15 research outputs found
Effect of mandur bhasma on lipolytic activities of liver, kidney and adipose tissue of albino rat during CCl4 induced hepatic injury
Optimum sizing and economic analysis of renewable energy system integration into a micro-grid for an academic institution—a case study
Evaluation of convective parameterization schemes in simulation of tropical cyclones by Climate Forecast System model: Version 2
Lathe boring operation on ASTM A304 steel parameter optimization using response surface methodology
Application of Multi-criteria Decision Aids for Selection of Off-Grid Renewable Energy Technology Solutions for Decentralised Electrification
Effect of physical parameterization schemes on track and intensity of cyclone LAILA using WRF model
Potential and economic viability of standalone hybrid systems for a rural community of Sokoto, North-west Nigeria
Impact of copper oxide nanomaterials on differentiated and undifferentiated Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells; assessment of cytotoxicity, barrier integrity, cytokine production and nanomaterial penetration
Background: Copper oxide nanomaterials (CuO NMs) are exploited in a diverse array of products including antimicrobials, inks, cosmetics, textiles and food contact materials. There is therefore a need to assess the toxicity of CuO NMs to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract since exposure could occur via direct oral ingestion, mucocillary clearance (following inhalation) or hand to mouth contact.Methods: Undifferentiated Caco-2 intestinal cells were exposed to CuO NMs (10 nm) at concentrations ranging from 0.37 to 78.13 μg/cm2 Cu (equivalent to 1.95 to 250 μg/ml) and cell viability assessed 24 h post exposure using the alamar blue assay. The benchmark dose (BMD 20), determined using PROAST software, was identified as 4.44 μg/cm2 for CuO NMs, and 4.25 μg/cm2 for copper sulphate (CuSO4), which informed the selection of concentrations for further studies. The differentiation status of cells and the impact of CuO NMs and CuSO4 on the integrity of the differentiated Caco-2 cell monolayer were assessed by measurement of trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER), staining for Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and imaging of cell morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The impact of CuO NMs and CuSO4 on the viability of differentiated cells was performed via assessment of cell number (DAPI staining), and visualisation of cell morphology (light microscopy). Interleukin-8 (IL-8) production by undifferentiated and differentiated Caco-2 cells following exposure to CuO NMs and CuSO4 was determined using an ELISA. The copper concentration in the cell lysate, apical and basolateral compartments were measured with Inductive Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and used to calculate the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp); a measure of barrier permeability to CuO NMs. For all experiments, CuSO4 was used as an ionic control.Results: CuO NMs and CuSO4 caused a concentration dependent decrease in cell viability in undifferentiated cells. CuO NMs and CuSO4 translocated across the differentiated Caco-2 cell monolayer. CuO NM mediated IL-8 production was over 2-fold higher in undifferentiated cells. A reduction in cell viability in differentiated cells was not responsible for the lower level of cytokine production observed. Both CuO NMs and CuSO4 decreased TEER values to a similar extent, and caused tight junction dysfunction (ZO-1 staining), suggesting that barrier integrity was disrupted.Conclusions: CuO NMs and CuSO4 stimulated IL-8 production by Caco-2 cells, decreased barrier integrity and thereby increased the Papp and translocation of Cu. There was no significant enhancement in potency of the CuO NMs compared to CuSO4. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were identified as a powerful model to assess the impacts of ingested NMs on the GI tract
Computational Methods for Optimal Planning of Hybrid Renewable Microgrids: A Comprehensive Review and Challenges
Analytical Frameworks and an Integrated Approach for Mini-grid based Electrification
Although rural electrification using mini-grids has attracted recent
global attention, the concept has been there for quite some time. Consequently, a
number of analytical approaches exist to support the decision-making process.
This chapter first provides a review of literature dealing with analytical frameworks
for off-grid and mini-grid based electrification projects. The range of analytical
options includes simple worksheet-based tools to more sophisticated
optimisation tools for technology selection as well as assessments based on multicriteria
analysis. This is followed by an evaluation of mini-grid based off-grid
electrification projects in India that allows the identification of critical factors for
the success of such projects. Finally, the chapter proposes an integrated approach
for analysing decentralised mini-grid projects in a holistic manner