Ni-Cr-B-Si hardfaced coating is used in many mating components of Fast Breeder Reactors for improving their tribological properties. Selection of environment and load, plays a vital role in controlling wear loss of the hardfaced coating under rubbing conditions, in addition to its processing route. In the present study, a defect-free Ni-Cr-B-Si coating is made on 316L (N) stainless steel using Plasma Transferred Arc Welding (PTAW) process. Dominant phases dispersed in the γ-Ni matrix of the coating are identified to be borides (CrB, Cr5B3 and Cr3 B4), carbides (Cr23C6, Fe3C and Cr7C3) and nitride (BN). Average hardness of the coating is measured to be 536 ± 33 HV for 0.5 kg load. Tribological behavior of the coating is studied using a ball-on-disk tribometer at 2N and 5N loads in air (1 bar) and vacuum (10−9 bar), in order to simulate its friction and wear performance at contact pressures relevant for various structural components placed in a sodium environment. Results revealed higher average friction coefficient in vacuum than that in air, which is due to variation in dominant wear mechanism from tribo-oxidation to micro-plowing. Specific wear rate increased with both increase in load from 2 to 5N and change in environment from air to vacuum. This is attributed to the increased delamination-type wear along with oxidation in air and micro-plowing in vacuum as revealed by the unique tribo-induced morphology and chemistry corresponding to each of the wear test conditions. Techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy are used for the examination of tribo-pair surfaces, the results of which helped to elucidate the possible wear mechanisms. Results from the present study necessitate the relevance of choosing a hardfaced coating with appropriate microstructural and tribological characteristics for an intended application in order to minimize the risk of wear.

Opencast Mining of Sedimentary deposits involve removal of huge amount of Overburden for reaching the deposit. This may cause disturbance of the underlying confined aquifers resulting in release of stored water with high pressure in the working area. This makes mining difficult and unsafe due to inrush of water in the working pit. Similar type of problems are faced by mines at Neyveli area. Mining of lignite from NLCIL’s mines in Neyveli area is faced with a unique hydrological problem due to the presence of confined aquifers below lignite seam exerting an upward pressure, if not controlled; it could jeopardize the entire mining operations. The hydro-geological investigation and pumping tests conducted in this field proved that most practical–cum-economic solution to this problem is depressurization of confined aquifer and maintaining the pressure head constantly below the lignite seam (initial technique) or just above lignite seam (positive head- improvised technique) by large scale continuous pumping operation from the series of large diameter pump well located /situated at hydrologically pre-planned /calculated distances from the active excavation zone. Therefore, the depressurization of this aquifer is being done to maintain the pressure head constantly at the lignite bottom through pumping operations from strategically located pumping wells in the lignite mines/ close to excavation zone. The pressure surface is controlled through adequate number of large diameter pumping wells (Drilling dia :36 inches/Casing dia 20inches) with capacity of 1000 & 500 gallon per minute. Effective control of Ground water pressure is achieved by shifting the location of drilling/pumping wells at lignite bund closer to lignite excavation area and overcoming earlier problems of high groundwater pressure resulting in available lignite not been extracted fully. Groundwater and Storm Water aspects have been improvised over a period of time to suit the lignite mining operations. The groundwater pumped out from the mines is being used in Thermal Power Stations for power generation and the surplus water is supplied for community use in after proper treatment. In order to pump out water from the aquifers, proper planning of pumping locations and proper methods are to be analyzed in order to make the working area suitable for excavation. This article presents a detailed analysis of various methods adopted for ground water control and management in Mines for safe and optimum mining process and also to check the efficiency for ground water control in mines.

This work compared different machine learning models such as linear regression, polynomial regression and XG-Boost for the prediction of laser welding qualities in aluminum alloys. The key weld quality parameters are ultimate load, weld width and penetration depth. Each model was trained and validated based on data experimentally collected by varying laser power, scanning speed and offset distance to compare them. Quantitative results are shown to prove that XG-Boost produces a better predictive accuracy, as it gives a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.05 for ultimate load, 0.03 for penetration depth, and 0.02 for weld width. On the other hand, its linear regression counterpart has higher values of 0.08, 0.06, and 0.05, while polynomial regression-clearly outperforming its linear variant-averaged about 0.04 in these metrics. While this is so, high R-squared values, predicted by the XG-Boost model across ultimate loads, are indicative of its better competency in the capturing of complicated patterns, especially with regard to data outliers. These findings confirm the capability of XG-Boost to perform precise parameter optimization in laser welding by significantly reducing experimental trial needs and helping manufacturing efficiency with reliable data-driven predictions.

Central nervous system (CNS) infection is one of the important risk factors for epilepsy. COVID-19 pandemic, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has primarily been considered to involve respiratory system only, but it can also affect the CNS. A wide range of neurological manifestations have been reported in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients including seizures, status epilepticus, stroke, which are considered as important risk factors for the development of epilepsy. In post-mortem, brain tissue samples of COVID-19 patients have shown neuropathological changes and presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and viral proteins. In this review, mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion like neuronal retrograde trans-synaptic route and vascular route are described along with important neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients such as seizures and cerebrovascular diseases, which have been found to be associated with the development of epilepsy. Hence, an increased risk of future burden of epilepsy in susceptible COVID-19 survivors has been proposed and preventive measures are suggested. The present review highlights about the possible association between neurological manifestations and future risk of epilepsy in COVID-19 patients.

The microstructural changes in Fe-30Mn-9Al-0.8 C low -density steel upto equivalent strain 2.3 during multiaxial forging (MAF) and their impact on tensile strengthening have been thoroughly investigated. The processed sample at 0 pass, 1 pass, 3 pass, and 5 pass with 33% normal strain in each pass are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The analysis of XRD confirms a noticeable increase in dislocation density progressing from 0.79 x 1015 m- 2 to 8.98 x 1015 m- 2, attributed to a decrease in crystallite size and an increase in microstrain from 3.66 x 10-3 to 6.8 x 10-3. The grain size reduces from 50 ism to 13 ism. The yield strength increases from 380 MPa to 1528 MPa, while the ultimate strength increases from 762 MPa to 1548 MPa after 5 passes. It is observed here that both dislocation density and grain boundaries contribute to strengthening the material. However, up to three passes, dislocation strengthening is significant. Additionally, a numerical framework is developed to model the evolution of dislocation density, grain size and yield strength at each stage of MAF. To emphasize the role of strengthening parameters in predicting the flow stresses in every MAF pass accurately, a material VUMAT subroutine in ABAQUS has been created for a modified Johnson -Cook (J -C) constitutive model that accounts for the role of increased dislocation density and grain size. The developed model demonstrates its capability to accurately capture essential material features, including equivalent strain, dislocation density, and grain size. Furthermore, it exhibits the ability to predict the yield strength approximately following each MAF pass.

Prevention of surface damage at various guiding and bearing locations assumes high importance in ensuring reliable operation of Absorber Rod Drive Mechanisms (ARDM). Contact at an unintended location during any of the operating conditions, including seismic conditions, may cause unacceptable damage, reducing the availability of the ARDMs. Based on international and in-house experiences, the materials and surface coatings for mating surfaces and guiding locations were selected in the ARDMs of Indian Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR). Various mechanical and metallurgical investigations followed by integral assembly tests with full-scale components on hard face coatings were done to evaluate the performance of the hard coatings and to qualify them for reactor operation. In spite of detailed investigations, surface damage-related problems were faced during the initial stages of integral assembly testing, which severely delayed the qualification testing. Key lessons learned from the experimental program are that a holistic approach involving complete kinematics is necessary in the design of the systems to prevent unwanted surface damage-related issues. All these details are discussed in the present paper. From the qualification testing, it can be concluded that the performance of hard coatings for the ARDMs of Indian FBRs is satisfactory. The material and design selections made have formed the basis for the given applications in future FBRs in India.

Introduction: Myocardial ischemia is responsible for the deaths of millions of people every year. Cardiac hypoxia reduces the efficiency with which the heart muscle pumps blood. When one or more of the coronary arteries abruptly and severely narrows or closes off, this is known as an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Ischemia of the heart muscle can also cause potentially fatal arrhythmias. More information about this topic is required. Methods: The effects of SGLT-1 inhibition were studied using a different disease model, the cobalt chloride (CoCl2) hypoxia paradigm. The MTT assay was used to examine the effects of CoCl2 with and without Phlorizin (PZ) on glucose uptake, caspase activity, and metabolic/cytotoxic activities in SGLT-1 overexpressed H9C2 cells. Both SGLT-1 siRNA silencing and PZ treatment of SGLT-1 overexpressed neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were studied. Results and Discussion: Using flow cytometry, we were able to distinguish between metabolically active (PI-stained) and inactive (annexin-stained) live cells, as well as apoptotic (annexin-stained) and necrotic (PI-stained) cells. Caspase 3, 9, bcl-2, HIF-1a, and SGLT-1 expression, as well as oxidative stress, were examined using Western blotting. H9C2 cells showed increased caspase 3 and 9 activity in the CoCl2 group compared to the control, and these increases were further amplified by PZ cotreatment. PZ did not counteract CoCl2's effects of decreased glucose absorption and MTT activity. Conclusion: PZ increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and decreased metabolic quiescent cells. PZ had no effect on the oxidative stress and necrosis that CoCl2 caused. CoCl2-induced SGLT-1 reduction leads to rapid apoptotic cell death.

Purpose: Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists have anticonvulsant effect but their antiepileptogenic effect is unknown. U50488, a selective KOR agonist is used to determine its effect on status epilepticus (SE), spontaneous convulsive seizures (SS) and cognitive impairment in rat lithium-pilocarpine SE model. Effect of an antiepileptic drug levetiracetam is also studied.Method: Male Wistar rats with SE were divided into three groups namely, LiP, LiP + U50488 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and LiP + levetiracetam (400 mg/kg, i.p.) group. SE was terminated after 90 min of its onset with diazepam (15 mg/kg, i.p.) and phenobarbitone (25 mg/kg, i.p.). Drug treatment was started after 15 min of onset of SE and repeated once after 4 h. Rats were video monitored 12 h daily (9 AM to 9 PM) to determine severity of SE using modified Racine scale and onset and frequency of SS from day 0 to day 21. Morris water maze (MWM) test was done at baseline i.e. day -1 (before lithium administration) and day 22, to assess cognitive impairment.Results: As compared to LiP, U50488 decreased the severity of SE (1.98 +/- 0.13 vs 2.95 +/- 0.12; p-value < 0.0001) but not levetiracetam (2.62 +/- 0.09; p-value = 0.3112). Survival increased with both U50488 (90%, n = 10) and levetiracetam (81.8%, n = 11) as compared to NS (56.2%, n = 16). No effect on onset and frequency of SS was found in U50488/levetiracetam group. U50488 improved seizures-induced cognitive impairment. Levetiracetam group showed thigmotactic (wall hugging) behaviour in MWM in 8 out of 9 rats.Conclusion: Acute treatment with U50488, a kappa opioid receptor agonist has a beneficial effect on SE, SE-related mortality and memory impairment. The dual protective effect of U50488 on seizures and related cognitive impairment is advantageous over currently used antiseizure drugs which are known to cause cognitive impairment.

Accurate and consistent constitutive model is required to characterize the material behavior in a variety of thermo-mechanical problems. Herein, widely used Johnson–Cook (J–C) model parameters are evaluated for Fe–30Mn–9Al–0.8C low-density steel to predict the flow stress in various forming applications. For this low-density steel prepared in our laboratory, the material compositions are optimally chosen to yield the best ductility (> 70

Background: Surgical site infections after gastrointestinal perforation with peritonitis have significant morbidity, increased hospital stays, and cost of treatment. The appropriate management of these wounds is still debatable.Methods: Patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal perforation with peritonitis via midline inci-sion were screened for inclusion. After the closure of the midline fascia, patients were randomized into an open negative pressure wound therapy group (application of negative pressure wound therapy and attempted delayed closure at day 4) or a standard care group (no negative pressure wound therapy and attempted delayed closure at day 4). Postoperative outcomes, including surgical site infection till 30 days, were compared between the groups. This was assessed by an independent assessor not involved in the study for delayed closure. Although a priori sample size was calculated, an interim analysis was per-formed due to slow recruitment during the COVID pandemic. After interim analysis, a continuation of the trial was deemed unethical and terminated.Results: Ninety-six patients were assessed, and 69 were randomized (34 in the negative pressure wound therapy group and 31 in the standard care group). The age, body mass index, comorbidities, blood loss, operative time, and stoma formation were comparable. The surgical site infection was significantly lower in the negative pressure wound therapy group compared to the standard care group (6 [18%] vs 19 [61%], P < .01). The number needed to prevent 1 surgical site infection was 2.3. In a subgroup analysis, the use of negative pressure wound therapy also significantly decreased the rate of surgical site infection in stoma patients (4 [30.7%] vs 9 [69.3%], P 1/4 .03).Conclusion: Open negative pressure wound therapy significantly decreases the incisional surgical site infection rate in patients with a dirty wound secondary to gastrointestinal perforation with peritonitis.& COPY; 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Background: Hypoglycemic and/or anti-hyperglycemic activities have been recorded with numerous plants, many of which are used as traditional herbal treatments of diabetes. Albizzia Lebbeck Benth. stem bark have been used in traditional medicine along with some preliminary reports on its hypoglycemic action. The aim of present investigation was to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of stem bark of Albizzia Lebbeck Benth. in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.Methods: The powdered stem bark of Albizzia Lebbeck Benth.. was extracted with methanol (MeOH) using soxhlation method and subjected to phytochemical analysis. The methanol/dichloromethane extract of Albizzia Lebbeck Benth. (ALEx) was concentrated to dryness using Rotary Evaporator. Diabetes was experimentally induced in the rats by single intraperitoneal administration of Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). They glycemic control was measured by the blood glucose, glycated heamoglobin and plasma insulin. The oxidative stress was evaluated in the liver and kidney by level of antioxidant markers and various biochemical parameters were assessed in diabetic control and extract treated rats.Results: Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats depicted the increased blood glucose levels, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), diminished level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level and perturb level of antioxidant markers. Oral administration of MeAL at a concentration of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg b.w daily for 30 days results a momentous decrease in fasting blood glucose, glycated heamoglobin and enhancement of plasma insulin level as compared with STZ induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, it significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the level of TC, TG, and LDL-c, VLDL-c. While it increases the level of HDL-c to a significant (p < 0.05) level. The treatment also resulted in a marked increase in reduced glutathione, glutathione Peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase and diminished level of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney of STZ induced diabetic rats. Histopathological studies suggest the diminution in the pancreatic, liver and cardiac muscle damage.Conclusion: Our research exertion clearly indicates the considerable antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant & pancreas/renal/hepatic/cardiac protective action of ALEx.

Neuroblastoma (NB), an embryonal tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, is the most deadly tumor of the infancy with half of the newly diagnosed patients at high risk. High-risk NB patients achieve nearly 50% long term survival and hence therapeutic advancements are needed. Naxitamab (earlier known as humanized 3F8) is the second anti-disialoganglioside-2 (anti-GD2) monoclonal antibody (mAb), which is approved recently after dinutuximab (a chimeric mAb) for the treatment of refractory/relapsed NB. Naxitamab is approved as an intravenous infusion in combination with granulocyte-monocyte colony–stimulating factor (GM-CSF). It has advantages over dinutuximab on account of its fully humanized nature and other pharmacokinetic properties. Anti-GD2 mAbs target GD2 antigen present on NB cells followed by cytotoxicity. Anti-GD2 mAbs are under clinical trials for the treatment of various other tumors like small cell lung cancer and osteosarcoma, indicating their therapeutic potential in cancer therapy.

Introduction: Morphine is widely used in patients and has been reported to alter seizure threshold, but its role in the development of epilepsy is unknown. In this study, role of morphine administration in the development of epilepsy using the status epilepticus (SE) model was determined in rats.Methods: Rats experiencing SE with lithium-pilocarpine (LiP) were randomized into four groups- saline, morphine low dose (5 mg/kg, s.c.), morphine high dose (5-20 mg/kg, s.c.), and naloxone (1 mg/kg, s.c.). Treatments were started 90 min after termination of SE and repeated twice daily for next three days. Rats were video monitored daily for 21 days to determine onset and frequency of spontaneous convulsive sei-zures (SS).Results: Morphine in low doses increased frequency of SS (1.51 +/- 0.15 vs LiP 0.60 +/- 0.12 seizures/rat/day, p-value = 0.0026) and seizures occurred during handling (SDH) (0.08 +/- 0.02 vs LiP control 0.01 +/- 0.01) (p -value = 0.0018). In high doses, no significant change in SS and SDH was found as compared to LiP. No effect of morphine on the onset of SS and percentage of rats experienced SS was found. No effect of nalox-one per se was found on SS. Conclusion: Morphine administration after SE does not affect epileptogenesis as no change in the onset of SS and percentage of rats experiencing SS was found. However, it might alter the susceptibility and fre-quency of SS. As no other study is available with a similar finding, it needs further evaluation.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In the 21st century, smartphones and the internet have become an integral part of life. It is noteworthy that the future is full of technologydriven payment systems; therefore, the mobile payment system is the next big thing in this arena. This study highlights the factors influencing the consumers to accept or adopt the mobile payments system. This study attempts to study elements having a role in shifting consumers from unorganized to organized retail sector through the Mobile Payment System (MPS). A questionnaire was prepared using Google forms to collect data, and it was shared using WhatsApp and e-mail with the target respondents. In this study, 103 responses were analyzed and collected before India’s first lockdown. The confirmatory factor analysis was used, and various factors were identified. It is found that trust, privacy and security issues are still restricting the user to adopt the online mode of payment; hence TAM model stands valid. This study attempts to examine the influence of MPS on unorganized retailing.

India currently represents 17% of the world’s diabetes burden, with an estimated 77 million cases in 2019, a figure expected to almost double to 134 million by 2025. Currently, one in every four persons under 25 has adult-onset diabetes, a condition more usually seen in 40–50 year old people. A hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted among diabetes type 2 patients in a rural field practice area of the A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Mangalore, Karnataka. Medication adherence and factors associated with non-adherence to medication were determined using self-structured validated questionnaire. A total of 206 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited. In the present study 49% of the patients were found to be having poor medication adherence, while 50.9% were found to be with good adherence. However, none of the patients showed perfect adherence. A significant association was observed between medication adherence and age of patients, their gender, information about the disease, family support, personal motivation, literacy status and cost of treatment. Keywords: medication adherence, type 2 diabetes mellitus, self-care practices, prevalence

Introduction: Fracture of the clavicle is common in occurrence with incidence of approximately 5% of all fractures seen in hospital emergency. These fractures are generally managed conservatively. Titanium elastic nails are a promising minimally invasive treatment for displaced mid-clavicular fractures, which may be an alternative to plate fixation or even nonoperative treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the cosmetic outcome (malunion, asymmetry, and scar formation), rate of bone healing and alignment of the clavicle (<30° or > 30°) related to the flexible intramedullary nailing of midshaft fracture clavicle. Materials and Methods: Between June 2012 and June 2014 in GMC and Hospital Amritsar, 50 patients with displaced, noncomminuted fracture of midshaft clavicle of either side underwent flexible intramedullary nailing with titanium elastic nail. Implant removal was performed in 90% cases after the fracture united completely. Results: In this study, all fractures were united. Mean duration of radiological union was 10.3 weeks ranging from 6 to 20 weeks. Mean disabilities of arm shoulder and hand score after 6 months of follow-up was 7.7 ranging from 0.8 to 44.2. Mean constant self-evaluated score was 80.2 ranging from minimum 43 to maximum 98 after 6 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Flexible intramedullary nailing, a minimally invasive technique for stabilization of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures is a simple procedure with excellent functional outcome in terms of quick return to activities and a high patient satisfaction rate with very good cosmetic outcome.

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder that impairs glucose homeostasis resulting in severe diabetic angiopathy retinopathy, neuropathy nephropathy, and causing neurological disorders due to anxiety in utilization of glucose. I present diabetes study was induced in albino rat models with the alloxan monohydrate. Putranjiva roxburghii bark. has been claimed to possess antidiabetic properties by some investigators. The present study was undertaken to screen the hypoglycemic activity of ethanol extracts of leaves of Putranjiva roxburghii. The results showed that it has significant anti-hyperglycemic effect in experimental model of diabetes mellitus.