A Blank Optimization by Effective Reverse Engineering and Metal Forming Analysis

143-148Finite element methods allow us to better understand the complex plastic deformation behaviour of a sheet metal component during forming. The purpose of the present work is to optimise the current 1535 × 1600 × 1.2 mm blank sheet of a commercial vehicle engine tunnel bottom using finite element simulation without violating safety and efficiency. The goal of this communication is to look at methods of finite element simulation that are used to solve the related problem. For generating the CAD data of the forming tools, a reverse engineering technique has been adopted. The formation simulation is performed using the commercially available PAMSTAMP explicit solver-based program. The blank holder force was increased by around 15 % (from the current force of 350 kN to 400 kN) while measuring the reduced blank width. The optimised blank sheet's simulation results have been compared to the current blank, ensuring that the optimised blank is appropriate for the bottom portion of the engine tunnel without any defects or failures being produced. In the application of sheet metal formation, finite element techniques have always enabled us in weight savings and cost-saving of automotive components

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Emerging Colloidal Nano Drug Delivery Systems

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are nanocarriers developed as substitute colloidal drug delivery systems parallel to liposomes, lipid emulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, and so forth. Owing to their unique size dependent properties and ability to incorporate drugs, SLNs present an opportunity to build up new therapeutic prototypes for drug delivery and targeting. SLNs hold great potential for attaining the goal of targeted and controlled drug delivery, which currently draws the interest of researchers worldwide. The present review sheds light on different aspects of SLNs including fabrication and characterization techniques, formulation variables, routes of administration, surface modifications, toxicity, and biomedical applications

Topical corticosteroid abuse on the face: A prospective, multicenter study of dermatology outpatients

Background: Abuse of topical corticosteroids (TC), especially over the face, is prevalent worldwide, including in India. Data about the magnitude of this problem in our country is lacking. Aims: The aims of this study were to ascertain the demographics, magnitude and clinical features of TC misuse on the face in the dermatology outpatient department (OPD) attendees in order to raise awareness about this problem and to analyze its causes. Methods: This was a prospective multicenter questionnaire-based clinical study conducted at 12 dermatology centers nationwide. Patients with relevant facial dermatoses reporting to the investigator were asked about their current use of over-the-counter topical formulations and a structured questionnaire applied in case the same was confirmed to be TC. Results: A total of 2926 patients with facial dermatoses were screened, of which 433 (14.8%) were using TC. TC was used as a fairness/general purpose cream or aftershave in 126 (29%) and in 104 (24%) for acne. Steroid combinations were used by 258 (59.6%). Potent and super-potent TC were significantly (P = 0.05) more frequently used by the rural/suburban population. The younger age groups used more potent formulations. A non-physician recommendation for TC use was obtainable in 257 (59.3%) patients. Of these, 232 (90.3%) were for potent/super-potent steroids. Among 176 physician prescriptions, 78 (44.3%) were from non-dermatologists. All non-physician prescriptions and 146 (83%) physician prescriptions for TC were inappropriately refilled. Adverse effects were seen in 392 (90.5%) TC users. Acne/exacerbation of acne was the most common adverse effect. Conclusions: TC misuse in patients with facial dermatoses is quite common, and most of this use is unwarranted. Use as a fairness cream is the most common indication in this cohort. Limitations: This was an OPD-based study and, therefore, it may or may not accurately reflect the community data

Property Prediction of Diesel Fuel Based on the Composition Analysis Data by two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography

The objective of the present study is to develop robust statistical models for the prediction of critical diesel properties such as cloud point, pour point, and cetane index with composition inputs such as <i>n</i>-Paraffins, Iso-paraffins, Naphthenes, and Aromatics (PINA) obtained by flow modulated two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC×GC-FID). A single gas chromatographic measurement coupled with models to predict the key physical properties is attractive for refiners to make quick decisions in optimizing diesel blending. We present a partial least-squares (PLS) linear regression statistical model that has been developed using 41 data sets of diesel samples with different compositions, out of which 33 samples were used for the calibration and eight samples for validation of the model. The <i>R</i>² values obtained for cloud point, pour point, and cetane index were 0.92, 0.93, and 0.92 with standard deviations of 1.20, 1.50, and 0.40, respectively. The average relative errors for predicted values of cloud point, pour point, and cetane index are found to be 0.86, 1.02, and 0.25, respectively. The PINA analyses of diesel and kerosene samples were carried out using flow modulated GC×GC with flame ionization detection (FID). The technique adapts reverse phase gas chromatography with two capillary chromatographic columns; the columns differ in length, diameter, stationary phase, and film thickness to get maximum peak resolution. The gravimetric blends of high purity reference standards of paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatic compounds (PINA) with variable carbon numbers were used for identification and to draw the boundaries for group types. Monoaromatic and polyaromatic content obtained for diesel and kerosene samples by the flow modulated GC×GC method were comparable to the results obtained by the High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method as per IP 391 or ASTM D 6591. Repeatability and reproducibility of the GC×GC analysis were performed for several samples to validate the method. It has been found that the HPLC method for the determination of aromatics content using a single calibration standard for each type, such as mono-, di-, and polyaromatics, causes a small error in the quantification in some of the samples as the refractive indices of all the aromatic species present in the diesel and kerosene samples vary depending on the addition of alkyl side chains; the presence of heteroatoms such as sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen; etc