Investigation on Microstructure, Hardness, Wear behavior and Fracture Surface Analysis of Strontium (Sr) and Calcium (Ca) Content A357 Modified Alloy by Statistical Technique

The aluminum alloy are extensively used in several industrial applications. Stir casting is one of the most frequently accepted methods. In the present investigation, how the microstructure, mechanical and wear mechanics of A357 alloy were impacted by the presence of Sr/Ca was investigated. The outcomes revealed that addition of elements (Sr/Ca) enhance the microstructural features. Uniform dispersal of particulates (Sr/ Ca) in Al357 alloy and also the modified structure of silicon (Si) were observed. Hardness of modified alloy was evaluated by using hardness tester. A result reveals that hardness of modified alloy was improved by increasing in the Sr/Ca content. The wear rate of modified alloy was evaluated by using Pin and Disc wear test rig. Test trials were conducted according to Taguchi technique. L27 array was implemented for evaluation of data. The effect of varying parameters (factors) on wear loss and COF were analyzed using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) method. ANOVA outcomes shown that, the Sr/Ca content has a better significant impact on wear behavior and COF of the modified alloy. A wear fractography result shows the internal fracture structure of a wornout surface which was studied by SEM analysis

IN VITRO ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS AND METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF OLDENLANDIA UMBELLATA

Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Oldenlandia umbelata against Pheretima posthuma. Methods: Three different concentrations, each of crude alcoholic and aqueous extract (10, 50,100 mg/ml in distilled water) were prepared and six worms (same type) were placed in it. Observations were made for the time taken to cause paralysis and death of the individual worms. Mean time for the paralysis (P) in min was noted when no movement of any sort could be observed,except when the worm was shaken vigorously; time of death (D) in min was recorded after ascertaining the worms neither moved when shaken vigorously nor when dipped in warm water (50°C). Piperazine citrate (10mg/ml) was included as reference compounds. Results: The extracts of Oldenlandia umbelata not only demonstrated paralysis, but also caused death of worms, especially at higher concentration of 100 mg/ml in shorter time as compared to reference drug Piperazine citrate. Conclusion: In present statement methanolic and aqueous extracts of plant of Oldenlandia umbelata was investigated for their anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. Various concentrations were used in the bioassay, which involved paralysis and death time of the worms. Both the extracts showed significant anthelmintic activity

Investigation on Microstructure, Hardness, Wear behavior and Fracture Surface Analysis of Strontium (Sr) and Calcium (Ca) Content A357 Modified Alloy by Statistical Technique

The aluminum alloy are extensively used in several industrial applications. Stir casting is one of the most frequently accepted methods. In the present investigation, how the microstructure, mechanical and wear mechanics of A357 alloy were impacted by the presence of Sr/Ca was investigated. The outcomes revealed that addition of elements (Sr/Ca) enhance the microstructural features. Uniform dispersal of particulates (Sr/ Ca) in Al357 alloy and also the modified structure of silicon (Si) were observed. Hardness of modified alloy was evaluated by using hardness tester. A result reveals that hardness of modified alloy was improved by increasing in the Sr/Ca content. The wear rate of modified alloy was evaluated by using Pin and Disc wear test rig. Test trials were conducted according to Taguchi technique. L27 array was implemented for evaluation of data. The effect of varying parameters (factors) on wear loss and COF were analyzed using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) method. ANOVA outcomes shown that, the Sr/Ca content has a better significant impact on wear behavior and COF of the modified alloy. A wear fractography result shows the internal fracture structure of a wornout surface which was studied by SEM analysis

Design of ROVAC Air-Conditioning System for a Car

This study investigates the air compression air conditioning system which utilizes a rotary vane compressor that replaces the conventional mechanical compressor in automotives. The awareness for pollution, transportation contributing the major part has lead to measures taken by the Nation, demanding reduction of global warming refrigerants used in mobile air conditioning systems. Much of effort was to refurbish the system to safe operating condition and to evaluate its performance. The result of this study provides the basis for design of improved refrigeration systems for automotives and space conditioning applications.The queer system which is based on the works of Dr. Thomas C. Edwards, has been developed in which an oval shaped housing acts as a compressor and natural substance like air as refrigerant which offers a number of environmental and practical advantages.

DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYCAPROLACTONE (PCL)/POLY ((R)-3-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID) (PHB) BLEND MICROSPHERES FOR TAMOXIFEN DRUG RELESE STUDIES

Objective: The objective of this study was to formulate and evaluate the drug release studies using Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/and Poly (R)-3-hydroxy butyric acid (PHB) blend microspheres for controlled release of Tamoxifen, an anticancer drug.Methods: Poly (ε-caprolactone), Poly ((R)-3-Hydroxybutyric acid) blend microspheres were prepared through a modified Water/Oil/Water (W/O/W) double emulsion-solvent diffusion method using Dichloromethane as solvent. Tamoxifen (TAM), an anti Cancer drug, was used for encapsulation within PCL/PHB blend microspheres. Morphology, size, encapsulation efficiency and drug release from these microspheres were evaluated by different characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC), Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), X-ray diffraction studies(X-RD) and dissolution test studies respectively.Results: Drug loaded microspheres were analyzed by FT-IR, which indicates the interaction between drug and polymers. DSC thermograms on drug-loaded microspheres confirmed the polymorphism of Tamoxifen and indicated a molecular level dispersion of drug in the microspheres. SEM confirmed the spherical nature and smooth surface of the microspheres produced. X-RD study was performed to understand the crystalline nature of the drug after encapsulation into the microspheres and confirmed the complete dispersion of the drug in the polymer matrix. In-vitro release studies conducted in different pH which indicated a dependence of release rate on the amount of drug loading and the amount of PCL/PHB, but slow release rates were extended up to 12 h. Kinetic analysis of dissolution data showed a good fit in Peppas equation confirming diffusion controlled drug release.Conclusions: The research findings obtained from the studies were found to be satisfactory. It can be concluded that biodegradable polymer blend (PCL/PHB) microspheres can be effectively used for preparation of controlled release matrices. Â

Charge scheduling optimization of plug-in electric vehicle in a PV powered grid-connected charging station based on day-ahead solar energy forecasting in Australia

Optimal charge scheduling of electric vehicles in solar-powered charging stations based on day-ahead forecasting of solar power generation is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm’s major objective is to schedule EV charging based on the availability of solar PV power to minimize the total charging costs. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm is validated for a small-scale system with a capacity of 3.45 kW and a single charging point, and the annual cost analysis is carried out by modelling a 65 kWp solar-powered EV charging station The reliability and cost saving of the proposed optimal scheduling algorithm along with the integration and the solar PV system is validated for a charging station with a 65 kW solar PV system having charging points with different charging powers. A comprehensive comparison of uncontrolled charging, optimal charging without solar PV system, and optimal charging with solar PV system for different vehicles and different time slots are presented and discussed. From the results, it can be realized that the proposed charging algorithm reduces the overall charging cost from 10−20% without a PV system, and while integrating a solar PV system with the proposed charging method, a cost saving of 50−100% can be achieved. Based on the selected location, system size, and charging points, it is realized that the annual charging cost under an uncontrolled approach is AUS $28,131. On the other hand, vehicle charging becomes completely sustainable with net-zero energy consumption from the grid and net annual revenue of AUS$28,134.445 can be generated by the operator. New South Wales (NSW), Australia is selected as the location for the study. For the analysis Time-Of-Use pricing (ToUP) scheme and solar feed-in tariff of New South Wales (NSW), Australia is adopted, and the daily power generation of the PV system is computed using the real-time data on an hourly basis for the selected location. The power forecasting is carried out using an ANN-based forecast model and is developed using MATLAB and trained using the Levenberg−Marquardt algorithm. Overall, a prediction accuracy of 99.61% was achieved using the selected algorithm

Identification of promising lines for yield from IR64/Akihikari Recombinant Inbred Lines under low nitrogen

Not AvailableFor identification of lines with promising yield under low nitrogen (N), a total of 117 Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) derived from IR64, an improved and released variety in Akihikari as recurrent parent, were evaluated for two seasons dry (Rabi) 2014 and wet (Kharif) 2015 under field with low and recommended N. The difference between the mean yields of the low and recommended N in both seasons was not significant indicating the differential genotypic response under low and recommended N and the difference between the means of season was about 30%, indicating the role of the season in determining the yield under differential N. Out of 50 promising lines identified for low and recommended N, six promising lines were identified with yields ranging from 11.2 ± 0.65 to 18.3 ± 1.06 (Dry 2014) and 7.1 ± 0.41 to 15.4 ± 0.89 (Wet 2015) under low N suggesting the possibility of evaluation of the mapping populations as a promising strategy for the identification of breeding lines with promising yield under low N.Not Availabl

Genomic-based-breeding tools for tropical maize improvement

Maize has traditionally been the main staple diet in the Southern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa and widely grown by millions of resource poor small scale farmers. Approximately, 35.4 million hectares are sown to tropical maize, constituting around 59% of the developing worlds. Tropical maize encounters tremendous challenges besides poor agro-climatic situations with average yields recorded <3 tones/hectare that is far less than the average of developed countries. On the contrary to poor yields, the demand for maize as food, feed, and fuel is continuously increasing in these regions. Heterosis breeding introduced in early 90 s improved maize yields significantly, but genetic gains is still a mirage, particularly for crop growing under marginal environments. Application of molecular markers has accelerated the pace of maize breeding to some extent. The availability of array of sequencing and genotyping technologies offers unrivalled service to improve precision in maize-breeding programs through modern approaches such as genomic selection, genome-wide association studies, bulk segregant analysis-based sequencing approaches, etc. Superior alleles underlying complex traits can easily be identified and introgressed efficiently using these sequence-based approaches. Integration of genomic tools and techniques with advanced genetic resources such as nested association mapping and backcross nested association mapping could certainly address the genetic issues in maize improvement programs in developing countries. Huge diversity in tropical maize and its inherent capacity for doubled haploid technology offers advantage to apply the next generation genomic tools for accelerating production in marginal environments of tropical and subtropical world. Precision in phenotyping is the key for success of any molecular-breeding approach. This article reviews genomic technologies and their application to improve agronomic traits in tropical maize breeding has been reviewed in detail

Investigations of the performance of 3D printed micro wind turbine composed of PLA material

Wind energy conversion systems (WECS) have gained increasing attention in recent years as promising renewable energy sources. Despite their potential, a clear research gap exists: the majority of WECS underperform in low wind speed conditions, limiting their applicability in many regions. To address this problem, this study proposes a novel approach by developing a 100 W micro wind turbine using Polylactic Acid (PLA) to generate efficient power in low wind speed conditions. The proposed wind turbine design employs Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT), which is commonly used for modeling wind turbine performance. Geometric design, mechanical analysis, and aerodynamic analysis are the fundamental considerations for designing any machine. In this work, the CREO 3.0 three-dimensional modeling software is used to create the geometric design of the proposed work. The airfoil SD7080 is selected due to its superior aerodynamic performance, and mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, density, and Poisson's ratio are attained to evaluate the wind blade's performance. Additionally, ANSYS 15.0 is used to conduct a detailed analysis of the proposed wind turbine, evaluating properties such as equivalent stress, deformation, and equivalent strain. Both simulation (ANSYS 15.0) and experimental setups are used to investigate the proposed wind turbine's performance, and the corresponding results are presented and discussed in this manuscript. The results indicate a significant performance improvement of the proposed wind blade when compared to conventional and ABS wind blades, demonstrating its potential as a more efficient solution for WECS. This proposed wind turbine design overcomes the problems like underprformance in low wind speed conditions and the wind turbine efficiency in all regions