MEASURING HEAD IMPACT CONTACT PRESSURE IN COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL GAMES TO CORRELATE HEAD KINEMATICS TO BRAIN KINETICS ELUCIDATING BRAIN INJURY DYNAMICS

Does a brain store thoughts and memories the way a computer saves its files? How can a single hit or a fall erase all those memories? Brain Mapping and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have become widely researched fields today. Many researchers have been studying TBIs caused to adult American football players however youth athletes have been rarely considered for these studies, contradicting to the fact that American football enrolls highest number of collegiate and high-school children than adults. This research is an attempt to contribute to the field of youth TBIs. Earlier studies have related head kinematics (linear and angular accelerations) to TBIs. However, fewer studies have dealt with brain kinetics (impact pressures and stresses) occurring during head-on collisions. The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) drop tests were conducted for linear impact accelerations and the Head Impact Contact Pressures (HICP) calculated from them were applied to a validated FE model. The results showed lateral region of the head as the most vulnerable region to damage from any drop height or impact distance followed by posterior region. The TBI tolerance levels in terms of Von-Mises and Maximum Principal Stresses deduced for lateral impact were 30 MPa and 18 MPa respectively. These levels were corresponding to 2.625 feet drop height. The drop heights beyond this value will result in TBI causing stress concentrations in human head without any detectable structural damage to the brain tissue. This data can be utilized for designing helmets that provide cushioning to brain along with providing a resistance to shear

Implementation of Image Processing and Classification Techniques on EEG Images for Emotion Recognition System

The target paper aims at recognizing emotions using miscellaneous stimulus domains such as Electroencephalography (EEG) Images. The present study focuses on the recognition of emotions and extracting active regions, by using image processing and classification techniques. The study was performed using the data from 10 volunteers experiencing three emotional states relax, happy and sad. By applying thresholding and Sobel Edge detection technique, active regions were extracted. The Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminate Analysis (LDA) classification techniques were enforced on the results respectively. The techniques resulted in effective outcomes, which can further be used for compelling Emotion Recognition System. DOI: 10.17762/ijritcc2321-8169.160411

Modeling and Analysis for Surface roughness in Machining EN-31 steel using Response Surface Methodology

This paper utilizes the regression modeling in turning process of En-31 steel using response surface methodology (RSM) with factorial design of experiments. A first-order and second-order surface roughness predicting models were developed by using the experimental data and analysis of the relationship between the cutting conditions and response (surface roughness). In the development of predictive models, cutting parameters of cutting velocity, feed rate, depth of cut, tool nose radius and concentration of lubricants were considered as model variables, surface roughness were considered as response variable. Further, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the influence of process parameters and their interaction during machining. From the analysis, it is observed that feed rate is the most significant factor on the surface roughness followed by cutting speed and depth of cut at 95% confidence level. Tool nose radius and concentration of lubricants seem to be statistically less significant at 95% confidence level. Furthermore, the interaction of cutting velocity/feed rate, cutting velocity/ nose radius and depth of cut/nose radius were found to be statistically significant on the surface finish because their p-values are smaller than 5%. The predicted surface roughness values of the samples have been found to lie close to that of the experimentally observed values

Effect of chemotherapy on serum nitric oxide levels in advanced stage breast cancer patients

Background: The role of nitric oxide is still unclear in advanced breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of chemotherapy on serum nitric oxide levels in advanced stage breast cancer patients.Methods: In this observational study, clinically and histopathologically proven sixty female patients with advanced stage breast cancer were included. According to Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) classification, patients were further grouped as stage III and stage IV. Thirty healthy and age-matched female controls were selected for comparison. Blood was collected from healthy controls and from breast cancer patients after surgery prior to chemotherapy and after three weeks of administration of first adjuvant chemotherapy cycle. Serum nitric oxide levels were measured by spectrophotometric method.Results: Significantly higher concentrations of serum nitric oxide were observed in breast cancer patients before chemotherapy in stage III (p<0.0001) and stage IV (p<0.0001) of the disease as compare to concentrations in healthy controls. The serum levels of nitric oxide were significantly decreased in stage III as well as stage IV of breast cancer patients after three weeks of receiving first adjuvant chemotherapy cycle as compare to levels before chemotherapy (p<0.0001), however serum nitric oxide levels were higher in stage III (p=0.0036) and stage IV (p<0.0001) of the disease as compare to healthy controls.Conclusions: Chemotherapy drug administration causes decrease in serum nitric oxide levels in advanced stages of breast cancer patients. Monitoring serum nitric oxide levels could be used to predict patients’ response to chemotherapy treatment in breast cancer

Role of oxidative stress in cataractogenesis

Background: Cataract is a multifactorial disease and is a major cause of blindness in india. Oxidative stress is thought to be a major factor to initiate the process of cataractogenesis. It is today well established fact that oxidative stress participates in both age-related (senile) and diabetes-induced cataract (diabetic). Oxidative damage to the lens most likely arises as a consequence of an impaired antioxidant defence system, due to increased generation of ROS both by age and diabetes. The present study was designed to determine role of oxidative stress in cataractogensis and to compare levels of oxidative stress markers in senile and diabetic cataract patients.Methods: Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum protein carbonyl (PC) were measured as indicator of oxidative stress whereas antioxidant status was assessed by estimating serum Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and dietary antioxidants levels i.e vitamin C and vitamin E in senile and diabetic cataract patients compared with healthy controls.Results: The result reveal that the serum MDA and PC levels were significantly increased in patients with senile and diabetic cataract whereas serum TAC, vitamin C and Vitamin E were significantly reduced in senile and diabetic patients when compared with normal healthy controls.Conclusions: From the result, it is concluded that oxidative stress is in the foreground of cataract formation which includes senile and diabetic cataract. Oxidative stress produced in diabetic cataract patients is more as compared to senile cataract patients.

Non-contrast spiral computed tomography diagnosis of urolithiasis and associated features: hospital based study

Background: Urolithiasis is prevalent across the world and affects a diverse group of people, irrespective of culture, race or geographic location. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT), has been considered as gold standard for the initial as well as follow-up assessment of patients with suspected urolithiasis. Present study describes the findings on non-contrast spiral computed tomography in clinically suspected patients of urolithiasis visiting radiodiagnosis department of a tertiary care hospital.Methods: It is a descriptive observational study done at Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging at Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj General Hospital in Solapur district of Maharashtra state in India. Study duration was Jan 2005 to Oct 2006. 120 patients who presented with symptoms and signs of urolithiasis for diagnosis and treatment in Department of Surgery and Medicine, including the referrals from other hospitals and institutes and referred to Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging of the institute for computerised tomography (CT) were enrolled. Detailed history and physical examination was done. The description of findings on non-contrast spiral CT study was done with respect to size and CT attenuation value of the calculus, secondary signs of obstruction, CT diagnosis of urolithiasis, genitourinary or other diseases.Results: In hundred patients diagnosed as urolithiasis on NCSCT, 140 calculi were found. The mean calculus size (breadth) was 4.65 mm ± 7.03 with a range of 1 to 70 mm. The mean calculus size (length) was 11.1±12.87 mm with a range of 2 to 110 mm. The range of CT attenuation value of calculus was from 60 to 1100 with median value of 311 HU.  Among the 100 patients of urolithiasis, hydronephrosis (84%) and hydroureter (82%) were the most common secondary signs of obstruction. Out of 120 patients suspected clinically with diagnosis of urolithiasis, 99 (82.5%) had obstruction with or without urolithiasis. In 86 (71.7%) patients, obstruction with urolithiasis was present. In 13(10.8%) patients, obstruction because of cause other than urolithiasis was present. We have observed additional diagnosis related to genito-urinary tract in 16 (13.5%) cases. We have observed additional diagnosis not related to genito-urinary tract in 6 (0.5%) cases.Conclusions: Non contrast spiral CT scan evaluation helped in diagnosis of urolithiasis and secondary obstruction. It also provided very useful information regarding genitourinary as well as other than genitourinary pathology

Investigation into alternative cooling methods for achieving environmentally friendly machining process

© 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. The machining of metals has traditionally involved the use of large quantities of water and oils for dissipating the cutting tool temperature, improving the surface finish of parts and increasing tool life. Invariably, the cutting fluid has become contaminated with use, has required being environmentally disposed and has accounted for approximately 17% of the total production cost of parts. A Streamline Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) of machining of parts has been carried out to investigate the environmental and energy saving benefits associated with the replacement of traditional cooling method, with Minimum Quantities of Liquid (MQL) combined with cold compressed air

Estimation of Labetalol Hydrochloride in bulk and formulation by UV-Spectrophotometric Area Under Curve.

The current work was carried out for estimation of labetalol hydrochloride in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form by utilizing area under curve method (AUC) method .For this purpose the wavelength range 200-400 nm was selected .Distilled Water was used as a solvent throughout the work. The linearity was observed in concentration range 5-25 µg/ml (r2 =0.9788) for the method. The present was found which can be used for routine quality control analysis for spectrophotometric estimation of labetalol hydrochloride in bulk and dosage form. Keywords: Labetalol hydrochloride, Area under curve (AUC), Distilled Water, UV Spectrophotometric

Domi Inter Astra (DIA) Moon Base: an interdisciplinary approach for cooperation to build a near-future Moonbase and how to use it as an educational tool

Permanent human settlements outside of low-earth orbit face technical and psycho-social challenges for the crew members and programmatic risks around funding and operating these missions, without clear public support and international involvement. A concept for the construction and operation of a lunar settlement named "Domi Inter Astra" (DIA), near the Shackleton Crater, was developed to understand the feasibility of a near-term permanent settlement crewed by international researchers and tourists. This project was created by a team under the Space Generation Advisory Council's auspices and a follow-on to our First Place design in the Moon Base Design Contest by The Moon Society. Technologies for infrastructure, life-support, environment control, and robotics were selected using high-level trade studies to balance resource requirements, safety, reliability, operability, and maintainability of the base over a long (20+ year) operating life with 10-30 inhabitants. Technology roadmaps were developed for gaps in existing technologies, considering opportunities with ISRU and methods of closing the environment control and life support system loops. A wider range of human factors pertaining to the social environment onboard the base is discussed to ensure long-term stability. Architectural design choices were made, keeping these factors in mind while also considering technical and economic viability. Large-scale space exploration projects must mitigate both public interest and funding risks throughout their life cycle. Economic roadmaps are introduced to diversify revenue streams throughout the settlement's design, deployment, and operation. Funding opportunities that evolve with the base design and functionality over time are identified for long-term economic sustainability. A polycentric model for international collaboration is explored to promote interest from current space-leading countries while providing opportunities for emerging space nations. The DIA lunar settlement case study showcases the interrelation between engineering, economics, architecture, science, social and management scopes. It highlights the interdisciplinary approach and inclusivity in the field of space sciences. This case study can help international and public-private partnerships to develop human space exploration capabilities further. The current DIA base plan could be used in many ways for educational activities, for any level of students and professionals. Two types of activities could be design and analysis based and mini analogue missions. Students could devise and perform small experiments that relate to the base’s day-to-day activities as well as resources required, for example growing microgreens and plants in different conditions, geology surveys, 3D printing different objects and many such mini-projects. Graduate students and professionals could work on CAD modelling for structures, improving the architectural plan and the statistical analysis for the economical model