Mechanical properties and morphology of PP/ABS blends compatibilized with PP‐g‐2‐HEMA

Polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene blends of different composition were prepared using a single‐screw extruder. The binary blend of PP/ABS was observed to be incompatible and shows poor mechanical properties. PP‐g‐2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA) was used as a compatibilizer for the PP/ABS blends. The ternary compatibilized blends of PP/ABS/PP‐g‐2‐HEMA showed improvement in the mechanical properties. Electron micrographs of these blends showed a homogeneous and finer distribution of the dispersed phase. The mechanical performance increased particularly in the PP‐rich blend. The 2.5‐phr (part per hundred of resin) compatibilizer was observed to bring improvement to the properties. The suitability of various existing theoretical models for the predication of the tensile moduli of these blends was examined. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 72–78, 2003     

Ionic liquid-based extraction and separation trends of bioactive compounds from plant biomass

Ionic liquids have been projected as the best solvent for extraction and separation of bioactive compounds from various origins. This review offers a collection of the published results, using ionic liquids for the extraction and purification of biomolecules. Ionic liquids have been studied as solvents, co-solvents and supported materials for separation of bioactive compounds. The ionic liquids-based extraction procedures were previously reported, such as ionic liquids-based solid-liquid extraction, liquid-liquid extraction and ionic liquids-modified materials are reviewed and compared to their performance. In this review, the main activities and future challenges are discussed, with major gaps identified using ionic liquids in extraction procedures and by advancing few steps to overcome these drawbacks.

Abbreviation: [(HSO₃)C₄MIM]⁺: 1-(4-sulfonylbutyl)-3-methylimidazolium; [(C₆H₃OCH₂)₂im]⁺: 1,3-dihexyloxymethylimidazolium; [C_nC₁MIM]⁺: 1-alkyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium; [C_nMIM]^{+; [Cn, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12]}: 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium; [C_nC₁pyr]⁺: 1-alkyl-3-methylpyridinium; [C_nim]⁺: 1-alkylimidazolium; [C_npyr]⁺: 1-alkylpyridinium; [aC_nim]⁺: 1-allyl-3-alkylimidazolium; [C₇H₇MIM]⁺: 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium; [C₄(C₁C₁C₁Si)im]⁺: 1-butyl-3-trimethylsilylimidazolium; [(HOOC)C₂MIM]⁺: 1-carboxyethyl-3-methylimidazolium; [(OH)C_nMIM]⁺: 1-hydroxyalkyl-3-methylimidazolium; [(C₂H₅O)₃SiC₃MIM]⁺: 1-methyl-3-(triethoxy)silypropyl imidazolium; [(NH₂)C₃MIM]⁺: 1-propylamine-3-methylimidazolium; [C_wH_xN_yO_z]⁺: Chirally functionalized methylimidazolium; [P_{10(3OH)(3OH)(3OH)}]⁺: Decyltris(3-hydrox- ypropyl) phosphonium; [N_111(2OH)]⁺: N,N,N-trimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium (cholinium); [N_00nn]⁺: N,N-dialkylammonium; [N_0nn(2OH)]⁺: N,N-dialkyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium; [C₁₀C₁₀C₁gluc]⁺: N,N-didecyl-N-methyl-d-glucaminium; [N_11(2(O)1)0]⁺: N,N-dimethyl(2-methoxyethyl) ammonium; [N_{11(2OH)(C7H7)}]⁺: N-benzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium; [P₆₆₆₁₄]⁺: Trihexyltetradecylph- osphonium; [P_i(444)1]⁺: Triisobutyl (methyl) phosphonium; P.minus: Polygonum minus; NPs: Nanoparticle; ZnO : Zinc oxide nanoparticles ; Ni NPs: Nickel nanoparticles; MO: Methyl orange; UAE: Ultrasonic-assisted extraction; LLE: Liquid-liquid extraction; ABS: Aqueous biphasic system ; [Ace]^?: Acesulfamate; [Ala]^?: alalinate; [TMPP]^?: bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinate; : ; [NTf₂]^?: bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide; [[Br]^–]: [Br]omide; [Calc]: calkanoate; [Cl]^–: chloride; [Bz]^?: benzoate; [PF₆]^?: hexafluorophosphate; [HSO₄]^?: hydrogenosulfate; [OH]^?: hydroxide; I^–: iodide; [Lac]^?: lactate; [NO₃]^?: nitrate; [[Cl]O₄]^?: perchlorate; [Phe]^?: phenilalaninate; [BF₄]^?: tetrafluoroborate; [SCN]^?: thiocyanate; [C(CN)₃]^?: tricyanomethanide; [CF₃CO₂]^?: trifluoroacetate; [CF₃SO₃]^?: trifluoromethanesulfonate; [FAP]^?: tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate; ILs: Ionic liquids; Ag NPs: Silver nanoparticle; Cu NPs: Copper nanoparticle; MB: Methylene blue; MR: Methyl red ; MAE: Microwave-assisted extraction; SLE: solid-liquid extraction.     

Microwave-assisted catalytic transfer hydrogenation of safflower oil

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of safflower oil was studied using aqueous ammonium formate as hydrogen donor and palladium on carbon as catalyst in a closed vessel under controlled microwave irradiation conditions. The method offered good selectivity in complete reduction of linoleic acid to monounsaturated acid with a slight increase in stearic acid compared to other reported catalytic transfer hydrogenation methods. Selectivity was achieved by using microwave-assisted CTH without employing an emulsifier or high ratios of water to oil.     

Economic dispatch with prohibited operating zones using fast computation evolutionary programming algorithm

This paper presents an efficient and simple approach for solving the economic dispatch (ED) problem with units having prohibited operating zones. The operating region of the units having prohibited zones is broken into isolated feasible sub-regions which results in multiple decision spaces for the economic dispatch problem. The optimal solution will lie in one of the feasible decision spaces and can be found using the conventional λ–δ iterative method in each of the feasible decision spaces. But, this elaborate search procedure is time consuming and not acceptable for on-line application. In this paper, a simple and novel approach is proposed. In this approach, the optimal solution and the corresponding optimum system lambda are determined using an efficient fast computation evolutionary programming algorithm (FCEPA) without considering the prohibited operating zones. Then, a small set of advantageous decision spaces is formed by combining the feasible sub-regions of the fuel cost curve intervening the prohibited zones in the neighbourhood of the optimal system lambda. A penalty cost for each advantageous decision space is judiciously computed using participation factor. The most advantageous decision space is found out by comparing the penalty cost of the decision spaces. The optimal solution in the most advantageous decision space is obtained using the FCEPA. The proposed algorithm is tested on a number of sample systems with units possessing prohibited zones. The study results reveal that the proposed approach is computationally efficient and would be a competent method for solving economic dispatch problem with units having prohibited operating zones.     

Processing and degradation behavior of porous magnesium scaffold for biomedical applications

Porous magnesium has the potential to be used as degradable bone scaffolds. In this study, porous magnesium scaffolds were fabricated through powder metallurgy route utilizing spherical naphthalene particle as porogen. Porogen was removed at 120?°C for 24?h followed by sintering at 550?°C for 2?h in argon atmosphere. Micro-computed tomography (micro CT) results indicated that scaffolds have interconnected porous structure with an equivalent pore diameter of nearly 60?µm. Compressive strength of the scaffolds was found in the range of 24?±?4.54?MPa to 184?±?9.9?MPa and decreased with increasing porogen content. In vitro degradation study in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) showed that scaffold degradation behavior was governed by its porosity content. Our results indicate that modulating the porogen content we can tailor the mechanical and degradation behavior of the Mg scaffolds to the application need.     

Confidential and efficient asset proof for bitcoin exchanges

Technological advancements boost the business to play a crucial role in a country’s economic success. Cryptography-based currencies, called as cryptocurrencies, are now leading the world’s economy. With the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies, cryptocurrency exchanges have emerged to support cryptocurrency-related services. Among cryptocurrencies, bitcoin takes the lead and it is widely accepted by the world community. Lots of security issues are arising day by day and the exchange should handle all of of them sensibly. It is necessary that the exchange should be solvent all the time in terms of its assets and liabilities for its survival. For this, periodic settlement of the accounts should be done using appropriate techniques. The information exchange needed for this should be concealed from the adversaries. Cryptography-based techniques with zero-knowledge protocols are suitable for this purpose. Maxwell’s proof of liabilities is the first cryptography-based method to verify the user assets. It makes use of binary Merkle hash trees for representing the proof of liabilities. The root node reveals the total assets of the exchange, which will attract the adversaries to execute an attack. Later the Dagher et al scheme, a privacy preserving proof of asset for bitcoin exchanges, was proposed. The scheme works in an interactive manner that requires the collaboration of the exchange and the user. This paper proposes an efficient non-interactive proof of assets for bitcoin exchanges.     

Rayleigh waves at the boundary surface of modified couple stress generalized thermoelastic with mass diffusion

In this problem, we have studied propagation of Rayleigh waves in an homogeneous isotropic modified couple stress generalized thermoelastic with mass diffusion solid half space in the context of Lord–Shulman (L-S), Green–Lindsay (G-L) theories of thermoelasticity. Secular equations are derived mathematically by using appropriate boundary conditions. The values of determinant of secular equation, Rayleigh wave velocity and attenuation coefficient with respect to angular velocity for different values of wave number and relaxation times in the absence and presence of mass diffusion, are computed numerically. The numerical simulated results are depicted graphically for copper material.     

An incremental prototype set building technique

This paper deals with the task of finding a set of prototypes from the training set. A reduced set is obtained which is used instead of the training set when nearest neighbour classification is used. Prototypes are added in an incremental fashion, where at each step of the algorithm, the number of prototypes selected keeps on increasing. The number of patterns in the training data classified correctly also keeps on increasing till all patterns are classified properly. After this, a deletion operator is used where some prototypes which are not so useful are removed. This method has been used to obtain the prototypes for a variety of benchmark data sets and results have been presented.     

Synthesis and characterisation of PEG modified chitosan nanocapsules loaded with thymoquinone

Thymoquinone (TQ), a major bioactive compound of Nigella sativa seeds has several therapeutic properties. The main drawback in bringing TQ to therapeutic application is that it has poor stability and bioavailability. Hence a suitable carrier is essential for TQ delivery. Recent studies indicate biodegradable polymers are potentially good carriers of bioactive compounds. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified chitosan (Cs) nanocapsules were developed as a carrier for TQ. Aqueous soluble low molecular weight Cs and PEG was selected among different biodegradable polymers based on their biocompatibility and efficacy as a carrier. Optimisation of synthesis of nanocapsules was done based on particle size, PDI, encapsulation efficiency and process yield. A positive zeta potential value of +48 mV, indicating good stability was observed. Scanning electron microscope and atomic‐force microscopy analysis revealed spherical shaped and smooth surfaced nanocapsules with size between 100 to 300 nm. The molecular dispersion of the TQ in Cs PEG nanocapsules was studied using X‐ray powder diffraction. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of optimised nanocapsule exhibited functional groups of both polymer and drug, confirming the presence of Cs, PEG and TQ. In vitro drug release studies showed that PEG modified Cs nanocapsules loaded with TQ had a slow and sustained release.Inspec keywords: nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, polymers, scanning electron microscopy, electrokinetic effects, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectraOther keywords: PEG modified chitosan nanocapsules, thymoquinone, bioactive compound, Nigella sativa seeds, bioavailability, polyethylene glycol, molecular weight, zeta potential, scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscopy, molecular dispersion, X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrum     

Biomimetic synthesis and anticancer activity of Eurycoma longifolia branch extract‐mediated silver nanoparticles

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised by adding 1 mM Ag nitrate solution to different concentrations (1%, 2.5%, 5%) of branch extracts of Eurycoma longifolia, a well known medicinal plant in South–East Asian countries. Characterisation of AgNPs was carried out using techniques such as ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, X‐ray diffractrometry, Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (FTIR–ATR), scanning electron microscopy. XRD analysis revealed face centre cubic structure of AgNPs and FTIR–ATR showed that primary and secondary amide groups in combination with the protein molecules present in the branch extract were responsible for the reduction and stabilisation of AgNPs. Furthermore, antioxidant [2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid)], antimicrobial and anticancer activities of AgNPs were investigated. The highest bactericidal activity of these biogenic AgNPs was found against Escherichia coli with zone inhibition of 11 mm. AgNPs exhibited significant anticancer activity against human glioma cells (DBTRG and U87) and human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231) with IC₅₀ values of 33, 42, 60 and 38 µg/ml.Inspec keywords: biomimetics, cancer, antibacterial activity, nanoparticles, silver, microorganisms, cellular biophysics, biomedical materials, nanomedicine, nanofabrication, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, attenuated total reflection, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, proteins, molecular biophysics, biochemistryOther keywords: Biomimetic synthesis, anticancer activity, Eurycoma longifolia branch extract‐mediated silver nanoparticles, nitrate solution, medicinal plant, ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry, X‐ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflection spectroscopy, FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, XRD, face centre cubic structure, primary amide groups, secondary amide groups, protein molecules, antioxidant, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid), antimicrobial activity, bactericidal activity, biogenic silver nanoparticles, Escherichia coli, zone inhibition, DBTRG human glioma cells, U87 human glioma cells, MCF‐7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells, MDA‐MB‐231 human breast adenocarcinoma cells, Ag