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The main objective of this investigation is to analyze the microstructure, tensile properties, and impact toughness of Ti6Al4V alloy joints developed using optimized parameters of linear friction welding (LFW) for gas turbine blisk assembly applications. The 6 mm thick plates of Ti6Al4V alloy were joined using a friction time of 40 sec, a friction pressure of 20 MPa, a forging pressure of 10 MPa, a forging time of 3 sec, and an oscillating frequency of 14 Hz. The different regions of joints were analyzed using a stereo zoom microscope. Optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used for analysing the microstructural features of joints. The room temperature tensile properties, hardness, and impact toughness of LFW-Ti6Al4V alloy joints were evaluated and correlated to the microstructural features of weld region. The fractured sections of tensile and impact toughness specimens of joints were analyzed using SEM and the failure of joints was correlated with the hardness survey. Results showed that the LFW-Ti6Al4V alloy joints developed using the optimized parameters exhibited a tensile strength (TS) of 1015 MPa, a yield strength (YS) of 940 MPa, and an elongation (EL) of 8%. The joints revealed 98.54%, 95.91%, and 66.67% of tensile strength, yield strength, and ductility of the parent metal. The LFW joints disclosed impact toughness (IT) of 17.2 J which is 89.77% impact toughness of the parent metal. The superior tensile properties and impact toughness of LFW-Ti6Al4V alloy joints are mainly attributed to a greater degree of refinement of α + β grains in the weld interface, which offers greater resistance to tensile deformation and crack propagation.

Lymphocyte dysregulation in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a major contributing factor linked to disease severity and mortality. Apoptosis results in the accumulation of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in circulation. COVID-19 has a heterogeneous clinical course. The role of cfDNA levels was studied to assess the severity and outcome of COVID-19 patients and correlated with other laboratory parameters. The current case series included 100 patients with mild COVID-19 (MCOV-19) and 106 patients with severe COVID-19 (SCOV-19). Plasma cfDNA levels were quantified using SYBR green quantitative real-time PCR through amplification of the β-actin gene. CfDNA level was significantly higher in SCOV-19 at 706.7 ng/ml (522.6-1258) as compared to MCOV-19 at 219.8 ng/ml (167.7-299.6). The cfDNA levels were significantly higher in non-survivor than in survivors (

Photocatalysis with ecofriendly and low cost materials is attractive for degradation of organic pollutants without aid of strong reagents. In this regard, Au nanoparticle decorated ZnO nanorods (Au–ZnO) with good crystalline quality was synthesized by cost-effective and scalable hydrothermal method followed by photo-reduction of Au salt. This study addresses variation of photocatalytic degradation kinetics of different nature of dyes with various scavengers and pH conditions. Further, the process versatility is demonstrated by selective or simultaneous degradation of binary dye mixtures with optimized parameters. From Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model, dye concentration range for first order limiting case was determined, and further validated from measured surface area of photocatalyst and change in dye absorbance before irradiation. Better adsorption with faster degradation exhibited by Methylene Blue (MB) dye showed efficient mineralization, revealed from chemical oxygen demand measurements. In Au–ZnO photocatalysis, generation of hydroxyl radical and its significant role in dye degradation was demonstrated using different scavengers. Variation of dye adsorption with pH dependent surface charge characteristics of photocatalyst resulted about one order higher degradation rate constant of MB at high pH. Strong pH dependent MB degradation is shown to be useful for its selective or simultaneous degradation with other dyes. Results of this study are useful for designing photo-reactors and these nanoparticles are efficient for degradation of different dyes, their combinations and industrial effluents under low power UV lamp for treatment different organic pollutants.

Background: A series of phenylurea derivatives were designed and synthesized, The target compounds were subjected to pharmacological studies. Various other parameters such as physicochemical properties, computational studies, and % similarity were also calculated. Materials and Methods: The synthesis of the target compounds has been carried out by reaction of Phenylurea with chloroacetyl chloride to afford 1-(2-chloroacetyl)-3-phenylurea, which further reacted with substituted anilines. All the reactions were monitored by TLC. All the target compounds were purified by recrystallization and characterized by spectroscopic methods. Physicochemical parameters and Log P values of the synthesized derivatives were also calculated. It identified compounds that have the prospect to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and are CNS active. Skeletal muscle relaxant activity was also carried out using the Rotarod method. Results: The data of Log P indicated that the synthesized compounds have the potential to cross the BBB, so they are CNS active. Pharmacological activities of the derivatives showed that the compounds containing chloro group have moderate skeletal muscle relaxant activity. The test compounds possess significant differences between the control group and the treated group. Conclusion: The synthesized derivatives containing chloro group were found to be more potent when compared to standard drug Diazepam. Various others parameters studied revealed that the drug has the potency to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers with high mortality, highlighting the vital need to identify new therapeutic targets. Here we report that Non-POU Domain-Containing Octamer-Binding (NONO) Protein is overexpressed in breast cancers and validated the interaction of WW domain of PIN1 with c-terminal Threonine-Proline (thr-pro) motifs of NONO. The interaction of NONO with PIN1 enhances NONO’s stability by inhibiting its proteasomal degradation, and this identifies PIN1 as a positive regulator of NONO to promote breast tumor development. Functionally, silencing of NONO inhibits the growth, survival, migration and invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness of breast cancer cells in vitro. A human metastatic breast cancer cell xenograft was established in transparent zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to study the metastasis inability of NONO silenced breast cancer cells in vivo. Biochemical analysis indicated NONO as a master regulator of the molecules associated with different hallmarks of cancer. Mechanistically, depletion of NONO promotes the expression of PDL1 cell surface protein in breast cancer cells. The identification of novel interactions of NONO with c-Jun and β-catenin proteins and activating the Akt/MAPK/β-catenin signalling suggests NONO as novel regulator of Akt/MAPK/β-catenin signalling pathways. Taken together, our results demonstrated an essential role of NONO in the tumorigenicity of breast cancer and could be a potential target for anti-cancerous drugs.

This paper describes an experimental corrosion study performed on austenitic stainless steel deposited mild steel substrate in 0.5 M sodium chloride medium. The study was performed with an aim to improve the corrosion resistance of mild steel substrate through surface deposition of a thin film of asutenitic stainless steel. The thin SS film was deposited by pulse laser deposition technique while using 316 L grade stainless steel foil as a target. Thin film deposition of 316 L stainless steel on mild steel brought about relative improvement in its resistance against corrosion. However, with respect to 316 L stainless steel foil, the specimen exhibited poor corrosion resitance in terms of corrosion rate (corrosion current density), lack of passivity and pitting potential. The reason for the inferior corrosion behaviour of deposited specimen is attributed to defective ferritic microstructure of the thin film and lack of nickel constituent which was associated with lower resistance and higher capacitance with respect to 316 L stainless steel foil. Similarly, with respect to mild steel, deposited mild steel showed better corrosion resistance due to passive role of chromium enriched film.

Global trends in the technological developments have led the way for innovations in educational paradigms and momentous adoption of the problem- and learner-centered methodologies with additional opportunities for new learners. Education is necessary to all mankind as it shows the right direction for learners, to achieve their goals. It is not just to teach a learner syllabus-oriented approaches but also to include rationale thinking, creativity, knowledge, and self-sufficiency in their learning. It is a method for making knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits more easily learned or acquired.. Hence we can say that it makes the learners more knowledgeable and, creative, and have a mind of their own to meet the workforce in the altering global scenarios. The Student’s success relies on the teacher or the instructor and the different types of innovative approaches which are incorporated into teaching. The recent development of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has created brand new challenges and opportunities and is similarly new for the designing and bearing of the education system for learners. Given the above challenges, in this paper an attempt has been made, to make suggestions for innovative teaching and learning methods and tools which may be put to use not only while imparting knowledge to the students but also to help students to take responsibility for their learning and constructing their knowledge, that can be especially useful in an inconsistent and rapidly changing world. &nbsp

Ti-6Al-4V (also called as Ti64) is often used in the aerospace applications for its high strength to weight ratio. Ti64 can be welded by almost all the fusion welding processes but it led to the development of coarse-grained microstructure in the fully deformed zone, severe deformation, and high residual stresses. To reduce these complications, solid state welding processes are now adopted in the aerospace industries because it avoids total melting of materials and provides finer grain structures in the nugget region. Among different solid-state techniques, linear friction welding (LFW) is highly suitable to join the blade to disk assembly in the next generation aero engines. In order to get a joint with higher efficiency, the process parameters such as oscillating frequency, friction pressure, friction time, forging pressure and forging time are to be optimized. Hence, in the current investigation an effort has been made to study the effect of forging pressure on microstructure and tensile properties of LFW Ti64 joints. The tensile strength of the joints was evaluated as per the ASTM standards. The microstructure of various regions of welded joints was examined using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From this study, it is understood that wider interface is observed for lower forging pressure and decrease with increase in forging pressure. The tensile strength increases with increases with forging pressure and it gradually decreases over increasing the forging pressure. The microstructure shows evidence of fine structure in the weld region i.e., FDZ. The TMAZ region of the grain is plastically deformed and reoriented in the direction of the friction motion.

Because mandibularmolars are the first teeth to erupt in the oral cavity, they have a high caries susceptibility index, necessitating careful application of oral hygiene procedures. Anyneglect of maintenance can result in major issu es such as furcation involvement. Bisection/bicuspidizationis the separation of the mesial and distal roots of mandibularmolars, as well as the crown area, and the retention of these segments separately. These teeth can function as standalone mastication units or as abutments in simple fixed bridges.

The present study was undertaken for evaluating the sealing ability of furcation repair materials GC Fuji VII, MTA Plus and Biodentine. Diagnosis of iatrogenic perforation requires a combination of symptomatic findings in clinical observations. Perforations can be defined as mechanical or pathological communications between the root canal system and the external tooth surface. Study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India. Fifty five sound mandibular molars with non fused and well developed roots were used for the study. The specimens were examined using SEM which is maintained approximately 15Kv and 10-6 Torr under high vacuum condition. Specimen imaging were done by secondary electrons using a secondary electron detector. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) pictures, MTA plus shows the minimum marginal gap of 2.17 micrometers, followed by Biodentine 5.55 micrometers and GC FUJI VII 8.00 micrometers. The most important factors determining the success of a perforation repair procedure are the location of the perforation; time elapsed between the occurrence of the perforation and repair, the ability of the material to seal the perforation and the biocompatibility of the repair material. In our study, MTA Plus showed minimum leakage compared to GC FUJI VII and Biodentine. The minimum microleakage as observed in MTA Plus group might be attributed to its superior marginal sealing ability resulting from its hydrophilic properties and formations of an inter facial layer. Biodentine also provides a good seal almost similar to that of MTA Plus when used as a furcation repair material. GC Fuji VII showed significantly more leakage and gap formation than Biodentine and MTA Plus.

In aerospace and chemical industries, Ti–6Al–4V alloys are mostly used due to outstanding resistance to corrosion and high specific strength. Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process is generally preferred to join Ti–6Al–4V alloy, but width of bead and heat-affected zone are wider in these joints. To overcome these problems, pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding (PC-GTAW), one of the variants of GTAW process, was employed to join Ti–6A–4V alloy. Recently, gas tungsten constricted arc welding (GTCAW) process, a new advanced variant of GTAW process, was developed. It creates high-frequency current level variation in the arc to produce low heat input, narrow fusion zone and heat-affected zone with deeper penetration compared to conventional GTAW and PC-GTAW processes. The present research work is focused to understand the influence of the post-weld heat treatment on tensile properties, microhardness and microstructure of Ti–6Al–4V alloy joints welded by GTAW, PC-GTAW and GTCAW processes. High frequency resulted in appreciable refinements of prior β grains prime to higher tensile properties, hardness and elongation of joints in the as-welded condition. The post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) at 910 °C resulted in enhancement in elongation and deterioration in tensile strength due to coarsening of α and disintegration of α-martensite into symmetrical α and β. However, pulsed gas tungsten constricted arc welded (P-GTCAW) joints showed greater tensile elongation even in PWHT conditions.

Background: Currently, ringworm treatment drugs include two major categories: first, propylene amine drugs, such as terbinafine, butenafine and naftifine, which exert their bactericidal effects through inhibiting squalene cyclase, causing the lack of ergosterol and accumulation of squalene. The second category of imidazole drugs includes miconazole, econazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole and bifonazole. Mechanism: These synthetic antifungal agents exhibits their action by inhibiting the lanosterol 14α- demethylation activity of fungal cell, leading to the prevention of the ergosterol synthesis of cell membrane, changing the cell membrane permeability, and resulting in the loss of important intracellular fungal material and causing fungal death. Applications: At present, Imidazole antifungal agents are commonly used drugs in clinical treatment of ringworm with extensive clinical applications. Conclusion: The present review covers the chemistry and detailed pharmacology aspects of luliconazole.

Two series of new benzodiazepines were synthesized and the target compounds (E1-10 and G1-10) were evaluated for antianxiety and skeletal muscle relaxant activity as CNS agents in albino mice. The chemical structures of the compounds were confirmed on the basis of their TLC, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR analysis. In computational studies, the physicochemical similarity of the target compounds was assessed by calculating from a set of physicochemical properties using software programs and test compounds demonstrated moderate physiochemical similarity with respect to diazepam. Log P values of the target compounds indicates good penetration to CNS. Molecular docking studies revealed that the target compounds correctly dock into the binding pocket of the GABAA receptor, while their bioavailability/drug-likeness was predicted to be acceptable but requires future optimization. The test compounds (E1-10 and G1-10) were screened for antianxiety and skeletal muscle relaxant activity using Elevated plus maze and Rotarod method respectively. Among them, the compounds E10 and G7 showed maximum potency as CNS agents. Keywords: Benzodiazepines, Phenylpiperazine, Antianxiety, Skeletal muscle relaxant, Computational studies

Redox homeostasis is an integral part of many cellular processes, and its perturbation is associated with conditions such as diabetes, aging, and neurodegenerative disorders. Redox homeostasis or redox potential in organelles is maintained within a particular range to facilitate the organelle specific cellular redox reactions. Previous studies using yeast, cell systems, and nematodes have demonstrated that the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) has a more oxidizing environment while the cytosol exhibits a reducing redox potential. However, we know very little about how universal this phenomenon is. We created transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) lines with roGFP sensors targeted to the ER and cytosol for studying physiological redox potential at the systems level. In the process, we also characterized the ER-targeting signal sequence in D. rerio for the first time. Measurements of the redox state in live embryos found that the endoplasmic reticulum exhibits deviations from its expected oxidizing redox state in different regions of the developing embryos. The ER is far more reducing than expected in certain tissues of the embryo. Cytosol also exhibited unexpected redox states in some parts of the embryo. Notably, the brain showed regions with unexpected redox states in both the ER and the cytosol. Tissue-specific differences in ER-redox potential became even more evident in a transgenic line expressing the more sensitive roGFPiE variant. Thus, live monitoring of redox potential across the developing zebrafish embryos revealed unanticipated redox states of the ER that will require new biological definitions.

Background: Approach for green chemistry for chemical synthesis is found to be very efficient as it makes the reaction more easily, less tedious, maximize desired products and minimize by-products. Materials & Methods: Utilizing this approach 1, 5-benzodiazepines and its derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for skeletal muscle and antianxiety activity. 1, 5-benzodiazepine derivatives have attracted great attention due to its diversity of pharmacological activities and its application in heterocyclic synthesis and medicines. The target compounds were synthesized by first reacting o-phenylenediamine with acetophenone to yield 1, 5-benzodiazepines. In the next step the NH of 1, 5-benzodiazepines were chloroacetylated and then the chloro group was substituted with different anilines. The structures were confirmed on the basis of their TLC, IR, 1H NMR and CHN elemental studies. The physicochemical parameters were determined for BBB penetration through online software. Results: The Log P values of the compounds tested showed that compounds have the potential to be CNS active. The compounds were evaluated for the skeletal muscle relaxant activity and antianxiety activity. It was investigated that 1, 5-benzodiazepines derivatives possess significant differences between control group and treated group. Conclusion: Among these derivatives, the compound bearing chloro group possesses the highest skeletal muscle relaxant and antianxiety activity.

Background: India has been amongst the most affected nations during the SARS CoV2 pandemic, with sparse data on country wide spread of asymptomatic infections and antibody persistence. This longitudinal cohort study was aimed to evaluate SARS CoV2 seropositivity rate as a marker of infection and evaluate temporal persistence of antibodies with neutralization capability and to infer possible risk factors for infection. Methods: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India (CSIR) with its more than 40 laboratories and centers in urban and semi urban settings spread across the country piloted the pan country surveillance. 10427 adult individuals working in CSIR laboratories and their family members based on voluntary participation were assessed for antibody presence and stability was analyzed over 6 months utilizing qualitative Elecysys SARS CoV2 specific antibody kit and GENScript cPass SARS CoV2 Neutralization Antibody Detection Kit. Along with demographic information, possible risk factors were evaluated through self to be filled online forms with data acquired on blood group type, occupation type, addiction and habits including smoking and alcohol, diet preferences, medical history and transport type utilized. Symptom history and information on possible contact and compliance with COVID 19 universal precautions was also obtained. Findings:1058 individuals (10.14%) had antibodies against SARS CoV2. A follow up on 346 seropositive individuals after three months revealed stable to higher antibody levels against SARS CoV2 but declining plasma activity for neutralizing SARS CoV2 receptor binding domain and ACE2 interaction. A repeat sampling of 35 individuals, at six months, revealed declining antibody levels while the neutralizing activity remained stable compared to three months. Majority of seropositive individuals (75%) did not recall even one of nine symptoms since March 2020. Fever was the most common symptom with one fourth reporting loss of taste or smell. Significantly associated risks for seropositivity (Odds Ratio, 95% CI, p value) were observed with usage of public transport (1.79, 1.43 to 2∙24, 2.81561x10-6), occupational responsibilities such as security, housekeeping personnel etc. (2.23, 1.92 to 2.59, 6.43969x10-26), non smokers (1.52, 1.16 to 1.99, 0.02) and non vegetarianism (1.67, 1.41 to 1.99, 3.03821x10-8). An iterative regression analysis was confirmatory and led to only modest changes to estimates. Predilections for seropositivity was noted with specific ABO blood groups; O was associated with a lower risk. Interpretation: In a first of its kind study from India, we report the seropositivity in a country wide cohort and identify variable susceptible associations for contacting infection. Serology and Neutralizing Antibody response provides much sought for general insights on the immune response to the virus among Indians and will be an important resource for designing vaccination strategies. Funding: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India (CSIR)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), although genetically and morphologically distinct from other B and T cell ALL subtypes, has one of the most rapidly progressing course and worse outcomes. The current diagnostic classification of AML offers best curative intent, the outcomes are not usually those that are expected at the start of therapy. This is partly attributed to the complex mechanism of leukemogenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. The underlying genetic mechanism of resistance is as complex as is the disease etiopathogenesis. Recent advances in therapy of drug resistant AML highlight the role of epigenetic targets. New FDA approved targeted therapy has also provided some evidence at improving outcomes in clinical trials. This review provides a detailed review of FDA approved targets and ongoing clinical trials for targeting CRISPER, CAR-T and other intestinal modalities for approach to epigenetictargets. However, this group of epigenetic targeted therapy needs more validation to prove its clinical efficacy. A systematic review of all published research on these targets, investigational agents and FDA approved targeted therapy summarizes this evidence. It also takes us through a brief review of mechanism of action and targets for therapy.

Dental implants are increasingly being used to replace missing or lost teeth. Despite significant advances in materials, techniques, and implant design, implant failure remains a major concern for both the dentist and the patient. The most common causes of implant failure are peri-implantitis and a lack of osseointegration. Other causes of implant failure include occlusal overloading, compromised or poor medical status of the patient, habits that harm oral tissues, and implant selection. The most pressing issue that all implantologists face today is the occurrence of complications and failures in implants. To further improve treatment outcomes, the etiologies and factors associated with implant failures should be identified. Osseointegrated dental implants have long been regarded as the closest substitute for missing teeth.

Sub-monolayer deposition control of pulsed laser deposition technique has been utilized to grow Ag-Au alloy nanoparticle films of different compositions and mass thicknesses using sequential ablation of pure Ag and Au targets. The films produced at high substrate temperature in single step growth have shown strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) response, which is systematically red-shifted with Au percentage and film mass thickness. The morphology of the films studied from atomic force microscopy revealed densely packed nanoparticles at all compositions with typical particle number density of ∼1010 - 1011/cm2. The optical response of the films was measured using spectroscopic ellipsometry at different angles of incidence and their effective dielectric response was determined from multiple oscillator modeling. The effective dielectric response was found to well predict the optical transmission spectra and also showed systematic red-shift of interband absorption edge with Au percentage in the films conforming alloy formation, in consistent with the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements carried out at 488 and 633 nm excitation laser wavelengths revealed that Ag and Ag rich films exhibited relatively higher enhancement of SERS intensity as compared to other composition films. These nanoparticle films were found to be efficient SERS substrates for easy detection of trace dye molecules in nano-molar concentration range. The SERS enhancement was found to depend on film mass thickness and alloy composition dependent LSPR response having close overlap with the laser excitation wavelength.

Composites polymerized with a clear matrix on the surface will leave a resin-rich surface layer that is easily abraded in the oral environment, exposing unpolished, rough, inorganic filler material. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the polishing effect of two different polishing systems: One-step (PoGo) system and Sof-Lex (multistep) system on four different resin composites: Synergy D6, Clearfil APX Esthetics, Filtek Z 350 XT, Ceram X Mono. After polishing, the specimens were analyzed for average surface roughness using a two-dimensional surface profilometer. How to cite this article: Garg S, Goel M, Verma S, Mahajan N, Kaul B, Garg V. Use of “Surface Analyzer” to evaluate the Effect of Two Polishing Systems on Surface Texture of Four Newer Composites. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(4):266-270.

The present case report highlights the surgical correction of bilateral fusion of oral commissure in a 10-year-old male patient suffering from Stevens–Johnson syndrome associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. It was treated using a modified commissuroplasty technique and was quite successful.

Discourse on interfaith marriages in India at present involves diverse narratives ranging from opposition and resistance to acceptance. These alliances deserve greater focus in terms of their uniqueness, challenges as well as everyday negotiations that form part of their lives. Based on narratives of respondents from Dhanak, an organisation of inter-caste and interfaith couples, this article presents some domains of their lives and spaces being negotiated by them within their families. These domains include the issue of conversion, protecting identity, celebration of diversity and socialisation of children, perceptions of themselves vis-à-vis other families and parental outlook towards the alliance.

Mandibular first molars are the major standpoint for occlusion, and also have a wide peri-cemental area. Under specific conditions, hemisection of the tooth is indicated after an endodontic treatment. The following case report presents the hemisection of grossly carious, endodontically treated mandibular first molar, in a 23 year old female, followed by replacement of the mesial root with a single piece immediate loaded BCS (Bi-Cortical Screw) implant and a single unit porcelain fused to metal crown for the prosthetic rehabilitation of the remaining tooth structure, with the BCS implant providing strength and support to the weakened tooth structure. This procedure is an innovation in prosthetic rehabilitation of tooth structure left after hemisection and enhances the predictability of success rate of hemisection.

An experimental study was undertaken to understand the tensile behavior of metal–ceramic composite joint with bolted configuration. Nickel based super alloy (GTM-Su-263) and SiCf/SiC composite were the material systems with an aerospace grade MJ6 bolt of GTM-Su-718. This bolted assembly was pulled at temperatures 25, 600 and 750 °C which were likely to be experienced in a typical aero engine. In case of metal–ceramic composite joint, the net tensile stress decreased from 110 to 88 MPa with increase in temperature from 25 to 600 °C. Similarly, the bearing stress reduced from 146 to 118 MPa. In all the metal–ceramic composite joints, the fracture initiated at the hole edge experienced the maximum tensile stresses. With further increase in temperature, reduction in the net tensile and bearing strength was significant and was attributed to the oxidation of the interface between the fiber and matrix. SEM studies clearly suggested that debonding and fiber pullout resulted in inferior tensile strength properties at elevated temperatures.

Ti–6Al–4V alloys are perfectly suited for fan compressor blade material in advanced aero engine components due to outstanding resistance to corrosion and specific strength was high in both room temperature and elevated temperature. For autogeneous welding of thin sheets of Ti–6Al–4V alloy, the gas tungsten constricted arc welding (GTCAW) was established to be beneficial than the gas tungsten arc welding process. The performance of welded joints depends on the fusion zone grain size (FZG) and fusion zone hardness (FZH), which need to be suitably optimized and controlled to attain advantageous mechanical characteristics of the joint. Hence, in this research study, efforts were taken to develop empirical relationships for predicting the FZH and FZG incorporating very important GTCAW parameters. Parameter optimization was performed using response surface methodology. Additionally, the influence of GTCAW parameters on FZG and FZH was analyzed. From the results, it is inferred that the inter-pulse frequency has better influence on FZG and FZH compared to other parameters.

The investigation was performed on rolled sheets (2 mm thick) of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V joints which are diffusion bonded. The objective of this investigation is to study and analyse the effect of holding time on the diffusion bond characteristics. The time for bonding was kept between 15 and 60 min. The pressure and bonding temperature were maintained constantly at 8 MPa and 900 °C, respectively. Metallurgical characteristics were analysed by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the Ti6Al4V alloy joints were evaluated. The strength of the bonds was correlated with the microstructures to study the effect of holding time. The microstructure reveals that the defect-free bond can be produced when holding time is increased to a certain limit. The maximum bonding strength and tensile shear fracture load (TSFL) were attained for a holding time of 60 min yields 138 MPa and 40 kN, respectively.

Titanium and its alloys have been considered as one of the best engineering materials for industrial applications. Excellent combination of properties such as high strength to weight ratio, excellent resistance to corrosion makes them attractive materials for many industrial applications. Recently, considerable research has been performed on Gas Tungsten Constricted Arc welding (GTCAW) process and reported advantages include, lower heat input, reduced residual stresses and distortion. In this investigation, tensile properties of GTCA welded Ti-6Al-4V alloy joints were evaluated. Single pass, autogeneous welds free from volumetric defects were fabricated using optimized GTCAW parameters. The joints were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and microhardness, survey. Tensile properties of the joints were overmatching with the base metal. The alpha and granular beta grains in the base metal were changed into short acicular alpha martensitic structure in the fusion zone as a result of GTCAW

Thin sections of Ti6Al4V based aeroengine structural material was refurbished using laser metal deposition (LMD) technique. The thermal gradient and cooling rate was strategically controlled through the appropriate selection of laser process parameter such as laser power, scan speed and powder feeding rate. At a laser power of 1500 W and at a scan speed of 600 mm/min, the deposited layer is free of cracks and pores with good metallurgical bonding to the substrate as well as between the layers. The β to αˈ martensite phase transformation was prevalent in the deposited region which marginally increased the hardness. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of LMD was found to be 900 MPa which is slightly lower than the base UTS of 950 MPa. The LMD fails due to brittle fracture with traceable elongation.

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) characteristics of gold nanoparticles films grown at different substrate temperatures and mass thicknesses with and without alumina capping were studied. At different film mass thicknesses, the LSPR response was observed mainly in the films grown at high substrate temperatures. About 300 °C substrate temperature was found to be optimum for producing narrow and strong LSPR band in both uncapped and alumina capped gold nanoparticles films. The LSPR wavelength could be tuned in the range of 600–750 nm by changing either number of ablation pulses or decreasing target to substrate distance (TSD) and alumina layer capping. Though the alumina capping re-sputtered the gold films still these films exhibited stronger LSPR response compared to the uncapped films. Atomic force microscopic analysis revealed formation of densely packed nanoparticles films exhibiting strong LSPR response which is consistent with the package density of the nanoparticles predicted by the theoretical calculations. The average size of nanoparticles increased with substrate temperature, number of ablation pulses and decreasing the TSD. For the same mass thickness of gold films grown at different substrate temperatures the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) intensity of Rhodamine6G dye was found to be significantly different which had direct correlation with the LSPR strength of the films at the excitation wavelength.

Growing up in the context of conflict brings one face to face with many challenges. The experiences in such a context, however, also evolve coping mechanisms/ patterns of people. Focusing on the 2010 scenario of unrest in Kashmir, this paper is based on a qualitative research that aimed to explore perspectives of young women from Kashmir in terms of events, impacts and patterns of coping in their life. This research involved 9 young women in the age group of 16 to 26 years from two districts of Kashmir: Srinagar and Budgam. The paper presents findings related to patterns of coping in their life. Narratives of young women presented a sense of collectivism and identification with issues and concerns of other Kashmiris in terms of an identity of victimhood and a sense of being oppressed and discriminated against. Following patterns of coping emerged from narratives: use of community support, preparations based on past experiences, use of supportive relationships and existing resources of family, engagement in activities, expressing and communicating, seeking information and restructuring life and schedules based on information about the situation, normalizing and acceptance, and identification with scenarios/contexts of oppression and struggle for rights.