Application of computer algebra to Jones polynomials

In this paper we apply computer algebra (Maple) techniques to calculate Jones polynomial of graphs of K(2,q)-Torus knots. For this purpose, a computer program was developed. When a positive integer q is given, the program calculate Jones polynomial of graph of K(2,q)-Torus knots.     

Intersubband transitions in quantum wells under intense laser field

An intense laser field effect on the intersubband transitions in quantum wells is theoretically investigated within the framework of the effective-mass approximation. Results obtained show that intersubbband optical transitions and energy levels in quantum wells can be significantly modified and controlled by an intense laser field. PACS 71.55.Eq; 73.21.Fg; 78.67.De     

Solvability of convolution equations in the space of tempered distributions

We give necessary and sufficient conditions on a convolution operator on the space of tempered distributions to be surjective.     

The virtual mass of an oblate-ellipsoidal bubble

A semi-analytical solution is presented for the virtual mass coefficient of an oblate-ellipsoidal bubble rising in liquid. The solution was found to be a function of Weber number. The present solution compared well with the numerical solution of the lattice Boltzmann method and the analytical solutions of other investigators.     

Effect of calcination temperature on the surface morphology and crystallinity of tungsten (VI) oxide nanorods prepared using colloidal gas aphrons method

The effect of calcination temperature on the surface morphology and crystallinity of tungsten (VI) oxide, WO₃ nanorods prepared using colloidal gas aphrons (CGAs) as template was studied. The synthesized WO₃ nanorods were calcined in a furnace for 4 h at four different temperatures, i.e., 400, 500, 600 and 700 °C. The morphology of the calcined WO₃ nanorods have been characterized by both transmission electron microscope (TEM) and variable pressure scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The results showed that the calcination temperature influenced the shape and size of the WO₃ nanorods produced. It is also found that the calcination at various temperature do not effect the composition and the purity of the WO₃ nanorods. In order to characterize the crystalinity of WO₃, X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been used. It shows that all the calcined WO₃ produced are in crystalline form compared to the as-prepared WO₃ nanorods, which is in amorphous form.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF POWDER FLOWABILITY USING MEASUREMENT OF ANGLE OF REPOSE

In response to the need in industry for a quick and reproducible method of measuring the flowability of powders in processes involving transport and storage, the apparently simple idea of measuring angle of repose has been revived. The simple tester first used has evolved over a number of years into the present version which is shown to be capable of handling quite small samples of powders that are even slightly cohesive. Experimental data are presented and results shown to compare consistently with the better known Hausner ratio.     

Enhanced production of xylanase from locally isolated fungal strain using agro-industrial residues under solid-state fermentation

This study is related to the isolation of fungal strain for xylanase production using agro-industrial residues. Forty fungal strains with xylanolytic potential were isolated by using xylan agar plates and quantitatively screened in solid-state fermentation. Of all the tested isolates, the strain showing highest ability to produce xylanase was assigned the code Aspergillus niger LCBT-14. For the enhanced production of the enzyme, five different fermentation media were evaluated. Out of all media, M4 containing wheat bran gave maximum enzyme production. Effect of different variables including incubation time, temperature, pH, carbon and nitrogen sources has been investigated. The optimum enzyme production was obtained after 72 h at 30°C and pH 4. Glucose as a carbon source while ammonium sulphate and yeast extract as nitrogen sources gave maximum xylanase production (946 U/mL/min). This study was successful in producing xylanase by A. niger LCBT-14 economically by utilising cheap indigenous substrate.     

Bioconversion potential of Trichoderma viride HN1 cellulase for a lignocellulosic biomass Saccharum spontaneum

The industrialisation of lignocellulose conversion is impeded by expensive cellulase enzymes required for saccharification in bioethanol production. Current research undertakes cellulase production from pretreated Saccharum spontaneum through Trichoderma viride HN1 under submerged fermentation conditions. Pretreatment of substrate with 2% NaOH resulted in 88% delignification. Maximum cellulase production (2603 ± 16.39 U/mL/min carboxymethyl cellulase and 1393 ± 25.55 U/mL/min FPase) was achieved at 6% substrate at pH 5.0, with 5% inoculum, incubated at 35°C for 120 h of fermentation period. Addition of surfactant, Tween 80 and metal ion Mn⁺², significantly enhanced cellulase yield. This study accounts proficient cellulase yield through process optimisation by exploiting cheaper substrate to escalate their commercial endeavour.     

Chemical profile by LC–MS/MS,GC/MS and antioxidant activities of the essential oils and crude extracts of two Euphorbia species

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of two Euphorbia species. The major component of the fatty acid compositions obtained from the petroleum ether extracts was identified as palmitic acid for Euphorbia gaillardotii and Euphorbia macroclada. The main constituents of the essential oils were identified as arachidic acid for E. gaillardotii and tetratetracontane for E. macroclada. Among the 27 studied compounds, hesperidin, rutin, hyperoside and quinic, malic, gallic and tannic acids were found to be the most abundant compounds in the two Euphorbia species. The methanol extracts of E. gaillardotii and E. macroclada showed strong antioxidant activity in all tested methods. Particularly, IC₅₀ values of E. macroclada methanol extract that was the richest in terms of total phenolic-flavonoid contents were found to be lower than α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxytoluene in β-carotene bleaching, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free and ABTS cation radical scavenging methods.     

Genetic diversity and haplotype structure of 21 Y‐STRs,including nine noncore loci,in South Tunisian Population: Forensic relevance

Y chromosome STRs (Y‐STRs) are being used frequently in forensic laboratories. Previous studies of Y‐STR polymorphisms in different groups of the Tunisian population identified low levels of diversity and discrimination capacity (DC) using various commercial marker sets. This definitely limits the use of such systems for Y‐STRs genotyping in Tunisia. In our investigation on South Tunisia, 200 unrelated males were typed for the 12 conventional Y‐STRs included in the PowerPlex® Y System. Additional set of nine noncore Y‐STRs including DYS446, DYS456, DYS458, DYS388, DYS444, DYS445, DYS449, DYS710, and DYS464 markers were genotyped and evaluated for their potential in improving DC. Allele frequency, gene diversity, haplotype diversity (HD), and DC calculation revealed that DYS464 was the most diverse marker followed by DYS710 and DYS449 markers. The standard panel of 12 Y‐STRs (DC = 80.5%) and the nine markers were combined to obtain DC of 99%. Among the 198 different haplotypes observed, 196 haplotypes were unique (HD = 99.999). Out of the nine noncore set, six Y‐STRs (DYS458, DYS456, DYS449, DYS710, DYS444, and DYS464) had the greatest impact on enhancing DC. Our data provided putative Y‐STRs combination to be used for genetic and forensic applications.