Energy Conditions in a Generalized Second-Order Scalar-Tensor Gravity

The study of energy conditions has many significant applications in general relativistic and cosmological contexts. This paper explores the energy conditions in the framework of the most general scalar-tensor theory with field equations involving second-order derivatives. For this purpose, we use flat FRW universe model with perfect fluid matter contents. By taking power law ansatz for scalar field, we discuss the strong, weak, null and dominant energy conditions in terms of deceleration, jerk and snap parameters. Some particular cases of this theory like k-essence model and modified gravity theories etc. are analyzed with the help of the derived energy conditions and the possible constraints on the free parameters of the presented models are determined.Comment: 28 pages, 5 figure

Anisotropic Universe Models in Brans-Dicke Theory

This paper is devoted to study Bianchi type I cosmological model in Brans-Dicke theory with self-interacting potential by using perfect, anisotropic and magnetized anisotropic fluids. We assume that the expansion scalar is proportional to the shear scalar and also take power law ansatz for scalar field. The physical behavior of the resulting models are discussed through different parameters. We conclude that in contrary to the universe model, the anisotropic fluid approaches to isotropy at later times in all cases which is consistent with observational data.Comment: 25 pages, 20 figure

Existence of stable wormholes on a noncommutative-geometric background in modified gravity

In this paper, we discuss spherically symmetric wormhole solutions in $f(R,T)$ modified theory of gravity by introducing well-known non-commutative geometry in terms of Gaussian and Lorentizian distributions of string theory. For some analytic discussion, we consider an interesting model of $f(R,T)$ gravity defined by $f(R,T)=f_{1}(R)+\lambda T$. By taking two different choices for the function $f_{1}(R)$, that is, $f_{1}(R)=R$ and $f_{1}(R)=R+\alpha R^{2}+\gamma R^{n}$, we discuss the possible existence of wormhole solutions. In the presence of non-commutative Gaussian and Lorentizian distributions, we get exact and numerical solutions for both these models. By taking appropriate values of the free parameters, we discuss different properties of these wormhole models analytically and graphically. Further, using equilibrium condition, it is found that these solutions are stable. Also, we discuss the phenomenon of gravitational lensing for the exact wormhole model and it is found that the deflection angle diverges at wormhole throat.Comment: 15 pages, 18 figure

Pretreatment of Miscanthus giganteus with Lime and Oxidants for Biofuels

ACKNOWLEDEGMENTS The authors are grateful to the Energy Biosciences Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, for financial support, Dr. Stefan R. Bauer, Valerie D. Mitchell, and Ana Belen Ibanez Zamora for technical assistance, and Jason Cai for fruitful discussions. The authors thank the China Scholarship Council for financial assistance to Fuxin Yang during his stay at University of California, Berkeley.Peer reviewedPostprin