This study investigates the chemical compatibility of energetic compound 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtizane (CL-20) with a hydroxyl-terminated polyether (HTPE) as a polymer binder system, specifically for applications in rocket propellant and cast-cure explosive formulations. The compatibility investigations were undertaken in accordance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization standard agreement (STANAG) 4147 as a benchmark by employing vacuum stability testing (VST) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. According to the criteria set by STANAG 4147 and the findings from VST and DSC, CL-20 demonstrated a good chemical compatibility with the HTPE binder system cured with different curing agents. The kinetics parameters of pure CL-20 and its mixtures were calculated by the Ozawa, Kissinger, and ASTM E-698 methods, by heating the samples. The apparent activation energy obtained from DSC experiments via the Kissinger method was measured to be 233.4, 254.0, 217.6, and 233.2 kJ/mol for binary mixtures containing MDI, IPDI, TDI, and TMDI, respectively. The experimental findings indicated that the values of activation energies obtained by the ASTM- E698 method are consistent and in good agreement with those obtained from the Kissinger methods. The thermodynamic parameters for all mixtures, including pure CL-20, were evaluated. The triangle G# values for all samples were found to be positive, indicating that the thermal decomposition reactions proceed through a non-spontaneous decomposition process, which reveals high thermal stability.

The potential of aluminized energetic composites to enhance blast performance through chemical interactions with the detonation products of energetic compounds and aluminum makes them a subject of significant interest for defense applications. This research investigates a mixture comprising 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20), 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), aluminum powder (Al), and a polyester-based polyurethane (PU) binder system cured with different curing agents. The study analyzes the reactivity, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters related to non-isothermal thermal decomposition, employing thermal analytical techniques. The study of chemical compatibility was performed via vacuum stability tests (VST) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), following the protocols outlined in the standardization of agreement (STANAG 4147). Experimental outcomes demonstrate that the admixture of CL-20, NTO, and Al is compatible with polyurethane (PU)-containing various curing agents. The kinetics of thermal decomposition was studied utilizing the Ozawa method, the Kissinger method, and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) kinetic E-698 method. The data obtained through different experimental methods corroborated that the thermal reactivity of CL-20 is effectively retained in the admixture. The high thermal stability was ascribed to a non-spontaneous process, as demonstrated by the positive activation Gibbs free energy and enthalpy values.

Energetic metal complexes have been established to be effective combustion catalyst for energetic composites and propellants with improved performance. Chemical compatibility is an important aspect in the development of novel energetic composites which are related to safe processing, handling, and storage. In the present paper, the compatibility of energetic metal complexes [Zn(atrz)(DNBA)2(H2O)2]n (complex 1) and [Cd(atrz)(DNBA)2(H2O)2]n (complex 2) with Viton A and epoxy resin as polymer binder are studied by thermal analytical techniques. The compatibility was studied through vacuum stability test (VST) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) according to standardization agreement (STANAG) 4147 method. Furthermore, physicochemical methods including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to support the thermal analytical methods. The VST results indicate that the volume of gases evolved for complex 1/Viton A, complex 1/epoxy resin, complex 2/Viton A, and complex 2/epoxy resin is found to be 0.545, 0.86, 0.403, and 0.884 mLg-1, respectively, indicating high compatibility with one another. According to the STANAG 4147 criteria, the DSC/DTG data demonstrate that the difference in Tmax is less than 2°C for all the admixtures, suggesting that the polymer binders under investigation are compatible with complexes. TG results demonstrate that the mass loss difference is less than 4% for all admixtures, indicating good compatibility. The essential additional information offered by the supplementary non-thermal FTIR and PXRD techniques confirm that no reaction occurs between metal complex and polymer. SEM micrographs exhibit that metal complex crystals are embedded in the polymer matrix.

A series of polymer-based energetic composites (PEC) comprising 90% (by wt.) of crystalline octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) filler and 10% (by wt.) of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)-based binder system cured with different curing agents were prepared by cast cured technique. The effects of HTPB-based binder cured with different curing agents on the characteristic properties were investigated through different analytical and instrument techniques. The chemical stability was studied through vacuum stability tester apparatus at 100 degrees C for 40 h. The results show that all energetic composites are chemically stable and compatible with each other. The results indicate that there is considerable variation in the impact and friction sensitivity with varying of the curing agents in the HTPB-based binder system. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry measurements show that the thermal stability does not depend on the curing agents used. The detonation study outcomes show that the detonation performance of the composites is quite different, depending on the types of the curing agents used. The kinetic parameters for thermal decomposition were studied through the TGA methods at multiple heating rates by using the kinetic Ozawa, Kissinger, and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) methods. The PEC/TDI, PEC/IPDI, PEC/MDI, and PEC/TMDI samples showed average activation energies of 236.5, 208.7, 192.8, and 250.3 kJ/mol, respectively. These values are consistent and comparable to those obtained from other kinetic methods. However, the activation energy varies with varying the curing agent used in HTPB-based binder system.

The target compound PF-06878031 is a key structural fragment of a range of oral late-stage glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RA) under development in our laboratories for the indications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and weight loss. This article describes the identification of an amide reduction route, and development of a process, capable of delivering multikilo quantities of PF-06878031. The process development afforded improved safety, higher yield, a reduced step count, and a significant cost reduction. The new process has been scaled up at multiple facilities to generate >1.5MT of high-purity PF-06878031.

Background: Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene (HTPB)-based energetic compositions have been developed for enhanced blast energetic composite, composite rocket propellant formulations, metal cutting, demolition, welding and explosive reactive armour in civil and military applications. The types and choice of curing agents are crucial in enhancing the mechanical and structural integrity of the binder. To understand the stability and safety of energetic composites for potential applications, it is necessary to understand the thermal decomposition kinetics and thermodynamic parameters clearly. Objective: The main objective is to study the decomposition kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of energetic composites cured by different curing agents. Methods: A series of energetic composites based on HMX (1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7- tetrazocane) and HTPB-based binder system cured with various curing agents were prepared by the cast cured method. The curatives, namely MDI (4,4’-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), IPDI (isophorone diisocyanate), TDI (toluene dissocyanate) and TMDI (2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate) were used. The thermal analysis method was employed to investigate the thermal decomposition characteristics, which are closely associated with the thermal stability and safety considerations during handling, processing, and storage. The kinetic parameters for thermal decomposition reactions were studied by employing the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method. The thermodynamic parameters of the activation enthalpy, activation Gibbs energy free and activation entropy of all energetic composites were also determined by the theory of activated complex. Results: The thermogravimetric results show that the thermal stability is almost similar for all composites cured with the different types of curing agents. The average activation energy of the energetic composites cured with IPDI, MDI, TMDI and TDI was 207.5, 237.3, 243.3 and 187.6 kJ/mol, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters for the thermal decomposition process show that they are generally thermodynamically stable and non-spontaneous. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs of all the samples clearly indicate that HMX crystals are well embedded in the polymer matrices. result: The thermogravimetric results show that the thermal stability and thermal decomposition behaviour do not change significantly by varying the type of the curing agent in the HTPB-based binder. The SEM micrographs of all the samples clearly indicate that HMX crystals are well embedded in the polymer matrices. The averaged activation energy for the HMX/HTPB/MDI, HMX/HTPB/IPDI, HMX/HTPB/TDI and HMX/HTPB/TMDI samples obtained from FO method was 237.3, 207.5, 187.6 and 243.3 kJ/mol, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters including the activation enthalpy, activation Gibbs free energy and activation entropy for the thermal decomposition process show that they are generally thermodynamically stable and non-spathaceous. Conclusion: The thermal stability of all energetic composites is almost constant. The activation energy of the prepared energetic composites is significantly varied with varying the type of curing agents in the HTPB-based binder system. The thermodynamic parameters indicate that composites possess superior stability and thermal safety. The SEM micrographs indicate that HMX crystals of prepared composites are embedded in the polymer matrix.

In this work, three different types of polyester-based polyurethanes (PUs) were synthesized from a hydroxyl-terminated polyester and three different curatives, namely methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and 2,2,4-trimethyl hexamethylene diisocyanate (TMDI) as curing agents, by a polymerization reaction and these PUs are designated by PU/MDI, PU/IPDI, and PU/TMDI, respectively. The formation of urethane linkages in the PUs was confirmed by our Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) study. Chemical stability and thermal stability based on gas evolved and thermal decomposition by heat flow were studied by means of a vacuum stability tester (VST) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques, respectively. The VST measurements were carried out at 100 degrees C for 40 h. The results revealed that the volume of gases evolved by these PUs was less than 2.0 mL/g according to Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4147, indicating that they are chemically stable. The TGA method results indicated that the thermal stability of the polyester-based PU followed the order PU/TMDI > PU/IPDI similar or equal to PU/MDI. The thermal decomposition kinetics was studied through the TGA method at various heating rates, 2, 5, 10, and 20 degrees C/min, under nitrogen atmosphere by using the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) and Starink methods. The activation energy values calculated by the isoconversional KAS method for the thermal degradation of PU/MDI, PU/IPDI, and PU/TMDI were 226.5, 206.8, and 183.6 kJ/mol, respectively, with extents of conversion being 0.55-0.95. The activation energies obtained from the KAS method were similar to those obtained from the Starink method. The results indicated that there was significant variation in the thermal stability and activation energy with varying the above-mentioned three curing agents in the polyester-based PUs.

Incompatibility between energetic material and polymer may result in decreased stability, accelerated aging, and undesirable explosion as a result of the thermal decomposition in polymer-based energetic formulations. This work aims to study the compatibility and kinetic parameters of binary mixture of 4-amino-1, 2, 4-triazolium picrate (4-ATPA) with several polymers including polyether (PET)-, polyester (PES)-, and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)-based polyurethanes (PUs), Estane 5703, Viton A, and poly(CTFE-VDF) (PCV) copolymer to realize the possibility in an energetic composite formulation. Compatibility was investigated through a vacuum stability test (VST) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) according to the guidelines STANAG 4147 as a benchmark for compatibility study. The VST measurements indicate that the 4-ATPA is chemically compatible with all PET-, PES-, HTPB-based PUs, Estane 5703, Viton A, and PCV materials. DSC results also support that the 4-ATPA has good compatibility with all kinds of the polymers. The kinetic parameters of the binary mixture were also studied by using the Ozawa, Kissinger, and isoconversional ASTM E698 methods. The activation energy values obtained the Ozawa method for the 4-ATPA/PET, 4-ATPA/PES, 4-ATPA/HTPB, 4-ATPA/Estane, 4-ATPA/Viton A, and 4-ATPA/PCV were 119.2, 129.2, 125.5, 118.9, 121.3, and 119.9 kJ mol −1 , respectively. These values are comparable and consistent to those obtained from the Kissinger and isoconversional ASTM E698 method for the first step of the thermal decomposition reactions.

This paper presents elevated ground microstrip patch antenna's performance assessment in terms of bandwidth, directivity and gain compared to a normal microstrip patch antenna. By inserting elevated ground instead of normal ground the characteristics such as gain, directivity, operating bandwidth and efficiency are improved at the resonance. The antenna has been designed and characterized for the resonance frequency of 2.4 GHz suitable for WLAN applications.

Background: Depressive disorders are amongst the most prevailing causes of morbidity and disability in the Indian population. Choosing suitable antidepressants for a particular patient is an imperative decision. Aim: To study the drug utilization of antidepressantdrugs and their adverse drug reaction in the department of psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods : It was an observational, prospective study conducted for a duration of 18 months, i.e., from February 2018 to July 2019. The first six months were for recruitment of patients and 12 months were for follow up and data compilation. The prescriptions of every alternate patient were collected on a twice-weekly basis. Results: In our study, 21–30 years of age group accounted for majority (31.98%) of all depressive disorders. Males (52.28%) were found to be more affected than females. SSRIs (73.26%) were most frequently prescribed, followed by TCA (20%) and SNRI (6.33%). The average number of drugs per prescription was 2.49. The most commonly reported ADR was insomnia (21.23%). ADRs were more commonly found with nortriptyline; a tricyclic antidepressant drug. PDD/DDD values of most of the drugs were close to one. Conclusions: Through this study, we found that SSRIs were the most commonly prescribed group of antidepressants because of their better efficacy, safety, tolerability, and fewer side effects as compared to TCAs. PDD/DDD ratio signifies that the drugs were neither under-utilized nor over-utilized. Since no prescription had more than five drugs; we can say that polypharmacy was avoided. Keywords: Depressive disorders, Defined Daily Dose, Prescribed Daily Dose, Polypharmacy, Psychiatry.

A modified symmetric split ring resonator (MSSRR) loaded bowtie antenna with multi-band features over a range of 1.6-7.1 GHz is proposed in this paper. The antenna is designed on FR4 substrate with relative permittivity epsilon(r) = 4.1 and thickness 1.5 mm. The fabricated antenna size is 40 mm x 58 mm. The Modified Symmetric SRR used beneath the substrate is novel and consists of two circles that are broken into four quarter circles by four rods. The effect of MSSRR location and its geometry is investigated and analysed thoroughly. The measurement results of the fabricated antenna are in good agreement with the simulation results, which confirms the proposed antenna design's properties. ANSYS High Frequency Structural Simulator (HFSS) software is used for simulating the antenna.

Feeding is a complex process, and that's why feeding difficulties are so common in early childhood. Prematurity appears to be a risk factor for increased feeding problems, so our goal was to evaluate the effect of prematurity on children's feeding behavior. We also intended to identify situations that have a significant impact on the child's and family's life and refer them to a specialized consultation. In our study participated 109 children (51 preterm and 58 full-term), whose parents answered the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale and a demographic questionnaire. It was found that the perception of feeding difficulties is higher in parents of preterm children, likewise the perception of those problems, and although not statistically significant, the risk of feeding difficulties is higher in the preterm group compared to the other one.

The flexor system of the fingers consisting of flexor tendons and finger pulleys are a key anatomic structure for the grasping function.Athletes and manual workers are particularly at risk for closed injuries of the flexor system: ruptured pulleys, ruptures of the flexor digitorum profundus from its distal attachment (''jersey finger''), and less frequently, ruptures of the flexor digitorum superficialis and of the lumbrical muscles.In the finger, the tendons pass through tunnels that keep them close to the bones, which helps them work better.Sonography is the best imaging modality associate with the clinical exam for it allows an experienced physician to make an accurate and early diagnosis, crucial to appropriate early treatment planning.The advances in suture techniques, better understanding of the tendon morphology and its biomechanics have resulted in better outcomes.

Background:The objective of this study is to assess the performance of Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)/rifampin (RIF), an automated molecular test for MTB and resistance to RIF, against smear microscopy and culture method for the diagnosis of MTB infection.Methods:This is a retrospective analysis of 168 nonrespiratory patient specimens suspected of tuberculosis (TB) at TB Laboratory of Dubai Health Authority in the United Arab Emirates between September 2016 and November 2018. Each sample underwent smear microscopy, mycobacterial culture, and GeneXpert MTB/RIF test.Results:Of 168 nonrespiratory samples, 52 samples were positive by both culture and Xpert MTB/RIF, 9 samples were detected positive only by culture. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative value of the Xpert MTB/RIF test were 82.69%, 100%, 100%, and 92.80%, respectively. No false positive was yielded by the Xpert MTB/RIF, and all 116 samples were true negative by Xpert MTB/RIF. The sensitivity of the Xpert MTB/RIF was 76.92% in lymph node tissue and aspirates, 66.67% in cerebrospinal fluid, 100% in gastric lavage and aspirate, 81.25% in other body fluids, 100% in pus, 85.71% in urine, and 66.67% in other tissue samples. Of 168 strains, five strains were rifampicin resistant by phenotypic and Xpert MTB/RIF and 163 were susceptible to rifampicin with culture and Xpert MTB/RIF.Conclusion:The performance of Xpert MTB/RIF assay was comparable to the gold standard culture method for identification of MTB in nonrespiratory clinical specimens. It does not replace the gold standard culture method, but it helps to achieve better sensitivity and obtain rapid results within 2 h.

Overset grid method is an emerging, increasingly important and powerful tool in numerical simulation of fluid dynamics problems. A model built with the overset mesh technique consists of multiple spatially superimposed grids, one for each moving element and a background grid for fluid domain and stationary parts. The moving elements includes rotors in pumps, aircraft engines, internal combustion engine and naval boats. Boundary information is exchanged between these grids via interpolation of the flow variables. This technique is very useful in approximating complex fluid-structure interaction with large topology changes. Several test cases have been studied and it is found that overset grid approach is better suited for solving fluid dynamic problems with large topology changes compared to traditional methods. This paper investigates different methodologies and applications of overset grid approach in different fields of numerical simulation.

A compatibility of energetic compound with polymeric matrices is of prime importance in the pre-formulation stage for developing of new energetic composite formulations. In the present work, the compatibility of octahydro-l,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) with polyether (PET) polyol (trade name SP-755)-based polyurethanes (PUs) containing different curatives such as 4,4'methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate (TMDI), and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) has been studied by using a differential scanning calorimetry method. The PET-based PUs were prepared by polymerization between PET polyol and different curatives, then these PUs were further mixed with HMX to study the compatibility and kinetic parameters. Results show that the compatibility and thermal stability are significantly influenced by the different curatives, and suggested thermals stability by thermal data follow the order for a mixture of HMX/SP-755/MDI > HMX/SP-755/TDI > HMX/SP-755/IPDI > HMX/SP-755/TMDI. The thermal degradation kinetics has also been investigated through non-isothermal conditions using the Kissinger and the isoconversional ASTM E689 kinetic methods. The finding shows that there was a significant variation in the apparent activation energy for a mixture of HMX/SP-755/MDI, HMX/SP-755/IPDI, HMX/SP-755/TMDI, and HMX/SP-755/TDI, which were 365.8, 257.7, 134.9, and 241.1kJ mol(-1), respectively. The apparent activation energies obtained from the Kissinger method at maximum peak temperature are in reasonable agreement and consistent with isoconversional ASTM E689 kinetic method.

Nicotinamide cofactor biomimetics (NCBs) belong to a class of compounds that, as the name suggests, mimic the structures and functions of natural nicotinamide cofactors, namely nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and their corresponding reduced forms. The first set of NCBs was discovered in the 1930s; these were initially used to study the chemical properties of this class of cofactors as well as understand nicotinamide binding of oxidoreductases. Since then, various NCBs, enzymes, and recycling systems have evolved and lately, new NCBs have been developed and used to run biocatalytic reactions.

This paper reports the results of study of crystallization kinetics and thermal stability in Se82-xTe15Sn3Sbx (0 <= x <= 6) glassy alloys. The alloys were analysed using DTA (differential thermal analysis) technique under non-isothermal conditions at heating rates of 5, 10, 15, 20 K/min, Activation energy of glass transition has been evaluated using Kissinger and Moynihan methods while Matusita, Kissinger and Augis and Bennett approaches has been employed to study the crystallization mechanism. Thermal stability and glass forming ability for all compositions has been analysed in terms of reduced glass transition temperature and Hruby's parameter.