Transport coefficients of binary gas mixtures

Expressions of the transport coefficients for a binary gas mixture have been developed in terms of irreducible tensors and matrices. They have been shown to be completely equivalent to those of Chapman and Cowling but are more suitable for writing a computor programme for a calculation to any given order. This programme has not to be changed from one order to the next and has been used to carry out a much more extensive and systematic study of the higher order contributions, for rigid sphere and Lennard-Jones potentials than the ones available in the literature

Processing and Microbiology of idli, Indian cereal-legume fermented food

Idli is a popular cereal-legume fermented food of Indian origin. It is steam cooked from fermented (lactic acid-yeast) batter of rice (cereal) and black gram (legume). Idli preparation process includes three major steps – soaking of rice and black gram, grounding and fermentation. The idli preparation process is laborious, as the whole procedure takes about 20 hours. Further, the fermented batter has a shelf life of 4-5 days at 4 ºC. Literature studies reveal less efforts has been taken to improve shelf life and nutritional quality of idli. The overall aim of this thesis was to improve the quality of idli batter by mild heat treatment (Objective 1) and through microbial applications (Objective 2-4). First, the fermented idli batter was mild heat (MH) treated (57, 60, 63, 66 and 70 ºC ) to reduce the high (10.5 log cfu/g) lactic acid bacteria and yeast counts for enhancing the shelf stability at refrigerated storage. MH treatment (at 70 ºC) induced the highest reduction (3.6 log cfu/g) without affecting the pasting profile of idli batter. During storage study (upto 10 days at 4 ºC) the microbial counts further decreased without change in pH.The second objective was to monitor the changes in physicochemical properties and B-vitamin (riboflavin, folate and vitamin B12) levels in idli batter fermentation on addition of starters - Lactococcus lactis N8 (SAA1) and Saccharomyces boulardii (YEA1). Fermentation profiles were recorded individually and in combination of starters. SAA1 and YEA1 were able to enhance or retain riboflavin and folate levels, but no change in vitamin B12 levels were observed during fermentation. Further, YEA1 individually and in combination with SAA1 significantly improved the idli batter volume, implying high gas production. The third objective was to produce nisin in idli batter by addition of SAA1 (nisin producer). The results highlighted SAA1 was capable of producing nisin in idli. However, the produced nisin was degraded by the activity of indigenous LAB and yeast in idli batter. The final objective of this thesis was to determine the viability of probiotic Bacillus coagulans (BAC1) spores after cooking (steaming and microwaving) and during storage (at 4 ºC) of idli batter. Microwave cooking resulted in higher reduction of BAC1 than steam cooking. However, 5.4 log cfu/g of BAC1 spores were still viable in steamed idli from the initial added amount (8.2 log cfu/g). The BAC1 spores were not stable in idli batter suggesting spore outgrowth during storage. In summary, these results present different strategies and information for future process and product developments in idli

Study of 2D ion chamber array for angular response and QA of dynamic MLC and pretreatment IMRT plans

AbstractAimTo study of 2 Dimensional ion chamber array for angular response and its utility for quality assurance of dynamic multileaf collimator and pretreatment intensity modulated radiotherapy plans.Materials and MethodsThe MLC QA test patterns and IMRT plans were executed on 2D ion chamber array having 1020 vented pixel ionization chambers. The dynamic MLC QA test patterns were chair test, x–wedge, pyramid, open swipe field, garden fence and picket fence. Performance of Dynamic wedges was compared with physical wedges. For IMRT verification, five patients with localized prostate carcinoma were planned using dynamic IMRT technique. Angular response of MatriXX was measured by exposing the system from different gantry angles.ResultsDynamic MLC QA tests such as chair, x-wedge, pyramid, and open swipe field were successfully verified. MatriXX was not able to recognize the bar pattern of picket test and garden fence test. The response of MatriXX gradually decreases from 0° to 180° angles and it was 7.7% less at 180° angle. The dynamic wedge profiles were matching with corresponding physical wedge profiles. For pretreatment IMRT QA, the average dose difference between planned and measured dose was 1.26% with standard deviation of 1.06.ConclusionI'mRT MatriXX can be used for routine dynamic MLC and IMRT pretreatment QA but care should be taken while taking measurements in penumbra region because of its limited spatial resolution

DSTATCOM with Improved LMS based IRP theory

In this paper, grid connected DSTATCOM with three phase three wire has been proposed for harmonics elimination, reactive power compensation and active power injection into the grid. An improved instantaneous reactive power theory based on the least mean square is computed. The least mean square (LMS) algorithm is combined with instantaneous reactive power theory (IRPT) to improve its dynamics performance and eliminates the use of low pass filter requirement for computation of reference current. The harmonics component of the active power is estimated from LMS algorithm generated load harmonics currents. The performance characteristic of DSTATCOM is estimated with control scheme using computer simulation. The technique is based on the instantaneous transformation of instantaneous signals and taking advantage of the subsequent calculation of power from supply side to the loads. The neural network based method to estimate the harmonic online, DSTATCOM can compensate the harmonics. The computer simulation is carried out with MATLAB Simulink power system block sets

Study of 2D ion chamber array for angular response and QA of dynamic MLC and pretreatment IMRT plans

AimTo study of 2 Dimensional ion chamber array for angular response and its utility for quality assurance of dynamic multileaf collimator and pretreatment intensity modulated radiotherapy plans.Materials and MethodsThe MLC QA test patterns and IMRT plans were executed on 2D ion chamber array having 1020 vented pixel ionization chambers. The dynamic MLC QA test patterns were chair test, x–wedge, pyramid, open swipe field, garden fence and picket fence. Performance of Dynamic wedges was compared with physical wedges. For IMRT verification, five patients with localized prostate carcinoma were planned using dynamic IMRT technique. Angular response of MatriXX was measured by exposing the system from different gantry angles.ResultsDynamic MLC QA tests such as chair, x-wedge, pyramid, and open swipe field were successfully verified. MatriXX was not able to recognize the bar pattern of picket test and garden fence test. The response of MatriXX gradually decreases from 0° to 180° angles and it was 7.7% less at 180° angle. The dynamic wedge profiles were matching with corresponding physical wedge profiles. For pretreatment IMRT QA, the average dose difference between planned and measured dose was 1.26% with standard deviation of 1.06.ConclusionI'mRT MatriXX can be used for routine dynamic MLC and IMRT pretreatment QA but care should be taken while taking measurements in penumbra region because of its limited spatial resolution

Technical and clinical outcomes following EUS-guided thrombin injection and coil implantation for parastomal varices

Background and aims Bleeding from parastomal varices causes significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment options are limited, particularly in high-risk patients with significant underlying liver disease and other comorbidities. The use of EUS-guided embolisation coils combined with thrombin injection in gastric varices has been shown to be safe and effective. Our institution has applied the same technique to the treatment of parastomal varices.Methods A retrospective review was performed of 37 procedures on 24 patients to assess efficacy and safety of EUS-guided injection of thrombin, with or without embolisation coils for treatment of bleeding parastomal varices. All patients had been discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting, and correction of portal hypertension was deemed to be contraindicated. Rebleeding was defined as stomal bleeding that required hospital admission or transfusion.Results All patients had significant parastomal bleeding at the time of referral. 100% technical success rate was achieved. 70.8% of patients had no further significant bleeding in the follow-up period (median 26.2 months) following one procedure. 1-year rebleed-free survival was 80.8% following first procedure. 7 patients (29.1%) had repeat procedures. There was no significant difference in rebleed-free survival following repeat procedures. Higher age was associated with higher risk of rebleeding. No major procedure-related complications were identified.Conclusions EUS-guided thrombin injection, with or without embolisation coils, is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of bleeding parastomal varices, particularly for patients for whom correction of portal venous hypertension is contraindicated

Spatial distribution and sequential sampling of aphid and their natural enemies on wheat

246-253Although many pests attack wheat, the damage due to wheat aphids has been on rise due to climate change phenomenon. Population of aphids increases during February to March and so the ladybird beetles to devour on aphids. With the aim of facilitating conservation of ladybird beetles, predator conditioned sampling plans were worked out. Wheat aphids, Rhopalosiphum padi L. and Sitobion avenae F. were observed infesting wheat. Major predatory coccinellid beetles, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) and Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus) were also found feeding on the wheat aphids. Spatial distribution of mixed population of the aphids and coccinellid beetles was analyzed using variance-mean ratio and regression models such as Taylor’s power law and Iwao’s mean crowding regression. The aphids and its predatory beetles were counted at different crop age. The mean population for wheat aphid was 7.88/plant and 0.72/ plant at 75 and 106 days after sowing (DAS), respectively. Variance-mean ratio indicated regular to aggregated distribution of aphids on the crop. Taylor’s power law aggregation parameter (b = 2.62) and density contagiousness co-efficient (β = 1.20) of Iwao’s mean crowding regression also revealed aggregated distribution of the wheat aphids. The mean population of coccinellid beetles varied from 0.72 to 1.43/plant during 68 to 100 DAS. Taylor’s power law aggregation parameter (b = 3.64) and density contagiousness co-efficient (β = 2.09) of Iwao’s mean crowding regression revealed aggregated distribution of the predators on the wheat crop. Sequential sampling plans were developed for wheat aphid management with and without predator’s effect through Taylor’s power law and Iwao’s mean crowding regression. Inclusion of predator effect in the regression models increased aphid population levels which necessitates need for management measures at higher population levels. Thus, the sequential sampling plans with predator effect are useful in avoiding unnecessary pesticide application on wheat crop for the aphid management

Prospects of friction stir processed Mg alloys and composites-Reviews and suggestions

The pursuit of advanced materials with enhanced or tailored properties has indeed been a crucial focus in various industries. From aerospace to automotive, and from nuclear power to space exploration, the need for materials that can withstand extreme conditions, offer improved performance, and ensure safety is paramount. Safety standards are vital in industries where materials are subjected to extreme conditions or where failure could have catastrophic consequences. Therefore, research in advanced materials not only focuses on enhancing properties but also ensuring that these materials meet rigorous safety standards. Friction stir processing (FSP) emerges as a transformative methodology, facilitating the achievement of superplasticity, enhanced ductility, heightened strength, toughness, and hardness, all while preserving the structural integrity of the material. In recent years, notable advancements have been witnessed in preparing magnesium (Mg) alloys, Mg composites, and functional Mg materials. This comprehensive review encompasses the latest developments, global significance, adherence to standards, and innovative strides in Mg alloys from 2011 to 2023. It includes the FSP processing techniques, governing mechanism, advantageous properties, grain size, dislocations and their impacts, corrosion, wear behaviour, formability studies, cryogenic FSP, underwater FSP and friction stir additive manufacturing. Readers will gain critical insights, receive constructive suggestions, and discern future directions from this extensive review, as it encapsulates the trajectory of advancements in Mg alloys and delineates promising horizons with potentially transformative impacts in materials science research. Prospects and potential areas would deem help upcoming researchers to pursue with new advanced materials

Convalescent Plasma Immunotherapy - A Possible Mitigation Strategy for SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Recently, a newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19). More than 10 million confirmed cases and 503,867 associated deaths of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported worldwide to WHO in the end of July 2020. According to WHO guidelines, there is no effective therapy available for treating devastating SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, lack of evidence for appropriate treatment and vaccines has led to the re-emergence of convalescent plasma (CP) immunotherapy. Herein, we discuss the historical perspectives of CP against SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, H1N1 pandemic and mainly the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients with respect to neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). A brief possible clinical protocol for CP transfusion with its adverse effects and limitation were also highlighted. It is concluded that, CP transfusion with high neutralizing antibody titer administered in early course of disease significantly improved clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients by reducing morbidity and mortality. Thus, CP immunotherapy is considered as noteworthy candidate to be further re-evaluated as a most suitable therapeutic option against SARS-CoV-2 pandemic