A novel approach to computationally efficient algorithms for transmission loss and line flow formulations

This paper presents a novel approach to powerful, effective and computationally efficient algorithms for formulation and evaluation of transmission loss and line flow through efficient loss coefficients and distribution factors, respectively which are uniquely suitable for real term application. These loss coefficients and distribution factors are generated extremely elegantly and efficiently from the hidden treasures of an available load flow solution with trivial computational burden. Results on few IEEE Test systems are extremely exciting which reveal that the loss coefficients evaluated at the normal operating conditions are quite robust and for all practical purposes need not be re-evaluated for wide changes in system operating conditions for evaluation of transmission loss or economic load dispatch solution.     

Formulation and optimization of intranasal nanolipid carriers of pioglitazone for the repurposing in Alzheimer’s disease using Box-Behnken design

Growing evidence suggest that Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia among the elderly is a metabolic disorder associated with impaired brain insulin signaling. Hence, the diabetic drug can be a therapeutic option for the management AD. The researches in this area are ongoing and Pioglitazone (PIO) is one of the most investigated diabetic drug in AD. Eventhough PIO treatment was found to improve AD significantly in the preclinical models, the poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and serious peripheral side effects limited its success in the clinical trials. The objective of the present study was to formulate and optimize intranasal (IN) nano lipid carriers (NLC) of PIO for its targeted delivery to the brain. A Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the effect of three independent variables on two dependent variables. The optimized formulation had a particle size (PS) of 211.4?±?3.54?nm and zeta potential of (ZP) of 14.9?±?1.09?mv. The polydispersibility index (PDI) and entrapment efficiency (EE) was found to be 0.257?±?0.108 and 70.18?±?4.5% respectively. Storage stability studies performed has confirmed the stability of NLCs at 4?°C and 25?°C. The in-vitro drug release study has exhibited a sustained release of drug from the NLC. The formulation was observed to improve the nasal permeability of PIO ex-vivo significantly. Toxicity studies were performed to confirm the safety of formulation for the in-vivo administration. In-vivo biodistribution study in rats has shown a direct transport of drug from the nose to brain from the IN-NLC.     

Tunable Chirp Managed Laser

We demonstrate a compact tunable chirp managed laser (CML) comprising a radio-frequency switch, a directly modulated distributed feedback laser array, a microelectromechanical systems mirror, and an optical filter and obtain error-free transmission performance over 30 nm at 10.7 Gb/s up to 200 km without electrical dispersion compensation (EDC) or optical dispersion compensation. Transmission distance is stretched to 300 km over the same wavelength range by adding a standard EDC to the receiver.     

Rheological and nutritional studies of amaranth enriched wheat chapatti (Indian flat bread)

Chapatti made from whole wheat is a popular staple food in India. This article reports incorporation of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) flour (20–50%) in wheat flour to get improved rolling properties and better nutrition in terms of proteins and micronutrients. Rheological studies of whole wheat flour (control) and amaranth–wheat combinations using farinograph revealed that amaranth flour (AF) addition up to 50% led to a decrease in percentage water absorption (84.80–77.55%) and dough stability (1.6–0.6 min). Stickiness of dough slightly increased (31.2–33.55 g), but there was overall improvement in softness, rollability, and spreadability of dough with increasing levels of AF. Based on texturometer measurement and sensory evaluation of chapattis, incorporation of 40% AF is recommended. Chapatti made from this blend had significantly higher content of ash (iron, calcium, and magnesium), fat, protein, and lysine; it also showed improved in vitro protein digestibility.

Practical applications

In recent times, pseudo‐cereals such as amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat, which were hitherto not consumed popularly, have attracted the attention of consumers all over the world due to their nutritional profile. Amaranth is a hardy crop which grows vigorously even in drought conditions. It is a rich source of protein, fat, fiber, and minerals. It has a balanced amino acid profile and is particularly rich in lysine. However, its consumption in India is limited to a few traditional products and it has remained largely underutilized. Staple foods like wheat chapatti can be supplemented with amaranth flour for nutritional improvement of the product. An understanding of the influence of AF on dough functionality and chapatti quality would be beneficial from the point of view of product development. This study investigated the effect of AF incorporation on rheological, nutritional, and quality characteristics of chapatti.     

Specific Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes for Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites

A novel approach to chemically functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for making advanced polymeric nanocomposites with liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) is presented. In this approach, two types of chemical moieties (i.e., carboxylic and hydroxyl benzoic acid groups) are selectively introduced onto the sidewalls of the MWCNTs. Fourier transform IR and Raman spectroscopy are used to examine the interaction between the functionalized MWCNTs and the LCP. The strong interaction between the functionalized MWCNTs and the LCP greatly improved the dispersion of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix as well as the interfacial adhesion. The dispersion of the MWCNTs in the LCP matrix is observed by optical microscopy and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. As a result, the addition of 1 wt% MWCNTs in the LCP resulted in the significant improvement (41 and 55%) in the tensile strength and modulus of the LCP.     

Modeling solar still production using local weather data and artificial neural networks

A study has been performed to predict solar still distillate production from single examples of two different commercial solar stills that were operated for a year and a half. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of modeling solar still distillate production using artificial neural networks (ANNs) and local weather data. The study used the principal weather variables affecting solar still performance, which are the daily total insolation, daily average wind velocity, daily average cloud cover, daily average wind direction and daily average ambient temperature. The objectives of the study were to assess the sensitivity of the ANN predictions to different combinations of input parameters as well as to determine the minimum amount of inputs necessary to accurately model solar still performance. It was found that 31-78% of ANN model predictions were within 10% of the actual yield depending on the input variables that were selected. By using the coefficient of determination, it was found that 93-97% of the variance was accounted for by the ANN model. About one half to two thirds of the available long term input data were needed to have at least 60% of the model predictions fall within 10% of the actual yield. Satisfactory results for two different solar stills suggest that, with sufficient input data, the ANN method could be extended to predict the performance of other solar still designs in different climate regimes.     

Impact of carbon black substitution with nanoclay on microstructure and tribological properties of ternary elastomeric composites

Various particulate composites based on epoxidised natural rubber (ENR), carbon black (CB), and nanoclay (NC) were prepared keeping the total filler content constant at 35 phr (parts per 100 g rubber). Tribology and hysteretic (stress–strain) properties of the composites were analyzed. Morphology of these composites were also characterized by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to establish the structure–property correlations. SAXS results reveal enhancement in overall interfacial roughness (ds) with the increased substitution of CB by NC. Increased CB–NC interface causes enhancement in ds, leading to reduction in wear resistance of ternary composites. Reduction of wear resistance for NC populated samples is attributed to lower dispersion parameter (D_0,1) values of NC in the matrix, realized through image analysis of TEM photomicrographs. Thus, for ternary particulate samples, a definite interrelation among the extent of wear, ds and D_0,1 is realized. Frictional force (F_T) and its adhesive component (F_A) increase when CB is substituted by NC up to 15 phr. When NC fraction exceeds 15 phr, both F_T and F_A decrease substantially. This is attributed to the lubricity offered by the modified NC at higher NC concentration, which is explained using a predictive mechanism.     

A comparative analysis of global stakeholders’ perceptions of the governance quality of the clean development mechanism (CDM) and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+)

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the nascent solution of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) are two global market-based mechanisms that link developed and developing countries. This paper provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis of global-level stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the governance of the CDM focusing on environmental, social, economic, governmental and institutional participants. The research conducted was by means of an anonymous online survey using an analytical approach based on principles, criteria and indicators (PC&I). It compares these findings with the results of a similar survey conducted by the authors on REDD+. Stakeholders from both developed countries and the developing countries were asked to rate the quality of these mechanisms against 11 performance indicators using a Likert scale (1–5). Overall, the results of CDM stakeholders from both developed and developing countries were very similar, indicating a common perception. The highest and lowest total scores were obtained from institutional and social stakeholders, respectively, demonstrating that these two groups have considerable differences in perceptions from other interests. CDM failed two indicators, ‘equality’ and ‘resources’, and passed all other nine indicators only marginally. The performance of REDD+ was much higher than CDM in all aspects of governance surveyed. The major differences were in ‘equality’ and ‘problem solving’, followed by ‘transparency’ and ‘democracy’. If the CDM is to continue in the post-Kyoto period, some major systemic changes in governance are necessary. Here, there are some lessons to be learnt from REDD+.     

Assessment of thermally deteriorated concrete by drilling resistance test and sound level

Concrete being the most versatile and widely used construction material finds application in varied range of structures. Many of these like chimneys, furnaces and reactors have to sustain high temperatures and perhaps all structures have to perform at elevated temperatures in the event of fire accidents. Concrete at elevated temperatures undergoes changes in its physical structure and chemical composition and loses its strength characteristics. Need for quick assessment of fire damaged concrete for strength characteristics, has motivated this work, which explores the potential of drilling resistance test on concrete as a Non Destructive Testing (NDT) tool. Drilling times, penetration depths and sound level measurement while drilling have been recorded and analysed to provide monograms that are handy as reckoners in failure forensics.