Equilibrium and thermodynamic parameters for heterogeneous esterification of butyric acid with methanol under microwave irradiation

Synthesis of methyl butyrate was investigated in a microwave irradiated batch reactor in presence of acid ion-exchange resin catalyst, amberlyst-15. Methyl ester was heterogeneously produced by the reaction between butyric acid and methanol. Effect of reaction parameters of temperature (323-343 K), catalyst loading (0-10.5% w/w), alcohol to acid ratio, M (1-5), and amount of molecular sieves added (0-13.5% w/w) on conversion were studied. Equilibrium conversion of 92.6% was achieved in 60 minutes under microwave irradiation. Equilibrium constants at varied temperatures and dependency of equilibrium constant on temperature were studied. Equilibrium constant and equilibrium conversion showed increase with the increase in temperature as expected as per le-Chatelier principle. Van't Hoff plot for esterification of butyric acid was linear with negative slope indicating that reaction was endothermic. Comparative study showed that microwave irradiated method for methyl butyrate synthesis to be very efficient and fast compared with conventional and ultrasound assisted routes under optimized reaction conditions

Assessment of the genetic diversity among oily spot (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae) pathogen of pomegranate by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important fruit crop of India and other subtropical countries. Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Punicae is becoming a major threat in Maharashtra as well as other states of India. It causes yield losses up to the extent of 80 – 90 %. This study aims to the collection of 7 strains (X. axonopodis) and utilized for assessment of genetic diversity by using RAPD markers. Whereas 7 strains of X. axonopodis were differentiated and distinguished into seven major region representing Malegaon, Nampur, Satana, Khakurdi, Ramnagar, Rahuri and Nashik region. However the genetic similarity within 7strains of X. axonopodis was ranged between 72.72-100 %. Similarly the genetic relationship of strains X. axonopodis was also established and showed 72.72 %, 72.72 %, 72.72 % 92.30%, 94.11% and 100 % similarity with region of Malegaon, Nampur, Satana, Khakurdi, Ramnagar, Rahuri and Nashik region. Average polymorphism in strains of X. axanopodis based on RAPD analysis was 84.095 %. The combine data analysis by using UPGMA method also revealed the two distinct groups representing seven strains of X. axonopodis and in first group M1 and second group R4 and subgroup RH6, N2, NS7, S3, K5, these genotypes were present respectively. Considering predominance and economic loss caused by X. axonopodis pv. punicae in pomegranate, it is an essential to undertake preliminary work on characterization of this pathogen at the molecular level

A gamification framework demonstrating a complete cycle of vehicle driver performance evaluation

Training through a gamified environment motivates the users in achieving optimal outcome and reduces the complexity of learning by adding factor of entertainment in it. The deployment of serious games in automotive industry is a major leap in technological grounds, as it\u2019s a best way to inculcate safe driving patterns to reduce the fatalities and enhance resource usage which includes car accessories and fuel. The Ph.D. thesis represents Gamification platform aimed to Green Mobility and Safe Driving

Dynamic Scale Genetic Algorithm: An Enhanced Genetic Search for Discrete Optimization

The minimization of operations and support resources of reusable launch vehicles is a complex task, involving discrete optimization and the simulation domain. Genetic algorithms, offering a robust search strategy suitable for integer variables and the simulation domain, can be applied to minimize these resources. This research developed an enhanced genetic algorithm for problems with a linear objective function, the most common class of discrete optimization problems. The dynamic scale genetic algorithm developed here incorporates concepts of implicit enumeration to enhance search. This is achieved by utilizing problem specific information to refine the solution space over successive generations. The utility of the proposed algorithm was demonstrated by comparing its performance, in terms of quality of solutions produced, to that of the simple genetic algorithm. For all test problems, the dynamic scale genetic algorithm consistently produced better solutions in fewer generations. The proposed algorithm was successfully applied to optimize the operation and support resources of reusable launch vehicles, through a discrete event simulation model. The least cost solution so obtained represents an improvement over both the simple genetic algorithm, and the previous manual approach of minimizing operation and support resources

Bulk electric system reliability evaluation incorporating wind power and demand side management

Electric power systems are experiencing dramatic changes with respect to structure, operation and regulation and are facing increasing pressure due to environmental and societal constraints. Bulk electric system reliability is an important consideration in power system planning, design and operation particularly in the new competitive environment. A wide range of methods have been developed to perform bulk electric system reliability evaluation. Theoretically, sequential Monte Carlo simulation can include all aspects and contingencies in a power system and can be used to produce an informative set of reliability indices. It has become a practical and viable tool for large system reliability assessment technique due to the development of computing power and is used in the studies described in this thesis. The well-being approach used in this research provides the opportunity to integrate an accepted deterministic criterion into a probabilistic framework. This research work includes the investigation of important factors that impact bulk electric system adequacy evaluation and security constrained adequacy assessment using the well-being analysis framework. Load forecast uncertainty is an important consideration in an electrical power system. This research includes load forecast uncertainty considerations in bulk electric system reliability assessment and the effects on system, load point and well-being indices and reliability index probability distributions are examined. There has been increasing worldwide interest in the utilization of wind power as a renewable energy source over the last two decades due to enhanced public awareness of the environment. Increasing penetration of wind power has significant impacts on power system reliability, and security analyses become more uncertain due to the unpredictable nature of wind power. The effects of wind power additions in generating and bulk electric system reliability assessment considering site wind speed correlations and the interactive effects of wind power and load forecast uncertainty on system reliability are examined. The concept of the security cost associated with operating in the marginal state in the well-being framework is incorporated in the economic analyses associated with system expansion planning including wind power and load forecast uncertainty. Overall reliability cost/worth analyses including security cost concepts are applied to select an optimal wind power injection strategy in a bulk electric system. The effects of the various demand side management measures on system reliability are illustrated using the system, load point, and well-being indices, and the reliability index probability distributions. The reliability effects of demand side management procedures in a bulk electric system including wind power and load forecast uncertainty considerations are also investigated. The system reliability effects due to specific demand side management programs are quantified and examined in terms of their reliability benefits

Basic considerations in electrical generating capacity adequacy evaluation

The primary function of a power system is to supply its customers with electrical energy as economically as possible and with acceptable reliability and quality. Generating capacity adequacy evaluation is the oldest and most extensively studied aspect of power system reliability assessment. A wide range of methods have been developed to perform this evaluation. Two computer programs were developed based on the analytical and simulation techniques and used as tools in this research work. A number of basic considerations in generating capacity adequacy evaluation are investigated. Generating unit residence time distributions and peaking load units are incorporated in the analysis. Two commonly encountered misconceptions regarding the basic system reliability indices are examined by applying the two programs to two reliability test systems. Reliability index probability distributions can be used to supplement the information provided by the expected index values. The concept of creating distributions and the additional information that can be obtained is illustrated in this thesis. Generating unit residence time distributions are generally categorized as being either exponential or non-exponential in form. The exponential distribution is utilized, however, in virtually all practical system studies. The impacts on the system reliability of non-exponential unit state residence time distributions are examined in this research. Peaking load units and base load units have different operating characteristics. The functions of peaking load units vary with changes in the system operating conditions. This is examined in this research. The conclusions and techniques presented in this thesis should prove valuable in power system planning and operation

A comprehensive review on IoT based smart cities

A smart city uses information and communication technology to improve the utility, share knowledge with the public, and provide a strong sense of community support and local government assistance. Shrewd urban communities are those that make use of brilliant ideas and information as the required resources to address the maintainability issues that urban communities face. Many metropolitan areas are currently becoming more intelligent, utilizing information and innovation to advance transportation, energy consumption, wellness, and air quality, as well as to spur economic growth. A great city's main objective is to streamline municipal operations, promote economic development, and address resident happiness through clever developments and data analysis. We intended to spend a great amount of time reading up on several shrewd urban groups in this post. As a result, some of the key boundaries that can bebuilt include clever management, clever energy, clever building, clever flexibility, clever structure, clever invention, clever medical care, and clever residence. Urban areas collect and analyze information using IoT devices such as connected sensors, lighting, and meters. The foundation, public usage, and administrations, to name just a few, are all progressively developed in urban areas using this knowledge. Smart urban communities focus on improving the lives of their residents in such fundamental areas as strategy effectiveness, reducing waste and everyday problems, improving friendly and financial quality, and enhancing the social consideration of their residents

Toll-like receptor 4 inhibition within the paraventricular nucleus attenuates blood pressure and inflammatory response in a genetic model of hypertension

© 2015 Dange et al. Background: Despite the availability of several antihypertensive medications, the morbidity and mortality caused by hypertension is on the rise, suggesting the need for investigation of novel signaling pathways involved in its pathogenesis. Recent evidence suggests the role of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 in various inflammatory diseases, including hypertension. The role of the brain in the initiation and progression of all forms of hypertension is well established, but the role of brain TLR4 in progression of hypertension has never been explored. Therefore, we investigated the role of TLR4 within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN; an important cardioregulatory center in the brain) in an animal model of human essential hypertension. We hypothesized that a TLR4 blockade within the PVN causes a reduction in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), inflammatory cytokines and sympathetic drive in hypertensive animals. Methods: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were administered either a specific TLR4 blocker, viral inhibitory peptide (VIPER), or control peptide in their PVN for 14 days. MAP was recorded continuously by radiotelemetry. PVN and blood were collected for the measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β), anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TLR4, nuclear factor (NF) ΚB activity and plasma norepinephrine (NE) and high mobility group box (HMGB)1 expression, respectively. Results: Hypertensive rats exhibited significantly higher levels of TLR4 in the PVN. TLR4 inhibition within the PVN attenuated MAP, improved cardiac hypertrophy, reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS levels, and NFΚB activity in SHR but not in WKY rats. These results were associated with a reduction in plasma NE and HMGB1 levels and an increase in IL-10 levels in SHR. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that TLR4 upregulation in PVN plays an important role in hypertensive response. Our results provide mechanistic evidence that hypertensive response in SHR are mediated, at least in part, by TLR4 in the PVN and that inhibition of TLR4 within the PVN attenuates blood pressure and improves inflammation, possibly via reduction in sympathetic activity

Clinical importance of Marma w.s.r. to Role in Pathological Condition: An Ayurveda Review

Ayurveda as science of life and spiritualism provides many ways of healthy living and focused towards the prevention and treatment of diseases. The observation, supervision and practical understating contributed towards the built up of principles of Ayurveda. Ayurveda presented several concepts related to the physiological functioning and anatomy of body, Marma is one such aspect of Ayurveda considered as resuscitative and penetrable area of the body. These Marma points are presents all over the body including neck, head, trunk & extremities. Marmas points in body mainly built up by groups of muscles, ligaments, vessels, tendons and bones, etc. Marma points are related with Tridosha, Bhutatma and Triguna therefore any injury and trauma to the Marma can lead painful manifestations which may be lethal sometimes. Generally 107 Marma’s described in various Ayurveda literatures which are responsible for many clinical events. The knowledge of Marma points can be utilizes for diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic purposes