From Theory to Practice: A Sustainable Solution to Water Scarcity by Using a Hybrid Solar Distiller with a Heat Exchanger and Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles.

The study presently conducted focused on analyzing a solar-powered desalination setup that had a double slope. It can recycle blackish water into drinking water with solar energy. Not only does this result in a significant decrease in carbon emissions but it also represents an environmentally beneficial alternative that is particularly suited for arid locations that are lacking of electrical infrastructure. This system was equipped with a PVT system which makes the system self-sustainable and a CPC collector and implemented the use of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles to enhance its energy efficiency. Energy matrices, economic analysis, and life cycle conversion efficiency were evaluated. The study was conducted annually in New Delhi, with input data provided by IMD in Pune, India. MATLAB was used for the analytical calculations. Energy and exergy were utilized to determine the average annual energy output, which was found to be 8.5%. Additionally, the average energy payback time was calculated to be 16.16%, the average energy payback factor was 13.91%, and the average life cycle cost conversion efficiency was 7.15% higher. The proposed system demonstrated superior performance compared to the previous system in terms of annual yield, energy payback time (EPBT), efficiency of life cycle cost (LCCE), and factor of energy payback (EPBF). The hybrid system has the potential to meet the future demand for potable water and become self-sustainable.

Combined Effect of Operating Parameters and Nanoparticles on the Performance of a Diesel Engine: Response Surface Methodology-Coupled Genetic Algorithm Approach.

This paper's goal is to ascertain the optimum input parameters and nanoparticle concentrations for least emission and better performance by utilizing the genetic algorithm (GA) and response surface methodology (RSM) in a single-cylinder diesel engine running with 20% blend of biodiesel derived from Manilkara zapota seeds. Experiments to be conducted on the engine were designed with a central composite design (CCD) with input parameters of loads (20-100%), nanoparticle concentrations (NPCs, 0-80 ppm), compression ratios (CRs, 16.5-18.1), injection pressures (IPs, 190-230 bar), and injection timings [ITs, 17-29° bTDC (before top dead center)], and the engine response was recorded. The comparative analysis of optimization tools RSM and GA was employed for finding the ideal setting of engine input parameters and nanoparticle concentrations based on the maximization of performance [brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC)] and minimization of emissions [(hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx)]. The best result was obtained by the RSM method. The optimized input parameters were recorded at a load of 59.36%, an NPC of 80 ppm, a CR of 18.1, an IP of 192.02 bar, and an IT of 18.62° bTDC. At these optimized settings, the performance and emissions were 32.4767% BTE, 0.1905 kg/kW h BSFC, 26.8436 ppm HC, 0.0272% CO, and 83.854 ppm NOx emissions from the engine. The developed model was validated through a confirmatory experiment, and the prediction error was within 8%. Thus, the applied model is appropriate for improving the engine's emission and performance attributes.

Enhanced dissolution of poorly soluble antiviral drugs from nanoparticles of cellulose acetate based solid dispersion matrices.

Polysaccharide-based polymers were used to produce nanoparticles of poorly soluble antiviral drugs using a rapid precipitation process. The structure-property relationships of four novel cellulose acetate-based polymers were studied for their solubility enhancement of poorly soluble drugs. Particles were purified by dialysis, and dried powders were recovered after freeze-drying. The particle diameters were 150-200 nm. The target drug loading in the particles was 25 wt%, and the drug loading efficiencies were 80-96%. The effects of the formulation process and nanoparticle properties on drug solubility were investigated. All nanoparticles afforded increased solubility and faster release compared to pure drugs. Drug release was a function of the relative hydrophobicity (or solubility parameters) of the polymers.

A direct investment method of closed two-piece hollow bulb obturator.

Maxillary defects occur due to surgical treatment of benign and malignant tumors, congenital malformation, and trauma. Prosthetic rehabilitation in such patients is influenced by the size and location of the defect. The most common of all intraoral defects are seen in the maxilla, in the form of an opening into the maxillary sinus and nasopharynx. These defects create disabilities in speech, deglutition, and mastication. The prosthesis which closes such an opening and recreates the functional separation of the oral cavity and sinus and nasal cavities is referred to as an obturator. Numerous techniques of hollow bulb fabrication have been mentioned in the literature from time to time. But there are only a few methods for bulb fabrication in two-piece obturator. This technique describes a direct investment method of waxed-up closed hollow bulb two-piece obturator.

Prosthodontic rehabilitation of hereditary ectodermal dysplasia in an 11-year-old patient with flexible denture: a case report.

Hereditary ectodermal dysplasia is a rare group of inherited disorders characterized by aplasia or dysplasia of two or more tissues of ectodermal origin such as hair, nails, teeth, and skin. The dental characteristics of this syndrome include anodontia or hypodontia of the primary and/or permanent teeth, hypoplastic conical teeth, and underdevelopment of the alveolar ridges. The options for a definitive treatment plan include fixed, removable or implant-supported prostheses, singly or in combination. This clinical report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of an 11-year-old boy with hereditary ectodermal dysplasia. Maxillary flexible removable partial denture and mandibular conventional complete denture were fabricated to establish an acceptable masticatory function, speech, and esthetics for the patient.