Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra

About: Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra is a education organization based out in Ranchi, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Dielectric. The organization has 2801 authors who have published 4789 publications receiving 52426 citations. The organization is also known as: BIT.

Multiple levels of reconfiguration for robust cells formed using modular machines

Abstract: In this paper, an approach is presented to design machine cells using modular machines to achieve characteristics of reconfigurable manufacturing. Modular machines considered in the present model are reconfigurable and consists of basic and auxiliary modules. Similarity measures among machines based on production flow and auxiliary module requirements are developed. Machine cells are identified using multi-objective evolutionary algorithm for parts with known volumes of production, alternative operation-based process plans, etc. A robust solution is identified using multiple Pareto optimal solutions resulted from the evolutionary algorithm for several production scenarios. The two objective functions considered during the optimisation are minimisation of inter-cell movement of parts and total changes in auxiliary modules for the required production. Simulations are conducted to find the effect of different levels of reconfiguration on the performance measures and a methodology for selecting the best level of reconfiguration is discussed.

Functional and DNA–protein binding studies of WRKY transcription factors and their expression analysis in response to biotic and abiotic stress in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract: WRKY, a plant-specific transcription factor family, plays vital roles in pathogen defense, abiotic stress, and phytohormone signalling. Little is known about the roles and function of WRKY transcription factors in response to rust diseases in wheat. In the present study, three TaWRKY genes encoding complete protein sequences were cloned. They belonged to class II and III WRKY based on the number of WRKY domains and the pattern of zinc finger structures. Twenty-two DNA–protein binding docking complexes predicted stable interactions of WRKY domain with W-box. Quantitative real-time-PCR using wheat near-isogenic lines with or without Lr28 gene revealed differential up- or down-regulation in response to biotic and abiotic stress treatments which could be responsible for their functional divergence in wheat. TaWRKY62 was found to be induced upon treatment with JA, MJ, and SA and reduced after ABA treatments. Maximum induction of six out of seven genes occurred at 48 h post inoculation due to pathogen inoculation. Hence, TaWRKY (49, 50, 52, 55, 57, and 62) can be considered as potential candidate genes for further functional validation as well as for crop improvement programs for stress resistance. The results of the present study will enhance knowledge towards understanding the molecular basis of mode of action of WRKY transcription factor genes in wheat and their role during leaf rust pathogenesis in particular.

Preparation and characterization of nanocomposites of poly- p -phenylene benzobisthiazole with graphene nanosheets

Abstract: Poly-p-phenylene benzobisthiazole (PBT)/graphene nanocomposite films were fabricated using a simple method with methanesulfonic acid (MSA) as the processing solvent. In this approach, graphene nanosheets were exfoliated in the MSA solution of PBT using ultrasonication and mechanical stirring, and then processed into thin films. The structure and composition of as-prepared graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxides (rGO) were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrical conductivity of pristine PBT was enhanced by 10 orders of magnitude upon incorporation of 5 wt% rGO nanosheets. The enhanced conductivity of the nanocomposites was interpreted by the percolation model. The thermo-oxidative stability of PBT was improved with the incorporation of both GO and rGOs, while rGOs showed more pronounced effect. On addition of only 5 wt% GO, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of PBT increased by ∼4-fold and ∼7-fold, respectively, whereas relatively inferior tensile properties were observed for the PBT/rGO nanocomposites. The enhanced mechanical properties could be attributed to the molecular-level dispersion of the exfoliated GO nanosheets in PBT matrix, as evidenced by the results from morphological studies. A modified Halpin–Tsai model has been used to evaluate the reinforcement or orientation effects of GO/rGO on the Young's modulus of the nanocomposites.

An investigation on secondary force contacts of tooth pairs in conventional harmonic drives with involute toothed gear set

Abstract: Originally fixed and uniform circular pitches of flex spline (FS) teeth of a ‘Strain Wave Gearing’ or ‘Harmonic Drive’ (HD) experience variations in pitch lengths when teeth move on ‘strain wave ge...