Moth Flame Optimization Method for Unified Power Quality Conditioner Allocation

This paper introduces a new optimization method to determine the optimal allocation of Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) in the distribution systems. UPQC is a versatile Custom Power Device (CPD) to solve problems related to voltage and current by the series and shunt compensator in the distribution systems. The task of UPQC highlighted in this paper is the required load reactive power is provided by both the series and shunt compensators. The UPQC’s steady state compensation capability has given a solution for providing reactive power compensation in large distribution systems. The optimization method adopted is Moth Flame Optimization (MFO). The best location and series compensator voltage are determined using MFO. The voltage injected by the series compensator and reactive power injected by the shunt compensator is incorporated in the load flow method. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated with standard distribution systems

Secure Multilevel Data Authentication System in Cloud Environment

Dynamic Proof of Storage is a useful cryptographic primitive that enables a user to check the integrity of outsourced files and to efficiently update the files in a cloud server. Though researchers have planned several dynamic PoS schemes in single user environments, the matter in multi-user environments has not been investigated sufficiently. A sensible multi-user cloud storage system wants the secure client-side cross-user de-duplication technique, that permits a user to skip the uploading method and procure the possession of the files now, once alternative house owners of an equivalent files have uploaded them to the cloud server. To the simplest of our data, none of the present dynamic PoS will support this system. during this paper, we have a tendency to introduce the conception of de-duplicatable dynamic proof of storage associated propose an economical construction referred to as DeyPoS, to realize dynamic PoS and secure cross-user duplication, at the same time. Considering the challenges of structure diversity and personal tag generation, we have a tendency to exploit a unique tool referred to as Homomorphic Authenticated Tree (HAT). We have a tendency to prove the protection of our construction, and therefore the theoretical analysis and experimental results show that our construction is economical in follow

Stability of binary complexes of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) with maleic acid in TX100-water mixtures

Binary complexes of maleic acid with toxic metal ions such as Pb(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) have been studied in 0.0-2.5% v/v tritonX-100 (TX100) - water media at 303 K  at an ionic strength of 0.16 M. The active forms of the ligand are LH2, LH- and L2-. The derived ‘best fit’ chemical speciation models are based on crystallographic R-factors, χ2 and Skewness and Kurtosis factors. The predominant species formed are of the type ML2, ML2H and ML3. The trend in variation of complex stability constants with change in the mole fraction of the medium is explained on the basis of prevailing electrostatic and non-electrostatic forces. The species distribution as a function of pH at different compositions of TX100-water mixtures and plausible speciation equilibria are presented and discussed. KEY WORDS: Maleic acid, TritonX-100, Toxic metal ions, Mole fraction, Binary complexes Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2014, 28(3), 383-391.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v28i3.

In situ electrochemical characterization of a microbial fuel cell biocathode running on wastewater

Funding Information: FCT?Funda??o para a Ci?ncia e a Tecnologia, Portugal (Grant number grant No. FRH/BP D/33864/2009). This work was supported by the Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) which is financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020). Acknowledgments: S.V.R. acknowledges the financial support from FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) for Postdoctoral Research grant No. FRH/BPD/33864/2009. This work was supported by the Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry?LAQV which is financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020).The electrochemical features of microbial fuel cells’ biocathodes, running on wastewater, were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. Ex situ and in situ electrochemical assays were performed and the redox processes associated with the presence of microorganisms and/or biofilms were attained. Different controls using sterile media (abiotic cathode microbial fuel cell) and membranes covering the electrodes were performed to evaluate the source of the electrochemistry response (surface biofilms vs. biotic electrolyte). The bacteria presence, in particular when biofilms are allowed to develop, was related with the enhanced active redox processes associated with an improved catalytic activity, namely for oxygen reduction, when compared with the results attained for an abiotic microbial fuel cell cathode. The microbial main composition was also attained and is in agreement with other reported studies. The current study aims contributing to the establishment of the advantages of using biocathodes rather than abiotic, whose conditions are frequently harder to control and to contribute to a better understanding of the bioelectrochemical processes occurring on the biotic chambers and the electrode surfaces.publishersversionpublishe

Bioelectricity generation using long-term operated biocathode: RFLP based microbial diversity analysis

FRH/BPD/33864/2009 UIDB/50006/2020 UIDP/50006/2020In the present work, power generation and substrate removal efficiencies of long-term operated microbial fuel cells, containing abiotic cathodes and biocathodes, were evaluated for 220 days. Among the two microbial fuel cell (MFC) types, the one containing biocathode showed higher power density (54 mW/m2), current density (122 mA/m2) coulombic efficiency (33%), and substrate removal efficiency (94%) than the abiotic cathode containing MFC. Voltammetric analysis also witnessed higher and sustainable electron discharge for the MFC with biocathode, when compared with the abiotic cathode MFC. Over the tested period, both MFC have shown a cell voltage drop, after 150 and 165, days, for the MFC with biocathode and abiotic cathodes, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis identified 281 clones. Bacteria belonging to Acinetobacter, Acidovorax, Pseudomonas and Burkholderia were observed in the abiotic cathode MFC. Bacteria belonging to Geobacter, Cupriavidus and Acidobacteria were observed in the biocathode MFC. Almost similar types of archaea (Methanosarcinales, Methanolinea, Nitrososphaera and Methanomicrobiales) were observed in both MFCs.publishersversionpublishe

Design and Optimization of Microbial Fuel Cells and Evaluation of a New Air-Breathing Cathode Based on Carbon Felt Modified with a Hydrogel—Ion Jelly®

Funding Information: This research was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia projects DSAIPA/DS/0117/2020, UIDB/04565/2020, and UIDP/04565/2020, by the Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy—i4HB project LA/P/0140/2020. This work was supported by the Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry—LAQV financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UIDB/50006/2020). We also thank Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) for funding (SFRH/BD/77568/2011 (R.N.L.C.); SFRH/BPD/80293/2011 (R.M.A.)). C.M.C. acknowledges FCT for the Ciência 2008 Program; S.V.R. acknowledges the financial support from FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) for a postdoctoral research grant (FRH/BPD/33864/2009). This work was supported by the Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry—LAQV, financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020); the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences—iBB, financed by FCT (UID/BIO/04565/2013); and from Programa Operacional Regional de Lisboa 2020 (Project N. 007317). Publisher Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.The increased demand for alternative sustainable energy sources has boosted research in the field of fuel cells (FC). Among these, microbial fuel cells (MFC), based on microbial anodes and different types of cathodes, have been the subject of renewed interest due to their ability to simultaneously perform wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation. Several different MFCs have been proposed in this work using different conditions and configurations, namely cathode materials, membranes, external resistances, and microbial composition, among other factors. This work reports the design and optimization of MFC performance and evaluates a hydrogel (Ion Jelly®) modified air-breathing cathode, with and without an immobilized laccase enzyme. This MFC configuration was also compared with other MFC configuration performances, namely abiotic and biocathodes, concerning wastewater treatment and electricity generation. Similar efficiencies in COD reduction, voltage (375 mV), PD (48 mW/m2), CD (130 mA/m2), and OCP (534 mV) were obtained. The results point out the important role of Ion Jelly® in improving the MFC air-breathing cathode performance as it has the advantage that its electroconductivity properties can be designed before modifying the cathode electrodes. The biofilm on MFC anodic electrodes presented a lower microbial diversity than the wastewater treatment effluent used as inocula, and inclusively Geobacteracea was also identified due to the high microbial selective niches constituted by MFC systems.publishersversionpublishe

Investigation of Bioactive Compounds of Capsicum Frutescence and Annona Muricata by Chromatographic Techniques

Botanicals and herbal preparations for medicinal usage contain various types of bioactive compounds. The focus of this paper is on the analytical methodologies, which include the extraction, characterization of active ingredients in Capsicum frutescens fruits and Annona muricata L. leaves. Capsicum frutescens used for various problems with digestion including upset for conditions of the heart and blood vessels including poor circulation, excessive blood clotting, high cholesterol, and preventing heart disease. Whereas Annona muricata L. leaves are traditionally used to treat diabetes. People have been consuming raw leaves of Annona muricata L. to control blood glucose levels. The present investigation was designed to study the phytochemical profiling and bioactive component principles of Capsicum frutescens and Annona muricata by Thin layer Chromatography. Bio autography agar overlay test was done to detect the antimicrobial activity of the extracts. The results of this study confirmed the presence of various bioactive compounds in the acetone and methanol extracts of both the plants. The chromatographic analysis revealed that Capsicum frutescens fruit extract and Annona muricata leaf extract are composed of various Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Saponins, and Phenolics which are accountable for many biological activities. Bio autography assays shows that Capsicum frutescens shows growth inhibition against bacteria, but Annona muricata does not shown any significant activity. The findings of present study implies that both extracts are potent source for some medicinally important phytochemicals with antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Keywords: Phytochemicals; Thin Layer Chromatography; Bio autography

Evaluation of antioxidant potential of Capsicum frutescens

Capsicum frutescens has been known to contain a high level of antioxidant components. We investigated antioxidant activities in various solvent extracts from C. frutescens. The aim of this study is to evaluate invitro antioxidant activity of acetone, carbinol, hot water and hexane extracts of Capsicum frutescens.  Preliminary analysis revealed that all the four extracts responded positively for all the phytoconstituents. Acetone extract showed the strongest phenolic and tannin content; showed highest activity for FRAP, ABTS, Superoxide Radical and Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Activity.  The present study explored that Capsicum frutescens has efficient antioxidant activity and could act as safe and cost-effective with potential biological applications. Keywords: Capsicum frutescens, Antioxidant, Free radical scavengers, ABTS, FRA

Online) An Open Access

ABSTRACT Two models are said to be non-nested models, if one can not be derived as a special case of another. Much attention in classical statistics has been devoted to testing non-nested regression models. Within the classical framework, there are three alternative general approaches to test non-nested models namely, the use of specification error tests; the use of comprehensive model method; and the use of procedures based upon Keywords: Non-Nested Model, Studentized Residuals INTRODUCTION The selection of a good model is an art. The basic idea in statistics is how to select a good model for the purpose of the study. Once a model is given, however, there are statistical criteria to judge whether the given model is bad or not. Since, many models can explain the same set of data about equally well, a given set of data can be used to screen out bad models but not to generate good models, whatever statistical techniques are used. The subject of model selection is treated in classical statistics, which deals with the two topics of estimation and testing of hypotheses. The problem of determining an appropriate model based on a subset of the original set of variables contains three basic ingredients namely, i) The computational technique used to provide the information for the analysis; ii) The criterion used to analyze the variables and select a subset, if that is an appropriate; and iii) The estimation of coefficients in the final model. In model selection criteria, there may be two important problems those arising from nested and nonnested model structures. The nested models arise with, for instance, two models specified in such a way that one model is a special case of the other; the non-nested model arise when neither model follows as a special case of the other. The model selection criterion is a problem of choice among competing models. The choice of a model follows some preliminary data search. In the context of the linear model, it leads to the specification of explanatory variables that appear to be the most important on prior grounds. Often, some explanatory variables appear in one model and reappear in another model gives rise to the nested models; often again neither model, in the case of two models appears to be a special case of the other model gives rise to the non-nested models. In the process of choosing models, statisticians have developed a variety of diagnostic tests. These tests have been classified into two categories: (i) Tests of Nested Regression models, and (ii) Tests of Non-nested Regression models If a modelI can be derived as a special case of another modelII then modelI is said to be nested model within modelII. Two models are said to be non-nested models, if one can not be derived as a special case of another