An attempt at optimizing the flow characteristics of blast furnace slag by investigation with synthetic slag prepared in the laboratory using pure oxides

In the cohesive zone the ore layer becomes compacted due to softening-melting and the gas passes predominantly through the sandwiched coke layer (coke slits). Minimizing the size and lowering the position of the cohesive zone will improve productivity and decrease coke rate. This work is designed at arriving at a slag composition through actual experimentations which will ensure the lowering of the cohesive zone of the blast furnace with simultaneous decrease in the difference between the softening temperature (ST) and flow temperature (FT) of the slag. Slag samples from SAIL, Rourkela were brought and their flow characteristics were measured under the heating microscope. With the same composition as obtained from the plant, a synthetic slag was prepared in the laboratory. It was melted to 1600 °C and then water quenched to form the glassy state. Flow characteristics for the same were also determined. In addition, all slag samples were sent to DISIR, Rajgangpur for slag analysis as well as to determine the mineralogical phases present in them. For this, they heated the slag samples to 1500 °C followed by slow cooling to convert them to crystalline form. Then, XRD analysis was done to determine the mineralogical phases. Finally, with relevant phase diagram study, we arrived at a composition which will ensure the lowering of cohesive zone. Moreover, flow characteristics data of synthetic slag was compared with that obtained from Blast Furnace slag

Design of a GSM 900 Energy Harvesting Model for a Remote-Control device

This paper deals with designing and simulation of an efficient RF-DC energy harvesting system for a remote control device. GSM downlink frequency of 935MHz to 960MHz and uplink frequency of 890MHz to 915MHz is taken as the RF source with centre frequency as 950MHz and 900MHz respectively. The simulation model has been created by using Advanced Design System (ADS) software. The performance of the circuit has been tested with matching and without matching circuits. The output voltage obtained was 0.372V DC and maximum efficiency up to 35.73% was achieved for the downlink GSM frequency by the lumped method for -10dB input source power. By considering more number of rectifier stages, output DC voltage can be increased and it can be utilized for replacing the DC battery of the remote control device

Design of a GSM 900 Energy Harvesting Model for a Remote-Control device

This paper deals with designing and simulation of an efficient RF-DC energy harvesting system for a remote control device. GSM downlink frequency of 935MHz to 960MHz and uplink frequency of 890MHz to 915MHz is taken as the RF source with centre frequency as 950MHz and 900MHz respectively. The simulation model has been created by using Advanced Design System (ADS) software. The performance of the circuit has been tested with matching and without matching circuits. The output voltage obtained was 0.372V DC and maximum efficiency up to 35.73% was achieved for the downlink GSM frequency by the lumped method for -10dB input source power. By considering more number of rectifier stages, output DC voltage can be increased and it can be utilized for replacing the DC battery of the remote control device

Lung secretoglobin Scgb1a1 influences alveolar macrophage-mediated inflammation and immunity

Alveolar macrophage (AM) is a mononuclear phagocyte key to the defense against respiratory infections. To understand AM\u27s role in airway disease development, we examined the influence of Secretoglobin family 1a member 1 (SCGB1A1), a pulmonary surfactant protein, on AM development and function. In a murine model, high-throughput RNA-sequencing and gene expression analyses were performed on purified AMs isolated from mice lacking i

Comparing the effect of statins on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in Wistar rats

Background: The clinical studies have shown contrary results regarding hepatoprotective effect of statins. However, antifibrotic properties of statins in in vitro and in vivo experimental models have been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the effect of statins on serum liver enzymes and their antifibrotic effects.Methods: Forty two rats were divided into 7 groups (I to VII) (n=6). Liver toxicity was induced by injecting carbon tetrachloride (1 ml/kg). Control groups received corn oil (0.1 ml/100 gm) and carboxy methyl cellulose (0.50%) respectively. Group III to VII received carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 6 weeks and then groups IV, V, VI and VII received simvastatin (10 mg/kg), atorvastatin (15 mg/kg), rosuvastatin (2 mg/kg) and silymarin (50 mg/kg) for another 8 weeks respectively. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were estimated in all the groups at baseline, 6 weeks and 14 weeks. At 14 weeks, histopathology of liver was done in all groups.Results: At 14 weeks, all the test groups (IV, V and VI) showed a significant decrease in serum ALT, AST and ALP levels as compared to control (p<0.05) and group III (p<0.05). On intergroup comparison, liver enzymes in rats in group VI (rosuvastatin) and group V (atorvastatin) were decreased more in comparison to group IV (simvastatin) but the difference was not statistically significant except for AST levels where the difference was significant between the statins. There was decrease in hepatic fibrosis by statins with rosuvastatin being superior followed by atorvastatin and simvastatin.Conclusions: In the present study statins decreased the serum AST, ALT and ALP levels and histopathological changes were reversed by statins in CCl4 induced hepatotoxic models

Novel Application of LabVIEW in High Voltage Engineering

High voltage equipments are often placed in open air and they are often exposed to lightning strike as well as surge voltage. Most of such high voltage power equipments are placed in the power transmission line. They are sustaining high surge voltage during the lightning phenomena. To protect all such power equipments and quality power supply the study of lightning characteristics is most important for every power engineers. Lightning impulse voltage and standard impulse voltage (1.2/50 μs) are similar to each other. So, to achieving better protection of high voltage equipment, study of impulse voltage waveform is very important. A comparison has been made between standard impulse waveform obtained by simulating Marx impulse generation circuit in LabVIEW Multisim and practical Marx circuit. This impulse waveform can be used to test the capacity of electrical equipment against the lightning and switching surge voltage. So, generation and simulation of an impulse wave has been carried out by the help of LabVIEW Multisim Software Package. A practical Marx circuit has been made and its comparison has been drawn with standard impulse voltage. Data acquisition of the practical impulse voltage generation circuit has been performed

EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CYANOTIS CRISTATA LEAVES APPLIED TOPICALLY ON WOUND HEALING IN WISTAR RATS

  Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of ethanolic extract of Cyanotis cristata leaves when applied topically on healing of wound in Wistar rats.Methods: C. cristata leaves were evaluated for its effect on healing of wound in three models, namely, incision, excision, and burn wound. Each model included five groups, each consisting of 6 rats. The five groups were as follows: Group I rats (control and ointment base), Group II rats (standard and silver sulfadiazine), and Group III, Group IV, Group V (treated with C. cristata extract ointment of 0.5%, 1%, and 2%, respectively). Variables evaluated included breaking strength in incision wound while it was contraction rate and epithelialization in excision and burn wound. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test was used to analyze data.Result: In incision wound, breaking strength in test group was significantly increased (p&lt;0.001) as compared to control. In excision and burn wound of test group, time to epithelialization and contraction rate was significantly decreased (p&lt;0.001). The granulation tissue from excision and burn wound showed increased collagen and less inflammatory cells in test groups in comparison to the control.Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of leaves of C. cristata, when applied topically, enhanced wound strength and accelerated healing of incision, excision, and burn wounds in rats

Mobile applications (apps) for tobacco cessation: Behaviour change potential and heuristic analysis using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) [version 2; peer review: 2 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Background Given the high prevalence of tobacco use, India presents a significant challenge in tobacco control. Yet, the support received for tobacco cessation is suboptimal. Hence, the aim of this narrative review was to identify and heuristically evaluate ‘high-quality’ and ‘engaging’ tobacco cessation mobile apps using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Also, to categorize and analyse their features with respect to engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality. Methods A systematic search of tobacco cessation apps was done within app stores of prominent smartphone platforms developed by Apple and Android. The following search terms: ‘quit smoking,’ ‘smoking cessation, ‘stop smoking,’ ‘smoking therapy,’ ‘quit tobacco,’ ‘cigarette cessation,’ ‘cold turkey,’ and ‘quit cigarette.’ Pearson’s correlations were used to analyse correlations between app scores (Total score app-quality/mean score) and downloads/ratings and number of downloads with the overall MARS score. A Chi-square test was performed to analyse any association between app focus and app release dates. Results Total MARS scores ranged from 3.1 to 4.9. Quitsure app (4.9), Craving to Quit! app (4.8) and Stop Tobacco Mobile Trainer: Quit Smoking App (4.74) were ranked the highest according to the MARS overall mean score. Older apps focussed more on mere goal setting or substance use, as compared to behaviour change; whereas, recently developed apps are now focussing more on behaviour change. Conclusions The content and functionality of behaviour change-focused apps were of higher quality than those of other app categories. These recently developed mHealth apps can effectively supersede the traditional smoking cessation methods