvic score) and quality of life scores (SMFA, SF-12). Complications were also noted. Results 12 cases out of 112 patients had complex fracture pattern of the anterior ring. Most common injury pattern were LC-3 and VS (n = 6 and 3) Young and Burgess type. The average follow up was 6 months. Fracture reduction as per Matta's criteria was excellent in 10 (83.3%) cases and good in 2 (16.6%) cases with functional outcomes excellent in 11 cases, and a mean Majeed score of 92.67 ± 5.8. The average SMFA score was 51 ± 4.39 and mean SF-12 scores for physical and mental health were 48.493 ± 6.74 and 56.370 ± 4.04 respectively. Complications noted were lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy (1/24 nerves), skin dehiscence (n = 2), infection (n = 2) and sacral nonunion (n = 1). Conclusion INFIX is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for addressing complexfracture patterns involving the anterior half of pelvic ring with excellent fracture reduction, radiological and functional outcomes and predictable fracture healing.

  • Comparison of Passive Damping based LCL Filter Design Methods for Grid-connected Voltage Source Converters
    P Naresh, CVS Anirudh, and V. Seshadri Sravan Kumar

    IEEE
    Distributed generators are typically interfaced to the grid via power electronic converters that are usually operated in pulse width modulation mode. This results in undesirable higher-order harmonics in currents and voltages that deteriorate the power quality. In order to mitigate these harmonics, a filter is usually connected at the output of the converter before it is interfaced to the grid. The most commonly adopted filter is the LCL filter. This paper analyses the performance of different methods proposed in the literature to design passive LCL filters for a 3− ϕ grid-connected voltage source converter. Various filter design techniques are tested for their compliance with the standards IEEE 519-2014 and IEEE 1547-2018. Further, comparison is carried out in terms of essential system metrics such as reactive power requirement, power factor, and the voltage drop across the filter. The performance of various filter design approaches is analyzed using simulation studies on different distributed generator configurations.

  • Multiple solutions for micro-PMUs placement in active distribution networks
    Gagandeep Singh Dua, Barjeev Tyagi, and Vishal Kumar

    IEEE
    This paper addresses a technique of extracting numerous solutions for micro-PMUs (μPMUs) placement in the active distribution network with various topologies. For this purpose, the integer linear programming (ILP) framework is employed to identify the various optimized locations for the micro-PMUs. The modern power distribution network consists of different types of nodes, whose monitoring is imperative for coordinated operation and control. Also, the distribution networks operate in various topologies to optimize several targets. The observability measure is defined on the basis of active nodes, switch nodes, and high connectivity nodes, which help to grade and determine the best μPMU placement solution. The simulation results on the modified distribution network verify the efficacy of the proposed method for procuring a suitable μPMU placement solution.

  • Detection of islanding for microgrid based on discrimination factor of islanding
    Pravin Kumar, Vishal Kumar, and Barjeev Tyagi

    IEEE
    The present work proposes an islanding identification scheme based on the discriminating factor of islanding (DFI) extracted by the superimposed angle of impedance. The suggested methodology effectively identifies islanding within half of the cycle, discriminates islanding events (IEs) from non-islanding events (NIEs) at 0% power mismatch (PM), and unnecessary tripping due to different forms of NIEs. A significant Figure of IEs and NIEs have been tested across a wide assortment of PM on 7 bus microgrid test systems. Within this work, three separate cases (I, II, and III) are addressed. In the last, the results that were obtained from the proposed methodology is compared.

  • Comment on the article—“Acetabular cup migration after primary cementless total hip arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis and its influencing factors: a comparative study with osteoarthritic hip”
    Mohak Kataria, Prasoon Kumar, and Vishal Kumar

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Dear Editor-in-chief, We read the article on “Acetabular cup migration after primary cementless total hip arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis and its influencing factors: a comparative study with osteoarthritic hip” by Jun-Ki Moon et al. [1] and congratulate the authors on their well-thought retrospective analysis. We had an in-depth discussion of this article in our departmental journal club and would like to present forth certain queries and concerns.

  • Optimization of Phasor Measurement Units Placement under Contingency Using Reliability of Network Components
    Sanjay Kumar, Barjeev Tyagi, Vishal Kumar, and Sunita Chohan

    Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
    This study reports an optimization technique to reduce the requirement of phasor measurement units (PMUs) for complete observability under contingency with the use of component reliability. The present methodology secures the data measurement of unreliable and weak-load buses of power network considering hybrid observability for multiphase PMUs installation. The ( $N - 1$ ), ( $N - 2$ ) contingency present in the power network requires redundancy for data measurement. The network components with high reliability decrease the contingency of power networks. This reduces the requirement of data measurement redundancy for the network component having high reliability. This article utilizes this relationship between network component reliability and power network contingency to propose the concept of hybrid observability for PMU placement. It combines the concept of complete and redundant observabilities. Power network reliability is determined by incorporating the component reliability of the PMU data measurement system. Weak-load buses responsible for voltage collapse are determined by varying reactive power loading. Furthermore, the proposed weak-load bus closeness criteria (WLCC) and reliability observability criterion (ROC) are utilized for performing ranking of PMU locations using an analytical hierarchical process. These criteria identify the most significant location for initial phases of PMU installation. This strengthens the data measurement of weak-load buses through the most reliable network preventing voltage collapse due to data unavailability even during initial phases of PMU placement. The proposed methodology is illustrated on the IEEE 30-bus and NRPG 246-bus system.

  • Guidelines for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with pelvi-acetabular trauma
    Sameer Aggarwal, Sandeep Patel, Saurabh Vashisht, Vishal Kumar, Inderpaul Singh Sehgal, Rajeev Chauhan, Dr Sreedhara B. Chaluvashetty, Dr K. Hemanth Kumar, and Dr Karan Jindal

    Elsevier BV
    Background Venous thromboembolism is a dreaded complication leading to increased morbidity and mortality in patients having pelvi-acetabular fractures. Objectives These evidence based guidelines aim to provide the decision making ability in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients with pelvi-acetabular trauma planned for operative or non operative treatment. Methods The patients were subclassified into 5 categories. The PICO framework was used to devise research questions in each category. The systematic reviews were performed for each research question. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess outcomes of critical interest. The guideline panel consisting of expert members of different subspecialties, analyzed the evidence and made recommendations. Results The guideline panel proposed 21 recommendations. There are five recommendations in category 1 to 3, two recommendations in category 4 and four recommendations in category 5. Conclusion In pelvi-acetabular fractures there is strong evidence to suggest that thromboprophylaxis should be given. It should be initiated as early as possible after control of hemorrhage. The chemical prophylaxis is the preferred mode and LMWH is the preferred agent of choice. The mechanical methods can be used as an adjunct. The routine prophylactic use of IVC filters is not recommended. However, the use of retrievable IVC filters in high risk patients with established VTE in preoperative period can be considered. The use of newer directly acting oral anticoagulants is gaining importance.

  • Diaphragmatic palsy in a 10-month-old boy with infantile tremor syndrome causing respiratory failure with full response to vitamin B<inf>12</inf> therapy
    Neha Bidhuri, Vishal Kumar, Ruby Singh, Dhirendra Pratap Singh, Sheetal Agarwal, and Devki Nandan

    Informa UK Limited
    ABSTRACT Infantile tremor syndrome (ITS) owing to vitamin B12 deficiency usually presents with tremors, anaemia, pigmentary skin changes, neuro-regression and hypotonia. A 10-month-old boy with ITS and respiratory failure owing to bilateral diaphragmatic palsy who responded to high parenteral doses of vitamin B12 is presented. As far as we are aware, this is the first report of diaphragmatic palsy associated with ITS and vitamin B12 deficiency.

  • Necessity of Direct Decompression for Thoracolumbar Junction Burst Fractures with Neurological Compromise
    Nitin K. Jaiswal, Vishal Kumar, Varun Puvanesarajah, Ashish Dagar, Mahesh Prakash, Mandeep Dhillon, and Sarvdeep S. Dhatt

    Elsevier BV
    PURPOSE Surgical management of burst fractures is controversial, with many different operative options. From a posterior approach, decompression of the spinal cord can be performed through both indirect and direct methods, the former relying on ligamentotaxis. It is unclear whether indirect decompression with ligamentotaxis is as effective as direct decompression. METHODS Prospective, randomized-control data was retrospectively analyzed to only include burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction. Patients were treated with either: 1) direct decompression, involving wide posterior decompression in addition to operative stabilization and 2) indirect decompression, where decompression was performed solely through ligamentotaxis. Patients were followed up at 6 months with clinical assessment and CT and MRI. Additional clinical assessment was performed at 1 year. For all analyses, p < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS In total, 46 patients were included, with 18 patients in the direct decompression subgroup and 28 patients in the indirect decompression subgroup. The average age of the full cohort was 35.1 ± 13.1 (range: 16-60) years. Most patients had L1 fractures (21/46, 46%), with an AO type A4 fracture morphology (17/46, 37%), and were ASIA grade B (18/46, 39%). Both treatments resulted in similar increases in canal diameter and decreases in dural sac compromise (p > 0.5) at 6-month follow-up. Both treatments resulted in similar grades of neurologic improvement (p = 0.575) at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS We found that there were no significant differences in clinical and imaging outcomes when comparing direct decompression with ligamentotaxis. Ligamentotaxis alone may be effective in carefully selected cases.

  • Study on the identification methods for effective microorganisms in commercially available organic agriculture materials
    Ashutosh Bahuguna, Ah-Ryeong Joe, Vishal Kumar, J. Lee, Sung-Youn Kim, Ji-Young Moon, Soon-Kil Cho, Hyunjeong Cho and Myunghee Kim


    The identification of microorganisms in closely related groups is challenging. The present work focused on the different molecular methodology for the accurate microbial identification in the five commercially available organic agriculture materials enriched with effective microorganisms. From the tested five organic agricultural materials, a total of seven distinct bacterial colonies (A-1, B-1, C-1, D-1, E-1, E-2, and E-3) were isolated and processed for sequential identification utilizing HiCrome™ Bacillus agar, biochemical tests with API CHB50, 16S rRNA gene analysis, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and species-specific PCR analysis. All the isolated microorganisms were Gram-positive rods and spore former belonging to Bacillus group and appeared as a differential characteristic feature on HiCrome™ Bacillus agar. All isolates showed high-percentage similarities with the different members of Bacillus species in biochemical testing and 16S rRNA gene analysis. The collective identification results revealed isolates, A-1, B-1, and C-1, close to B. velezensis. Further RAPD-PCR and species-specific PCR discriminated and provided confirmatory evidence for D-1 as B. thuringiensis and E-1, E-2, and E-3 as B. licheniformis, respectively. In addition, presence of B. thuringiensis was also confirmed by toxin crystal protein staining. In conclusion, the species-specific primers could be used as a rapid and accurate identification tool to discriminate closely related Bacillus species such as B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, and B. thuringiensis.

  • Decentralized Output-Feedback-Based Robust LQR V-f Controller for PV-Battery Microgrid including Generation Uncertainties
    Sachidananda Sen and Vishal Kumar

    Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
    Maintaining nominal voltage and frequency (V-f) for an isolated microgrid (MG) with photovoltaic (PV)-battery system needs stringent control arrangement due to generation arbitraries of renewable energy sources. In present article, a robust V-f controller based on decentralized output-feedback optimal linear quadratic regulator principle is proposed. As state-feedback is not involved, it avoids the usage of any estimator or observer, which makes it computationally more efficient. Moreover, its decentralized structure works on local parameter measurements that eliminate expensive communication infrastructure, making it economical. All possible uncertainties from both source and load sides, neighboring bus parameters are considered for V-f regulation using the resistive-droop mechanism that is more accurate for low voltage resistive network. For this purpose, a novel lower-order simplified small-signal MG model including two PV-battery with exclusive parallel RLC loads and LV network is used, which accounts for intermittency as variable dc-bus link dynamics. The whole MG model is segregated into two subsystems with inclusion of interconnection dynamics. The viability of proposed controller is verified by comprehensive tests, viz., variable solar irradiance, voltage set-point tracking under continuous-bounded and large-scale load perturbations, nearby bus parameter disturbances using hardware-in-the-loop simulations with real-time digital simulator and MATLAB via dSPACE controller.

  • Optimization of process variables for osmo-freeze drying of strawberry slices using response surface methodology


  • Tryptic Mapping Based Structural Insights of Endo-1, 4-β-Xylanase from Thermomyces lanuginosus VAPS-24
    Brian N. Mathibe, Samkelo Malgas, Layla Radosavljevic, Vishal Kumar, Pratyoosh Shukla, and Brett I. Pletschke

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    An endo-1,4-β-xylanase, XynA, from Thermomyces lanuginosus VAPS-24, was purified to homogeneity and exhibited a molecular mass of approximately 20 kDa. The protein sequence of XynA was found to be similar to those of other Thermomyces lanuginosus derived xylanases and, as a result, could be used as a model enzyme for understanding the protein structure–activity relationship and facilitating protein engineering to design enzyme variants with desirable properties. Therefore, this xylanase will be an attractive candidate for applications in the biofuel and fine chemical industries for the degradation of xylans in steam pre-treated biomass.

  • Letter to Editor - Duration and Dosing of Opioids after Spine Surgery Implications on Outcomes at 1 Year
    Vishal Kumar, Shalvi Mahajan, and Amit Kumar Salaria

    Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Design and development of asymmetrical multi-Level Inverter for solar energy
    R Kumar, N Sanjay
    2018 International Conference on Electrical, Electronics, Communication 2018

  • Design and development of Z-source multi-level inverter for solar energy
    VR Kumar, A Sreedevi
    2015 International Conference on Applied and Theoretical Computing and 2015

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Design and development of asymmetrical multi-Level Inverter for solar energy
    R Kumar, N Sanjay
    2018 International Conference on Electrical, Electronics, Communication 2018
    Citations: 4

  • Design and development of Z-source multi-level inverter for solar energy
    VR Kumar, A Sreedevi
    2015 International Conference on Applied and Theoretical Computing and 2015
    Citations: 2