bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Technique to Enhance Dissolution Rate of Cilnidipine Using Liquisolid Compact and Wet Granulation
Authors: Siju Vinod Valjibhai , Soniwala Moinuddin , Nagar Swati
Published: July 2017

The main objective of the work was to improve the dissolution rate of the drug, Cilnidipine (CLD) by using the liquisolid compact technique and wet granulation. Cilnidipine drug is poorly soluble in water and it’s highly soluble in higher pH. In this study drug is solubilize in tween 80 and sodium hydroxide and meglumine solution. And then drug solution binding on Pearlitol SD 200. PVP K30 used as a binder and crospovidone used as a disintegrant. Sodium hydroxide and meglumine used as a buffering agent for basic media preparation. The drug release rates of tablets which prepared by liquisolid compact have higher solubility and dissolution than conventional tablets.
ESSENTIAL OIL COMPOSITION AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF FLOWERS OF ACHILLEA FILIPENDULINA
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Bose Sunil Kumar , Vadekeetil Anitha , . Geeta , Harjai Kusum , . Richa
Published: July 2017

Achillea filipendulina is an aromatic plant of family Asteraceae with bright yellow colour flowers. The objective of the study was to extract the essential oil from the flowers of the selected plant using Clevenger apparatus, to analyse the chemical composition of the oil using GC-MS and to screen the essential oil for its antibacterial property against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. GC-MS results revealed that the main chemical constituents present in the oil were trans 2,7 Dimethyl 4,6 octadien-2-ol (27.93%), borneol (21.44%) and santolina triene (7.13%). The results of agar well diffusion assay revealed that the oil showed antibacterial activity against all the tested bacteria except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of oil was determined against the sensitive bacteria. MIC values against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were similar (0.312% v/v) and for Bacillus cereus, MIC value was found to be (0.156%). Results indicated the great antibacterial potential of oil of this plant against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.
A SURVEY OF POTENT FOLKLORE MEDICINAL PLANT USED BY ETHNIC PEOPLE OF THUTHIPATTU AND KARUVATCHI VILLAGE, VILLUPURAM DISTRICT OF TAMIL NADU, INDIA
Authors: Babu A. , Anand D. , Saravanan P.
Published: July 2017

The present study was carried out in two geographically isolated Hillocks, Sacred Groves and Unclassified Vegetation of Gingee Taluk of Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India, a region inhabited by farmers and tribal groups. Data obtained through guided field-walk method on ethnomedicinal plants and ethnographic profile of respondents was documented using semi structured questionnaires. Information on medicinal plants with their correct botanical identities with family, local names, parts used, is carefully recorded. It resulted in about 50 medicinal plants used for the treatment of several diseases either in single or in combination with some other ingredients. The survey shows that the informants in two villages have very good knowledge about the medicinal plants used for various ailments. This present study analyzed the data collected from the study area by applying the quantitative ethnobotanical devices such as, Use value (UVi), Factor informant consensus (Fic) and Fidelity level (F1%).
IN SILICO VALIDATION OF ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS ACTIVITY IN ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA (BURM.F.) NEES
Authors: Haridas Nimmi , Sreekumar S , Biju C.K
Published: July 2017

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although drugs are available for its treatment, administrations of those drugs have so many limitations and emergence of drug resistant strains of bacteria necessitate for the discovery of novel drugs. Plants are the best source of novel drugs and they are safe to use. Andrographis paniculata has been used in the Indian traditional medicine against tuberculosis, however, its efficacy was not tested and chemical molecules having the drug property are not identified. In the present investigation a total 140 chemical molecules derived from A. paniculata, 114 compounds collected from databases and 26 compounds determined through GC-MS analysis, were docked with three target proteins such as filamentous temperature sensitive protein Z (FtsZ), decaprenyl phosphoryl-beta D ribofuranose 2 epimerase (DprE1) and pantothenate kinase (PanK) and based on the lowest binding energy (≤-5kcal/mol) hit molecules were identified. Further hydrogen bond interaction and drug-likeness property analysis revealed that the compound β-sitosterol have inhibitory activity against FtsZ and DprE1. The compound 3,14 dideoxyandrographolide/andrograpanin showed least binding energy with PanK protein. The toxicity and drug-likeness property analysis indicated that among the hit molecules β-sitosterol is a promising lead molecule for the development of anti-tuberculosis drug. The results also substantiate the traditional use of this plant against tuberculosis.
Formulation design and characterization of osmotically controlled tablet of Ramipril
Authors: Nayak Bhabani Shankar , Ellaiah P. , Sethy Suprava , Nayak Monalisha , Sourajit Subham
Published: July 2017

Objective: Ramipril is a long-acting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. The study aimed to design, formulate and evaluate the oral osmotic drug delivery dosage form of an anti-hypertensive drug, ramipril.Methods: The tablet was formulated using ramipril and different polymers like PVP- K30 and Ethyl cellulose. The microcrystalline cellulose (MCC - diluent), Potassium chloride, Mannitol (osmogen) and Magnesium stearate (lubricant) were used in all the formulations. All the tablets were manufactured by wet granulation method followed by film coating. Compatibility of the drug with excipients was determined by FT-IR spectral analysis. The granules were evaluated for bulk density, Carr’s index and Hausner’s ration to determine flow properties. The prepared compressed and coated tablets were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, and drug content and in vitro drug release and release kinetic studies.Results: The FT-IR study revealed that drug was compatible with excipients.  The flow properties of granules of most formulation were excellent. All osmotic tablet formulations had good tablet physiochemical properties as per Pharmacopeia. The drug content of all tablet batches was satisfactory. The in vitro drug release study revealed that the formulation F7 containing 100 mg of ethyl cellulose release 100% of drug in 24 h with zero order release kinetics.Conclusions: Ramipril osmotic tablet could be used for safe management of hypertension with greater novelty.
Optimization of floating bilayered tablets of Ketorolac Tromethamine
Authors: Jain Hitesh , Patel Kinjal , Savant Neha , Upadhyay Umesh
Published: July 2017

Objective: The aim of the present study was to formulate the floating bilayer tablets of Ketorolac tromethamine, first immediate release layer and second sustained release floating layer which would provide initial loading dose of drug and remain in stomach and upper part of GIT for prolonged period of time in a view to maximize solubility of drug which is necessary for its absorption.Methods: The floating bilayered tablets of Ketorolac tromethamine were prepared by using 32 factorial designs by direct compression method. For this, polymers like sodium starch glycolate and polyox WSR 303 were used in various concentrations. Sodium bicarbonate was used as a floating effervescent agent. The formulations were evaluated for hardness, friability, weight variation, swelling index, floating lag time, floating time, % CDR etcResults: From the result obtained, S3 having 23% Polyox WSR 303 and 12% sodium bicarbonate showed better results.Conclusions: The results showed that Polyox WSR is promising tool to designing of sustained release formulation.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by Aspergillus consortium and evaluating its anticancer activity against Human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7)
Authors: P. Rajeswari , P. Samuel , J. Vijayakumar , T. Selvarathinam , D.N.P. Sudarmani , K. Amirtharaj , R. Deenathayalan
Published: July 2017

Objective: The objective of the present study is to produce silver nanoparticles from marine fungi from south west coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and evaluating their potentials with special reference to anticancer activity.Methods: Hand core pushing technique is adapted to collect marine sediment samples along the coastal environs. Distinguished Aspergillus colonies were isolated and identified by wet mount procedure. The characterized Aspergillus consortium was subjected to produce silver nanoparticles. The extracellularly synthesized nanoparticles were characterized. Silver nanoparticles were evaluated for anticancer activity against MCF7 cell line by MTT assay. The IC50 values were determined.Results: Aspergillus consortium consist of A. niger, A. michelle and A. japonicus. Silver nanoparticles were extracellularly synthesized by the reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) to metallic silver (Ag+) ions results in the transformation of pale yellow to dark red colour. Constant shift was observed at 420 nm while monitoring the solution by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The presence of important functional groups like –NH3 was confirmed by FT-IR Spectroscopy. Anticancer activity of the silver nanoparticles was evaluated against MCF7. There was 100% cell inhibition when concentration of the AgNPs reached 25 µg, 50 µg and 100 µg respectively in the test solution. Notably the IC50 value was found to be very lowest for the nanoparticles produced by A. japonicus and the value was found to be 1.47 µg/ml.Conclusions: Aspergillus consortium was found to be an ideal mycobiosystem for the production of silver nanoparticles with potential anticancer activity.
Toxic manifestations of mercuric chloride and polychlorinated biphenyls on the haematological aspects of Danio rerio
Authors: Vijayalakshmi V. , Krishnaveni S. , Madhuramozhi G.
Published: July 2017

Objectives: To explore the acute toxicity of major aquatic pollutants like mercuric chloride (HgCl2) and polychlorinated by phenyls (PCB) and their effects based on the haematology of fresh water fish Danio rerio (Zebra fish).Methods: Zebra fish (Danio rerio) were exposed to progressive concentrations of HgCl2 and PCB. The fishes were exposed to various concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 µg/L of mercury and PCB for a period up to two weeks. Haematological tests (total RBC, WBC count and haemoglobin concentration) were carried out on each concentration as well as control for a period of 2 weeks.Results: It was observed that, in exposure time from 0, 7 and 14 days, the total erythrocyte (RBC), leucocytes (WBC) haemoglobin (Hb) values decreased. The exposure to sub lethal doses of Mercury and PCB for 1, 7 and 14 days exposure period causes significant(Values are  expressed as means ± SD. Significant difference between groups were  compared to control, *p <0.01, **p <0.05) time and dose dependent alterations in total RBC, WBC and haemoglobin count compared to the control values.Conclusions: Haematological parameters constitute one of the important methods to access the health or ill health of an organism, subjected to intoxication. This demonstrates the physiological dysfunction of the haemopoietic system. Hgcl2 is a heavy metal that causes symptoms in human like and gastrointestinal disturbances, anaemia, anorexia, loss of weight, chronic inflammations of kidneys. PCB exposure in animals has been reported to develop Wasting syndrome, reduced body weight, immune toxicity, vitamin A deficiency, and thyroid hormone deficiency, reproductive effects in offspring like reduced birth weight, abnormal gonad development. It also affect the central nervous system which results in slowed learning and memory loss, and also responsible for other behavioural changes. Thus toxicity bioassay is the basic tool for the detection, evaluation and abatement of water pollution
Adverse combat experiences, feeling responsible for death, and suicidal ideation in treatment-seeking Veterans and actively serving Canadian Armed Forces members
Authors: Richardson Don , King Lisa , Shnaider Philippe , Elhai Jon D.
Published: July 2017

Introduction: The present study examines the relationship between feeling responsible for the death of another and suicidal ideation (SI) while controlling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and general adverse deployment experiences. Methods: Participants were current and former Canadian Armed Forces personnel ( N=276) seeking treatment at a hospital-based operational stress injury clinic. Data was collected as part of a standard intake protocol. Results: Although 43.5% of the sample reported feeling responsible for the death of another in at least one instance, this variable did not emerge as a significant predictor of SI. Instead, MDD and PTSD severity were the only significant predictors of SI in our model. Discussion: Consistent with previous research, MDD emerged as the strongest predictor of SI. Results emphasize the influence of psychiatric conditions on suicidal behaviour over and above other combat-related variables.
Effect of stirring speed on microstructure of A356 alloy cast through rheometal process
Authors: Gupta Robin , Sharma Ashok , Pandel Upender , Ratke Lorenz
Published: July 2017

Synthesis of an A356 alloy slurry with 30 wt.% solid fraction was carried out by the rheometal process, previously known as a rapid slurry formation process. A detailed study of the A356 alloy at different slurry stirring speeds (400, 600, 800, 1 000, and 1 200 rpm) was performed. Variation of the surface morphology of the enthalpy exchange material at different stirring times (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 s) was also investigated. The evolution of the cast microstructure was observed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The microstructure exhibited a network of eutectic Si around the primary α-Al phase. The average grain size of the primary α-Al phase decreases with stirring speeds up to 1 000 rpm. For 1 200 rpm, average grain size decreased, however, high turbulence led to entrapment of gas porosity. The experimental results revealed that as stirring times increased under isothermal conditions, the α-Al phase changed its morphology from dendritic to rosette to globular. The effect of flow pattern was investigated with the introduction of four baffles along the crucible wall. These baffles modified the fluid flow pattern such that the average grain size of α-Al phase was further refined.
Experimental investigation of phase equilibria in the Zr–Cu–Ni ternary system
Authors: Yang Mujin , Wang Cuiping , Yang Shuiyuan , Shi Zhan , Han Jiajia , Liu Xingjun
Published: July 2017

The phase equilibria in the Zr–Cu–Ni ternary system are investigated combined with X-ray diffraction, electron probe micro-analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Two isothermal sections of the Zr–Cu–Ni ternary system at 1 000 °C and 1 100 °C are experimentally established. Most of the binary intermetallic compounds, e. g. Zr7Ni10, ZrNi, ZrNi5, Zr14Cu51, and Zr2Cu9, show a remarkable ternary solubility. A new ternary compound named τ3 (Zr3
1.1
–
30.7 · Cu28.5
–
4
0.
3Ni40.4–29.0) is detected at 1 000 °C and dissolved at 1 020 °C because the nearby large liquid phase field further expands. The newly determined phase equilibria will provide important information for both thermodynamic assessment and alloy design of Zr-based metallic glass.
Monitoring the improvement of muscle performance using isokinetic dynamometry: A comparative analysis based on the full range of motion vs. the valid isokinetic sector
Authors: Ozdemir Cigdem , Ozgünen Kerem , Sarpel Tunay , Günaştı Ozgur , Bıldırcın Caglar , Coşkun Funda , Sadi Kurdak S.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND:

Isokinetic dynamometers measure moment and calculate work and power values, which are generally used to interpret muscle performance.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to determine the differences of peak moment (PM), work, and power between FRoM and calculated valid isokinetic sector (VIS) data to define the possibility of the misinterpretation of isokinetic dynamometer data.

METHODS:

Fourteen professional male soccer players who had ACL reconstruction were recruited to the muscle strengthening program which was conducted four days a week for six weeks with increasing training intensity each week. Isokinetic muscle peak moment, work, and power of knee extensors and flexors were measured at angular velocities of 60, 120, 180 and 240[Formula: see text]/s.

RESULTS:

The results of the standard full-RoM (FRoM) report were compared with the calculated VIS data. Analyses of the FRoM data showed that PM, work, and power values for both extensor and flexor muscle groups improved significantly. However, a comparison of FRoM and VIS data showed significant differences for the work and power values at 120, 180 and 240[Formula: see text]/s.

CONCLUSION:

The evaluation of FRoM isokinetic data may cause improper interpretations in muscle performance, particularly for contractions with higher angular velocities.
An Adaptive Discrete Geometric Approach for high-accuracy solutions of 2-D elliptic problems on the coarse grid
Authors: Chen Feng , Wang Jiawei , Bai Xubin
Published: July 2017

An Adaptive Discrete Geometric Approach is proposed for high-accuracy simulations of 2-D elliptic problems on the coarse grid. The idea is to reduce the error coming from the discretization of the constitutive equations by using the patch recovery technique. The integration-oriented scheme is adopted for the recovery procedure due to the high-precision of the regression functions. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach are verified by the numerical tests.
The effect of different concentrations of Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol as cryoprotectant in preserving Vero cells
Authors: Siddiqui MSI , Parvin R , Giasuddin M , Chowdhury SMZH , Islam MR , Chowdhury EH
Published: July 2017

Different concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol were used for cryopreservation of Vero cells. After total cell count Vero cells were preserved in liquid nitrogen. Two frozen stocks were made simultaneously from the cell suspensions of same concentrations using DMSO or glycerol at concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 15%. After six months of cryopreservation both frozen stocks were used providing same nutrients and environment for the viability of the Vero cells. The cell viability analysis was performed immediately after thawing by Trypan Blue Exclusion Test. Both cryoprotectants showed a protective effect on Vero cells. When Glycerol was used, a maximum cell viability rate of 89.4% and a lowest cell viability rate of 63% were achieved at concentrations of 10% and 2.5%, respectively. On the other hand, DMSO at a concentration of 10% had the highest effect on cryoprotectivity and showed highest cell viability (75%), while at 15% concentration it showed the lowest cell viability (53%). It is suggested that DMSO and glycerol are appropriate protective materials for the cryopreservation of Vero cells. The solutions at concentration of 10% of DMSO and glycerol could be the best choice of cryoprotectant for long-term (6 months) preservation of Vero cells.Bangl. vet. 2016. Vol. 33, No. 1, 1-7
Evaluation of antibody response to Goat Pox cell culture vaccine in goats in India
Authors: Baksi S , Puwar P , Rao N , Oza R
Published: July 2017

Goat Pox is an important contagious viral disease that causes serious economic loss in small ruminants. The disease causes high morbidity, mortality and trade restriction. Several outbreaks of the disease are reported in Africa and Europe. In India also, the disease has high economic significance. Present study was undertaken to estimate specific antibody response to Live Goat Pox Vaccine in goats. Thirty-five healthy goats were vaccinated with single dose and 10 goats were kept as control. Blood was collected at defined intervals and sera were separated. Virus neutralization test was performed to estimate neutralization index as marker of antibody levels in serum. The study revealed that vaccine could induce immunity against the disease within seven days of vaccination, and reached a peak at 21 days. The titre remained at protective level throughout the oneyear study. Further study can be done to estimate the total duration of immunity through extended study, and the response to challenge with virus.Bangl. vet. 2016. Vol. 33, No. 1, 23-27
Immune response of cattle to vaccination with Brucella abortus strain 19 in India
Authors: Baksi S , Dave H , Rao N , Oza R , Khan M
Published: July 2017

Brucellosis is an important contagious bacterial disease of livestock, which can be transmitted to humans. It is prevalent in many countries including India. Vaccination and biosecurity can reduce the prevalence of brucellosis. Evaluation of immune response of live Brucella abortus vaccine containing S19 strain in 10 calves was studied, with 10 unvaccinated controls. The percentage inhibition (PI) values (78.0 ± 4.9) were positive from one month after vaccination and the protection was sustained up to six months after vaccination. Rose Bengal Test (RBT) values were positive in 9/10 calves until 10 months after vaccination.Bangl. vet. 2016. Vol. 33, No. 1, 28-32
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among health care professionals
Authors: Rahman Mokhlesur , Chowdhury Abhijit , Zaman Mohammad Shiblee , Sultana Nihar , Amin Mariam Binte , Hossain Md Marroof
Published: July 2017

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant occupational problem among health care professionals; however, data on prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are limited in our country for referencing. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted during January to December 2016 among 160 health care professionals (doctors, nurses) working in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka city. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, distribution and to find out the multiple risk factors that contribute to the development of WMSDs among the sample population. Data were collected with semi structured questionnaire based on a validated research instrument Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) which records the prevalence of MSDs in terms of musculoskeletal symptoms (ache, pain, discomfort) in the preceding 12 months. The statistical analysis was done by using the SPSS software 21 version. The study result revealed that out of 160 (100.0%) health care professionals 109 (68.1%) had musculoskeletal pain or discomfort in the last 12 months and 51 (31.9%) had not, and it was also found that 57 (61.3%) doctors and 52 (77.6%) nurses had musculoskeletal pain or discomfort in the last 12 months and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in different body region in the last 12 months, where more than 1 site involvement 46 (42.2%) followed by neck 19 (17.4%), shoulder 15 (13.8%), lower back 13 (11.9%), hips 8 (7.3%), hand/fingers 5 (4.6%). About the self reported risk factors among the health care professionals for WMSDs were found working the same position for long periods 48 (29.8%),followed by treating excessive number of patients in a day 47 (29.1%), inadequate training on injury prevention 25 (15.9%), working awkward or cramped position18(11.6%).There were no statistically significant association found in age and years of experience of the health care professionals with the WMSDs (p value .281, .083 respectively), but significant association found in sex and occupation of the health care professionals with WMSDs (p value .045, .031 respectively). As because a high proportion of health care professionals had WMSDs and they are on the risk for development of WMSDs, it can be recommended that education programmes on prevention and coping strategies for musculoskeletal disorders be made mandatory for health care professionals in order to reduce the rate of WMSDs among them and to promote efficiency in patient care.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2017; 7 (1): 04-09
The Role of Small-Scale Biofuel Production in Brazil: Lessons for Developing Countries
Authors: Muniz Kubota Arielle , Dal Belo Leite João , Watanabe Marcos , Cavalett Otávio , Leal Manoel , Cortez Luis
Published: July 2017

Small-scale biofuel initiatives to produce sugarcane ethanol are claimed to be a sustainable opportunity for ethanol supply, particularly for regions with price-restricted or no access to modern biofuels, such as communities located far from the large ethanol production centers in Brazil and family-farm communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, respectively. However, smallholders often struggle to achieve economic sustainability with ethanol microdistilleries. The aim of this paper is to provide an assessment of the challenges faced by small-scale bioenergy initiatives and discuss the conditions that would potentially make these initiatives economically feasible. Ethanol microdistilleries were assessed through a critical discussion of existent models and through an economic analysis of different sugarcane ethanol production models. The technical-economic analysis showed that the lack of competitiveness against large-scale ethanol distillery, largely due to both low crop productivity and process efficiency, makes it unlikely that small-scale distilleries can compete in the national/international ethanol market without governmental policies and subsidies. Nevertheless, small-scale projects intended for local supply and integrated food–fuel systems seem to be an interesting alternative that can potentially make ethanol production in small farms viable as well as increase food security and project sustainability particularly for local communities in developing countries.
Storage of Fruits and Vegetables in Refrigerator Increases their Phenolic Acids but Decreases the Total Phenolics, Anthocyanins and Vitamin C with Subsequent Loss of their Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Galani Joseph H. Y. , Patel Jalpesh S. , Patel Nilesh J. , Talati Jayant G.
Published: July 2017

It is of paramount importance for consumers, scientists and industrialists to understand how low-temperature storage of food items affects their bioactive compounds and properties. This study evaluated the effects of cold storage on total phenolics (TP), phenolic acids profile (PA), total anthocyanins (TA), total ascorbic acid (Vit. C) and antioxidant activity (AA) of 19 fruits and vegetables, collected from local Indian markets and stored in refrigerator (4 °C) during 15 days. Content of TP was highest in dill and amaranth and decreased (up to 29.67%) with storage. Leafy vegetables (amaranth, dill, onion, fenugreek and spinach) contained higher amounts of the 12 PA revealed by UPLC-UV; ellagic, gallic, sinapic and vanillic acids levels were the highest; chlorogenic acid (ρ = 0.423), syringic acid (ρ = 0.403) and sinapic acid (ρ = 0.452) mostly correlated with TP; and the PA increased during storage. Highest contents of Vit C estimated by AOAC, DCPIP and DNP methods were found in amaranth, dill and pomegranate, and decreased with storage. Pomegranate showed highest TA levels and low-temperature storage did not significantly increase TA, which was the largest contributor of TP in fruits and vegetables (ρ = 0.661). Storage induced a drastic decrease of AA, which mostly correlated with TP (ρ = 0.808, 0.690 and 0.458 for DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, respectively). Spearman’s correlation confirmed by principal component analysis demonstrated that dill, pomegranate and amaranth had the highest overall antioxidant capacity, whereas orange juice and carrot showed the lowest. The results provide support for a key-role of TP, followed by Vit. C and TA in antioxidant capacity of fruits and vegetables, which could be interesting dietary sources of natural antioxidants for prevention of diseases caused by oxidative stress.
Ideal Operation of a Photovoltaic Power Plant Equipped with an Energy Storage System on Electricity Market
Authors: Järvelä Markku , Valkealahti Seppo
Published: July 2017

There is no natural inertia in a photovoltaic (PV) generator and changes in irradiation can be seen immediately at the output power. Moving cloud shadows are the dominant reason for fast PV power fluctuations taking place typically within a minute between 20 to 100% of the clear sky value roughly 100 times a day, on average. Therefore, operating a utility scale grid connected PV power plant is challenging. Currently, in many regions, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind receive feed-in tariffs that ensure a certain price for the energy. On the other hand, electricity markets operate on a supply-demand principle and a typical imbalance settlement period is one hour. This paper presents the energy, power and corresponding requirements for an energy storage system in a solar PV power plant to feed the power to the grid meeting the electricity spot markets practices. An ideal PV energy production forecast is assumed to be available to define reference powers of the system for the studied imbalance settlement periods. The analysis is done for three different PV system sizes using the existing irradiance measurements of the Tampere University of Technology solar PV power station research plant.
Enhanced Adaptive Filtering Algorithm Based on Sliding Mode Control for Active Vibration Rejection of Smart Beam Structures
Authors: Kim Byeongil , Yoon Jong-yun
Published: July 2017

This article investigates vibration rejection for a continuous smart structure using piezoelectric bimorph patches. Such a structure has inherent nonlinearities, such as hysteresis and creep, and the whole system may experience unexpected disturbances, uncertainties, and noise from external sources. Thus, it is very important to design the active control scheme carefully with adaptive filtering systems to deal with these conditions. An advanced adaptive filtering algorithm was developed based on the conventional least mean squares (LMS) method and sliding mode control for the active vibration rejection system. The sliding mode controller is applied to the standard LMS algorithm to overcome problems with misadjustment and excess error in an optimal manner. A numerical analysis and laboratory experiment show that the technique can significantly attenuate the vibration of the smart structure at different levels and broadband frequency spectra. In addition, unidentified impedance is chosen to change the distribution of the mass, and the robustness and the adaptivity of the proposed approach are verified. The experimental results show that the method can isolate impulse-type vibrations of at least 2.8 dB, even with the adjusted mass arrangement.
Automatic Definition of an Anatomic Field of View for Volumetric Cardiac Motion Estimation at High Temporal Resolution
Authors: Ortega Alejandra , Pedrosa João , Heyde Brecht , Tong Ling , D’hooge Jan
Published: July 2017

Fast volumetric cardiac imaging requires reducing the number of transmit events within a single volume. One way of achieving this is by limiting the field of view (FOV) of the recording to the myocardium when investigating cardiac mechanics. Although fully automatic solutions towards myocardial segmentation exist, translating that information in a fast ultrasound scan sequence is not trivial. In particular, multi-line transmit (MLT) scan sequences were investigated given their proven capability to increase frame rate (FR) while preserving image quality. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a methodology to automatically identify the anatomically relevant conically shaped FOV, and to translate this to the best associated MLT sequence. This approach was tested on 27 datasets leading to a conical scan with a mean opening angle of 19.7° ± 8.5°, while the mean “thickness” of the cone was 19° ± 3.4°, resulting in a frame rate gain of about 2. Then, to subsequently scan this conical volume, several MLT setups were tested in silico. The method of choice was a 10MLT sequence as it resulted in the highest frame rate gain while maintaining an acceptable cross-talk level. When combining this MLT scan sequence with at least four parallel receive beams, a total frame rate gain with a factor of approximately 80 could be obtained. As such, anatomical scan sequences can increase frame rate significantly while maintaining information of the relevant structures for functional myocardial imaging.
Solvent-Free Microwave-Induced Oxidation of Alcohols Catalyzed by Ferrite Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Martins Nuno , Martins Luísa , Amorim Carlos , Amaral Vitor , Pombeiro Armando
Published: July 2017

A series of first-row-transition-metal ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) MFe2O4 [M = Mn2+ (1), Fe2+ (2), Co2+ (3), Ni2+ (4), Cu2+ (5) or Zn2+ (6)] were prepared by the co-precipitation method and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope - energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Those NPs were used as catalysts for the microwave-assisted oxidation of various alcohols in solvent-free medium. MnFe2O4 (1), CoFe2O4 (3) and CuFe2O4 (5) act as catalysts for the conversion of alcohols to the corresponding ketones or aldehydes with a yield range of 81 to 94% in 2 h at 120 °C using t-BuOOH as an oxidant. These catalysts can be readily isolated by using an external magnet and no significant loss of activity is observed when reused up to 10 consecutive runs. The effects of some parameters, such as temperature, time, type of oxidant and presence of organic radicals, on the oxidation reactions were also investigated. The presented literature overview highlights the advantages of our new 1–6 NPs catalytic systems in terms of efficiency and economy, mainly due the used microwave (MW) heating mode.
Comparative Analysis of Jüttner’s Calculation of the Energy of a Relativistic Ideal Gas and Implications for Accelerator Physics and Cosmology
Authors: Fanchi John
Published: July 2017

Jüttner used the conventional theory of relativistic statistical mechanics to calculate the energy of a relativistic ideal gas in 1911. An alternative derivation of the energy of a relativistic ideal gas was published by Horwitz, Schieve and Piron in 1981 within the context of parametrized relativistic statistical mechanics. The resulting energy in the ultrarelativistic regime differs from Jüttner’s result. We review the derivations of energy and identify physical regimes for testing the validity of the two theories in accelerator physics and cosmology.
An Application of Pontryagin’s Principle to Brownian Particle Engineered Equilibration
Authors: Muratore-Ginanneschi Paolo , Schwieger Kay
Published: July 2017

We present a stylized model of controlled equilibration of a small system in a fluctuating environment. We derive the optimal control equations steering in finite-time the system between two equilibrium states. The corresponding thermodynamic transition is optimal in the sense that it occurs at minimum entropy if the set of admissible controls is restricted by certain bounds on the time derivatives of the protocols. We apply our equations to the engineered equilibration of an optical trap considered in a recent proof of principle experiment. We also analyze an elementary model of nucleation previously considered by Landauer to discuss the thermodynamic cost of one bit of information erasure. We expect our model to be a useful benchmark for experiment design as it exhibits the same integrability properties of well-known models of optimal mass transport by a compressible velocity field.
Biomass Production from Crops Residues: Ranking of Agro-Energy Regions
Authors: Moulogianni Christina , Bournaris Thomas
Published: July 2017

The aim of the paper is to rank the agro-energy regions according to their potentials of biomass production in the Region of Central Macedonia (RCM). For this reason, a model of Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCDA) is developed with the ELimination and Et Choix Traduisant la REalite (ELECTRE) ΙΙΙ method, with the construction of outranking relations. The aim is to compare in a comprehensive way each pair of action, in our case the agro-energy regions of the RCM, in order to satisfy the main goal which is to rank the seven regions as regards their biomass production. The final goal is to select the optimal crop plan as a pilot case for biomass production in the region. In the case of ELECTRE III multicriteria model, we used several conflicting criteria such as the farm income, the biomass production from crop residues, the variable costs, and the production of thermal energy and electrical energy. Alongside a technical and economic analysis of the study area is conducted for the existent crop plans of each agro-energy region. The results show that agro-energy regions with cereals and arable crops have better results than regions with fruit trees and other crops.
Effects of Anisotropic Thermal Conductivity and Lorentz Force on the Flow and Heat Transfer of a Ferro-Nanofluid in a Magnetic Field
Authors: Li Yubai , Yan Hongbin , Massoudi Mehrdad , Wu Wei-Tao
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we study the effects of the Lorentz force and the induced anisotropic thermal conductivity due to a magnetic field on the flow and the heat transfer of a ferro-nanofluid. The ferro-nanofluid is modeled as a single-phase fluid, where the viscosity depends on the concentration of nanoparticles; the thermal conductivity shows anisotropy due to the presence of the nanoparticles and the external magnetic field. The anisotropic thermal conductivity tensor, which depends on the angle of the applied magnetic field, is suggested considering the principle of material frame indifference according to Continuum Mechanics. We study two benchmark problems: the heat conduction between two concentric cylinders as well as the unsteady flow and heat transfer in a rectangular channel with three heated inner cylinders. The governing equations are made dimensionless, and the flow and the heat transfer characteristics of the ferro-nanofluid with different angles of the magnetic field, Hartmann number, Reynolds number and nanoparticles concentration are investigated systematically. The results indicate that the temperature field is strongly influenced by the anisotropic behavior of the nanofluids. In addition, the magnetic field may enhance or deteriorate the heat transfer performance (i.e., the time-spatially averaged Nusselt number) in the rectangular channel depending on the situations.
Control Strategy for a Grid-Connected Inverter under Unbalanced Network Conditions—A Disturbance Observer-Based Decoupled Current Approach
Authors: Ozsoy Emre , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Mihet-Popa Lucian , Fedák Viliam , Ahmad Fiaz , Akhtar Rasool , Sabanovic Asif
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes a new approach on the novel current control strategy for grid-tied voltage-source inverters (VSIs) with circumstances of asymmetrical voltage conditions. A standard grid-connected inverter (GCI) allows the degree of freedom to integrate the renewable energy system to enhance the penetration of total utility power. However, restrictive grid codes require that renewable sources connected to the grid must support stability of the grid under grid faults. Conventional synchronously rotating frame dq current controllers are insufficient under grid faults due to the low bandwidth of proportional-integral (PI) controllers. Hence, this work proposes a proportional current controller with a first-order low-pass filter disturbance observer (DOb). The proposed controller establishes independent control on positive, as well as negative, sequence current components under asymmetrical grid voltage conditions. The approach is independent of parametric component values, as it estimates nonlinear feed-forward terms with the low-pass filter DOb. A numerical simulation model of the overall power system was implemented in a MATLAB/Simulink (2014B, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA). Further, particular results show that double-frequency active power oscillations are suppressed by injecting appropriate negative-sequence currents. Moreover, a set of simulation results provided in the article matches the developed theoretical background for its feasibility.
The Vietnamese Legal and Policy Framework for Co-Management in Special-Use Forests
Authors: KimDung Nguyen , Bush Simon , Mol Arthur
Published: July 2017

Co-management has been introduced into Special Use Forests (SUFs) of Vietnam for more than 10 years. However, the extent to which Vietnamese laws and policies support co-management remains unclear. This paper reviews existing policies and laws from the national to commune levels and assesses their facilitation of co-management in SUFs. The review demonstrates there is support for co-management, albeit scattered and uncoordinated across a range of policies and laws. Modifications to policy on ownership and use rights would support the development of SUF co-management. Additionally, clearer legislative underpinning for benefit sharing in SUFs could better incentivize the participation of local people and private sector actors to engage in more effective co-management arrangements.
Spatiotemporal Distribution and Driving Factors of Forest Biomass Carbon Storage in China: 1977–2013
Authors: Yang Jiameng , Ji Xiaoxia , Deane David , Wu Linyu , Chen Shulin
Published: July 2017

Increasing forest vegetation is important for carbon dynamics and to maintain the ecological and environmental balance in China. However, there is little understanding of how socioeconomic factors affect forest biomass carbon storage (FBCS). Here, we used continuous functions for biomass expansion factors and China’s seven completed forest inventories to estimate the changes in FBCS for 31 provinces in mainland China between 1977 and 2013. We developed a model that decomposes the contribution of the different socioeconomic factors driving FBCS. We found China’s FBCS increased from 4972 TgC (1 Tg = 1012g) in 1977–1981 to 7435 TgC in 2009–2013, with a mean growth of 77 TgC/a, and the average forest carbon density increased from 36.0 to 38.9Mg/ha (1 Mg = 106g), mainly due to the arbor forest contribution. Among the seven regions in China, the southwestern region currently accounts for the highest proportion (37.3%) of national FBCS, followed by northeastern (19.7%), northern (12.5%) and eastern region (10.8%). The main socio-economic factors affecting FBCS were forest land dependence, industrial structure and economic development level. Optimizing forest type and age structure, improving forest productivity, and strengthening forest management are feasible options to further increase China’s FBCS.
Onset of Primary and Secondary Instabilities of Viscoelastic Fluids Saturating a Porous Layer Heated from below by a Constant Flux
Authors: Gueye Abdoulaye , Ouarzazi Mohamed , Hirata Silvia , Hamed Haikel
Published: July 2017

We analyze the thermal convection thresholds and linear characteristics of the primary and secondary instabilities for viscoelastic fluids saturating a porous horizontal layer heated from below by a constant flux. The Galerkin method is used to solve the eigenvalue problem by taking into account the elasticity of the fluid, the ratio between the viscosity of the solvent and the total viscosity of the fluid and the lateral confinement of the medium. For the primary instability, we found out that depending on the rheological parameters, two types of convective structures may appear when the basic conductive solution loses its stability: stationary long wavelength instability as for Newtonian fluids and oscillatory convection. The effect of the lateral confinement of the porous medium by adiabatic walls is to stabilize the oblique and longitudinal rolls and therefore selects transverse rolls at the onset of convection. In the range of the rheological parameters where stationary long wave instability develops first, we use a parallel flow approximation to determine analytically the velocity and temperature fields associated with the monocellular convective flow. The linear stability analysis of the monocellular flow is performed, and the critical conditions above which the flow becomes unstable are determined. The combined influence of the viscoelastic parameters and the lateral confinement on the characteristics of the secondary instability is quantified. The major new findings concerning the secondary instabilities may be summarized as follows: (i) For concentrated viscoelastic fluids, computations showed that the most amplified mode of convection corresponds to oscillatory transverse rolls, which appears via a Hopf bifurcation. This pattern selection is independent of both the fluid elasticity and the lateral confinement of the porous medium. (ii) For diluted viscoelastic fluids, the preferred mode of convection is found to be oscillatory transverse rolls for a very laterally-confined medium. Otherwise, stationary or oscillatory longitudinal rolls may develop depending on the fluid elasticity. Results also showed the destabilizing effect of the relaxation fluid elasticity and the stabilizing effect of the viscosity ratio for the onset of both primary and secondary instabilities.
Gender as a Determining Factor in the Family History and Development of the McGee Family
Authors: Knight Thomas
Published: July 2017

This paper examines how gender shaped the family of Nancy Hood McGee, who belonged to one of Georgia’s antebellum planter families, across four generations. The McGee family had joined the planter class late in the antebellum period, and after the American Civil War they continued to be prosperous farmers in the former cotton belt. The essay proposes that women in the McGee family played a determining role in the family’s economic success during this time period. As such, it relates to scholarship on women in the nineteenth-century American South as well as to the role of women within southern families. It also serves as a case study on the importance of the female legacy in family history and genealogy that should be studied as a model in similar instances. McGee women became active in agriculture, business, and education. Research focused on records that revealed information about the family’s social and economic development. No diaries and only a few family letters were located, but information transmitted through oral history proved important. Other sources included census records, legal documents such as wills and deeds, newspaper articles, and church records. The research suggested that women in the McGee family played an active role in shaping the family’s development across nearly two centuries. This contrasts with popular images of southern women as weak and delicate, although it corresponds with recent research that has highlighted the accomplishments of nineteenth-century women in the American South. Of particular significance is that women in the McGee family kept a record of accomplishment and achievement across several generations of changing circumstances.