Melting heat transfer analysis of electrically conducting nanofluid flow over an exponentially shrinking/stretching porous sheet with radiative heat flux under a magnetic field

Modern magnetic nanomaterial processing operations are progressing rapidly and require increasingly sophisticated mathematical models for their optimization. Stimulated by such developments, in this paper, a theoretical and computational study of a steady magnetohydrodynamic nanofluid over an exponentially stretching/shrinking permeable sheet with melting (phase change) and radiative heat transfer is presented. Besides, wall transpiration, that is, suction and blowing (injection), is included. This study deploys Buongiorno's nanofluid model, which simulates the effects of the Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The transport equations and boundary conditions are normalized via similarity transformations and appropriate variables, and the similarity solutions are shown to depend on the transpiration parameter. The emerging dimensionless nonlinear coupled ordinary differential boundary value problem is solved numerically with the Newton-Fehlberg iteration technique. Validation with special cases from the literature is included. The increase in the magnetic field, that is, the Hartmann number, is observed to elevate nanoparticle concentration and temperature, whereas it dampens the velocity. Higher values of the melting parameter consistently decelerate the boundary layer flow and suppress temperature and nanoparticle concentration. A higher radiative parameter strongly increases temperature (and thermal boundary layer thickness) and weakly accelerates the flow. The increase in the Brownian motion reduces nanoparticle concentrations, whereas a greater thermophoretic body force strongly enhances them. The Nusselt number and Sherwood number are observed to be decreased with an increasing Hartmann number, whereas they are elevated with a stronger wall suction and melting parameter.     

Synthesis,characterization and visible-light-driven photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction of carbazole-containing conjugated polymers

Hydrogen (H₂) is one of the most important fuel candidates and its low-cost production would necessitate the development of efficient electrocatalysts. In this study, we report the synthesis and evaluation of two new carbazole-containing polymers as organic photoelectrochemical (PEC) catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The synthesis of these new conjugated polymers, poly(N-(2-ethylhexyl)-3,6-carbazole-p-bisdodecyloxy-phenylene vinylene) (P1) and poly(N-(2-ethylhexyl)-3,6-carbazole-p-bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)-phenylene vinylene) (P2), was accomplished by the Horner–Emmons polymerization reaction and subsequently characterized by ¹H NMR, FTIR, diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy (DR UV–vis), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optical band gaps of P1 and P2, derived from the onset absorption edge, were found to be 2.10 and 2.14 eV, respectively. The chronoamperometric (CA) measurements revealed that the photo-current density generated at ～0 V by P1 and P2, without the use of additional noble metal based cocatalysts or sacrificial electron donors, was ?1.8 and ?2.1 μA/cm², respectively. The enhanced PEC performance of P2 was attributed due to its narrow band gap that enhanced light harvesting ability and the larger surface area which helped in minimizing charge recombination. The experimental observations were well supported by the drastic quenching of PL emission intensity of P2. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) measurements showed the onset potential at around ?0.3 V for both polymers. The photocurrent density difference for P2 at ?1.2 V reached to maximum value of 0.37 mA/cm², amounting to ～25% current enhancement under illumination. Long-term stability testing via CA measurements revealed that P2 was relatively more stable than P1, which warranted its potential as photocatalyst for solar water splitting. In addition, P1 and P2 are readily soluble in common organic solvents which make them potential candidates for photovoltaic devices application.     

Enzymatic biodegradation and detoxification of azo and anthraquinone dyes by indigenously isolated bacterial monocultures and their synergistic behaviour in developed consortia

Wastewater generated by textile industry needs to be treated to reduce its toxicity before final disposal and/or for recycling purposes. In the current study, several bacterial strains were screened for dye decolorization potential. UV–visible spectroscopy was used to determine maximum absorption wavelength of disperse dyes. HPLC and MTS assay were used to confirm the degradation and detoxification of disperse dyes, respectively. Results revealed that indigenously isolated Bacillus licheniformis, Glutamicibacter uratoxydans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed strong decolorization of red, blue and violet, respectively in 6–9 h. MTS assay revealed 100% viability of NIH/3T3 cell lines in presence of treated dyes. Enzyme screening assay confirmed the production of intracellular and membrane bound oxidoreductases in presence of specific dye as substrate. To resolve this issue, bacterial consortia were prepared, and better decolorization of all dyes was achieved in synergistic behaviour of Consortia 1 and 4 with 85% and 88% decolorization potential, respectively.     

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Olea europaea Leaf Extract for Their Enhanced Antibacterial,Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Biocompatibility Applications

Herein, we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (OE-Ag NPs) by ecofriendly green processes using biological molecules of Olea europaea leaf extract. Green synthesized OE-Ag NPs were successfully characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. Antibacterial activity of OE-Ag NPs was assessed against four different bacteriological strains using the dilution serial method. The cytotoxic potential was determined against MCF-7 carcinoma cells using MTT assay in terms of cell viability percentage. Antioxidant properties were evaluated in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging. Biocompatibility was further examined by incubating the synthesized NPs with hMSC cells for 24 h. The results were demonstrated that synthesized OE-Ag NPs presented excellent log₁₀ reduction in the growth of all the tested bacterial strains, which as statistically equivalent (p > 0.05) to the standard antibiotic drug. Moreover, they also demonstrated excellent cytotoxic efficacy against the MCF-7 carcinoma cells compared to plant lead extract and Com-Ag NPs. Green synthesized OE-Ag NPs appeared more biocompatible to hMSC and 293T cells compared to Com-Ag NPs. Excellent biological results of the OE-Ag NPs might be attributed to the synergetic effect of NPs’ properties and the adsorbed secondary metabolites of plant leaf extract. Hence, this study suggests that synthesized OE-Ag NPs can be a potential contender for their various biological and nutraceutical applications. Moreover, this study will open a new avenue to produce biocompatible nanoparticles with additional biological functionalities from the plants.     

Studies on a terephthalic acid and dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone liquid crystalline copolymer and its composites with different thermoplastics

A liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) was synthesized by an interfacial polycondensation reaction at room temperature from terephthaloyl chloride and p,p′-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone. The LCP synthesized was so stable and molecularly rigid that it did not show any phase transition until it degraded at about 320°C. Composites of the LCP with polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), and sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) were formed by compression molding at a temperature at which the thermoplastic matrix was in the melt state. They were thermally analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry. Tensile specimens were cut from the compression-molded plates, and mechanical tests were performed. The morphology of the material systems was studied by performing scanning electron microscopy analysis on cryogenically fractured specimens. For LCP/PS and LCP/SPS systems, a sharp two-phase morphology was formed, which suggested poor interfacial adhesion. The tensile strength of both systems decreased with LCP addition. The LCP/PC system also revealed a two-phase morphology; however, the interfaces between the LCP domains and the PC matrix were not so well defined, showing better interfacial adhesion than the two previous systems studied. Stronger bonding between the LCP and PC resulted in a significant improvement in the mechanical behavior of PC by LCP addition. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 64: 645–652, 1997     

Effect of benzohydroxamato-ethylenediamine-titanium complex on modification of jute and cotton yarns by UV-radiation-induced urethane acrylate

Several formulations were developed consisting of an aliphatic-based urethane triacrylate oligomer (Ebcryl 264) combined with N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP), a carboamide monomer, and tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA) at different proportions. A plasticizing agent, diallyl phthalate (DP), and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), an antibubbling solvent, were incorporated into the solutions. Thin polymer films prepared with these solutions under UV radiation were characterized. Jute and cotton yarns were treated with these solutions and cured with UV radiation. As a result, the rheological properties of jute and cotton were improved. The effect of ethylenediamine–titanium (EDA–titanium) complex and its ligands was studied. A very minute amount (0.1%) of the complex enhanced rheological properties of jute and cotton very significantly. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65:1571–1580, 1997     

Design and implementation of a software bridge with packet filtering and statistics collection functions

This article starts with the formulation of the complete design problem. Possible design strategies are then identified and adopted along with the reasons for adoption. Finally, the article describes the implementation of the proposed bridge. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Processing of liquid propellant reaction liquors by pervaporation

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and monomethylhydrazine are the two well‐known liquid propellants. Substantial amounts of sodium chloride present in the aqueous unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and monomethylhydrazine reaction liquors. Pervaporation experiments have been conducted using dense chitosan membrane for desalting of these reaction liquors. The effect of membrane thickness, salt concentration in the feed, and permeate pressures on flux and % rejection have been studied and discussed to optimize the conditions. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 141–149, 1999     

Improvement of properties of natural polymers with organo–metallic complexes under ultraviolet radiation

Thin polymer films were prepared under ultraviolet radiation with a triacrylated aliphatic urethane oligomer that was diluted with reactive monomers such as N‐vinyl pyrrolidone and tripropylene glycol diacrylate. These films were characterized. The effect of incorporation of a minute amount (>0.15%) of a titanium–pyridine complex and its ligands on the characterization of these polymers was investigated. Cotton and jute yarns were treated with the solutions containing these materials under the UV radiation. The change in tensile properties of the treated natural polymers (cotton and jute) was evaluated, and it was found that the titanium–pyridine‐based complex substantially enhanced the tensile strengths (tenacity) for both cotton and jute. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 1131–1138, 1999     

Increased Systemic Antioxidant Power Ameliorates the Aging-Related Reduction in Oocyte Competence in Mice

Ovarian aging is associated with elevated oxidative stress and diminished oocyte developmental competence. We aimed to determine the impact of systemic antioxidant treatment in aged mice. Female outbred CF-1 mice were aged for 9 months prior to an 8-week 45 mg Euterpe oleracea (açaí) daily supplement. The açaí treatment induced a threefold increase in serum antioxidant power (FRAP) compared to both young and aged mice (p < 0.0001). Compared to young mice, aged mice had fewer oocytes and reduced blastocyst development (p < 0.0001); açaí did not affect the oocyte numbers, but improved blastocyst formation (p < 0.05). Additionally, açaí alleviated the aging-related decrease in implantation potential (p < 0.01). The aged mice showed evidence of elevated ovarian ER stress (increased whole-ovary PDIA4 expression, granulosa cell and oocyte GRP78 expression, and oocyte PDIA4 protein), reduced oocyte mitochondrial quality (higher PRKN activation and mitochondrial DNA oxidative damage), and dysregulated uterine glandular epithelium. Antioxidant intervention was sufficient to lessen these effects of ovarian aging, likely in part by the upregulation of NRF2. We conclude that açaí treatment is a promising strategy to improve ER and mitochondrial function in the ovaries, thereby ameliorating the decreased oocyte competence that occurs with ovarian aging.