Search

Photochemical Machining (PCM) is a well-known tightly controlled selective corrosion technique used to manufacture several micro and nano-size components high in quality and high precision; as it is a non-contact process, it gives a burr-free stress-free surface of the material. Nowadays, PCM is widely used in various industrial applications, including medical and healthcare industries, electronics, precision micro, nano, and other engineering industries. This article describes the correlation between various process parameters like etching temperature, time, and concentration of etchant with some response parameters like surface roughness value, metal removal rate (MRR), undercut (Uc), etch rate. In addition, magnetic field-assisted PCM and ultrasonic-assisted PCM are also explored in detail. The article highlights that etchant concentration and etching time play the most critical role in the PCM process. This article also depicts that with the increase in etchant temperature and etching time, the MRR and undercut increases. The article suggests future scopes and challenges of photochemical machining process.

Purpose This paper aims to investigate whether small finance banks (SFBs) in India are working towards financial inclusion through qualitative studies. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a phenomenological approach in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with the employees of two SFBs in Mumbai with different specializations. Employee experience was captured to grasp, interpret and code data for the creation of different themes. Findings This research shows that the current literature on financial inclusion is inadequate to explain the behavior of the needy in India. Study found multiple themes of financial inclusion, namely, financial literacy, self-esteem, use of technology, prompt repayment, credit identity, cross-referencing and financial stability. Although overall results are positive, to generalize the results, SFBs need to spend some more time in business. The findings of this study can be of global benefit to micro-finance organizations of a similar scale to achieve financial inclusion and business improvement. Research limitations/implications This qualitative study was performed at a single location and with a limited sample size, which underlines the need for repeated exercises at multiple locations with a larger sample size to establish a broader logical generality. It also points out the need for a study of employee themes to enhance the business processes of SFBs. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this qualitative study is first attempt to figure out the extent of work done by SFBs in India in promoting financial inclusion. Themes related to financial inclusion can provide further thought process for policymakers for financial inclusion and business improvement. Findings refer not only to Indian organizations but also to small banks around the world to recognize the underpinnings of financial inclusion and what small banks and micro-finance institutions can do to make it meaningful.

Nickel pyrophosphate is very popular material having applications in energy storage devices as well as supercapacitors. In this study, a surfactant-mediated approach was adapted to synthesis nickel pyrophosphate nanoparticles. The prepared material was subjected to structural, optical, electrical and electrochemical property studies. Peak broadening in the powder XRD pattern confirmed the nanostructured nature and monoclinic structure of pure [Formula: see text]-Ni2P2O7 nanoparticle with unit cell parameters of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. Pure [Formula: see text]-Ni2P2O7 samples calcined at 300∘C, 600∘C, 900∘C show monoclinic structure. The average crystallite size and the internal strain were evaluated using Scherrer’s formula and Williamson–Hall (W-H) respectively. The TEM analysis confirmed the particle size in the range of 5–10[Formula: see text]nm for Ni2P2O7. Presence of symmetric and asymmetric stretching vibrations of P–O–P and PO3 was determined by FT-IR spectroscopy. The spectral range of 210–1200[Formula: see text]nm was employed by the UV-NIR absorption spectroscopy, and the energy band gap calculated from Tauc’s plot is found to be 5.38[Formula: see text]eV for pure Ni2P2O7. The EDAX analysis confirmed the elemental composition. The TGA analysis reveals that the sample becomes anhydrous and remain stable beyond 600∘C. The higher dielectric constant observed for the sample is promising for semiconductor, DRAM memory devices and ceramic capacitors. The a.c. conductivity increases with increasing frequency and follows Jonscher’s Power law. On the basis of Jonscher parameters, small polaron QMT conduction model is prevailing. The cyclic voltammetry study was carried out to ascertain the application potential for supercapacitors.

Spinal cavernous angiomas are lesions formed by vessels lined by closely clustered endothelial cells. They are common in the vertebral body and less common in an intradural location. However, these are very rare in the extra-osseous and epidural region. Less than 100 cases have been reported. Here, we report a case of dorsal spinal extradural cavernous angioma in a 52-year-old man who presented with back pain and difficulty in walking. Magnetic resonance imaging brain showed D7–D8 (thoracic) extradural spinal lesion, enhancing homogeneously on contrast administration. He underwent D7–D8 hemilaminectomy and tumor decompression. The tumor was extradural, tightly adherent to the dura, and highly vascular. He recovered completely after surgical removal with no recurrence 2 years after removal. He was not administered adjuvant radiotherapy. In this article, we review the literature regarding clinical features, imaging findings, and outcome of spinal epidural cavernous angioma.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a rare disorder that occurs secondary to acquired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in the spine. Treatment involves either an epidural blood patch or surgical ligation. Essential to the selecting the optimal management strategy is classifying the type of leak and accurate localization of its level. Hitherto, this has been achieved using conventional imaging methods such as static CT or MR myelography which are adequate for the demonstration of only high flow leaks. Digital subtraction myelography (DSM) is a novel technique which provides superior temporal and spatial resolution in the localization of more challenging slow flow leaks. However, DSM may also be initially non-diagnostic. We report a case of SIH in which repeat DSM revealed a type 3 CSF-venous fistula and demonstrate a possible mechanism of transient CSF leak block resulting in the initial false negative findings based on morphological changes in the culprit nerve sheath diverticulum-pseudomeningocoele complex. The patient underwent successful surgical ligation with clinicoradiological resolution of SIH.

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is one of the unique solid state welding process developed by “The Welding Institute” in 1991 which produces joints with high strength without negotiating aesthetics as well as weight. Relatively, this process is environmentally safe due to less toxic gas release, less energy utilization and no form of flux is required. This process has proven to be promising technique for joining similar and dissimilar metals including various alloys, hardened materials and composites. Current article is categorized into three sections; the first one focuses current status and parameters of FSW along with their correlations; second section talks about different tools, tool materials and associated defects; last section is highlighting applications of FSW in joining of dissimilar metals development in underwater friction stir welding (UFSW). In addition, performance evaluations of input parameters like tool rotation speed, tilt-angle of the tool, plunge depth, welding speed along with its effect on welding quality, microhardness and tensile properties are discussed. Finally, this article concludes with future scope and challenges in FSW.

There is an increasing demand for lightweight structures in day-to-day life. Aluminium based metal matrix composites (MMCs) find applications in sectors like automotive, aerospace, defense industries, and transportation. The main reason being its distinctive properties like superior strength, better stiffness, lower density, enhanced temperature properties, measured thermal expansion, and enhanced wear resistance. Various researchers have contributed to the field of aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) with particulate reinforcements through the stir casting method. This article gives an overview of work reported on the usage of various types of matrix materials and reinforcements in the development of MMCs, intending to offer contextual knowledge. For the creation of products using MMCs, it is imperative to perform succeeding Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to do the simulation of the parts under numerous loading situations. Hence, this article also reviews the stir casting method along with Representative Volume Element (RVE) homogenization method briefly. Besides, a brief review on machining of aluminium based MMCs presented to grasp the status and to recognize future guidelines of research study and expansion of cutting tool methodology.

Background: The prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is increasing in elderly population in Japan. Octogenarians (80–89 years) are more prone to complications due to increased age, comorbidities, increased risk of vasospasm, and treatment risks. Aim: The aim is to study the surgical outcome of unruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms in elderly patients aged between 80 and 89 years. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving all the cases of unruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms operated surgically in elderly patients aged between 80 and 89 years. All the cases operated between January 2017 and October 2019 were included in the study. The preoperative neurological status was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The comorbidities and risk factors involved were assessed. Postoperative neurological status was assessed by (1) postoperative GCS score and by the (2) presence or absence of the motor weakness of limbs. Results: Thirty-three aneurysms were operated in 27 patients. Two patients were operated two times at separate occasions for different aneurysms during the study period and hence making a total of 29 surgeries. The age range was 80–88 years, with a mean of 82.4 years ± 2.64 standard deviation (SD). There were 7 (24.1%) males and 22 (75.86%) females. All the patients had a preoperative GCS score of 15/15 without focal neurological deficit. The mean size (mm) of the aneurysms was 6.57 ± 4.04 SD. There were 31 (93.94%) aneurysms in the anterior circulation and 2 (6.06%) aneurysms in the posterior circulation. The comorbidities and risk factors were analyzed and found to be not influencing the outcome of the patients. Clipping was done in 32 aneurysms. One case of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm underwent occipital artery to PICA bypass surgery. The postoperative complications include chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in 7 (24.13%) patients, extradural hematoma in 1 (3.4%), meningitis in 1 (3.4%), and lower cranial nerve palsy in 1 (3.4%) patient. All the patients were discharged with GCS score 15/15 without motor weakness of the limbs. The mean duration of stay was 16.62 days ± 9.98 SD. Conclusion: Surgery for unruptured saccular aneurysms in octogenarians has got a good result in the tertiary care facility. Advanced age alone should not be considered for preferring coiling over clipping. Octogenarians are more prone to developing postoperative CSDH.

Background: Extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) arterial bypass has been used in the treatment of various cerebrovascular ischemic disease due to atherosclerosis or Moyamoya disease, skull base tumors encasing large IC artery or complex IC aneurysms. Aim: The aim is to analyze surgical technique (EC-IC bypass) and its outcome with intraoperative use of dual image video angiography (DIVA) and Doppler ultrasound. Materials and Methods: We studied in this article a series of 23 patients operated in Banbuntane Hotokukai Hospital, Fujita Health University, for which a superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis was done for steno-occlusive disease, giant IC aneurysm or Moyamoya disease. The study was conducted between 2018 and 2020. We used dual-image video angiography (DIVA) and Doppler ultrasound to assess the luminal patency of anastomosis during the procedure. Results: In this study, three patients presented with Moyamoya disease, 4 had aneurysm, whereas 16 patients presented with the vascular steno-occlusive disease. The patients were divided into three categories (steno-occlusive disease, Moyamoya, and flow replacement for giant aneurysm). Dual image video angiography, along with intraoperative Doppler, helped us in the assessment of luminal patency of the anastomosis. Conclusion: Hemodynamic recovery after cerebrovascular bypass brings about a better outcome in ischemic stroke. The result of surgery improves with proper selection of patients with hemodynamic impairment (in Stage 2). With various modalities such as intraoperative Doppler, DIVA (Dual-image Video Angiography) and improved surgical techniques may aid in the reduction of complications and improve clinical outcome.

Cortical blindness (CB) due to contrast-induced encephalopathy is a rare complication in endovascular procedure. Although exact mechanism is not known, disruption of blood–brain barrier (BBB) by contrast agent is supposed to be caused. We report two cases of contrast-induced encephalopathies after coil embolization of unruptured aneurysm. A 68-year-old woman with unruptured basilar artery aneurysm was treated with endovascular stent-assisted coil embolization. The procedure was successfully accomplished within 172 min using about 160 ml of contrast medium (iopamidol). However, she manifested with CB 3 h after the procedure and seizure on the next day. Immediate computed tomography revealed the cortical enhancement in both occipital lobes. Diffusion-weighted imaging–magnetic resonance imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence 1 day after the procedure revealed edema in both occipital lobes with no findings of ischemia or hyperperfusion. Electroencephalography showed sharp and slow waves in both occipital lobes. She required endotracheal intubation on day 2 to maintain airways and breathing. Her sensorium improved 4 days after the procedure with administration of steroid and anticonvulsant. She was extubated on day 4 after the procedure. She was discharged with persisting CB as a sequel.

The strong-column-weak-beam (SCWB) layout philosophy in which plastic deformation is authorized to arise most effective with inside the beams whilst the columns continue to be basically elastic is broadly followed in seismic layout codes for metallic second frames. Under this yield mechanism, the seismic strength is dissipated ordinarily with the aid of using the plastic hinges with inside the beams and on the column bases. The relative plastic flexural capacities of the beams and column bases can drastically have an impact at the response of a SCWB frame. During beyond earthquakes column plastic hinges are extra crucial than beam hinges which offers upward push to worldwide structural harm and excessive existence threatening risk. All the structural components transfers their forces through column and then column shares it with foundation to soil, so u can imagine if column fails whole structure can collapse this is strong beam weak column concept. Keywords: RC frame buildings, Strong-column weak-beam design, Push over analysis.

Over the last few decades, the concrete use has expanded dramatically in different types of structures, like industrial, residential, water storage etc. The concrete is generally very strong and can have different properties such as high compressive strength and flexural strength. In terms of resistant to various chemical, the life of concrete is generally affected by the hardening method, finish etc. and the materials proportion. The concrete deteriorates chemically in acidic environment. Concrete structures can be exposed to academic environment in a variety of environments including acid spills, acid rain, drainage systems, chemical plants, hot springs and industry wastewater. In the below case, the acidic that act on concrete are different and the span of the attack can vary from minutes to number of years.

Land bank distribution in India is a complex subject and with the family size reduction, the average land holding is going down. Maintenance of the land records in physical format is very difficult. There are thousands of court disputes for different land parcels and managing the same is becoming a complex task. The aim of the chapter is to design a conceptual framework with electronic landbank records in dematerialized form, so that they can be easily maintained and traded. Associated benefits of implementing such system are also discussed. Authors have used secondary data published in previous research work in the area of Geographical Information System (GIS) and business analytics to analyze the prospects of land bank dematerialization and its possible applications. The chapter focuses on the need of regulatory support and associated IT infrastructure to put the plan in action. If implemented, this change can help India to transform its land management process and will also enable to explore commercial utilization of agricultural land and urban land plots for planned development.

Hallux valgus repair is associated with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after hallux valgus repair. A systematic review using PROcedure SPECific Postoperative Pain ManagemenT (PROSPECT) methodology was undertaken. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the English language from inception of database to December 2019 assessing postoperative pain using analgesic, anesthetic, and surgical interventions were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database, among others. Of the 836 RCTs identified, 55 RCTs and 1 systematic review met our inclusion criteria. Interventions that improved postoperative pain relief included paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective inhibitors, systemic steroids, ankle block, and local anesthetic wound infiltration. Insufficient evidence was found for the use of gabapentinoids or wound infiltration with extended release bupivacaine or dexamethasone. Conflicting evidence was found for percutaneous chevron osteotomy. No evidence was found for homeopathic preparation, continuous local anesthetic wound infusion, clonidine and fentanyl as sciatic perineural adjuncts, bioabsorbable magnesium screws, and plaster slippers. No studies of sciatic nerve block met the inclusion criteria for PROSPECT methodology due to a wider scope of included surgical procedures or the lack of a control (no block) group. The analgesic regimen for hallux valgus repair should include, in the absence of contraindication, paracetamol and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective inhibitor administered preoperatively or intraoperatively and continued postoperatively, along with systemic steroids, and postoperative opioids for rescue analgesia.

Accidental fire is one of the leading cause of unnatural deaths in India. While there are a wide variety of fire alarm systems available in the market, most Indian homes are still unequipped with them. In commercial space, fire alarm systems are installed due to regulatory requirement but they are expensive, inadequate or often fail due to the problem of the false alarm, no battery, or switch off conditions. An intelligent Smoke, CO Alarm system with CCTV input is developed keeping the above limitations in mind. The device works in the IoT platform and can connect wirelessly to a mobile phone to notify in case of fire, abnormal CO concentrations, smoke or bad battery health at any time and from anywhere. With an early heads-up warning with the location of fire, it is now possible to cross-check where and what the trouble is before the alarms start hooting and informing the outside people. And in-case it was a false alarm, it can silence it using a mobile phone. The detailed positional information of fire in the building is planned to be utilized for safeguarding. UAV will be navigated to the outdoor building location to capture images of fire and smoke and communicate it to mobile phone to enable firefighting and initiate immediate rescuing by local people. Potential access of real-time images on the background of google map with the demarcation of building’s entry and exit points in relation to the location of fire is demonstrated on RGIPT’s campus as a successful intelligent fire alarm system.

We present a new neuroadaptive architecture: Deep Neural Network based Model Reference Adaptive Control (DMRAC). Our architecture utilizes the power of deep neural network representations for modeling significant nonlinearities while marrying it with the boundedness guarantees that characterize MRAC based controllers. We demonstrate through simulations and analysis that DMRAC can subsume previously studied learning based MRAC methods, such as concurrent learning and GP-MRAC. This makes DMRAC a highly powerful architecture for high-performance control of nonlinear systems with long-term learning properties., Comment: Accepted in IEEE CDC-2019

Paper presents the study of displacements in cantilever thick beam via 5th order function of study of shear deformation when exposed to a cosine loading. The theory is based upon the elementary theory of beam by considering shear deformation effects applying function of 5th order using variables of thickness. This study gratified the zero shear stress condition on top and bottom of the beam. As the deflection is more definite in cantilever sections, the cantilever beam is considered here. For obtaining equilibrium equations a well-known source of virtual work is used. To demonstrate the worth of the theory, the longitudinal and axial displacements are worked out for beam which is thick in nature, when subjected to cosine load as such type of load is very common in aerospace and marine structures. Outcomes are likened with the other theories.

In this paper, we present a hybrid direct-indirect model reference adaptive controller (MRAC), to address a class of problems with matched and unmatched uncertainties. In the proposed architecture, the unmatched uncertainty is estimated online through a companion observer model. Upon convergence of the observer, the unmatched uncertainty estimate is remodeled into a state dependent linear form to augment the nominal system dynamics. Meanwhile, a direct adaptive controller designed for a switching system cancels the effect of matched uncertainty in the system and achieves reference model tracking. We demonstrate that the proposed hybrid controller can handle a broad class of nonlinear systems with both matched and unmatched uncertainties, Accepted at CODIT 2019

In this paper, we present a new architecture for Gaussian Processes Model Reference Adaptive Control (GP-MRAC) trained using a generative network. GP-MRAC is a successful method for achieving global performance in the systems enabling adaptive control. GP-MRAC can handle a broader set of uncertainties without requiring apriori knowledge of the domain of operation. However, existing GP-MRAC work requires estimates of the state-derivate, and this is a primary limitation in the implementation of the controller. In this paper, we alleviate this major limitation by creating Model reference adaptive framework as Generative Network (MRGeN). Our contribution is a generative network architecture for learning Gaussian model to predict system uncertainties without having to estimate the state derivatives while ensuring that the system stability properties are unaffected. We retain the nonparametric nature of the controller by sharing the kernels between GP's and MRGeN, ensuring global performance and stability guarantees. GP-MRGeN can also be viewed as a method of baseline policy transfers, with applications in Reinforcement Learning.

This study aims to review the issues affecting the long term performance and the life span of the fuel cell in accordance with the various surveys of the currently available. According to current research, parameters such as temperature, pressure along with other issues such as fuel and oxidant starvation (stoichiometric effect), corrosion, poor water management, humidity, and uncontrolled chemical reactions are some of the reasons leading to poor performance in the fuel cell. Poor water management can either lead to flooding or dehydration, both of which are extremely detrimental for the longevity of the fuel cell since the former facilitates corrosion of electrodes, membrane and catalyst layers whereas the latter leads to shrinkage of the membrane. Also, contamination of fuel cell membranes due to corrosion products or any impurities from outside leads to the poisoning of the cell. The construction of fuel cells in the future taking into consideration all these issues and mechanisms can lead to a performance-enhanced and long-lasting fuel cell.

Biological building blocks are the basis of living organisms and its potentials are gaining more attention over a wide range of applications. major biological building blocks that exist in the universe have been taken into consideration in this paper, which are proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Due to their small size, they are such molecules which can be considered by the Nano level structures therefore have been incorporated in various applications of nanotechnology and microbiology. Taking into consideration the structural and chemical properties of these biological building blocks, further application on each individual biological building block has been covered in multiple fields, but mainly in the medical and pharmaceutical industry. The applications also concern optical imaging, precision measurement of biomolecules, Nano biomaterial synthesis and biosensors. Despite the various advantages of these applications like improved efficiency of various processes, the shared limitations of these applications stand to be difficult technique for synthesis and development due to Nano size dimension consideration. Thus, the future scope of use of biological building blocks in nanotechnology is very ambitious and promising.