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Five undescribed (2-6) rotenoid derivatives along with three known rotenoids (1, 7 and 8) were isolated from the rhizomes of white colored variety of Mirabilis jalapa Linn. The structures of these undescribed compounds were elucidated based on UV, IR, HR-MS (ESI), 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques. Selected compounds were evaluated for their cell viability and proliferation in two cancer cell lines namely, cervical (HeLa), breast (SKBR-3) and normal lung fibroblast (WI-38). Among them, the compounds Boeravinone C (1), Mirabijalone S (2), Mirabijalone T (3) and 4, 6, 11-trihydroxy-9-methoxy-10-methylchromeno [3, 4-b] chromen-12(6H)-one (8) showed moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cells with IC50 values in the 8.40 − 12.9 μM range, and compound 8 exhibited cytotoxicity against SKBR-3 cells with IC50 value of 17.6 μM. Molecular docking studies of isolated compounds were performed with three apoptosis proteins, 3H11, 2AR9 and 1X0X. These results revealed that the isolated compounds were found to interact with Caspase 8 and 9 along with the anti-apoptotic protein Survivin. Since these compounds exhibit cytotoxic effects against SKBR3 and HeLa cells, they are expected to show apoptosis and may be further utilized for wet lab apoptotic studies.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Hopea ponga (Dennst.) Mabb. Is used in traditional herbal formulations for diabetes complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of extracts and compounds from H. ponga. Materials and methods Silica gel column chromatography was performed to identify various chemical components of the plant extract. Different extracts of H. ponga and isolated compounds were screened for their antidiabetic effect by modulation of digestive enzymes and protein glycation. The effect of glucose uptake by the compounds and the pathways through which the compounds mediate the glucose uptake potential were confirmed by fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry and western blot analysis. Results Acetone and ethanol extracts of the stem bark of Hopea ponga (Dennst.) Mabb. Afforded six resveratrol oligomers namely, E-resveratrol (1), (−)-e-viniferin (2), (−)-α-viniferin (3), trihydroxyphenanthrene glucoside (THPG) (4), vaticaphenol A (5), (−)-hopeaphenol (6), along with four phytosterols. The structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) data. Compounds 1–5 and 7–10 were tested for their α-glucosidase, α-amylase and glycation inhibitiory activities. All the resveratrol oligomers (1–5) showed prominent α-glucosidase inhibition with IC50 values, 12.56 ± 1.00, 23.98 ± 1.11, 7.17 ± 1.10, 31.74 ± 0.42 and 16.95 ± 0.39 μM, respectively. Molecular docking studies also supported the observed α-glucosidase inhibition. Compound 3 displayed IC50 values of 4.85 ± 0.06 and 27.10 ± 0.04 μM in α-amylase and glycation inhibitory assays activity. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay revealed that the compounds 3 and 4 were found to be less toxic at a concentration of 100 μM ( Conclusion This is the first report on the isolation of compounds from H. ponga. Altogether, the results of this study reveal the antidiabetic effects of H. ponga extracts and isolated compounds promoting traditional use of this plant in the treatment of diabetes.

Highly transparent NLO crystal bis (2-aminobenzimidazolium) phthalate (B2ABP) was successfully grown by solvent evaporation method. The lattice parameters and crystalline nature were confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies. The FT-IR and Raman spectrum were used to assert the various functional groups present in title compound. NMR studies evidently portray the molecular structure of the grown crystals. A UV study shows the high transmittance range of B2ABP crystal. Photoluminescence study shows sharp emission peak. The mechanical stability of the grown crystal was investigated by Vickers microhardness test. Etching studies were carried for the grown crystal. The dielectric studies have been carried out as a function of frequency at different temperatures. SHG efficiency was found to be 1.9 times greater than that of standard KDP. Laser damage threshold value for B2ABP was found to be 2.2 GW/cm2. Melting point of B2ABP was studied by means of TG-DTA studies. HOMO-LUMO energy gap and first order hyperpolarizability value was theoretically predicted. The anti-microbial activity of B2ABP was determined.

Regardless of fragile biodiesel market of the present day, it is foreseen that biodiesel will draw a lot of public interest throughout the world in the not too distant future. Among different feed stocks available for biodiesel production, waste cooking oil is under a major prospective for large-scale biodiesel production as it can cut down the fuel costs than other alternative feed stocks. However, there are several barriers that hinder large-scale biodiesel production from waste cooking oil. Also, there might be contextual relationships among those barriers. In this perspective, this paper aspires to identify the most influential barrier and to describe the interactions among different barriers influencing biodiesel production from waste cooking oil. For this reason, an interpretive structural modeling approach is employed to determine relationships among barriers. MICMAC analysis has additionally been carried out to classify the barriers based on dependence and driving power. The results indicate that vehicle access problem, lack of processing technology, inconsistent supply quantity and inadequate production facilities are the top-level barriers. Also, the results show that lack of political will, lack of incentives and lack of policy implementation play a very important role in the effective implementation of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil.

Three previously undescribed dihydro-β-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids (1–3) along with eight known sesquiterpenoids (4–11) were isolated from the seeds of C. paniculatus. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of UV, IR, HR-MS (ESI), 1D and 2D NMR data obtained, and their absolute configurations were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All these compounds were evaluated for their α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition, and antiglycation properties. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 11 showed good α-glucosidase inhibition with IC50 values, 39.56 ± 0.761, 35.60 ± 0.843, 36.54 ± 0.173, 44.83 ± 0.453, 42.58 ± 0.209 and 45.84 ± 0.356 μM respectively. Molecular docking studies revealed that these compounds bind effectively to the active sites of the protein 3A4A, which supports the observed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

Growing economic crisis and strict government policies and regulations regarding the environment have forced the battery industries to practice the recycling process for both economic and environmental benefits. Moreover the consideration of sustainability issues makes the recycling process more significant, successful implementation of recycling activity in the battery industry requires several strategic decisions. Among these decisions, a complex decision faced by the management is to identify the suitable location for the establishment of a formal Battery Recycling Plant (BRP). In this research work, a three-stage hybrid methodology with the combination of ISM (Interpretive Structural Modeling), fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), and fuzzy COPRAS (Complex Proportional Assessment of Alternatives) methods was proposed to select the best sustainable location from the available options for BRP in India. In this study, a total of eight experts were selected from both academia and industry. Initially in this paper, 4 main sustainable criteria and 20 sustainable sub-criteria were considered from the literature review and field visits along with experts’ opinions for evaluation of alternatives. This work contains three stages. In the first stage, the ISM method was used to filter 18 important sustainable sub-criteria from the primary list of 20 sub-criteria, based on its higher driving power. Then, fuzzy AHP was applied in the second stage to compute the criteria weights. In the last stage, the fuzzy COPRAS was used to rank and choose the best sustainable location for BRP. The findings emphasize that the Environmental protection level, Distance from residential areas, Distance from water source, Capital investment, Government policies, Social acceptance, Availability of scrap batteries, and Availability of utilities were the most significant criteria in the sustainability dimension. Thus, the present work helps the management in the selection of an appropriate sustainable location for BRP.

Regardless of the excellent improvement in the assembling of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the photon-harvesting performance of these devices is inadequate through the disproportionate recombination of generated charge carriers. The improvement of the charge carrier mobility can significantly reduce the recombination and help the perovskite devices reach the theoretical power conversion efficiency (PCE). The modification of charge selective contacts is one of the most effective approaches for reducing the carrier recombination. Herein, we introduce a facile and effective doping engineering approach based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for the modification of the SnO 2 /ZnO bilayer electron transport layer (ETL). A comparative study of perovskite films deposited on SnO 2/ZnO layers with altered concentrations of GQDs was employed to significantly enhance the opto-electronic properties. The integration of GQDs into the ETL indicates a potential for improving the charge carrier transporting in PSCs. Overall, the PSC using the 4% GQD-modified ETL yields a PCE of 19.81% with a striking open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.17 V. Besides, 4% GQD-modified ETL-based devices enhance the long-term ambient and thermal stability.

First point of view of this report is briefly comments about the potential of azeotrope development in the blends of 1-alkanols (1-pentanol/1-hexanol/1-heptanol) with benzene. The relative volatility (r) calculation of all binary blends was used to prove this possibility of the azeotrope formation. Second point of view of this report is also concerned with the same idea but achieved by ultrasonic study using different parameters such as ultrasonic velocity (U), density (ρ), and viscosity (η), and few thermo–acoustical variables like adiabatic compressibility (β), free length (Lf), free volume (Vf), and internal pressure (πi), and their excess (AE) magnitudes. In this regard, the important standard magnitudes of the individual components and their mixtures are experimental measured. The origin of the existence of the suggested intermolecular interaction is found to be useful in predicting the possible azeotrope formation and in determining the exact mole fraction of such formations. The excess parameters are fitted to polynomial type Redlich-Kister equation and coefficients of the fitting are found to support the present investigations.

The economic concern, environmental awareness related legislations, and potential recycling benefits are the main motives that have changed the dimension of supply chain network with environmentally effective transportation and efficient scrap collection system. This paper investigates the two echelon supply chain network of the battery manufacturing industry. This deals with an integrated optimization procedure for solving the green transportation problem and inventory problem in the first echelon, and the capacitated multi depot (Distribution center/Collection center) heterogeneous green vehicle routing problem with simultaneous pickup and delivery in the second echelon. The minimization of the green objective function comprising inventory carrying cost, transportation cost and carbon emission cost are considered in this work. The focus of this paper is to formulate the problem in the Mixed Integer Non-Linear Programming model and to solve the four problem instances (P1 – P4) using GAMS 23.5 and Simulated Annealing Algorithm (SAA) with swap neighbourhood solution method. The experimental results show that the integrated approach with SAA provides a better solution than the sequential approach. The robustness test is carried out with four typical problem instances which show that the proposed SAA provides near optimal solutions. The model analysis is demonstrated with different components of the objective function which will help the top management to take appropriate decisions in the context of cost savings. The performance comparison reveals that the proposed SAA (SAA-1) has given better results than the Simulated Annealing Algorithm with insertion method (SAA-2).

In recent times, microalgae are perceived as potential feedstocks for next generation biofuel production. However, their large scale cultivation and associated lipid recovery are confined by a number of factors. In this perspective, an endeavor has been made in this work to analyze the limiting factors for large scale microalgal cultivation by an analytical framework using interpretive structural modeling approach. The limiting factors were first identified through a comprehensive literature study and then, the interactions among the factors were formulated. Subsequently, the key factors that drive the system were identified by the multiplication properties of matrices principle. The results indicated that various operational and environmental factors would influence the mircroalgal culturing technology, the economy of fuel production and sustainability of the process. The study also showed that there were no autonomous and linkage factors indicating that no factors in this study with weak drive and weak dependence powers and all the factors considered were stable. Moreover, it was identified that the relevant policy mechanism with incentives and other supportive measures would benefit the growth of the algal biofuel industry. The present study can provide explicit information to support the growth of the sustainable biofuel industry.

Multilayer fibre reinforced composites exhibit significant spatial variabilities in their response due to the variations in the individual lamina properties. Uncertainty quantification of these structures can be carried out using the polynomial chaos based stochastic finite element method (SFEM). The variations in the individual laminae properties are modelled as independent random fields. The SFEM method involves two stages of discretisation. First, the displacement fields are discretised into variables along the spatial dimension using traditional FEM. Next, the random fields are discretised into a vector of correlated random variables using polynomial chaos expansions. As the random field discretisation is carried out for each individual laminae, the number of random variables entering the formulation becomes large, making uncertainty quantification computationally prohibitive. This study focusses on the development of model order reduction strategies that enable reducing the stochastic dimensionality of the problem and enable faster computations. This is achieved by developing a probabilistically equivalent structure scale model using two approaches - one based on probabilistic equivalence of a nodal response and the other seeking equivalence on the probabilistic characteristics of the constitutive matrix. A set of numerical examples are presented to highlight the salient features of the proposed developments. � 2015 Elsevier Ltd.

The accuracy of reliability analysis of structures made up of CFRP composites rely on the quantification of the uncertainties associated with composite material properties. This study focuses on the experimental characterisation of random field models for the material uncertainties. As a first step, a number of experimental tests on identical samples have been conducted as per ASTM standards. Assuming second order random fields to be appropriate for modelling the uncertain variations along the spatial extent in the macro-scale, statistical tests have been carried out to examine the suitability of some commonly used models for the probability density function for the various mechanical properties of the material. The spatial correlations observed from experimental tests have been compared with some of the commonly used correlation functions and suitable empirical models have been proposed. Finally, the importance of appropriate modelling of the parameters has been highlighted through a numerical example. � 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

A stochastic finite element based methodology is developed for the uncertainty quantification and reliability analysis of laminated CFRP plates with spatially varying non-Gaussian random inhomogeneities. The material and strength properties in the individual laminae are modeled as 2-D non-Gaussian random fields whose second order probabilistic characteristics are determined from test data. The 2-D random field discretization procedure adopted enables representing the fields through a vector of correlated random variables that preserve the second order non-Gaussian characteristics of the field. Expressions are developed that enable the construction of the stochastic stiffness matrices that are dependent on these correlated random variables. Subsequently, the response analysis and failure probability estimation is carried out using Monte Carlo simulations. Discussions on the salient features of the proposed methodology are highlighted based on a set of illustrative numerical examples. � 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

This paper involves the study of nose radius effect and graphite addition during turning of AA 7075-ZrB 2 in-situ metal matrix composite. This in-situ method involves formation of reinforcements within the matrix by the chemical reaction of two or more chemical compounds that produces some changes in the matrix material within the vicinity. To form Zirconium Boride (ZrB 2 ) reinforcement in the matrix, two chemical salts of Potassium Tetrafluoroborate (KBF 4 ) and Potassium Hexafluorozirconate (K 2 ZrF 6 ) were added. After the fabrication of the test specimen, the specimen is subjected to turning in CNC high speed turning center. Four important parameters of tool nose radius, cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were taken for the present investigation. The in-situ composites were fabricated via-stir casting method followed by manually forge it. The fabricated specimen was turned using a 0.4 mm nose radius and 0.8 mm nose radius of PCD CNC inserts. After turning, the metal removal rate and surface roughness were measured and investigated. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that 0.8 mm nose radius inserted tool produced excellent machinability when compared to 0.4 mm nose radius. It was noted here that the higher rate of cutting speed, lower rate of feed rate and lower depth of cut combination process parameter produced excellent machinability. Further, the graphite reinforced in-situ AA 7075-3% ZrB 2 -1% Gr hybrid composite exhibited improved machinability than others samples of AA 7075 alloy, AA 7075-3%ZrB 2 in-situ composite. This was due to self-lubricant property of graphite particles.

Recently, conventional aluminum alloys have replaced aluminum matrix composites due to its improved mechanical properties in many engineering applications. In this research hybrid aluminum matrix composite was manufactured for different combinations of Alumina and graphite by using stir casting method. Examination of hardness, compression tests, Impact strength and three point bending test of various manufactured hybrid AMCs revealed that mechanical properties were improved when AA 6063 alloy was reinforced with alumina and graphite particles. Mechanical characterization shows that the presence of 6% of alumina particles in the matrix improved Mechanical properties than other combination of alumina with matrix material.

This project work involves the study of surface roughness during turning of AA 7075-ZrB 2 in-situ metal matrix composites. The composites of AA 7075 alloy, AA 7075-3% ZrB 2 and AA 7075-3%ZrB 2 -1% Gr were manufactured using in-situ liquid metallurgy route. This in-situ method involves formation of reinforcements within the matrix by the chemical reaction of two or more chemical compounds that produces some changes in the matrix material within the vicinity. The samples were turned in CNC high speed turning machine with three independent input parameters of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The TiN coated carbide tipped tool inserts were used to carry out the turning process. The microstructures of the fabricated samples were taken using optical microscope. The mechanical properties in terms of hardness and flexural strength were also examined. The response of the surface roughness was measured after turning of every independent input parameter. It was observed that good surface finish was obtained for AA 7075-3%ZrB 2 -1% Gr hybrid in-situ composites when compared to other AA 7075-3%ZrB 2 and AA 7075 alloy. This was due to self-lubricating properties of Gr which helps to improve the machinability.

In aluminum matrix composites, presence of hard particles inside the matrix which causes tool wear, poor surface finish and high cutting forces while machining. This paper discusses the influence of graphite particles and cutting parameters on drilling characteristics of hybrid aluminum matrix composites (AMCs)—Al6063/6%Al 2 O 3p and Al6063/6%Al 2 O 3p /1%Gr p . The composites are fabricated using stir casting method. Experiments were conducted with TiN coated carbide tools and commercial carbide tools at various cutting speeds and feeds. Design of experiment of full factorial design is employed to analyze the drilling characteristics of these composites. Burr height and surface roughness of the drilled hole was investigated with special attention paid to the effects of graphite particles. The chips formed when machining graphitic composites are more discontinuous which led to better surface finish than non graphitic composite.

The effect of radiative transfer on thermal convection of a thin fluid-saturated densely packed porous layer bounded by stress-free radiating horizontal planes heated from below is studied using linear theory. The coefficients of absorption, emission and scattering are computed from packed bed properties using a two-flux model. The Milne-Eddington approximation is employed to determine approximate solutions valid for optically thin (transparent) and optically thick (opaque) gray media which absorb and emit thermal radiation. The effect of radiation parameters on the cell size and on the onset of convection are studied in detail using the Galerkin approximation. It is shown that the effect of radiation is to inhibit the onset of convection in a porous medium. The physical explanation for this is given, taking into account the increase in thermal conductivity due to the combined effects of the porosity of the medium and radiation.