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In the present work, green synthesized plasmonic copper nanostructures derived from carbon quantum dots (PCQDs) activated ZnO microarrays (MAs) based catalyst system is developed and studied for photocatalytic activity and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting. CQDs are synthesized from pharmaceutical waste and used as a reducing agent to synthesize PCQDs of an average size of 10±2 nm. PCQDs decorated ZnO (PCQDs/ZnO) MAs exhibited enhanced photocurrent density of ∼7.1 mA/cm

We propose a theoretical study on the electrophoresis of core-shell composite soft particles considering the effect of hydrodynamic slip length of the hydrophobic inner core. The surface of the inner core as well as the soft polymeric shell bear zwitterionic functional groups and the charged conditions depend on the nearby micro-environment. Within a low potential and weak electric field framework, the mathematical equations of the generalized electrokinetic theory for soft surfaces are solved analytically subject to appropriate boundary conditions, and a general electrophoretic mobility expression in an integral form involving the pH-dependent electrostatic potential is derived. With the help of suitable numerical schemes, electrophoretic mobility can easily be obtained. The effect of hydrophobicity of the inner core on the electrophoretic mobility of pH-regulated soft particles is illustrated for a wide range of pertinent parameters.

Study the clinical profile of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in neonates, in relation to birth weight, gestational age and their immediate outcome. Prospective observational cross sectional study. All preterm, term and post term infants, appropriate for gestational age with birth weight, delivered normally or by caesarean section or forceps, fulfilling all the inclusion criteria for MAS who were admitted to NICU, during the 9 months from January 2020 to September 2020 were included in the study. Over nine months' period, 574 neonates were admitted in NICU under that 312 neonates were in respiratory distress, out of which78 neonates were suffered with MAS. A detailed antenatal and natal history was elicited. Complications during delivery and details of resuscitation at birth, was done wherever required. Endo-tracheal intubation was done and bag and tube ventilation was given wherever needed. In MAS neonates, APGAR score at 1 minute and 5 minutes and gestational age was assessed with New Ballard’s score. A detailed clinical examination was carried out and respiratory distress was monitored by using Downes score system. Score > 6 was taken as an indication for assisted ventilation. 574 babies were admitted to NICU during the study period and out of them 312 were with respiratory distress. During the study period 78 (25%) babies had MAS. Conservative management was given to 59 cases (75.64%) and only 19 cases (24.36%) needed artificial ventilation, where indication was birth asphyxia, acute respiratory failure or other complications like pneumothorax. Out of 19 ventilated babies, 15 babies died and 4 babies survived and were discharged in good health. Conclusions: 1.Increased incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome was associated with increase in the gestational age (more in term and post term neonate, birth weight > 2.5kgs, 2. Highest mortality was associated with thick meconium and with low APGAR score at 5 minutes.

In this article we made a systematic study of the electrokinetically driven flow through a long nanochannel patterned with charged hydrophobic patch embedded along the walls. The hydrophobic patch possess either similar or opposite charge to that of the hydrophilic portion of the channel wall. The hydrodynamic slip length is considered to be a function of the surface charge distributed along the patch. We consider the aqueous medium as binary symmetric electrolyte solution with constant property Newtonian fluid. We adopt a nonlinear model based on the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations coupled with Navier–Stokes equations. The coupled set of governing equations are solved using a finite volume method. We use a higher order upwind based total variation diminishing (TVD) scheme to discretize the convective and electromigration terms (i.e., hyperbolic terms) and the central difference scheme is used to discretize the diffusion term. We have identified several interesting key features of the modulation of electroosmotic flow (EOF) through such a nanochannel. An enhancement or a reduction in average flow rate may be achieved depending on the polarity of the charges distributed along the hydrophobic or hydrophilic portion of the channel wall. We have also shown that the reversal in EOF may occur depending on the critical choice of the pertinent parameters. We have further studied the selectivity of mobile ions by regulating the charge properties of the channel walls.

Insensitive munitions are munitions that are chemically stable enough to withstand thermal, mechanical, or electrical stimuli during storage and transportation, and can still explode as intended to defeat their targets. Extensive programmes have evolved worldwide for the development and introduction of insensitive munitions (IMs). The use of insensitive energetic materials significantly improves the protection of modern nuclear warheads and increases the survivability of conventional munitions in hustle environment. The most basic level to obtain insensitive munitions is the use of intrinsic insensitive energetic materials, either by synthesizing new, less sensitive crystalline materials or by improving the physical properties of existing sensitive materials. In light of the growing importance of insensitive munitions, this review paper brings out some potential insensitive energetic materials and plasticizers emphasizing their significant role in the development of futuristic IM formulations. This review also concisely brings out the recent work carried out globally, including India, on the development of advanced energetic materials and their insensitive energetic formulations.

There are several methods (empirical, statistical, and machine learning tools) to calculate blast-induced ground vibration. Still, due to complications in the blasting procedure, under varying blasting loads and strata conditions, it is not easy to predict and simulate blast vibration precisely. Therefore, a study was conducted to simulate the field blast data in Ansys software using explicit dynamics. For this study, monitoring of ground vibration for 20 single hole blasts was carried out. The density of emulsion explosives was in the range of 0.9 to 1.15 g/cc. In the laboratory, rock properties were determined from the rock sample collected from the mine site before blasting. The in-hole velocity of detonation (VoD) and the density of the emulsion explosive were also determined. These parameters were used for numerical analysis to know the ground vibrations at specified points. The results of ground vibration predicted by the model are validated using field data.

We designed a non-linear composite metamaterial made up of sandwiched fused silica glass with silver in an alternate manner with the magnitude of thickness is adjusted so that ε'=0 in the near infrared range., and the structure’s optical behaviour is theoretically studied. It shows a shift from negative to positive in the real component of dielectric permittivity as a function of wavelength. we also have studied the variation of ENZ wavelength with thickness of dielectric layer and plasma frequency. By using the Maxwell Garnett theory, we have calculated non-linear optical properties, and we find that as we increase the thickness of dielectric material the ENZ wavelength increases along with the increases in real part of non-linear susceptibility. A significant enhancement in nonlinear parameters has been also observed at ENZ wavelength due to the ENZ nature of the composite material.

In this article, we made a parametric study on the electrophoresis of charge-regulated soft particle. We consider a typical situation where the outer polyelectrolyte layer (PEL) carries zwitterionic functional group (e.g., succinoglycan). In addition, the inner rigid core is considered to be made of either silicon dioxide (SiO2) or titanium dioxide (TiO2), which produces zwitterionic surface charge. The mathematical model adopted here is based on the Poisson-Boltzmann equation for electric potential and Darcy-Brinkman and Stokes equation for the fluid flow across the surface PEL and electrolyte medium, respectively. In our current study, we have restricted ourselves with the low charge and weak electric field assumption. Using semi-analytical method, we solve the governing equations and electrophoretic mobility of core-shell particle is obtained. We have studied extensively the effects of the pH and concentration of bulk electrolyte, charge properties of the inner core surface and outer PEL, radius of the inner core, and thickness of outer PEL, on the overall electrophoretic behavior of the undertaken particle. We have also highlighted the change in sign in electrophoretic mobility by regulating the pertinent parameters governing the problem.

Background: Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of regular monitoring of blood glucose in early diagnosis of hypoglycemia in breastfed late preterm neonate. A total of 100 consecutively born bre Methods: astfed late preterm neonates were studied and assessed for development of hypoglycemia against age of onset, symptomatology, gestational age and sex of the baby, parity and age of mother, and mode of delivery. Serial blood glucose was done at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of life to identify hypoglycemia. Blood glucose was estimated from heel prick capillary samples using glucometer. Association of both maternal and neonatal risk factors was studied in relation to hypoglycemia. The overall incidence of hypoglycemia was 15%. O Results: ut of 15 hypoglycemic babies 12(80%) developed symptoms and only 3(20%) were asymptomatic. Most (90%) of the hypoglycemia occurred on the rst day of life. Babies born to primi mothers were more prone for hypoglycemia (25%). Highest incidence was seen in babies weighing less than 2 kg (50%). Symptoms of hypoglycemia included poor feeding (66%), lethargy (58%), jitteriness (41%), and weak cry (25%). Th Conclusion: ere is a signicant incidence of hypoglycemia in late preterm babies in spite of being on breast feeds. Babies born to primiparous mothers are more prone for hypoglycemia. Also hypoglycemia was very high in babies having birth weight below 2 kg. Therefore it is very important to regularly monitor the blood glucose levels in all late preterm babies even if they are on exclusive breast feeding.

Objective: In this study our main aims to know the clinical profile of pediatric enteric fever and the sensitivity pattern of the disease to drugs in this region. Methodology: This prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital at Dhaka from March to December 2019 among suspected case of Enteric fever as per case definition. Among 212 suspected enteric fever 117 children were diagnosed as enteric fever by blood culture and/or Widal test. Results: During the study, Male: female were 1.3: 1. Maximum (70%) children were in age group 5 years or more. Most of the children were from urban slum area (53.6%) of Dhaka city. Cases were admitted throughout the year. Common presentation were fever (100%), anorexia (100%), pain abdomen (74.4%) and loose motions (46.1%). The common signs were hepatomegaly (41.9%), hepatosplenomegaly (5.1%) coated tongue (64.9%), pallor (74.4%). The complications rate was 35.9% and commonest being UTI and pneumonia. The overall positivity of Widal test was 89.7% and the culture positivity was 32.5%. Among isolates, 94.7%were Salmonella typhi and 5.3% Salmonella paratyphi A. Among them18.1% isolates were multi drug resistant. Conclusion: Enteric fever is most prevalent during summer & rainy session. WASA supplied water may play a role. Hepatomegaly is common. UTI and pneumonia are the commonest complication. Multidrug resistant cases are not so as high as other countries. Cefixime, Ceftriaxone. Meropenam and Ofloxacine are the drugs of choice. Ciprofloxacin is still could be chosen for the treatment of enteric fever. Higher rate of resistant to Azithromycin is alarming.

Background: A typical musculotendinous degenerative condition of the extensors cause at the humerus lateral epicondyle is known as Lateral epicondylitis. Various treatment methods are used in treating lateral epicondylitis. Methods: Thirty Participants with Lateral Epicondylitis shall be recruited in a comparative experimental study. Subjects will be randomized to either (1) Supervised Exercise Programme group, or (2) Cyriax Physiotherapy group. Over a 4-week time period, a 3 times in week for the total of 12 sessions, immediately following baseline assessment and randomization, subjects in both groups will receive Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis muscle’s static stretching along with the wrist extensor’s eccentric strengthening and Ultrasound and transverse deep friction massage for 10 min with Mill’s manipulation and Ultrasound respectively. Discussion: Effectiveness of the interventions on the pain and the functional improvement will be assessed by visual analogue scale and the Tennis Elbow Function Scale respectively.

Hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)-based sheet explosive incorporating spherical 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) as a partial replacement of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX) wa...

Background:- Bad posture while working puts excessive stress and strain on low back. These inturn contribute significantly to the development of the spasm–pain–spasm process, which ultimatelyresults in the development of myofascial trigger points(MTrPs) in the muscle fibers. This is due to thereduced blood supply that leads to a decrease in the supply of oxygen and also minerals and vitaminsto the muscle Active release technique(ART), a non-invasive soft tissue restoration procedure includesreducing the scar tissue that induces discomfort, stiffness, muscle weakness and unusual pain likemechanical dysfunction of the myofascial and soft tissue.Methodology:- This experimental study will be conducted with population of 40 aging from 18 to 25dividing them equally into two group with simple random sampling. The participants of one group will begiven active release technique with hot fomentation while the other group will receive hot fomentation. Corestrengthening exercises will be given to both the groups.Conclusion:- This study intends to find the effectiveness of active release technique in reduction of pain,muscle stiffness and muscle hardness in patients with non-specific low back pain and also the resultantimprovement in their quality of life

This chapter provides an overview of these issues and suggests approaches to water management in the Ganga basin. The Ganga river basin is one of the most dynamic, productive and diverse river basins in the world and is a part of the composite Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin, which lies in China, Nepal, India and Bangladesh. The river Ganges receives sediments from the Himalayas as well as the Peninsular region. The water-related issues of the basin are both due to high and low flow. People believe that the river water never spoils even if stored for decades and has germ-killing quality. Major human impacts on river Ganga, as in other tropical streams, are excessive water abstraction for irrigation and human consumption, and related alterations in longitudinal, lateral and vertical riverine connectivity; over-exploitation of other resources; deforestation in the entire basin, particularly catchments; and high levels of pollution from different sources.

In this paper we consider the electrophoresis of a functionalized nanoparticle in electrolyte solution. The undertaken particle is comprised of a rigid inner core encapsulated with a layer of dielectric liquid (e.g., oil or lipid layer), which is immiscible to the bulk aqueous medium. The peripheral liquid layer of the undertaken nanoparticle contains mobile charges due to presence of solubilized surfactants. The mobile electrolyte ions can penetrate across the peripheral layer depending on the difference in the Born energy of the both phases. Such types of nanoparticles have received substantial attention due to their widespread applications in biomedical research. The electric double layer (EDL) is governed by the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation under a low potential limit and the electroosmotic flow field is governed by modified Stokes equation. We adopt the flat-plate formalism to obtain the closed analytical expression for the electrophoretic mobility of the undertaken particle under a thin EDL approximation. The dependence of electrophoretic mobility on the pertinent parameters is also illustrated.

Blockchain has been applied to quality control in manufacturing, but the problems of false defect detections and lack of data transparency remain. This paper proposes a framework, Blockchain Quality Controller (BCQC), to overcome these limitations while fortifying data security. BCQC utilizes blockchain and Internet-of-Things to form a peer-to-peer supervision network. This paper also proposes a consensus algorithm, Quality Defect Tolerance (QDT), to adopt blockchain for during-production quality control. Simulation results show that BCQC enhances data security and improves defect detections. Although the time taken for the quality control process increases with the number of nodes in blockchain, the application of QDT allows multiple inspections on a workpiece to be consolidated at a faster pace, effectively speeding up the entire quality control process. The BCQC and QDT can improve the quality of parts produced for mass personalization manufacturing.

Organic pollutants such as dyes and pharmaceutical drugs have become an environmental menace, particularly in water bodies owing to their unregulated discharge. It is thus required to develop an economically viable and environment-friendly approach for their degradation in water bodies. In this study, for the first time, we report green route-synthesized plasmonic nanostructures (P

Fuel rich explosive charges consisting of excess metal in the formulations are designed to create enhanced blast effects through the post detonation reactions in anaerobic and aerobic phases. For metallised explosives, the nature of confinement can significantly affect the casing rupture time and the expansion of detonation products. The confinement is likely to increase the residence time of heated metal particles in the detonation product zone thereby improving the ignition and combustion efficiency. In the present study, the effect of casing on the performance of a fuel rich explosive composition based on RDX, Al and HTPB was studied in field experiments. The results are correlated to the observations from numerical modeling of the detonation, case rupture and blast phenomena modeled using thermochemical equilibrium code and eulerian hydrocode SPEED. The results suggest that the confinement helps in enhancing the blast and thermal impulses which are the primary performance parameters for this class of explosives.

Aim: To evaluate the role of platelet parameters in dengue fever and also to determine relationship of platelet parameters with platelet count and the severity of the disease. The platelet para Materials and methods: meters [platelet count, plateletcrit, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW)] of 50 dengue infected children were calculated using BC 3000 plus Mindray Automated Hematology Analyzer. Normal range of MPV is 7.5-11.5 . Plateletcrit cut off value in thrombocytopenia is 0.2-0.36%. The PDW reported varies with reference intervals ranging from 8.3 to 56.6%. Subjects were divided into four groups according to their platelet count on day 3 of illness (100,000 cells/cumm). Platelet indices were studied among these groups and also the indices were evaluated with respect to the severity of disease as group A (dengue without warning signs), group B (dengue with warning signs and group C (severe dengue). Results: Male: female ratio was 28:22. Mean age of presentation was 7.8 + 2.2 years. Thirty-ve patients belonged to Group A, 26 to group B and 2 belonged to group C. PLT (cells/cumm) on Day 3 and Day 7 was 91,828 ±33,532 vs 195,371 + 70,586 in Group A patients (p

It is of critical importance to know multiple factors that can adversely impact operative outcome following ankle trauma and authors are to be commended for underlining various predicting factors. We believe that one more factor that may be considered in this context is the perioperative Vitamin D level in cases of ankle fracture fixation

Introduction: Febrile seizures are a common paediatric emergency. Recent studies have postulated iron deficiency in the pathogenesis of simple febrile seizures. Objective: To determine the association between serum ferritin levels and simple febrile seizures Method: This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur, Bihar. Consecutive cases were selected for the study and concurrent age matched controls were selected from the same setting. Controls were selected from age matched population of children attending the outpatient department for short febrile illness without seizures. Cases and controls were selected in a 1:1 ratio. Data obtained was statistically analyzed with SPSS version 11 software. Results: Serum ferritin (P=0.012), haemoglobin (P=0.042) and haematocrit (P=0.029) were found to be significantly lower in children with febrile seizures than controls.

In the context of Indian nuclear power programme, thorium has always had a prominent place due to its unique resource position with large thorium deposits and limited uranium reserves. A three-stage programme has been devised to efficiently utilise the available resources in a sustainable manner. Work on thorium fuel cycle has therefore been carried out right from the inception of Indian nuclear power programme. Engineering scale studies have been carried out on all aspects of the thorium fuel cycle - mining and extraction, fuel fabrication, utilisation in different reactor systems, evaluation of its various properties and irradiation behaviour, reprocessing and recycling. To provide impetus to these studies and to embark on a large-scale programme, the thorium fuel cycle based Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) is being developed. The large-scale deployment of thorium based reactors will also require several additional features such as economic competitiveness, practically no impact on public domain, and enhanced safety which has several technological challenges to be overcome. The paper brings out the design aspects of the AHWR besides the ongoing work on other thorium based reactors such as the High Temperature Reactor (HTR) and the Molten Salt Reactor (MSR).

High Temperature Reactor technology development programme was initiated in India with an aim to provide high temperature process heat for nuclear hydrogen production by splitting water. As high efficiency hydrogen production needs process heat at temperatures around 1123 K, a challenging technology development goal for the high temperature reactors was set to achieve coolant temperature of 1273 K. Currently development is in progress for a Compact High Temperature Reactor (CHTR), and a 600 MWth Innovative High Temperature Reactor (IHTR). Current design version of CHTR has 235U based TRISO (TRistructural-ISOtropic) coated particle fuel, Beryllium oxide (BeO) as moderator, graphite as reflector, and lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) as the coolant. The design incorporates many passive safety features for reactor heat removal. Current design version of IHTR is based on pebble bed fuel configuration with molten salt as coolant. For both the reactors, reactor heat is removed passively by natural circulation of the coolant. Technology development for these reactors include development of TRISO coated particle fuel, lead-bismuth eutectic and molten salt coolant technologies, BeO and graphite, oxidation resistant coatings, high creep strength alloys compatible to these coolants, high temperature instrumentation for these coolants, as well as high efficiency hydrogen production and electricity generation technologies.

A plastic-bonded explosive (PBX) in the form of a sheet was formulated comprising of 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and an hybrid binder system containing a linear thermoplastic polyurethane and a fluoroelastomer (Viton). The effect of a fluoroelastomer on the explosive as well as mechanical properties and thermal behavior of sheet explosive formulations were investigated and compared with a control formulation containing 90 % of RDX and 10 % of natural rubber (ISNR-5). The replacement of 10 % natural rubber by a hybrid binder system led to an increase in the velocity of detonation (VOD) of the order of 250–950 m s−1 and better mechanical properties in terms of tensile strength (1.9–2.5 MPa) compared to the control formulation (RDX/ISNR-5 (90/10)). The compatibility of ingredients and thermal decomposition kinetics of selected sheet explosive formulations were investigated by vacuum stability tests and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results suggested better compatibility of RDX with the hybrid binder system (polyurethane/Viton), which is useful to reduce potential hazards in handling, processing, and storage.

The present investigation reports the use of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) in sheet explosive formulations. In this study, hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) based sheet explosives were prepared incorporating the powerful explosive CL-20 as a partial replacement for hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine(RDX). The effects of incorporating CL-20 on the performance, sensitivity, thermal and mechanical properties of the sheet explosive compositions are reported. Sheet explosive formulation containing 80% of RDX and 20% of HTPB-binder was studied as control sample. HTPBbinder consisted of 12% HTPB, 2.9% dioctyl adipate (DOA) and 5.1% dioctyl phthalate (DOP). HTPB was cured with 4,4’-methylene diphenyl di-isocyanate (MDI) to form urethane linkages. The incorporation of 20% of CL-20 in place of RDX led to a remarkable increase in the velocity of detonation (VOD), of the order of 7680 m/s, and to better mechanical properties in terms of tensile strength (1.14 MPa) compared to the control formulation [RDX /HTPB-binder (80/20)]. The 20% CL-20 incorporated sheet explosive formulation also showed remarkable increases in impact and shock sensitivity. Thermal analysis of the sheet explosive compositions has also been carried out using differential scanning

This article deals with a semi-analytical study on the electrophoresis of charged spherical rigid colloid by considering the effects of relaxation and ion size. The particle surface is taken to be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic in nature. In order to consider the ion size effect we have invoked the Carnahan and Starling model (J. Chem. Phys. 1969, 51, 635-636). The mathematical model is based on Stokes equation for fluid flow, modified Boltzmann equation for spatial distribution of ionic species and Poisson equation for electric potential. We adopt a linear perturbation technique under a weak electric field assumption. An iterative numerical technique in employed to solve the coupled set of perturbed equations. We have validated the numerically obtained electrophoretic mobility with the corresponding analytical solution derived under low potential limit. Going beyond the widely employed Debye-Huckel linearization, we have presented the results for a wide range of surface charge density, electrolyte concentration, and slip length to Debye length ratio. We have also identified several interesting features including occurrence of local maxima and minima in the mobility for critical choice of pertinent parameters.

The third stage of Indian nuclear power programme envisages the use of thorium as the fertile material with 233U, which would be obtained from the operation of Pu/Th based fast reactors in the later part of the second stage. Thorium-based reactors have been designed in many configurations, from light water-cooled designs to high-temperature liquid metal-cooled options. Another option, which holds promise, is the molten salt-fuelled reactor, which can be configured to give significant breeding ratios. A crucial part for achieving reasonable breeding in such reactors is the need to reprocess the salt continuously, either online or in batch mode. India has recently started carrying out fundamental studies so as to arrive at a conceptual design of Indian molten salt breeder reactor (IMSBR). Presently, various design options and possibilities are being studied from the point of view of reactor physics and thermal hydraulic design. In parallel, fundamental studies on natural circulation and corrosion behaviour of various molten salts have also been initiated.

BACKGROUND To assess the immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) neu receptor in breast cancer and their associations with various clinicopathological characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of women who presented with primary, unilateral breast cancer in the Department of Medical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Delhi, India during the period from January 2008 to December 2011. Data were retrieved from the medical records of the hospital including both early and locally advanced cancer cases. ER, PgR and HER2neu expression in these patients was assessed and triple negative patients were identified. Associations of triple negative and non-triple negative groups with clinicopathological characteristics were also evaluated. RESULTS A total of 1,284 women (mean age 52.1 years, 41.9% premenopausal) were included in the analysis. Hormone receptor positivity (ER and/or PgR) was seen in 63.4% patients, while 23.8% of tumors were triple negative. Only 23.0% were HER2 positive. Around 10.0% of tumors were both ER and HER2 positive. ER and PgR positivity was significantly associated with negative HER2 status (p-value

The recent Fukushima accident has resulted in an increased need for passive safety systems in upcoming advanced reactors. In order to enhance the global contribution and acceptability of nuclear energy, proven evidence is required to show that it is not only green but also safe, in case of extreme natural events. To achieve and establish this fact, we need to design, demonstrate and incorporate reliable ‘passive safety systems’ in our advanced reactor designs. In Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), the use of passive safety systems such as accumulators, condensing and evaporative heat exchangers and gravity driven cooling systems provide enhanced safety and reliability. In addition, they eliminate the huge costs associated with the installation, maintenance and operation of active safety systems that require multiple pumps with independent and redundant electric power supplies. As a result, passive safety systems are preferred for numerous advanced reactor concepts. In current NPPs, passive safety systems which are not participating in day to day operation, are kept isolated, and require a signal and external energy source to open the valve. It is proposed to replace these valves by passive components and devices such as self-acting valves, rupture disks, etc. Some of these innovative passive valves, which do not require external power, have been recently designed, developed and tested at rated conditions. These valves are proposed to be used for various passive safety systems of an upcoming Nuclear Power Plant being designed by India. For example, the Hot Shutdown Passive Valves (HSPV), developed for the decay heat removal system keep the main heat transport system under hot conditions by passively sensing and controlling the system pressure. Another crucial and important valve which has been successfully developed is the Poison Injection Passive Valve (PIPV) for the Passive Poison Injection System. It not only provides higher reliability, but also ensures safe shutdown of the reactor in case of insider threats or malevolent acts in disabling active shutdown system of the reactor. Recently, an innovative valve called the Accumulator Isolation Passive Valve (AIPV) has been developed for the Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS), which is engineered to mitigate the consequences of Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA). During normal operation of the reactor, the pressurized accumulators (55 bar) are kept isolated from the reactor core (70 bar) by means of AIPVs. In case of a LOCA, these passive valves open when the main heat transport system pressure falls to a desired value. For prolonged cooling of the core, these passive valves regulate the discharge in a desired manner. These are non-standard, high pressure and high temperature valves, which are unavailable commercially and hence have to be indigenously designed and developed. This paper primarily deals with the design, development and testing of Accumulator Isolation Passive Valves (AIPV) proposed to be used in the ECCS. A 25 NB size AIPV has been designed and successfully tested at Integral Test Loop (ITL) under simulated reactor conditions. It is a self-acting, ANSI 600 rating valve, which requires no external energy (i.e., neither air nor electrical power). It not only provides passive isolation but also passively controls high pressure liquid discharge through it. The design concept of the valve, functional performance, in situ valve testing methodology and the test results at simulated conditions are discussed.

This consensus document is based on the guidelines related to the management of Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma (High grade) in the Indian population as proposed by the core expert committee. Accurate diagnosis in hematolymphoid neoplasm requires a combination of detailed history,clinical examination, and various investigations including routine laboratory tests, good quality histology section (of tumor and also bone marrow aspirate/biopsy), immunostaining, cytogenetic and molecular studies and radiology investigations. The staging system used for adult high grade lymphomas is based on the Ann Arbor system and includes various parameters like clinical, haematology, biochemistry, serology and radiology. Response should be evaluated with radiological evaluation after 3-4 cycles and at the end of treatment based on criteria including and excluding PET. Treatment of high grade lymphomas is based on histologic subtype, extent of disease, and age of the patient. Autologous stem cell transplantation after high dose chemotherapy is effective in the treatment of relapsed NHL. Newer RT techniques like 3 dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can significantly reduce radiation doses to surrounding normal tissues in lymphoma patients. Patients should be followed up every 3 to 4 months for the first 2 years, followed by 6 monthly for the next 3 years and then annually.

Stratum corneum showed increased proliferative activity on the patches of leprosy as evidenced by a significantly fast stratum corneum turnover time (p 0.001) measured by fluorescent staining technic with dansyl chloride. These findings suggest imperfect keratinization on the patches of leprosy leading to formation of structurally weak stratum corneum.

This paper examines economic deprivations among elderly and non-elderly households in India, using data from the National Family Health Survey-3 (2005-2006). Economic deprivation is measured with respect to the asset poor, derived from a set of economic proxies, such as housing quality, household amenities, land ownership and consumer durables, using the principal component analysis. Results show that the poverty level among older persons living in nuclear households was very high compared with that among older persons living in non-nuclear households or households without any elderly. This paper therefore suggests an analysis of the poverty data by integrating the type of households and living arrangements for the elderly to ensure evidence-based policies and programmes. It also suggests that all elderly living in nuclear households with little or no education be included in existing social pension systems and incentives be provided to promote co-residence among older persons.

Following the Fukushima accident, the safety features of Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) are being re-examined worldwide including India to demonstrate capabilities to cope with severe accidents. In order to restore public confidence and support for nuclear power, it is felt necessary to design future NPPs with near zero impact outside the plant boundary and thus enabling elimination of emergency planning in public domain. Authors have identified a set of safety features which are needed to be incorporated in advanced reactors to achieve this goal. These features enabling prevention, termination, mitigation and containment of radioactivity for beyond design basis accidents arising from extreme natural events are essential for achieving the goal of elimination of emergency planning in public domain. Inherent safety characteristics, passive and engineered safety features to achieve these functions are discussed in this paper. Present trends and future developments in this direction are also described briefly.

In this paper, electric and magnetic resonances induced in the ellipsoidal dielectric nanoparticles in the optical range have been analyzed. Circular displacement currents excited inside the elliptical nano-particles by the incident light result in magnetic dipolar resonance in the dielectric nanoparticles. Kerker’s type scattering is observed due to the mutual interference of electric and magnetic resonances. The effect on the resonance conditions with the variation in the relative permittivity from Er= 5 to Er= 20 of the ellipsoidal nanoparticle has been observed. It has been analyzed that peaks of electric and magnetic resonances come closer by decreasing the electric permittivity of the nanoparticle, which leads to the increase in the directionality in the forward direction, as verified using Generalized Kerker’s condition. Further, far field scattering patterns have been obtained using the finite element method. Here, the electric and magnetic resonances have been optically induced up to quadrupolar modes. There is enhancement of the directionality in the forward direction when electric and magnetic resonances are in phase. Further, the effect of size of the linear array of ellipsoidal nanoparticles on the directionality has been analyzed. It has been observed that there is increase in the directivity by increasing the chain of the nanoparticles. Thus, the ellipsoidal nanoparticles can lead to the design of low loss and highly directional optical nanoantennas.

In this paper, enhanced image resolution by modification in the two dimensional (2-D) photonic crystal structures has been proposed. The equal frequency contour (EFC) analysis have been done using plane wave expansion method which shows that the structure exhibits an effective isotropic refractive index, neff = -1 at a normalized frequency of ω = 0.2908(2πc/a) for TM polarization, located near the second band. At ω = 0.2908(2πc/a) for TM polarization, the considered PhC structure behaves as a superlens, as analyzed using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The image resolution and stability of the photonic crystal slab lens has been enhanced by creating disorder in the top and bottom layer of the PhC structure. The intensity field distributions of the optimized structure exhibit the enhanced image quality with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.311 λ. The proposed structure can also be used to sense the different type of blood constituents.

The use of thorium is necessary from a long-term objective of sustainability of nuclear energy resources in India. Its use requires reprocessing to separate the fissile 233U for sustained operation using 232Th–233U. Over the years, owing to sustained technology developmental initiatives, India has gained significant experience in all aspects of the thorium fuel cycle. In addition to briefly explaining advantages and challenges of thorium fuel cycle, this paper covers the Indian experiences in this direction. It also briefly describes the designs of Indian reactors based on thorium fuel cycle, for example, the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR), as well as conceptual designs of proposed future reactor systems.

Background: The present study was conducted to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety and adequacy of surgical margins with salvage transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for recurrent or residual head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients who underwent salvage TORS using the 'DaVinci' robot were enrolled in the study and data related to their surgical time, complications and functional outcome were recorded. Results: The feasibility of salvage TORS in our study was observed to be 100%. Positive margins were encountered in only 6.7% of patients. Mean blood loss was 23.3 ml with no patient requiring blood transfusion. Postoperative complications in the form of primary haemorrhage requiring active surgical intervention occurred in 13.3%. Oral feeding could be started as early as the 3rd postoperative day in a few patients, with nasogastric tubes being removed on the 12th postoperative day. Long term gastrostomy tube dependency was seen in 10% cases. Median survival of patients was 19 months. Conclusions: Salvage TORS is a safe, effective and feasible option in the management of treatment failure cases. It offers an alternative surgical approach with unexpected benefits in terms of tracheostomy tube use, Ryle's tube and gastrostomy dependence.

BACKGROUND The study evaluated the patient, lifestyle and tumor profile in patients undergoing upfront surgery for sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) in Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred consecutive patients were included. Details related to their demographic profile, habits, signs and symptoms, tumor profile, further treatment and follow up were recorded. RESULTS The majority of the patients had colonic cancer (68%), advanced tumor stage 3 and 4 (46%), moderately differentiated tumors (70%) with absence of lymphatic invasion (60%) and metastasis (90%). Correlations between tumor location and abdominal pain (p-value 0.002), bleeding per rectum (p-value

Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) is a pressure tube type boiling water reactor employing natural circulation as the mode of heat removal under all the operating conditions. Main heat transport system (MHTS) of AHWR is essentially a multi-loop natural circulation system with all the loops connected to each other. Each loop of MHTS has a steam drum that provides for gravity based steam–water separation. Steam drum level is a very critical parameter especially in multi-loop natural circulation systems as large departures from the set point may lead to ineffective separation of steam–water or may affect the driving head. However, such a system is susceptible to steam drum level anomalies under postulated asymmetrical operating conditions among the different quadrants of the core like feedwater flow distribution anomaly among the steam drums or power anomaly among the core quadrants. Analyses were carried out to probe such scenarios and unravel the underlying dynamics of steam drum level using system code RELAP5/Mod3.2. In addition, a scheme to obviate such problem in a passive manner without dependence on level controller was examined. It was concluded that steam drums need to be connected in the liquid as well as steam space to make the system tolerant to asymmetrical operating conditions.

Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) is increasingly getting more attraction as the coolant for advanced reactor systems. It is also the primary coolant of the Compact High Temperature Reactor (CHTR), being designed at BARC. A loop has been set up for thermal hydraulics, instrument development and material related studies relevant to CHTR. Steady state natural circulation experimental studies were carried out for different power levels. Transient studies for start-up of natural circulation in the loop, loss of heat sink and step power change have also been carried out. An 1D code named LeBENC has been developed at BARC to simulate the natural circulation characteristics in closed loops. The salient features of the code include ability to handle non-uniform diameter components, axial thermal conduction in fluid and heat losses from the piping to the environment. This paper deals with the experimental studies carried out in the loop. Detailed validation of the LeBENC code with the experimental data is also discussed in the paper.

PurposeThis paper seeks to establish relationships between women's reproductive health service use, assessed longitudinally and by facility type, with service quality perceptions related to public or private health facilities.Design/methodology/approachThe study was mainly secondary and quantitative in nature. It included analysing data collected by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) and The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) as a follow‐up study to the 1998‐1999 National Family Health Survey (NFHS‐2). The follow‐up survey was carried out in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand. In 2002‐2003, these four states were selected to capture socio‐economic and demographic variations. Analysis includes composite indices and logistic regression analysis. A scale was constructed to measure utilisation levels. Dimensions include: service proximity, doctor availability, waiting time, medicines, facility cleanliness, dignified treatment, privacy, service affordability and treatment effectiveness.FindingsFindings indicate that doctor availability, waiting time, cleanliness, privacy and affordability at private health facilities enhance the probability that a health facility will be used for any reproductive health purpose. At the combined states level, medicine availability and treatment effectiveness at public health facilities enhances service use.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation is that the study includes only selected Indian states.Practical implicationsThe findings may enhance Indian service‐quality policy.Originality/valueThe paper's main contribution is that seemingly for the first time in India, healthcare service use has been measured longitudinally and then explained through service quality variables by comparing public and private health facilities.

Aluminized high explosives are known to give better underwater performance. All explosive formulations for underwater targets are filled into warheads and shells by casting method. TNT, a high explosive is used as casting medium due to its lower melting point. Plastic bonded explosives are fast replacing TNT-based high explosive formulations for the reasons that they are more insensitive and low vulnerable explosives with better shelf life. Few aluminized plastic bonded explosive formulations based on RDX, aluminum, and HTPB have been processed, varying the aluminum content from 0 to 35% and evaluated underwater. The present paper discusses the experimental methodology adopted to evaluate the above formulations for their ballistic parameters, viz., peak over pressure and impulse. Explosion bulge tests have been conducted with each explosive formulation and extent of bulge in test plates is presented and compared with a standard underwater explosive, viz., HBX-3.