Praveen Kumar

Abstract The opioid epidemic remains a major public health challenge in the United States, requiring a multi-pronged intervention approach to mitigate harms to communities.

The Government of India recognised his lifelong contribution to haemophilia care and patient advocacy by conferring the Padma Shri on him in 2026.

An agent that calls three tools and dies after the second one is a real problem, not a hypothetical. The model spent tokens on step one…

Abstract The perchlorate (ClO ), is one of the most ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants because of its wide range of uses

Abstract Background The educational environment is a fundamental determinant of student learning, academic achievement, professional

Author(s) Mr. Mahendra Pal Singh Dr. Praveen Kumar Country India Abstract

B. Praveen Kumar P. Ajay Kumar P. Missak Swarup Raju First published: 11 August 2026 ABSTRACT

Processing math: 100% MathJax /jax/input/TeX/config.js Scientific Reports , Jul 2026 T. Praveen Kumar K. V. Raghavender T. Veeranna G.

This study presents an innovative framework comprising experimental and computational studies aimed at developing and evaluating Al6061 hybrid metal matrix composite (MMCs) spur gears strengthened with WS2 and TiO2 reinforcements for power transmission applications. Machine learning (ML)-based material design strategy is implemented to build a predictive model based on literature datasets to forecast mechanical and tribological characteristics as a function of reinforcement. Multi-response optimization using the concept of desirability is employed to pinpoint the best MMC compositions. Five different hybrid compositions are fabricated by the stir casting method and characterized in terms of tensile, hardness, flexural, impact, and wear testing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was performed to characterize microstructure. The composite with 3 wt.% WS2 and 3 wt.% TiO2 exhibits superior results and a desirability index of 0.85, showing 14% higher tensile strength and 56% lower wear rate when compared with the alloy without reinforcement. This optimal composite composition is utilized to conduct finite element analysis (FEA) for evaluating gear behavior. The experimental design of 162 FEA cases is created by changing the gear parameters such as module, face width, torque load, and friction coefficient. Static structural and steady-state thermal analyses are carried out using ANSYS Workbench software. Three surrogate model architectures were compared using tenfold cross-validation. Gradient Boosting achieved the highest accuracy: R2 = 0.9996 for contact stress and R2 = 0.9985 for temperature, outperforming Random Forest (R2 = 0.9974 and 0.9745 respectively). SHAP analysis identified applied torque as the dominant predictor of contact stress (46.4%) and friction coefficient as the primary driver of temperature rise (51.9%). One-way ANOVA confirmed all composition-dependent property differences at p < 0.001. The Pareto front analysis is performed to identify the optimal solution. The maximum contact stress and temperature predicted for the optimal gear are 153.45 MPa and 53.28 °C, respectively. Graphical abstract

Background Microscopy is widely considered as the gold standard for malaria diagnosis. Qualified microscopists play an essential role in the timely diagnosis, treatment of malaria infections, and the subsequent management programs, their confidence in diagnosis for malaria microscopy immensely depends on the training programs they are attending during their services. Deprived of regular training programs as per standard guidelines by WHO could result in misdiagnosis of malaria infections, which could subvert any nationwide elimination endeavors. Hence, it is mandatory to scrutinize these programs on their capacity to upscale the competence of the laboratory technicians. Methods We conducted a Multi-Site Pre- and Post- Evaluation of a Standardized 5-Days National Refresher Training (NRT) programme in Malaria Microscopy for the Laboratory professionals. Participants (N = 130) competency was assessed before and immediately after the training on the three modules such as Parasite Detection, Species Identification, and Parasite Counting. Descriptive statistics were performed with performance scores and p-values ≤ 0.05, were considered significant. Shapiro–Wilk test was used to assess normality. Wilcoxon’s Signed-rank test was performed to determine the significance between the groups. Grading of the performance was conducted according to the WHO Guidelines. McNemar-Bowker test was utilized to determine the significance and symmetry among the grades across the pre- and post- training groups. Results The performance scores (%) (Median [Q1-Q3]) for parasite detection, species identification and counting were 71.00 [56.75–86.00], 46.00 [31.00–60.00] and 8.50 [0.00–33.00], respectively, before the training, and 88.00 [80.00–94.50], 69.00 [54.00–84.00] and 40.00 [20.00–50.25], respectively, after the training program. The Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test indicates that the NRT program had a positive impact upon the participant’s performance scores in the Parasite Detection (Z=− 8.026, p ≤ 0.001, r = 0.70), Species Identification (Z = − 8.360, p ≤ 0.001, r = 0.73) and Counting (Z=− 5.644, p ≤ 0.001, r = 0.49) modules. McNemar-Bowker Test on performance Grades indicate improvements both in Parasite Detection (χ2 [6, 130] = 61.489, p ≤ 0.001) and Species Identification (χ2 [5130] = 58.108, p ≤ 0.001) modules. Conclusion Structured refresher training significantly improved malaria microscopy competency, particularly in parasite detection and species identification. However, additional practical training, periodic competency assessment, and continued quality assurance are needed to strengthen the diagnostic accuracy of the trainees.