Mono-and multilayer formation studies of silver chloride on silver electrodes from chloride-containing solutions

Cyclic voltammetric and single potential step current-time transient experiments were carried out on the silver electrode in the presence of different concentrations of chloride. A monolayer peak was noticed at potentials more negative to the Ag/AgCl reversible potential. Cyclic voltammetric studies led to the conclusion that mono- and multilayer formation of silver chloride occur by adsorption-desorption (desad) and nucleation-growth processes respectively. Potentiostatic current-time transients revealed additional information, i.e. the presence of coupled nucleation-growth and desad kinetic processes during monolayer formation.     

Removal of chromium from aqueous solution using cellulose acetate and sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) blend ultrafiltration membranes

A process for purifying aqueous solutions containing heavy and toxic metals such as chromium has been investigated. Chromium salts are largely used in various industries including leather-manufacturing industry. Ultrafiltration processes are largely being applied for macromolecular and heavy metal ion separation from aqueous streams. Cellulose acetate and sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) blend ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by precipitation phase inversion technique in 100/0, 90/10, 80/20 and 70/30% polymer blend compositions and subjected to the rejection of chromium at different concentrations such as 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm with a water-soluble macroligand (polyvinylalcohol). Factors affecting the percentage rejection and permeate flux such as pH, concentration of solute, concentration of PVA, transmembrane pressure and composition of blend membranes were investigated. It was found that percentage rejection improved at a pH 6 and a macroligand concentration of 2 wt.%. The transmembrane pressure and concentration of solute also have an effect on the separation and product rate efficiencies of the blend membranes.     

Drying and Testing of Mint (Mentha piperita) by a Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT)-Based Greenhouse Dryer

Mint has been used as a medicinal and aromatic plant since ancient times. Its leaves are used for flavoring, spicing, and mint oil, which is used to treat several diseases. In order to preserve this seasonal plant for consumers during the year, it undergoes various technological treatments, such as drying. The economy of medicinal plant production is burdened considerably by the energy costs of drying. To substitute high-cost fossil energy, a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) ultraviolet (UV)-stabilized polyethylene greenhouse dryer was developed to lower the initial costs. The drying process from an initial moisture content of 80% wb to a final moisture content of 11% wb takes 21 h. Testing was done for different samples of dried mint powder and comparison was made to fresh samples. The results show that nutritional and calorific values are retained along with a major degree of its original color, which, coupled with a significant reduction in moisture content, resulted in longer shelf life of the dried product. Further, the results show that the efficiency of the dryer and net CO₂ mitigation over the lifetime was 34.2% and 140.97 tons, respectively. The carbon credit earned ranges from a minimum of $704.85 per ton of C to a maximum of $2,819.40 per ton of C.     

Removal of metsulfuron methyl by Fenton reagent

The removal of metsulfuron methyl (MeS)—a sulfonyl urea herbicide from contaminated water was investigated by advanced oxidation process (AOP) using Fenton method. The optimum dose of Fenton reagent (Fe²⁺/H₂O₂) was 10 mg/L Fe²⁺ and 60 mg/L H₂O₂ for an initial MeS concentration ([MeS]₀) range of 0–80 mg/L. The Fenton process was effective under pH 3. The degradation efficiency of MeS decreased by more than 70% at pH > 3 (pH 4.5 and 7). The initial Fe²⁺ concentration ([Fe²⁺]₀) in the Fenton reagent affected the degradation efficiency, rate and kinetics. The degradation of MeS at optimum dose of Fenton reagent was more than 95% for [MeS] ₀ of 0–40 mg/L and the degradation time was less than 30 min. The determination of residual MeS concentration after Fenton oxidation by UV spectrophotometry was affected by the interferences from Fenton reagent. The estimation of residual MeS concentration after Fenton oxidation by high pressure/performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) was interference free and represented the actual concentration of MeS and does not include the by-products of Fenton oxidation. The degradation kinetics of MeS was modelled by second order reactions involving 8 rate constants. The two reaction constants directly involving MeS were fitted using the experimental data and the remaining constants were selected from previously reported values. The model fit for MeS and the subsequent prediction of H₂O₂ were found to be within experimental error tolerances.     

Well-being analysis of GSU transformer insulation incorporating the impact on power generation using fuzzy logic

With the prevailing power scenario, every watt-second of electrical energy has its own merit in satisfying the consumer demand. At the state of such a stringent energy demanding era, failure of a power generation equipment compounds the energy constraints which will not only result in a huge loss of generation but also have an impact on capital revenue. The unexpected failure of generator step-up (GSU) transformer is especially a major disturbance in the power system operation and leads to unscheduled outages with power delivery problems. The time lag in bringing back the equipment in service after rectification or replacement may increase the criticality as the process involves mobilization of spares and maintenance professionals. Hot atmosphere existing in the vicinity of thermal power stations running round-the-clock with more than 100% plant load factor (PLF) increases the thermal stress of the electrical insulation which leads to premature failure of windings, bushings, core laminations, etc. The healthy state of the GSU transformer has to be ensured to minimize the loss of power generation. As the predication related to failure of a GSU transformer is associated with some uncertainties, a fuzzy approach is employed in this paper along with actual field data and case studies for the well-being analysis of GSU transformer.     

Glass Transition and Sticky Point Temperatures and Stability/Mobility Diagram of Fruit Powders

Principal components present in fruits are low molecular weight sugars and some organic acids. They have low glass transition temperature (T _g) and are very hygroscopic in their amorphous state, so the dry product becomes sticky. Water acts as a plasticizer and decreases the glass transition temperature of the product with the increase in moisture content and water activity. To overcome this problem, ingredients having high T _g value, such as maltodextrin, and food grade anti-caking agents were added to prepare vacuum dried fruit powders. The relationship between T _g and a _w provides a simple method for prediction of safe storage temperature at different relative humidities environment. Food powders namely, mango, pineapple, and tomato (3–4% w.b moisture content) were produced by mixing with maltodextrin and tri calcium phosphate at predetermined levels before drying. The relationship among glass transition temperature (T _g), sticky point temperature (T _s), moisture content and water activity of the three powders was represented in a stability/mobility diagram to find out safe storage conditions. Glass transition temperature of the fruit powders were interpreted in terms of the Gordon-Taylor model for verification. Glass transition and sticky point temperatures were compared by plotting them in a graph against moisture content.     

Synthesis of Combretastatin-A4 Carboxamidest that Mimic Sulfonyl Piperazines by a Molecular Hybridization Approach: in vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation and Inhibition of Tubulin Polymerization

Molecular hybridization approach is a promising structural modification tool to design new chemical entities (NCEs) by mimicking two different pharmacophoric units into one scaffold to enhance the biological properties. With this aim, combretastatin-A4 acids were integrated with sulfonyl piperazine scaffolds as a one molecular platform and evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against a panel of human cancer lines cell lines namely, lung (A549), mouse melanoma (B16F10), breast (MDA MB-231and MCF-7) and colon (HCT-15) by MTT assay. Amongst which the compound (E)-3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-(4-((4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one ( 5 ab ) displayed significant IC₅₀ values in the range of 0.36 to 7.08 μm against the selected cancer cell lines. Moreover, 5 ab was found to be the most potent member of this series with IC₅₀ 0.36±0.02 μm . Further investigations revealed that the compound 5 ab displayed significant inhibition of tubulin assembly with IC₅₀ 5.24±0.06 μm and molecular docking studies also disclosed the binding of 5 ab effectively in CA4 binding space at the colchicine binding site. The flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the compound 5 ab caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in A549 cells. Compound 5 ab induced apoptosis in A549 cells which was further evaluated by different staining assays such as DAPI and AO which undoubtedly speculated, the induction of apoptosis. To study the anti-migration with 5 ab , cell migration/scratch wound assay was performed and the extent of apoptosis was studied by Annexin-V, including mitochondrial potential by JC-1 staining.