Non-thermal plasma technology for the abatement of NOx and SOx from the exhaust of marine diesel engine

Non-thermal plasma based technology is proposed to the abatement of NOx and SOx of the exhaust gas from marine diesel engine. Proposed technology uses electron gun and microwave energy to generate the plasma. Fundamentals of non-thermal plasma and chemistry are presented with a set of simulation results of the reduction of NOx and SO2 for a typical two stoke marine diesel exhaust engine which is supported by an experimental results obtained with microwave plasma. A new scheme is also proposed in this paper to generate required plasma for the treatment of NOx and SOx form high exhaust flow rate

Reduction of NOx and PM in Marine Diesel Engine Exhaust Gas using Microwave Plasma

Abatement of NOx and particulate matters (PM) of marine diesel exhaust gas using microwave (MW) non-thermal plasma is presented in this paper. NOx mainly consist of NO and less concentration of NO2 in a typical two stoke marine diesel engine and microwave plasma generation can completely remove NO. MW was generated using two 2kW microwave sources and a saw tooth passive electrode. Passive electrode was used to generate high electric field region within microwave environment where high energetic electrons (1-3eV) are produced for the generation of non-thermal plasma (NTP). 2kW gen-set diesel exhaust gas was used to test our pilot-scale MW plasma reactor. The experimental results show that almost 100% removal of NO is possible for the exhaust gas flow rate of 60l/s. It was also shown that MW can significantly remove soot particles (PM, 10nm to 365nm) entrained in the exhaust gas of 200kW marine diesel engine with 40% engine load and gas flow rate of 130l/s. MW without generating plasma showed reduction up to 50% reduction of PM and with the plasma up to 90% reduction. The major challenge in these experiments was that igniting the desired plasma and sustaining it with passive electrodes for longer period (10s of minutes) as it required fine tuning of electrode position, which was influenced by many factors such as gas flow rate, geometry of reactor and MW power

Mobile robot based electrostatic spray system for controlling pests on cotton plants in Iraq

A mobile robot based electrostatic spray system was developed to combat pest infestation on cotton plants in Iraq. The system consists of a charged spray nozzle, a CCD camera, a mobile robot (vehicle and arm) and Arduino microcontroller. Arduino microcontroller is used to control the spray nozzle and the robot. Matlab is used to process the image from the CCD camera and to generate the appropriate control signals to the robot and the spray nozzle. COMSOL multi-physics FEM software was used to design the induction electrodes to achieve maximum charge transfer onto the fan spray liquid film resulting in achieving the desired charge/mass ratio of the spray. The charged spray nozzle was operated on short duration pulsed spray mode. Image analysis was employed to investigate the spray deposition on improvised insect targets on an artificial plant.The ministry of higher education and scientific research of Iraqi governmen

Modelling of DPF regeneration using microwave energy

FEM based models in COMSOL multiphysics have been used to simulate regeneration of diesel particulate filter following the layout of an existing microwave cavity. The study utilized the physics packages in the software to model the electric field and thermal profiles of the microwave cavity and DPF. This was used to establish dimensions for microwave cavity and DPF. Further it was possible to integrate the heating properties of the Silicon Carbide used in the DPF substrate. The electric field and thermal profiles of the microwave cavity, as well as the DPF were investigated for the established dimensions and simulated results were compared with experiments. In the experiment, we deployed microwave power generated by a 2.45GHz magnetron into the existing microwave cavity to regenerate DPF. The results of the experiments showed the thermal profiles during DPF regeneration to be in agreement with the profiles from the simulated results. The scheme was further used to improve the design of the cavity for better energy utilization and DPF regeneration efficiency. Electric field and thermal profiles of the microwave cavity were established for various dimensions of microwave cavity for a given DPF size and the results were investigated. It was found that cylindrical cavity (diameter of 153mm and length of 533mm) gives the optimal dimensions for the regeneration of a commercial DPF (143mm (diameter) x 183mm (length) viewed in terms of near homogeneous electric field distribution.Authors wish to acknowledge InnovateUK for the financial support provided to the project ‘Marine Exhaust Gase Treatment System (MAGS) {grant reference number 42471-295209)’, in which, the presented work is part of

Evaluation of a Behind-the-Ear ECG Device for Smartphone based Integrated Multiple Smart Sensor System in Health Applications

In this paper, we present a wireless Multiple Smart Sensor System (MSSS) in conjunction with a smartphone to enable an unobtrusive monitoring of electrocardiogram (ear-lead ECG) integrated with multiple sensor system which includes core body temperature and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) for ambulatory patients. The proposed behind-the-ear device makes the system desirable to measure ECG data: technically less complex, physically attached to non-hair regions, hence more suitable for long term use, and user friendly as no need to undress the top garment. The proposed smart sensor device is similar to the hearing aid device and is wirelessly connected to a smartphone for physiological data transmission and displaying. This device not only gives access to the core temperature and ECG from the ear, but also the device can be controlled (removed and reapplied) by the patient at any time, thus increasing the usability of personal healthcare applications. A number of combination ECG electrodes, which are based on the area of the electrode and dry/non-dry nature of the surface of the electrodes are tested at various locations near behind the ear. The best ECG electrode is then chosen based on the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of the measured ECG signals. These electrodes showed acceptable SNR ratio of ~20 db, which is comparable with existing tradition ECG electrodes. The developed ECG electrode systems is then integrated with commercially available PPG sensor (Amperor pulse oximeter) and core body temperature sensor (MLX90614) using a specialized micro controller (Arduino UNO) and the results monitored using a newly developed smartphone (android) application

Ear-Lead Multiple Smart Bio Sensor System in M-health

In this paper, we present a multi-parameter wearable sensor system within a smartphone to enable a real-time unobtrusive monitoring of core body temperature, electrocardiogram (ear-lead ECG), and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) on ambulatory patients. Clinical researches illustrating that continuing accurate measurements of core body temperature are crucial to investigate human thermoregulation in ambulatory environment and during activity. On the other part, ECG remains the mainstay test for primary diagnosis and survival analysis of the heart diseases. We implement a wireless multisensory system that measures both the tympanic temperature inside the ear and ECG data from an ear and an arm. The behind-the-Ear device makes desirable to measure ECG data without any chest belt and allow patient move around freely. The proposed Bluetooth device has similarity the form factor of a hearing aid and is wirelessly connected to a smartphone for data transmission and displaying. This device not only gives the doctors access to the core temperature and ECG data in real time, but the device can be controlled – removed and reapplied – by the patient at any time, thus increasing the performance of personal health applications

Graphene-Enabled Electrodes for Electrocardiogram Monitoring

The unique parameters of Graphene (GN), notably its considerable electron mobility, high surface area and electrical conductivity are bringing extensive attention into the wearable technologies. This work presents a novel Graphene-based electrode for acquisition of electrocardiogram (ECG). The proposed electrode was fabricated by coating GN on top of metallic layer of Ag/AgCl electrode using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. To investigate the performance of the fabricated GN-based electrode, two types of electrodes were fabricated with different sizes to conduct the signal qualities and the skin-electrode contact impedance measurements. Performances of the GN-enabled electrodes were compared to the conventional Ag/AgCl electrodes in terms of ECG signal quality, skin-electrode contact impedance, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and response time. Experimental results showed the proposed GN-based electrodes produced better ECG signals, higher SNR (improved by 8%) and lower contact impedance (improved by 78%) values than conventional ECG electrodes

Qualitative trait loci analysis for seed yield and component traits in sunflower

The present investigation was carried out to identify the molecular markers associated with various characters in sunflower using recombinant inbred lines. Linkage analysis was carried out and five linkage groups were  obtained with 19 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Linkage mapconstruction, single marker analysis (SMA) and composite interval mapping analysis were carried out with SSR primers and quantitative traits. In SMA, out of 50 SSR markers, a total of 29 SSR markers were found to be significantly linked to various traits. The adjusted R2 for the regression equation varies from 3.2 to 29.8%. Two traits namely, days to flowering and seed color recorded above 20% R2 value. Hull weight recorded above 10% R2 value. In inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM), the quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis resulted into two QTLs namely, seed and volume weight. QTL analyses were performed through inclusive  composite interval mapping (ICIM). The QTL analysis revealed each oneQTL for traits namely, stripes on seed margin, stripes between seed  margin, 100-seed weight and seed yield. The LOD ranged from 1.5 to 1.9. The adjusted R2 value ranged 10.6 (seed yield) to 65.0 (stripes between seed margin) percent. Among these QTL, QTL on stripes on seed margin and stripes between seed margin may be considered as potential as they recorded very high phenotypic variation accounted. As the distance between the flanking marker is more than 5 cm, fine mapping of this QTL region with more markers may be attempted to utilize these QTL in the marker assisted back cross programme.Key words: Sunflower, Simple sequence repeats (SSR), quantitative trait loci (QTL), hundred seed weight, stripes on seed margin, stripes between seed margin, seed yield

Assessment of variability and association for seed yield and yield attributing traits among the interspecific derivatives of greengram x blackgram cross

The present investigation was carried out with 24 progenies in F4 generation of interspecific cross derivatives of Vigna radiata cv. VBN(Gg)2 x Vigna mungo cv. Mash 114 to study the variability and association among the yield and the yield component traits. A set of 24 F4 progenies from the interspecific cross between greengram (VBN(Gg)2) and blackgram (Mash 114) formed the basic genetic material for the present investigation. Variability studies recorded high Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) and Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) for the traits viz., number of branches/ plant, number of clusters/ plant, number of pods/ plant and seed yield /plant. High heritability (h2) along with high genetic advance as per cent of mean (GAM) were recorded for the traits, plant height, number of clusters/ plant, number of pods/ plant and seed yield/ plant. Association studies revealed that the trait number of pods/ plant alone recorded high direct positive effect on seed yield/ plant. The results indicated that high magnitude of variability was present among the interspecific progenies for these traits. The high heritability and genetic advance might be due to presence of additive gene action. Hence selection based on these traits might be effective for genetic improvement among the interspecific progenies of Vigna radiata x Vigna mungo. The study indicates that the trait, number of pods / plant should be given due importance in selection programme for seed yield improvement in the interspecific progenies of greengram and blackgram

Incidence of congenital anomalies in newborn in tertiary care hospital

INTRODUCTION: Just about three decade ago (1976) congenital malformations comprised 8 % of perinatal deaths, from available data and ranked fifth as a cause of perinatal mortality. But the trend is rapidly changing over years. In a recent study from AIIMS, Delhi congenital malformations contributed to 15.7 % of perinatal deaths and ranked fourth as cause of perinatal deaths. In another study from Hyderabad 17.8 % of perinatal death were due to congenital malformation, being the second commonest cause. This changing trend over years warns us that with the control of nutritional and infections diseases, congenital malformations will come to the forefront as it is in the West now. Therefore a systematic study of congenital malformations in live and still births is of paramount importance to evaluate etiological agents, to undertake preventive steps, to intervene early in the treatment of life threatening malformation at birth and thus reducing perinatal mortality due to them. AIMS OF THE STUDY 1. To find out the incidence of congenital anomalies in a 1 year period of 5000, consecutive births delivered at GMKMCH, Salem. 2. To find out the prevalent types of congenital anomalies. 3. To find out the contribution of consanguinity in the occurrence of congenital malformations. 4. To find out prevalence of malformations in relation to the gestation and sex of the babies. 5. To find out the incidence of congenital anomalies in still birth. 6. To find out the probable aetiology of congenital anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem. Five Thousand babies born of consecutive deliveries were taken for the study, over the period of one year. All mothers were interrogated within 48 Hours of delivery as per the proforma prepared, which contains the following particulars like, maternal and paternal age, consanguinity, detailed antenatal history with reference to exposure to teratogens especially during 1st Trimester and medical disease complicating pregnancy like Diabetes, Rheumatic heart disease, Hypertension, detailed obstetric history with reference to previous abortions and still birth. Routine investigations like haemoglobin, urine analysis, blood grouping and Rh typing, VDRL, and HIV were done for all cases and blood sugar, renal function and liver function tests were done when indicated for mothers. Every newborn was subjected to detailed examination from head to toe within 48 hours of birth. Assessment of the newborn included birth weight, sex, live born/still born, gestational age and details of congenital malformations. All were recorded in a pre designed proforma. A gavage tube was used to check choanal and oesophageal atresia, Anorectal anomaly in suspected cases. All the newborns were followed up every day till the time of discharge from the hospital. Necessary investigations were done wherever required. Cardiovascular anomalies were subjected to ECG, X ray chest AP view and ECHO cardiography. The umbilical cord stump was examined to note down the anomalies of arteries and vein. Placenta was examined in Detail. OBSERVATIONS: Of the five thousand consecutive deliveries 48 deliveries were multiple delivers and number of still births were 108. The incidence of congenital anomalies, was 30.4 per 1000 live birth (152 cases). Major malformations were present in 20.8 per 1000(104 cases) while minor malformations were 9.6 per 1000 (48 cases). SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: 1. Incidence of congenital malformations in the present study is 30.4 per 1000 live births, of which major malformations were 20.8 per 1000 and minor malformations were 9.6 per 1000. 2. The most common system involved in the study is Central Nervous System (5.6 per 1000). 3. The second commonest system involved in the present study is GIT (4.6 per 1000). 4. The incidence of malformations were marginally higher in babies born to mothers over the age of 35 years and mothers with parity 4 and above 5.46% and 14% respectively. 5. Congenital malformations especially neural tube defects were common in babies born of second degree consanguineous marriage. (Significant contribution of second degree consanguinity was noted in all major malformations 38.81%). 6. The incidence of malformations were higher in cases with complications of pregnancy like diabetes 33.33% and hydramnios31.81% and PIH 6.52%. 7. Incidence of malformation were higher in preterm babies 6.31%. 8. Incidence of malformations were higher in male babies, especially genitourinary system anomalies. 9. Incidence of malformations were higher in still born babies and in twins 10.18% and 8.33% respectively. 10. Antenatal events in the 1st trimester like fever, drug intake could be implicated in aetiology of malformations especially neural tube defects in our study. 11. Prenatal diagnosis using ultrasound is accurate, but performed late. So, a high index of suspicion and early scanning in high risk mothers are necessary