Identification of Most Significant Parameter of Impact of Climate Change and Urbanization on Operational Efficiency of Hydropower Plant

The operational performance of hydropower plants (HPPs) is largely affected as the output from the plant entirely depends on the rainfall and demand from consumers both of which are compromised due to the vulnerability in climatic patterns and rapid change in urbanization rate. Although, not all the parameters are equally affected and the present study aims to find the degree of impact on the various correlated parameters on which production efficiency of HPPs varies. In this aspect, a neural network concept was used as decision making tool to identify the most significant parameters with respect to change in climate, urbanization along with machine failure because as a combined effect of the first two parameters, the probability of machine failure will also increase. The result from the study provides an opportunity to mitigate the impact that can be caused as a result of climate change impact and change in rate of urbanization. According to the result it was found that Efficiency of Generators is the most significant parameter of impact of climate change and urbanization on operational efficiency of hydropower plant. The result from the scenario analysis suggested that if the A2 scenario becomes true in 2061-70 there will be a maximum decrease in the OE and if land use scenario: PR story line is found to be adopted in the future world of 2020-30 the change in OE will be the greatest (an increase of 6.056%) compared to any other scenario developed for the impact of urbanization followed by land use change scenario of the 2031-40 decade, which will be equal to an increase of 5.247% compared to the baseline.

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Predict the Superplasticizer Demand of Self-Consolidating Concrete Incorporating Pumice, Slag, and Fly Ash Powders

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is a well-known type of concrete, which has been employed in different structural applications due to providing desirable properties. Different studies have been performed to obtain a sustainable mix design and enhance the fresh properties of SCC. In this study, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) algorithm is developed to predict the superplasticizer (SP) demand and select the most significant parameter of the fresh properties of optimum mix design. For this purpose, a comprehensive database consisting of verified test results of SCC incorporating cement replacement powders including pumice, slag, and fly ash (FA) has been employed. In this regard, at first, fresh properties tests including the J-ring, V-funnel, U-box, and different time interval slump values were considered to collect the datasets. At the second stage, five models of ANFIS were adjusted and the most precise method for predicting the SP demand was identified. The correlation coefficient (R2), Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and Wilmot’s index of agreement (WI) were used as the measures of precision. Later, the most effective parameters on the prediction of SP demand were evaluated by the developed ANFIS. Based on the analytical results, the employed algorithm was successfully able to predict the SP demand of SCC with high accuracy. Finally, it was deduced that the V-funnel test is the most reliable method for estimating the SP demand value and a significant parameter for SCC mix design as it led to the lowest training root mean square error (RMSE) compared to other non-destructive testing methods.

Optimizing Power Reclamation of Micro Hydro Turbines in WWTPs Aeration Basins

This study investigates the optimum operating conditions and design configurations that can optimize the power reclaimed by small hydro turbines derived by the rising water-bubble current. The rising current is generated by the compressed air introduced by the diffusers at the bottom of aeration basins of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). While optimizing the power production, the standard oxygen transfer efficiency (SOTE) is monitored since it is a significant parameter that cannot be sacrificed in the operation of WWTPs. Using one set of turbine blades, it was found out that the highest velocity is obtained in the upper half of the water column (70% - 80%). In contrast, the lowest velocities were obtained just above the air diffuser and at the water surface. Testing started with using a single turbine (ST) to determine the location of the optimum power reclaimed at each tested airflow (1.18, 1.42, 1.65, and 1.89 L/s). Then using double turbine (DT) and triple turbine (TT) to compare their performance to the ST’s maximum power increased power reclamation. The maximum percentage of increase in power reclamation for DT is 19.59%, while it is 20.24% in the case of TT. At a commonly used airflow in WWTPs (1.42 L/s), the optimum configurations of DTs and TTs were selected to investigate the effect of having the proposed setup on the SOTE. For membrane diffusers, DTs and TTs limited the dispersion of the air bubbles in the tank, therefore, reducing the SOTE (8.3% for DT and 3.7% for the TT). The ceramic and sharp-nub diffusers were also tested versus rubber membrane ones to determine the effect of using the ceramic and sharp-nub diffusers on the power reclamation and SOTE. Ceramic diffusers neither achieve higher power reclamation than the membrane nor increases the SOTE. In contrast, sharp-nub diffusers increase the SOTE for all configurations compared to membranes, but this came into account of power reclamation, where sharp-nub diffusers cause a DT and a TT to produce less power than ST does.

Insightful investigation account on hydrotropic solubilization practice utilized for solubility management of poorly dissolvable drugs

Background: Execution of the centralization of medication in the foundational flow necessitates, a remarkable parameter i.e. solubility has been approached for the pharmacological reaction. Due to the poor water dissolvability, restrained medication adequacy, and few medications exhibit the reaction owing to poor solvency. Therefore, the bioavailability, as well as the solvency of medication particles, relies on therapeutic adequacy. Aim: To attain the convergence of medication in a fundamental course, a significant parameter i.e. solvency has been executed for the pharmacological reaction. On account of revolution and advancement, there is a diversity of new medications and their subordinates are approachable. Over 40% of lipophilic medication up-and-comers neglect to achieve showcase because of poor bioavailability, even though these medications may display potential pharmacodynamics exercises. To achieve high market requirements, lipophilic medication can accomplish the relevant pharmacological activity. Consequently, most strategies are streamlined to improve fluid solvency to upgrade the proficiency as well as lessening the reactions for specific medications. Objectives: The process of Hydrotropic solubilization persists a novel and promising methodology to improve the solvency of drugs with poor water solvency by ascending the dissolvability to many folds with the involvement of hydrotropes i.e. Niacinamide, urea, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, and so on. The potentiality of hydrotropic solubilization counts on the balance among hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts of hydrotropes. Hence, advancement in hydrotropy updated visualized in novel drug delivery systems and their mechanism of compatibilities and biocompatibilities. Novelty is also reprinted in its usefulness as an extraction agent for bio-active compounds, to increase the rate of heterogeneous reactions, and in a green synthesis for a substrate. Conclusion: This review focuses on practice utilized for solubility management of drugs with poor solvency, its unmet needs, utilizing the artificial machine learning in the prediction of hydrotrope-enhanced solubilization of drugs, practical applicability in drug delivery, interpreted kinetic involved, and various associated mechanism.

How Containment Can Effectively Suppress the Outbreak of COVID-19: A Mathematical Modeling

In this paper, the aim is to capture the global pandemic of COVID-19 with parameters that consider the interactions among individuals by proposing a mathematical model. The introduction of a parsimonious model captures both the isolation of symptomatic infected individuals and population lockdown practices in response to containment policies. Local stability and basic reproduction numbers are analyzed. Local sensitivity indices of the parameters of the proposed model are calculated, using the non-normalization, half-normalization, and full-normalization techniques. Numerical investigations show that the dynamics of the system depend on the model parameters. The infection transmission rate (as a function of the lockdown parameter) for both reported and unreported symptomatic infected peoples is a significant parameter in spreading the infection. A nationwide public lockdown decreases the number of infected cases and stops the pandemic’s peak from occurring. The results obtained from this study are beneficial worldwide for developing different COVID-19 management programs.

Anthocyanin Compounds of the Persian Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus L) as the Fruit with High Antioxidant Properties

In this work, it has been explained that the significant parameter for increasing the absorbed amount in a direct non-linear track to moving from the Beer-Lambert principle is the self-conjoint of anthocyanins of cy, dp, and pt compounds.The shifting of enthalpy between acn- Al3+/Ga3+/Cr3+/Fe3+/Mg2+ liaison compounds has been studied the double conjunctions and carbonyl groups due to the linkage of B ring for cy, dp, and pt of anthocyanins in vacuum and water ambiance debating the strongness and color of acn- Al3+/Ga3+/Cr3+/Fe3+/Mg2+ linkage of cy, dp, and pt structures in a weakly acidic medium in the Iranian sour cherry. The ACNs including Cy, Dp, and Pt within the largest linkage in the strong part of these compounds by metal cations of Al3+/Ga3+/Cr3+/Fe3+/Mg2+ cause a different limit of colors under acidic pH. Besides, the charge density and electron charges have been received by matching the electrostatic capacity to a constant charge of O+17, O+16, and O+7 particles for cy-Mn+(n:31), dp-Mn+ (n:32) and pt-Mn+(n:35), using the electrophilic parts of cy, dp and pt anthocyanin unities thet indicate the mouvement and the resistance of these structures in the reel samples like persian sour cherry.

Masonry Dome Behavior under Gravity Loads Based on the Support Condition by Considering Variable Curves and Thicknesses

It is necessary to recognize masonry domes’ behavior under gravity loads in order to strengthen, restore, and conserve them. The neutral hoop plays a crucial role in identifying the masonry dome’s behavior to distinguish between its tensile and compressive regions. When it comes to determining the neutral hoop position in a dome with the same brick material, in addition to determining the dome’s curve and thickness, the support condition located on the boundary line is a significant parameter that has received less attention in the past. Therefore, this research aims to comprehensively define masonry dome behaviors based on the support condition’s effect on the masonry dome’s behavior, in addition to thickness and curve parameters, by determining neutral hoop(s). The method is a graphical and numerical analysis to define the sign-changing positioning in the first principal stress (hoop stress), based on the shell theory and extracted from a finite element method (FEM) Karamba3D analysis of a macro-model. The case studies are in four types of supports: condition fixed, free in the X- and Y-axes, free in all axes (domes placed on a drum), and free in all axes (domes placed on a pendentive and a drum). For each support condition, twelve curves and four varied thicknesses for each curve are considered. Results based on the dome’s variables show that, in general, four types of masonry domes behavior can be identified: single-masonry dome behavior with no neutral hoop; double-masonry dome behavior where all hoops are compressive with a single neutral hoop; double-masonry dome behavior where hoops are compressive and tensile with a single neutral hoop; and treble-masonry dome behavior with double neutral hoops.

Experimental investigations on finishing of a brass specimen by magneto-rheological honing technique

Magneto-rheological abrasive honing (MRAH) is an unconventional surface finishing technique that relies on abrasives mixed with a unique finishing fluid, which changes its characteristics on magnetic field application. This process imparts nanometric-level surface finish with a significant amount of uniformity. Rotating motion of the workpiece and continuous reciprocation of the finishing fluid in the MRAH process are recognized as the major aspects for adopting this process in finishing non-magnetic materials. The finishing obtained through the MRAH process relies on the workpiece’s material properties and process parameters such as concentration of abrasives in finishing fluid, rotational speed of the workpiece, and magnetic field strength/magnetizing current. To study the efficacy of MRAH process, a parametric study was conducted by performing few experiments on a brass workpiece. Design of experiment approach was adopted to plan the experiments, and the effect of different values of magnetizing current, the concentration of abrasives, and rotational speed on the surface finish were analyzed through the application of analysis of variance (ANOVA). From ANOVA, the rotational speed was found as the most significant parameter with a contribution of 48.90% on % reduction in roughness value (%∇Ra). Around 57% of roughness reduction was obtained at the optimized value of process parameters.

Comparative Studies of the Shear Strength Property of Two Members of the Fabaceae Family with Respect to Their Fibres

Aim: The shear strength of wood is a very significant parameter required in describing the potential of woods in making wooden structure. This study is aimed at comparing the shear strength of Pentaclethra macrophylla and Erythrophleum suaveolens with respect to their fibre. This is to determine the suitability of including Erythrophleum suaveolens in making traditional motars in order to reduce the demand load on Pentaclethra macrophylla. Methods: The heartwood samples of Pentaclethra macrophylla and Erythrophleum suaveolens for maceration were fixed in specimen bottles containing formalin-acetic-alcohol (FAA) in the ratio 90:5:5 to prevent fungal growth. The preparations involved cutting small clear samples of the heartwood of the two timber species of fabaceae family. The shear strength parallel to the grain test was conducted using a Hounsfield Tensometer. Results: Significant differences were recorded across the fibre characteristics of the two plant species. The share strength of the 25 wood samples from the two plants each fluctuate around 100 to 200 N/mm2. On the average, P. macrophylla recorded higher shear strength as compared to suaveolens however no significant difference was recorded between the means when tested for significant differences using independent sample t-test. Conclusion: Since the shear strength of E. suaveolens is comparable to that of P. macrophylla, it is therefore recommended its substitute for the manufacturing of wood based products where P. macrophylla has been in continual usage in order to relieve the pressure and demand on P. macrophylla.