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Abstract Objective Brain 18F‐FDG PET/CT is a useful diagnostic in evaluating patients with suspected autoimmune encephalitis (AE). Specific patterns of brain dysmetabolism have been reported in anti‐NMDAR and anti‐LGI1 AE, and the degree of dysmetabolism may correlate with clinical functional status.18FDG‐PET/CT abnormalities have not yet been described in seronegative AE. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of brain18FDG‐PET/CT data in people with seronegative AE treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Utilizing NeuroQ™ software, the Z‐scores of 47 brain regions were calculated relative to healthy controls, then visually and statistically compared for probable and possible AE per clinical consensus diagnostic criteria to previous data from anti‐NMDAR and anti‐LGI1 cohorts. Results Eight probable seronegative AE and nine possible seronegative AE were identified. The group only differed in frequency of abnormal brain MRI, which was seen in all of the probable seronegative AE patients. Both seronegative groups had similar overall patterns of brain dysmetabolism. A common pattern of frontal lobe hypometabolism and medial temporal lobe hypermetabolism was observed in patients with probable and possible seronegative AE, as well as anti‐NMDAR and anti‐LGI1 AE as part of their respective characteristic patterns of dysmetabolism. Four patients had multiple brain18FDG‐PET/CT scans, with changes in number and severity of abnormal brain regions mirroring clinical status. Conclusions A18FDG‐PET/CT pattern of frontal lobe hypometabolism and medial temporal lobe hypermetabolism could represent a common potential biomarker of AE, which along with additional clinical data may facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract Introduction HIV self‐testing (HIVST) has been shown to increase the uptake of HIV testing and help achieve the UNAIDS 95‐95‐95 targets. This study assessed the acceptability, usability (ease of use and result interpretation) and the willingness to pay for HIVST kits distributed through three distribution models, namely the community‐based, PLHIV network‐led and private practitioners models, in India. Methods This cross‐sectional study was implemented across 14 states in India between September 2021 and June 2022. All participants could choose between blood‐based or oral‐fluid‐based test kits. Participants were shown a test‐kit usage demonstration video, and pre‐ and post‐test counselling was provided for all. Participants were followed‐up after testing, and if reported reactive, were further supported for linkage to confirmatory testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Results Among the 90,605 participants found eligible, 88,080 (97%) accepted an HIVST kit. Among the 87,976 who reported using an HIVST kit, 45,207 (51%) preferred a blood‐based kit, and 42,120 (48%) reported testing for the first time. For future testing, 77,064 (88%) reported preferring HIVST over other HIV testing methods. Among those who used the kit, 83,308 (95%) found the kit easy to use, and 83,237 (95%) reported that the test results were easy to interpret. Among those who preferred HIVST for future use, 52,136 (69%) were willing to pay for the kit, with 35,854 (69%) of those willing to pay less than US$ 1.20. Only one instance of social harm was reported, with a participant reporting suicidal tendencies due to discord with their partner. Out of 328 participants (0.4%) who tested reactive with HIVST, 291 (89%) were linked to confirmatory testing; of these, 254 were confirmed HIV positive, and 216 (85%) successfully initiated ART. Conclusions Overall, we report that nearly all participants were willing to accept HIVST, found the test kits easy to use and interpret, and about two‐thirds were willing to pay for HIVST. Given the high levels of acceptance and the ability to reach a large proportion of first‐time testers, HIVST in India could contribute to achieving the UNAIDS first 95 and ending the HIV epidemic.

Background The purpose of this study is to compare the prevalence of self‐reported cardiovascular conditions among individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) to a propensity‐matched control cohort. Methods and Results A cross‐sectional study described self‐reported cardiovascular conditions (hypertension, congestive heart failure [CHF], myocardial infarction [MI], and stroke) from participants who completed interviews between January 2015 and March 2020 in 2 harmonized large cohort studies, the TBI Model Systems and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Mixed‐effect logistic regression models were used to compare the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions after 1:1 propensity‐score matching based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, body mass index, education level, and smoking status. The final sample was 4690 matched pairs. Individuals with TBI were more likely to report hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.18 [95% CI, 1.08–1.28]) and stroke (OR, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.56–1.98]) but less likely to report CHF (OR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67–0.99]) or MI (OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.55–0.79]). There was no difference in rate of CHF or MI for those ≤50 years old; however, rates of CHF and MI were lower in the TBI group for individuals >50 years old. Over 65% of individuals who died before the first follow‐up interview at 1 year post‐TBI were >50 years old, and those >50 years old were more likely to die of heart disease than those ≤50 years old (17.6% versus 8.6%). Conclusions Individuals with moderate to severe TBI had an increased rate of self‐reported hypertension and stroke but lower rate of MI and CHF than uninjured adults, which may be due to survival bias.

Abstract Colistin is known to cause nephrotoxicity due to its extensive reabsorption and accumulation in renal tubules. In vitro studies have identified the functional role of colistin transporters such as OCTN2, PEPT2, megalin, and P‐glycoprotein. However, the role of these transporter gene variants in colistin‐induced nephrotoxicity has not been studied. Utilizing targeted next‐generation sequencing, we screened for genetic polymorphisms covering the colistin transporters (SLC15A1, SLC15A2, SLC22A5, LRP2, and ABCB1) in 42 critically ill patients who received colistimethate sodium. The genetic variants rs2257212 ((NM_021082.4):c.1048C>G) and rs13397109 ((NM_004525.3):C.7626C > T) were identified as being associated with an increased incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) on Day 7. Colistin area under the curve (AUC) was predicted using a previously published pharmacokinetic model of colistin. Using logistic regression analysis, the predicted 24‐h AUC of colistin was identified as an important contributor for increased odds of AKI on Day 7. Among 42 patients, 4 (9.5%) were identified as having high predisposition to colistin‐induced AKI based on the presence of predisposing genetic variants. Determination of the presence of the abovementioned genetic variants and early therapeutic drug monitoring may reduce or prevent colistin‐induced nephrotoxicity and facilitate dose optimization of colistimethate sodium.

Abstract Due to extraordinary electronic and optoelectronic properties, large‐scale single‐crystal two‐dimensional (2D) semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers have gained significant interest in the development of profit‐making cutting‐edge nano and atomic‐scale devices. To explore the remarkable properties of single‐crystal 2D monolayers, many strategies are proposed to achieve ultra‐thin functional devices. Despite substantial attempts, the controllable growth of high‐quality single‐crystal 2D monolayer still needs to be improved. The quality of the 2D monolayer strongly depends on the underlying substrates primarily responsible for the formation of grain boundaries during the growth process. To restrain the grain boundaries, the epitaxial growth process plays a crucial role and becomes ideal if an appropriate single crystal substrate is selected. Therefore, this perspective focuses on the latest advances in the growth of large‐scale single‐crystal 2D TMD monolayers in the light of enhancing their industrial applicability. In the end, recent progress and challenges of 2D TMD materials for various potential applications are highlighted.

Abstract Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is part of the ANCA‐associated vasculitides, although ANCA‐negative presentations are not infrequent. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and peripheral eosinophilia are classic associations although pleural effusions are an uncommon manifestation of EGPA. We describe a 35‐year old Caucasian adult with asthma who presented with progressive dyspnoea, cough, peripheral eosinophilia and imaging that showed pulmonary nodules with pleural effusions. Biopsy with histopathological review confirmed the diagnosis of EGPA with steroid therapy resulting in significant resolution of symptoms and imaging findings.

Considering natural compounds for the antiviral effect is another opportunity for exploring novel drug candidates for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The selected natural compounds were interacted using a molecular docking approach. The 3D structures of the main protease and papain-like protease were used for the virtual screening to detect the potent inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2. The top-scored compounds were further analyzed for absorption, digestion, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties and density functional theory analysis. Our results indicated that glycyrrhizin exhibited better docking scores of -9.5 kcal/mol with main protease and -9.7 kcal/mol with papain-like protease. Next to glycyrrhizin, rutin showed a better docking score of -9.1 kcal/mol and -9.2 kcal/mol with 3-chymotrypsin-like and papain-like proteases. Violaxanthin and naringin occupied the subsequent position in the docking score table with 3CL and PL proteases, respectively. In addition, the crucial properties like drug likeliness and pharmacokinetics of the compounds were determined. There is no significant toxicity identified.

Abstract Objective Neurodegeneration induced by inflammatory stress in multiple sclerosis (MS) leads to long‐term neurological disabilities that are not amenable to current immunomodulatory therapies. Methods and Results Here, we report that neuronal downregulation of Splicing factor 3b subunit 2 (SF3B2), a component of U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP), preserves retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and axonal integrity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)‐induced mice. By employing an in vitro system recapitulating the inflammatory environment of MS lesion, we show that when SF3B2 levels are downregulated, cell viability and axon integrity are preserved in cortical neurons against inflammatory toxicity. Notably, knockdown of SF3B2 suppresses the expression of injury‐response and necroptosis genes and prevents activation of Sterile Alpha and TIR Motif Containing 1 (Sarm1), a key enzyme that mediates programmed axon degeneration. Interpretation Together, these findings suggest that the downregulation of SF3B2 is a novel potential therapeutic target to prevent secondary neurodegeneration in MS.

Abstract Mitochondrial calcium (mCa2+) uptake occurs via the Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uniporter (MCU) complex and plays a critical role in mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and apoptosis. MCU complex activity is in part modulated by the expression of its regulatory subunits. Cardiovascular disease models demonstrated altered gene/protein expression of one or multiple subunits in different cells, including vascular endothelial cells (ECs). MCU complex activity was found necessary for stable flow (s‐flow)‐induced mitophagy and promotion of an atheroprotective EC phenotype. Disturbed flow (d‐flow) is known to lead to an atheroprone phenotype. Despite the role of MCU in flow‐regulated EC function, flow‐induced alterations in MCU complex subunit expression are currently unknown. We exposed cultured human ECs to atheroprotective (steady shear stress, SS) or atheroprone flow (oscillatory shear stress, OS) and measured mRNA and protein levels of the MCU complex members. SS and OS differentially modulated subunit expression at gene/protein levels. Protein expression changes of the core MCU, mCa2+ uptake 1 (MICU1) and MCU regulator 1 (MCUR1) subunits in SS‐ and OS‐exposed, compared to static, ECs suggested an enhanced mCa2+ influx under each flow and a potential contribution to EC dysfunction under OS. In silico analysis of a single‐cell RNA‐sequencing dataset was employed to extract transcript values of MCU subunits in mouse carotid ECs from regions exposed to s‐flow or d‐flow. Mcu and Mcur1 genes showed significant differences in expression after prolonged exposure to each flow. The differential expression of MCU complex subunits indicated a tight regulation of the complex activity under physiological and pathological hemodynamic conditions.

Abstract Background and Aims Labels designed to communicate critical information are paramount for the safe and effective use of over‐the‐counter medications; in recognition of this, the content and formatting of over the counter (OTC) labels sold in interstate commerce has been regulated for decades. Yet, available studies suggest that consumers frequently rely on limited information during decision making, failing to access the information required in the Drug Facts Label. This is particularly important for older consumers, who are at greater risk for adverse reactions to medicines. In two experiments we objectively evaluate how novel label designs that employ highlighting and a warning label placed on the package's front impact older consumers' attention to, and use of, critical information. Methods In Experiment 1, 68 OTC patients (65+) engaged with a computer‐based task answering yes/no scenario‐based questions about a drug's appropriateness. In Experiment 2, 63 OTC patients (65+) conducted a forced‐choice task where one of two drugs presented on a computer screen was appropriate for a provided scenario while the other was not. Both tasks required participants to access and use critical label information (i.e., warnings or active ingredients) to respond correctly. Dependent variables analyzed were the proportion of correct responses and time to correct response. Results Highlighting or placing critical information on the front of the package significantly improved response accuracy and time to correct response in Experiment 1 as compared to responses utilizing the standard label. For Experiment 2, participants were faster and more accurate when critical information was highlighted. Conclusions Results provide direct measures of the efficacy of novel labeling strategies. This information is relevant for regulations which dictate label design in ways that enhance ease and safety of use of medications for older adults.

Several medicinal plants have the potential to be a promising alternative pharmacological therapy for a variety of human illnesses. Many insects, including mosquitoes, are important vectors of deadly pathogens and parasites, which in the world’s growing human and animal populations can cause serious epidemics and pandemics. Medicinal plants continue to provide a large library of phytochemicals, which can be used to replace chemically synthesized insecticides, and utilization of herbal product-based insecticides is one of the best and safest alternatives for mosquito control. Identifying new effective phyto-derived insecticides is important to counter increasing insect resistance to synthetic compounds and provide a safer environment. Solanum genus (Solanaceae family or nightshades) comprises more than 2500 species, which are widely used as food and traditional medicine. All research publications on insecticidal properties of Solanaceae plants and their phytoconstituents against mosquitoes and other insects published up to July 2020 were systematically analyzed through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EBSCO, Europe PMC, and Google Scholar databases, with focus on species containing active phytoconstituents that are biodegradable and environmentally safe. The current state of knowledge on larvicidal plants of Solanum species, type of extracts, target insect species, type of effects, name of inhibiting bioactive compounds, and their lethal doses (LC50 and LC90) were reviewed in this study. These studies provide valuable information about the activity of various species of Solanum and their phytochemical diversity, as well as a roadmap for optimizing select compounds for botanical repellents against a variety of vectors that cause debilitating and life-threatening human diseases.

Abstract Introduction Two separate antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immunotherapy (IO) combinations are FDA‐approved as front‐line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Little is known about off‐protocol and post‐front‐line experience with combination TKI–IO approaches. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of mRCC patients who received combination TKI–IO post‐first‐line therapy between November 2015 and January 2019 at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Duke Cancer Institute. Chart review detailed patient characteristics, treatments, toxicity, and survival. Independent radiologists, blinded to clinical data, assessed best radiographic response using RECIST v1.1. Results We identified 48 mRCC patients for inclusion: median age 65 years, 75.0% clear cell histology, 68.8% IMDC intermediate risk, and median two prior systemic therapies. TKI–IO combinations included nivolumab–cabozantinib (N +C; 24 patients), nivolumab–pazopanib (N+P; 13), nivolumab–axitinib (6), nivolumab–lenvatinib (2), and nivolumab–ipilimumab–cabozantinib (3). The median progression‐free survival was 11.6 months and the median overall survival was not reached. Response data were available in 45 patients: complete response (CR; n = 3, 6.7%), partial response (PR; 20, 44.4%), stable disease (SD; 19, 42.2%), and progressive disease (3, 6.7%). Overall response rate was 51% and disease control rate (CR+PR+SD) was 93%. Only one patient had a grade ≥3 adverse event. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first case series reporting off‐label use of combination TKI–IO for mRCC. TKI–IO combinations, particularly N+P and N+C, are well tolerated and efficacious. Although further prospective research is essential, slow disease progression on IO or TKI monotherapy may be safely controlled with addition of either TKI or IO.

In this research work, an attempt was made to machine the titanium (Ti6Al4V) alloy utilizing electric discharge machining technique. The distinct process parameters and its impact on the machining performance were identified using the cause-and-effect diagram (CED). The key process parameters identified by CED diagram were current, pulse on time (Ton), aluminium oxide (Al2O3) powder concentration, and gap distance; experiments were conducted by varying the process parameters, experimental runs were designed using the Taguchi mixed orthogonal array. The experimental results revealed that improvement in material removal rate (MRR) was due to the bridging effect; reduction in tool wear rate (TWR) owing to the expansion of spark gap and enhancement in the surface roughness (Ra) was due to the complete flushing of machined debris. The interaction impact was analysed using the contour plot and with the aid of mathematical modelling experimental fits that were identified and the results were validated utilizing the sensitivity analysis. The obtained results were optimized using the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) optimization technique.

In this research work, an attempt was made to weld AA7075 alloy using the friction stir welding (FSW) technique. The experimental runs were designed using the Taguchi L18 orthogonal array and welds were obtained by varying tilt angle, tool rotation speed, tool feed rate, and axial load, whereas weld quality was accessed in terms of tensile strength and microhardness. The microstructure was examined using an optical microscope. The studies revealed that the tool angle was the most influential factor followed by the tool feed rate as both the parameters impacted the intensity of heat developed. It was observed that the tool tilt decreased the microhardness of the welds. The UTS values and macrostructure imply that the weld should be subjected to higher tool torque conditions. The material flow was not periodic nor coordinated, as seen by the tool-tilted weld's macrostructure. With a tool tilt, the weld pressure is lowered, and the lower pressure could not be enough to prevent volumetric defects. The reduced pressure at quicker welding rates may have had an effect on the development of flaws.

In this article, the switched capacitor (SC) based high step-up multilevel inverter is proposed with self-balancing capability. The proposed SC inverter topology is to step up the high output voltage from the very low input voltage without any bulky transformer. This proposed inverter generates single-phase AC voltage with a frequency of 50 Hz from a very low DC input voltage of 50 V with any intermediate DC-DC conversion stage. Hence, the proposed SC inverter is highly suitable for fuel cell, photovoltaic (PV) applications, and shunt active power filter (SAPF). To control the SC inverter, a multicarrier pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is engaged in the inverter. The high step-up voltage level can be achieved by the charging and discharging process of the SC. Furthermore, the stress voltage of the switches does not exceed the applied voltage and the total standing voltage of the inverter is greatly reduced without H-bridges. The comparative analysis of the proposed SC inverter is made for the components, peak inverse voltage (PIV), total standing voltage (TSV), boosting ability, and voltage balancing of capacitors. The main theme of the paper is producing a thirteen-level sinusoidal current with acceptable total harmonic distortion (THD) at different loads, low PIV, TSV, high boosting ability, and self-balancing of capacitors with fewer passive components. The whole system is examined by using MATLAB/Simulink.

Nanocomposites are being studied for their mechanical, thermal, and water absorption capabilities. Polylactic acid/chitosan blends have been studied extensively for their physical, mechanical, and morphological properties. Although the three materials have been blended, no research has been done on the mechanical or morphological properties of PLA/CS/TiC NPs. PLA/CS bonding is quite deprived, and thus researchers are trying to improve it by introducing TiC NPs; this would improve the composites’ overall quality (mechanical and thermal characteristics as well as water absorption) by increasing the strength of the bind between the two materials. The impacts of TiC NPs on PLA/CS properties are studied using FTIR and XRD and thermal (TGA) and mechanical investigations. Titanium carbide nanoparticles in the polylactic acid/chitosan matrix increase the mechanical characteristics of the materials. As an outcome, the TiC content in the sample rises to 4 wt % even though adding TiC NPs increased the mechanical properties by up to 2%. The findings of this study might be applied to the development of environmentally friendly casings.

A wireless touch network is a distributed, self-organizing network of multiple sensors and actuators in combination with multiple sensors and a radio channel. Also, the security area of such a network can be several meters to several meters. The main difference between wireless sensor networks from traditional computer and telephone networks is the lack of a fixed infrastructure owned by a specific operator or provider. Each user terminal in a touch network is capable of acting as a terminal device only. Despite the long history of sensor networks, the concept of building a sensor network is not finally imposed and expressed in some software and hardware (platform) solutions. In this paper, the design and analysis of multicluster model of the sensor nodes in wireless sensor network with the help of solar energy. This proposed model provides the required energy to transmit the information between two end nodes in different cluster. The communication between the end to end clusters was increased based on this design. The implementation of sensory networks at the current stage depends largely on the specific needs of the industrial problem. The architecture, software, and hardware implementation technology is at an intensive development stage, attracting the attention of developers looking for a technological niche of future makers.

This study used a simple solution evaporation approach to make a bioinorganic titanium dioxide (Bi-TiO2) photocatalyst for dye contaminant degradation. A variety of techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and differential reflectance spectroscopy, had been employed to classify the structural and optical properties of the prepared bioinorganic photocatalyst (UV-DRS). Using simulated solar irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of the produced Bi-TiO2 nanoparticles was examined by detecting the degradation of a solution of methylene blue (MB) as a model dye molecule. The developed Bi-TiO2 photocatalyst demonstrates superior photocatalytic action than commercially available powder TiO2, according to photo-degradation experiments. E.coli and S.aureus bacterial strains were employed to assess the antibacterial activity of Bi-TiO2 nanoparticles. The most active molecules that gain antibacterial activity were examined in isolated or extracted components from the tulsi plant. The chosen compounds were docked with thymidylate kinase (TMPK), a potential therapeutic goal for the preparation of novel antibacterial drugs with the PDB ID of 4QGG. Five compounds, namely rosmarinic acid, vicenin-2, orientin, vitexin, and isoorientin, out of the 27 chosen compounds, showed a higher docking score and may aid in boosting antibacterial activity. The synthesized Bi-TiO2 nanoparticles produced antibacterial activity that was effective against Gram-positive bacteria. The nanomaterials that have been synthesized have a lot of potential in wastewater treatment and biomedical management technologies.

In this work, an attempt was made to machine the AZ91/5B4C/5Gr hybrid composites in a castor oil electric discharge medium with an objective of attaining green environment. The hybrid composites were produced using stir casting technique in a protective environment. Experiments were conducted by varying dielectric fluid (castor oil and hydrocarbon oil), tool materials (copper, graphite, and brass), polarity, current, pulse-on time, and gap distance in Al2O3 mixed dielectric medium. L36 Taguchi approach was adopted for the design of experiments, and machining performance was accessed in terms of material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), and surface roughness (Ra). Because of castor oil’s high thermal conductivity, high kinematic viscosity, and lower dielectric strength, the specimen exhibits 5% higher MRR than EDM oil. When the electrodes were connected to the negative polarity, the Ra was 1.72 μm and 3.66 μm at positive polarity; however, at negative polarity, the TWR was higher than the MRR. The high density and specific heat of castor oil facilitate flushing and uniform heat distribution; as a result, the composite had a Ra of 2.52 μm compared to 2.86 μm when machined with conventional EDM oil. Surface topography showed the specimen machined with hydrocarbon dielectric medium proffers black spots, which were eliminated in castor dielectric medium. Best parametric combination was selected by the Relative Index Method optimization technique.

In this paper, a new approach for Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) has been addressed by extracting colour, gray, advanced texture, and shape features for input query images. Contour-based shape feature extraction methods and image moment extraction techniques are used to extract the shape features and shape invariant features. The informative features are selected from extracted features and combined colour, gray, texture, and shape features by using PSO. The target image has been retrieved for the given query image by training the random forest classifier. The proposed colour, gray, advanced texture, shape feature, and random forest classifier with optimized PSO (CGATSFRFOPSO) provide efficient retrieval of images in a large-scale database. The main objective of this research work is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the CBIR system by extracting the features like colour, gray, texture, and shape from database images and query images. These extracted features are processed in various levels like removing redundancy by optimal feature selection and fusion by optimal weighted linear combination. The Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is used for selecting the informative features from gray and colour and texture features. The matching accuracy and the speed of image retrieval are improved by an ensemble of machine learning algorithms for the similarity search.

The Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo alloy was machined using the wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) method in this research. The consequences of input values like pulse on duration, wire tension, and wire feed on metal removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR) have indeed been observed. After conducting 27 experiments using Taguchi’s L27 type of research technique, empirical designing and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. For process optimization, the Taguchi technique, which is based on the grey relational analysis approach, is used. The results show that a material removal rate of 0.293 mm3/min was obtained with factors of 10 µs pulse on duration, 7 m/min of wire feed, and 12 g of wire tension (the higher the better), and surface roughness of 2.129 µm was obtained with factors of 6 µs pulse on duration, 3 m/min of wire feed, and 8 g of wire tension (the lower the better). The percentage of errors between results obtained and grey relational analysis (GRA) predicted results varies around 6%. Wire electrical discharge machining with Ti-6242 alloy to optimum conditions resulted in better MRR and surface integrity with good surface finish and integrity as evidenced by a substantial reduction in the crack formation, lumps, and accumulated surfaces.

In this research article, we investigate the physical and mechanical properties of composites comprised of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with 10% to 40% volume of bamboo fibre (BF). Chemical evaluation of BF revealed that BF has a cellulose content of 49.86%, hemicellulose content of 25.17%, and lignin content of 7.14%. As the UPR’s different connections, FTIR identified an interconnecting framework between the styrene monomer (ST) and the unsaturated polyester (UP). It was found by TGA-DTG that there were two breakdown phases. UPR’s physical and mechanical properties were found to be affected by increasing the amount of fibre in the material, with the water absorption rising from 0.7% to 2.81% and the density (1214.38 to 1168.83 kg/m), flexural strength (51.81 to 28.92 MPa), flexural modulus (2.78 to 2.83 GPa), and tensile strength (9.71 to 3.86 MPa) all decreasing at the same time. On the other hand, the hardness increased from 82.4 Shore D to 67.9 Shore D. Fibre distribution flaws in the UPR were found, affecting the composites' mechanical characteristics. By repurposing two waste products, this study helps create new materials that are better for the surroundings.

In this study, the design of a compact narrowband monopole antenna for bone crack detection is presented. The proposed antenna consists of a modified hexagon-shaped radiator with six triangular slits integrated on its bottom periphery, a rectangular-shaped ground plane, and a microstrip feed line of 50 Ω. The antenna is fabricated on the FR-4 substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm, an overall size of 32 mm × 30 mm, and electrical dimensions of 0.13λ0 × 0.122λ0, where λ0 is the free space wavelength at 2.45 GHz. The resonant frequency of the designed antenna is 2.45 GHz. The antenna offers a gain of 1.68 dB and an efficiency of 85.3%. The presence of a crack in the bone is detected by observing the shift in the peak resonating frequency of the antenna. This method can detect bone fractures in a noninvasive manner. The human arm model is constructed, and the effect of bone cracks of different lengths on the resonating frequency is investigated. The pig bone and tissues are used to validate the simulated results. The simulated results are in agreement with the measured outcomes. Also, the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the antenna is calculated and found to be less than 0.57 W/kg. The designed monopole antenna has several advantages, including a small footprint, straightforward design, low cost, and easy integration with other devices. The proposed method is suitable for primary-level bone crack diagnosis.

The ambition of this research work is to evaluate the hardness and wear behavior of titanium alloy reinforced with tungsten carbide particle (WC) composite prepared by powder metallurgy route. Titanium alloy with 5 and 10 wt% tungsten carbide reinforced particle (WC) composites was manufactured through powder metallurgy technique. The hardness and wear properties of the composite are measured in hardness and wear tests. The microstructures of the composite are evaluated by utilized optical microscopy. The fabricated titanium composites exhibit improved hardness and wear resistance. The hardness and wear specimens were prepared and tested by used Vickers hardness tester and a pin-on-disk wear test apparatus machine at room temperature. The hardness, wear rate, and CoF of TMCs are 476.79 VHN, 13.158 mg/m (×10−3), and 0.955420243, respectively. The results elucidated the microstructure, hardness, wear rate, coefficient of friction, and SEM images of wear for the effects of added reinforcement tungsten carbide.

The aerospace aluminium alloy AA7050 was reinforced with Al2O3 of average particle size 5 m in this study using the stir casting method. To eliminate surface imperfections, AA7050/Al2O3 composites with varied weight percentages (0, 2, 4, 6) were manufactured, and wear tests on composites were carried out utilizing a pin-on-disc apparatus that varied load, velocity, temperature, and weight %. The tensile and hardness tests were carried out at a high temperature. The inclusion of particles enhances wear resistance by establishing a mechanically mixed layer (MML), according to the findings. The wear resistance at 300°C was 100% higher in comparison with resistance at 150°C. Because of the Orowan strengthening and Hall–Petch effect, the tensile strength and hardness of composites enhanced. Temperature, tracked by the weight % of strengthening powders, was the most important factor that influences the wear resistance of the composites. The findings showed that the material properties of AA7050/4wt%Al2O3 at 150°C and AA7050/2wt%Al2O3 at 300°C are superior than base alloy.

Polymer nanocomposites are being used more widely in a variety of industries. As the compatibilizer, Elvaloy-AC-3427 (EAC) was used in addition to Cloisite 30B (C3B) as the reinforcement of filler in this research. For the production of Polyethylene/Cloisite 30B/Elvaloy AC-3427 nanomaterials, a twin-screw extruder is employed. Cloisite 30B was added to the Polyethylene matrix in the range of 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. The mechanical and thermal characteristics of the compounds have been examined. Nanocomposites were tested for their tribological properties utilizing abrasive wear load, C3B, and sliding distance which were all taken into consideration while performing the abrasive wear evaluations. Specific wear rate (SWR), coefficient of friction (COF), and weight loss were the abrasive wear test’s output metrics (SWR). For the purpose of enhancing the abrasive wear characteristics, grey relational analysis and grey fuzzy were used. An ANOVA was carried out to examine the connection between input parameters and output variables. Finally, the Polyethylene/Cloisite 30B/Elvaloy AC-3427 nanocomposites abraded wear samples were evaluated microscopically.

The enhancement of composites’ mechanical characteristics (tensile, compressive, and hardness) is a constant demand for technological advancement. The stir casting process is used to make the hybrid aluminium alloy metal matrix composites Al 6061-SiC-AlN in our present study. To create mechanical qualities such as tensile, compressive, and hardness, silicon carbide and aluminium nitride (both 3% and 6%) were utilized as the reinforcement. The tensile strength, compressive strength, and hardness of the Al 6061-SiC-AlN hybrid composites samples were determined. The tensile, compressive, and hardness parameters of Al 6061-SiC-AlN hybrid composites are estimated and evaluated to those of the matrix Al 6061 alloy. With the inclusion of silicon carbide and AlN nanoparticles, the tensile strength, compressive strength, and hardness increased from 328 to 385 MPa, 145 to 178 Mpa, and 302 to 724 VHN, respectively.