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In this paper, the metallurgical characteristics of the Friction Stir Processed (FSPed) A7075 alloy surface composites reinforced with 7.5 wt% of WC and 7.5 wt% ZrSiO4 nanoparticles were investigated. Homogenous distribution of dual reinforced particle i.e., WC and ZrSiO4 was observed during FSP, and reinforcements distribution was improved with increasing the FSP passes. Due to segregation of porosity, fine recrystallized grain-structure and dissolution of rich Al2O3 intermetallics were obtained and hence improved the processed surface properties. The mechanical properties such as micro hardness and tensile strength after 2, 4 and 6 passes were increased upto 11%, 23%, 38% and 5%, 27%, 46% compared to base metal respectively. Moreover, slurry abrasive wear was decreased with increase in FSPed passes and abrasive wheel hardness (i.e. 50, 60, 70 durometer). Hence, by increasing the slurry concentration and rotational speed (i.e. 1000, 1500, 2000 rpm) erosive wear was also decreased.

Aims: The objective of the present study was to analyse self-reported and measured chronic diseases and their association with alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the study examined the intensity and patterns of alcohol consumption by lifestyle and socio-demographic characteristics among respondents with chronic diseases.Methods: Secondary data were analysed from the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE), Wave 1 (2007–08), covering respondents aged 18 and older (10,914) in India. Chronic diseases, namely chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, asthma, depression and angina were self-reported as diagnoses and measured using validated epidemiological tools. A multivariable adjusted logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of quantity of alcohol consumed and patterns of alcohol consumption with chronic diseases. A multinomial multivariable regression model was used to examine the risk ratio between alcohol consumption and each lifestyle characteristic among the diseased population.Results: About 17.0% (1,432/10,914) of the population consumed alcohol. At 18.0% (1,967/10,914), the prevalence of self-reported chronic diseases was lower than measured chronic diseases (37.5%; 4091/10,914). Moderate drinking was associated with self-reported hypertension (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.10, 2.55) and measured hypertension (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.16, 2.42). Consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks per session was associated with self-reported depression (OR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.32, 5.45). Alcohol consumption of more than three drinks per session was associated with vigorous physical activity (RRR = 3.57; 95% CI = 1.25, 10.23). Heavy drinking was associated with the risk of having a body mass index in the overweight range (RRR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.17, 4.47).Conclusions: The study findings demonstrate that alcohol is a risk factor for hypertension, self-reported depression and being overweight, with these associations varying with the amount of alcohol consumed. A coordinated, targeted multisectoral approach is needed to improve knowledge and awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and to strengthen alcohol use control policies in India.

Objective India contributes disproportionally in global burden of diseases due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) that accounted alone 28.1% in all deaths. These diseases are a major driver of economic burden, where the disparities persisted across social gradient. Therefore, the research aims to study CVDs and the HCE and to examine their association with socioeconomic-demographic covariates and the preventive effect of lifestyle behaviors on CVDs. Methods The longitudinal data of India Human Development Survey (IHDS) of 2004-05 and 2011-12 of population aged 15 + years was used. Descriptive statistics and analytical methods (random effects, Tobit model, and PAF) were performed. Result The prevalence of CVDs was increased during 2004-05 to 2011-12 (26–50 per 1000 population). The mean HCE on CVDs also increased (INR 8,483 and INR 14,380) over the same period. The HCE increased with an increase in income, age, and education. Females were significantly less expending on health care than males. The HCE was more in private health facility than public ones. As many as 18.3% of CVD cases attributed due to diabetes, ~17% each having no-education and 6–12 years of education, and almost 8.4% cases attributed to overweight. Conclusion CVDs increased in 7 years period. At the same time HCE has also increased nearly by 80% (percent change); relatively more among outpatient treatment. There is need to develop multipronged strategies to reduce pace of increasing CVD and also the cost of treatment to avoid people falling into the trap of poverty due to HCE.

At present aluminium-magnesium alloys are widely used in various engineering applications due to its light weight and superior properties. Joining is considered as one of the most complex phenomenon in various precision industries like aerospace, railway, automotive and marine structures because inflexible tolerances are required during different product assembly. The friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminium-magnesium of various grade has incited substantial scientific and industrial importance since it has a potency to transform the product with a good quality joint. The fabrication of such alloys is a challenging task through conventional fusion welding due to its various metallurgical concerns. Therefore, the present work is intended to summarize the recent progress in FSW of aluminium-magnesium alloys. Particular attention has been paid to microstructural evolution, phase transformation, recrystallization mechanism, material flow behaviour and how the process parameters influence the various mechanical properties and associated defects during FSW. Various experimental and numerical simulation results have been mentioned for weld property comparison. Finally, this work not only points out the prominent conclusions of the preceding research but also recommends the upcoming guidance concerning to fabrication of aluminium-magnesium alloys through FSW.

The aim of this study was to determine the compressive properties of silicon carbide (SiC) and zircon sand (ZrSiO4) particulate reinforced with ADC-12 alloy, ADC-12 alloy composite. In this experimental study, SiC and ZrSiO4 particulates reinforced with ADC-12 alloy composite were manufactured by stir casting methods. Compressive properties of these composite materials were investigated by different weight percentages of dual reinforcement combinations (9+3) %, (6+6) %, (3+9) %wt. silicon carbide (SiC) and zircon sand (ZrSiO4)respectively, The compressive tests were conducted to determine compressive strength and young’s modulus to investigate the effects of reinforce materials on different combinations of weight percentages. The outcome of the investigations reveals that the tensile strength of composites reinforced by Zircon sand (ZrSiO4) and silicon carbide particles with a total reinforcement 12% wt, and in this hybrid reinforcement the variations (9+3) %, (6+6) %, (3+9) % were taken in to account for investigating the properties such as density, compressivestrength and hardness of the composites synthesized by Stir casting technique, also compared between each other’s. The mechanical properties evaluation reveals variations in hardness and the compressive strength values with the composite combinations. From the experimental studies, the optimum volume fraction of hybrid reinforcement in ADC-12 alloy on the basis of microstructure and mechanical properties it is found that the (6+6) wt.% combination.

In urban India, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices are a significant public health concern because the urban resident has more adverse exposure to WASH practices and there is a severe crisis of demand and supply. This study aims to explore WASH conditions and their association with selected diseases in urban households in India. WASH conditions and the prevalence rates of stomach problems, malaria, skin diseases, and fever due to diseases other than malaria were calculated using the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO)’s 69th round data. Logistic regression was carried out to examine the association of WASH conditions with selected diseases. About 95% of households studied had access to improved sources of drinking water, 77% had water sources within their premises, and 90% had improved latrine facilities. 52% were covered by municipalities’ garbage collection facilities, 60% were connected with improved drainage, whereas 97% had problems with flies and mosquitos. Unimproved sources of drinking water were significantly associated with stomach problems and skin diseases. The quality of drinking water, the non-availability of latrine facilities, and the absence of garbage collections were significantly associated with stomach problems and fever other than malaria. Improved WASH conditions are crucial to achieving better health and development in urban India, and the results suggest the need for effective policy and program interventions in waste management along with awareness generation on hygienic environment.

In an arc welded joint, welding induced residual stresses significantly affect the overall strength of the weld components. Determination of residual stresses before the actual welding not only prevents the failure of the weld structure but also helps in its mitigation before and during the welding process. In this study, a single pass double sided submerged arc welded P91 steel square butt weld joint is considered to determine welding induced residual stress. Strain associated to trapped stresses in a component can trace its distribution. The corresponding deformation was determined for the welded plate. The weld sample was cut across the weld length into two equal halves using wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machine). The surface deformations were recorded onCoordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). The positioning of sample on CMM bed, non-uniformity in cutting process etc., may affect the deformation data and so, data conditioning was performed. The conditioned deformation values were imposed as the structural load on the same weld joint FE model in ANSYS software package. The FE analysis structural results generate the residual stress distribution in longitudinal direction or say perpendicular to the targeted surface. A compressive residual stress distribution was observed in weld-zone unlike other steels weld. The single pass welding is justified for stable residual stress distribution in both weld zone and Heat Affected Zone (HAZ).

Research on informed choice in modern contraceptive method acceptance by young married women is pertinent in the broader context of individual freedom and reproductive rights, especially in countries where women continue to have limited control over their reproductive and contraceptive choices. This study in India asked: (1) is young married women’s acceptance of specific modern contraceptive methods an informed choice? and (2) what are the enablers and barriers to informed choice? The study used data for currently married women aged 15–24 (N = 20,752) from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted in 2015–16. A Method Information Index (MII) was calculated as a measure of informed choice from the percentage of users who responded ‘yes’ to all three questions on: whether they were informed about methods other than the one they received, told about the method-specific side-effects, and advised what to do if they experienced side-effects. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the adjusted effect of factors associated with the MII separately for female sterilization, the intrauterine device and the oral contraceptive pill, and a combined MII including all three methods plus injectables. One-fifth of the study women used any modern contraceptive method at the time of survey, of which only 36% had fully informed choice. The likelihood of being informed about the methods was significantly higher among those using the oral contraceptive pill (OR: 1.75, CI 1.58–1.94), IUD (OR: 2.23, CI 1.97–2.52) and injectables (OR: 1.37, CI 0.97–1.94) compared with those who were sterilized. Informed choice varied by region and the socioeconomic profile of the users. Inadequately informed choice violates the reproductive rights of young women and might result in higher post-use health problems, discontinuation of and unmet need for contraceptives, unintended pregnancies, induced abortions and regret, adversely affecting women’s health. Training of health/family planning workers in India about the importance of reproductive rights is urgently required to enhance informed contraceptive choice and improve the health of young married women.

Ilio-caval arteriovenous fistula is a rare sequel of lumbar disc surgery or penetrating injury. We report a case of 40-year gentleman presenting with symptoms of congestive heart failure and continuous murmur heard over right iliac fossa. His past history was significant for lumbar disc surgery done twice 1 year back. Computed tomography angiogram confirmed a large fistulous communication between right common iliac artery and inferior vena cava. Open surgical repair was performed as the fistula was not well suited for endovascular repair. We successfully managed this case by open surgical ligation of right common iliac artery proximal and distal to fistula and continuity restored with interposition Dacron graft. He was relieved of symptoms and performing well on follow-up.

In India, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for nearly 62% of all deaths in 2016. Four NCDs – high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and heart disease – together accounted for over 34% of these deaths. Using data from two rounds of the India Human Development Surveys (IHDSs), levels and changes in the prevalence rates of the four NCDs (based on diagnosed cases) among adults aged 15–69 years in India between 2004–05 and 2011–12 were examined by socioeconomic and demographic factors and for five broad occupation categories. The socioeconomic and demographic risk factors for each of these NCDs were determined using multiple linear logistic regression analysis of pooled data from two rounds of the IHDS. The results showed that while urban residence, age, female sex and education were associated with higher odds of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, household economic status was associated with higher odds for all four NCDs. Furthermore, increased higher odds of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease were found for the legislator/senior official/professional occupation group compared with non-workers. Skilled agricultural/elementary workers had lower odds of high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and heart disease. Craft/machine-related trade workers had higher odds of high blood pressure and diabetes, and reduced odds of asthma and heart disease. Compared with non-workers, the odds ratios for asthma were lower for all other occupational categories. During the two study decades, the Government of India implemented several programmes designed to improve the health and well-being of its people. However, more focused attention on the adult population is needed, and special attention should be paid to the issue of the occupational health of the working population through the strict implementation of work place safety protocols and the removal of potential health hazards.

Tobacco use continues to be of research interest due to the significant amount of tobacco-attributable non-communicable diseases and deaths in India. This study examines the pattern and predictors of smoking, chewing, and any tobacco use among adults of age 15–49 years in India. This study used secondary data from the fourth round of the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS, 2015–2016) which collected information on tobacco use from men and women in the age group 15–49 ( n = 803097). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to understand the socio-economic and demographic predictors. GIS maps have been used to show inter-state variation in smoking, chewing, and any tobacco use by gender. About one out of every ten adults aged 15–49 use any tobacco, predominantly in chewing forms. Women are significantly less likely to smoke (odds ratio [OR]: 0.05, confidence interval [CI]: 0.04–0.05), chew (OR: 0.25, CI: 0.24–0.25), and use any tobacco (OR: 0.14, CI: 0.13–0.14) compared with men. Tobacco usage was found more common among the uneducated and economically weak people. There is considerable inter-state heterogeneity in the prevalence and type of tobacco use, and adults in the north-east region are among the most vulnerable population subgroups. Tobacco use continues to be a significant burden due to its magnitude and different forms of use in India. The higher use among males, illiterates, economically weak, socially backward and alcohol users suggest the need for targeted efforts to improve their knowledge and awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and stronger enforcement of tobacco control policies.

The current research was a comparative study of reinforced ceramic particles and mixing proportion on the microstructural and slurry erosive characteristics for fabricated composites. Dual reinforc...

Friction stir processing (FSP) was evolved as a potential technique for producing surface composites. Processed surface properties of soft and hard materials such as; hardness, abrasive, erosive an...

This paper mainly reports a relative description, impacts of TiC and ZrSiO4 grains, blending extents on the slurry wear qualities and microstructural analysis of composite materials. The TiC/ZrSiO4 dual reinforced particles (DRP) of LM13 amalgam composite was blended effectively. Double strengthened composites (particles) were orchestrated through mixes of titanium carbide and zircon sand to LM13 amalgam framework composites. The LM13 compound composite with reinforcement tests were similarly arranged for correlation of double support particles on microstructural analysis and wear conduct in different slurry concentrations. The reinforcements particles are stimulated in the mixture by stir casting technique. The slurry disintegration wear conduct uncovers double molecule support that upgrades wear opposition when contrasted with single molecule fortification whenever blended in a precise rate. The results demonstrate a proper blend support (15 wt%) with titanium carbide and zircon sand particles in the stoichiometric proportion (10 and 5 wt%) individually into the grid. Analysis indicates the further enhancement in hardness and the wear behaviour are associated with extra amalgamation.

In this study, zircon sand (ZrSiO4)-reinforced aluminum surface composite up to 15 vol % of microparticles with an average diameter of 3 µm was prepared through multi-pass FSP. The microstructural, mechanical and tribological characterizations of the friction stir-processed ZrSiO4/A4047 surface composite were evaluated. The effects of FSP passes (2, 4 and 6) were evaluated, and it suggests that the surface composite after 6-pass reveals better homogeneous distribution of reinforcement (ZrSiO4) particle in the matrix. The tensile test showed 16, 24 and 44% with increase in FSP passes, respectively, compared to the base metal. Similarly, the microhardness of the surface composite produced through 6-pass FSP was increased to 112 HV while that produced through base metal increased to 74 HV. Also, it was observed that erosion–corrosion resistance and abrasion wear performance were significantly improved with increase in FSP passes.

The joining of a strong and a light metal such as; steel and magnesium alloys (Mg alloys) is much-needed demand for reducing the weight of the vehicles and other structures in various engin...

Al-Si10Cu2Fe and Al-Si12Cu aluminium alloy composites were fabricated by using various weight percentage of SiC and TiB2 reinforcement particles in a two-step stir-casting process to improve their corrosion resistance for use in transport, aerospace and marine industries. Morphological and microstructural analysis of the composites were carried out using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, respectively. The results indicated a homogeneous distribution of the SiC and TiB2 particles in the matrix, resulting in enhanced materials with better mechanical properties. The improvement of the tensile strength and elastic modulus for Al-Si12Cu–7%TiB2 was 73% and 15.3%, respectively, as compared with the Al-Si10Cu2Fe matrix alloy. The uniform incorporation of SiC and TiB2 microparticles increases the bonding strength with the matrix and improves the hardness. These properties are useful to improve the tribological behaviour.

Unplanned spatial development, unregulated migration, and changing energy consumption patterns are likely to increase the vulnerability to climate change of populations inhabiting in urban areas. This study aims to estimate urban exposure level and examine the inequalities in the availability of infrastructure and the provision of services in million-plus cities in India. Using data from Census 2011 for 40 million-plus cities, this study measured urban exposure through the urbanicity scale ranging from 0 to 70 points. The urbanicity scores revealed a transparent gradient in the level of urban exposure across these 40 million-plus cities, with the scores ranging from 45.59 (the lowest, in Meerut) to 61.47 (the highest, in Delhi). The economic activity scores were similar for all the million-plus cities, whereas the health infrastructure scores showed a wide variation from 1.0 to 8.8 points. Population, health, educational infrastructure, and built environment contributed the most to the inequality. Unless addressed urgently, these inequalities in infrastructure and services will affect the sustainability of these million-plus cities and may hinder the country’s achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate change.

The aim of this research paper was to look into the high-stress abrasive or sliding wear of the LM13 and ADC12 alloy and its composites as LM13-7% SiC, LM13-7% TiB2, ADC12-7% SiC and ADC12-7% TiB2 reinforced with SiC and TiB2 particles. The high-stress abrasive test was examined at various emery grit meshes as 180, 220, 320 and 400 correspond to 88, 60, 44 and 37 micron, and a load of 20 N and 30 N was applied for scratching distance of 200 m and 300 m at a sliding speed of 5.2 m/s. Smooth wear track or channel was shown in case of alloys. Wider and discontinuous wear tracks were depicted in case of composites due to inclusion of strengthen particles. Alloys showed less frictional heating as compared to their composites and among composites titanium diboride amalgam showed more frictional heating as compared to silicon carbide strengthen composites. There was rapid increase in frictional heating in composites as compared to alloys due to presence of hard particles. Frictional heating increased on inclusion of ceramic particles. Experiment result showed that titanium diboride composites in aluminium base alloy considered excellent material for tribological and general purpose engineering application.

The present research was performed to study the compressive deformation behavior and the energy absorption quantity of aluminum-foam-filled sections. Empty and foam-filled sections were compressed at different strain rates to ascertain the effect to energy absorption. Results show that plateau stress and energy absorption were enhanced due to increase in strain rate. In the case of Al-foam-filled square section, energy absorption was increased up to 26%. Similarly, the plateau stress of mild steel empty section was also found to be increased. Moreover, the energy absorption capacity of mild steel section was enhanced by 25% due to being filled with Al foam. It was noted that square section always absorbs (25–30% depending upon the strain rate) more energy compared to the round sample.

This paper mainly reports a comparative study of dual reinforcement particles with combination of numerous weight ratios of reinforcement on micro-structural topographies and slurry abrasive wear behaviour of A2024 alloy. Silicon carbide and zircon sand particles size between 37–44 µm and 20–35 µm are reinforced in the alloy respectively, by two-step stir casting method. Slurry abrasive wear study reveals enhancement for twin particle reinforcement of the abrasive wear resistance ratio (1:1) as compared to others (1:3, 3:1) weight percentage of twin particle reinforcement if mixed in a stoichiometric proportion. The wear behaviour was examined by the sample rotation technique using slurry abrasive tester. The effects of speed, slurry media and sand concentration on the slurry wear behaviour have been investigated. To observe the influence of both SiC and ZrSiO4 particles dispersion matrix alloy was also characterized under similar conditions. Analysis suggests the addition of both SiC and ZrSiO4 significantly improves the wear resistance of as-synthesized matrix alloy in marine industry and marine environments. However, slurry environment and speed consists to the combined effect on wear rate. The analysis also indicate the specific combination of reinforcement (12%) with zircon sand and silicon carbide particles in the composite A exhibits better erosive wear resistance as compared to other combinations.

This study of dual reinforcement particles with combination of numerous weight ratios of reinforcement on micro-structural topographies and slurry abrasive wear behaviour of A5052 alloy. Titanium carbide and zircon sand particles size between 10-25 µm are reinforced in the alloy respectively, by two-step stir casting method. Slurry abrasive wear study reveals enhancement for twin particle reinforcement of the abrasive wear resistance ratio (1:1) as compared to others (1:2, 2:1) weight percentage of twin particle reinforcement if mixed in a stoichiometric proportion. The wear behaviour was examined by the sample rotation technique using slurry abrasive tester. The effects of speed, slurry media and sand concentration on the slurry wear behaviour have been investigated. To observe the influence of both TiC and ZrSiO 4 particles dispersion matrix alloy was also characterized under similar conditions. Analysis suggests the addition of both TiC and ZrSiO 4 significantly improves the wear resistance of as-synthesized matrix alloy in marine industry and mine environments. However, slurry environment and speed consists to the combined effect on wear rate. The analysis also indicate the specific combination of reinforcement (15 %) with zircon sand and titanium carbide particles in the composite A exhibits healthier abrasive wear resistance as compared to other combinations.

The present research are a comparative study and effects of TiC and ZrSiO4 ceramic grain sizes and mixing proportions on the microstructural and slurry erosion wear characteristics of composite materials. TiC / ZrSiO4 dual reinforced particles (DRP) A6063 alloy matrix composites were manufactured. Dual reinforced particles composites were generated by adding combinations of (10+5)wt%, (7.5+7.5)wt%, (5+10)wt% of Titanium carbide (TiC) and zircon sand (ZrSiO4) to A6063 alloy matrix composites. A6063 alloy composite with Titanium carbide and zircon sand samples were also prepared for comparison of dual reinforcement particles on microstructural features and wear behavior in various slurry concentrations. Titanium carbide and zircon sand (44-60 µm) particles are reinforced in the alloy by two-step stir casting method. Slurry erosion wear study reveals that the dual particle reinforcement enhances the wear resistance as compared to single particle reinforcement if mixed in a definite proportion. Study also indicate that a combination of 15% reinforcement of Titanium carbide and zircon sand particles in the ratio of 10 and 5wt% into the composite exhibits better microhardness and wear resistance as compared to other combination.

In the present investigation, the mechanism of material removal with the help of mechanically mixed layer has been evaluated. The effect of different experimental parameters has been evaluated on aluminium matrix alloy (ADC12) and it's composite (ADC12 + 10%SiC). For the investigation of material removal, the reinforcement size is taken as 45 to 80 μm, applied load as 2 N, 6 N, 10 N, abrasive size as 30 μm, 50 μm, 70 μm and sliding distance of 40 m, 60 m, 80 m, 100 m with 500 rpm. In the present observation, the hardness of composite is found to be better than the alloy. In addition, wear resistance of composite has been found better than the alloy. Mechanically mixed layer was formed for low load. For high load, mechanically mixed layer was not found. Maximum wear resistance of material was found for fine abrasive and low load and transition of material removal was found for high abrasive size.

Friction stir welding (FSW) exhibit high rate of plastic deformation thereby microstructure modification through intense coarsening and grain boundary precipitation found in the weld zone. The microstructure and microchemistry of the weld can be controlled by cooling assisted friction stir welding (CFSW) with minimizing peak temperature and heat input thereby better efficiency and performance of joint produced. This becomes more considerable especially during dissimilar material joining due to variations in thermo-mechanical properties and chemical compositions of material. The joint efficiency can also be enhanced by suppressing the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formation and controlling the grain growth by applying cooling medium (i.e. compressed air, water, carbon dioxide (CO2) and liquid nitrogen). This article reviews the current status of on-going research in CFSW. The particular attention has been paid to process parameters, phase transformation, texture evolution, recrystallization mechanism, microstructural behaviour, and the influence of these factors on the joint tensile strength, hardness, fatigue properties, residual stresses as well as corrosion behaviour. And also, new research directions in this field have been proposed for upcoming research.

The present investigations are a comparative study and effects of SiC and ZrSiO 4 ceramic grain sizes and mixing proportions on the microstructural and slurry erosion wear characteristics of composite materials. SiC / ZrSiO 4 dual reinforced particles (DRP) LM-13 alloy matrix composites were manufactured. Dual reinforced particles composites were generated by adding combinations of (9+3)wt%,(6+6)wt%, (3+9)wt% of Silicon carbide (SiC) and zircon sand (ZrSiO 4 ) to LM-13 alloy matrix composites. LM-13 alloy composite with Silicon carbide and zircon sand samples were also prepared for comparison of dual reinforcement particles on microstructural features and wear behavior in various slurry concentrations. Silicon carbide (35-44 µm) and zircon sand (20-35 µm) particles are reinforced in the alloy by two-step stir casting method. Slurry erosion wear study reveals that the dual particle reinforcement enhances the wear resistance as compared to single particle reinforcement if mixed in a definite proportion. Study also indicate that a combination of 12% reinforcement of silicon carbide and zircon sand particles in the ratio of 9 and 3wt% into the composite exhibits better microhardness and wear resistance as compared to other combination.

The improvement in mechanical behaviour of the modified surface composite was accredited to development of the microstructural structures. This was reached by fine spreading of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) particles into the A6063 alloy. The bulk amounts of stir zone (SZ) microhardness for fabricated composite were equated to the results calculation by a Hall–Petch-type equation between obtained hardness versus particle grain size. The effect of surface-particle distribution over the material flow around the pin was also examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, compared with the base metal, both the microhardness and tensile strengths of the friction stir processed (FSP) composites were progressively improved with gradually increases the number of FSP passes. Adding the ZrO2 ceramic particles, the applied severe plastic deformation and elevated the strain rate of the materials during FSP. As possibly will be seen, adding the ZrO2 particles resulted in an enhancement in the microstructural behaviour tensile strength and microhardness.

Climate change is expected to have severe consequences for the world, some of which are already being felt. According to projections, in some regions, droughts will be more frequent and intense in the 21st century. This calls for purposeful interventions by governments to mitigate the impacts. Drought-affected communities are more vulnerable to famine. The effects of drought are felt in people's education levels, nutrition, health, sanitation, and women and the safety of children in these communities. The impact of drought can be seen in the livelihoods of people affected by it. Against this backdrop, there is the need to document the effects of drought on women and children's health in the affected communities. Such a study calls for a systematic approach. This study explores the various dimensions of the effects of droughts. It accessed electronic databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Pub-Med, JSTOR to identify a substantial number of studies using key words and expressions. To begin with, the word drought was kept constant in all combinations of keywords and phrases. The search was then refined by using the word drought with keywords, such as livelihood, vulnerability, sustainable development, adaption and mitigation, migration, health impact, and risk management to search the required articles. Only studies conducted in the period 2000 – 2019 were considered for this review. The review's findings show that due to a lack of water during a drought, the burden of work on women and children increased considerably. Most faced severe health issues like malnutrition and anemia. The livelihoods of women were also affected because of which they were forced to adopt various strategies to overcome the problems posed by droughts. Droughts occur every year in different parts of India. Actions are required to mitigate the effects of drought, including the provision of drinking water, food, aid and relief aid to distressed farmers, employment support, support for changes in livelihoods, water security, and drought-proofing. State policies and actions must give particular attention to women and children because they are the most vulnerable. Employment-generation actions should also include youth by providing appropriate training for developing appropriate skills.

Friction stir processing (FSP) is a new and exciting technique being extensively explored because of its thermo-mechanical surface modification which has the capability to enhance the mechanical, microstructural and tribological properties. Various studies were described on friction stir processed aluminium alloys using several reinforcement particles containing micro and nano size grains thereby the formation of homogeneous and identical microstructure. However, this review is mainly focused on Al-7075 alloy which is a potentially superplastic alloy for making metal matrix composites. In this review, the recent research progress in FSP is discussed in detail with particular emphasis on their preparing method, characterization and various mechanical properties including present challenges and future prospects. Though, a remarkable progress has been made during the past few years, the present status in materials processing is far from ideal, especially in obtaining desire composites by using single or dual reinforcements.

Introduction Tobacco cessation is crucial to reduce tobacco-related diseases and premature deaths. Quitting efforts can be enhanced through brief routine interventions at health facilities because healthcare providers are highly trusted, resulting in stronger adherence to their advice. Materials and methods This study used data on tobacco users aged 15–49 years (n = 93,522) collected as part of the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2015–16. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using STATA (version 13) to understand the socioeconomic and demographic correlates of tobacco quit attempts and advice to quit by healthcare providers. GIS map has been used to show inter-state variations in quit attempts and advice. Results Thirty per cent of the tobacco users were found to have attempted to quit tobacco. Education, mass media exposure, economic status, and chronic disease emerged as enablers, while alcohol use and social backwardness came out as barriers to quit attempts. Quit advice from the healthcare providers was found not to be given frequently (51%) and varied significantly by the socioeconomic and demographic profile of the users. Not all of the tobacco users attempting to quit had been advised to quit, indicating a missed opportunity to intervene and reinforce quitting at a health facility. Conclusions Fewer attempts to quit among the adolescents, the less educated, and the users from the poorest households may increase the burden of tobacco-attributable diseases unless timely interventions are made. Better training of the healthcare providers in administering and recommending tobacco cessation and emphasizing on the value of cessation counselling is urgently required to enhance quitting practices and improve health.

Wireless Sensor Networks is an emerging area of research. Wireless Sensor networks (WSNs) face lot of problems that do not arise in other types of wireless networks and computing environments. Limited computational resources, power constraints, low reliability and higher density of sensor nodes (motes) are just some basic problems that have to be considered when designing or selecting a new operating system in order to evaluate the performance of wireless sensor nodes (motes). In this paper we focused on design issues, challenges and classification of operating systems for WSNs.

The afterburner in an aero-engine is employed for augmentation of the basic thrust of the engine to improve the fighter aircraft take-off, climb and combat performance. The liner forms one of the main components of the afterburner system. Buckling is a dominant mode of failure for the afterburner structure due to its inherent slender geometry and external pressure loading system in addition to low stiffness due to high temperature. This paper deals with design aspects involved in the afterburner structure — the augmenter liner where combustion takes place during reheat. The liner therefore experiences high thermal loads, variable differential pressure and severe loads as encountered during an engine flameout condition. This paper describes the approach adopted for the design of an afterburner liner for buckling strength which assures safety and producibility by fulfillment of design and fabrication constraints. The design methodology is validated through flame out test on full-scale component. Further in pursuit of weight efficient design, the liner configuration with corrugations is attempted.Copyright © 2009 by Alstom