Explore the vast range of titles available.

The research article addresses the effect of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and nano-boron nitride (NBN) hybrid composite powders on thermal properties of the paraffin wax for thermal storage applications. Five different phase change material (PCM) samples were prepared with 100 paraffin wax, 99.5 paraffin wax + 0.5 MWCNT, 99.5 paraffin wax + 0.5 BN, 99 paraffin wax + 0.5 MWCT + 0.5 BN and 98 paraffin wax + 1 MWCNT + 1 BN mass percentage compositions. The size of the secondary particles MWCNT and NBN was assessed using transmission electron microscope (TEM). After PCM preparation, the morphology and distribution of the secondary particles were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The phase change of MWCNT and NBN was evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermal conductivity tests were carried out on the PCMs to assess physical and thermal properties. The results revealed that hybrid nano-composite powders with paraffin wax provide better thermal conductivity of paraffin wax which increased from 0.18 to 0.31 W m −1 K −1 . However, the distribution of MWCNT and NBN extended the thermal degradation of paraffin wax and solidification temperature. Increasing the mass % of MWCNT and NBN reduced the melting point of paraffin wax from 64.70 to 62.52 °C. Further, the solidification temperature of paraffin wax increased while increasing the mass % of MWCNT and NBN from 56.01 to 60.13 °C. This research revealed that thermal properties of paraffin wax were significantly increased with the increment of mass % of composite powders (MWCNT and NBN) addition.

Lately, green filler has become an imperative material in polymer composites due to its usage in engineering applications and increased environmental awareness. Herein, we introduce two novel green fillers namely Rice Husk (RH) and Tamarind Seed powder (TS) and using those fillers, hybrid vinyl ester composites were made in different combinations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 wt%) through compression moulding. The mechanical properties of prepared green fillers vinyl ester composites are assessed using flexural, impact, tensile and water absorption (hot, cold and salt water as the medium) tests. The fractured surface morphology has been analysed by SEM analysis. The test results revealed that the hybrid filler reinforcement has properties alteration capability and some properties of the vinyl ester composite were enhanced. In addition, it was revealed that the addition of natural fillers beyond a certain level (i.e. 15 wt%) leads to agglomeration of fillers and subsequent reduction in mechanical properties. For instance, the hybrid filler-reinforced samples showed higher elongation, flexural and impact strength than the pure vinyl ester.

Sustainable development will provide innovative methods to lessen manufacturing’s negative environmental effects. Due to the rising desire for a more environmentally conscious populace, sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial in today’s world. Without using power or refrigerant, vortex tubes are a green method of spot cooling. Vortex tubes don’t need to be maintained and are maintenance free. Through this effort, the tube’s parameters will be optimized to raise the cooling temperature. Via CFD study, different vortex tubes with different lengths. Through CFD simulation, the ideal parameters for achieving the lowest cold gas temperature are discovered, including the ideal length of the tube to diameter of the tube ratios, freezing air collection tube diameter (dc), and parameters. By examining the behaviour of vortex tubes with various profiles, length-to-diameter ratios, icy orifice diameters, also a hot end areas using a computerized fluid dynamic tool, it will be possible to demonstrate that they are an alternative and long-lasting instrument for spot cooling in machining operations.

Recent research on biodiesel focused on performance of single biodiesel and its blends with diesel. The present work aims to investigate the possibilities of the application of mixtures of two biodiesel and its blends with diesel as a fuel for diesel engines. The combinations of Pongamia pinnata biodiesel, Mustard oil biodiesel along with diesel (PMD) and combinations of Cotton seed biodiesel, Pongamia pinnata biodiesel along with diesel (CPD) are taken for the experimental analysis. Experiments are conducted using a single cylinder direct-injection diesel engine with different loads at rated 3000 rpm. The engine characteristics of the two sets of double biodiesel blends are compared. For the maximum load, the value of Specific Fuel consumption and thermal efficiency of CPD-1 blend (10:10:80) is close to the diesel values. CPD blends give better engine characteristics than PMD blends. The blends of CPD are suitable alternative fuel for diesel in stationary/agricultural diesel engines.

Pyridin-1-ium-2-carboxylate Benzimidazole hydrate (PCBH) crystals was synthesized from Benzimidazole and Pyridine 1-ium-2-carboxylic acid in 1:1 ratio and were grown as single crystals using methanol solvent by conventional evaporation growth method. The unit cell parameters were obtained using single crystal X-Ray Diffraction. The presence of the functional groups in the PCBH compound have been identified using the FTIR spectra. The linear optical properties of solution grown PCBH crystals were analyzed using UV–Vis spectrometer. The DFT was used to figure out the best molecular structures, frontier molecular orbitals, and quantum chemical properties of the grown compound. The calculations were done at the B3LYP/6-311G (d,p) level. Vickers Microhardness Tester was employed for the analysis of mechanical properties of the crystal. The dielectric characteristics were investigated. The laser damaged threshold of PCBH crystal was identified. The molecular docking study suggests that it possesses antibacterial action and displays minimal binding energy. The ADMET factors and drug-likeness are used to predict the pharmacokinetic features of PCBH molecule. PCBH compound is clearly well-optimized and recommended for the prevention of any bacterial illness according to the results.

INTRODUCTION: Meta-analyses have shown concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) provides no survival benefit over radiotherapy in patients of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) aged over 70 years. This study was performed to determine the adverse-effect profile, compliance, functional and oncological outcomes in patients of HNSCC over 70 years of age treated with CCRT. MATERIALS AND Methods: Retrospective analysis of stage III/IV HNSCC in patients above 70 years of age who received CCRT at our institution (n = 57). Cox-proportional hazards regression model was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 57 patients of stage III/IV HNSCC who underwent curative CCRT. 61% completed chemotherapy with no deaths and acceptable toxicity. The predictors of recurrence were poorer performance status (P = 0.031) and treatment breaks (P = 0.04). Tube dependence was associated with 2.7 times higher risk of mortality (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: CCRT should be considered standard of care in those over seventy with good performance status. Patients with tube dependence have a higher risk of persistent disease or treatment related mortality.

Research work was undertaken at Agro Climate Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore, with the objective of developing agromet advisories for rice crop for 54 independent selected weather windows (SWW) covering eight rice growing seasons/systems of Tamil Nadu. This was done to provide weather-based agromet advisory to the farming community. Weather sensitive rice agromet advisories were developed for its nine stages through group discussions based on rice crop sensitiveness to SWW. The available literature on interaction between rice crop and weather elements at their different threshold levels was also properly considered during this exercise. Proto-type were run for one block of Tamil Nadu and thus problems identified for seeking solutions. 

Severe myelosuppression in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing 6-MP-based maintenance therapy is attributed to gene polymorphisms, which is rare in Asian populations. This study aims to evaluate the role of selected polymorphisms in , and genes in addition to in predicting 6-MP intolerance during ALL maintenance therapy. We screened for the presence of (c.415 C>T, rs116855232); c.2269 C>T (rs3765534), c.94 C>A (rs1127354) polymorphisms in addition to *2 (rs1800462), *3A (*3B and *3C; rs1800460 and rs1142345) in ALL patients with documented severe neutropenia (cohort-1; n=42). These polymorphisms were then screened in a prospective cohort of ALL patients (cohort-2; n=133) and compared with 6-MP dose reduction, early/late myelotoxicity. Nineteen (45%) patients in cohort-1 and 18 (14%) in cohort-2 had c.415 C>T variant while 4 (3%) patients in cohort-2 had variant. Five (12%) in cohort-1 and 30 (24%) in cohort-2 had c.94 C>A variant while 9 (22%) and 15 (12%) had c.2269 C>T variant in cohorts-1 and 2, respectively. All in cohort-1 and 36 (27%) in cohort-2 had severe myelotoxicity. Twenty-eight patients (66.6%) in cohort-1 and 40 (30%) patients in cohort-2 had significant 6-MP dose reduction. c.415 C>T variant explained severe myelotoxicity in 63% and 33% in cohort 1 and 2. *3C and c.94 C>A variants also explained myelotoxicity in cohort-2 (Median ANC: 376 vs 1014 mm ; p=0.04 and 776 vs 1023 mm ; p=0.04 respectively). c.415 C>T polymorphism explained significant myelotoxicity (507 vs 1298 mm ; p<0.0001) in the multivariate analysis as well (β=-0.314, p<0.0001). c.415 C>T (15*3), TPMT*3C, as well as ITPA c.94 C>A and MRP4 c.2269 C>T polymorphisms explain hematotoxicities. Preemptive genotype-based ( c.94 C>A) 6-MP dosing could improve the outcome after maintenance therapy.

We have synthesized a chemically defined, dimeric form of an erythropoietin mimetic peptide (EMP) that displays 100-fold increased affinity for the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) and correspondingly elevated potency in cell-based assays and in mice. The dimeric EMP1 was synthesized using a C-terminal lysine residue as a branch point. A β-alanine residue was coupled to the main-chain (α) amino group of the lysine residue in order to provide a pseudosymmetrical scaffold where both the side-chain and main-chain were of approximately equal length. Using an orthogonal protection system, independently disulphide-cylized EMP1 moieties were synthesized upon this scaffold. The proposed mechanism of increased potency of the dimer over the parental compound EMP1 is consistent with the structure of a cocrystal of EMP1 and the extracellular domain of the EPOR in which a noncovalent peptide dimer is seen spanning the cleft between two molecules of the EPOR extracellular domain.