Bi5FeTi3O nanotubes incorporated with g-C3N4 nanosheets as novel Pt-free counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - Because of their high-efficiency interfacial charge-transfer characteristics of heterojunction nanocomposites have sparked widespread...     

Self-adaptable media service architecture for guaranteeing reliable multimedia services

The main objective of this paper is to design and develop a Self-Adaptable Media Service Architecture (SAMSA) for providing reliable dynamic composite multimedia service through policy-based actions. The multimedia services such as media retrieval, transcoding, scaling and display services are combined based on the preferences of the user to create a dynamic composite multimedia service called as Video-on-Demand service. Such distributed multimedia services deployed using Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) can be accessed in heterogeneous environments that are prone to changes during run-time. To provide reliable and adaptive multimedia services, a powerful self-adaptable architecture with dynamic compositions of multimedia services is necessary to adapt during run-time and react to the environment. The adaptability in this proposed architecture is achieved by enabling the service providers to Monitor, Analyze and Act on the defined policies that support customization of compositions of multimedia services and guarantee the Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning. The Media Service Monitor (MSM) observes the business and quality metrics associated with the multimedia services during run-time. The monitored results are analyzed by Monitored Results Analyzer (MRA) which identifies the type and location of the fault. The Adaptive Media Service Manager (AMSM) takes corrective actions based on the monitored results, through the policies defined as an extension of WS-Policy (Web Service—Policy framework). The effectiveness of the proposed Self-Adaptable Media Service Architecture (SAMSA) has been evaluated on Dynamic Composite Real-time Video-on-Demand Web Service (DCRVoDWS) for a maximum of 200 simultaneous client’s requests. The analysis of results shows that the proposed architecture provides better improvement on reliability, response time and user satisfaction.     

Preconditioned Bayesian Regression for Stochastic Chemical Kinetics

We develop a preconditioned Bayesian regression method that enables sparse polynomial chaos representations of noisy outputs for stochastic chemical systems with uncertain reaction rates. The approach is based on the definition of an appropriate multiscale transformation of the state variables coupled with a Bayesian regression formalism. This enables efficient and robust recovery of both the transient dynamics and the corresponding noise levels. Implementation of the present approach is illustrated through applications to a stochastic Michaelis–Menten dynamics and a higher dimensional example involving a genetic positive feedback loop. In all cases, a stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) is used to compute the system dynamics. Numerical experiments show that Bayesian preconditioning algorithms can simultaneously accommodate large noise levels and large variability with uncertain parameters, and that robust estimates can be obtained with a small number of SSA realizations.     

Biogenic gold nanoparticles for reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol: an eco‐friendly bioremediation

The present study investigated the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using mangrove plant extract from Avicennia marina as bioreductant for eco‐friendly bioremediation of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP). The AuNPs synthesised were confirmed by UV spectrum, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. The AuNPs were found to be spherical in shape with size ranging from 4 to 13 nm, as evident by TEM and DLS. Further, the AuNPs were encapsulated with sodium alginate in the form of gold nano beads and used as heterogeneous catalyst and degrading agent to reduce 4‐NP. This reduction in 4‐NP into 4‐aminophenol was confirmed by UV and FTIR. The aqueous solution of 4‐NP peaked its absorbance at 320 nm, and shifted to 400 nm, with an intense yellow colour, appeared due to formation of 4‐nitrophenolate ion. After the addition of AuNps, the 4‐NP solution became colourless and peaked at 400 nm and reduced to 290 nm corresponding to the formation of 4‐aminophenol. Hence, the present work suggested the AuNPs as the potent, eco‐friendly bionanocomposite catalyst for bioremediation of 4‐NP.Inspec keywords: gold, nanoparticles, nanobiotechnology, nanofabrication, ultraviolet spectra, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform spectra, infrared spectra, electrokinetic effects, catalysts, nanocomposites, biochemistryOther keywords: biogenic gold nanoparticles, 4‐nitrophenol, 4‐aminophenol, eco‐friendly bioremediation, mangrove plant extract, Avicennia marina, bioreductant, UV spectrum, transmission electron microscopy, TEM, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, FTIR, dynamic light scattering, DLS, zeta potential, degrading agent, 4‐nitrophenolate, bionanocomposite catalyst, size 4 nm to 13 nm, wavelength 400 nm, wavelength 290 nm, Au     

Influence of water on exhaust emissions on unmodified diesel engine propelled with biodiesel

The present work aims to investigate the effect of water addition to orange peel oil biodiesel (BD100) in a diesel engine to reduce the exhaust emissions. Fuel samples are prepared with different concentrations of water into biodiesel, 95% biodiesel + 5% water (BD95W5) and 90% orange peel oil biodiesel + 10% water (BD90W10). The water is added to biodiesel in presence of surfactant (Span-80). The experimental investigation on diesel engine reveals that the oxides of nitrogen emission and smoke emission are reduced for BD95W5 and BD90W10 compared to BD100 and diesel. In addition, the introduction of water to biodiesel in diesel engine reduces the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions noticeably.     

Feasibility studies for assessing internal exposure to 233U

The potential internal occupational exposure encountered as a consequence of the 232Th-233U fuel cycle are likely to arise predominantly from the inhalation of 232Th, 233U and (232Th + 233U) compounds of absorption Types M and S. In the past, although direct and indirect methods for assessments of internal exposure to 232Th and its daughters were developed, standardised and employed, no such attempts have been made with regard to 233U and 233U + 232Th. Therefore, feasibility studies for assessing internal exposure to 233U have been conducted using three methods: urine bioassay, in vivo counting and measurement of thoron gas in the exhaled breath of a worker. This paper describes details of these studies and discusses the results obtained.     

Self-reported motorcycle riding behaviour among school children in India

Studies on traffic accidents among underage users of motorcycles are seldom seen in literature. This study was done in Yamunanagar, India where boys as young as 8 years ride motorcycles. It attempts to find out the behavioural and non-behavioural factors leading to motorcycle use and the predisposition to accidents among male school children aged between 10 and 16 years. A questionnaire was used to evaluate those factors among 1760 subjects in 38 schools. Fifteen percent of subjects had had an accident while riding motorcycle. Most of the behavioural and all the non-behavioural factors have a statistically significant influence on accident proneness. Aggressive behaviour and previous encounter with the police are the two strong predictors of accidents (p<0.001). Children as riders are exposed to higher risks of accident and longer life with disability. It also explains how these children behaviourally take up adult roles and seek adult risk taking attitudes. The implications of child motorcycle riders upon children themselves and on the society are discussed for a greater discourse on road safety motorcycle riding policy and to highlight the behavioural and non-behavioural factors that are associated with traffic accidents.     

Processing and Characterisation of Epoxy–SiC Functionally Graded Polymer Matrix Composites

This paper proposed preparing and investigating the Epoxy–Silicon carbide composite for aerospace applications. In recent years aerospace industries concentrated in low weight, high strength and high thermal resistance materials. Polymer matrix composite can provide a better solution for the statement mentioned above. This study thermosetting study Epoxy and SiC materials have mixed in centrifugal casting with the ratio of 5%-SiC and resin. The microstructural evaluation is carried by Scanning Electron microscopic and investigating the tensile and hardness properties of the Epoxy– SiC Functionally Graded Polymer Matrix Composites. The wear and fracture analyse were investigated, and the results were discussed. the results show the SiC has provided the higher strength for composite, and its mixing percentage has control the weight of the polymer composite.