Super p-sulfur cathodes for quasi-solid-state lithium-sulfur-batteries.

Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries have become a promising candidate to meet the current energy storage demand, with its natural abundance of materials, high theoretical capacity of 1672 mAhg-1, high energy density of 2600 Whkg-1, low cost and lower environmental impact. Sulfide based solid state electrolytes (SSEs) have received greater attention due to their higher ionic conductivity, compatible interface with sulfur-based cathodes, and lower grain boundary resistance. However, the interface between SSEs and cathodes has become a challenge in all solid-state Li-S batteries due to the rigidity of the participating surfaces. A hybrid electrolyte containing SSE coupled with a small amount of ionic liquid, was essential to improve the interface contact of the SSE with the electrodes. Coating-based cathodes were successfully fabricated using water-based carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution and Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) as the binder with low sulfur loading (0.70 mgcm-2) as well as high sulfur loading (4.0 mgcm-2). Solid-state composite powder-based cathodes pressed onto SSE (loading 4.0 mgcm-2) with enhanced electronic and ionic conductivity were fabricated with Super P: Sulfur (SP:S) and SSE. Ionic Liquids (IL) prepared using Lithium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) as salt, with premixed pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (PYR) as solvent and 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) as diluent were used to wet both SSE-electrode interfaces. The effect of IL dilution, co-solvent amount, LiTFSI concentration, C rate at which the batteries are tested and the effect of SSE inside the cathode, were systematically studied and optimized to develop a quasi-solid-state electrolyte Li-S battery (QSSLSB) with higher capacity retention and cyclability. LiTFSI (2M) dissolved in PYR:DOL(1:1) found to be optimum IL combination for low sulfur loading QSSLSBs reaching 500 mAh/g after 100 cycles while LiTFSI (3M) in PYR:DOL(1:3) was the optimum IL concentration for higher loading QSSLSBs reaching 400 mAh/g after 100 cycles. This work reports promising results of QSSLSB based on novel Li6PS5F0.5Cl0.5 Li-argyrodite solid-state electrolyte (SSE) with minute amount of IL, Super P-Sulfur (SP:S) cathode, and Li-anode. It also offers a new insight into the intimate interfacial contacts between the SSE and carbon-sulfur cathodes, which will be critical for improved electrochemical performance of quasi-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries with high sulfur loading in the future

Multi-object recognition and retrieval using Puma560 robot

The objective of the research described here is to develop efficient algorithm and software tools for multiobject recognition and retrieval. This research project addresses two major issues: The first issue is the identification of features and efficient methods for feature extraction which can completely describe an object. These features can be acquired using visual and ultra-sonic sensors. The second issue is the development of efficient algorithms for the retrieval of multi-objects based on their features; The methods and algorithms developed in this research are verified on a Unimation PUMA 560 robot. Non contact sensors (a vision and a range sensor) are employed for feature detection. The information from both sensors will be combined for feature extraction and feature mapping (sensor fusion). The sensors and the robot have been integrated for this purpose with a Pentium 133 Mhz Personal Computer

VLSI Implementation of Reconfigurable FFT Processor Using Vedic Mathematics

Fast Fourier transform has been used in wide range of applications such as digital signal processing and wireless communications. In this we present a implementation of reconfigurable FFT processor using single path delay feedback architecture. To eliminate the use of read only memory’s (ROM’S). These are used to store the twiddle factors. To achieve the ROM-less FFT processor the proposed architecture applies the bit parallel multipliers and reconfigurable complex multipliers, thus consuming less power. The proposed architecture, Reconfigurable FFT processor based on Vedic mathematics is designed, simulated and implemented using VIRTEX-5 FPGA. Urdhva Triyakbhyam algorithm is an ancient Vedic mathematic sutra, which is used to achieve the high performance. This reconfigurable DIF-FFT is having the high speed and small area as compared with other conventional DIF-FF

ANTIEPILEPTIC EFFECT OF CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH PHENYTOIN ON MES INDUCED EPILEPSY IN RATS

Background: The currently available antiepileptic drugs have a low therapeutic index, and provide satisfactory seizure control in only 60-70% of patients. Calcium channel blocker has shown potentials of a useful add-on drug for the existing antiepileptic drugs. Objectives: To study the effect of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) nifedipine and verapamil on maximal electroshock (MES)-induced convulsions and also to evaluate their effect in combination with Phenytoin. Methods: For this study, Male Wistar rats were used. Effects of nifedipine (5 mg/kg), verapamil (20mg/kg) alone and in combination with phenytoin (25mg/kg) were studied in MES model. Abolition of hind limb tonic extension and reduction of duration of tonic extension was considered as the index for antiepileptic activity in MES. Results: Verapamil and nifedipine produced significant antiepileptic effect alone. Verapamil and nifedipine potentiated the antiepileptic effect of phenytoin sodium. Conclusion: Dose of phenytoin sodium can be reduced in epileptic patients receiving verapamil or nifedipine for some other clinical conditions. Verapamil and nifedipine can also be used alone in the treatment of generalized tonic clonic seizures. However it needs further confirmation to establish clinical utility of calcium channel blockers. KEY WORDS: Nifedipine, verapamil, phenytoin, MES seizure rats

A study on the innervation of intrisic muscles of larynx

INTRODUCTION: A study on the innervation of intrinsic muscles of larynx The innervation of intrinsic muscles of larynx, lacks its uniformity in the mode of branching and pattern of distribution of the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves. At present, the problem of laryngeal muscle innervation especially with regard to intrinsic laryngeal muscles makes the study essential to analyse. All the intrinsic muscle of larynx are supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve except the cricothyroid muscle, which is innervated by the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve. The internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve gives motor fibres to the interarytenoid muscle. So, the nerve supply of interarytenoid muscle is yet controversial. The fact that internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve under the risk of injury causes loss in the cough reflex. Therefore the study on morphology of internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve is essential , as it is the only nerve traversing from lateral to medial. There are functional differences in the sensory and motor innervation of individual subjects due to the different prevalence of the connecting pattern of the nerve. AIM OF THE STUDY: To study on the mode of innervation of intrinsic muscles of Larynx. OBJECTIVES: 1. To find out the detailed pattern of intralaryngeal distribution of recurrent laryngeal nerve - its level, branches and mode of terminal division. 2. To study the anatomy of superior laryngeal nerve - its origin, course and terminal branches. 3. To study the detailed pattern of intralaryngeal distribution of internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve. 4. To study the detailed pattern of intra laryngeal distribution of external branch of superior laryngeal nerve. 5. To study the anatomy of the anastomosis between laryngeal nerves. METHODOLOGY: A total of 25 adult human larynx specimens were collected from the Department of Forensic Medicine, Thanjavur Medical College (TMC) and also from the cadavers in the Anatomy dissection hall, Thanjavur Medical College (TMC) after the institutional ethical clearance. Bilateral gross dissections were made on each specimen and fixed in 10% formalin to find the exact course, relations and terminations of internal ,external branch of superior laryngeal nerve, recurrent laryngeal nerve and also the intrinsic laryngeal muscles innervated by them were dissected, analysed and documented with photographs. CONCLUSION: The intrinsic muscles of larynx are innervated by superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves.The IbSLN lies parallel and medial to the superior laryngeal artery in 82% of the dissected specimens, gives 3 branches after piercing the thyrohyoid membrane in 76% and innervates the interarytenoid muscle in few specimens. The fact is that internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve under the risk of injury causes loss in the cough reflex. Therefore the study on anatomy of internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve is essential , as it is the only nerve traversing from lateral to medial. The EbSLN crosses about 1cm more above the superior pole of thyroid gland in 68% and lies dorsal to the superior thyroid artery in 76% of the dissected specimens. The EbSLN divides into two branches at the level of cricoids in 34% of the specimens and innervates cricothyroid muscle. The recent research shows the multiple roles of this nerve in voice and speech. Cricothyroid muscle is the primary control of fundamental frequency of voice. The RLN lies lateral to trachea on bothsides in 54% of the specimens and is in close relation to the thyroid gland in 94% ,posterior to the inferior thyroid artery in 44% of the dissected specimens. The RLN gives branches in 54% of the specimens before entry into the larynx and the level of branching occurred 1cm below the point of entry in 70% of the specimens. Majority of the nerve have two branches in 76% of the dissected specimens. The nerve gives mostly two branches to posterior cricoarytenoid muscle and a branch to lateral cricoarytenoid,interarytenoid and thyroarytenoid muscles. To know about every detail of this nerve is very important for a surgeon to avoid nerve injury during surgery

Effectiveness of school based cognitive behavioral depression prevention programme on depression and anxiety among adolescents

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are thought to be one of the most common emotional problems in adolescents. Depression is under recognized among adolescents because depressive symptoms are considered a familiar part of adolescent experience. AIM OF THE STUDY: A quasi-experimental study to assess the efficacy of School Based Depression Prevention Programme on depression and anxiety among adolescents in selected rural schools in Melur was carried out. METHODOLOGY: Non- probability sampling technique was employed to recruit adolescents in the age group of 13-17 years .Beck depression inventory and anxiety rating scales were used to assess the depression and anxiety level. School Based Depression Prevention Programme for students comprised of 10 sessions lasting for 1hour per day over 4 weeks and one session for parents and teachers was carried out. RESULTS: Findings showed that in pre- test 16 (53%) adolescents were in moderate level and 14(47%)were in severe level of depression and 8 (27%) adolescents were in mild level,16 (53%) were moderate level and 6 (20%) were in severe level of anxiety whereas in the post- test none of them were in severe level of depression and anxiety .But in the control group ,depression and anxiety level remained unchanged. The mean post- test depression and anxiety score (19.1and9.0) of the experimental group was lower than the mean post - test depression and anxiety score (27 and 13.7) of the control group (P < 0.001) level. There was a significant positive relationship between depression and anxiety (r =0.9, P < 0.001 level). CONCLUSION: The study suggested that the school based depression prevention programme can be used effectively to treat both depressive and anxious adolescents

DEVELOPMENT OF A MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KITCHEN ROOM ENVIRONMENT CONTROLING

The evolution and production of the wise controlling and regulating arrangement for cookery taste immediately pass appear in a period this script. The gadget can follow the dignity of the gallery and send an online correspondence and/or perchance an alarm SMS via GSM organization instantaneously, when the surrounding get strange, to some attentive power bodies cellular phone. The ZigBee tool and ARM1176JZF-S microcontroller are utilized in reach the performance of sensor segment. The structure provides a finish, economical, forceful and useful scheme of problem-solving time checking and handheld push-button control of cookery. The GSM is a glorious preference for this in behalf of its broad report. Since SMS is genuinely a text occupying custom, gorgeous intrinsic GSM techniques mastery has an openness condition from the products or make changes in the above-mentioned states. The structure principally checks scullery taste parameters for instance turn on anxiety, 70 degrees, fire acknowledgment, proposal approval and LPG gas equalize, end be developed