Corrective Effect of the Angle of Incidence of the Magnetic Field Intensity on the Performance (Series and Shunt Resistances) of a Bifacial Silicon Solar Cell

This article presents a three-dimensional analysis of the impact of the angle of incidence of the magnetic field intensity on the electrical performance (series resistance, shunt resistance) of a bifacial polycrystalline silicon solar cell. The cell is illuminated simultaneously from both sides. The continuity equation for the excess minority carriers is solved at the emitter and at the depth of the base respectively. The analytical expressions for photocurrent density, photovoltage, series resistance and shunt resistance were deduced. Using these expressions, the values of the series and shunt resistances were extracted for different values of the angle of incidence of the magnetic field intensity. The study shows that as the angle of incidence increases, the slopes of the minority carrier density for the two modes of operation of the solar cell decrease. This is explained by a drop in the accumulation of carriers in the area close to the junction due to the fact that the Lorentz force is unable to drive the carriers towards the lateral surfaces due to the weak action of the magnetic field, which tends to cancel out as the incidence angle increases, and consequently a drop in the open circuit photovoltage. This, in turn, reduces the Lorentz force. These results predict that the p-n junction of the solar cell will not heat up. The study also showed a decrease in series resistance as the incidence angle of the magnetic field intensity increased from 0 rad to π/2 rad and an increase in shunt resistance as the incidence angle increased. His behaviour of the electrical parameters when the angle of incidence of the field from 0 rad to π/2 rad shows that the decreasing magnetic field vector tends to be collinear with the electron trajectory. This allows them to cross the junction and participate in the external current. The best orientation for the Lorentz force is zero, in which case the carriers can move easily towards the junction.

Indirect Electroanalysis of 3-Methyl-4-Nitrophenol in Water Using Carbon Fiber Microelectrode Modified with Nickel Tetrasulfonated Phthalocyanine Complex

Electrochemical detection of 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (MNP) in direct phenol oxidation occurs at high potentials and generally leads to progressive passivation of the electrochemical sensor. This study describes the use of a carbon fiber microelectrode modified with a tetrasulfonated nickel phthalocyanine complex for the detection of MNP at a lower potential than that of direct phenol oxidation. The MNP voltammogram showed the presence of an anodic peak at -0.11 V vs SCE, corresponding to the oxidation of the hydroxylamine group generated after the reduction of the nitro group. The effect of buffer pH on the peak current and SWV parameters such as frequency, scan increment, and pulse amplitude were studied and optimized to have better electrochemical response of the proposed sensor. With these optimal parameters, the calibration curve shows that the peak current varied linearly as a function of MNP concentration, leading to a limit of detection (LoD) of 1.1 μg/L. These results show an appreciable sensitivity of the sensor for detecting the MNP at relatively low potentials, making it possible to avoid passivation phenomena.

New flavan and unusual chalcone glycosides from Drypetes parvifolia

Two new compounds 7-hydroxy-5-O-（β-D-glucopyranoside） flavan （1） and （Z）-4＇,6＇-dihydroxy-2＇-O-（β-D-glucopyranoside） chalcone （2）, along with eight known compounds, were isolated from the stem bark of Drypetes parvifolia （Euphorbiaceae）. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence.

Simultaneous Determination by HPLC-UV Vis of Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow in Soft Drinks Sold in Benin

The use of dyes such as tartrazine (E102) and sunset yellow (E102) in food, beverages and health products for technological and commercial purposes is common. The adverse effects caused by these dyes, such as allergies and hyperactivity disorder have been reported, especially in children. In the present study, a chromatographic method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of tartrazine and sunset yellow. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Lichrocart® C18 column (125 × 4.6 mm;5 μm) with a security Guard-C18 column (4 × 2.0 mm, 5 μm;Phenomenex, Torrance, CA, USA) maintained at 30°C. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of acetonitrile/ammonium acetate buffer pH 6.8 in gradient mode with a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The injection volume was 10 μL. The detection wavelength was set at 455 nm. The parameters of specificity, linearity, precision, repeatability, accuracy and sensitivity were examined for validation. The developed method is linear in the range of 1 μg/mL to 100 μg/mL with a R2> 0.998. The intra-day and inter-day precisions (RSD) were less than 0.6% and 3.1% respectively. The detection limit was 0.03 μg/mL and the quantification limit was 0.1 μg/mL. The retention time of tartrazine was 2.86 min, while sunset yellow was detected at 5.67 min. A simple, rapid, accurate and robust HPLC/UV-Visible method was developed and validated for simultaneous identification and quantification of tartrazine and sunset yellow. This developed method was successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of tartrazine and sunset yellow in soft drinks sold in Benin.

Performance comparison of chlorinated chiral stationary phases in supercritical fluid chromatography for separation of selected pyrrolidone derivatives

The effects of two chlorinated chiral stationary phases, namely, Lux Cellulose-2 and Lux i-Cellulose-5, flow-rate, percentage of co-solvent and chemical structures of the compounds on retention and resolution were studied within this article. In this work a backpressure of 150 bar, a temperature of 40 ℃ and 10% of methanol as co-solvent were chosen as operating conditions. The optimum flow-rate was 2 mL/min. The percentage of co-solvent was studied between 7.5% and 15%.We have observed that 15% of methanol gave the best results for most of the compounds. For all the derivatives, the Lux Cellulose-2 provided better resolutions going from 1.50 to 3.59 compared with Lux i-Cellulose-5.

Effect of additives on nickel-phosphorus deposition obtained by electroless plating:Characterization and corrosion resistance in 3%(mass)sodium chloride medium

Nichel-phosphorus(Ni-P)coatings are deposited on mild steel by using an electroless plating process.The effect of three calix[4]arene derivatives,namely tetra methyl ester-P-tertbutyl calix[4]arene(Calix1),tetra acid-P-tert-butyl calix[4]arene(Calix2)and tetra methyl P-tert-butyl-thicalix[4]arene ester(Calix3)on the deposition rate,the deposit composition,and the morphological surface was investigated and the study of growth mechanisms has delivered useful information about the surface properties of deposit.It is found that these additives modify the deposition rate and the nickel crystallization process.In fact,the Calix1 and Calix3 act as an accelerator,while Calix2 acts as an inhibitor for the nickel electroless.Furthermore,it is shown that the chemical bath is more stable with calix[4]arene derivatives addition and the obtained deposits are compact and adherent.It is observed also that the nickel content increases with additives.On the other hand,the X-ray diffraction showed that the orientation peaks are intensified at{111}in the presence of Calix2,confirming obtained results of EDAX spectrum.The cyclic voltammetry revealed that the tested additives strongly influence the cathodic process and slightly affect the hypophosphite oxidation.Finally,it is found that these compounds improve the anticorrosion efficiency of Ni-P coating on the mild steel substrate in 3%(mass)NaCl,where its polarization resistance increases with Calix2 and Calix3 addition.

Diffusion analysis and modeling of kinetic behavior for treatment of brine water using electrodialysis process

In this study,the removal of monovalent and divalent cations,Nat,Kt,Mg2t,and Ca2t,in a diluted solution from Chott-El Jerid Lake,Tunisia,was investigated with the electrodialysis technique.The process was tested using two cation-exchange membranes:sulfonated polyether sulfone cross-linked with 10%hexamethylenediamine(HEXCl)and sulfonated polyether sulfone grafted with octylamine(S-PESOS).The commercially available membrane Nafion®was used for comparison.The results showed that Nafion®and S-PESOS membranes had similar removal behaviors,and the investigated cations were ranked in the following descending order in terms of their demineralization rates:Nat>Ca2t>Mg2t>Kt.Divalent cations were more effectively removed by HEXCl than by monovalent cations.The plots based on the WebereMorris model showed a strong linearity.This reveals that intra-particle diffusion was not the removal rate-determining step,and the removal process was controlled by two or more concurrent mechanisms.The Boyd plots did not pass through their origin,and the sole controlling step was determined by film-diffusion resistance,especially after a long period of electrodialysis.Additionally,a semi-empirical model was established to simulate the temporal variation of the treatment process,and the physical significance and values of model parameters were compared for the three membranes.The findings of this study indicate that HEXCl and S-PESOS membranes can be efficiently utilized for water softening,especially when effluents are highly loaded with calcium and magnesium ions.

A Mild and Efficient Method for the Synthesis of Acylals from Aromatic Aldehydes and Their Deprotections Catalyzed by Synthetic Phosphates under Solvent-Free Conditions

An efficient and clean preparation of acylals from aromatic aldehydes in the presence of synthetic phosphates (flourapatite and hydroxyapatite doped with ZnCl2 and ZnBr2) and acetic anhydride was achieved easily in high yields (86% - 97%) at room temperature under solvent-free conditions. Deprotection of the resulting acylals has also been attained by using the same catalysts under microwave irradiation. This method consistently has advantage of excellent yields (82% - 96%) and a short reaction time (3 - 4 min).

A New Method for the Determination of Cyanide Ions and Their Quantification in Some Senegalese Cassava Varieties

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a starchy staple food that previous researches have showed to contain cyanogenic compounds, precursors of hydrocyanic acid, undoubtedly toxic for humans. With the aim to determine food security in cassava, this study developed a simple, fast and less expensive step for quantifying cyanide ions by using micro-diffusion with modified Conway cells. After an enzymatic degradation, the cyanide ions were quantified by electrochemical procedures. The validation of this method is estimated. The concentration of cyanide ions at different part of the samples was determined. The results showed high toxicity in some fresh Senegalese consumed cassava varieties (>100 mg HCN·kg﹣1). However, in the processed cassava products, less than 10 mg HCN·kg﹣1 was found in the different varieties studied except for the chips where the levels of CN﹣ contents were important (>49 mg HCN·kg﹣1).

Electrochemical Sensors Based on Modification of Carbon Fiber Microelectrode by Nickel Phthalocyanine Polymer for 3-Methyl-4-Nitrophenol Analysis in Water

3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (MNP) is the main by-product of the organophosphate insecticide fenitrothion (FT), used in locust control. MNP is highly toxic because it is an endocrine disruptor and then may cause adverse in the biological systems. Then, it is necessary to develop analytical methods for determination of this pollutant in the environment. In this sense, we reported herein the development of an electrochemical sensor for the detection of 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (MNP), one of the metabolites of fenitrothion (FT), by using naked and modified carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) by nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine polymer (CFME/p-NiTSPc). The voltammogram showed that MNP presents one irreversible anodic peak corresponding to the oxidation of the phenol group at 0.9 V vs Ag/AgCl. The effect of pH of the buffer on the peak current and SWV parameters such as frequency, scan increment and pulse amplitude were investigated in order to optimize the electrochemical response of the sensor. The obtained results lead to the following optimum value: pH = 6;frequency = 25 Hz, pulse amplitude = 50 mV, scan increment = 10 mV. With these optimum values, the calibration curves show that the peak current varied linearly upon MNP concentration leading to a limit of detection (LoD) for naked CFME close to 3 μg/L whereas for CFME modified by p-NiTSPc, it reaches 0.75 μg/L. This results prove that the presence of p-NiTSPc increasing the sensitivity of the sensor could be used to monitor 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol residue in real matrix.

Three-Dimensional Study of the Effect of the Angle of Incidence of a Magnetic Field on the Electrical Power and Conversion Efficiency of a Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cell under Multispectral Illumination

A three-dimensional approach to the effect of magnetic field incidence angle on electrical power and conversion efficiency is performed on a front-illuminated polycrystalline silicon bifacial solar cell. A solution of the continuity equation allowed us to present the equations of photocurrent density, photovoltage and electric power. The influence of the angle of incidence of the magnetic field on the photocurrent density, the photovoltage and the electric power has been studied. The curves of electrical power versus dynamic junction velocity were used to extract the values of maximum electrical power and dynamic junction velocity and to calculate those of conversion efficiency. From this study, it is found that the conversion efficiency values increase with the angle of incidence of the magnetic field.

Sodium-Modified Fluorapatite: A Mild and Efficient Reusable Catalyst for the Synthesis of <i>α,α</i>’-Bis(Substituted Benzylidene) Cycloalkanones under Conventional Heating and Microwave Irradiation

A versatile and environmentally friendly method for α,α’-bis(substituted ben-zylidene) cycloalkanones has been developed using a heterogeneous catalysis technology. We have synthesized a series of the α,α’-bis(substituted benzylidene) cycloalkanones, a biologically important class of compounds, via the cross aldol condensation between arylaldehydes and cycloketones using sodium-modified fluorapatite (Na/FAP) as a highly efficient solid catalyst under conventional heating in aqueous media and solventless conditions under microwave. Catalyst reuse, ease of separation of the pure product, and high yields are some of the unique features of this process. Shorter reaction times (4 - 7 min) and higher yields (80% - 94%) were achieved under microwave irradiation conditions.

Non-Contact System for Global Reporting Format (GRF) Automation: Contaminant Body Detection and Depth Estimation in the Case of Rainy Weather

The paper designed a non-contact system in order to perform the application (on a runway) of the Global Reporting Format (GRF) developed by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The system involves devices that film the surface (a runway in our case) from the air and displays the contaminant (water) body and measures the depth of the water automatically during the inspection. While measuring, data are sent to a computer used as a receiver. The developed devices are automatic devices implemented specially to use during rainy weather or even for some other cases. The aerial system uses a raspberry pi 4 model B, a camera, a laser sensor, an ultrasonic module, a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) and python codes developed by the authors. Results obtained show that using these devices to retrieve the Runway Condition Report (RCR) is very fast and human presence on the runway is not needed. The results obtained using these devices show that the method used herein is a proper solution to the GRF issues in the rainy areas, where the contaminant body detection and the accurate depth measurement were not well estimated because of the lack of a suitable method.

Spectrofluorimetric Analysis of the Fungicide Carbendazim and Its Metabolite 2-Aminobenzimidazole in Natural Water

A spectrofluorimetric method for the direct analysis of carbendazim [methyl 2-benzimidazole carbamate (MBC)] fungicide and its metabolite 2-aminobenzimidazole (2-AB) in natural waters is described. Very low limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values of 0.002 - 0.06 ng/mL and 0.006 - 0.2 ng/mL, respectively, were determined by spectrofluorimetric method with small relative standard deviation (RSD) values < 1%. This spectrofluorimetric method was applied to the determination of MBC and 2-AB residues in natural waters, with satisfactory recovery values of (88.5% - 119.2%).

Effect of Seasonal Variations on the Behavior of Flexible Pavements in Burkina Faso: Towards Alternating and Periodic Loading of Multi-Axle Heavy Goods Vehicles for Road Durability

Bituminous materials are heat-sensitive, and their mechanical properties vary with temperature. This variation in properties is not without consequences on the performance of flexible road structures under the repeated passage of multi-axles. This study determines the influence of seasonal variations on the rate of permanent deformation, the rut depth of flexible pavements and the effect of alternating loading of heavy goods vehicles following the temperature variations on the durability of roads. Thus, an ambient and pavement surface temperature measurement was carried out in 2022. The temperature profile at different layers of the modelled pavement, the evaluation of deformation rates and rutting depth were determined using several models. The results show that the permanent deformation and rutting rates are higher at the level of the bituminous concrete layer than at the level of the asphalt gravel layer because the stresses decrease from the surface to the depth of the pavement. On the other hand, the variations in these rates, permanent deformations and ruts between the hot and so-called cold periods are more pronounced in the bitumen gravel than in bituminous concrete, showing that gravel bitumen is more sensitive to temperature variations than bituminous concrete despite its higher rigidity. Of these results, we suggested a periodic and alternating loading of the different types of heavy goods vehicles. These loads consist of fully applying the WAEMU standards with a tolerance of 15% during periods of high and low temperatures. This regulation has increased 2 to 3 times in the durability of roadways depending on the type of heavy goods vehicle.

Statistical Study of the Geoeffectivity of Halo Coronal Mass Ejections Associated with X-Class Flares during Solar Cycles 23 and 24

By analysing a long series of data (1996-2019), we show that solar cycle 23 was more marked by violent solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) compared to solar cycle 24. In particular, the halo coronal mass ejections associated with X-class flares appear to be among the most energetic events in solar activity given the size of the flares, the speed of the CMEs and the intense geomagnetic storms they produce. Out of eighty-six (86) X-class halo CMEs, thirty-seven (37) or 43% are highly geoeffective;twenty-four (24) or approximately 28% are moderately geoeffective and twenty-five (25) or 29% are not geoeffective. Over the two solar cycles (1996 to 2019), 71% of storms were geoeffective and 29% were not. For solar cycle 23, about 78% of storms were geoeffective, while for solar cycle 24, about 56% were geoeffective. For the statistical study based on speed, 85 halo CMEs associated with X-class flares were selected because the CME of 6 December 2006 has no recorded speed value. For both solar cycles, 75.29% of the halo CMEs associated with X-class flares have a speed greater than 1000 km/s. The study showed that 42.18% of halo (X) CMEs with speeds above 1000 km/s could cause intense geomagnetic disturbances. These results show the contribution (in terms of speed) of each class of halo (X) CMEs to the perturbation of the Earth’s magnetic field. Coronal mass ejections then become one of the key indicators of solar activity, especially as they affect the Earth.

Sweetener and Flavor Enhancer Food Additives in Industrial Food Products Marketed in Dakar: Frequency and Diversity

Sweeteners and flavor enhancers are food additives widely used in industry, respectively, to add sweetness and flavor to foods. However, the presence of these substances is often criticized by consumers for their effects on health. What’s more, some scientific studies link these substances to certain pathologies. To guarantee food safety, competent authorities should have food standards based on risk analysis using consistent, reliable data. However, in developing countries, such data is often weak or non-existent. The aim of this study is therefore to carry out a pilot survey to establish the profile of sweeteners and flavour enhancers present in industrial food products marketed in Senegal. The methodology consisted of sampling various food products sold on the Senegalese market, based on analysis of labels containing information on ingredients, including additives. The investigation involved nine stores, one supermarket and 5 mini-markets in Dakar. The results showed the presence of 6 taste enhancers in food products, the most frequent being sodium L-monoglutamate (E621), inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627). Solid broths are the foodstuffs with the highest number of taste exhalters. As for sweeteners, 12 substances were identified, the most frequent being acesulfame potassium (E950), aspartame (E951), sucralose (E955) and saccharin (E954). Given the potential health risks associated with the consumption of these food additives, their control and monitoring on the market should be a priority for the competent authorities.

Performance Evaluation of Solar Chimney Draft: Application to Ventilation

Ventilation is one of the factors contributing to energy consumption in buildings and food preservation. The solar chimney proves to be an alternative for reducing conventional energy consumption. Thus, in this study, the performance of a solar chimney with two active faces for thermally drawing air from a chamber for preserving agri-food products was evaluated. These performances were experimentally assessed through data measurements: temperatures and velocities within the chimney, and their analysis using Excel and MATLAB. The obtained results were compared with those from literature to verify their validity. From this study, it is found that the maximum temperature at the chimney outlet reaches 49.4˚C with an average value of 43.7˚C. Additionally, the heating evolution of the chimney air presents four (04) identical phases in pairs, reflecting the chimney’s operation throughout day. The temperature difference between the outlet and inlet of the chimney reaches a maximum of 17˚C with an average of 12.6˚C. Regarding airflow, the maximum air velocity at the chimney outlet is 0.8 m/s, and the average velocities have consistently been greater than or equal to 0.46 m/s. Thus, it can be concluded that the solar chimney is capable of providing ventilation for the preservation chamber through thermal draft.

Experimental Study of the Thermal Behavior of a Bioclimatic Building Prototype in a Sahelian Zone

Buildings constructed with modern materials (cement blocks, sheet metal, reinforced concrete, etc.) in the Sahelian zone often generate excessive electricity consumption and consequently very high electricity bills. This study is a contribution to the development of new building types based on the principle of bioclimatic construction. The aim is to find materials suited to the Sahelian climate and improve thermal comfort. To this end, an experimental study of the hygrothermal behavior of a bioclimatic building prototype with a domed roof is being carried out. Site meteorological data, air temperature and relative humidity of the building’s internal environment were measured for three climatic seasons in Burkina Faso. The data acquisition system consists of thermocouples, solarimeters and humidity meters, and the data are processed using Excel and Origin Pro software. The results show that, despite the high temperature values (between 36˚C and 39˚C) of the internal environment measured in the hot season, good thermal performance is achieved, in particular an average phase shift of 7.17 h and an average damping of 10.81˚C. The dome-roofed building could therefore contribute to limiting heat transmission to the building interior, improving thermal comfort all year round. Analysis of humidity profiles shows that indoor humidity varies between 66% and 80% for the September period, and between 44% and 69% for the January period. The high values of internal ambient humidity could be reduced by very good ventilation of the building. This study shows that the proposed bioclimatic building prototype with domed roof could be integrated into the Sahelian habitat.

Study of Ionospheric Anomalies at the Koudougou Station during the Moderate Geomagnetic Activity of Co-Rotation during the Solar Cycle 24

This article is part of the ongoing study of the moderate geomagnetic activity of corotation. The aim here is to examine ionospheric anomalies through variations in Total Electronic Content (TEC) recorded at the Koudougou GPS station over solar cycle 24 during periods of corotation activity. Through the diurnal variations by solar phase, we observed a TEC peak at 14:00 TL. The TEC data analysed revealed winter, annual and semi-annual anomalies. However, the equinoctial anomaly was insignificant during corotation activity at the Koudougou station during solar cycle 24.