Informatics Publishing Limited

K. Afsal ¹, V. V. Banurekha ², N. Meenakshi ³, M. Harishankar ¹, P. Selvaraj ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Immunology, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (formerly Tuberculosis Research Centre), Indian Council of Medical Research, 1, Mayor Sathyamoorthy Road, Chetput, Chennai 600 031, IN
2 Department of Clinical Research, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (formerly Tuberculosis Research Centre), Indian Council of Medical Research, 1, Mayor Sathyamoorthy Road, Chetput, Chennai 600 031, IN
3 Institute for Thoracic Medicine, Chetput, Chennai 600 031, IN

Abstract

We studied the effect of 1α 25 dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)₂D₃), the active form of vitamin D₃, on the expression of cathelicidin (CAMP), defensin-α3 (DEF- α3) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) genes in neutrophils cultured with or without Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) from pulmonary tuberculosis patients and healthy controls. Vitamin D₃ significantly enhanced the CAMP, DEF-α3 and VDR mRNA expression in the neutrophils of both the study groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, significantly upregulated CAMP expression was observed in vitamin D₃-treated neutrophils infected with Mtb (P < 0.05) in both the study groups. These findings suggest that vitamin D₃ enhances innate immunity by increasing the expression of the CAMP gene, which might inhibit the growth of Mtb at the site of infection.

Keywords

Antimicrobial Peptide Genes, Cathelicidin, Neutrophils, Tuberculosis, Vitamin D₃.

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M. Harishankar ¹, K. Afsal ¹, N. Meenakshi ², P. Selvaraj ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Immunology, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (Formerly Tuberculosis Research Centre), Indian Council of Medical Research, 1, Mayor Sathyamoorthy Road, Chennai 600 031, IN
2 Institute for Thoracic Medicine, Chetput, Chennai 600 031, IN

Abstract

We studied the effect of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)₂D,₃] on toll-like receptor (TLR) gene expression in neutrophils cultured with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) with or without 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in pulmonary tuberculosis patients and healthy controls. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ significantly increased the expression of TLR2, TLR9 and TIRAP genes compared to control cells in both the study groups (P < 0.05). In healthy controls, a significantly upregulated expression of TIRAP was observed in Mtb infected cells cultured with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ compared to Mtb infected cells alone (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ upregulated the expression of TLR and TIRAP genes, which could lead to the activation of TLR signalling pathways and augment the innate immunity to tuberculosis.

Keywords

Gene Expression, Neutrophils, Tuberculosis, Toll-like Receptors.

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P. Pugalendhi ¹, C. Sankaranarayanan ¹, P. Selvaraj ¹, P. Subramanian ¹, S. Nagini ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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C. Rajendran ¹, K. Srinivasan ¹, V. Balasubramanian ¹, H. Balaji ², P. Selvaraj ²

Affiliations
1 Centre for Materials Joining and Research (CEMAJOR), Dept of Manufacturing Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, IN
2 Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bangalore, IN

Abstract

AA2014 aluminum alloy (Al-Cu alloy) has been widely utilized in fabrication of lightweight structures like aircraft structures, demanding high strength to weight ratio and good corrosion resistance. The fusion welding of these alloys will lead to solidification problems such as hot cracking, alloy segregation, partially melted zone, and porosity. Friction stir welding is a new solid state welding process, in which the material being welded does not melt and recast. Lot of research works have been carried out by many researchers to optimize process parameters and establish empirical relationships to predict tensile strength of friction stir welded butt joints of aluminum alloys. However, very few investigations have been carried out on friction stir welded lap joints of aluminum alloys. Hence, in this investigation, an attempt has been made to develop empirical relationship to predict strength of friction stir lap welded (FSLW) joints of AA2014 aluminum alloy using statistical tools such as design of experiments (DoE), analysis of variance (ANOVA). The developed empirical relationship can be effectively used to predict the strength of friction stir welded lap joints of AA2014 -T6 aluminum alloy at the 95% confidence level.

Keywords

Friction STIR Welding, Aluminum Alloy, Design of Experiment, Lap Joint, Tensile Strength.

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C. Rajendran ¹, K. Srinivasan ¹, V. Balasubramanian ¹, H. Balaji ², P. Selvaraj ²

Affiliations
1 Center for Materials Joining and Research, Dept of Manufacturing Engg, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Aeronautical Development Agency, Bangalore, IN

Abstract

AA2014 aluminum alloy has been widely used in aircraft and automotive industries as structural members. Conventionally, these structures were fabricated using rivets, as it is difficult to join this alloy by fusion welding processes. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) can be successfully applied to replace the riveted construction of aluminum alloy (AA2014) in aircraft structures. Hence, an attempt has been made to evaluate and compare the load carrying capabilities of FSW joints and riveted joints of AA2014 aluminum alloy. FSW joints were fabricated using optimized process parameters, and riveted joints were fabricated using standard shop floor practice in butt and lap configurations. FSW joints exhibited 75% higher tensile and shear fracture load compared to the riveted joints.

Keywords

Aluminum Alloys, Friction Stir Welding, Riveting, Butt and Lap Joint.

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P. Selvaraj ¹

Affiliations
1 Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), NABARD, Mangaluru, IN

Abstract

Climate Change is the latest topic that is being discussed world over. Though climate change is a global level issue, the solution remains local. Though the Earth is divided as states, nation and countries the sky and atmosphere is common to allie., under one roof. So pollution from any remote corner can affect one and all. Hence, we need to come together to face this issue. This article discusses in detail the differences between weather and climate, climate change, mitigation and adaptation, available finding mechanism projects sanctioned, and latest developments. The important role to be played by all are also highlighted.

Keywords

Climate Change, Mitigation, Adaptation, Green Climate Fund, Greenhouse Gases, National Implementing Entity.

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P. Selvaraj ¹

Affiliations
1 Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Mangalore, IN

Abstract

Fisheries which is an allied activity to agriculture is an important sector in the country as it provides cheap protein, valuable foreign exchange and employment to huge population. The sector is divided into three sub sections like Inland (fresh water), brackish water and marine. The flow of Bank credit to these sectors is nor do commensurate with the potential or meet actual requirements of the community. When compare to all other sections of our society the fisher folk is highly underdeveloped and still in the clutches of money lenders. On the contrary the fisherwomen of Udupi district of Karnataka have proved that they are credit worthy and Bankable. They have developed a successful banking model, like a light house in the sea shore. This paper details the process, secrets of success which can be replicable to fisherwomen of as well as by their agriculture counterpart in other States and even countries.

Keywords

Financial Inclusive, Fisheries, Fisher Women, Fish Marketing.

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P. Selvaraj ¹

Affiliations
1 Bankers Institute of Rural Development(BIRD), Bondel, Mangalore, IN

Abstract

Indian Fisheries is one of the most important sectors which contributes for food, health, economy, exports, employment and tourism of our country. India is the second largest producer of cultured fish and third largest producer of fish in the world. Despite, it is disheartening to note that its exploitation is not in commensurate with its vast potential. Though we have a plethora of research institutions, professionals, political will, government initiatives, progressive farmers and financial resources. There is some missing link which prevented the full exploitation. In this paper an attempt is made to trace such missing link and to offer a few suggestions for the development of this vital sector.

Keywords

Fisheries, Marine Fisheries, Brackish Water Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, Ornamental Fisheries, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).

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S. Kowsalya ¹, M. Rajalakshmi ¹, P. Selvaraj ¹, S. Soundarrajan ¹, D. Shanmugavel ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of EEE, Pollachi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pollachi, IN

Abstract

This paper suggests a new converter called Solar Reconfigurable Converter (SRC) for BLDC drive with PV-battery application using fuzzy control algorithm. The main concept of the SRC is reducing different power conversion stages to a single power conversion stage.  For BLDC drive fuzzy logic controller is used to control the motor drive in closed loop. The main advantage of the fuzzy logic control is to eliminate steady state error and harmonic content and improve the system performance. By gaining that system response effectively. We get reliability of power supply with less time and on low cost. Both DC-AC and DC-DC operations can be performed in a single stage of conversion with MPPT algorithm. A MPPT technique is also used to extract the maximum power from the PV panel to the battery. And the SRC integrates the different energy storages levels. This converter solution is using for PV-battery application, since it reduce number of conversion stages, thereby improving the efficiency. Ultimately the efficiency of the project gives more than that of the normal solar converter efficiency. A development of the model and analysing the simulation is done using MATLAB/simulation software.

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M. Anandaraj ¹, P. Parameswaran ², S. Krishnakumar ¹, T. Ezhilarasi ², V. Thomas Paul ², R. Thirumurugesan ², S. Chandramouli ¹, V. Ramakrishnan ¹, G. Padmakumar ¹, Shaju K. Albert ², B. K. Nashine ¹, V. Prakash ¹, P. Selvaraj ¹

Affiliations
1 Fast Reactor Technology Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India - 603 102, IN
2 Metallurgy & Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India - 603 102, IN

Abstract

One of the spark plug leak detectors employed in high temperature liquid sodium systems had failed to detect a sodium leak and systematic failure analysis was carried out to identify the ischolar_main cause of the failure. Radiography image of the leak port nozzle revealed that the extension wire which was welded with spark plug electrode had snapped. Since the failure originated from the cracks present in the weld, it was decided to standardize the welding procedure of spark plug electrode to extension wire to prevent the possibility of similar failures in future. Three different materials viz, stainless steel, nickel, inconel were chosen as extension wires as well as filler wires to optimize the welding parameters. Microstructural studies in terms of presence of defects, interface integrity between the weld and extension wire as well as that of spark plug electrode were carried out. Based on this, the final choice of welding parameters, material for extension wire and for filler wire to achieve a sound weld was proposed.

Keywords

Spark Plug Detector, Extension Wire, Failure Analysis, Metallography, Welding Procedure Qualification.

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J. John ¹, V. Thamarai ¹, M. M. Mehra ¹, Teena Choudhary ¹, M. S. Giridhar ¹, Ashwini Jambhalikar ¹, Gogulapati Supriya ¹, Gaurav Saxena ¹, K. V. Shila ¹, B. Ramesh ¹, T. K. Pratheek ¹, Deepak Kumar Sharma ¹, R. Islam ¹, P. Selvaraj ¹, A. Kalpana ¹, S. Ajith Kumar ¹, K. V. Sriram ¹, A. S. Laxmiprasad ¹

Affiliations
1 Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems, Indian Space Research Organisation, Peenya 1st Stage, 1st Cross, Bengaluru 560 058, IN

Abstract

Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity Studies (ILSA) is a science payload with the objective of studying seismic activities at the landing site of Vikram, the Lander of Chandrayaan-2. ILSA will be deployed to the lunar surface by a specially built mechanism. It is an indigenously developed instrument based on microelectro mechanical systems technology. High sensitivity silicon micro-machined accelerometer is the heart of the instrument that measures ground acceleration due to lunar quakes. The instrument has the capability of resolving acceleration better than 100 nano-g Hz^–1/2 up to a range of 0.5 g over bandwidth of 40 Hz. This paper presents the basic concepts in the design, realization, characterization and the performance test results of the space qualified strong motion seismic sensors.

Keywords

Lunar Quakes, MEMS, Seismometer, Strong Motion Sensors.

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S. Geetha Kumari ¹, P. Selvaraj ²

Affiliations
1 II-Msc (N), Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Shanmuga College of Nursing, Salem, IN
2 Prof. Head of the Department, Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Shanmuga College of Nursing, Salem The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University Chennai., IN

Abstract

Stress is major issues for the senior people and most ofthe health problem originates from stress. Stress is a feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the private and social resources, the individual is in a position to mobilize. Aging is an inevitable development phenomenon bringing along variety of changes in the physical, psychological, hormonal, and social condition. Aim of the Study: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on overcoming geriatric stress among elderly population in selected community area. Methodology: A Quantitative, pre-experimental pre-test and post-test design was used. A sample of 50 subjects was selected from selected community area by non-probability convenient sampling technique. The tool used to assess the level of geriatric stress was Modified Bradburn Psychological Stress Assessment Scale, Results: The result shows that Before administering the structured teaching programme, they had level of stress score in pre-test, 39(78%) of elderly were in severe geriatric stress 11(22%) of elderly were in moderate geriatric stress, remaining no one was in mild geriatric stress. After administering the structured teaching programme, they had in post-test, 33(66%) of elderly were to mild geriatric stress, 17(34%) of elderly were moderate geriatric stress, no one in a severe level of geriatric stress. This indicates that the stress level of the elderly reduced remarkably after structured teaching programme. The mean post-test geriatric stress score27.38 was lower than the mean pre-test geriatric stress score 67.6, among samples. There was no significant association between pre-test level of geriatric stress and their selected demographic variables (gender, marital status and sources of income). Conclusion: The findings showed that structured teaching programme had a positive effect on level of stress among elderly in selected areas and improved the signs of physical, psychological as well as their social function

Keywords

Stress, Geriatric Stress, Structured Teaching Programme, Elderly Population.

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R. Selvaraj ¹, K. Shanmugam ¹, P. Selvaraj ², Prasanna Nagasai Bellamkonda ¹, Balasubramanian Visvalingam ¹

Affiliations
1 Centre for Materials Joining and Research (CEMAJOR), Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, IN
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, MAM College of Engineering and Technology, Tiruchirappalli, IN

Abstract

SA213 T12 and SA213 F12 low alloy steel (LAS) tubes have been successfully welded using the rotary friction welding (RFW) process. The effect of the rotational speed on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the joints has been studied. With increasing rotational speed, the tensile strength first increases to a certain extent and then decreases. Weld samples with the highest tensile strength (488 MPa) and maximum elongation (40.01%) are achieved at 60 rps. Using higher rotational speed (68 rpm) increased grain size in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). The samples joined at different rotational speeds failed in the HAZ. The hardness profile showed that the interface (IF) has a higher hardness than the other zones and base metal. The highest hardness of welded joints (198 HV) was observed in the 60 rps sample. The phase transformation of bainite and acicular ferrite at the weld interface was attributed to the high strength of the weld joint. Weld joint defects are observed at 55 rpm and 65 rpm, where high heat inputs and impurities at the weld interface cause incomplete metallurgical bonding, resulting in defects in the weld seam.

Keywords

Rotary Friction Welding, Low Alloy Steel, Rotational Speed, Microstructure, Mechanical Properties.

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