Dynamic modeling, simulation and control design of a parafoil-payload system for ship launched aerial delivery system (SLADS)

The objective of this research was to develop a high-fidelity dynamic model of a parafoilpayload system with respect to its application for the Ship Launched Aerial Delivery System (SLADS). SLADS is a concept in which cargo can be transfered from ship to shore using a parafoil-payload system. It is accomplished in two phases: An initial towing phase when the glider follows the towing vessel in a passive lift mode and an autonomous gliding phase when the system is guided to the desired point. While many previous researchers have analyzed the parafoil-payload system when it is released from another airborne vehicle, limited work has been done in the area of towing up the system from ground or sea. One of the main contributions of this research was the development of a nonlinear dynamic model of a towed parafoil-payload system. After performing an extensive literature review of the existing methods of modeling a parafoil-payload system, a five degree-of-freedom model was developed. The inertial and geometric properties of the system were investigated to predict accurate results in the simulation environment. Since extensive research has been done in determining the aerodynamic characteristics of a paraglider, an existing aerodynamic model was chosen to incorporate the effects of air flow around the flexible paraglider wing. During the towing phase, it is essential that the parafoil-payload system follow the line of the towing vessel path to prevent an unstable flight condition called ‘lockout’. A detailed study of the causes of lockout, its mathematical representation and the flight conditions and the parameters related to lockout, constitute another contribution of this work. A linearized model of the parafoil-payload system was developed and used to analyze the stability of the system about equilibrium conditions. The relationship between the control surface inputs and the stability was investigated. In addition to stability of flight, one more important objective of SLADS is to tow up the parafoil-payload system as fast as possible. The tension in the tow cable is directly proportional to the rate of ascent of the parafoil-payload system. Lockout instability is more favorable when tow tensions are large. Thus there is a tradeoff between susceptibility to lockout and rapid deployment. Control strategies were also developed for optimal tow up and to maintain stability in the event of disturbances

Recovery of gold from Plant/dump Liquors, Gadag Gold Fields, Karnataka, India

The tailings disposal fronr the gold concentrators to the tailing dants containss about 70% solids and 30% water or liquor: After discharging the solids the liquor portion of pulp is reclaimed to the extent maximum 50%. Recoverv is tested throughout the year and it is,found that recovery varies seasonally, affecting the grade of the reclaimed solution. The reclaimed liquor from the tailing dams and the plant waste waters are passed through settler- tanks or thickener. The clear liquor is passed through the activa-ted carbon columns (C-I-S). The gold content of the liquor is adsorbed on to the carbon, the tail liquor is reused in theprocess. The gold loaded carbon is eluted and continuou-sly electrowon, with the help of continuous re-circulation of hot caustic cyanide solution at +93'C. The gold loaded cathodes are acid treated, smelted with fluxes to produce gold bullion. The carbon from the elution system is reused in the process after thermal regeneration

Computerized Approaches for Retinal Microaneurysm Detection

The number of diabetic patients throughout the world is increasing with a very high rate. The patients suffering from long term diabetes have a very high risk of generating retinal disorder called Diabetic Retinopathy(DR). The disease is a complication of diabetes and may results in irreversible blindness to the patient. Early diagnosis and routine checkups by expert ophthalmologist possibly prevent the vision loss. But the number of people to be screen exceeds the number of experts, especially in rural areas. Thus the computerized screening systems are needed which will accurately screen the large amount of population and identify healthy and diseased people. Thus the workload on experts is reduced significantly. Microaneurysms(MA) are first recognizable signs of DR. Thus early detection of DR requires accurate detection of Microaneurysms. Computerized diagnosis insures reliable and accurate detection of MA's. The paper overviews the approaches for computerized detection of retinal Microaneurysms

Influence of maternal and child factors on the dental service utilization among preschool children in Bangalore urban district: a cross-sectional study

Background: Dental visit is considered primary marker of oral care. Maternal characteristics, attitudes and psychosocial factors and the child’s oral health may influence dental visits of preschool children. This study aimed to determine the influence of maternal and child factors on dental services utilization among preschool children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 preschool children and mothers visiting Anganwadis and Primary Health Centres in Bangalore Urban District. Mothers answered questions on socio-demographic characteristics and dental attendance. Maternal dental anxiety and child’s oral health-related quality of life were assessed using modified dental anxiety scale and early childhood oral health impact scale respectively. Oral health of children and mothers were assessed using WHO oral health assessment form 2013 for children and adults respectively. Descriptive statistics, Poisson’s regression with robust variance and mediation analysis were performed and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The proportion of dental visit among preschool children was 13.5%. Majority of the mothers had high dental anxiety (76.2%) and perceived their children’s oral health-related quality of life to be good (71.2%). The caries experience in mothers and children were 63.5% and 54.2% respectively. Mothers with higher education (PR=2.05, p=0.037), caries experience (PR=3.17, p<0.001) and poor perception of child’s oral health-related quality of life (PR=5.88, p<0.001), and children with pain experience (PR=1.62, p=0.003) and decayed teeth (PR=1.81, p=0.017) influenced children’s dental visit. Maternal perception on child’s oral health-related quality of life mediates the relationship between child’s oral health and dental visit. Conclusions: The utilization of dental services among preschool children was low. Maternal and child oral health factors influenced the child’s dental service utilization. Hence, oral health promotion approaches towards mothers and children is the need for the hour

Critical analysis of Vidangakrishnadi Yoga w.s.r. to Krimihara action

The analysis of the formulation (Yoga) pertaining to its mode of action is an important area in assuring the therapeutic efficacy and safety. Krimiroga being a common presentation in pediatric age group, the probable action of the drug is more relevant considering the Aparipakvaavastha of the children. Lakshanas of Pureeshaja Krimi described in Ayurvedic classics are Vivarnatha (Discoloration of the face), Shoola (Pain in abdomen), Bhaktadwesha (Aversion to food), Atisaara (Loose stools), Sadana (Generalized Debility), Jwara (fever) and Gudakandu (Anal itching). According to Ayurveda, the principle of treatment for Krimi includes Apakarshana, Prakruti Vighata and Nidana Parivarjana. Among these Samshamana is easier to be administered in children, so such formulation is being adopted. Vidangakrishnadiyoga is a Kashayayoga explained in Sahasrayoga in Kashayaprakarana. The indications sole action of Yoga is indicated as Krimihara. There are 9 drugs in the Yoga which are collectively Krimihara, Deepana and Pachana in action. The drugs are Vidanga, Pippali, Maricha, Nirgundi, Shigru, Bharangi, Musta and Aakhukarni. This article is a review of the Vidangakrishnadi Yoga considering the Rasadigunas of the ingredients

Genome-wide association mapping and comparative genomics identifies genomic regions governing grain nutritional traits in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)

Micronutrient deficiency is a serious and underestimated global health concern. Identifying existing micronutritional richness in traditional crops, and breeding this potential into staple crops that are more frequently consumed, could offer a potential low-cost, sustainable solution to micronutrient deficiency. Here, we provide the first insight into genetic control of grain micronutrient content in the staple food crop finger millet ( Eleusine coracana ). Quantifying the existing natural variation in nutritional traits, and identifying the regions of the genome associated with these traits, will underpin future breeding efforts to improve not only global food and nutrition security, but also human health

Knowledge of body mass index and its correlates among the patient at a tertiary care hospital

Background: In spite of the numerous chronic diseases that have been linked to obesity, studies focusing on awareness regarding Body mass index (BMI) and its correlates to prevent and control obesity are lacking in the literature, especially in developing countries such as India, where obesity is culturally accepted and nurtured in the society.Methods: A cross-sectional prospective survey was done between November 2018 and November 2019 in a tertiary care research institute after approval from institutional ethics committee. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect data in excel sheet (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA) and analysed using SPSS.Results: total 264 (80.3% urban and 19.7% rural background) patients with mean age of 42 years with different educational level participated in the study. 1.1% patients were underweight, 2.7% mean BMI of studied population was 34.76. BMI distribution curve was bilaterally symmetrical. No one in the study population was well aware of about the BMI and related comorbidities. 98.5% patients confirmed that their doctor had never discussed their BMI with them.Conclusion: There is a significant gap of knowledge among patients regarding obesity and BMI, and physicians also have to take initiatives to discuss about this for primary control of the disease (obesity) and related comorbidities