DEVELOPMENT OF A DEVICE TO MEASURE THE BLADE TIP CLEARANCE OF AN AXIAL COMPRESSOR

Axial compressors, used in gas turbines, jet engines and also small scale power plants, are rotating, airfoil based compressors in which the working fluid flows parallel to the axis of rotation. There has been continuous struggle to maximize the efficiency of these compressors. One of the many ways to achieve the same is to minimize the tip clearance i.e. to reduce the distance between the blade tip and the housing. Experiments need to be conducted to measure the changes in the tip clearance while the  compressor is operating. Conventional devices to measure this tip clearance have proven to be costly if a small scale application is under consideration. Our aim in this project is to develop a device which will measure the blade tip clearance of an axial flow compressor economically. The literature review, development of the device, its working and results will be discussed in this paper

Effects of Nano-LiTaO(3) Crystallization on the Dielectric and Optical Properties in Er(3+)-Doped Li(2)O-Ta(2)O(5)-SiO(2)-Al(2)O(3) Glasses

The precursor glass of LiTaO(3) nanocrystals was prepared in a new Er(3+)-doped Li(2)O-Ta(2)O(5)-SiO(2)-Al(2)O(3) system by the melt-quench technique. They were isothermally crystallized at 680 degrees C for 3-100 h to obtain nanostructured glass-ceramics. The X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirm the nanocrystallization of LiTaO(3) (16-34 nm) yielding transparent glass-ceramics. A steep rise in the dielectric constant with the heat-treatment time is attributed to ferroelectric LiTaO(3) crystallization. Photoluminescence spectra exhibit the (4)I(13/2) -> (4)I(15/2) emission transition of Er(3+) ions at 1570 nm when excited at 984 nm. Its intensity and lifetime decrease with an increase in heat-treatment time due to concentration quenching effect

Modelling of the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure as Cyber Physical Power Systems: A Review on Components, Standards, Vulnerabilities and Attacks

The increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to the growing need to establish EV charging infrastructures (EVCIs) with fast charging capabilities to reduce congestion at the EV charging stations (EVCS) and also provide alternative solutions for EV owners without residential charging facilities. The EV charging stations are broadly classified based on i) where the charging equipment is located - on-board and off-board charging stations, and ii) the type of current and power levels - AC and DC charging stations. The DC charging stations are further classified into fast and extreme fast charging stations. This article focuses mainly on several components that model the EVCI as a cyberphysical system (CPS)

Advancements in Enhancing Resilience of Electrical Distribution Systems: A Review on Frameworks, Metrics, and Technological Innovations

This comprehensive review paper explores power system resilience, emphasizing its evolution, comparison with reliability, and conducting a thorough analysis of the definition and characteristics of resilience. The paper presents the resilience frameworks and the application of quantitative power system resilience metrics to assess and quantify resilience. Additionally, it investigates the relevance of complex network theory in the context of power system resilience. An integral part of this review involves examining the incorporation of data-driven techniques in enhancing power system resilience. This includes the role of data-driven methods in enhancing power system resilience and predictive analytics. Further, the paper explores the recent techniques employed for resilience enhancement, which includes planning and operational techniques. Also, a detailed explanation of microgrid (MG) deployment, renewable energy integration, and peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading in fortifying power systems against disruptions is provided. An analysis of existing research gaps and challenges is discussed for future directions toward improvements in power system resilience. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of power system resilience is provided, which helps in improving the ability of distribution systems to withstand and recover from extreme events and disruptions

Structure, dielectric and optical properties of Nd(3+)-doped LiTaO(3) transparent ferroelectric glass-ceramic nanocomposites

Here, we present the structural, dielectric and optical properties of neodymium ion (Nd(3+)) doped novel transparent glass-ceramics containing LiTaO(3) narrocrystals in the Li(2)O-Ta(2)O(5)-SiO(2)-Al(2)O(3) (LTSA) glass system prepared by the melt-quenching technique. The precursor glasses were isothermally crystallized at 680 degrees C for 3-100 h. following the differential thermal analysis (DTA) data, to obtain narrostructured glass-ceramics. They were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared reflection spectra (FTIRRS), optical absorption and luminescence spectroscopy along with dielectric constant measurements. XRD, FESEM, TEM and FTIRRS confirm the nanocrystallization of LiTaO(3) (14-36 nm) in the LTSA glass matrix. A steep increase in dielectric constant (epsilon(r)) of glass-ceramics with heat-treatment time is observed due to high dielectric constant ferroelectric LiTaO(3) formation. The measured NIR photoluminescence spectra have exhibited emission transitions of (4)F(3/2) -> (4)I(J) (J = 9/2, 11/2 and 13/2) from Nd(3+) ions upon excitation at 809 nm. it is observed that the photoluminescent intensity and excited state ((4)F(3/2)) lifetime of Nd(3+) ions decrease with increase in heat-treatment time due to concentration quenching effect. The absorption spectra and fluorescence measurements reveal that the incorporation of Nd(3+) ions in the LiTaO(3) crystal lattice in the oxide glassy matrix is important for obtaining desirable fluorescence performance of the material. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

A monoclonal antibody against annexin A2 targets stem and progenitor cell fractions in tumors.

The involvement of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in driving tumor dormancy and drug resistance is well established. Most therapeutic regimens however are ineffective in targeting these regenerative populations. We report the development and evaluation of a monoclonal antibody, mAb150, which targets the metastasis associated antigen, Annexin A2 (AnxA2) through recognition of a N-terminal epitope. Treatment with mAb150 potentiated re-entry of CSCs into the cell cycle that perturbed tumor dormancy and facilitated targeting of CSCs as was validated by in vitro and in vivo assays. Epigenetic potentiation further improved mAb150 efficacy in achieving total tumor regression by targeting regenerative populations to achieve tumor regression, specifically in high-grade serous ovarian adenocarcinoma

Second harmonic generation in ferroelectric LiTaO3 and KNbO3 containing bulk nano glass-ceramics

The precursor glasses in (mol%) 25.53Li2O-21.53Ta2O5- 35.29SiO2-17.65Al2O3 (LTSA) and 25K2O-25Nb2O5-50SiO2 (KNS) glass systems were prepared by the melt-quench technique. Ferroelectric LiTaO3 (LT) and KNbO3 (KN) crystallites containing bulk nano glass-ceramics have been prepared by controlled crystallization of these precursor glasses respectively. Second harmonic generations (SHG) at 532 nm in both the glass-ceramics have been realized under fundamental beam of Nd3+:YAG laser source (1064 nm). The SHG power output has been found to increase up to 14 and 62.4 nJ with variation of rotation angle for LT and KN bulk nano glassceramics respectively due to orientation of ferroelectric domains under applied field

Real world evidence of effectiveness and safety of an oral formulation containing un-denatured type-II collagen 40 mg and aflapin 100 mg (HAPID®) in the management of osteoarthritis of knee: findings of a prospective, multi-center, observational study

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of knee is a common progressive multifactorial joint disorder affecting the quality of life, and surgical repair is the final option which has substantial impact on healthcare costs. This real-world study evaluates the efficacy and safety of an oral formulation containing UC-II and aflapin (Boswellia serrata extract enriched in 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) for treatment of OA of knee.Methods: Data of 505 ambulatory adult patients (study duration-Jul-21 to Jul-22) of either gender (227 M, 278 F) having OA of knee, and who received study treatment (capsule HAPID®, Wockhardt, India) once daily for a period of up to 90 days were included for the study after obtaining informed written consent. Primary outcomes were mean change in Western Ontario and McMaster universities OA index (WOMAC) scores from baseline through day 90 (total and sub-scales for joint pain, joint stiffness, and physical function), and change in 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain.Results: About 285 (56.4%) patients were newly diagnosed, majority (63.4%) were having grade 2 severity of OA (Kellgren and Lawrence grade). The mean (SD) baseline total WOMAC scores improved from 60.94 (23.60) at baseline to 26.42 (22.19) on day 90. Significant improvements were seen starting from day 5 (p=0.023) and progressively up to day 90 (p<0.0001).Conclusions: The excellent safety and efficacy profile of combination therapy with aflapin and UC-II makes it a desirable pharmacological treatment modality for management of patients of knee OA

Elective cancer surgery in COVID-19-free surgical pathways during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An international, multicenter, comparative cohort study

PURPOSE As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19–free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19–free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19–free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19–free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score–matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19–free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Elective Cancer Surgery in COVID-19-Free Surgical Pathways During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An International, Multicenter, Comparative Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19-free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19-free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS: Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19-free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19-free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score-matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION: Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19-free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks