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2D MXenes have been used as electrochemical sensor materials, but their output current signal remains weak in point of care (PoC) settings. To address this issue, here we report a novel MXene-supported cobalt-MOF-based nanocomposite, which is used with a carbon black (CB) ink and 3-D printed as the CoMOF–MXene@CB layered electrode structure for the development of a sensor electrode and a PoC chip for electrochemical detection of blood creatinine with an enhanced current range, specificity, and sensitivity. The limit of detection (LOD) and sensitivity of the fabricated sensor were found to be 0.005 μM and 1.1 μA μM−1cm−2, which are 44 times lower and 32 times enhanced, respectively, as compared to the existing literature report (LOD 0.22 μM and sensitivity 0.034 μA μM−1) for creatinine sensing in PoC settings. The sensor exhibited an excellent linear sensor response ranging from 10 to 800 μM and good reproducibility, stability, and selectivity with significant accuracy. These characteristics helped the sensor to accurately determine the creatinine levels in real human serum samples.

The paper presents design and development of a precision motion actuator, which can traverse required trajectory in the X–Y plane and can be used for micromachining applications using magnetic levitation based technology. A glass-reinforced epoxy laminate sheet with micromachined holes in the horizontal and vertical direction with copper wires placed vertically and horizontally was used for actuation of rare earth magnets wherein a pyrolytic graphite sheet was fixed over the copper wires. The diamagnetism of pyrolytic graphite sheet coupled with electromagnetic field generated because of the current passing through the copper wires led to levitation and actuation of the rare earth magnet over desired trajectory. COMSOL Multiphysics (COMSOL Inc., Burlington, Massachusetts, USA) simulation was conducted in order to simulate the forces generated by the developed actuator. Thereafter, the forces generated by the actuator with current flowing through the wires were measured using a dynamometer where the error was limited within 2%. An acrylic sheet was fixed over the actuator and laser micromachining was conducted with trajectories traversed by the actuator. Scanning electron microscope results of the machined samples confirmed that feature sizes in the range of 200–300 micron could be generated. This proves the potential of the developed actuator for micromachining applications.

An environmentally techno, reasonably viable waste utilization is vital for the sustainability of human civilization. In view of that, orange peel (OP) has been considered for this study to utilize as organic waste materials for thermal energy storage application. OP has been pyrolyzed into porous biochar and has been used for the shape stabilization of myristic acid (MA) as phase change materials (PCMs). MA has been loaded in different content inside orange peel biochar and thermal stability and performance of the synthesized PCMs (MAOP samples) have been studied for their suitable applications. Biochar to MA ratio at 1:4 has been found to be optimum for the maximum accommodation of the MA in biochar pores. The highest encapsulation ratio and efficiency have been found 39.60% and 39.13%, respectively whereas the maximum heat storage capability has been found to be 67.2 J/g. Excellent performance against leakage during phase transition and congruent thermal cycle stability have been manifested by all MAOP samples. The superior properties demonstrated by the MAOP samples are attributed to the capillary action, strong surface tension, and space confinement effects offered by the porous structures and the surface functionalities of the biochar.

We report the experimental evidence of the Imbert–Fedorov (IF) shift in monolayer MoS_2 for a fundamental Gaussian beam. Using Jones vector formalism, we have shown a novel, to the best of our knowledge, pathway to apply the quantum weak measurement technique for easy and accurate determination of the IF shift. We have revealed the dependence of IF shift over a large range of angles of incidence along with the mode of polarization of the incident light. Our experimental findings via the weak value amplification scheme are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis. The present method is a general one and can also be implemented for other materials to observe such tiny transverse shifts.

The present study has been focused on the environment-friendly corrosion inhibitor. Conifer cone (Pinus resinosa) has been used as a novel corrosion inhibitor to mitigate the corrosion of steel rebars in simulated concrete pore solutions (SCPS) in the presence and absence of chloride ions. The corrosion inhibitor is extracted by simple chemical methods. The functional groups present in the extracted conifer cone (ECC) powder are characterized as well as the surface morphology of ECC has been examined. The corrosion inhibition performance has been evaluated by the electrochemical and weight loss methods. The experimental results indicate that ECC possesses a corrosion inhibition efficiency of 81.2% at a dosage of 1000 mg·L–1, after 720 h of immersion in chloride-contaminated SCPS. Adsorption isotherm and their standard Gibbs free energy (ΔGads0) values are calculated by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm methods, and the results indicate that the ECC is initially adsorbed on the steel rebar surface by physisorption and then it turns to chemisorption. The steel rebar surfaces have been characterized after exposure to the ECC containing SCPS, and the results indicate that the ECC containing cationic adsorbate molecules, which interact with steel rebar, leads to retardation of metal dissolution in corrosive chloride medium.

Metal nanoparticles have been helpful in creatinine sensing technology under point-of-care (POC) settings because of their excellent electrocatalyst properties. However, the behavior of monometallic nanoparticles as electrochemical creatinine sensors showed limitations concerning the current density in the mA/cm2range and wide detection window, which are essential parameters for the development of a sensor for POC applications. Herein, we report a new sensor, a reduced graphene oxide stabilized binary copper–iron oxide-based nanocomposite on a 3D printed Ag-electrode (Fe–Cu–rGO@Ag) for detecting a wide range of blood creatinine (0.01 to 1000 μM; detection limit 10 nM) in an electrochemical chip with a current density ranging between 0.185 and 1.371 mA/cm2and sensitivity limit of 1.1 μA μM–1cm–2at physiological pH. Interference studies confirmed that the sensor exhibited no interference from analytes like uric acid, urea, dopamine, and glutathione. The sensor response was also evaluated to detect creatinine in human blood samples with high accuracy in less than a minute. The sensing mechanism suggested that the synergistic effects of Cu and iron oxide nanoparticles played an essential role in the efficient sensing where Fe atoms act as active sites for creatinine oxidation through the secondary amine nitrogen, and Cu nanoparticles acted as an excellent electron-transfer mediator through rGO. The rapid sensor fabrication procedure, mA/cm2peak current density, a wide range of detection limits, low contact resistance including high selectivity, excellent linear response (R2= 0.991), and reusability ensured the application of advanced electrochemical sensor toward the POC creatinine detection.

The quality and geometry of deposited bead depend on their input process parameters and their interaction effects in fusion welding process. Minimum dilution and maximum bead size are the most desirable property in material processing applications. The effects of process parameters on dilution and bead geometry have been analysed during material deposition by Plasma Transferred Arc Welding (PTAW) process using the response surface method. The experimental data are used for modelling using three level factorial techniques. The mathematical models have been developed for bead height, width and dilution. The accuracy of the models has been checked using the analysis of variance. The effects of process parameters on bead geometry and dilution have been investigated.

The growth of >100-μm-thick diamond layers adherent on aluminum nitride with low thermal boundary resistance between diamond and AlN is presented in this work. The thermal barrier resistance was found to be in the range of 16 m2·K/GW, which is a large improvement on the current state-of-the-art. While thick films failed to adhere on untreated AlN films, AlN films treated with hydrogen/nitrogen plasma retained the thick diamond layers. Clear differences in ζ-potential measurement confirm surface modification due to hydrogen/nitrogen plasma treatment. An increase in non-diamond carbon in the initial layers of diamond grown on pretreated AlN is seen by Raman spectroscopy. The presence of non-diamond carbon has minimal effect on the thermal barrier resistance. The surfaces studied with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed a clear distinction between pretreated and untreated samples. The surface aluminum goes from a nitrogen-rich environment to an oxygen-rich environment after pretreatment. A clean interface between diamond and AlN is seen by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy.

This research presents an investigation for understanding machining physics by assessing temperature and strain near (126 µm) to the cutting edge of tool tip in micro-turning process. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were attached near to the cutting edge of the micro-turning tool and experiments with varying depth of cut were conducted to record the strain and temperature simultaneously on an indigenous developed micro-machining centre ‘Multi-Fab’. It was observed that with varying depth of cut different mechanisms that is, cutting, ploughing and slipping were dominant due to size-effect. In slipping the temperature and strain fluctuates around a fixed value due to elastic deformation of the work. The recorded strain and rise in temperature during cutting operation were found to be about four times and twice, respectively as compared to ploughing. Material hardness and rate of heat dissipation also play a major role in strain and temperature near to the cutting edge as validated from the experiments. The observations found from the experiments can enable appropriate process control in micro turning by monitoring strain and temperature near to the cutting edge.

Time-varying process models for micro-machining processes are important as they aid in control of machining parameters. In this research, a state-space-based process model for the temperature and strain generated near the cutting edge of the tool tip is identified using system identification approach. Fiber Bragg grating sensors were placed rigidly near the cutting edge of the tool tip in a micro-turning setup. Subsequently, micro-turning operations were carried out on aluminum and mild steel. The computer numerically controlled program was such that the machining parameters (feed velocity, depth of cut and RPM) change with machining time. The time-varying machining parameters act as inputs to the model, and the dynamic values of strain and temperature serve as model output. A state-space model was generated using the experimental data. Subsequently, a Kalman filter was used to intelligently predict the values of strain and temperature at the cutting edge of tool tip in advance using the model parameters identified by state-space modeling. Experimental results confirm that the time-varying model and the Kalman filter proposed in this research are effective in predicting the strain and temperature in advance with high accuracy. The maximum error in prediction of temperature was 0.4 °C, whereas for strain prediction, the maximum error was 0.3µ∈.

The research focuses on the applicability of silver (Ag) and molybdenum disulfide (MOS2) nanoparticle synthesized in situ in dimethylformamide solution as dielectric material for micro-electro discharge machining. Ag nanoparticles (~120 nm size) and MOS2nanoparticles (~20 nm size) were synthesized in dimethylformamide solution using a combination of nanoparticle solution synthesis routes. A setup for micro-electro discharge machining was developed in-house with an arrangement to generate spark at varying voltages. The setup was integrated with a precise linear height gauge to measure the spark gap during the experiments where Ag and MOS2nanoparticles in dimethylformamide solution served as dielectric. The debris was collected and was characterized for each of the experiments. The feature size of the crater generated during the micro-electro discharge machining was also studied. The experiments were repeated with silver and MOS2nanoparticle powder mixed with dimethylformamide as dielectric. It was observed that in situ prepared nanoparticles in dimethylformamide offered much better machining performance in terms of process stability, crater size and material removal rates. On use of in situ synthesized nanoparticle dielectric, the material removal rate increased by nearly two to three times whereas the spark gap increased by about two times.

Stroke is one of the major causes behind the increased mortality rate throughout the world and disability among the survivors. Such disabilities include several grasp and grip related impairment in daily activities like holding a glass of water, counting currency notes, producing correct signature in bank, etc., that seek serious attention. Present therapeutic facilities, being expensive and time-consuming, fail to cater the poverty stricken rural class of the society. In this paper, on the basis of an investigation, we developed a smart data glove based diagnostic device for better treatment of such patients by providing timely estimation of their grasp quality. Data collected from a VMG30 motion capture glove for six patients who survived stroke and two other healthy subjects was fused with suitable hypothesis obtained from a domain expert to reflect the required outcome on a Bayesian network. The end result could be made available to a doctor at a remote location through a smart phone for further advice or treatment. Results obtained clearly distinguished a patient from a healthy subject along with supporting estimates to study and compare different grasping gestures. The improvement in mobility could be assessed after physiotherapeutic treatments using the proposed method.

We report a new method for tool positioning in micro-electro-discharge machining with multiple electrodes for generating parallel spark employing a combination of stepper motor and piezoactuator-based co-actuation method. The stepper motor was used for coarse positioning and the inequality arising due to difference in the tool size of multiple tools used in micro-electro-discharge machining was equated employing piezoactuation followed by electrical continuity test. Simultaneous sparks for two different electrodes could be observed employing this method. The voltage waveforms across the tool–workpiece interface also confirm the generation of simultaneous and parallel sparks across both the electrodes.

With the large differences in surface energy between film and substrate in combination with the low sticking coefficient of hydrocarbon radicals, nanocrystalline diamond growth on foreign substrates typically results in poor nucleation densities. A seeding technique is therefore required to realize pinhole-free and thin coalesced films. In this work, a chemical nucleation method for growth of diamond on nondiamond substrates based on 2,2-divinyladamantane is shown. After treating with the carbon-containing DVA, the chemically treated wafers were exposed to low-power-density plasma, known as the incubation phase, to facilitate the formation of diamond nucleation sites followed by a high-power-density growth regime to produce coalesced films. The resulting films demonstrate high crystallinity, whereas the Raman spectra suggest high-quality diamond with low sp2content.

Estimation of tool wear in micro turning is important as it enhances the process fidelity and the surface quality of the job. In this work, a simple process is demonstrated that estimates the tool wear from strain data near the cutting edge of the tool tip for micro turning operations. The tool strain for tool with six different wear lengths, collected using fiber Bragg grating sensor, was preprocessed to generate a probability distribution. The strain and tool wear data were used as the training dataset. This training dataset was subjected to maximum likelihood estimation algorithm to obtain the conditional probability distribution table required for the functioning of a suitable Bayesian network. The Bayesian network was tested for estimation of tool wear using strain data as priors for three different experiments. The maximum error in tool wear estimation using this procedure was ∼6 µm.

To attain the increasing demand for energy in addition with an aim of resolving environmental concerns, a transition from traditional energy systems to renewable resources is crucial. However, renewable energy needs the proper mechanism of harvesting on availability and suitable storage capabilities until it’s utilizable necessity. Therefore, effective and consistent energy storage frameworks are crucial for the utilization of stowed renewable energy at a maximum capacity. Pondering that, this study has been focused on the utilization of biochars for efficacious thermal energy storage applications. The shape stabilization efficiency of commercial softwood biochar (EB) has been compared with synthesized bamboo biochar (BA). Both biochars have demonstrated porous and channel-like morphologies and the BET surface areas are measured to be 41.1676 and 9.7213 m2/g, respectively. Paraffin as a phase change material (PCM) is melted and permeated into the biochars to synthesize the biochar composite PCMs. Paraffin to biochar in a 3:1 ratio has been realized as the optimum for both composite PCMs. Maximum heat charging and discharging enthalpies are found to be 96.71 and 94.97 J/g for 1:3 EB-PCM as well as 77.78 and 75.06 J/g for 1:3 BA-PCM composites, respectively. The highest encapsulation ratios are calculated to be 53.49 and 43.02% for 1:3 EB-PCM and 1:3 BA-PCM composites, respectively. Although the enthalpies and encapsulation ratios are found higher in EB-PCM composites, BA-PCM composites have demonstrated superior thermal stability owing to the smaller pore sizes and that has resulted in higher surface tension, capillary action, and effective surface functionalities.

Rapid industrialization as a consequence of the green revolution and population proliferation has resulted in massive solid waste generation as well as greater energy consumption demands. With increasing energy demand coupled with ever-increasing waste generation, the time has come to think about global sustainability. The practice of green technology which is ecologically benevolent might be the foothold of waste management that renders resolutions. Therefore, waste valorization in sustainable energy forms can bring up an economic and suitable solution for the sustainability of civilization. Contemplating that, an attempt has been made to utilize date seeds as waste material for shape stabilization of phase change materials (PCMs) for effective thermal energy storage applications. Date seeds (DS) are ground to powder and pyrolyzed into porous biochar, having high porosity and channel-like morphology with a BET surface area of 187.07 m2/g. The PCM composites are accomplished by introducing capric acid (CA) into synthesized biochar (DSB). CA has been incorporated in 2:1 and 3:1 ratios into DSB and the thermal stability along with performance of the synthesized DSCA composites have been evaluated for their suitable applications. The 3:1 CA to DSB ratio has been realized as optimum for the highest accommodation of CA into DSB. Higher heat charging and discharging enthalpies of 72.4 and 71.76 J/g are accomplished for 1–3 DSCA sample as well as encapsulation efficiency and ratio are found to be 43.79 % and 43.96 %, respectively. During phase transitions, excellent leakage resistance and congruent heat charging and discharging capabilities have been manifested by the DSCA samples. The extraordinary performances displayed by the DSCA PCM composites are attributed to the surface tension, capillary action, space confinement and surface functionalities offered by the porous biochar.

Detection of tool–workpiece contact before the start of precision machining application is essential as it prevents tool breakage and aids in maintaining the accuracy of the machined workpiece. In this research, a wireless-aided three-axis accelerometer attached to a rotating micro-milling tool is used to detect tool–workpiece contact before the start of micro-milling operations. A three-axis accelerometer (ADXL345), an X-Bee pro wireless module and ATMEL328PP-U microcontroller along with other ancillaries were housed on a printed circuit board rigidly attached to a micro-milling tool using couplings. Subsequently, the micro-milling operation was conducted on three different materials, namely, aluminum, copper and brass, for three different revolutions per minute, depth of cut and feed velocity combinations. The accelerometer signals were received wirelessly in a personal computer. Impulsive change in accelerometer signal along Z-axis during machining indicated tool–workpiece contact. The depth of cut of the machined samples was measured using a profilometer. It was found that the setup was accurate in determining tool–workpiece contact at the start of micro-milling operations.

Boron-doped diamond has been utilized as an electrode material to construct an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) as well as an electrode support to form a pseudocapacitor. In 1.0 M NaSO4solution, the capacitance of diamond EDLC is in the range of 3.6–7.0 μF cm–2, comparable with those of EDLCs based on other carbon materials. During a charge/discharge process for 1000 cycles at a scan rate of 100 mV s–1, the capacitance only decreases 5%, indicating high stability and a long lifetime of such an EDLC. To improve the capacitance of diamond EDLCs, diamond was coated with a MnO2film to construct a pseudosupercapacitor. The MnO2films were electrodeposited at a constant potential of 0.9 V vs Ag/AgCl in 0.2 M MnSO4solution. The mass of MnO2deposited per unit area, called the area density, calculated from the deposition charge, was controlled via the deposition time. The MnO2films were characterized using various techniques like SEM, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, etc. In 1.0 M NaSO4solution, the capacitance of the MnO2/diamond-based pseudosupercapacitor rises with an increase of the mass of MnO2on diamond. Its maximum capacitance was found to be reached at a MnO2area density of 24 μg cm–2. The capacitance obtained from voltammetry is 384 μF, or 326 F g–1at a scan rate of 10 mV s–1, which is comparable with the value of 406 μF, or 349 F g–1, obtained from charge/discharge process at a current density of 3 A g–1in the potential range 0 to 0.8 V. The capacitance was reduced by 34% after 1000 subsequent charge/discharge cycles carried out at a scan range of 100 mV s–1. The comparison of the performance of the MnO2/diamond pseudosupercapacitor with that of those pseudosupercapacitors based on MnO2and other carbon materials indicates that diamond could be suitable for electrochemical supercapacitor applications.

The use of waste materials in sustainable energy forms has gained a tremendous research focus, which has risen the trend of energy demand coupled with environmental concerns. Contemplating that, biochar material from organic waste has been considered as shape stabilizing materials for the organic phase change materials (PCMs) aiming for thermal energy storage (TES) applications. Pinus resinosa(PR) fruits have been pyrolyzed into biochar which has exhibited a highly porous and channel-like morphology with a surface area of 27.99 m2/g. Dodecanoic acid (DA) in 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 ratios have been incorporated into the PR biochar for the fabrication of shape-stabilized phase change composites (DAPR). The highest melting and solidification enthalpies are exhibited by the DAPR-4 composite, though the values are almost similar to the DAPR-3 composite. Therefore, 3:1 DA to PR biochar can be considered as the optimum ratio. The maximum encapsulation efficiency and ratio are calculated to be 32.53 % and 32.66 %, respectively while the highest melting enthalpy is obtained at 50.87 J/g. All the DAPR composites have demonstrated admirable leakage-proof performance at elevated temperatures along with the congruent thermal cycle resilience up to 100 cycles of heat charging and discharging, without any alteration in temperatures and enthalpies. The exceptional thermal and structural stabilities manifested by the DAPR samples are ascribed to the capillary action, surface functionality, and space confinement effects of the biochar.

Trajectory corners generated while generation of a curve from curved fragments using micro-positioning $$X{-}Y$$ X-Y stages poses serious limitations on their use for smooth motion trajectory applications. In this research, a controller along with its control algorithm is presented which uses a penalized curve fitting-based approach to steer low cost/ low resolution stepper motor driven stage motion so that the cornerization in the trajectory is minimized without any serious degradation to accuracy. The control algorithm is initially implemented in MATLAB to check its fidelity. Subsequently, a complete set up involving ARM-based controller, motor drivers and precision positioning stages is built in order to facilitate the working of the algorithm in real time. The set up is tested for CNC machining application, where material removal takes place in a precise manner according to the trajectory of $$X{-}Y$$ X-Y positioning stages. A good match was found between simulation and experimental results in trajectory generation. It was further observed that the use of penalized spline trajectory reduces the cornerization in trajectory generation.

This study investigates the role of thermal energy in deposition of thick layer of powder material by PTAW process. For analysis, stainless steel material powder of grade SS304L are laid on the substrate of grade SS316. The energy required for melting the powder and available for the substrate are calculated considering losses during deposition. The effects of input process parameters i.e. energy, scanning speed, powder feed rate are investigated on bead characteristics and dilution.

Micro precision X–Y stages have several applications in industry ranging from metal machining to positioning of optical instruments. This paper deals with the evaluation of relationship between jerk in micro precision stages and harmonics in voltage of the motor by which the stage is driven and subsequently proposes an algorithm on Arduino Mega micro controller board to reduce the jerk by shaping the velocity profile while varying the microstepping rate in motor voltage. A micro precision stage with a resolution of 1 micron, driven with a bipolar stepper motor drive is used to evaluate the algorithm. A MEMS accelerometer (ADXL 345) is placed rigidly on the stage, and the acceleration at varying speeds is measured and logged in the micro controller. The micro controller sends commands to the motor driver (L6470 driver) for driving the motor using Serial Peripheral interface. The motor driver is configured in microstepping mode. Experiments confirm the fact that there is a strong correlation between jerk in micropositioning stage and motor supply voltage harmonics. A methodology to reduce the jerk has also been facilitated. This involves use of microstepping mode in stepper motor driver with dynamic sliding in microstepping rate. A threshold value of jerk is considered and based on that, the microstepping rate is varied which subsequently reduces voltage harmonics. Reduction in voltage harmonics reduces the jerk in the stage. Maximum jerk reduction of 97.3 % was achieved in the process.

This article presents the application of custom-designed poledioscope for dynamic measurement of thermally induced shear stress, as a technique for monitoring waviness of the microscale patterns created using CO2laser, directly over optically birefringent polymers. Laser ablation experiments were conducted for three optical grade polymers: ethylene vinyl acetate, poly methyl methacrylate, and allyl diglycol carbonate under varying laser power and scanning speeds. A poledioscope, customized by incorporating beam splitter in place of rotating analyzer section of conventional polariscope, was used to assess the thermally induced shear stress on the materials in real time. The waviness of the profile of groove patterns was measured using a profilometer. The shear stress mapping and the profile waviness data recorded for range of laser processing parameters were further analyzed to determine that high thermally induced shear stress results in significant damage on waviness of the lased profile.

The present study has been focused on the synthesis of silica encapsulated paraffin phase change materials and its application in cement-based systems. One-pot in-situ hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate as silica precursor and subsequent polycondensation have successfully encapsulated the paraffin droplets into nano-sized capsules of phase change materials (PCMs). The fabricated nanoencapsulated PCMs (NEPCMs) possess distinct core-shell structures with spherical geometry. Encapsulation ratio and encapsulation efficiency have been accomplished up to 92.9 and 90.24% with the latent heats of melting and solidification of 173.79 and 158.93 J/g, respectively. Calorimetry studies of the fabricated NEPCMs with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) have demonstrated 11% temperature reduction during the evolution of the heats of hydration, with the addition of only 3% NEPCMs. The synthesized PCMs are found to perform as high thermal energy storage materials with the capability of congruent heat storage and release without affecting their structure and geometry, therefore, can be considered as reliable and durable PCMs for concrete and building materials. The use of these NEPCMs can control the maximum temperature rise due to heat of hydration and therefore reducing the defects and cracks formation inside the mass concrete structures.

The paper presents an experimental methodology for evaluation of shear stress induced on a micro-turning tool during micro-turning operation. A micro-turning tool manufactured by Sandvik Coromant was used for micro- turning of a brass spindle. The front face of the tool was cleaned, polished and coated with a thin layer of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA), a birefringent material. Subsequently, reflection photoelastic experiments were conducted to find the shear stresses induced on the micro-tool. A custom designed grey field poledioscope was used for this purpose which was pre-calibrated and verified using disk under compression test. The tool was subjected to turning operation and dynamic images of the tool were captured using Casio ELIXIM ZR-200 camera in high speed movie mode at 1000 fps (frames per second) for four different orientations of the analyzer simultaneously. These images were processed using a code developed in MATLAB software to generate a shear stress map of the tool dynamically at different time instants of the machining process.

Diamond is an electrical insulator in its natural form. However, when doped with boron above a critical level (∼0.25 atom %) it can be rendered superconducting at low temperatures with high critical fields. Here we present the realization of a micrometer-scale superconducting quantum interference device (μ-SQUID) made from nanocrystalline boron-doped diamond (BDD) films. Our results demonstrate that μ-SQUIDs made from superconducting diamond can be operated in magnetic fields as large as 4 T independent of the field direction. This is a decisive step toward the detection of quantum motion in a diamond-based nanomechanical oscillator.

In this paper, we report on the transport properties of nanostructured boron doped diamond thin films. The nanostructures made from polycrystalline boron doped diamond show clear evidence of superconductivity with critical temperatures in the Kelvin range and critical field in the Tesla range. Such robust superconducting properties in these superhard materials make them promising candidates for superconducting nanoelectromechanical systems.

This review focuses on the need of mobile health (or m-Health) based devices for remote diagnosis of patients suffering from upper limb or upper extremity (UE) paresis due to stroke in developing or low and middle-income (LMI) countries. More than 70% of stroke survivors suffer from UE paresis. UE paresis limits the ability of an individual to perform activities of daily living (ADL), as well as social and recreational activities and hence needs sufficient care. Therefore, this paper considers advanced diagnostic procedures of post stroke upper limb paresis. To begin with, a detailed survey of death due to stroke, post-stroke disability and scarcity of rehabilitation centers in context of developing countries are presented briefly. It has been found that in developing countries, especially in the rural areas, patients suffering from disabilities due to stroke do not receive appropriate on-time treatment due to developmental and financial barriers. Conventional rehabilitation management systems fail to cater required rehabilitation services thereby arousing the need for evolution of wearable m-Health devices for uninterrupted monitoring of patients with UE paresis. Some lacunae in existing rehabilitation management systems and proposal for alleviating these gaps are presented in this paper. Continuous monitoring of affected body part can lead to timely diagnosis and faster recovery. Therefore, this paper attempts to establish the need for m-Health based device for UE monitoring to facilitate a better rehabilitation process for the stroke survivors.

•LA/SiO2phase change material was successfully synthesized by sol-gel method.•LA is an excellent thermal energy storage material.•Microencapsulated LA/SiO2shell exhibited 93.48% encapsulation efficiency.•After 30 thermal cycle, microencapsulated LA/SiO2has performed excellent.

Micromilling is a contact based material removal process in which a rotating tool with nose radius in microns is fed over a stationary workpiece. In the process small amount of material gets chipped off from the workpiece. Due to continuous contact between tool and workpiece significant damage occurs to the cutting tools. Mitigating tool damage to make micromilling systems more reliable for batch production is the current research trend. In macroscale or conventional milling process a number of methods have been proposed for tool condition monitoring. Few of them have been applied for micromilling. This paper reviews different methods proposed and used in last two decades for monitoring the condition of micromilling tools. Applicability of tool condition monitoring methods used in conventional milling has been compared with the similar ones proposed for micromilling. Further, the challenges and opportunities on the applicability issues have been discussed.

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