Fabrication of micro separation column for miniaturized gas chromatography system

The emphasis of this work is on the fabrication of a micro separation column for applicaton in miniaturized gas chromatography system. The micro column was made by microchannels fabricated on the silicon wafer and sealed with a glass lid. The microchannels were fabricated by wet etching process and the channels were of length 2m , width 200 μm and depth 100 μm. The channels were closed by sealing with Pyrex glass. Silicide bonding was done for the bonding of silicon with Pyrex glass. Ti was used as an intermediate layer and bonded at a temperature of 377 ◦C and a force of 1kN. During bonding Ti forms an alloy with silicon and forms Titanium silicide and this helps to bond the glass wafer with silicom wafer with microchannels etched on it

Comparison of Two Types of Mouse Running Wheels.

Voluntary wheel running of mice has been used as a measure of physical activity in a multitude of studies. The aim of this study was to validate low profile wireless running wheels (Med Associates Inc.) against solid-surface, traditionally-mounted vertical running wheels. All animal procedures were approved by the Texas A &M IACUC. Eleven week old female C57BL/6J mice (Jackson Labs, Bar Harbor, ME) were randomly assigned to either vertical running wheels (n=5) or low profile running wheels (n=5). Daily distance run was monitored for 12 days following initial wheel orientation exposure. Average daily distance run by the mice was not different (p=0.37) between the two types of wheels, with the mice on vertical wheels averaging 6.74(±1.74 km/day; average ±SD) versus 8.58(±1.87km/day) on the low profile wheels. The distance run by the mice on the low profile wheels was also compared to the distance the same mice ran on the vertical wheels (8.6±1.04 km/day; p=0.96). Thus data collected on the low-profile wheels was similar to the vertical running wheels not only among two age and sex-matched groups of mice, but also when the same group of mice ran on the two wheel types. However, on the low-profile wheels, the inability to measure duration of wheel running due to software limitations of the data-collection bin size eliminates the calculation of running speed, both of which are important phenotypes of physical activity. Additionally, there were also numerous observations of the mice coasting on the low-profile wheels, an issue not present on the traditional, solid-surface wheels. The presence of coasting would inflate distance measures over true measures of activity and may have been responsible for the non-significant elevation of distance on the low-profile wheels. Thus, if accurate measures of distance or measurement of duration and speed are not required, the low-profile wheel is a valid methodology

Basal Lamella Relaxing Incision for Middle Turbinate Medialization

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sinus surgery is the mainstay in the surgical management of chronic sinusitis. On the common factors leading to failure of primary endoscopic sinus surgery is the lateralization of the middle turbinate to the lateral nasal wall. The aim in our study is to assess a newer technique called Basal Lamella Relaxing Incision for middle turbinate medialization and to compare it with the existing technique of medialization of middle turbinate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were planned for endoscopic sinus surgery. In these patients both Freer medialization and Basal Lamella Relaxing Incision were performed. Both these methods were compared. Patient was followed up for 3 months. RESULTS: The study showed that basal lamella relaxing incision is superior when compared to the Standard Freer medialization. Only two patients had synechiae between the lateral nasal wall and middle turbinate after Basal Lamella Relaxing Incision. CONCLUSION: The Basal Lamella Relaxing Incision is a safe method for middle turbinate medialization and is better than the standard Freer method for middle turbinate medialization

An Integrated Program Representation for Loop Optimizations

Inspite of all the advances, automatic parallelization has not entered the general purpose compiling environment for several reasons. There have been two distinct schools of thought in parallelization domain namely, affine and non-affine which have remained incompatible with each other over the years. Thus, a good practical compiler will have to be able to analyze and parallelize any type of code - affine or non-affine or a mix of both. To be able to achieve the best performance, compilers will have to derive the order of transformations best suitable for a given program on a given system. This problem, known as "Phase Ordering", is a very crucial impedance for practical compilers, more so for parallelizing compilers. The ideal compiler should be able to consider various orders of transformations and reason about the performance benefits of the same. In order to achieve such a compiler, in this paper, we propose a unified program representation which has the following characteristics: a) Modular in nature. b) Ability to represent both ane and non-ane transformations. c) Ability to use detailed static run-time estimators directly on the representation

A comprehensive Security Testing Framework for PLC-based Industrial Automation and Control Systems

The thesis focuses on developing a comprehensive security testing framework for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) based on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). This framework aims to evaluate the security posture of PLC-based IACS systems using methods, tools, and best practices in security testing tailored to the specific characteristics of PLC environments. It leverages existing security standards, such as the IEC 62443 standard. The methodology employed in this research is the Design Science methodology, serving as the systematic problem-solving strategy throughout the development of the framework. This methodology ensures the robustness and applicability of the framework within the domain of IACS. The framework encompasses various phases, including threat modeling, initial risk assessment, security testing tools and techniques, comprehensive risk evaluation, reporting mechanisms, and incident response planning. Throughout the development process, adherence to the IEC 62443 standard is maintained, ensuring alignment with established industrial best practices and regulatory requirements. This adherence aims to bolster the security of IACS infrastructure and facilitate compliance with European Union (EU) regulations. Validation of the framework is achieved through its illustration to an Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) asset within an industrial context. This research significantly contributes to advancing cybersecurity practices for security testing within industrial settings. By providing a structured methodology, practitioners are empowered to systematically inspect and enhance the security of PLC-based IACS systems. The proposed framework's modular and independent nature makes it highly adaptable for deployment across various target systems. It conforms to recommended standards within the domain of IACS, aiming to establish secure and resilient industrial infrastructure capable of mitigating emerging cyber threats. Implementation of the framework's guidelines is anticipated to contribute to improved security and EU regulatory compliance within IACS environments

Multiscale X-Ray Scattering for Probing Chemo-Morphological Coupling in Pore-to-Field and Process Scale Energy and Environmental Applications

One of the greatest challenges of our generation is the sustainable storage of environmentally harmful by-products of energy production processes. High-level nuclear wastes and CO2 produced from the energy sectors are examples of these by-products. To ensure the environmentally benign storage of these by-products in a solid form, it is essential to understand the chemical and morphological features of the materials in which these by-products are immobilized. With recent advancements in X-ray scattering, it is now possible to map the structure and the microstructure of architected and natural materials across four decades in spatial scale. Multiscale X-ray scattering that encompasses ultrasmall-, small-, and wide-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS/SAXS/WAXS) allows us to probe material features in the spatial ranges of ~5 μm–10 nm, ~100–1 nm, and ~1 nm–0.2 Å, respectively. This connection is illustrated using two specific examples. The first example involves determination of the changes in the porosity and the structure of beidellite, a swelling clay used in the repository design for nuclear waste disposal, on heating to temperatures above 1000°C. The second example illustrates the changes in the nanoscale porosity of heat-treated serpentine after reacting with CO2 to form magnesium carbonate

Geo-Chemo-Physical Studies of Carbon Mineralization for Natural and Engineered Carbon Storage

Rising concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is attributed to increasing consumption of fossil fuels. One of the most effective mechanisms to store CO2 captured from power plants is via geological injection of CO2 into formations that contain calcium and magnesium silicate and alumino-silicate minerals and rocks. The mechanism that ensures permanent storage of CO2 within rocks is mineral carbonation. When CO2 is injected into mineral or rock formations rich in calcium or magnesium silicates, they react with CO2 to form calcium or magnesium carbonates, which is also known as carbon mineralization. Calcium and magnesium carbonates are stable and insoluble in water. However, the kinetics of in-situ mineral carbonation involve CO2 hydration, mineral dissolution and formation of carbonates, and the relative rates of these phenomena when coupled, are not very well understood. In this study, the coupled interactions of CO2-reaction fluid-minerals were investigated to determine the optimal conditions for carbon mineralization, and to identify the chemical and morphological changes in the minerals as they react to form carbonates. Carbon mineralization in various minerals and rocks such as olivine ((Mg,Fe)2SiO4)), labradorite ((Ca, Na)(Al, Si)4O8), anorthosite (mixture of anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8), and basalt (rock comprising various minerals) were studied at high temperatures (Tmax = 185 oC) and high partial pressures of CO2 (PCO2, max = 164 atm) which are relevant for in-situ conditions. These minerals and rocks differ considerably in their chemical compositions and reactivity with CO2. A systematic comparison of the effects of reaction time, temperature, partial pressure of CO2, and fluid composition on the conversion of these magnesium and calcium bearing minerals and rocks showed that olivine was the most reactive mineral followed by labradorite, anorthosite, and basalt, respectively. Previous studies at Albany Research Center (Gerdemann et al., 2007; O'Connor et al., 2004) reported that a solution of 1.0 M NaCl + 0.64 M NaHCO3 was effective in achieving high extents of carbonation in olivine, heat-treated serpentine, and wollastonite. However, the independent effects of NaCl and NaHCO3 and their role in mineral carbonation were not sufficiently explained. In this study, the role of varying concentrations of NaCl and NaHCO3 on carbon mineralization of various minerals was elucidated. NaHCO3 buffered the pH and served as a carbon carrier, resulting in higher carbonate conversions. Except in the case of olivine, NaCl had a negligible effect on enhancing mineral carbonation. Unlike NaHCO3, NaCl does not buffer the pH or serve as a carbon carrier, but Cl- may serve as a weak chelating agent can complex with Mg or Ca in the mineral matrix to enhance dissolution. The competing effects of ionic strength and pH swings as the mineral dissolves and carbonation further complicate the role of NaCl on mineral carbonation. Based on the experimental methodologies developed to study carbon mineralization in minerals and rocks at high temperatures and pressures, alternative applications such as the remediation of hazardous alkaline wastes such as asbestos containing materials were identified. Asbestos is composed of chrysotile, a fibrous hydrated magnesium silicate mineral and a form of serpentine known to cause respiratory illnesses. By treating asbestos containing materials with CO2 in the presence of 0.1 M Na-oxalate, dissolution of chrysotile and precipitation of newer phases such as glushinkite (Mg(C2O4)* 2H2O) and magnesite (MgCO3) occurred, which reduced the chrysotile content in asbestos. Based on the methodologies for studying mineral dissolution and carbonation kinetics, and coupled mineral dissolution and carbonation behavior, a scheme for connecting laboratory scale experiments with simulations to estimate the uncertainties associated with carbon mineralization was developed. The effects of temperature, different dissolution rates, and varying levels of surface area changes due to passivation or reactive cracking on the rates of carbon mineralization were simulated using PhreeqC, a computer program developed for geochemical speciation calculations (Parkhurst & Appelo, 1999). Various studies proposed that microfractures and cracks may occur in geologic formations due to the extensive growth of carbonate crystals (Kelemen & Hirth, 2012; Kelemen & Matter, 2008; Matter & Kelemen, 2009; Rudge et al., 2010). Other studies have suggested that the formation of carbonates may plug the pore spaces and limit further reactivity (Hövelmann et al., 2012; King et al., 2010; Xu et al., 2004). The effects of changes in surface area due to the formation of microfractures or passivation due to carbonate growth on the rates of carbon mineralization were also simulated. Overall the results of these studies demonstrate the effect of various parameters on carbon mineralization and how these parameters can be connected to predict CO2 storage in mineral formations. The frameworks to connect laboratory scale experiments with simulations to determine carbon mineralization rates and to assess the risks associated with CO2 injection in reactive formations, can be used to direct future research efforts to predict the fate of injected CO2 with greater accuracy for sensor placement and optimization of CO2 monitoring technologies

Precision Diabetic Monitoring Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Diabetes is a disease that develops as a result of a high glucose level in the bloodstream of a person. A person's diabetes should not be disregarded; if left untreated, diabetes may lead to serious health complications in the long run. Such as heart disease, renal disease, , high blood pressure, and so on it may cause eye damage and can also have an impact on other organs in the human body. Diabetes may be managed if it is identified and treated early on. In order to accomplish this is the objective during this project's effort; we will look at early diabetes detection. In a human body or on a patient in order to gets more precision Different Machine Learning Techniques are being used. Machine gaining knowledge of methods by constructing models using data gathered from patients, it is possible to get better results for prediction. This is the case in this effort that we will put to use Classification and ensemble learning with machine learning Using statistical methods on a dataset, diabetes may be predicted. Which of the following are K-Nearest? KNN (Kindest Neighbour), Logistic Regression (LR), and Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gradient Boosting (GB), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) The Forest of Chance (RF). Every model has a different level of accuracy than the others. Whenever they are contrasted with other models. The project work provides the opportunity to the model's ability to forecast diabetes with high accuracy or greater accuracy demonstrates that the model is capable of doing so. As a result of our research, we have discovered that when compared to other methods, Random Forest produced greater accuracy. Techniques using machine learning

An analysis on strategic opportunities and critical challenges of venture capital in India

Giving a kick start to start-ups . that’s what a venture capital company dose. Venture capitalis a method of financing that investors provide to start up companies and small businesses thatare believed to have long-term growth potential. In india icici started venture capital in theyear 1988 with UTIThe venture capital industry formally started in the mid-80s but did not really take off till themid-90s. The industry witnessed a peak during 2000 when the IT industry was booming andthe economy looked stable. Year 2017 so far has seen 435 angel and seed transactions,translating to about $244.6 million (Rs 1,627.26 crore) .Despite this growth venture capitalfunding face lot of challenges . In this paper researcher attempts to analyse challenges andopportunities of venture capital in India