On the solution of fractional Maxwell equations by Sumudu transform.

In this paper, we introduce the Maxwell equations of time- fractional order in lossy media. We derive the solution of these equations by using Sumudu transform techniques

A note on fractional Sumudu transform

We propose a new definition of a fractional-order Sumudu transform for fractional differentiable functions. In the development of the definition we use fractional analysis based on the modified Riemann-Liouville derivative that we name the fractional Sumudu transform. We also established a relationship between fractional Laplace and Sumudu duality with complex inversion formula for fractional Sumudu transform and apply new definition to solve fractional differential equations

Fatigue of welded high strength steels for automotive chassis and suspension applications

The automotive industry is under expanding legislative pressure to decrease vehicle weight in order to enhance fuel efficiency; and to improve crash performance as well. For this purpose, hot rolled FB590 is a high strength steel (HSS) which can be used in automotive chassis and suspension applications. A major problem affecting mainly car underbodies is the effect of corrosion, often nucleating at sites where stone chipping has damaged protective coatings. Therefore, car components are frequently exposed to aggressive environments as a consequence of aqueous salts from the street coming into contact with affected and unprotected steel. This circumstance significantly decreases both the life and the appearance of the influenced parts, and may result in compromised structural strength leading to catastrophic failure. The main aim of this research is to further the understanding of the effects of simulated operational environments. Fatigue tests were initially carried out on mild steel under tensile loading and two severity-levels of corrosion as preliminary tests. Then a comprehensive programme of fatigue tests was performed on FB590 and its welds under bending and tensile loading and covering the range of environmental conditions experienced in automotive applications. There is no available data for FB590 in terms of fatigue performance in various environments and under bending and tensile loading as well. Additional techniques such as surface profilometry, scanning electron microscopy and so on were added to support the findings. The other aim was to monitor fatigue tests using a combination of Acoustic Emission (AE) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) to identify the damage mechanisms that occur during failure although there had been limited research in this area. The combination of AE and DIC can provide much useful information to help to distinguish the different AE signals originating from various possible failure mechanisms such as plastic deformation, delamination of corrosion products or DIC paint and crack initiation and propagation. This might be utilized for an effective and powerful approach to monitoring multiple failure mechanisms; this has significant applications in automotive chassis testing. This information can provide a very valuable tool for the purpose of assessing material for automotive designers, which can then be used to decide on appropriate safety factors to avoid over-designing products and in order to ensure reliability and robustness of new products. In addition, the steel industry can also benefit from this research, as these findings can assist in enhancing the products and diminishing the effects of these environments on structural integrity

A longitudinal observational study of user’s perspective of use of Copper-T-380-A inserted in immediate post partum period at a tertiary health care centre in Central India

Background: The study aims to understand user’s perspective & complaints due to Copper-T-380A inserted during the immediate postpartum period and to assess the expulsion rate, voluntary removal & mean duration of use. The study also aims to find out reasons for voluntary removal of the IUD.Methods: A longitudinal observational was conducted in tertiary health care center in central India during July-2009 to June 2010. A total of 360 women were enrolled who had immediate post partum IUD insertion. They were interviewed within 48 hours of IUD insertion using a preformed pre tested questionnaire & followed after 1.5, 3 & 6 months in field visits. Results: Of all 74.51% users continued using it upto 22.04±2.66 weeks. The cumulative expulsion rate at the end of 6 months was 16.62%. Most common interval of expulsion was after 3.6±1.5 weeks of IUD insertion. Almost 24.58% users had voluntary removal of IUD after a mean duration of 9.34±3.54 weeks following insertion. The most common reason for voluntary removal of IUD is lower abdominal pain in 13.5%. No instance of uterine perforation, sepsis or hyperpyrexia was noted.Conclusion: Immediate postpartum IUD insertion is safe means of contraception. There is a gradual decline in the discomfort caused by an IUD with time. But there is high expulsion rate

Detection of cracking in mild steel fatigue specimens using acoustic emission and digital image correlation

The aim of this investigation was to identify sources of AE in mild steel fatigue specimens and rel1ate them to damage mechanisms. Digital Image Correlation (DIC), a full-field strain measurement technique, was used to validate the findings. This paper describes in detail the results of a ‘dog bone’ style specimen undergoing uni-axial fatigue loading. This test forms part of a much larger programme designed to develop an AE monitoring system to identify damage initiation and growth from background noise in fatigue testing of automotive steels subjected to corrosion. Crack growth was monitored in the test using two AE sensors and, to allow a comparison with the detected and located signals, DIC images were captured periodically at peak loads. As part of the initial analysis located signals were compared with areas of high deformation and crack growth as identified by the DIC system. Results demonstrated that it is possible to distinguish the different AE signals originating from various possible failure mechanisms such as Plastic deformation, delamination of DIC paint and crack initiation and propagation. This might be utilized for an effective and powerful approach to monitor multiple failure mechanisms; this has significant applications in automotive chassis testing

Documentation of traditional alcoholic beverages and their indigenous utilization pattern by Kinnaura tribes of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya

Traditional alcoholic beverages are part and parcel of indigenous communities worldwide since ancient ages. These beverages are very common and popular among the indigenous communities residing in rural and tribal areas of India. In view of this, The present study has been conducted to document the traditional alcoholic beverages and their indigenous uses by Kinnaura tribes of Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaura, the tribal communities of Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh are famous for their own unique traditions, culture, history and lifestyle. The usage of local alcoholic beverages especially Angoori, Moori, Rashi, Brandi, Shudang, Chhang and Zanashang are quite common among Kinnaura tribes. These are important part of their customary rituals, festivals, diet and health since time immemorial and prepared by the tribal communities in every village across the Kinnauar district for their own use by following indigenous methods using fruits, grains and bulbs of 15 locally available species. The information on collection time, processing and production was gathered through interviews. Production of these traditional beverages are limited to household level and the methods involved for their preparation are almost similar all across the Kinnaur district. These indigenous practices are also being followed by the present generations through the knowledge gained from their elders. Legal permission for mass production, branding and popularization of traditional beverages and adoption as livelihood option has been suggested

Development of a nursing intervention to facilitate optimal antiretroviral-treatment taking among people living with HIV

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Failure by a large portion of PLHIV to take optimally ARV treatment can have serious repercussions on their health. The absence of a systematic treatment-taking promotion program in Quebec prompted stakeholders to develop jointly a theory- and evidence-based nursing intervention to this end. This article describes the results of a collective effort by researchers, clinicians and PLHIV to share their knowledge and create an appropriate intervention.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Intervention mapping was used as the framework for developing the intervention. First, the target population and environmental conditions were analyzed and a literature review conducted to identify predictors of optimal treatment taking. The predictors to emerge were self-efficacy and attitudes. Performance objectives were subsequently defined and crossed-referenced with the predictors to develop a matrix of change objectives. Then, theories of self-efficacy and persuasion (the predictors to emerge from step 1), together with practical strategies derived from these theories, were used to design the intervention. Finally, the sequence and content of the intervention activities were defined and organized, and the documentary material designed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The intervention involves an intensive, personalized follow-up over four direct-contact sessions, each lasting 45–75 minutes. Individuals are engaged in a learning process that leads to the development of skills to motivate themselves to follow the therapeutic plan properly, to overcome situations that make taking the antiretroviral medication difficult, to cope with side-effects, to relate to people in their social circle, and to deal with health professionals.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The intervention was validated by various health professionals and pre-tested with four PLHIV. Preliminary results support the suitability and viability of the intervention. A randomized trial is currently underway to verify the effectiveness of the intervention in promoting optimal antiretroviral treatment taking.</p