Multi-stage point estimation of the mean of an inverse Gaussian distribution

In this article, we develop two-stage, three-stage, and accelerated sequential procedures for the point estimation of the mean μ of an inverse Gaussian distribution when the scale parameter λ is unknown. Both minimum risk and bounded risk estimation problems are considered subject to a weighted squared error loss function. We aim at controlling the associated risk functions for all three procedures. Second-order approximations are obtained for the proposed procedures.     

Combustion synthesis of compounds in the Y2O3-Al2O3 system

In the Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ system, compounds Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (yttrium aluminum garnet, YAG), YAlO₃ (yttrium aluminum perovskite, YAP), and Y₄Al₂O₉ (yttrium aluminate monoclinic, YAM) are well known. YAG and YAP are of considerable technological importance. Conventional solid-state reaction techniques require high sintering temperatures (above 1800°C) to prepare phase-pure compounds. Though several soft chemical routes have been explored for synthesis of YAG, YAP and YAM, most of these methods are complex. Moreover, phase-pure materials are not obtained in one step and prolonged annealing at temperatures around 1000°C is necessary. In this paper, one-step combustion synthesis of these compounds is reported using a modified procedure and employing mixed (glycine + urea) fuel. Phosphors based on Ce³⁺ activation were also prepared and exhibited characteristic photoluminescence.     

Modelling of binary fluidization of coal and ash and validation using radioactive particle tracking and densitometry

Binary fluidization finds wide application in a variety of gas–solid catalytic and non-catalytic industrial fluidization systems. In the present study, a three-dimensional transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was used to model the binary fluidization of coal and ash in a laboratory-scale cold flow fluidized bed. In parallel, phase velocity measurements using radioactive particle tracking (RPT) and gamma-ray densitometry were performed, which provided a rich database for validation of the CFD model. RPT being a time-resolved Lagrangian technique, it was possible to extract velocity fluctuations and their correlations in addition to the mean velocity profiles. The latter provided additional validation for the CFD model, in addition to the typical validation that is done with time-averaged profiles of phase velocity and volume fraction. The robust validation procedure opens up the possibility of expanding this model to a pilot plant-scale fluidized bed.     

A case study of long-term RO plant operation without chemical pretreatment

Described herein is a case study of long-term reverse osmosis (RO) plant operation without applying chemical pretreatments to the feed water. This project was undertaken with the financial support from the Department of Bio-Technology, New Delhi, and the work was carried out by a research team from Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavnagar (Gujarat), India. A prototype plant with a 30,000 L/d capacity was designed, manufactured, installed and operated at the village of Mocha-Gorsar, located in the Porbandar district, to provide drinking water. The village was to be developed as a model Bio-Village where other projects related to village problems are also operated by other research institutes. Thin-film composite (TFC) membrane-based RO technology was indigenously developed by the institute for treatment of brackish water and waste water for the first time in India; it was used successfully in this plant, which gave a typical NaCl rejection of about 95%. This is a typical case study of RO plant installation where physical methods of pretreatment such as sand and micron cartridge filters were used; no chemical pretreatment of feed was employed for long-term brackish water desalination study. The idea was to avoid the usage of chemicals, which concentrate in the effluent water, might affect the environment and may not suit the village community. Plant performance during 24 months of continuous operation with respect to variable feed salinity, membrane cleaning and regenerations is discussed.     

Reduced Maternal Erythrocyte Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Exist in Early Pregnancy in Preeclampsia

The present prospective study examines proportions of maternal erythrocyte fatty acids across gestation and their association with cord erythrocyte fatty acids in normotensive control (NC) and preeclamptic pregnancies. We hypothesize that maternal fatty acid status in early pregnancy influences fetal fatty acid stores in preeclampsia. 137 NC women and 58 women with preeclampsia were included in this study. Maternal blood was collected at 3 time points during pregnancy (16–20th weeks, 26–30th weeks and at delivery). Cord blood was collected at delivery. Fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography. The proportions of maternal erythrocyte α‐linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, nervonic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p < 0.05 for all) were lower while total n‐6 fatty acids were higher (p < 0.05) at 16–20th weeks of gestation in preeclampsia as compared with NC. Cord 18:3n‐3, 22:6n‐3, 24:1n‐9, MUFA, and total n‐3 fatty acids (p < 0.05 for all) were also lower in preeclampsia as compared with NC. A positive association was observed between maternal erythrocyte 22:6n‐3 and 24:1n‐9 at 16–20th weeks with the same fatty acids in cord erythrocytes (p < 0.05 for both) in preeclampsia. Our study for the first time indicates alteration in maternal erythrocyte fatty acids at 16th weeks of gestation which is further reflected in cord erythrocytes at delivery in preeclampsia.     

Chemical hydrodynamics of a downward microbubble flow for intensification of gas‐fed bioreactors

Bioreactors are of interest for value‐upgrading of stranded or waste industrial gases. Reactor intensification requires development of low cost bioreactors with fast gas–liquid mass transfer rate. Here we assess published reactor technology in comparison with a novel downward bubble flow created by a micro‐jet array. Compared to known technology, the advanced design achieves higher volumetric gas transfer efficiency (k_La per power density) and can operate at higher k_La. We measure the effect of four reactor heights (height‐to‐diameter ratios of 12, 9, 6, and 3) on the gas transfer coefficient k_L, total interfacial area a, liquid residence time distribution, energy consumption, and turbulent hydrodynamics. Leading models for predicting k_L and a are appraised with experimental data. The results show k_L is governed by “entrance effects” due to Higbie penetration dominate at short distances below the micro‐jet array, while turbulence dominates at intermediate distances, and finally terminal rise velocity dominates at large distances. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 1399–1411, 2018     

Waste Eggshell-Derived Calcium Oxide and Nanohydroxyapatite Biomaterials for the Preparation of LLDPE Polymer Nanocomposite and Their Thermomechanical Study

Waste eggshells were utilized to make calcium oxide (E-CaO) and hydroxyapatite (E-HAP). E-CaO obtained by heat treatment to eggshells was utilized for the synthesis of E-HAP. Melt compounding of E-CaO/E-HAP was performed with linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) on a Brabender Plastograph and ground the obtained formulation for injection molding. Addition of E-CaO/E-HAP in the LLDPE significantly enhanced the flame retardant ability and thermal stability of resultant composites. In the comparative study, E-HAP nanopowder-containing polymer composite showed increment in thermal and mechanical properties than the composite prepared using E-CaO.     

Antiandrogen and Antimicrobial Aspects of Coordination Compounds of Palladium(II), Platinum(II) and Lead(II)

Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activities of an interesting class of biologically potent macrocyclic complexes have been carried out. All the complexes have been evaluated for their antimicrobial effects on different species of pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The testicular sperm density, testicular sperm morphology, sperm motility, density of cauda epididymal spermatozoa and fertility in mating trails and biochemical parameters of reproductive organs have been examined and discussed. The resulting biologically active [M(MaL(n))(R(2))]Cl(2) and [Pb(MaL(n))(R(2))X(2)] (where, M = Pd(II) or Pt(II) and X = Cl or NO(3)) type of complexes have been synthesized by the reactions of macrocyclic ligands (MaL(n)) with metal salts and different diamines in 1:1:1 molar ratio in methanol. Initially the complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight determinations and conductivity measurements. The mode of bonding was established on the basis of IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, (195)Pt NMR, (207)Pb NMR, XRD and electronic spectral studies. The macrocyclic ligand coordinates through the four azomethine nitrogen atoms which are bridged by benzil moieties. IR spectra suggest that the pyridine nitrogen is not coordinating. The palladium and platinum complexes exhibit tetracoordinated square-planar geometry, whereas a hexacoordinated octahedral geometry is suggested for lead complexes.     

Effect of Additives on the Electromechanical Properties of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3–Pb(Y2/3W1/3)O3 Ceramics

Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of 0.02Pb(Y_2/3W_1/3)O₃ 0.98Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 ceramics doped with additives (Nb₂O₅, La₂O₃, MnO₂, and Fe₂O₃) were investigated. The grain sizes of these ceramics decreased with increasing amounts of additives. For additions of MnO₂ and Fe₂O₃, dielectric losses decreased, while for Nb₂O₅ and La₂O₃, these values increased. The maximum values of the mechanical quality factor Q_m were found to be 956 and 975 for additions of 0.9 wt% Fe₂O₃ and 0.7 wt% MnO₂, respectively, but donor dopants (Nb₂O₅ and La₂O₃) did not change the values of Q_m . On the other hand, the piezoelectric constant d₃₃ and the electromechanical coupling factor k_p decreased with additions of MnO₂ and Fe₂O₃, but improved with additions of Nb₂O₅ and La₂O₃.