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In the present investigation, banana fibers extracted from Ethiopia are utilized to fabricate the composites with different fiber architectures in the epoxy matrix. Six different types of composites—untreated/treated chopped banana epoxy composite (UCBEC/TCBEC), untreated/treated woven banana epoxy composite (UWBEC/TWBEC), and untreated/treated chopped banana woven banana epoxy composite (UCBWBEC/TCBWBEC)—are prepared with the hand layup technique. The prepared composites are subjected to three-point flexural tests to confirm the structural integrity. Flexural strength and modulus of all the composites were evaluated experimentally while numerical simulation was performed using finite element analysis (FEA) to validate the results. Experimental results showed that TWBEC (treated woven banana epoxy composite) composites attained an 11 to 25% higher flexural strength than other compositions due to fiber treatment and weaving patterns. Additionally, the interaction between fiber and matrix was explored through appropriate theoretical modeling. Results inferred that full-oriented, continuous woven matting reinforcements increase shear strength while chopped fiber reinforcement has decreased shear strength due to discontinuity and higher aspect ratio. A scanning electron microscope was used to examine post-fracture surfaces to look into the failure process. The results of the numerical simulation are utilized in order to validate the findings of the study. The numerical results are in good agreement with experimental findings with a 5% accuracy loss. Finally, the outcomes of the present study are compared with those of previous research, presented in the format of a property map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased waste generation and disposal have become serious concerns in terms of landfill burden and environmental pollution. Transforming the waste materials into useful ones by recycling or reprocessing is the right solution to address the challenges. Eggshells are one sort of bio-waste that has had a significant impact on the material market, which is in desperate need of lightweight, wear-resistant materials. Present research uses Habesha eggshells derived from Ethiopia to process the novel epoxy composite with improved tribo-properties. The open-cast mold technique is employed to fabricate epoxy composites with varying vol.% of Habesha eggshell particles in 5, 7.5, and 10. A pin-on-disc apparatus is pressed into service to conduct the wear test on the composite specimen. The results manifest that the wear rate of composite and frictional index of 10 vol.% of Habesha egg shell particles are 2.14 and 2.46 times better than 5 vol.% respectively. A decrement in frictional properties with an increase in eggshell content is observed along with an increment in the wear rate with the increase in sliding velocity and applied load. The L9 orthogonal array approach is followed to conduct the experiments, and a hybrid statistical approach of GRA-TOPSIS is applied to analyze the data and minimize wear objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant agricultural biomass with the intrinsic potential for lingo-cellulosic fiber is eliminated as garbage after harvesting in underdeveloped countries. The effective use of these natural fibers is one strategy to ensure a sustainable economy and reduce environmental pollution caused by synthetic fibers. The present work focuses on fabricating a core with uniformly dispersed Habeshian short banana fiber sandwiched between woven banana fiber composites. Epoxy core were fabricated by varying amount of short banana fiber (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt.%) and fixed woven banana fiber content (40 wt.%). Composites were prepared by hand layup technique. The work aims to enhance the overall performance of composites by leveraging the specific properties of Habeshian short banana fibers, to tailor the properties of the composite material to suit specific application requirements. The tensile and compressive properties enhance with increase in the short banana fiber content in core indicating beneficial advantages of reinforcing banana fibers to improve the compressive properties. Fracture toughness of composite also increase with increase in the chopped banana fiber content. The increase in the core wt.% has conveyed an enhancement in properties of composites till 10 wt.%. The structure and attributes of test specimens were correlated using scanning electron micrographs. The work can be extended for higher percentages of core, thus realizing enhancement in properties related to mechanical and chemical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research attempted to enrich the aluminium alloy (Al/Mg) nanocomposite with silicon carbide (SiC). The ultrasonic assist stir cast established that the Al/Mgnanocomposite is involved in microstructure, hardness and tensile performance. Its result is uniform dispersion without agglomeration, and 7.5 wt% SiC owns higher microhardness and better tensile strength of 161±1.5 H V and 238±2 MPa. This nano Al/Mg alloy composite is subjected to machining studies by using a vertical CNC milling setup & titanium nitride (TiN) coated end mill functioned by 300–1200 rpm spindle speed (N), 0.01–0.04mm/rev feed rate (FR) and 0.1–0.4 mm depth of cut (DOC). The impact DOC, FR, and N on material removal rate (MRR), temperature (T), and tool wear (Tw) are measured, and the L16 design experiment (ANOVA-GLM) is defined. Finally, the best interaction input milling parameter pairs on obtaining high MRR with the least T and Tw. The DOC is the most significant factor in controlling the MRR, T and Tw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses the challenges of emission reduction and fuel consumption in engines by investigating modifications in fuel properties using graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles and diethyl ether as oxygenated additives. Characterization tests were conducted to determine the size, energy, and content of graphene and oxygen molecules in synthesized GO nanoparticles. Pongamia Pinnata Oil Methyl Ester (POME) was prepared through a transesterification process and blended with diesel to obtain a B20 blend. This POME (B20) was further mixed with GO nanoparticles at 40, 80, and 100 mg L-1 concentrations and supplemented with 3 vol% of diethyl ether. The blending process involved stirring, bath sonication, and probe sonication. A Common Rail Direct Injection diesel engine was employed with a toroidal combustion chamber and a 7-hole fuel injector nozzle. The engine maintained a steady speed of 1800 rpm, an injection timing set at 23ºbTDC, and a fixed compression ratio of 18.5 while operating under five different loads. At maximum loading conditions, the addition of 100 ppm GO nanoparticles and 5 vol% of Diethyl ether resulted in a 19.7% enhancement in Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) and a 10.71% reduction in Brake Specific Fuel Consumption. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction observed in CO, HC, and smoke emissions by 47.9%, 70.3%, and 23.8%, respectively. The addition of these fuel additives increased combustion characteristics such as Heat Release Rate, Cumulative Heat Release Rate, peak pressure, and in-cylinder pressure, while concurrently decreasing the Ignition Delay period and Exhaust Gas Temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experimental study, we explore the potential enhancements in thermal conductivity while investigating alterations in latent heat and phase change temperature within Composite Phase Change Materials (PCMs). These composites consist of Paraffin Wax (PW) as the base material, incorporating dispersed conducting Polyaniline (PANI) powder in varying concentrations ranging from 1% wt. to 4% wt. The mass fractions of PANI added to PW include 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%, and the composite PCMs are meticulously prepared through ultrasonication. Examining the surface morphology of Composite Phase Change Materials (PCMs) involved utilizing a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), while the determination of thermal conductivity employed a Heat Flow Meter. Additionally, latent heat and phase change temperatures were assessed through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The obtained results indicate an augmentation in the thermal conductivity of the composites when compared to Paraffin Wax (PW). Specifically, thermal conductivity exhibited a 40% increase for 1% wt. of PANI, yet experienced a subsequent decline for the remaining weight percentages. Furthermore, the latent heat and phase change temperatures of the composites were observed to decrease in comparison to PW. These composite PCMs with enhanced thermal conductivity, achieved through the incorporation of Polyaniline in Paraffin Wax, are highly potential for several applications in energy storage systems, thermal regulation devices, and heat management technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmentally, biodegradable natural fiber plays a vital role in polymer composite fabrication due to its cost-effectiveness, reduced specific weight, and specific stiffness behavior. Besides, the research gap spotted on processing challenges, including lack of adhesive behavior, results in lower mechanical behavior of composite. The main objective of the present research is synthesizing of epoxy-based poly composite enclosures with 5% sodium hydroxide processed natural sisal fiber (SF) as 20 vol% via thermally assisted injection mold route, which functional behavior is enriched by the accumulations of 3, 6, and 9 vol% of nanosilicon carbide particles (SiC). The impacts of processing accumulations of nano-SiC/SF on metallurgical (scanning electron microscope (SEM)) and mechanical functional properties including tensile strength, elongation percentage, flexural strength, and fracture toughness of epoxy/NaOH-treated natural SF and its composites embedded with nano-SiC are studied. The novel research is recorded with the exposure of SEM metallurgical analysis results, and better SF distribution along the epoxy matrix with a coarse grain of nano-SiC is identified on hybrid compositions. Amid the various compositions mentioned above, the epoxy/20 vol% SF (NaOH treated)/6 vol% nano-SiC composite has superior tensile strength, better elongation percentage, improved flexural strength, and good fracture toughness of 54 ± 1.5 MPa, 18 ± 1%, 76 ± 2 MPa, and 1.61 ± 0.04 MPam0.5, which is greater than the value of epoxy/20 vol% SF (NaOH treated) composite sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites have great potential in various engineering applications due to their lightweight, bio-degradable, non-toxic, and easy availability. However, natural fibers have low inherent behaviour during the preparation of composite. The present investigation is an attempt to enhance an inherent performance of epoxy hybrid nanocomposite with the inclusion of 30 wt% NaOH treated sisal (Agave sisalana) fiber, varied (5, 10, and 15 wt%) weight percentages of nano silicon carbide (SiC) and blended with 5 wt% graphite particles. Compression mould synthesized epoxy composite samples are subjected to surface morphology, flexural strength, toughness, and abrasion studies. The scanning electron microscope results showed the homogenous particle distribution and composite sample 4 (epoxy/30 wt% sisal fiber/15 wt% SiC/5 wt% Gr) is found to have a superior flexural strength of 73.5±0.5 MPa, high fracture toughness of 1.62 MPa m0.5, enhanced wear resistance (0.023 mg/m), and good frictional coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attention of agricultural product waste residues is gathering significance in automotive, structural, and marine applications. Agricultural bio-waste residues are extracted from various crops and utilized as reinforcement cheaply. The epoxy hybrid composite is prepared with different blending ratios of bio-degradable banana (BF) and neem (NF) fiber. Influences of chemical treatment on tensile strength and moisture absorption performance of composite are studied by ASTM standard, and results proved the fiber loading in the epoxy matrix found increased tensile strength and moisture absorption capability. Amid the combinations, the silane-treated BF/NF (3:1) composite has 1.3±0.11 g/cc density, high tensile strength of 72.45±1.1 MPa and increased moisture absorption resistance of 43.78 %. The observed silane-treated composite (BF/NF 3:1) tensile strength performance studied under the dry state is 56.19±1.1 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the key benefits of low specific weight, superior toughness, lower moisture absorption, recyclability, and economic concerns, natural fiber-embedded polypropylene composites are the trend for auto bumpers and panel applications during the processing of natural fiber with poly matrix facing the consequences of limited composite performance due to inherent adhesive quality. The aim of the present study is synthesizing polypropylene (PP) composite embedded with high-concentration sodium hydroxide (10% NaOH) processed hemp fiber via compression moulding and its specific behaviour featuring the adaptations of 5wt% Mullite (Al4Si4O10) ceramic particles. Finally, the synthesized polypropylene composite is accomplished with 5, 10, 15, and 20wt% of chemically processed hemp fiber featured by constant wt% of Al4Si4O10. For understanding composite structure, the synthesized composites are involved in phase identification analysis via X-ray diffraction route, and their physical behaviour, including tensile, impact, & flexural strength and thermal behaviour, is evaluated by The American Society for Testing and Materials policy. XRD analysis confirms NaOH-treated HF/Al4Si4O10 presence in the PP matrix. The PP/20wt% NaOH-treated hemp fiber/5wt% Al4Si4O10 has excellent tensile (46 ± 1.2 MPa), impact (15 ± 0.5 kJ/m2) & flexural strength (67 ± 1.5 MPa), and better thermal stability with 15% of reduced thermal loss, This is a significant improvement compared to unreinforced PP. The optimum behaviour of PP/20wt% NaOH-treated hemp fiber/5wt% Al4Si4O10 recommended for automotive applications (seat frame and top roof). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical analysis of a CdTe/Si dual-junction solar cell in terms of defect density introduced at various defect energy levels in the absorber layer is provided. The impact of defect concentration is analyzed against the thickness of the CdTe layer, and variation of the top and bottom cell bandgaps is studied. The results show that CdTe thin film with defects density between 1014 and 1015 cm−3 is acceptable for the top cell of the designed dual-junction solar cell. The variations of the defect concentrations against the thickness of the CdTe layer indicate that the open circuit voltage, short circuit current density, and efficiency (ƞ) are more affected by the defect density at higher CdTe thickness. In contrast, the Fill factor is mainly affected by the defect density, regardless of the thin film's thickness. An acceptable defect density of up to 1015 cm−3 at a CdTe thickness of 300 nm was obtained from this work. The bandgap variation shows optimal results for a CdTe with bandgaps ranging from 1.45 to 1.7 eV in tandem with a Si bandgap of about 1.1 eV. This study highlights the significance of tailoring defect density at different energy levels to realize viable CdTe/Si dual junction tandem solar cells. It also demonstrates how the impact of defect concentration changes with the thickness of the solar cell absorber layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on using jackfruit seed waste (JSW) for bioremediation of heavy toxic metals from water. The fruit is abundantly grown in India and Far East countries and produces myriad tons of seeds. A simple procedure is developed in the laboratory by thermally activating JSW by orthophosphoric acid at 500 °C. Surface morphology, porosity, and structural analyses of the resultant biochar were conducted. The activated biochar was applied for batch adsorption of several heavy metal ions: Fe(III), Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Mn(VII) at pH 7. The average heavy metal uptake by activated JSW biochar is 76.4 mg g−1, 79.4 mg g−1, 97.9 mg g−1, 79.9 mg g−1, and 79.8 mg g−1 for Fe(III), Pb(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), and Mn(VII), respectively. The experimental conditions were optimized to remove heavy metals at neutral pH. The adsorption process was exothermic, and Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic study models were best fitted. The observation was in close agreement with the experimental data. Thermal and structural characterization of biochar at post-adsorption analyses was conducted. The study has distinguished features of simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and viability compared to many of the literature-reported biomass waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutraceutical industrial fenugreek seed spent (NIFGS), a relatively low-cost material abundantly available with nearly negligible toxicity for the bioremediation of malachite green (MG) dye from aqueous media, is reported. Studies on the various parameters affecting the adsorption capacity of NIFGS were carried out to evaluate the kinetics and the equilibrium thermodynamics. All the experiments were designed at about pH 7. The adsorption isotherm model proposed by Langmuir fits better than the Freundlich isotherm model. Kinetic study data confirms the viability of pseudo-second-order model. Calculated thermodynamic factors suggest that the adsorption phenomenon is endothermic, almost instantaneous, and physical in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of solar energy is one of the most prominent strategies for addressing the present energy management challenges. Solar energy is used in numerous residential sectors through flat plate solar collectors. The thermal efficiency of flat plate solar collectors is improved when conventional heat transfer fluids are replaced with nanofluids because they offer superior thermo-physical properties to conventional heat transfer fluids. Concentrated chemicals are utilized in nanofluids' conventional synthesis techniques, which produce hazardous toxic bi-products. The present research investigates the effects of novel green covalently functionalized gallic acid-treated multiwall carbon nanotubes-water nanofluid on the performance of flat plate solar collectors. GAMWCNTs are highly stable in the base fluid, according to stability analysis techniques, including ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and zeta potential. Experimental evaluation shows that the thermo-physical properties of nanofluid are better than those of base fluid deionized water. The energy, exergy and economic analysis are performed using 0.025%, 0.065% and 0.1% weight concentrations of GAMWCNT-water at varying mass flow rates 0.010, 0.0144, 0.0188 kg/s. The introduction of GAMWCNT nanofluid enhanced the thermal performance of flat plate solar collectors in terms of energy and exergy efficiency. There is an enhancement in efficiency with the rise in heat flux, mass flow rate and weight concentration, but a decline is seen as inlet temperature increases. As per experimental findings, the highest improvement in energy efficiency is 30.88% for a 0.1% weight concentration of GAMWCNT nanofluid at 0.0188 kg/s compared to the base fluid. The collector's exergy efficiency increases with the rise in weight concentration while it decreases with an increase in flow rate. The highest exergy efficiency is achieved at 0.1% GAMWCNT concentration and 0.010 kg/s mass flow rate. GAMWCNT nanofluids have higher values for friction factor compared to the base fluid. There is a small increment in relative pumping power with increasing weight concentration of nanofluid. Performance index values of more than 1 are achieved for all GAMWCNT concentrations. When the solar thermal collector is operated at 0.0188 kg/s and 0.1% weight concentration of GAMWCNT nanofluid, the highest size reduction, 27.59%, is achieved as compared to a flat plate solar collector with water as a heat transfer fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the inherent environmental and health toxicities associated with lead, the use of environmental friendly lead-free solder materials has become an unavoidable trend in the electronic packaging industry. Sn-58Bi alloy is gaining attention for its good material properties such as low melting point, reliability and high tensile strength. The presence of the bismuth-rich phase increases the brittleness of Sn-58Bi alloy. The purpose of this study is to suppress the brittleness of Sn-58Bi alloy by the addition of different wt% (0, 10, 20, 30) of Sn powder. The powder metallurgy method was used to prepare the samples. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were done to study the structural properties and a tensile test was done by a universal tensile machine to study the mechanical properties. The results reveal that the Sn particles partially dissolved in the Sn-58Bi solder matrix. The dissolution of Sn particles significantly improved the mechanical strength by 30%, suppressed the brittleness and improved the strain value by 1.3 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the applications of nanotechnology that are used in internal combustion engines in terms of nanofluids. Nanofluids are prepared by dispersing or blending nano-sized particles in a base fluid (viz., H2O, lubricant oil, glycol, biodiesel, diesel, etc.) to achieve desirable attributes in a specific field. The addition of nanoparticles to any base fuels causes thermo-physical and thermochemical properties changes, which are the foremost requisite in most engineering applications. In this paper, the applications of nanoparticles in internal combustion engines have been discussed in-depth in terms of catalytic applications, thermochemical properties, emission, and performance attributes of diesel engines, etc. Recent information reveals that the existence of nanoparticles is widespread as it plays a vital role in modifying the fuel properties (namely, calorific value, cetane number, density, viscosity, flash point, fire point, etc.). In some research attempts, nanoparticles are also considered as coolant in internal combustion engine applications, irrespective of fuels used in power generation. Several researchers have recently introduced nano-additives (such as alumina, carbon nanotubes, zinc oxide, aluminum) to serve as a fuel-borne catalyst to boost internal combustion engine functionality. It has also been reported that nanoparticles enhance performance and reduce harmful pollutants compared to pure fuels (such as pure diesel and pure biodiesel). Superior surface/volume ratio and catalytic/chemical reactivity are vital attributes of nanoparticles, influencing researchers and scientists to utilize them in the internal combustion engine applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructure of the eutectic region and β-Sn grain of the solder matrix play an important role in the properties of the Sn-based solder joint. In the present study, Ni and Co nanoparticle (NP)-doped flux were added into the SAC305 solder matrix to observe their effect on the microstructure of the eutectic region and β-Sn grain during the reflow process. Results reveal that after the addition of Ni and Co NP-doped flux, the size of β-Sn grain and the size of IMC particles present in the eutectic region significantly reduced. The area of the eutectic region also increased. Reduction in size of β-Sn grain and IMC particles improves the mechanical and structural properties of the solder joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various nanofluids (NFs) have been prepared using nanoparticles (NPs) for dual fuel engine application in this present work. In the initial segment of the work, the NF's are prepared using aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3). Further, nanoparticles were blended with diary scum oil methyl ester (DiSOME) in the mass fraction of 10–30 ppm in steps of 10, with the assistance of a mechanically operated conventional homogenizer and an ultrasonicator. In the next segment of the work, Al2O3 NP's effect on the characteristics of ignition and engine outgas levels of a single cylinder four strokes direct injection diesel engine functioning on dual fuel mode using DiSOME and producer gas (PG) has been investigated. Engine testing showed that experiments with Al2O3 based NF and PG operation resulted in 11.5% amplified brake thermal efficiency, 23.2% reduction in smoke, 18.2–21.4% reduction in hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, while more significant nitric oxide (NOx) levels by 32.6% were achieved than the same fuel combination excluded NP's at 80% load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat exchangers are widely used for cooling and heating in every process industry. Here, a laboratory-scale experimental setup is used to investigate the thermal performance of inserted helical tube three-fluid heat exchanger using three different concentrations of graphene/water nanofluid (viz. 2, 4, and 6 volume percentage) as a working fluid. The influence of fluid flow in parallel configuration (viz. the flow of hot water, nanofluid, and air) is examined on the overall heat transfer coefficient, effectiveness and Nusselt number. The overall heat transfer coefficient increases with increasing all fluid flow rates. Significant improvements of the heat transfer coefficient between hot water and nanofluid and between nanofluid and air are found for the cases of nanofluids at the hot water flow or air flow rates, while a negligible effect of nanofluids between hot water and nanofluid is observed with increasing nanofluid fluid flow. Additionally, effectiveness decreases up to a minimum, after that it increases with increasing flow of hot water or nanofluid, while the effectiveness increases with increasing air flow and an improvement is found for the case of high concentration of nanofluid. A comparison between Nusselt numbers and correlations of a double-pipe helical tube heat exchanger shows a significant variation in results. Therefore, we proposed semiempirical correlations to estimate the Nusselt number and friction factor for the triple-fluid helical tube heat exchanger, and the correlations agree well with the experimental results. The semiempirical correlations would be useful for the flow of multiple fluids and several thermal communications in heat exchangers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for fresh drinking water is increasing rapidly, and drinking water availability reduces day by day. Solar desalination is a viable option to change saltwater to fresh drinkable water. Solar still used for desalination includes processes like heating, evaporation, and condensation. The major problem faced by solar stills is that they have low productivity. Therefore, high demand for freshwater cannot be met. The present review aims to provide the researchers with an idea to select suitable methods for enhancing solar stills' performance. This article mainly focuses on the climatic, design, and operational parameters affecting the performance of solar stills. Results reveal that a combination of the incredible intensity of solar radiations, solar still type, and regions with optimum temperature can provide higher daily distillate output. Further, high productivity can be achieved with inclined solar stills by making an inclination angle equivalent to the location's latitude. A water depth of around 1 cm can provide the best output in terms of productivity for conventional solar stills. A combination of V-corrugated absorber plate with fins and energy storing materials coupled with external reflector plates can provide optimized conditions to enhance productivity. The performance of solar still can be improved by minimizing the gap between absorber plates and condensing cover. Finally, the sun tracking system, either single or dual axis in solar still, can enhance productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a series of experiments were designed and conducted to prepare biodiesel from cottonseed oil and to blend it with octanol. The thermal and mass transfer characteristics of the biodiesel were further improved by adding functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The performance of the engine with the blended fuel was analyzed through characterization and measurement of the gas emissions from the engine. Four blends of cottonseed oil (B20, B40, B60, and B100) were prepared initially, and each blend was added with octanol additive of 5%, 10%, and 15% together with 3% of functionalized MWCNTs by mass. The performance analysis showed that B20 with 5%, 10%, and 15% octanol represented relatively lower brake specific fuel consumption relative to all test fuels. Likewise, the addition of MWCNT nanoparticle further stabilized the rate of fuel consumption and brake thermal efficiency. It was also identified that at larger values of diesel and biodiesel blends, the performance and also the quantity of gas emission were the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covid-19 has given one positive perspective to look at our planet earth in terms of reducing the air and noise pollution thus improving the environmental conditions globally. This positive outcome of pandemic has given the indication that the future of energy belong to green energy and one of the emerging source of green energy is Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). LIBs are the backbone of the electric vehicles but there are some major issues faced by the them like poor thermal performance, thermal runaway, fire hazards and faster rate of discharge under low and high temperature environment,. Therefore to overcome these problems most of the researchers have come up with new methods of controlling and maintaining the overall thermal performance of the LIBs. The present review paper mainly is focused on optimization of thermal and structural design parameters of the LIBs under different BTMSs. The optimized BTMS generally demonstrated in this paper are maximum temperature of battery cell, battery pack or battery module, temperature uniformity, maximum or average temperature difference, inlet temperature of coolant, flow velocity, and pressure drop. Whereas the major structural design optimization parameters highlighted in this paper are type of flow channel, number of channels, length of channel, diameter of channel, cell to cell spacing, inlet and outlet plenum angle and arrangement of channels. These optimized parameters investigated under different BTMS heads such as air, PCM (phase change material), mini-channel, heat pipe, and water cooling are reported profoundly in this review article. The data are categorized and the results of the recent studies are summarized for each method. Critical review on use of various optimization algorithms (like ant colony, genetic, particle swarm, response surface, NSGA-II, etc.) for design parameter optimization are presented and categorized for different BTMS to boost their objectives. The single objective optimization techniques helps in obtaining the optimal value of important design parameters related to the thermal performance of battery cooling systems. Finally, multi-objective optimization technique is also discussed to get an idea of how to get the trade-off between the various conflicting parameters of interest such as energy, cost, pressure drop, size, arrangement, etc. which is related to minimization and thermal efficiency/performance of the battery system related to maximization. This review will be very helpful for researchers working with an objective of improving the thermal performance and life span of the LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymatic hydrolysis of waste biomass for bioethanol production is considered a decades old traditional, inexpensive, and energy-effective approach. In this study, waste office paper was pretreated with diluted sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrolyzed with one of the most available and cost-effective enzymes, cellulase derived from Trichoderma reesei, under submerged static condition. Three different pretreatment approaches—cut into 2 cm2, blended with distilled water, and pretreated with diluted H2SO4—have been implemented, and pretreatment with diluted H2SO4 was the most effective. Hydrolysis with different concentrations—0.5 M, 1.0 M, 1.5 M, 2.0 M of H2SO4—was performed. The maximum glucose content was obtained at 2.0 M H2SO4 at 90 min reaction time, and glucose yield was 0.11 g glucose/g wastepaper. The cut paper, wet-blended, and acid-treated wastepaper was hydrolyzed with cellulase enzyme for 2, 4, and 5 consecutive days with 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg enzyme loadings. The maximum glucose content obtained was 9.75 g/l from acid-treated wastepaper, after 5 days of enzymatic hydrolysis with 20 mg enzyme loading and a glucose yield of a 0.5 g glucose/g wastepaper. The wastepaper hydrolysate was further fermented for 6, 8, and 10 hours continuously with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast), and at 10 hours of fermentation, the maximum glucose consumption was 0.18 g by yeast. Further, HPLC analysis of the fermented medium presented a strong peak of bioethanol content at 16.12 min. The distillation of bioethanol by rotary evaporator presented 0.79 ml bioethanol/fermented solution, which indicated the conversion efficiency of 79%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the addition of different proportions of silver (Ag) nanoparticles and alcohols in milk scum oil methyl ester on the performance of engine and emission are studied. B20 blend is added with 5% of ethanol, n-butanol, and iso-butanol as ternary additives for the experimental analysis from no load to full load. Furthermore, at a fixed load, operating conditions such as injection pressure (12 and 15 bar) and injection timing (23° and 26°) are varied without and with the addition of 0.8 vol% of Ag (silver) nanoparticles to the fuel blends. Also, the concentrations of Ag nanoparticles are increased from 0.2 to 1 vol% and comparisons are made with diesel and B60 blend. Mathematical models are developed for selected features of engine performance which fits with the experimental values for the purpose of optimization using the Dragon fly algorithm (DA) by considering these models as the objective functions. The concentration of nanoparticles lowers the BSFC significantly and helps in reducing the emission with an increased percentage. Using full biodiesel, 16.6% reduction in BTE was obtained, while use of alcohols prevented this reduction approximately by 5%. A highest of 4.6% improvement was obtained with the addition of Ag nanoparticles. 4.5% reduction in HC and 13% in NOx emission using nanoparticles are obtained. The DA algorithm provided the same optimized value at the end of 30 iterations in different cycles of execution. Nanoparticle addition and use of pressure in the range of 20 bar gives the lowest emission from the engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the critical energy challenges, which our planet is confronting today, is how to curtail the reliance on fossil fuels for a sustainable environment. Biomass is a promising source of renewable energy for sustainable power generation compared to the conventional coal. However, they are hard to mill to finer size due to their fibrous nature. In this study, the size dependency on the flame propagation and burning characteristics of pulverized biomass is examined compared to coals. Modified Hartmann and 1-m3 explosion vessels were used to perform flame speed and explosion tests. Fine-sized particles propagated the flame with a flame velocity of 2.5 m/s for non-spherical-shaped particles compared to round-shaped lycopodium and corn flour. For coarse size particles, the flame speeds were measured to be around 1 m/s. The minimum explosion concentration was measured to be 0.2–0.4 equivalence ratio for a size range of 40–200 μm and higher for larger particle sizes. Reactivity data showed functional correlations for selected biomass and coal samples. SEM images of post-explosion residues showed incomplete combustion of bigger particles and formation of the cenosphere because of siliceous contents. The study findings concluded that the fine-sized particles of biomass had higher fire/explosion risk due to greater burning characteristics and it could only be replaced with conventional coal after assessing their combustion data by reliable methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of the present work was to develop a value-added product of biodegradable material for sustainable packaging. The use of agriculture waste-derived carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) mainly is to reduce the cost involved in the development of the film, at present commercially available CMS is costly. The main focus of the research is to translate the agricultural waste-derived CMC to useful biodegradable polymer suitable for packaging material. During this process CMC was extracted from the agricultural waste mainly sugar cane bagasse and the blends were prepared using CMC (waste derived), gelatin, agar and varied concentrations of glycerol; 1.5% (sample A), 2% (sample B), and 2.5% (sample C) was added. Thus, the film derived from the sample C (gelatin + CMC + agar) with 2.0% glycerol as a plasticizer exhibited excellent properties than other samples A and B. The physiochemical properties of each developed biodegradable plastics (sample A, B, C) were characterized using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The swelling test, solubility in different solvents, oil permeability coefficient, water permeability (WP), mechanical strength of the produced material was claimed to be a good material for packaging and meanwhile its biodegradability (soil burial method) indicated their environmental compatibility nature and commercial properties. The reflected work is a novel approach, and which is vital in the conversion of organic waste to value-added product development. There is also another way to utilize commercial CMC in preparation of polymeric blends for the packaging material, which can save considerable time involved in the recovery of CMC from sugarcane bagasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing demand of economically feasible, clean, and renewable energy, the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is increasing. The PV panel performance to generate electrical energy depends on many factors among which tilt angle is also a crucial one. Among hundreds of research work performed pertinent to solar PV panels performance, this work critically reviews the role of tilt angles and particularly locating the optimum tilt angle using different methods. The past data collected for analysis can be categorized mainly into mathematical model based, experimental based, simulation based, or combination of any of these. Single-axis tracking, dual-axis tracking, simple glass cover, hydrophobic glass cover, soiled glass, clean glass, partial shadow, use of phase-change material, computational fluid dynamic analysis, etc., are the novel methods found in the literature for analysis and locating the optimum tilt angle. For illustration purpose, few figures are provided in which the optimum tilt angle obtained on monthly, seasonally, and annual basis is shown. Research works are growing in the field of computations and simulations using online software and codes. Pure mathematical-based calculations are also reported but the trend is to combine this method with the simulation method. As the PV panel performance is found to be affected by number of parameters, their consideration in any single study is not reported. In future, work is required to carry out the experiment or simulation considering the effect of soiling, glass material, temperature, and surrounding ambience on the location of optimum tilt angle. As a whole, the optimum tilt angles reported for locations exactly on the equator line, i.e., 0° latitude, ranges between − 2.5° and 2.5°, for locations just above the equator line, i.e., latitude 2.6°–30° N ranges between 5° and 28°, for 40°–70° N, it is 29°–40°, and for 71°–90° N, it is 41°–45°. For locations at 2.6°–30° S, optimum tilt angles range between − 4° and − 32°, 30°–46° S, it is − 33° to − 36°, 47°–65° S, it is − 34° to − 50°, and for 66°–90° S it is − 51° to − 62°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of population explosion and continuous upsurge on energy demand has resulted in the intimidating depletion of fossil fuel resources, increased environmental pollution, and elevated production and consumption cost. Hence, in the past two decades the demand for renewable energy has escalated. The solar energy is the most trending topic when talking about renewable energy sources, because of its ease of availability, reduced dependence on foreign fuels and negligible maintenance. This can be directly harnessed unlike other renewable energy sources. A solar flat plate collector converts the radiant solar energy from the sun into thermal energy; usually, copper or aluminium is used as heat absorbing material. However, to further enhance the performance and thermophysical properties of the heat exchanger liquids of flat plate solar collectors like radiative heat transfer and thermal conductivity, the nanofluids are used. The use of nanofluids as an innovative type of working fluids is reasonably a new development in solar flat plate collectors. They are prepared by mixing low concentration of solid particles, sized 1–100 nm with the base fluid. The objectives of this review paper is to recapitulate the investigations carried in the field of solar flat plate collectors using a range of nanofluids, the performance analysis of various flat plate collectors using numerous nanofluids and the challenges faced in developing an efficient thermal collector using nanofluids. Furthermore, the article discusses the opportunities for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil fuel storage is running low and scientists around the globe are involved in a big search for an optimized substitute. Photovoltaic is one of the most likely alternatives to solve this issue and replace the fossil fuels. Among all types of cells, silicon solar cells are the most economical ones to produce affordable energy. In this paper, a systematic study was done on the diffusion of phosphorous in multi-crystalline silicon during solar cell emitter formation. All parameters involved in the conversion of a multi-crystalline p-type silicon to a p-n junction were analyzed quantitatively. This systematic approach predicts the effect of inputs on the outputs which decreases the number of the trail runs. The analysis result indicate, that raising the diffusion temperature from 830 to 880 °C decreases the sheet resistance by −100 Ω/sq, and increasing POCl flow from 300 to 500 SCCM has an effect of −21 Ω/sq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines the frequency of incompletely excised basal cell carcinoma in a large series from a single surgeon. Treatment of incompletely excised basal cell cancer; Re-excision of positive tumor margins in basal cell cancer; Variation in the recurrence rates in margin positive lesions.

A newly synthesized Schiff base 3,3′-dihydroxy-4,4′-[4,4′-diphenylmethanebis(nitrilomethylidyne)]-bisphenol is characterized experimentally. Also, the geometry optimization for the tautomers, tautomerism and assignment of the IR bands and NMR chemical shifts of the Schiff base were performed using the DFT method. Good consistency between the theoretical and experimental results confirms the validity of the optimized geometry. Geometries of four possible tautomers are fully optimized. None of them has a planar structure, but each of the benzene rings is in a separate plane. In the most stable tautomer L1, the phenolic protons are engaged in the intramolecular-hydrogen bond with the azomethine nitrogen atoms. Tautomerization of L1 can occur in two different pathways which are computationally studied using DFT and the Atoms In Molecules (AIM) analysis. Both pathways have the same barrier energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the original publication of the article, the affiliations of the third, fourth and fifth authors were incorrectly published. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modified IS (Iranian Sun) plasma focus (10 kJ,15 kV, 94 μF, 0.1 Hz) has been used to produce the short-lived radioisotope N (half-life of 9.97 min) through C(d,n)N nuclear reaction. The filling gas was 1.5-3 torr of hydrogen (60%) deuterium (40%) mixture. The target was solid nuclear grade graphite with 5 mm thick, 9 cm width and 13 in length. The activations of the exogenous target on average of 20 shots (only one-third acceptable) through 10-13 kV produced the 511 keV gamma rays. Another peak found at the 570 keV gamma of which both was measured by a NaI portable gamma spectrometer calibrated by a Cs 0.25 μCi sealed reference source with its single line at 661.65 keV and Na 0.1 μCi at 511 keV. To measure the gamma rays, the graphite target converts to three different phases; solid graphite, powder graphite, and powder graphite in water solution. The later phase approximately has a doubled activity with respect to the solid graphite target up to 0.5 μCi of 511 keV and 1.1 μCi of 570 keV gamma lines were produced. This increment in activity was perhaps due to structural transformation of graphite powder to nano-particles characteristic in liquid water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Peak bone mass is believed to partly be programmed in utero. Mouse dams and offspring were given a high-fat diet and offspring studied as adults. Female offspring from high-fat dams exhibited altered trabecular structure indicative of in utero programming. In utero nutrition has consequences in later life. Introduction: Epidemiological studies suggest that skeletal growth is programmed during intrauterine and early postnatal life. We hypothesise that development of optimal peak bone mass has, in part, a foetal origin and investigated this using a mouse model of maternal dietary fat excess. Methods: Offspring from mouse dams fed either standard chow (C) or lifetime high-fat diet (HF) were maintained on a HF diet to adulthood. Femur samples were taken at 30 weeks of age and bone structure, adiposity and strength analysed. Sample sizes were four to six for each sex and each diet group. Results: Offspring from HF-fed dams showed increased adiposity in the femur in comparison to offspring from C-fed dams. Female offspring from HF dams exhibited altered trabecular structure indicative of in utero programming. Conclusions: A maternal HF diet during pregnancy increases bone marrow adiposity and alters bone structure in their offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

10 kJ (15 kV, 88 μF) IS (Iranian Sun) Mather type plasma focus device has been studied to determine the activity of a compound exogenous carbon solid target through C(d,n)N nuclear reaction. The produced N is a short-lived radioisotope with a half-life of 9.97 min and threshold energy of 0.28 MeV. The results indicate that energetic deuterons impinging on the solid target can produce yield of $$ \langle y\rangle $$ = 6.7 × 10 with an activity of A = 6.8 × 10 Bq for one plasma focus shut and A = 4 × 10 Bq for 6 shut per mint when the projectile maximum deuterons energy is E = 3 MeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports on the design and construction of a Paul ion trap as an ion source by using an impact electron ionization technique. Ions are produced in the trap and confined for the specific time which is then extracted and detected by a Faraday cup. Especial electronic configurations are employed between the end caps, ring electrodes, electron gun and a negative voltage for the detector. This configuration allows a constant low level of pure ion source between the pulsed confined ion sources. The present experimental results are based on the production and confinement of Argon ions with good stability and repeatability, but in principle, the technique can be used for various Argon like ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The output characteristics of a Filippove-Type plasma focus “Dena” (288 μF, 25 kV, 90 kJ) is numerically investigated by considering the voltage, current, current derivative, and maximum current as a function of capacitor bank energy in the constant Argon gas pressure and compared to the experiment. It is shown that increase on the bank energy leads to the increment on the maximum current and decrement on the pinch time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:A pilot study was carried out to evaluate validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which was designed to be used in a prospective cohort study in a population at high risk for esophageal cancer in northern Iran.Methods:The FFQ was administered four times to 131 subjects, aged 35–65 years, of both sexes. Twelve 24-h dietary recalls for two consecutive days were administered monthly during 1 year and used as a reference method. The excretion of nitrogen was measured on four 24-h urine samples, and plasma levels of β-carotene, retinol, vitamin C and α-tocopherol was measured from two time points. Relative validity of FFQ and 24-h diet recall was assessed by comparing nutrient intake derived from both methods with the urinary nitrogen and plasma levels of β-carotene, retinol, vitamin C and α-tocopherol.Results:Correlation coefficients comparing energy and nutrients intake based on the mean of the four FFQ and the mean of twelve 24-h diet recalls were 0.75 for total energy, 0.75 for carbohydrates, 0.76 for proteins and 0.65 for fat. Correlation coefficients between the FFQ-based intake and serum levels of β-carotene, retinol, vitamin C and vitamin E/α-tocopherol were 0.37, 0.32, 0.35 and 0.06, respectively. Correlation coefficients between urinary nitrogen and FFQ-based protein intake ranged from 0.23 to 0.35. Intraclass correlation coefficients used to measure reproducibility of FFQ ranged from 0.66 to 0.89.Conclusion:We found that the FFQ provides valid and reliable measurements of habitual intake for energy and most of the nutrients studied.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) 60, 971–977. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602407; published online 8 February 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the incidence of oesophageal cancer (EC) in the Golestan province of North-East Iran, we invited 1349 rural and urban inhabitants of Golestan province aged 35-80 to undergo extensive lifestyle interviews and to provide biological samples. The interview was repeated on a subset of 130 participants to assess reliability of questionnaire and medical information. Temperature at which tea was consumed was measured on two occasions by 110 subjects. Samples of rice, wheat and sorghum were tested for fumonisin contamination. An active follow-up was carried out after 6 and 12 months. A total of 1057 subjects (610 women and 447 men) participated in this feasibility study (78.4% participation rate). Cigarette smoking, opium and alcohol use were reported by 163 (13.8%), 93 (8.8%) and 39 (3.7%) subjects, respectively. Tobacco smoking was correlated with urinary cotinine (kappa = 0.74). Most questionnaire data had kappa > 0.7 in repeat measurements; tea temperature measurement was reliable (kappa = 0.71). No fumonisins were detected in the samples analysed. During the follow-up six subjects were lost (0.6%), two subjects developed EC (one dead, one alive); in all, 13 subjects died (with cause of death known for 11, 84.6%). Conducting a cohort study in Golestan is feasible with reliable information obtained for suspected risk factors; participants can be followed up for EC incidence and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 32 year-old male patient was effectively immobilized secondary to morbid obesity. He underwent a gastric bypass which reduced his weight from 647 lbs to 376 lbs over 12 months. A massive abdominal panniculus persisted limiting his ability to pursue an effective exercise program and maintain appropriate hygiene. The patient was operated upon with the aid of Steinman pins to pierce the dependant portion of the pannus and an orthopaedic suspension device to facilitate its elevation. Operative excision of the 19.93 kg pannus proceeded in a rapid fashion with minimal difficulties in pannus manipulation. The technique of excision, its benefits and the case history are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report details the case of a 62-year-old male diabetic patient with persistent chest wall osteomyelitis that developed after repeat coronary artery bypass grafting. The chronic infection was localized to the right anterior chest wall and was refractory to medical and surgical treatment which included long-term antibiotics, five separate intraoperative debridements and reconstruction with vascularized omentum over a 2 year period at outside institutions. Aggressive surgical debridement with flap reconstruction resulted in definitive management of the infected chest wall. The organism isolated from intraoperative cultures yielded Aspergillus fumigatus. The surgical management of osteomyelitis and costochondritis in this location is reviewed accompanied by a literature review on this rare cause of chronic chest wall infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview on the effects of fluids onthe deformation and durability of polymeric composites. This subject isimportant for the ever-increasing application of composites in offshorestructures, submersibles, and civil infrastructure. Since weight-gaindata abound in the literature, it may be useful to recognize that acertain degree of correlation exists between some characteristicfeatures of weight-gain data and the ability of a particular compositeto retain its integrity under specified exposures to a certain fluid. Inaddition, this article provides records of fluid effects on deformationas well as on fluid-affected levels of static fatigue and fatigue livesin some specific circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents data on the creep response of a polymericcomposite that is a candidate material for automotive applications. Theabove data established the basis for the mechanical characterization ofmaterial's response over a wide range of stresses and temperatures, aswell as under cyclic tensile loading. A constitutive model based uponfundamental principles of irreversible thermodynamics and continuummechanics was employed to encompass the abovementioned database and topredict the response under more complex inputs. These latter testsverified the validity of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mather type plasma focus with the bank energy, 150 kJ (30 kV, 333 μF), was studied for the induced activity of F, a short-lived radioisotopes which is a β emitter with 511 keV of gamma rays and has a half-life t = 110 min, through O(He,p)F and Ne(d,α)F nuclear reactions. The results of simulated numerical computations show that activities of 3.786 × 10 Bq and 6.632 × 10 Bq were found for O(He,p)F and Ne(d,α)F reactions, respectively. The calculations were carried out for the same initial and final energies conditions, when Plasma focus works with 150 kJ at the repetition rate of 1 Hz and for 120 min of running time. According to the simulated results, the activity of Ne(d,α)F had an increase because the projectile ion mass 'deuteron' was lighter than the He which resulted in the higher induced voltage and the number of projectile ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with an experimental investigation to assess the characteristics of a modified common rail direct injection (CRDI) engine utilizing diesel, Mahua biodiesel, and their blends with synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nano additives. The physicochemical properties of diesel, diesel + 30 ppm ZnO nanoparticles (D10030), 20% Mahua biodiesel (MOME20), and Mahua biodiesel (20%) + 30 ppm ZnO nanoparticles (MOME2030) were measured in accordance to the American Society for Testing and Materials standards. The effects of modification of fuel injectors (FI) holes (7-hole FI) and toroidal reentrant combustion chamber (TRCC) piston bowl design on the performance of CRDI using different fuel blends were assessed. For injection timings (IT) and injection opening pressure (IOP) average increase in brake thermal efficiency for fuel blend D10030 and MOME2030 was 9.65% and 16.4%, and 8.83% and 5.06%, respectively. Also, for IT and IOP, the average reductions in brake specific fuel consumption, smoke, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions for D10030 and MOME2030 were 10.9% and 7.7%, 18.2% and 8.6%, 12.6% and 11.5%, 8.74% and 13.1%, and 5.75% and 7.79%, respectively and 15.5% and 5.06%, 20.33% and 6.20%, 11.12% and 24.8%, 18.32% and 6.29%, and 1.79% and 6.89%, respectively for 7-hole fuel injector and TRCC. The cylinder pressure and heat release rate for D10030 and MOME2030 were enhanced by 6.8% and 17.1%, and 7.35% and 12.28%. The 7-hole fuel injector with the nano fuel blends at an injection timing and pressure of 10° btdc and 900 bar demonstrated the overall improvement of the engine characteristics due to the better air quality for fuel mixing. Similarly, the TRCC cylinder bowl geometry illustrated advanced ignition due to an improved swirl and turbulence. Also, the engine test results demonstrated that 30 ppm of ZnO nanoparticles in Mahua biodiesel (MOME2030) and diesel (D10030) with diethyl ether resulted overall enhancement of CRDI engine characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case report of a 27-year-old African-American female with a history of bilateral breast masses is presented. Primary breast cancer or metastatic disease was the presumed etiology. On work-up, however, fine-needle aspiration biopsy followed by open excisional biopsy revealed the diagnosis of Wegener’s granulomatosis. Initial presentation of this necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis in the breast is exceedingly rare, and this case highlights the importance of maintaining a degree of suspicion for this clinical entity in the evaluation of a breast mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]