Molecular dynamics simulations of homogeneous condensation and thermophysical properties of HFO1123 and its binary blends with HFC134a at 273.15 K to 298.15 K

Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology - The hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant R1123 (1,1,2-trifluoroethene) and its blends with R134a are excellent alternative choices for refrigeration...     

Self‐assembled nanoblends of functional polystyrene and a reactive aramid: Morphological and thermomechanical profile

Various blends composed of pure polystyrene (PS) and modified PS [amino‐functionalized polystyrene (PS–NH₂)] were prepared with a new aromatic polyamide obtained through the polycondensation of 1,5‐diaminonaphthalene and 1,4‐phenylenediamine with isophthaloyl chloride. The variation in the morphological and thermophysical profiles in the two blend systems with aramid loading were investigated. The amine functionality introduced to PS enhanced its compatibility with the polyamide because of the formation of an aramid‐graft‐PS copolymer. The grafting, hydrogen bonding, and phenylene‐ring (π–π) stacking between the chains of the two components finally nurtured self‐assembled nanostructured blends. A strong compatibilizing effect was observed for the 50, 60, and 70 wt % aramid blends, where an exceptionally inimitable cocontinuous self‐assembled morphology was formed by PS–NH₂/aramid. Significant developments in the morphology along with thermal and mechanical stability were observed for the reactive PS/aramid system. The most favorable mechanical and thermal data supported by the finest nanostructure were observed with 70 wt % polyamide addition. Future prospects may involve the formation of nanotemplates and nanostructured membranes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39954.     

Nano-structured PMMA/aramid blends: self-assembly via competitive interactions

A new type of self-assembled PMMA/aramid nano-blends were developed from an aromatic polyamide obtained by condensing 4,4′-oxydianiline with isophthaloyl chloride. Physical interactions between the two polymers derived molecular self-assembly process, ensuing marvelous nano-structured blends. Exclusive nano-scale morphology generated in perfectly miscible PMMA/aramid blends was studied using FESEM. Moreover, the effect of blend nano-structure and N–H/C=O interactions between the components on T _g, thermal, tensile and crystalline behavior were investigated. Addition of aramid imparted mechanical and thermal stability to novel blends owing to the physical interlocking of PMMA and polyamide chains via hydrogen bonding. As a result 40- and 70-wt% aramid-containing blends demonstrated fine morphological profile complemented by the optimal mechanical reinforcement and high temperature resistance. In future new blends, holding excellent properties due to physical interaction between the components, can be exploited to acquire exceptional performance in various technological applications such as nano-devices.     

Mucoadhesive elementary osmotic pump tablets of trimetazidine for controlled drug delivery and reduced variability in oral bioavailability

The objectives of this work was preparation and evaluation of the mucoadhesive elementary osmotic pump tablets of trimetazidine hydrochloride to achieve desired controlled release action and augmentation of oral drug absorption. The drug-loaded core tablets were prepared employing the suitable tableting excipients and coated with polymeric blend of ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylethylcellulose E5 (4:1). The prepared tablets were characterized for various quality control tests and in vitro drug release. Evaluation of drug release kinetics through model fitting suggested the Fickian mechanism of drug release, which was regulated by osmosis and diffusion as the predominant mechanism. Evaluation of mucoadhesion property using texture analyzer suggested good mucoadhesion potential of the developed osmotic systems. Solid state characterization using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction spectroscopy confirmed the absence of any physiochemical incompatibilities between drug and excipients. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the smooth surface appearance of the coated tablets with intact polymeric membrane without any fracture. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits revealed 3.01-fold enhancement in the oral bioavailability vis-à-vis the marketed formulation (Vastarel MR®). These studies successfully demonstrate the bioavailability enhancement potential of the mucoadhesive elementary osmotic pumps as novel therapeutic systems for other drugs too.     

Modelling and motion control of a mechatronic system using BGM with intelligent controllers

In this research paper, a mechatronics system such as a pan tilt platform (PTP) has been considered for motion control under intelligent controllers. A proportional-derivative (PD) controller is considered for comparison of results obtained from fuzzy and hybrid controllers. The trajectory following performance of the mechatronics system is found against these controllers. The results of simulations show that hybrid fuzzy controller reduce the tracking error effectively in lesser settling time. The intelligent controllers require knowledge base of error and derivative of error to compensate the PTP dynamics. The intelligent controllers have similar trends as the PD controllers and compensated both electrical and mechanical dynamics. The PD controller requires position measurement. The intelligent controllers have knowledge base consisting of position and velocity data. Thus intelligent controllers have position measurement along with knowledge base for position control system. The best results were achieved with hybrid fuzzy controllers. They meet the desired specifications.     

Identification of spatiotemporally invariant systems for control adaptation

We present a distributed projection algorithm for system identification of spatiotemporally invariant systems with the ultimate purpose of utilizing it in an indirect adaptive control scheme. Each subsystem communicates only with its immediate neighbors to share its current estimate along with a cumulative improvement index. On the basis of the cumulative improvement index, the best estimate available is picked in order to carry out the next iteration. For small estimation error, the scheme switches over to a “smart” averaging routine. The proposed algorithm guarantees to bring the local estimates arbitrarily close to one another, developing a “local consensus”, which makes it amenable to control by the application of indirect distributed adaptive control schemes. It is also shown through simulations that the proposed algorithm has a clear advantage over the standard projection algorithm. Our proposed algorithm is also suitable for addressing the estimation problem in distributed networks that arise in a variety of applications, such as environment monitoring, target localization and potential sensor network problems.     

Graphs Resemblance based Software Birthmarks through Data Mining for Piracy Control

Programming and Computer Software - The emergence of software artifacts greatly emphasizes the need for protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) hampered by software piracy requiring effective...     

Liver-Tumor Detection Using CNN ResUNet

Liver tumor is the fifth most occurring type of tumor in men and the ninth most occurring type of tumor in women according to recent reports of Global cancer statistics 2018. There are several imaging tests like Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and ultrasound that can diagnose the liver tumor after taking the sample from the tissue of the liver. These tests are costly and time-consuming. This paper proposed that image processing through deep learning Convolutional Neural Network (CNNs) ResUNet model that can be helpful for the early diagnose of tumor instead of conventional methods. The existing studies have mainly used the two Cascaded CNNs for liver segmentation and evaluation of Region Of Interest (ROI). This study uses ResUNet, an updated version of U-Net and ResNet Models that utilize the service of Residential blocks. We apply over method on the 3D-IRCADb01 dataset that is based on CT slices of liver tumor affected patients. The results showed the True Value Accuracy around 99% and F1 score performance around 95%. This method will be helpful for early and accurate diagnose of the Liver tumor to save the lives of many patients in the field of Biotechnology.     

Co‐poly(vinyl chloride‐vinyl acetate‐vinyl alcohol)‐silica nanocomposites from sol–gel process: Morphological,mechanical, and thermal investigations

Organic–inorganic nanocomposites consisting of co‐poly(vinyl chloride‐vinyl acetate‐vinyl alcohol) and silica were prepared via sol–gel process. Two types of hybrids were prepared, one in which interactions between hydroxyl group present in the copolymer chain and silanol groups of silica network were developed. In the second set, extensive chemical bonding between the phases was achieved through the reaction of hydroxyl groups on the copolymer chains with 3‐isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane (ICTS). Hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethoxysilane and pendant ethoxy groups on the chain yielded inorganic network structure. Mechanical and thermal behaviors of the hybrid films were studied. Increase in Young's modulus, tensile strength, and toughness was observed up to 2.5 wt % silica content relative to the neat copolymer. The system in which ICTS was employed as binding agent, the tensile strength and toughness of hybrid films increased significantly as compared to the pure copolymer. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that these nanocomposite materials were stable up to 250°C. The glass transition temperature increases up to 2.5 wt % addition of silica in both the systems. Field emission scanning electron microscope results revealed uniform distribution of silica in the copolymer matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Insights into cadmium induced physiological and ultra-structural disorders in Juncus effusus L. and its remediation through exogenous citric acid

This study appraised cadmium (Cd) toxicity stress in wetland plant Juncus effusus, and explored its potential for Cd phytoextraction through chelators (citric acid and EDTA). Cadmium altered morphological and physiological attributes of J. effusus as reflected by growth retardation. Citric acid in the presence of 100 μM Cd significantly countered Cd toxicity by improving plant growth. Elevated Cd concentrations reduced translocation factor that was increased under application of both chelators. Citric acid enhanced Cd accumulation, while EDTA reduced its uptake. Cadmium induced oxidative stress modified the antioxidative enzyme activity. Both levels of citric acid (2.5 and 5.0 mM) and lower EDTA concentration (2.5 mM) helped plants to overcome oxidative stress by enhancing their antioxidative enzyme activities. Cadmium damaged the root cells through cytoplasmic shrinkage and metal deposition. Citric acid restored structure and shape of root cells and eliminated plasmolysis; whereas, EDTA exhibited no positive effect on it. Shoot cells remained unaffected under Cd treatment alone or with citric acid except for chloroplast swelling. Only EDTA promoted starch accumulation in chloroplast reflecting its negative impact on cellular structure. It concludes that Cd and EDTA induce structural and morphological damage in J. effusus; while, citric acid ameliorates Cd toxicity stress.