025536   Pande V;Chand L;Singh R L (Dep of Biotechnol, Kumaon Univ, Nainital-263 001, Email: drrlsingh@yahoo.com) : Storage proteins in developing and mature seeds of black gram. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 18-21.

Seed proteins of black gram (Vigna mungo) varieties, 'Type-9' and 'Pant U-19' were extracted and precipitated by 0-90% ammonium sulphate. The separationof globulin and albumin fractions was done using Na-citrate buffer at pH 4.7. Globulins being insoluble in the buffer were removed by centrifugation and fractionated by Sephadex G-50 column. The proteins eluted earlier belonged to vicilin and later ones to legumin as shown by two peaks in both the cultivars. Of the extracted proteins, globulins constituted approximately 63 and albumins 36-37%. The increase in the amount of these proteins during the seed development was almost in the same proportion. The proportion of globulins increased as the seed reached maturity. This may be due to the differential gene expression of both globulins and albumins. Vicilin synthesis started from the very beginning; whereas legumin synthesis started 12 days after flowering at detectable level. The globulins were deficient in Met, Cys, and Leu amino acids. Two major proteins in globulins and 14 in albumins were visualized on polyacrylamide gels.

^iia3 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

025535   Ofuya Z M (Dep of Hum Physiol Coll of Hlth Sci, Univ of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria) : Effect of cooking on thiamin retention in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 89-91.

Thiamin content determined in the cultivars of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds ranged from 0.61 to 1.08 mg/100g with a mean value of 0.86±0.2 mg/100 g. The thiamin levels of varieties "Tvu 57", "Tvu 17" and "Tvu 76" were higher than that of others whereas, "Tvu 4557" had the lowest value (0.61 mg/100 g). The cooking methods affected the levels of thiamin differently. Trona created an alkaline cooking medium for the cowpeas and it led to a greater loss of thiamin (76.7-97.4%); with the slow cooker 88.8% loss was obtained while the pressure cooker caused a loss of 73.6%. A higher level of thiamin (71.7%) was retained in moin-moin. The result suggests caution on the use of trona for the traditional cooking of cowpea menu.

4 tables, 16 ref

025534   Manna S K;Brahmane M P;Das R;Chandana M; Batabyal S (Cent Inld Fish Res Inst, (ICAR), Barrackpore, KoIkata-700 120, Email: sanjibmanna@yahoo.com) : Detection of Escherichia coli O157 in foods of animal origin by culture and multiplex polymerase chain reaction. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 77-9.

Presence of Escherichia coli O157 was observed in 3.7% of freshly dressed beef, 3.12% of raw milk and 2.04% of pasteurized milk samples, but not in buffalo meat, goat meat, sheep meat and chicken. All the strains carried Shiga toxin 2 gene and expressed enterohaemolysin and were potentially dangerous for human health . Detection of Shiga toxin-positive E. coli O157 in some of the foods warrants large-scale prevalence study for this pathogen in foods of animal origin and human diarrhoeal stools.

1 illus, 2 tables, 2 ref

025533   Kumar S;Das H;Pattanayak S C (AGFE, Indian Inst of Technol, Kharagpur) : Analytical and computational methods for the prediction of freezing time of food materials. Indian J Cryogenics 2003, 28(1), 1-8.

Freezing is one of the most suitable methods for the preservation of perishable food products. The determination of freezing time and temperature distribution inside the product dictate the design of the freezing process. Three distinct periods during freezing are noticeable at any location Inside the body of a food material. The time period of precooling, phase change and freezing are the important parameters required to be evaluated for adopting proper freezing technique of food items. The temperature distribution across the breadth and length of the food material at a particular point is an important criteria to ensure the quality of the frozen food in freezing process. Similarly, the time taken to reach a suitable temperature inside a particular depth of material is a very critical requirement to maintain the freshness of the product. The knowledge of these two complex processes are very important in order to arrive at an optimised condition. A simplified analytical method is worked out for the prediction of freezing time of the food materials in the shape of sphere, cylinder and rectangular sizes. A suitable computer program using C language is developed using above analytical approach to determine separately the time period for cooling, phase change and freezing during a freezing process. A computational method using, implicit and explicit finite difference techniques can be used to predict non-symmetric temperature distribution along the body of the food material during freezing process. These techniques would be very much useful in the design of food freezing equipments.

3 tables, 18 ref

025532   Khan A K (NO, BOC India Limited,Oxygen House, P-43, Taratala Road, Kolkata-700 088) : Recent developments of technology implementation in large air separation units. Indian J Cryogenics 2003, 28(2), 55-8.

Increasing volumes of industrial gases are being employed to enhance metallurgical and chemical processed and as this trend continues, the cost of producing such gases in most efficient manner involving hi-tech design and reliable equipment will become a more significant proportion of the overall cost of products. Describes current developments in the key areas of technology so as to increase productivity, optimize energy consumption, enhance reliability and/or reduce overall production or investment costs. It also goes on to illustrate how recent developments can minimize industrial gas cost and to integrate the air separation cycle with the particular metallurgical and chemical processes itself with the final objective of overall production economics. Air Separation Plant and process have a common theme - to meet customers' needs for productivity, safety or quality, single or in combination which offer, Low cost (reduced capital), Increased reliability/safety, Increased flexibility and efficiency. All the above elements continue to form the basis for successful development of air separation technology.

8 ref

025531   Jeyasekaran G;Ganesan P;Jeya Shakila R; Maheswari K;Sukumar D (Dep of Fish Processing Technol, Fish Coll and Res Inst, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Tuticorin-628 008, Email: ttn_jerosh99@sanchanet.in) : Shelf-life studies in tuna Euthynnus affinis chunks packed with dry ice and water ice. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 34-7.

The tuna chunks were stored in combination of dry ice and water ice at 30:50%; 20:50% and 10:50% and also in 100% water ice (control). The chunks stored in 20:50% and 30:50% were sensorily acceptable up to 48 h without re-icing. Since both the combinations yielded almost similar results, the lowest combination of 20:50% was considered as the optimum. The total plate count (TPC) was 6 to 8 log cfu/g, and total psychrophiles 3 to 6 log cfu/g. Total lactics were from 2 to 6 log cfu/g. Histamine formers were 5 to 6 log cfu/g. Samples stored in water ice had a TPC of 8 log cfu/g on the 24 h itself. Total coliforms and total anaerobic sulphite reducers were in increasing trend and reached maximum of 1600 MPN/g and 140 MPN/g, respectively. Total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethyl amine nitrogen (TMA-N) and hypoxanthine contents in samples stored only in water ice were found to be much higher, when compared to samples stored in the combination of dry ice and water ice. Histamine contents were low in the combined package samples, while it increased from 4.5 to 46.6 ppm in the samples stored in water ice alone.

3 illus, 1 tables, 25 ref

025530   Gupta S;Ghuman B S;Sandhu K S (Dep of Processing and Fd Engineering. Dep of Fd Sci and Technol, Punjab Agric Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: bsghuman@rediffmail.com) : Preparation of tomato powder on small scale. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 31-3.

Aeration sun-drying was tried for preparing of tomato powder from blanched and unblanched tomato slices of Punjab Chhuhara' cultivar. A wooden cuboid box of size 50"x39"x24", having an exhaust fan on one face, was designed for aeration sun-drying. Drying of tomatoes took place in the falling rate period and was governed by moisture diffusion. The dried tomato slices were powdered. Statistical analysis showed the overall better quality for blanched samples. One kg of fresh tomato yielded 50-55 g of dehydrated powder with desirable quality in terms of moisture content (5.2%, dry basis), shrinkage ratio (0.709), browning index (1.30 A₄₄₀), lycopene content (45.7 mg/100 g of solids) and rehydration ratio (3.21). The overall acceptability score was found to be 8.3 on 9-point Hedonic scale. The cost of drying was Rs. 1.23/kg of fresh tomato.

3 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

025529   Gupta S (Dep of Anim Sci, M. J. P. Rohilkhand Univ, Bareilly-243 006) : Effect of mint (Mentha arvensis Linn.) leaf powder on growth and development of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 22-5.

Dietary incorporation of mint (Mentha arvensis Linn.) leaf powder at 1 and 2% (w/w) levels did not significantly alter the head capsule length and width of T. castaneum. A relatively higher rate of mortality of eggs was recorded in all the treatments, although its level in fifth instar stage increased upto 11.6% at 2% level. Negligible mortality of pupae, however, was recorded at 2% level of mint leaves. The fresh biomass of untreated larvae increased rapidly from 0.06 to 1.9 mg and declined in pupae. In 2% level the fresh weights of fourth and fifth instar larvae, pupae, and adults were significantly lower. The dry weights, however, of sixth instar larvae, pupae and adults at 1% level as well as those reared on 2% level were significantly lower than those of control. The absolute growth rate of only untreated (fourth instar stage 0.072 mg/day) declined to 0.068 mg/day (at 1% treatment) and 0.055 mg/day (at 2% treatment). The growth rates of other stages were not higher and they declined in pupae (-0.01 mg/day) in control. Pupae and adults obviously indicated negative growth rates.

2 illus, 6 tables, 15 ref

025528   Gill B S;Singh N;Sodhi N S (Dep of Fd Sci and Technol, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005, Email: Balmeet_singh@yahoo.co.in) : Pysico-chemical, textural and functional properties of wheat flour from different Indian cultivars. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 56-64.

Bread wheat cultivars ('PBW-343', 'PBW-373', and 'PBW-154') and durum wheat cultivar ('PDW-233') were evaluated for kernel characteristics and flour yield. 'PDW-233' kernels showed highest fracture force. 'PBW-154' had highest 1000 kernel weight; the bulk density values were almost same for all the cultivars. Durum wheat showed lower flour yield compared to bread wheats. 'PDW-233' flour had highest amylose content (13.7%) and for bread wheats the values were between 10.6 and 11.3%. Protein and ash contents of flour milled from different cultivars varied between 10.0 and 11.0 and 0.54 and 0.73%. SDS sediment value, water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI) of flour milled from different cultivars varied between 19.8 and 33.3 ml, 1.8-2.0 g/g and 4.6-5.4%, respectively. Falling number values indicated that flour has been milled from sound wheat. The noodles prepared from 'PBW-154' flour showed lowest cooked weight and highest oil absorption. Sensory evaluation of noodles was done and RVA Noodle Index of starch isolated from wheat cultivars was also determined. SEM of flours revealed characteristic pattern for flour from different cultivars. 'PBW-343' flour showed highest onset temperature (T_o) whereas peak (T_p) and conclusion (T_c) temperatures were highest for 'PBW-373' flour. The ΔH_ret of gelatinized flour determined after storage at 4°C for 2 weeks was negligible for all cultivars. 'PBW-154' flour showed highest peak, breakdown, final and setback viscosity. 'PDW-233' flour showed lowest peak, final and breakdown viscosity. 'PBW-154' and 'PDW-233' flour showed highest syneresis (%) values, which increased with increase in storage time.

4 illus, 7 tables, 58 ref

025527   Ghosh P K;Agrawal Y C;Jayas D S;Kumbhar B K (Dep of Biosystems Engng, Univ of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada, Email: digvir_Jayas@Umanitoba.ca) : Process development for osmo-hot air drying of carrot. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 65-8.

Carrot slices of 5 mm thick were osmosed for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min in an osmotic solution at 30°C at a sample to solution ratio of 1:5 and a constant agitation of 150 rpm. The osmotic solution was prepared by 5, 10 and 15% concentration of salt along with 50°B sugar and 0.1% sodium metabisulphite. A cut-off time for osmotic dehydration prior to hot air drying was decided to be 1 h which would result in a moisture loss of around 50% of initial carrot mass and a solid gain of about 8%. Carrots were osmosed to the cut-off time and then hot air dried at 50, 60, and 70°C with an air velocity of 0.6 m/s. Non-osmosed carrot slices were also dried by conventional hot air drying method - blanching and drying at 70°C. Osmo-hot air dried carrot slices received higher scores at 5% significance level in both its dried and rehydrated forms, compared to the conventional air dried carrots. Based on the organoleptic quality and the rehydration ratio, the osmo-hot air drying process recommended for carrot was - osmotic dehydration of carrot slices in 50°B sugar solution containing 5% salt concentration and 0.1% sodium metabisulphite for 1 h followed by hot air drying at 50°C. These had a rehydration ratio of 3.3.

1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

025526   Elkhalifa A E O;Schiffler B;Bernhardt R (Sch of Family Sci, Ahfad Univ for Women, Omdurman, P.O. Box 167, Sudan, Email: moneimkhalifa@yahoo.com) : Some physico-chemical properties of fermented Sorghum flour. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 26-7.

Sorghum flour when fermented by the traditional Sudanese method showed that fermentation had no effect on the water absorption capacity of sorghum flour at room temperatures (25°C) and at 70°C. Sorghum paste clarity as light transmittance was affected by fermentation and it increased by 85% after 24 h fermentation. Fermentation had no effect on the freeze-thaw stability in the first cycle, but as the number of cycles increased the syneresis value decreased.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

025525   Divyashree M S;George J;Agrawal R (Dep of Fd Microbiol, Cent Fd Technol Res Inst, Mysore-570 020, Email: renuagrawal46@rediffmail.com) : Biotransformation of terpenic substrates, by resting cells of Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas putida isolates. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 73-6.

Readily available and low cost terpenic compounds like (+) limonene, (-) limonene, (+) α-pinene, (-) α-pinene and (-) β-pinene, were used as substrates for biotransformation by a local fungal isolate of Aspergillus niger and a bacterial strain of Pseudomonas putida. The cultures were grown in potato dextrose broth at 30°C to their exponential phase and harvested. The resting cells were taken in phosphate buffer (0.05M; pH 7.0). Each substrate was added separately (2 mg/25 ml buffer) and incubated at 30°C for 6 h, after the reaction the flavouring compounds were extracted in dichloromethane, dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate, identified and analysed by GCMS. Aspergillus niger could use (-) limonene as the substrate to give carveol (18%) and dihydrocarveol (15%). Bioconversion from (+) α-pinene was better with Pseudomonas putida, producing industrially important compounds like verbenol (35%), dihydrocarveol acetate (20%) and verbenone (10%) in high yields. However, the bacteria was unable to bioconvert (-) α-pinene, (-) β-pinene, and (-) (+) limonenes to these important compounds.

1 table, 25 ref

025524   Dhiman N;Jyot G;Bakhshi A K;Singh B (Dep of Fd Sci and Technol, Punjab Agric Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: balwinder434@redif.com) : Decontamination of various insecticides in cauliflower and tomato by different processing methods. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 92-5.

Samples of cauliflower curds and tomato fruits were spiked with different amounts of insecticides (range 3-25 mg/ kg). Both the vegetables were washed for 2 min, blanched and canned. Cauliflower was canned in 2% brine solution and tomatoes in tomato juice. The samples were analyzed for pesticide residues after spiking and application of different processing treatments such as washing, blanching and canning in case of cauliflower curds and washing, lye peeling/ blanching, juice preparation and canning in case of tomato fruits, using gas liquid chromatography (GLC) equipped with an electron capture detector (ECD) and a nitrogen phosphorus detector (NPD). Cumulative effect of all the kitchen processes caused substantial reduction of residues of chlorpyriphos, quinalphos, malathion, endosulfan, fenvalerate and deltamethrin in both cauliflower and tomato samples.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

025523   Das B K;Sharma A;Marathe S A;Rao V S;Bhagwat S G (Nuclear Agric and Biotechnol Div, Bhabha Atom Res Cent, Mumbai-400 085, Email: sbhagwat@apsara.barc.ernet.in) : Evaluation of bread and chapati making quality of wheat selections and parents differing in HMW subunits of glutenin. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 69-72.

Wheat selections differing in specific HMW subunits of glutenin were obtained through backcrossing. The recurrent and selections were mainly different in that the former had subunits 2+12 and the latter had subunits 5+10. Gluten content in recurrent parent and selections was comparable while elastic recovery ratio of the selections was higher. Specific bread loaf volume of the selections was higher than the parents. Sensory evaluation of the bread loaves showed that selections scored significantly higher in crumb colour, texture, cell structure, flavour, taste and chewability. The overall acceptability was higher for the selections. Chapaties made from the parents and selections were tested using Universal testing machine Instron. The Elongation curve area (ECA) of unbaked chapaties made from the selections was higher compared to the parents. In baked chapaties, the ECA was not consistent with the presence or absence of Glu-Dl alleles. Sensory evaluation of chapaties showed that the parents and selections were not different in chapati colour, aroma, hand feel, mouth feel and overall acceptance. The HMW subunits 5+10 improved dough strength to give higher specific loaf volume and loaf that was more acceptable. Significant differences were absent in baked chapaties indicating that individual high-molecular weight subunits/pairs are less likely to be a major factor in influencing chapati making quality.

3 illus, 6 tables, 18 ref

025522   Chrisolite B;Sugumar G;Velayutham P (Dep of Fish Processing Technol, Fish Coll and Res Inst, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Thoothukudi-628 008, Email: sugumar_mg@yahoo.com) : Microbiological quality of fishes landed along Thoothukudi coast. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 96-100.

The microbiological quality of sardine (Sardinella sp) from the 4 landing centres of Thoothukudi (Thirespuram landing centre, Fishing harbour, South landing centre and Port beach landing centre) was studied from June 2003 to May 2004. The aerobic plate count and presumptive Vibrio count varied from 10³ to 10⁷ cfu/g. Total and faecal coliform bacteria ranged from MPN 0.3 to <62> 140/g and MPN 0 to <62>140/g, respectively. E. coli varied from undetectable to more than 140/g. Faecal Streptococci count varied from <60> 10 to 10⁴ cfu/g. Salmonella and V. cholerae were detected respectively in 17 and 8.5% of the sardine samples. However, Salmonella was present in 54% of the other commercially important fish samples while V. cholerae was not detected. Dominance of Gram-positive over Gram-negative bacteria was noted in all samples, except in samples from Port beach landing centre. It is concluded that the microbiological status of fishes in the landing centres of Thoothukudi is poor.

6 tables, 21 ref

025521   Chattopadhyay A;Chakraborty I;Kumar P R;Nanda M K;Sen H (All India Coordinated Res Project on Tuber Crops, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani-741 235, Email: arup_bckv@rediffmail.com) : Uncontrolled storage behaviour of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam). J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 41-5.

Sweet potato cultivars ('Kamala Sundari', 'WBSP-4', 'BCSP-7') harvested 120 days after planting (DAP) were stored in earthen pots filled with sand, saw dust and compared with exposed storage as control to study the storage behaviour and qualitative changes. Results indicated that sweet potato tubers could successfully be stored in fine sand up to 75 days without much damage beyond which tubers were uneconomical due to greater weight loss, sprouting and microbial rotting. The biochemical constituents of stored tubers under sand exhibited better retention of reserve carbohydrates and vitamins up to 75 days. The cultivar 'BCSP-7' (red skinned and white fleshed) proved better throughout the storage period. Starch and ascorbic acid contents of tubers decreased gradually with the advancement of storage. However, dry matter, β-carotene and total sugars content of tuber increased up to 50 days and then decreased or fairly constant up to 75 days in storage.

2 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

025520   Chanda A;Singha Roy R;Basu D;Mitra M K (Oxide and Bio-Ceramics Sect, Cent Glass and Ceram Res Inst, Kolkata-700 032, Email: rajdeep@cgcri.res.in) : Comparison of wear properties of alumina-alumina articulating surfaces with conventional material couples used for total hip arthroplasty. Trans Indian Ceramic Soc 2005, 64(4), 203-12.

Periodic introduction of different material combinations such as metal-metal, metal-polymer, ceramic-polymer and ceramic-ceramic as the articulating surfaces in artificial total hip arthroplasty exhibited their own merits and demerits its. Since the wear between the mating parts of the prostheses ultimately determines the life of the prostheses, tribological performance of the three materials combination used in total hip replacement (THR) was studied with a pin-on-disc (POD) machine and the results were compared. It was observed that in different material couples, a power law form of relationship existed between wear height and load though it changed with severity of abrasion. Alumina-alumina material combination exhibited very low wear with occasional grain pull-out and the generated data clearly established the superiority of the ceramic based material-couples. In SS 316L-UHWPE, abrasion dominated wear was observed while in Al₂ O₃-UHMWPE, abrasive ploughing was followed by an adhesive form of junction making and breaking which in turn resulted in the formation of transfer film.

9 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

025519   Catelin M (Wld Coal Inst, 22 The Quadrant, Richmond-upon-Thames, TW9, IBP, United Kingdom) : Coal: the 21st century fuel. J Mines Metals Fuels 2005, 53(11-12), 245-53.

5 illus, 1 table

025518   Bauman I;Bobic Z;Dakovic Z;Ukrainczyk M (Fac of Fd Technol and Biotechnol, Univ of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Email: ibauman@pbf.hr) : Time and speed of fruit drying on batch fluid-beds. Sadhana 2005, 30(5), 687-98.

Drying of particles (pieces) in a fluidized bed affords better quality of end products, especially for better product structure and its shorter reconstitution time. Fluid-bed drying of different fruit particles has been investigated. Starting water content varies from grape berries 81.5% and peach 87.7% to apricot 86.9%. The temperature of fluidization varies from 70°C to 100°C at air velocities from 0.98 ms^-1 to 5-2 ms^-1. The product should be dried fruit with 10% to 14% of water content with good rehydration quality that varies from 8 to 20. Experimental data have been measured, relevant values have been calculated and a mathematical model introduced. The results have shown that drying of fruit in a fluidized bed produces dry fruit particles of improved quality in a much shorter time, with improved rehydration times and qualities, than in continuous belt-driers that are generally used.

8 illus, 5 tables, 19 ref

025517   Ansari I A;Rai P;Sahoo P K;Datta A K (Agric and Fd Engng Dep, Indian Inst of Technol, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: pks_1973@lycos.com) : Manufacture of shrikhand from ultrafiltered skim milk retentates. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 49-52.

Ultrafiltration (UF) technology was used for the production of shrikhand, a fermented dairy product from pre-concentrafed skim milk. For UF of skim milk, an indigenously made UF pilot plant was used. Membrane used in the plant was modified polysulphone and of spirally wound configuration. Mode of operation was batch type. UF plant was operated at different feed temperature and transemembrane pressure for studying flux variations. The permeation rate was more at higher feed temperature and lower transmembrane pressure. Skim milk was concentrated from 11 % to maximum 20% total solids and was used in curd making and then shrikhand, making. The quality of shrikhand made from lower concentration UF-concentrated skim milk (11 to 14% total solius) was good in texture and viscosity and was rated close to conventional shrikhand, while use of higher concentration (20 to 22% total solids) resulted in sandiness and lacked viscosity.

6 illus, 12 ref

025516   Anilakumar K R;Khanum F;Bawa A S (Biochem and Nutr Discipline, DFRL, Siddarthanagar, Mysore-570 011, Email: dfoodlab@sancharnet.in) : Dietary role of glucosinolate derivatives. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 8-17.

Physiological responses encountered when Brassica vegetables are fed to animals are due to the activities of the hydrolysis products of glucosinolates (GS). More than one hundred GS are distributed in plants, primarily amongst the members of the Cruciferae. Attention has been focused on the ability of GS breakdown products to induce a specific set of bio-transformation enzymes in various experimental animals. The beneficial effects of GS breakdown products include anticarcinogenic properties especially in human cervical and endometrial cancer cells, mouse mammary tumorigenesis, human prostate cancer, hormone-related cancers, rainbow trout hepatocarcinogenesis, and human lung cancer. The enhanced antioxidant activity for protection against reactive oxygen species at the cellular level is another important biochemical effect. Growth depression, poor palatability. decreased food efficiency, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the thyroid, goitre, liver lesions and necrosis occur when the diet is highly rich in GS products. Some of the GS have been associated with hepatotoxicity, neurological effects, tumor promotion and epithelial hyperplasia either in rats or rabbits. Hence, its intrinsic toxicity and potential as tumor promoter restrict any development in therapeutic applications. The review describes the plethora of effects caused by GS derivatives, both beneficial and adverse on experimental animals.

^iia4 illus, 4 tables, 107 ref

025515   Akubor P I;Offonry S U;Isolokwu P C (Dep of Fd Sci and Technol, Fedl Polytechnic, Idah, Nigeria, Email: akuborI@yahoo.com) : Effect of proportion of soy milk and pH on the quality attributes of soy warankasi a Nigeria soft cheese. J Fd Sci Technol 2006, 43(1), 101-3.

Soy-warankasi was prepared by replacing cow milk with soy milk at 20, 30 and 50% levels. The effects of proportion of soy milk and pH on the chemical and sensory attributes of soy waransaki were evaluated. Protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate contents of the soy-warankasi decreased while moisture, pH and titratable acidity increased with increase in the level of soy milk in the mixture. The yield of soy warankasi was also dependent on the level of soy milk, values decreasing with increasing amount of soy milk. The scores for the sensory attributes of soy warankasi increased with increasing pH up to 6.8 and thereafter dropped. A 20% level of cow milk appeared optimum for soy-warankasi. Levels above 20% decreased all the sensory attributes of the product. The soy-warankasi containing 20% soy milk was rated higher for texture and overall acceptability than warankasi. However, the scores for flavour did not differ significantly (p<62>0.05) between soy-warankasi and warankasi.

5 tables, 15 ref

024504   Toliwal S D;Patel K (Dep of Industrial Chem, Inst of Sci and Technol for Advd Stud and Res (ISTAR), Vallabh Vidvanagar-388 120, Email: sdtoliwal@yahoo.com) : Modified neem (Azadirchta indica Juss) oil based curing of acid functional acrylic copolymer resin for anticorrosive coating. J scient ind Res 2006, 65(7), 590-3.

N, N-Bis (2-hydroxy ethyl) neem fatty amide (HENFA) was prepared by reacting neem oil with diethanolamioe in the presence of zinc oxide as catalyst. HENFA was used as curing agent with acid functional acrylic resin to prepare thermosetting coating compositions. Certain compositions were found to have comparable performance to that of conventional coating system cured by melamine formaldehyde resin.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

024503   Thomas R;Anjaneyulu A S R;Kondaiah N; Lakshmanan V (Div of Livestock Products Technol, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122) : Studies on product costing and marketing of emulsion and restructured buffalo meat nuggets. Indian Fd Packer 2005, 59(6), 158-63.

Buffalo meat, which is abundantly available in India, has an enormous potential for development into varieties of valuable and highly palatable meat products. The success of a product depends on its acceptance by the consumer. Price remains a key factor for a majority of the consumers. Study revealed that the raw material cost for production of emulsion and restructured buffalo meat nuggets accounts for about 40 percent of the total cost of the product. It also indicated the necessity of consumer awareness programmes for market development of buffalo meat and its products.

4 tables, 5 ref

024502   Srivastava P;Mishra P;Kundu S (Sch Of Biochem Engng, Inst of Technol Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: drpradeep19@sify.com) : Process strategies for cephalosporin C fermentation. J scient ind Res 2006, 65(7), 599-602.

Cephalosporin C (CPC), a β-lactam antibiotic, is starting molecule for industrial production of semi synthetic cephalosporins. CPC fermentation has been carried out in Air Lift Reactor (indigenously made up of borosilicate glass) in different fermentation modes i.e., batch and fed batch modes using a mold Acremonium chrysogenum (synn. Cephalosporium acremonium). A definite correlation exists between the antibiotic productivity and flow rate of supplementary feed. Fed batch process was shown to be more efficient than the batch one, and the process in which the lowest supplementary feed flow rate was used resulted in significantly higher antibiotic production.

4 illus, 12 ref

024501   Sharma R;Lal Kaushal B B;Sharma P C (Dep of Post Harvest Technol, Univ of Hort and For, Nauni Solan, Himachal Pradesh) : Refinement of oil extraction technology for maximizing yield and quality of olive oil. Indian Fd Packer 2005, 59(6), 179-88.

Efforts were made to refine the existing mechanical olive oil extraction process by using various enzymatic treatments for maximizing yield and quality of oil. A mechanical method consisting of crushing of olive fruits in fruit mill, malaxation in oil press for 60 minutes followed by pressing in hydraulic press at 15 tonnes/m² for 30 minutes and finally centrifugation of oil-water mixture at 5000 rpm for 20 minutes to separate oil was optimized. Suitability of enzymatic treatments was evaluated by adding enzymes alone or in combination to the crushed olives during mixing/ pasting (malaxation) step at different concentrations. Combination of Pectinase + Cellulase (1:1) when used @ 0.05% resulted in maximum oil recovery and minimum loss of oil in cake compared to individual enzymes i.e. Pectinase, Cellulase and Pectinase CCM (when used even at higher concentrations). The oils obtained with enzymatic treatments were characterized with relatively higher contents of natural antioxidants (total phenols); slightly higher values of oil clarity and sensory quality; lower values of free fatty acids and peroxides and similar values of fatty acids. Overall, the use of enzymes significantly improves the oil recovery and did not exert any adverse effect on the nutritional and sensorial quality of the oil. Further, extraction of oil using enzymes was quite cost effective over conventional method of oil extraction. Thus, the developed/ refined method of oil extraction if commercialized may lead to substantial economic benefits to the growers as well as processors.

1 illus, 6 tables, 16 ref

024500   Sharma G K;Roopa N;Mahesh C;Srihari S P;Bawa A S (NO, Def Fd Res Lab, Siddharthanagar, Mysore-570 011) : Effect of packaging material on the flavour of instant redgram dhal [Cajanus cajan) spice mix. Indian Fd Packer 2005, 59(6), 164-8.

Interactions between packaging materials (polypropylene (PP) and composite films of high/low/high density (HD/LD/HD, 90μ) polyethylene; polyester/linearlow/lowdensity (PET/LLD/LD-90μ) polyethylene; polypropylene/nylon/polypropylene (PP/Nylon/PP-90μ) and metallised polyester (12μ)/HDLD polyethylene(30μ)) and instant redgram dhal spice mix flavour during storage at ambient temperatures (15-35°C) were investigated. Flavour profile of the spice mix was determined by Gas Chromatography (GC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) and Kovat's index. Fifteen major flavour constituents of the spice mix namely α-pinene, β-pinene, α-terpinene, diallydisulphide, γ-terpinene, ρ-cymene, linalool, terpene-4-ol, boroneol, cuminaldehyde, β-carryophyllene, α-terpenyl acetate, eugenol, eugenolacetate and zingerone were identified and their concentrations monitored. After six months of storage, about 32-70% of the flavour components were lost due to either oxidative degradation or absorption by plastic film or migration to environment. Comparatively PET/LLD/LD and HD/LD/HD polyethylene composite films absorbed more of the flavour components than their counterparts. Changes in sensory attributes of the stored spice mix in combination with redgram dhal were also monitored during storage and found to follow the same trend as that for retention of flavour in the case of stored spice mix.

4 tables, 5 ref

024499   Shah N S;Rakhi;Singh D (Dep of Fd Sci and Technol, G.B. Pant Univ of Agric and Technol, Pantnagar-263 145) : Development of instant mushroom soup mix. Indian Fd Packer 2005, 59(6), 172-8.

Mushrooms are gaining popularity due to their nutritive and medicinal value. However, they posses a short shelf life and are available only during a specific period of the year. Hence a study was carried out to prepare instant mushroom soup mix by drying fresh mushrooms soup. The effect of drying temperature (50, 60 and 70°C), reconstitution ratio (1:6,1:8,1:10 and 1:12) and time of cooking for reconstitution (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min) on the sensory qualities i.e colour, appearance, flavour, consistency and overall acceptability of the soup was evaluated. The soup mix was also analysed for its physico-chemical composition. ERH studies were also carried out. The soup dried at 60°C was found to be the best after reconstitution. The best combination for reconstitution was found to be boiling in 1:10 volumes of water for 4 min. The critical relative humidity was found to be 52% and soup mix was found to be highly stable below the same.

2 illus, 5 tables, 11 ref

024498   Purohit I;Negi B S (NO, Coll of Engng Univ of Petrol and Energy Stud, Dehradun, Uttaranchal-248 001, Email: purohit_ishan@yahoo.com) : Performance evaluation of a box type solar cooker employing non-tracking planar reflectors. SESI Jl 2005, 15(1), 37-45.

Optical design characteristics of a box type solar cooker employing non-tracking planar reflectors for augmenting interception of solar radiation were presented earlier by the authors. A laboratory model had been designed and fabricated to investigate its thermal performance experimentally. A concentrator, consisting of two planar reflectors suitably positioned in an east-west (E-W) configuration on an inclined framework, was mounted on the box of cooker to reflect incident solar radiation into the solar cooker. Presents comparative evaluation of the thermal performance of the experimental solar cooker and a conventional box type solar cooker of identical basic dimensions. For this, tests have been carried out under no-load conditions and as well as with load under a variety of operating strategies. The results show that the concentrator solar cooker provides stagnation temperature higher by about 15-22°C and boiling of water quicker by about 50-55 min. The cooking power of the laboratory model is also found to be higher.

3 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

024497   Pinto S;Rathour A K;Jana A H;Prajapati J P; Solanky M J (Dep of Dairy Technology. S.M.C. Coll of Dairy Sci, Anand Agric Univ, Anand-388 110) : Ginger shreds as flavouring in ice cream. Nat Prod Radiance 2006, 5(1), 15-18.

Ginger ice cream was prepared in an "ice and salt" type hand freezer using ginger shreds at 4, 6 and 8% levels of ice cream mix and compared with control made by using vanilla flavouring. The basic ice cream mix had 12% fat, 11% MSNF, 15% sucrose, 0.25% sodium alginate and 0.15% glycerol mono-stearate. Addition of ginger shreds resulted in decrease in all the compositional attributes (fat, protein, sugars and total solids) and pH and an increase in acidity, which was significant especially at higher levels of shred addition. The ringer shreds tended to increase the viscosity of ice cream mixes and melting resistance of ice cream significantly, especially at higher levels of its addition. The shreds had an adverse effect on overrun in ice cream. Ice cream containing 4% ginger shreds was found suitable for preparing 'Ginger ice cream'; it had an edge over control with regard to sensory perception. The body and texture score of such ice cream increased significantly up to 6% addition, beyond which the score tended to decrease.

4 tables, 14 ref

024496   Mitra I (NO, The Energy and Resour Inst Darbari Seth Block India Habitat Cent, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003, Email: indradip@teri.res.in) : Study on solar photovoltaic-based mini-grid systems for rural electrification. SESI Jl 2005, 15(1), 25-35.

Techno-economics of commercial solar photovoltaic mini-grid systems, suitable for electrification of rural areas has been studied, considering an existing rural electrification project in Moushuni Island as the base case. The available commercial options of the mini-grid systems, which emerged from an international market survey carried out by the author to match the requirements of base case, have been considered. The basic features of the available systems alongwith results of simulation studies using a computer-based tool HOMER for various possible system configurations have been discussed.

6 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

024495   Mishra S;Mukherji A (Dep of Chem Technol, North Maharashtra Univ, Jalgaon-425 001, Email: prosm@rediffmail.com) : Effect of interaction of commercial and nano size CaSO₄ filler on mechanical and thermal properties of polyurethane foam. J scient ind Res 2006, 65(7), 582-9.

Composite foams were prepared by adding different concentration (0.5-2.5 wt%) of commercial and nano size CaSO4 filler in a single-phase polyurethane matrix. The differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) for composite as well as pure polyurethane was done to ascertain the degree of interaction of filler with the structure of matrix as active sites or strong interaction with the matrix. The degree of cell formation increases on increase in amount of nano filler in the composites whereas decreases in case of micron size filler in composites. The increment in specific gravity for nano size filler (0.17-0.3 g/cc) and in case of micron size filler (0.17-0.23 g/cc) makes a strong support for the increment of cell numbers. The significant enhancement (300%) in mechanical properties, compressive strength, and the optical and transmitsior. electron micrographs (TEM) of the cell sizes also satisties the DSC result. The decrement in amount of heat (ΔH cal/g), in case of commercial size filler for curing, shows the conduction of heat is more due to formation of cells (less in numbers) that results in reduction of rate of heating. On increasing the amount of filler in composites, specific gravity increases more in case of nano size in composites rather commercial size filler. Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) shows increment in degradation temperature in case of nano size filler. Increment of flammability for nano size filler (4.7-10.61 s/mm) and in case of commercial size filler (4.7-6.15 s/mm), shows that the incorporation of nano particles not only improves the degradation behavior but also retards the inflammable time.

11 illus, 23 ref

024494   Karthiayani A;Devadas C T (Fd & Agrl. Process Engg Dep, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Biochemical changes in canned banana slices during storage. Indian Fd Packer 2005, 59(6), 169-71.

Three varieties of banana viz, Poovan, Rasthali and Red banana were peeled, uniformly sliced to 10mm thickness and put into 301 x 205 OTS (Open Top Sanitary) cans. Sugar and jaggery syrup each of 20, 25 and 30°B were prepared and poured into the cans at fruit syrup ratio of 1:1 by volume. The processed cans were cooled, labelled and stored in clean and dry place. Storage studies were carried out for canned banana at regular intervals of one and half months of storage. The total and reducing sugar content of Poovan increased from initial value of 13.42 and 7.12 per cent to 20.8 and 9.3 per cent respectively at 4.5 months of storage. The increase was from initial value of 12.98 and 6.24 to 22.3 and 8.9 per cent respectively for Rasthali and 13.12 and 6.86 to 22.1 and 9.4 per cent respectively for Red banana at 4.5 months of storage. The ascorbic acid content of canned slices reduced to a minimum of 4.14, 3.96 and 3.92 mg/100g¹ respectively for Poovan, Rasthali and Red banana from the initial value of 5.46, 4.98 and 6.9 mg 100g-¹.

2 tables, 7 ref

024493   Kale S;Naik S;Deodhar S (Dep of Clothing and Texts, Coll of Hom Sci, MAU Prabhani-432 402) : Utilization of Cosmos sulphureus Cav. flower dye on wool using mordant combinations. Nat Prod Radiance 2006, 5(1), 19-24.

Natural dyes are biodegradable and eco-friendly. In the study an attempt is made to dye wool with Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus Cav.) flower dye using three different mordant combinations in three varying proportions and to test the fastness properties of dyed samples. The results revealed that wool could be dyed with Cosmos flower dye. Wool dyed with Cosmos flower dye exhibited excellent to outstanding sunlight fastness irrespective of mordant combination and mordating method.

3 tables, 3 ref

024492   Hegemann D (EMPA - Mater Sci & Technol, Funct Fibers and Texts, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St.Gallen, Switzerland, Email: Drik.Hegemann@empa.ch) : Plasma polymerization and its applications in textiles. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2006, 31(1), 99-115.

Plasma polymerization enables the deposition of thin coatings on all kinds of substrates using electrical monomer discharges. This paper reviews plasma polymerization processes as surface modification (finishing) for textile applications. The dry and ecofriendly plasma technology aims at replacing wet-chemical process steps and adding new values to textile products. Characteristics of hydrocarbon, organosilicon, fluorocarbon, hydrophilic functional, monofunctional and ceramic coatings have been discussed to demonstrate their potential for textiles and fibers. Plasma technology requires adequate reactors for the continuous treatment of fabrics and fibers. To enable the optimization of plasma polymerization on batch reactors, questions of up-scaling are addressed to demonstrate the transfer to an industrial level. Both atmospheric and low pressure plasmas are considered regarding their effectiveness and efficiency. Examples for applications in textiles, such as hydrophobic, oleophobic and permanent hydrophilic treatments, have also been reported.

13 illus, 118 ref

024491   Gupta N;Sharma S;Ahmad I;Kumar D (Dep of Appl Chem, Delhi Coll of Engng Univ of Delhi, Delhi-110 042, Email: drdkumar@yahoo.co.uk) : Advances in sensors based on conducting polymers. J scient ind Res 2006, 65(7), 549-57.

Conducting polymers with a blend of interesting optical and mechanical properties can be used in situations where inorganic materials are not suitable. Synthetic capabilities as well as fabrication techniques have been developed to such an extent that molecular electronic devices based on conducting polymers can be designed, marking evolution of a sophisticated technology in the field of microelectronics. These electro-active conducting polymers cover a broad spectrum of applications from solid-state technology to biotechnology and sensor technology. Addresses the various issues on sensors for chemical and biochemical species.

^iia3 illus, 2 tables, 69 ref

024490   Das T;Roy Chaudhury G (Regional, Res Lab (RRL), Bhubaneswar-751 013, Email: truptidas@rrlbhu.res.in) : Iron oxidation studies with immobilized cells of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. J scient ind Res 2006, 65(7), 594-8.

Biooxidation of iron is considered to be one of the major steps in various industrial processes like the bioleaching of low-grade sulfide ores and desulfurisation of coal. The eco-friendly phenomenon is also widely exploited for the treatment of acid mine drainage and removal of hydrogen sulfide from gaseous effluents. Iron oxidation in batch as well as continuous mode has been studied using immobilized Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Enhanced oxidation rate is achieved in a continuous mode in the column reactor and the immobilized cells are found to be very effective for the oxidation studies.

3 illus, 9 ref

024489   Chaurasia P B L;Singh H;Prasad R N (Div of Agric Engng and Energy, Cent Arid Zone Res Inst, Jodhpur-342 003, Email: pblchaurasia@yahoo.com) : Passive cool chamber for preservation of fresh vegetables. SESI Jl 2005, 15(1), 47-57.

Post harvest handling of vegetables in remote areas where these are produced to the utility points poses a severe problem, especially in hot arid regions, viz. Thar Desert, as low humidity and high temperature conditions prevailing in the region cause much faster loss of moisture content of the produce. Conventional refrigeration systems are costly and also require electricity and fossil fuels, which may not be easily available in many villages and remote areas of these regions. To address this problem, a passive cool chamber, based on the principle of evaporative cooling, has been developed to help preserve fresh vegetables for some reasonable duration. Discusses the design of the cool chamber and presents results of the experiments conducted. It is seen that the temperature fluctuations inside the chamber get reduced and higher humidity level is maintained as compared to the outside environment. Various chambers were constructed with variations in treatments, and tests were conducted for evaluation of their performance. It is seen that the cool chamber with water evaporation from the surrounding walls and the bottom, and having a provision of air circulation, gives better performance results. The cool chamber, which can be constructed at a low cost with locally avialable materials in rural areas, has been fund to successfully prolong the shelf life of vegetables.

5 illus, 7 tables, 21 ref

024488   Butera F;Adhikari R S;Aste J;Bracco R (Dept. Bldg Envir Sci and Technol, Politecnico di Milano, Via Bonardi 3, 20133 Milano, Italy, Email: rajendra.adhikari@polimi.it) : Building integrated solar roof: CRF hybrid facade case study. SESI Jl 2005, 15(1), 1-8.

Under a cooperation between Centro Ricerche Fiat (CRF) -and Politecnico di Milano, the solar facade of the FIAT Research Center (CRF) was realised recently near Turin in Italy. In this facade, the photovoltaic panels having a total power of 19.5 kWp produce electric energy, while the forced air circulation beneath the modules recovers the thermal fraction of captured solar radiation and cools the solar cells as well. The electricity generated by the photovoltaic panels is used to feed a heat pump and internal electrical loads. The produced heat is used by the air conditioning plant of the kitchen: in winter for pre-heating of the renewal air and in summer to feed the system of dehumidification (desiccant cooling). This integrated solar facade is being monitored on-line by a sophisticated monitoring system, managed by the technicians of CRF. At present, the system performance data is available for more than one-year period. The monitored performance data on solar facade are presented and an estimated data for thermal and electrical performances using the developed simulation model is also shown.

8 illus, 6 ref

024487   Berry S K (CFTRI, Resour Cent, Ludhiana) : Pomegranate: A miracle fruit. Indian Fd Packer 2005, 59(6), 189-94.

^iia1 table, 24 ref

024486   Basu A K;Chattopadhyay P;Roychudhuri U; Chakraborty R (Dep of Fd Technol and Biochem Engng, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032, Email: crunu@hotmail.com) : Development of biosensor based on immobilized L-glutamate oxidase for determination of monosodium glutamate in food. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(5), 392-8.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) biosensor with immobilized L-glutamate oxidase (L-GLOD) has been developed and studied for analysis of MSG in sauces, soup etc. The immobilized enzymatic membrane was attached with oxygen electrode with a push cap system. The detection limit of the sensor was 1 mg/dl and the standard curve was found to be linear upto 20 mg/dl. Response time of the sensor was 2 min. Cross-linking with glutaraldehyde in presence of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) as a spacer molecule has been used for immobilization. Optimization of the sensor was done with an increase in L GLOD concentration (6.3-31.5 IU) and also with increase in loading volume of enzyme solution (5-20 μl). Optimization of pH and temperature was also studied. The permeability of O₂ through different membrane was studied with and without immobilized L-GLOD. The enzymatic membrane was used for over 20 measurements and stability of the membrane was observed.

7 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

024485   Anuj Kumar;Milgani P;Gupta R K;Bhattacharya T K (Dep of Envir Sci and Pwr Engng, G. B Pant Univ of Agric and Technol, Pantnagar-263 145) : Impact of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) on biogassification of potato waste. J envir Biol 2006, 27(1), 61-6.

Study was conducted on anaerobic digestion of potato waste and cattle manure mixture, inoculated with 12 % inoculum and diluted to 1:1 substrate water ratio at 37±1 °C. Initially pH of substrate was found to be 4.5 to 5.0. Lime and sodium bicarbonate solutions were employed to adjust the pH to 7.5. Biogas production continued upto 10 and 7 days, when lime and sodium bicarbonate solutions were used to adjust the pH, respectively. Biogassification potential was studied in response to different ratio of waste and cattle manure. Biogas production rate was higher when potato waste and cattle manure were used in 50:50 ratio. Effect of two different concentrations (2.5 and 5.0 ppm) of three heavy metals viz. (Ni (II), Zn (II) and Cd (II)) on anaerobic digestion of substrate (potato waste -cattle manure, 50:50) was studied. At 2.5 ppm, all the three heavy metals increased biogas production rate over the control value. The percentage increase in biogas production over the control was highest by Cd, followed by Ni and Zn. In all the treatments, methane content of biogas increased with increase in time after feeding. Various physico-chemical parameters viz. total solids, total volatile solids, total organic carbon and chemical oxygen demand considerably declined after 7 days of digestion and decline was greater in presence of heavy metals as compared to control. The physico-chemical parameters revealed maximum decrease in the presence of 2.5-ppm concentrations of heavy metals with the substrate. Among all the three heavy metals employed in the study, Cd++ at 2.5 ppm was found to produce maximum biogas production rate. The use of three heavy metals to enhance biogas production from potato and other horticultural waste is discussed.

6 tables, 23 ref

024484   Agnihotry S A (Electronic Mater Div, Natn Phys Lab, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Road, New Delhi-110 012, Email: suhasavi@bol.net.in) : Energy efficient windows: a review. SESI Jl 2005, 15(1), 9-24.

Electrochromic windows (ECWs) or the so called "Smart windows" are characterised by their ability to vary the throughput of radiant energy (visible light as well as solar energy) by electrical low voltage pulse. ECWs have an unique application potential, especially for new energy technologies and efficient use of energy in buildings. Covers various issues like the ECWs design and fabrication, materials and techniques for the preparation of the components that integrate to form ECWs, the mechanism of involved processes, performance characteristics of individual components and the finished ECW product and special techniques to assess them. Covering the national and international scenario of the present electrochromic technologies and the ECWs, the future ECW technology is predicted to be driven by nanotechnology, yielding ECWs with much superior performance.

11 illus, 43 ref

023496   Shiv Prasad;Joshi H C;Sharma R K;Jain N; Kaushik R (Div of Envir Sci, Indian Agric Res Inst, New Delhi-110 012) : Ethanol production potential of sweet sorghum cultivars as renewable energy and determination of optimal stage of harvesting. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2006, 14(1), 14-20.

It has been found that among the different stages of growth of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) milking stage is more suitable and optimum for harvesting of sorghum stalk for maximum yield of sweet juice. Fermentation of sorghum cultivar stalk juice into ethanol was done by yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae NC1M 3186. Ethanol yields in the different sorghum cultivars was estimated based on ethanol yield coefficient and fermentation efficiency of yeast. Maximum ethanol production potential within the sorghum cultivars in both single and multicut types was 1661 L/ha and 3236 L/ha, respectively in PCH109, which was found to be the best for ethanol production and can be used as a source of renewable energy production.

4 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

023495   Sharma R;Sharma P C (Dep of Postharvest Technol, Dr Y S Parmar Univ of Hort and For, Solan-173 230, Email: rakeshsharmakot@rediffmail.com) : Storage behaviour of olive (Olea europaea L.) oil in different packages. J scient ind Res 2006, 65(3), 244-7.

Storage behaviour of olive oil extracted from three promising cultivars (Olea europaea L. cv. Coratino, Leccino and Frantoio) was evaluated during storage up to 6 months after packing in transparent and amber coloured glass bottles. Carotino gave highest oil yield (42.15%) followed by Leccino (41.80%) and Frantoio (38.60%) on dry basis. Free fatty acids (FFAs) and peroxide value of oil of different cultivars ranged from 0.96-1.10% and 5.36-13.08%, respectively. Higher degree of unsaturation (Iodine Value) was recorded in cultivar Leccino followed by Frantoio. which decreased from initial values of 81.53 and 79.00 to 76.60 and 76.10, respectively during storage of 6 months. The olive oil from Coratino recorded highest value of total phenols (0.231 mg/g) as against only 0.088 mg/g in Leccino. During storage, oil from ail the cultivars packed in either of the package (transparent or coloured) registered some increase in their FFAs. peroxide value, saponification value and unsaponifiable matter with corresponding decline in their Iodine Value and total phenols. Further, the oils packed in coloured/ opaque glass bottles exhibited comparatively less changes in quality characteristics during storage. Thus, packing of oil in coloured bottles seems to be more appropriate for better retention of quality during storage. However, the overall quality of all the oils remained well within the specified standards of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA) and Codex Alimentarius Commission.

3 tables, 13 ref

023494   Raghava Chari S (NO, Consultant, USA, Email: srchari2001@yahoo.co.in) : Labyrinth, oil film and dry gas seals for centrifugal compressors. Indian J Fertil 2005, 1(7), 13-17.

Dry gas seals the new entrant in the seal systems of centrifugal compressors have virtually eliminated the conventional oil film seals during the past 20-years. Practically 90% new compressors of discharge pressure and temperature upto 250-bars and 400°C come with dry gas seals respectively. Many retrofits are also highly successful due to several advantages like absence of complex oil systems consisting of high-pressure pumps, overhead tanks, level control systems, resultant energy and maintenance savings etc.

10 illus, 1 table

023493   Malhotra S R;Sharma A;Bhama S (Dep of Fd Sci and Nutr, Coll of Hom Sci CSK H.P. Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062) : Nutritional evaulation of legume based preparations commonly consumed in H.P.. Himachal J agric Res 2005, 31(1), 110-14.

Legume and pulse preparations commonly consumed in H.P namely Telia mash, Roungi madhra, Moong dal, Khatti masoor dal and Khatti arhar dal were analyzed. The protein content of the preparations ranged from 20.12 to 25.69%, whereas the fat content was 8.63% as minimum and 38.5% as the maximum. Ash content varied from 3.25 to 8.64%. The crude fibre ranged from 0.56 to 3.92% while the carbohydrate content was found to be as low as 29 to 73%. Energy content was 366-565 Kcal/100 g. The mineral content namely calcium and iron varied from 71.16-94.54 mg/100 g and 2.9-6.1 mg/100g, respectively.

3 tables, 5 ref

023492   K A Baliga;Subramanian G;Reddy M Sreenivasa; Udupa N (NO, Manipal Coll of Pharm Sci MAHE, Manipal-576 104) : Pharmaceutical rgulatory affairs: an academic perspective. Indian J pharm Educ Res 2005, 39(4), 213-5.

Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device research and development are among the highly regulated industries in the country. As India is growing very rapidly in pharmaceutical sector, there is a need for regulatory affairs professionals to cater to the current needs of industry in the global competition. They are the link between pharmaceutical industries and worldwide regulatory agencies. They are required to be well versed in the laws, regulations and guidelines from the regulatory agencies. There is a growing need to incorporate the current requirements of pharmaceutical industries in the standard curriculum of pharmacy colleges to prepare the students with the latest developments to serve the industries. Regulatory education and its needs, learning resources, courses available, syllabus content and job opportunities in regulatory affairs has been discussed.

8 ref

023491   Girish Prakash (NO, Tata Chemicals Limited - Fertil Works, Babrala-242 021, Email: girishprakash@tatachemicals.corn) : Strategies for urea plant optimisation. Indian J Fertil 2005, 1(7), 21-4.

Urea plant is relatively less complex as compared with ammonia plant. But, due to extensive recycling and relatively simple control loops the optimisation of urea plant is a tricky issue. The amount of water recycling and precise temperature control of the streams play a crucial role in the optimisation of the urea plant. Simple modifications in the control loops without any investment can lead to optimised process parameters leading to saving low-pressure steam to the tune of 4 tph (max.). The modifications are relatively simple and can be done in-house.

2 illus

023490   Chaudhari G N;Padole P R;Patil S S;Khandekar U S;Sapkal V S;Manorama S V (Dep of Chem, Thin Films and Gas Sensor Lab, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati-444 603, Email: gnc4@indiatimes.com) : Effect of additives on Al₂O₃ based LPG sensors. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2006, 13(1), 87-90.

Sensitivity and selectivity of Al₂O₃ thick films for LPG gas sensor have been examined. The structural properties of AL₂O₃ have been examined by means of XRD and the surface morphology by the SEM studies. XRD confirmed the complete phase formation at 800°C for 6 h, The sensing properties and response time of (1 wt%) Pd:(10 .wt%) Cr₂O₃ doped Al₂O₃ have been characterized by d.c. electrical measurements for different gases. The element is exposed to several gases such as LPG, CO, CH₄ in dry air. It shows good sensitivity and selectivity towards LPG at low operating temperature.

6 illus, 23 ref