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Benzimidazole ring system is an important pharmacophore with diverse pharmacological activities. In this study, we explored the anti-arthritic effects of newly synthesized acetamide derivatives of 2-aminobenzimidazole (N1 and N2) in rats. FTIR and NMR spectroscopies were used to characterize these compounds. Carrageenan (CRG) induced paw edema model was used to test the acute anti-inflammatory activity of various doses (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) of N1 and N2 compounds. Based on acute anti-inflammatory effects, the most potent dose of each compound was selected and investigated in complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced inflammatory arthritis (RA) model (n = 4 in each group). Histopathological, hematological, radiographic, and RT-qPCR analyses were performed to assess the progression or resolution of inflammatory arthritis. The tested compounds produced a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity against CRG induced paw inflammation and similarly reduced edema in CFA induced inflammatory arthritis model. Histopathological and X-ray analyses of ankle joints revealed minimal inflammation and normal joint structures in N1 and N2 treated groups. The tested compounds also reduced the levels of autoantibodies and restored hematological parameters. Interestingly, the tested compounds did not elevate aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase levels and displayed a better safety profile than methotrexate. N1 and N2 compounds also attenuated the transcript levels of IRAK1, NF-kB1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL17 and MMP1. In addition, N1 displayed a greater inhibition of mRNA levels of COX1, COX2, mPGES1 and PTGDS as compared to N2. Our findings demonstrate that N1 and N2 compounds possess strong anti-arthritic activity which can be attributed to the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) is one of the lethal tomato pathogens. In this study, we collected tomato leaves exhibiting interveinal chlorosis from farmer’s fields in district Lahore, Pakistan. The presence of tobamoviruses was confirmed through extracting RNA, cDNA synthesis, PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing of capsid protein (CP) gene of ToMV that contained 480 nucleotides (encoded for 160 amino acids making ~17 kDa protein) located at 5703rd to 6182nd nucleotide position in ToMV genome. In sequence analysis, Pakistani isolates shared 98.9-99.5% and 97.3-99.3% nucleotide and amino acid homologies with each other and 96-99% and 90-98.6% with other isolates respectively. In phylogenetic analysis the Pakistani isolates grouped with Iranian and Chines isolates, exhibiting higher nucleotides and amino acids identities as well. This research reveals a geographical association among Pakistani, Chines and Iranian ToMV isolates. The study suggests extensive surveys of tobamoviruses infecting field crops for their detailed genetic information.

Gene expression analyses to study the development of cotton fibers require high-quality nucleic acid. The conventional methods of nucleic acid extraction results in sub-quality nucleic acids with low yields. Young fibers are rich in polyphenols and sugars that react with nucleic acid to form phenols and insoluble substances. Furthermore, mature fibers contain more than 95% cellulose, hindering the nucleic acid isolation. Cytoplasm collapse and cellulose deposition also result in a very low yield of nucleic acid. Three different methods of RNA isolation from different cotton tissues were compared in this study to determine the best and most efficient one. The integrity and quality of RNA were analyzed using UV spectrum, agarose gel electrophoresis, RIN values, PCR, and Northern blot hybridization. RNA of functional quality was observed when using the high ion and pH method, with an A260/A280 ratio up to 1.87 and an average yield of 0.68 mg g-1 from fiber cells. From leaves, we found an A260/A280 ratio of 2.02 and an average yield of 6.35 mg g-1, which is suitable for molecular biology experiments. The extraction buffer with a high ion density and pH value include Tris-HCl, LiCl, EDTA, SDS, sodium deoxycholate, Nonident P-40, mercaptoethanol, and PVP. The addition of sodium deoxycholate and Nonider-40 (NP-40) enhances the density of other salt compounds and elevates the pH value. The results depicted that the high ion and pH method is a simple and effective way to extract a copious amount of high-quality RNA from polysaccharide-rich tissues. This method is also suitable for the extraction of cotton genomic DNA with high purity. Genomic DNA extracted from cotton using this method showed an A260/A230 ratio up to 2.09 and a yield of 1.44 mg g-1. This method is useful for isolating DNA and RNA from cotton fibers and produces high yields and quality at a comparatively low cost.

Heat stress is considered to induce a wide range of physiological and biochemical changes that cause severe damage to plant cell membrane, disrupt protein synthesis, and affect the efficiency of photosynthetic system by reducing the transpiration due to stomata closure. A brief and mild heat shock is known to induce acquired thermo tolerance in plants that is associated with concomitant production of heat shock proteins’ (HSPs) gene family including HSP70. The findings from different studies by use of technologies have thrown light on the importance of HSP70 to heat, other abiotic stresses and environmental challenges in desserts. There is clear evidence that under heat stress, HSP70 gene stabilized the membrane structure, chlorophyll and water breakdown. It was also found that under heat stress, HSP70 decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in transgenic plants as compared to non-transgenic plants. Some reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical are also synthesized and accumulated when plants are stressed by heat. Hence HSP70 can confidently be used for transforming a number of heat tolerant crop species.

Hepatitis is one of the common liver diseases, imposing a heavy health burden worldwide. Acute hepatitis may develop into chronic hepatitis, progressing to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the present study, the expression of miRNAs was quantified by real-time PCR, such as miRNA-182, 122, 21, 150, 199, and 222. Along with the control group, HCV was divided into chronic, cirrhosis, and HCC groups. The treated group was also included after the successful treatment of HCV. Biochemical parameters, such as ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, viral load, and AFP (HCC), were also evaluated in all of the study groups. We compared the control and diseased groups; these parameters showed significant results (p = 0.000). The viral load was high in HCV but was not detected after treatment. miRNA-182 and miRNA-21 were overexpressed with disease progression, while the expression of miRNA-122 and miRNA-199 was increased compared with the control, but decreased in the cirrhosis stage compared with chronic and HCC. The expression of miRNA-150 was increased in all of the diseased groups compared with the control, but decreased compared with the chronic group. We compared the chronic and treated groups and then all of these miRNAs were down-regulated after treatment. These microRNAs could be used as potential biomarkers for diagnosing different stages of HCV.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to expand globally, with case numbers rising in many areas of the world, including the Indian sub-continent. Pakistan has one of the world’s largest populations, of over 200 million people and is experiencing a severe third wave of infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 that began in March 2021. In Pakistan, during the third wave until now only 12 SARS-CoV-2 genomes have been collected and among these nine are from Islamabad. This highlights the need for more genome sequencing to allow surveillance of variants in circulation. In fact, more genomes are available among travellers with a travel history from Pakistan, than from within the country itself. We thus aimed to provide a snapshot assessment of circulating lineages in Lahore and surrounding areas with a combined population of 11.1 million. Within a week of April 2021, 102 samples were sequenced. The samples were randomly collected from two hospitals with a diagnostic PCR cutoff value of less than 25 cycles. Analysis of the lineages shows that the Alpha variant of concern (first identified in the UK) dominates, accounting for 97.9 % (97/99) of cases, with the Beta variant of concern (first identified in South Africa) accounting for 2.0 % (2/99) of cases. No other lineages were observed. In depth analysis of the Alpha lineages indicated multiple separate introductions and subsequent establishment within the region. Eight samples were identical to genomes observed in Europe (seven UK, one Switzerland), indicating recent transmission. Genomes of other samples show evidence that these have evolved, indicating sustained transmission over a period of time either within Pakistan or other countries with low-density genome sequencing. Vaccines remain effective against Alpha, however, the low level of Beta against which some vaccines are less effective demonstrates the requirement for continued prospective genomic surveillance.

SARS-CoV-2 is a causative agent for COVID-19 disease, initially reported from Wuhan, China. The infected patients experienced mild to severe symptoms, resulting in several fatalities due to a weak understanding of its pathogenesis, which is the same even to date. This cross-sectional study has been designed on 452 symptomatic mild-to-moderate and severe/critical patients to understand the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with their comorbidities and response to treatment. The mean age of the studied patients was 58 ± 14.42 years, and the overall male to female ratio was 61.7 to 38.2%, respectively. In total, 27.3% of the patients had a history of exposure, and 11.9% had a travel history, while for 60% of patients, the source of infection was unknown. The most prevalent signs and symptoms in ICU patients were dry cough, myalgia, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal discomfort, and abnormal chest X-ray (p < 0.001), along with a high percentage of hypertension (p = 0.007) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.029) as leading comorbidities. The complete blood count indicators were significantly disturbed in severe patients, while the coagulation profile and D-dimer values were significantly higher in mild-to-moderate (non-ICU) patients (p < 0.001). The serum creatinine (1.22 μmol L-1; p = 0.016) and lactate dehydrogenase (619 μmol L-1; p < 0.001) indicators were significantly high in non-ICU patients, while raised values of total bilirubin (0.91 μmol L-1; p = 0.054), C-reactive protein (84.68 mg L-1; p = 0.001), and ferritin (996.81 mg L-1; p < 0.001) were found in ICU patients. The drug dexamethasone was the leading prescribed and administrated medicine to COVID-19 patients, followed by remdesivir, meropenem, heparin, and tocilizumab, respectively. A characteristic pattern of ground glass opacities, consolidation, and interlobular septal thickening was prominent in severely infected patients. These findings could be used for future research, control, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

SARS-CoV-2 is a causative agent for COVI-19 disease, initially reported from Wuhan, China. Infected Patients experienced mild to severe symptoms, resulting in several fatalities due to a weak understanding of its pathogenesis, which is the same even to date. This cross-sectional study has been designed on four hundred and fifty-two symptomatic, mild-to-moderate, and severe/critical patients to understand the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with their comorbidities and response to treatment. The mean age of studied patients was (58±14.42) years, and the overall male to female ratio was 61.7 to 38.2%, respectively. 27.3% of the patients had a history of exposure, 11.9% travel history, while for 60% of patients, the source of infection was unknown. The most prevalent signs and symptoms in ICU patients were dry coughs, myalgias, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal discomfort, and abnormal Chest X-ray (pp=0.007) and COPD (p=0.029) as leading comorbidities. Complete Blood Counts indicators were significantly increased in severe patients, while the Coagulation Profile and D-dimer values were significantly higher in mild-to-moderate (non-ICU) patients (p < 0.001). Serum Creatinine (1.22 umole L-1; p = 0.016) and LDH (619 umol L-1; p < 0.001) indicators were significantly high in non-ICU patients while, raised values of Total Bilirubin (0.91 umol L-1; p = 0.054), CRP (84.68 mg L-1; p = 0.001) and Ferritin (996.81 mg L-1; p < 0.001) were found in ICU patients. Drug Dexamethasone was the leading prescribed and administrated medicine to the COVID-19 patients, followed by Remdesivir, Meropenem, Heparin, and Tocilizumab, respectively. A characteristic pattern of Ground glass opacities (GGO), consolidation, and interlobular septal thickening were prominent in severely infected patients. These findings could be used for future research, control, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.

BackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to expand globally, with case numbers rising in many areas of the world, including the Indian sub-continent. Pakistan has one of the world ‘s largest population, of over 200 million people and is experiencing a severe third wave of infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 that begun in March 2021.In Pakistan, during third wave until now only 12 SARS-CoV-2 genomes have been collected and among these 9 are from Islamabad. This highlights the need for more genome sequencing to allow surveillance of variants in circulation. In fact more genomes are available among travellers with a travel history from Pakistan, than from within the country itself.MethodsFor a better understanding of the circulating variants in Lahore and surrounding areas with a combined population of 11.1 million, within a week of April 2021, 102 samples were sequenced. The samples were randomly collected from 2 hospitals with a diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cutoff value of less than 25 cycles.ResultsAnalysis of the lineages shows that B.1.1.7 (first identified in the UK, Alpha variant) dominates, accounting for 97.9% (97/99) of cases, with B.1.351 (first identified in South Africa, Beta variant) accounting for 2.0% (2/99) of cases. No other lineages were observed.DiscussionIn depth analysis of the B.1.1.7 lineages indicates multiple separate introductions and subsequent establishment within the region. Eight samples were identical to genomes observed in Europe (7 UK, 1 Switzerland), indicating recent transmission. Genomes of other samples show evidence that these have evolved, indicating sustained transmission over a period of time either within Pakistan or other countries with low density genome sequencing. Vaccines remain effective against B.1.1.7, however the low level of B.1.351 against which some vaccines are less effective demonstrates the requirement for continued prospective genomic surveillance.

Background: Drought stress seriously affects the cotton fiber development. Universal stress protein gene isolated from native species Gossypium arboreum has the promising tolerance role against these stresses. Objectives: This study aimed to clone, characterize, and genetically transform the GUSP1 gene in local cotton and to observe its expression in transgenic plants under drought stress. Materials and Methods: Universal Stress Protein (GUSP1) gene from Gossypium arboreum was cloned in pCEMBIA (-) 1301plant expression vector by replacing Hygromycin and GUS exon with GUSP1-GFP fusion fragment. The construct was transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens and transient expression assay was confirmed by agro-infiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and green fluorescence under a confocal microscope. Gene integration and expression in transgenic plants was observed through Southern blot and real-time PCR analyses. Cellular localization was observed through a confocal microscope and the copy number of the transgene was observed in progeny plants. Results: Transformation efficiency was 1.9%. Developmental and spatial expression of GUSP1 was observed through Real-time PCR in stem, root, leaf, inflorescence, and seeds of transgenic plants at the vegetative and flowering stage. Integration of GUSP1 revealed a fragment of approximately 500 bp in Southern Blot analyses. Localization of GUSP1 was detected in the intact leaf of transgenic plants through GFP fluorescence in midrib, guard cells of stomata, and trichomes. Single gene copy was detected in the chromosome of transgenic seeds. Conclusion: GUSP1 has cloned from native species of local cotton and its integration and expression in transgenic plants confirmed that the role of GUSP1 will provide direction to breed economically important cotton varieties.

Background: Cypermethrin is a Synthetic Pyrethroid (SP) having widespread applications in agriculture and industrial sector especially in sheep dip formulations and tanneries. Rhizoremediation offers a sustainable, environment-friendly and cost-effective means to carry out remediation of contaminated soils. Methods: Six bacterial strains were screened out and characterized at various doses of cypermethrin, heavy metal salts and antibiotics. The optimum growth conditions were determined for these bacterial isolates. The degradation of cypermethrin was confirmed through the growth of bacteria on minimal media (BHB) with cypermethrin and thin layer chromatographic analysis; retention factor values (Rf) were calculated and compared with standard Rf values. Results: Growth curve experiments revealed that three bacterial isolates were able to grow in the presence of cypermethrin. Tolerance to the high concentration of heavy metal salts (300µgmL-1) and resistance towards different antibiotics was observed in all three bacterial isolates indicating a positive correlation between pesticide degradation and tolerance to metals and antibiotics. Bacterial strains A-C1 and B-B2 were identified as Xanthomonas maltophilia and B-C2 as Acinetobacter sp. Cypermethrin degradation occurred concomitant with bacterial growth reaching an optical density (OD600) up to 0.869. Conclusion: Microbes present in rhizosphere have potential to mineralize the pesticides. A significant biodegradation of the cypermethrin was observed based on above mentioned lab parameters. These results paved the way for designing a multi-resistant bacterium that can be used to reverse the altered environment.

The adaptive mechanisms in Agave species enable them to survive and exhibit remarkable tolerance to abiotic stresses. Quantitative real-time PCR is a highly reliable approach for validation of targeted differential gene expression. However, stable housekeeping gene(s) is prerequisite for accurate normalization of expression data by qRT-PCR. Till date, no systematic validation study for candidate housekeeping gene identification or evaluation has been carried-out in Agave species. A total of 17 candidate housekeeping genes were identified from the de novo assembled transcriptomic data of A. sisalana and rigorously analyzed for expression stability assessment under drought, heat, cold and NaCl stress. Different statistical algorithms like geNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and RefFinder on expression data determined the superior housekeeping gene(s) for accurate normalization of the gene of interest (GOI). The comprehensive evaluation revealed the β-Tub 4, WIN-1 and CYC-A as the most stable, while EEF1α, GAPDH, and UBE2 were ranked as the least stable genes in pooled samples. Pairwise combination by geNorm showed that up to two housekeeping genes would be adequate to normalize the GOI expression data precisely. Validation of identified most and least stable housekeeping genes was carried-out by normalizing the expression data of AsHSP20 under abiotic stress conditions. Copy number of AsHSP20 gene supports the reliability of the genes used for normalization. This is the first report on the screening and validation of the housekeeping genes under abiotic stress condition in A. sisalana that would assist to understand the stress tolerance mechanisms by novel gene identification and accurate validation. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s12298-020-00760-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction: Rocuronium is very extensively exercised nonquaternary amino steroid non-depolarizing muscle relaxant of intermediate period through the quick beginning to attain optimal situations for endotracheal intubations. The inoculation of rocuronium bromide throughout introduction of anesthesia has frequently been related by discomfort encouraged removal undertaking near place of injection. This was hypothesized that calculation of ketorolac in addition Lidocaine in grouping as pre-cure medicines amongst cases experiencing GA by rocuronium injection offers the healthier measure of removal activities in assessment to cases who obtain solitary lidocaine. The motive of our current research remained to associate effectiveness of pre-cure of mixture of ketorolac also Lidocaine in addition Lidocaine alone in occurrence of extraction undertaking related by rocuronium inoculation in peripheral veins throughout intubation. Methodology: This current research was conducted in Mayo Hospital Lahore, Pakistan from April 2018 to December 2018.Our current research remained led on 100 respondents experiencing elective operations underneath GA in OT multifaceted of the current hospital. Respondents stayed randomly separated in set-A & set-B through lottery method. Set-A established 20 mg lidocaine 4 before rocuronium. Set-B established lidocaine 23 mg in addition ketorolac 13 mg IV. GA remained managed through introduction through 7 mg/kg thiopental sodium in the distinct marginal intravenous line. Removal activities stayed detected as minor, modest in addition plain, in addition noted on the well-organized Performa. Efficiency remained defined as not any removal crusade on injecting rocuronium. Results: The variances in age in addition sex of cases remained not substantial in together sets also those remained not related through effectiveness of cure in sets. Though, ASA position of cases remained expressively related through effectiveness of cure sets. In Set-A 28(62%) in addition in Set-B 37(82%) respondents were not extraction measure whereas minor undertaking remained detected in 13(27.8%) cases in Set-A, also in 8(17.8%) cases in Set-B. Reasonable undertaking remained realized in 7(14.7%) cases in Set-A, also in 3(6.3%) cases in Set-B. The sum of cases which had removal measure stayed 19(42%) against 10(19%) in Set-A also Set-B individually (p = 0.0386). The standard of efficiency stayed satisfied through 28(57%) Set-A cases, associated to 37(81%) cases in Set-B. Conclusion: Outcomes of our existing research displayed that grouping of intravenous lidocaine also ketorolac before rocuronium inoculation remains extra actual that lidocaine unaided for averting removal activities for GA. Key words: Extraction measure; Lidocaine; Rocuronium; GA; Efficiency.

Objective: The key purpose of our existing research was to evaluate efficiency of physical treatment, spreading of Sciatic audacity to ease long-lasting discomfort in Para central disc prolapse and offer excellent attention to patient over actual cure of Para central Disc prolapse. Methods: This was a process of 6 months for 30-minute physical treatment pragmatic by widening to sciatic nerve and positional issue treatment and request of transcutanous electrical courage inspiration for 15 minutes weekly. Our current research was conducted in Lahore General Hospital from June 2018 to November 2018. Results: Our results are subsequently primary therapy, patient could a little sciatic pain for a week. As soon as pain came again, patient came to know what caused flare-up and loosened his designs of measure to decrease uneasiness. There was the reappearance of discomfort in 4th and 5th weeks owing to customary designs and work-related anxiety that needed physical treatment to medicine. From 5th week on, disc prolapsed (sciatic aching) uneasiness was seldom practiced. CONCLUSION: The current research proves efficiency of physical treatment having the positional announcement treatment to progress long-lasting sciatic aching owing to disc prolapsed. Signs by reintegration are significantly enhanced by adding of day-to-day extending package of sciatic nerve plus somatic teaching that recovers patient's consciousness of characteristic designs. Keywords: PRT submissions, backache, PIVD, nerve impingement.

Quality of a weld produced is generally evaluated by different parameters such as weld size, bead geometry, deposition rate, hardness and strength. A common problem that has been faced at the construction sites is to obtain a good welded joint having the required strength with minimal detrimental residual stresses to avoid any premature cracking due to high variation of hardness. In order to address this issue and to attain good weld quality, this study has been made to comprehend the effect of the post weld heat treatment on P91 material welds produced by TIG welding. Findings from the studies indicate that the PWHT has significant influence on the weld hardness of Alloy Steel-A335 P91 pipes. It is eminent that during cooling, after welding of P91, quenched martensite was formed in the HAZ that results in an increased hardness to an undesirable level of more than 250HB. PWHT at temperature of 760°C for 2 hours has good influence on mechanical properties as the hardness decreases and turns out to be uniformly distributed. If the PWHT is correctly carried out, the hardness of parent metals, heat affected zones and weld metal can be brought into the required limits to avoid any premature cracking due to high variation of hardness.

A low power, cost effective and energy efficient microcontroller (PIC 16F877A) based transceiver model has been presented. The designed model entails a combination of programmable microcontroller and relay circuitry to control the robotic vehicle through transceiver module. The model was simulated in a Mikro C environment, for communication signals from controlling side. The simulation results show an energy efficiency of 73%, with a distance of 20 meters for robotic vehicle. The results are in good agreement with theoretical understandings and show a greater efficiency, with low power consumption and reduced complexity. The simulations are found recurrent with stable findings and deemed compatible for applications.

The aim of this research is to develop a low power, low cost and energy efficient transceiver model which is integrated with programmable microcontroller and ZigBee transponder. A combination of programmable microcontroller with ZigBee transponder is used to control the transceiver module with computer commands. It has b een simulated for transmitting and receiving the communication signals from any movable device with more efficiently and use low power consumption. ZigBee Transponder is preferable as compared to radio frequency identification (RFID) due to IEEE 802.15.4 standard that promises stable data transmission with low power consumption device and having higher network flexibility. PIC 16F877A programmable microcontroller with coding in Mikro C software is simulated and used with computer control instructions. Series of experiments has been conducted to ensure the stability and low power consumption of this model.

The heat-resistant, copper-alloyed ferritic steel 15NiCuMoNb5 (EN-WB36, material number 1.6368) has been widely used in European nuclear and conventional power plants for decades for feed water system. This widespread application is due to the toughness and strength, caused by the precipitation of copper, that are exhibited even at elevated temperatures which other fine-grained structural steels have at room temperature. The common problem faced on the construction sites is the embrittlement due to Cu-rich precipitates and the high hardness in welded joints that affect the weld quality and the premature joint failure can occur in service. Weld hardness has close relationship with the strength and ductility of the welded structures. Hence it is important for any weld to achieve certain level of weld hardness. The aim of this study is to see the impact of the impact of post weld heat treatment (PWHT) on the welded joints of WB 36 and find the optimal PWHT conditions that will produce the required hardness to overcome the problem of embrittlement in the welded material. Samples of different thicknesses were welded, keeping all the parameters same, PWHT carried out with induction heating equipment, joints were radiographed for any defect, macro-etched to confirm complete fusion and joint free from crack, and the hardness values were measured in base metals, heat affected zones and weld metal. It was found out that the embrittlement of WB-36, due to Cu-rich precipitates and high hardness, in welded joints can be brought into the lower and safer limits by applying PWHT at 570 °C for 1 hour min. This, for sure, will reduce the risk of premature joint failure and will have, comparatively, safer weld joint.

The creep strength-enhanced ferritic (CSEF) steels are undergoing an encouraged use around the world especially in power plant construction. On construction sites, it has always been the target to have no problems in welded joints but premature failures are being encountered. The primary reason of these premature failures is found to be the improper heat treatment that is mandatorily carried out to achieve the required weld hardness. Weld hardness has close relationship with creep strength and ductility of the welded structures. Hence it is important for any weld to achieve certain level of weld hardness. This study aims at ascertaining the importance of Post Welding Heat Treatment (PWHT) in achieving the required hardness in creep-strength enhanced ferritic (CSEF) materials.The study was carried out on the welding of alloy steel ASTM A335 Gr. P-91 with the same base material (ASTM A335 Gr. P-91) by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process using ER90S-B9 filler wire with pre-heat of 200oC (min) and inter-pass temperature of 300oC (max). After welding, the joints were tested for soundness with Radiography testing. Induction heating was used for heat treatment of P91 pipes during welding and post weld heat treatment. The effect of Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) was investigated on the Weld metal and the Heat Affected Zones (HAZ) by hardness testing. It is perceived that the scattered and higher hardness values, more than 250HB in 2” P91 pipes in the weld metal and in the heat affected zones, can be brought into the lower required level, less than 250HB, with an effective post weld heat treatment at 760°C for 2hrs.It is concluded that PWHT is the most effective way of relieving the welding stresses that are produced due to high heat input in the welding process and to achieve the required level of hardness in the weld as well as in the heat affected zones (HAZ) in thermal power plant main steam piping.

s. On construction sites many challenges and premature failures are being encountered in welded joints of creep strength-enhanced ferritic (CSEF) steels. The primary reason of these premature failures is found to be the dissimilar material joints, having strength mismatch, or improper heat treatment that is mandatorily carried out to achieve the required weld hardness. This study aims at determining the impact of post welding heat treatment (PWHT) on dissimilar alloy steels joints, between ASTM A335 Gr. P-22 and ASTM A335 Gr. P-91 steels, welded by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) using ER 90S-B9 filler wire. The PWHT, at 745°C for 1hr., was applied to attain the required hardness. The effect of PWHT was investigated on the weld metal and the heat affected zones (HAZ) by hardness testing. Due to the martensitic microstructure, the hardness values of HAZ of P91 steel are over 350 HV. However, the hardness value of the P22 HAZ less than 350 HV. P91 HAZ has a higher hardness value than P22 HAZ because of its higher hardenability and due to phase transformation from martensite to ferrite. The interaction between the too high hardness microstructure with hydrogen can result in the hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) initiation in the HAZ. Therefore, the PWHT is needed to reduce this high hardness HAZ.

Weld hardness has close relationship with creep strength and ductility of the welded structures. Hence it is important for any weld to achieve certain level of weld hardness. This study aims at identifying the parameters that affect the quality of weld in achieving the required weld quality in terms of hardness and to establish the relationship between different factors that affect the weld hardness. The focus is to study and explore the welding input parameters for the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) of elevated temperature piping used in power plants and to predict the weld hardness on construction sites. The Design of Experiment (DoE) is used in analyzing the related parameters. The data generated through experiments has been validated for the hardness based on input process parameters (welding current, welding voltage, travel speed, welding rod diameter). The findings from the study revealed that the most important factor influencing the hardness of creep-strength enhanced ferritic (CSEF) material welds is the voltage while other factors have minimum or the least influence for the studied ranges and factors.

The wireless transfer of electricity has gained vast importance in recent years. Many attempts had been done in this regard. The information generated is quite scattered and distributed. There is a need to harmonize the research findings of various researchers in an adept way. This review paper presents the critical evaluation of the research works done in the field of wireless power transmission since 1891. The attempt has been done in a cohesive way to connect the various findings and discussing their capabilities and limitations. The paper also highlights the major challenges faced by the research area and the new area of applications. The study closes with a conclusive review of latest scientific techniques and theoretical concepts, currently prevalent in wireless power transmission.

Wireless technology has become a new emerging technology in stakeout and security concerns industries. Study of wireless communication with energy efficiency is also a one of the most important research area. Therefore this paper presents an efficient computerized stakeout system (CSS) for stakeout and recognition purposes with the use of energy efficient ZigBee based transceiver. The designed model entails a combination of programmable microcontrollers, relay circuitry, DC motors and sharp camera eye to control the model through another wireless transceiver module which is connected with personal computer. In the operation of each sensor node in wireless and movable stakeout system, battery is also a most limiting factor for the whole system performance and lifetime so it is obtained that ZigBee transponders are capable in providing wider transmission range and efficient compare to RF and Wi-Fi due to low usage of power during data gathering transmission. The computer commands are used to control the motion and visual feedback is used to provide the precision control. The CSS system is capable of positioning at tedious and hazardous work space as instructed through command to get the actual visual feedback. The results are in good agreement with theoretical understandings and show a greater efficiency, with low power consumption and reduction in complexity.

The Intelligent adaptive tunnel lighting system is a design approach in which the tunnel interior lighting system adapts to the real time roadway environment conditions. The level of tunnel lighting can be reduced or dimmed when the intensity of tunnel exterior daylight is decreased. Moreover, it can also be reduced when traffic on access road to the tunnel is absent. Dimming the luminaries to meet the minimum requirements would save on power consumption as well as maintenance costs. An adaptive tunnel lighting system is developed with the purpose of providing sufficient tunnel interior luminance so that motorist can access and exit the tunnel conveniently. Three levels were developed with integration of motion and light sensors. The results indicate that average of 22.1 % of power consumption can be reduced by using this system. Furthermore, LED is highly recommended to be use in the system due to its luminous efficiency and long lifecycle.