Synthesis,Characterization, and Application Studies of Polyurethane Acrylate Thermoset Coatings: Effect of Hard Segment

The waterborne polyurethane acrylate coatings are smart option to reduce the environmental hazards. To evaluate the structure–property relationship, polyurethane acrylate coating dispersions were synthesized with aromatic and aliphatic hard segments. Furthermore, to evaluate the performance, dispersions were used to finish the cotton fabric. The dispersions were prepared by prepolymer method followed by emulsion polymerization in aqueous medium. The characterization of dispersions was performed by Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. In general, aliphatic hard segment has shown more appreciable results. But, thermal stability of aromatic polyurethane acrylate was more pronounced as inherent rigidity of aromatic diisocyanate dominates.     

Vibration analysis of submerged thin FGM cylindrical shells

This study gives a brief work on vibration characteristics of cylindrical shells submerged in an incompressible fluid. The shell is presumed to be structured from functionally graded material. The effect of the fluid is introduced by using the acoustic wave equation. Love’s first order thin shell theory is utilized in the shell dynamical equations. The problem is framed by combining shell dynamical equations with the acoustic wave equation. Fluid-loaded terms are associated with Hankel function of second kind. Wave propagation approach is employed to solve the shell problem. Some comparisons of numerical results are performed for the natural frequencies of simply supported-simply supported, clamped-clamped and clamped-simply supported boundary conditions of isotropic as well as functionally graded cylindrical shells to check the validity of the present approach. The influence of fluid on the submerged functionally graded cylindrical shells is noticed to be very pronounced.     

On the assessment of various implants using 3D TCAD for FinFETs

This work deals with the junction and channel optimization on FinFET devices. The main objective was to show feasibility of a three-dimensional (3D) process simulation within the context of optimization of the device design and the underlying fabrication processes. The 3D simulation process flow is based on the development of the SOI based FinFET devices at Infineon. Similar to real devices, important 3D geometrical features, such as corner roundings and 3D facets have been introduced into the simulation setup, which is based on commercially available 3D process simulation software (Taurus 3D). The influence of various unit process steps, such as channel implant, and LDD implant on the electrical performance of the devices have been evaluated. Beside the successful demonstration of a functional 3D process simulation flow, detailed issues of process and device simulation methodology such as the usage of different dopant diffusion and mobility models are assessed. Finally, a comparison of the simulation results with electrical measurement data is performed which fairly shows excellent agreement.     

Prediction of Time Series Empowered with a Novel SREKRLS Algorithm

For the unforced dynamical non-linear statespace model, a new Q1 and efficient square root extended kernel recursive least square estimation algorithm is developed in this article. The proposed algorithm lends itself towards the parallel implementation as in the FPGA systems. With the help of an ortho-normal triangularization method, which relies on numerically stable givens rotation, matrix inversion causes a computational burden, is reduced. Matrix computation possesses many excellent numerical properties such as singularity, symmetry, skew symmetry, and triangularity is achieved by using this algorithm. The proposed method is validated for the prediction of stationary and non-stationary MackeyGlass Time Series, along with that a component in the x-direction of the Lorenz Times Series is also predicted to illustrate its usefulness. By the learning curves regarding mean square error (MSE) are witnessed for demonstration with prediction performance of the proposed algorithm from where it’s concluded that the proposed algorithm performs better than EKRLS. This new SREKRLS based design positively offers an innovative era towards non-linear systolic arrays, which is efficient in developing very-large-scale integration (VLSI) applications with non-linear input data. Multiple experiments are carried out to validate the reliability, effectiveness, and applicability of the proposed algorithm and with different noise levels compared to the Extended kernel recursive least-squares (EKRLS) algorithm.     

Neurodegeneration and Neuroprotection in Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is widely considered to be a neurovascular disease. This is in contrast to its previous identity as solely a vascular disease. Early in the disease progression of diabetes, the major cells in the neuronal component of the retina consist of retinal ganglion cells and glial cells, both of which have been found to be compromised. A number of retinal function tests also indicated a functional deficit in diabetic retina, which further supports dysfunction of neuronal cells. As an endocrinological disorder, diabetes alters metabolism both systemically and locally in several body organs, including the retina. A growing body of evidences indicates increased levels of excitotoxic metabolites, including glutamate, branched chain amino acids and homocysteine in cases of diabetic retinopathy. Also present, early in the disease, are decreased levels of folic acid and vitamin-B12, which are potential metabolites capable of damaging neurons. These altered levels of metabolites are found to activate several metabolic pathways, leading to increases in oxidative stress and decreases in the level of neurotrophic factors. As a consequence, they may damage retinal neurons in diabetic patients. In this review, we have discussed those potential excitotoxic metabolites and their implications in neuronal damage. Possible therapeutic targets to protect neurons are also discussed. However, further research is needed to understand the exact molecular mechanism of neurodegeneration so that effective neuroprotection strategies can be developed. By protecting retinal neurons early in diabetic retinopathy cases, damage of retinal vessels can be protected, thereby helping to ameliorate the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness worldwide.     

Recent developments in biochar as an effective tool for agricultural soil management: a review

In recent years biochar has been demonstrated to be a useful amendment to sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emission from the soil to the atmosphere. Hence it can help to mitigate global environment change. Some studies have shown that biochar addition to agricultural soils increases crop production. The mechanisms involved are: increased soil aeration and water‐holding capacity, enhanced microbial activity and plant nutrient status in soil, and alteration of some important soil chemical properties. This review provides an in‐depth consideration of the production, characterization and agricultural use of different biochars. Biochar is a complex organic material and its characteristics vary with production conditions and the feedstock used. The agronomic benefits of biochar solely depend upon the use of particular types of biochar with proper field application rate under appropriate soil types and conditions. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Enhanced gastric retention and drug release via development of novel floating microspheres based on Eudragit E100 and polycaprolactone: synthesis and in vitro evaluation

Eudragit E 100 and polycaprolactone (PCL) floating microspheres for enhanced gastric retention and drug release were successfully prepared by oil in water solvent evaporation method. Metronidazole benzoate, an anti-protozoal drug, was used as a model drug. Polyvinyl alcohol was used as an emulsifier. The prepared microspheres were observed for % recovery, % degree of hydration, % water uptake, % drug loading, % buoyancy and % drug release. The physico-chemical properties of the microspheres were studied by calculating encapsulation efficiency of microspheres and drug release kinetics. Drug release characteristics of microspheres were studied in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid i.e., at pH 1.2 and 7.4 respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to reveal the chemical interaction between drug and polymers. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to study the morphology of the synthesized microspheres.