Optimization of Interfacial Interactions to Achieve the Nanoscale Dispersion of Clay in Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites

Polymer clay nanocomposites are a promising class of multicomponent systems where incorporation of small amount of clay results in dramatic improvement of mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. However, accomplishment of these properties necessitates molecular level dispersion of the clay platelets in the polymer matrix. This thesis presents the guidelines for obtaining thermodynamically stable nanocomposites where strong specific interactions such as hydrogen bonding between the polymer and the clay can be utilized to achieve the desired goal of nanoscale dispersion of clay sheets. In first part of the dissertation, optimization of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the polymer and clay is carried out by controlling the distribution of hydroxyl groups on the copolymer of styrene and 4-vinyl phenol. Copolymers ranging from 0- 100% vinyl phenol are synthesized by free radical polymerization. Nanocomposites containing 50 % poly(vinyl phenol) and 40 % poly(vinyl phenol) show optimum dispersion due to large extent of intermolecular hydrogen bonding with drastic improvement in glass transition temperature. Furthermore, the effect of the nature of clay surfactant on the dispersion of clay sheets in the polymer matrix is also studied. Nanomer I.24 TL and Cloisite 25A show similar trends in dispersion for all the copolymer compositions. Increase in vinyl phenol content from 0-50% enhances the dispersion of clay platelets. However, Nanomer I.24 TL and Cloisite 25A show different morphological behavior than Cloisite Na+ towards the polymer containing 100% vinyl phenol. This behavior arises due to the fact that hydrophobic surfactants of Nanomer I.24 TL and Cloisite 25A do not find themselves very compatible with hydrophilic polymer, poly(vinyl phenol) thus giving rise to intercalated morphology in opposition to exfoliation observed for Cloisite Na+ nanocomposite with the same polymer. Cloisite Na+ is highly hydrophilic and therefore very miscible with 100% vinyl phenol, consequently a nanocomposite with improved dispersion is obtained. Next, clay loading is also optimized in the nanocomposites to obtain the best morphological and thermal improvements. Clay loadings of 1, 3, 5 and 8 wt % are mixed with copolymers ranging from 0-100 % vinyl phenol. 3 and 5 % clay loadings with PVPh40 and PVPh50 nanocomposites exhibit optimum dispersion of clay platelets with drastic improvement in glass transition temperature

BORDER SURVEILLANCE USING FACE RECOGNITION, MOBILE OTP AND EMAIL

Expanding strains over Indian borders with illegal crossings and examining past assaults on the nation, it is clear that in a large portion of the cases, security powers are uninformed of the movement of these interlopers. For this reason, a framework is needed to manage the border issue that would be equipped for working in sloping landscapes where there is no power. This paper manages identification and situating of interlopers crossing the border utilizing PIR sensors and cameras. In the event of any undesirable crossing in the area, the sensor quickly detects it and the camera will stream pictures to the base station (BS). Relying upon the guidance originating from the BS, the sensor will either activate the camera for further streaming or turn it off. The objective of this paper is to give a framework that will help the Border Security Force (BSF) in controlling all sorts of illicit activities near the outskirt in a superior and precise manner. ABSTRAK: Merentas isu sempadan India dengan kegiatan pencerobohan sempadan dan dengan mengambil kira kutukan lepas terhadap bangsa kami, adalah jelas dalam banyak-banyak kes ini pegawai keselamatan tidak diberitahu tentang bahagian yang dicerobohi. Dalam keadaan ini, kita memerlukan rangka kerja bagi mengurus masalah sempadan di mana kelengkapan perlu dipasang di tebing landskap yang tidak mempunyai sumber tenaga. Kajian ini mengurus identiti pengenalan dan kedudukan kegiatan haram yang berleluasa di sempadan dengan mengguna pakai pengesan PIR dan kamera. Apabila terdapat perubahan pergerakan yang tidak diingini di sempadan, PIR akan mengesan pergerakan dengan cepat dan kamera akan menggaris arus gambar-gambar ke stesen utama (BS) dan bergantung kepada panduan pengkalan di BS, pengesan akan membuat kamera lebih bergaris arus atau berhenti merekod. Kajian ini pentng bagi menunjukkan rangka yang membantu Penguatkuasaan Keselamatan Sempadan (BSF) dalam mengawal semua kegiatan haram berhampiran sempadan dengan bermutu dan tepat

Story of The Black and White Devils- Mucormycosis and Aspergillosis: A Distinct Entity with Rising Clinical Presentation in COVID Era

Background: Background: Fungal rhino-sinusitis is a rare, rapidly progressing, life-threatening opportunistic infection, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients, such as those with diabetes and lung diseases, recently observed in post-COVID pneumonia cases. Clinically, it presents with partial neurological dysfunction and progressive necrosis secondary to blood vessel invasion and thrombosis, potentially involving the cranium, increasing morbidity and mortality. First-line treatment includes antifungal therapy, followed by surgical intervention. Aim: To emphasize the significance of timely diagnosis and treatment strategies for Rhino-orbital-cerebral Mucormycosis and Aspergillosis. Methods: Since the coronavirus outbreak in India, our hospital has treated thousands of patients, including nine confirmed cases of invasive fungal rhino-sinusitis from April to July 2021. We collected data from electronic records to ensure accuracy, with diagnoses based on clinical presentation, nasal endoscopy, imaging, KOH mount, fungal culture, and histopathology. Our team provided tailored medical and surgical management to meet each patient’s needs, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality care during this challenging time. Results: Five out of nine patients survived our treatment; the mortality rate was reported as 37.5%, with one patient lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Timely surgical intervention, effective debridement, and appropriate antifungal therapy can significantly reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with Rhino-orbital-cerebral Mucormycosis and Aspergillosis

A New Palm Print Recognition Approach by Using PCA & Gabor Filter

The key problems that involve in identification of palm print are searching for the better match from the test sample taken from input and also the available templates in the palm print database. The selection of the features and measuring similarity are 2 basic to be resolved. A feature that has higher discriminating ability should need to show a large variation between samples taken from totally different persons and small variation between samples taken from the palm of same person. Principal lines with information points are consider as very helpful palm print features and are successfully used for the aim of verification. Excluding these features there are many various features present in a palm print like: wrinkle features, geometry features, minutiae features and delta point features. It�s noted that each one of those features of palm are involved with the native attributes supported points or line segments. 2 key points in palm print identification are: first is to develop an efficient algorithm that extracts helpful features and second is to correctly measure the similarity of 2 features sets. In contrast to the existing technique, propose a combine selection technique for identification by using the palm print feature base pattern matching by combining native and global palm print features in some stratified fashion. In this work, use PCA, Gabor Filter and KNN for the aim of classification and matching. This work show palm print authentication system operates in 2 ways in which first is enrolment and the second is verification. In enrolment, a user needs to offer palm print samples many times to the system. The samples is captured with the use of any image capturing device that then pre-processed and so extraction of features is done to provide the templates that keep template database. For verification user is instruct to produce his/her user ID and palm print sample, then the palm print sample are pre-processed and extraction of feature is done to compared it with templates keep within the database that belonging to constant user ID

Effect of Immunosuppression on T-Helper 2 and B-Cell Responses to Influenza Vaccination

Background. Influenza vaccine immunogenicity is suboptimal in immunocompromised patients. However, there are limited data on the interplay of T- and B- cell responses to vaccination with simultaneous immunosuppression. Methods. We collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells from transplant recipients before and 1 month after seasonal influenza vaccination. Before and after vaccination, H1N1-specific T- and B-cell activation were quantified with flow cytometry. We also developed a mathematical model using T- and B-cell markers and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dosage. Results. In the 47 patients analyzed, seroconversion to H1N1 antigen was demonstrated in 34%. H1N1-specific interleukin 4 (IL-4)-producing CD4+ T-cell frequencies increased significantly after vaccination in 53% of patients. Prevaccine expression of H1N1-induced HLA-DR and CD86 on B cells was high in patients who seroconverted. Seroconversion against H1N1 was strongly associated with HLA-DR expression on B cells, which was dependent on the increase between prevaccine and postvaccine H1N1-specific IL-4+CD4+ T cells (R2 = 0.35). High doses of MMF (≥2 g/d) led to lower seroconversion rates, smaller increase in H1N1-specific IL-4+CD4+ T cells, and reduced HLA-DR expression on B cells. The mathematical model incorporating a MMF-inhibited positive feedback loop between H1N1-specific IL-4+CD4+ T cells and HLA-DR expression on B cells captured seroconversion with high specificity. Conclusions. Seroconversion is associated with influenza-specific T-helper 2 and B-cell activation and seems to be modulated by MM

Hypocellular acute myeloid leukemia with bone marrow necrosis in young patients: two case reports

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Hypocellular variants of acute myeloid leukemia are very rare and almost always occur in old aged patients. In contrast, hypocellular acute lymphoblastic leukemia usually occurs in children.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report two Indian patients with hypocellular acute myeloid leukemia, a 32-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy. Interestingly, one of the patients also showed bone marrow necrosis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Hypocellular acute myeloid leukemia is a rare entity and can affect young individuals. It can be considered as a rare cause of bone marrow necrosis.</p

Immunomodulatory Function of Interleukin 28B During Primary Infection With Cytomegalovirus

Background. Feedback mechanisms between interferons α and λ (IFNs) may be affected by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in interleukin 28B (IL-28B; IFN-λ3) promoter region and may influence cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication. Methods. We associated IL-28B SNPs with the risk of CMV replication after transplantation. Next, we examined the effect of IL-28B genotypes on IL-28B, and IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression, and CMV replication in human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results. Transplant recipients with an IL-28B SNP (rs8099917) had significantly less CMV replication (P = .036). Both HFF-cells and PBMCs with a SNP showed lower IL-28B expression during infection with CMV, but higher "antiviral” ISG expression (eg, OAS1). Fibroblasts with a SNP had a 3-log reduction of CMV replication at day 4 (P = .004). IL-28B pretreatment induced ISG expression in noninfected fibroblasts, but a relative decrease of ISG expression could be observed in CMV-infected fibroblasts. The inhibitory effects of IL-28B could be abolished by siRNA or antagonistic peptides against the IL-28 receptor. In fibroblasts, inhibition of IL-28 signaling resulted in an increase of ISG expression and 3-log reduction of CMV-replication (P = .01). Conclusions. We postulate that IL-28B may act as a key regulator of ISG expression during primary CMV infection. IL-28B SNPs may be associated with higher antiviral ISG expression, which results in better replication contro

A study of the clinical profile of 50 patients of COPD with correlation between clinical, radiological and spirometric evaluation

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable disease that is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and/ or alveolar abnormalities usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases. Tobacco smoking, occupational exposure to organic and inorganic dusts, chemical agents and fumes and biomass cooking are the risk factors for COPD. Chronic dyspnoea, cough, sputum production, wheezing and chest tightness are the common symptoms of COPD. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical, radiological and spirometric parameters in patients with COPD and to demonstrate a correlation between them.Methods: This was a prospective study of 50 patients of COPD who presented to out- patient department. We included all patients above 40 years of age with a smoking index of 200 or more, or history of exposure to occupational dust, biomass fuel gas or exposure to other obnoxious gases; and who had history of dyspnoea and cough. Spirometry was performed to confirm the diagnosis and to grade the severity of airflow obstruction. History of dyspnoea, cough, sputum production, wheezing, chest tightness, fever, weight loss and the number of exacerbations in the previous year was noted. We then performed a detailed clinical examination. Blood was sent for haemogram and arterial blood gas analysis and all patients underwent an ECG, 2- D Echo and HRCT of the thorax. We then studied the correlation between the clinical, radiological and spirometric profiles in these patients.Results: Out of the 50 patients, majority was between 50-59 years of age, with male to female ratio of 1.94:1.00. History of smoking was present in 74% patients, exposure to biomass fuel in 12% and exposure to occupational dust in 6% patients. Commonest symptom was dyspnoea (in 100% patients) followed by cough (88%), sputum production (68%), wheezing (58%), chest tightness and fever (30%) and weight loss (28%). HRCT was positive in 75% patients, while ECG changes were seen in 42% patients and pulmonary hypertension was present in 54% patients. A significant association was observed between grade 5 dyspnoea on mMRC, hypoxia, hypercarbia, pulmonary hypertension and Gold-5 airflow obstruction.Conclusions: In the present study of 50 cases, COPD was seen predominantly in male patients, with a mean age of presentation between 50- 59 years. Tobacco smoking was the commonest etiological factor. Clinical symptoms most commonly documented were dyspnoea, cough with or without expectoration, wheezing, chest tightness, fever and weight loss. A significant association was observed between grade 5 dyspnoea on mMRC, hypoxia, hypercarbia, pulmonary hypertension and Gold-5 airflow obstruction

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of hybrid photovoltaic thermal system

In this paper an attempt has been made to simulate and evaluate the distribution of temperature and heat flux for the hybrid photovoltaic thermal system with CFD (computational fluid dynamics) module in ANSYS 19.1 software. The simulation was carried to determine the temperature and heat flux across the different layers of HPVT (hybrid photovoltaic thermal) system. The temperature and heat flux were found to gradually decrease from the top glass layer to the bottom tedlar layer. The temperature varied from 36.4 °C (ambient) to 26.8 °C across the layers from top glass layer to bottom tedlar layer. The heat flux of (561.2 W/m2) at the glass layer due to solar insolation was also found to gradually decrease with the increasing thickness. The reduction in temperature and heat flux with increasing thickness is attributed to fluid flowing beneath the system. The water flowing beneath the tedlar layer takes the excess heat out of the photovoltaic layer, thereby increasing the efficiency of the hybrid photovoltaic thermal system