Seminars

Abstract : When fluids flow the tangential component of the velocity is assumed to be continuous at phase boundaries (the no-slip boundary condition). Experimental work on Newtonian fluids especially in confined geometries has cast doubt on this assumption and the situation is currently unclear. For non-Newtonian fluds such as polymer melts shear dependent slip has been observed during flow in contact with a solid wall (wall slip). Evidence for slip at the interface between immiscible non-Newtonian fluids (interfacial slip) also exists.

Abstract: Biomass is recognised as one of the most promising resources for renewable energy and sustainable chemicals production. However their use is currently limited by the conversion of large biopolymers - cellulose hemicellulose and lignin linked via stable covalent bonds which are hard to breakdown and produce chemicals (or fuels) selectively.

Abstract: Nanoparticle-polymer composites or polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) exhibit unusual mechanical and dynamical features when the particle size (D) approaches the random coil dimensions of the host polymer. This talk will discuss a strategy for creating model PNCs in which spherical nanoparticles (NPs) are uniformly dispersed in high molecular weight (Mw) entangled polymers. In particular by carefully harnessing favorable enthalpic interactions between particle-tethered and host polymers we show that particle-particle aggregation can be completely avoided.

Abstract: With the realisation of the human genome project there has been a paradigm shift in thinking. No longer are we focused on decoding the genome but rather on using it. Superficially whole genome sequencing for everybody would seem to be the goal but reading the sequence is not the same as understanding it. Pitfalls in interpretation suggest a more refined approach is needed.About the Speaker: Dr. Jonathan Picker is an Assistant Professor in Paediatrics at the Harvard Medical School and Consultant at Boston Children's Hospital. With 25 years’ experience in Paediatrics and genetics Dr.

Abstract: S-system model is a set of non-linear differential equations possessing a rich structure capable of capturing various dynamics occurring in gene regulatory network (GRN). In this talk we discuss developing new evolutionary algorithms (EAs) for efficiently optimising the S-system model parameters. The EA performance is further improved by making cardinality of regulatory genes adaptive during optimisation.

Abstract: Development of a new drug or a new chemical entity involves the tedious medicinal chemistry plus preclinical and clinical research work generating enormous amount of toxic chemicals as byproducts and that too at the expense of nearly billions of dollars. Most of the failed drugs are being eliminated at the Phase II or Phase III of clinical trial. The drugs which are getting discontinued so far though clear these rigorous trials are being discontinued in the long run due to their associated toxicities such as renal failure liver accumulation poor bioavailability etc.

Abstract: This two-part talk gives an overview of Model-Based Control from Academic and Industrial perspective. The first part of this talk focuses on giving an industrial perspective on Advanced Process Control (APC). While APC techniques have been successfully applied in petrochemical and allied sectors these have found rather modest success in upstream Oil and Gas. Field experiences with using simple logic-based control and static model-based control will be presented. Finally the challenges and opportunities in applying APC solutions in non-traditional industries will be discussed.

Abstract: We have synthesized a family of novel self-assembling pH and temperature sensitive multiblock cationic and anionic copolymers with a variety of nanoarchitectures. The copolymers exhibit pH sensitivity and thermoreversible gelation at physiological temperatures. The cationic multiblock copolymers exhibit complexation with DNA and serve as excellent gene therapy vectors for cancer therapies. Our studies have shown that these polymeric vectors show sustained gene delivery and selective transfection in cancer cells versus non-cancer cells.

Abstract: All microorganisms need to respond and adapt to their environment in order to survive and one of the ways to escape from challenging environments is to migrate. Chemotaxis is the biased migration of microorganisms to reach high nutrient concentrations and escape from noxious substances to ensure optimal growth and survival conditions. The chemotaxis phenomenon has been studied extensively in Escherichia coli which achieves the biased motion by altering the rotational direction of its flagella.

Abstract: Biodiesel is produced by esterification of fatty acids or trans-esterification of glycerides or the former followed by the latter for low-cost feed-stocks containing free fatty acids (FFA). Typically one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) experiments are performed to study the effects of process parameters on kinetics of biodiesel production.