016725   Pal S;Bandyopadhyay A K;Pal P G;Mukherjee S; Samaddar B N (Ceramic Technology Dep, Government College of Engineering and Ceramic Technology, Kolkata-700 010, Email: pgp1951@rediffmail.com) : Sintering behaviour of spine-alumina composites. Bull Mater Sci 2009, 32(2), 169-76.

Study of alumina-magnesia binary phase diagram reveals that around 40-50 wt% alumina dissolves in spinel (MgAl₂O₄) at 1600°C. Solid solubility of alumina in spinel decreases rapidly with decreasing temperature, which causes exsolution of alumina from spinel phase. Previous work of one of the authors revealed that the exsolution of alumina makes some interlocking structures in between alumina and spinel phases. In the investigation, refractory grade calcined alumina and spinel powder were used to make different batch compositions. Green pellets, formed at a pressure of 1550 kg cm^{-2 were fired at different temperatures of 1500°, 1550° and 1600°C for 2 h soaking time. Bulk density, percent apparent porosity, firing shrinkage etc were measured at each temperature. Sintering results were analysed to understand the mechanism of spinel-alumina interactions. SEM study of present samples does not reveal the distinct precipitation of needle shaped α-alumina from spinel, but has some effect on densification process of spinel-alumina composites. Microstructural differences between present and previous work suggest an ample scope of further work in spinel-alumina composites.}

7 illus, 7 tables, 14 ref

016724   Mohapatra M;Khatun S;Anand S (NO, Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 013, Email: anand.shashi@gmail.com) : Adsorption of heavy metal ions on manganese nodule leach residue - a comparative study. Pollut Res 2008, 27(3), 563-8.

Manganese nodule leach residue which is generated after leaching of valuable metals such as Cu, Ni and Co comprises of manganese oxides in various oxidation states, iron oxide and silica as the major phases. These oxides can provide active sites for adsorption of anions and cations. The present study discusses adsorption of heavy metal ions namely Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) on a typical sample of manganese nodule leach residue, generated after reductive leaching of Manganese Nodules under ammoniacal conditions. The various experimental parameters changed were: time, pH, concentration of adsorbate and adsorbent. The adsorption of Cu(II), Cd (II) and Zn(II) followed first order kinetics. The adsorption data for Cu(II) and Cd(II) fitted well to Langmuir isotherm whereas the Pb(II) and Zn(II) adsorption followed Freundlich isotherm. The maximum loading capacities for Cu(II) Cd(II) Pb(II) and Zn(II) were estimated to be 22, 21.22, 119, 18.65 mg/g respectively under the conditions: adsorbent concentration 2 g/L, temperature 308 K, time 60 minutes and pH 5.5. The data shows a high potential for utilization of manganese nodule leach residue for mitigation of heavy metals ions especially lead from aqueous solutions.

9 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

016723   Mishra R;Dora K C (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kakatpur, Puri Orissa) : Frozen storage study of fish balls prepared from tilapia. Asian J Anim Sci 2008, 3(1), 74-6.

As part of work on the development of fish paste products, particularly from cheap fish, studies were carried out on the preparation of fish balls from freshwater tilapia fish and their shelf-life under frozen storage. Two types of fish balls, one boiled and the other boiled and fried, were prepared and their shelf-life at -20° was studies. Both types of fish balls maintained their acceptable quality for 90 days. There was hardly any difference in their shelf-life, nor in their protein content, which generally ranged from 11.8 to 13.2%. However, panel tests indicated that the fried balls were more acceptable. The products were found to be free from food poisoning and indicator organisms.

4 tables, 9 ref

016722   Manna P;Dora K C;Mishra R (Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal) : Effect of water washing on the quality of minced meat prepared from marine cat fish (Aurius sp.). Asian J Anim Sci 2009, 4(2), 171-4.

Effect of washing with chilled water (meat: water ratio 1:2) on the quality of mince from marine catfish (Aurius sp.) was studied. Samples of minced meat were drawn at the end of washing for analysis of physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics. Washing the meat reduced fat and water soluble protein. Reduction in total plate count was marginal. No significant improvement in mince meat characteristics was noticed after 2^{nd wash on the 1st wash. Washing of mince meat of marine cat fish for single time, with a suspension time of 5 min. was found to be optimum in improving the meat characteristics.}

3 tables, 20 ref

016721   Krithika V;Radhai Sri S (Nutrition and Dietetics Dep, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Quality characteristics of navarathna nutri mix and its substitution in food preparation. Asian J Home Sci 2009, 3(2), 115-17.

Value addition by incorporating millets and pulses in daily food preparations seem to be a current trend to provide needed nutrients for maintaining health status. Considering this, a study was undertaken to develop Navarathna Nutri mix (NNM) and analyze its physico-chemical and nutrient characteristics and shelf-life. The mix was prepared with a cereal, three kinds of millets, four types of pulses and an oilseed. The mix possessed optimum levels of moisture and ash and provided 65.4, IS, 3.04 g per cent of carbohydrates, protein and fat, respectively. The total bacterial and yeast count in the mix were well within the permissible level on 30 days of storage. Organoleptic characteristics of mix were tested by substituting it at different levels (10-50 per cent) in fermented batter, wheat flour and rice flour for the preparations of idli, dosa, chapatti and puttu. Sensory evaluation conducted with five point hedonic scale showed that the scores attained for higher level of substitution (50 per cent) were maximum and well acceptable. The results highlighted that the substitution of nutri blend would improve the quality, palatability, add variety and strengthen the nutritional value of the traditional food preparations.

7 table, 5 ref

016720   Fangli Y;Jianfeng Y;Yaohui X;Jun D;Yuan L; Jiqiang G (NO, State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Xi'an Jiat, Xi'an 710049, P.R. China, Email: yang155@mail.xjtu.edu.cn) : Effects of talc and clay addition on pressureless sintering of porous Si₃N4 ceramics. Bull Mater Sci 2009, 32(2), 177-81.

Porous Si₃N₄ ceramics were successfully synthesized using cheaper talc and clay as sintering additives by pressureless sintering technology and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the ceramics were also investigated. The results indicated that the ceramics consisted of elongated β-Si₃N₄ and small Si₂N₂O grains. Fibrous β-Si₃N₄ grains developed in the porous microstructure, and the grain morphology and size were affected by different sintering conditions. Adding 20% talc and clay sintered at 1700°C for 2 h, the porous Si₃N₄ ceramics were obtained with excellent properties. The final mechanical properties of the Si₃N₄ ceramics were as follows: porosity, P_o = 45.39%; density, ρ = 1.663.g.cm^{-3; flexural strength, σ_b (average) = 131.59 MPa; Weibull modulus, m = 16.20.}

5 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

016719   Desale R J;Dhole P T;Deshmukh A R;Nimase R G (Animal Science and Dairy Science Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra) : Quality evaluation of market paneer. Asian J Anim Sci 2009, 4(1), 73-4.

Attempt was made to evaluate the chemical and microbiological quality of paneer marketed in Ahmednagar city of Maharashtra state. The quality of paneer was assessed in terms of physical, chemical and microbiological attributes. The samples were collected from the various locations of the Ahmednagar city and grouped in to seven different categories (A to G). The moisture content was ranged from 42.62 to 60.3 9 per cent. While for fat content from 16 to 28 per cent and for protein content ranged from 15.06 to 20.33 per cent. The average standard plate count per gram of market samples of paneer ranged from 1 x 10^{4 to 224 x 105 cfu/g. The average number of coliform per gram of paneer samples in the range of 12.6 x 103 to 23.2 x 103 cfu/g. The yeast and mould count per gram of paneer ranged between 1x 102and99x l02 cfu/g.}

2 tables, 5 ref

016718   Chakraborty A;Dora K C;Sarkar S;Chowdhury S (Fish Procesing Technology Dep, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal) : Shelf-life of surimi prepared from Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during frozen storage. Asian J Anim Sci 2009, 4(1), 18-21.

Attempt has been made to prepare surimi from Tilapia (Oreochronis niloticus) and to study its shelf-life during frozen storage. The fresh materials were divided into three groups. One group of whole fish after thorough cleaning was taken as control sample. The second group i.e. minced meat was prepared and subjected to water washing using chilled water (5°C). This was done in order to remove blood, pigments, fat etc. and subsequently dewatered by gently squeezing in a muslin cloth bringing down the moisture content to about 80%. The sample was packed in low density polyethylene (LDPE) bags. The third group i.e. after dewatering, the meat was mixed with 4% sorbitol and 0.3% sodium tripolyphosphate in a bowl chopper for 5 minutes maintaining temperature of 10-12°C and the sample was packed in bags as in case of 2nd sample. All the three samples were frozen at-35°C and stored in a cold storage maintained at a temperature of-18°C. The present investigation indicates that the production and frozen storage of Tilapia surimi offers a potential means of processing fresh water fish. Addition of suitable cryoprotectants can improve the stability of Tilapia mince significantly.

4 tables, 28 ref

016717   Abioye V F;Babarinde G O (Food Science and Engineering Dep, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso (NIGERIA), Email: gobabarinde@yahoo.com) : Potentials of fonio (Digitaria iburua) for production of breakfast meal. Ultra Scient phys Sci 2009, 21(2), 233-8.

This study was carried out to develop a product from fonio, Digitaria iburua, and to evaluate the physical, chemical and sensory attributes of the developed product. Fonio grain was cleaned, steam cooked and drum dried to give a flaking roll. The thickness and the colour of the developed fonio meal was comparable to that of the commercial oat. Proximate composition of the meal indicated a moisture content of 9.02%; protein, 8.44%; fat, 1.49%; ash, 0.56%; carbohydrate, 80.66% and crude fibre, 0.71%. It was also high in calcium (8.14mg/100g), phosphorus (28.40mg/100g) and iron (10.74mg/100g). The amino acid profile was attractive having six of the essential amino acids: lysine (32.26mg/100g), threonine (11.95mg/ 100g), methionine (6.7mg/100g), leucine (38.89mg/100g), iso-leucine (17.21mg/100g) and tryptophan (4.53mg/l00g). In sensory evaluation, the panellists rated the product better than commercial oat meal, but statistical analysis indicated that the difference between the meal and a commercial oat product was not significant (P>0.05).

1 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

014476   Yu H;Zhai Q Z (Research Center for Nanotechnology, Changchun Univ of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, Jilin Province, P.R. China, Email: zhaiqingzhou@163.com) : Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of SBA-15 molecular sieve. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(4), 2745-54.

In the present study, SBA-15 molecular sieve was successfully synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis method, using poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propyl glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (EG₂PG₄₀EG₂₀) as a template. The time of synthesis of SBA-15 molecular sieve by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis method only needs 125 min, synthetical speed is 34 times faster than that by the conventional hydrothermal synthesis method. The results showed that the primary particles of the samples present acicular crystals. The longness is 100 μm for SBA-15 sample synthesized by microwave method in 5 min (S₁) and 64 μm for SBA-15 sample synthesized by microwave method in 0.5 h (S₂), respectively. The diameters are 4.5 μm for S₁ sample and 3.6 μm for S₂ sample, respectively. These data showed that the sizes of the SBA-15 molecular sieve synthesized by present method were much bigger than those by the conventional hydrothermal synthesis method and by the other microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis methods.

5 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

014475   Uylaser V;Incedayi B;Tamer C E;Yilmaz N;Copur O U (Food Engineering Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Uludag Univ, 16059 Gorukle-Bursa, Turkey, Email: uylaserv@uludag.edu.tr) : Physico-chemical properties and fatty acid composition of gemlik variety olives. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(4), 2861-8.

Olive is one of the basic food takes place in the Mediterranean alimentary model. It is an important food on account of its nutritional value besides its economical contribution to national economy. Olive oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids and its fatty acid composition affected from environmental factors and variety. In this study some quality criteria and fatty acid composition of the Gemlik variety olive, one of the most important table olives of Turkey, were examined. Olives grown in 4 different districts of Bursa were used as material. They were analyzed for their number of olive fruit per kg (248 ± 38.05-295 ± 49.32), flesh/stone weight ratio (4.03 ± 0.66-5.64 ± 0.53), pH (5.27 ± 0.15-5.50 ± 0.29), dry matter (47.28 ± 4.92-49.68 ± 3.65%), protein (2.23 ± 0.29-2.87 ± 0.54%), reducing sugar (1.98 ± 0.55-2.52 ± 0.32%), ash (1.58 ± 0.11 -1.79 ″ 0.52%), oil (22.74 ± 9.85-31.34 ± 6.67%) and fatty acid composition. Growing of olives in different districts are actually very near to each other caused the differences of their composition especially flesh/stone weight ratio, protein value and fatty acid composition.

2 tables, 29 ref

014474   Uremis I;Arslan M;Sangun M K (Plant Pretection Dep, Mustafa Kemal Univ, 31034 Hatay, Turkey, Email: iuremis@mku.edu.tr) : Hebicidal activity of essential oils on the germination of some problem weeds. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(4), 3199-210.

The herbicidal activities of volatile compounds of plant origin (sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum L.; common sage, Salvia officinalis L.; English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia Mill.; lemon balm, Melissa officinalis L. and common thyme i.e., Thymus vulgaris) were studied against 3 weeds (common cocklebur, Xanthium strumarium L.; sterile wild oat, Avena sterilis L. and short spiked canarygrass, Phalaris brachystachys L.) in laboratory experiments. Chemical composition of the essential oils were determined by capillary gas chromatography (GC) and GC/MS. The essential oil composition varied with the species. Thymol, geranial and p-thujone were the main constituent of T. vulgaris, M. officinalis and S. officinalis oils, respectively. Linalool was the main constituent of O. basilicum and L. angustifolia oils. Each essential oil was applied at the concentrations of 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 uL on the filter paper at the top of the Petri dishes to determine germination and growth bioassays. Inhibition rate of essential oils increased with the increasing concentrations. Essential oils of T. vulgaris had the highest inhibitory effect on the germination of X. strumarium and A. sterilis, on the other hand essential oil of O. basilicum had the highest inhibitory effects on the germination of P. brachystachys. Each essential oil suppressed seedling and root growth of the tested weeds. Essential oil of O. basilicum, S. officinalis, L. angustifolia, M. officinalis and T. vulgaris could be used as alternatives of herbicides to suppress germination of X. strumarium, A. sterilis and Phalaris brachystachys seeds in organic farming systems.

3 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

014473   Umesi N O;Ideriah T J;Abah S (Chemical Engineering Dep, Port Harcourt Univ, Choba P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Email: umesi2000@yahoo.com) : Background concentration of NO₂ prior to construction and operation of a gas-fired power plant in the niger delta region of Nigeria. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(2), 592-602.

Concentrations of NO₂ were monitored in the ambient air during a one-year period in an area proposed for a major upgrade of an existing gas-fired power plant and the construction and operation of a new gas-fired power plant. The new plant will be located immediately adjacent to the existing facility. The exercise was with a view to establish the status of NO₂ in this environment prior to commencement of project activities. The project area is predominantly rural and the existing power plant, the only anthropogenic source of NO₂ in the area at the moment, was operating at below optimal capacity. Seven sites were chosen to cover an area within a radius of 5 km of the power station. Another site, 13 km further downwind of the power station was also chosen. It was not possible to choose an area as further upwind as the 13 km downwind site because of the potential influence of both a petrochemical plant and a natural gas processing facility. The survey covered the two seasons prevalent in the Niger Delia region of Nigeria and the existing power station was operating at the same throughput the period of the survey. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations ranged from 8.5 μg/m3 in September to 22.4 μ g/m₁ in January. The annual mean values ranged from 14.5 to I5.7 μ g/m^{3. These values were considerably below the Nigerian ambient air quality standards recommended by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the World Health Organization air quality guide values. They were however consistently higher during the dry season than during the rainy season. The concentrations were particularly low during July and September; the two months with the highest rainfall. There are on comprehensive data on the ambient concentrations of NO₂ for the two seasons in the project area. This survey is, therefore, significant because it will form the basis against which future ambient concentration changes in NO, will be compared.}

5 illus, 4 tables, 33 ref

014472   Selvabharathi G;Kanmani S (Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: skanmani@hotmail.com) : Tertiary treatment of pulp and paper industrial wastewater by electro-fenton process. J envir Sci Engng 2010, 52(2), 103-6.

The feasibility of decolourisation/degradation of secondary treated pulp and paper industrial wastewater was investigated by Electro-Fenton process. The wastewater was dark brown in colour, toxic odorous, having high COD (34800 mg/L), BOD₃ (4900 mg/L) and non-biodegradable (0.14 -BOD₃/COD ratio). The study was carried out to evaluate the effects of the operating variables, viz. pH, dosage of Fe^{2+, concentration of hydrogen peroxide, current efficiency and contact time. The kinetic results show pseudo-first order degradation, with a rate constant of reaction between COD/COD₀. The maximum colour removal up to 95% and COD removal upto 90% were obtained at pH 3, Fe2+ dosage 125 mg/L, concentration of H₂O₂1500 mg/L, applied current 2.2 A for 120 minutes of contact time. This feasibility study has proved that Electro-Fenton process could be an appropriate tertiary treatment for secondary treated pulp and paper industrial wastewater.}

2 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

014471   Sarode S C (NO, College of Agriculture, Saralgaon, Thane, Maharashtra) : Physiological storage characteristics of some improved varieties of banana Musa paradisiaca L.. Asian J envir Sci 2010, 4(2), 129-32.

Three banana varieties viz., Williams, Zeling and Grand Nain were packed in polyethylene bags with ventilation and stored at room temperature (32 ±2°C), cold storage (20±2°C) and deep freezer (4 ± 2°C).Changes in storage characteristics were recorded at 3 days intervals till the fruit's condition turned to rejectable stage. There was increase in PLW, PLW/IW ratio and pulp/peel ratio with increase in storage period.

3 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

014470   Ruth Assumi S;Pillo N;Kabir J (Post Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, Email: j_kabir@rediffmail.com) : Storage behaviour of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) as influenced by pre-packaging in polyethylene bags. Crop Res 2009, 37(1-3), 107-11.

Blanching pretrcated (viz., hot water blanching, vapour blanching and no blanching) okra fruits were packed in consumer size polyethylene bags of 200 gauge thickness with different perforations viz., 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% and stored in ambient condition (21.5 to 29°C and 54 to 70% RH). It was found that hot water blanching was superior to no blanching and vapour blanching. Lower the perforation rate, better was the retention of quality and polyethylene packaging with non-perforation being the best treatment. The effect of blanching treatment with perforation indicated thatT₂P_o (Hot water blanching x non-perforation) was best because of least physiological loss in weight (PLW), blackening x and also due to good sensory score throughout the storage period upto 12 days. This was closely followed by T₁ P_o (No blanching non-perforation). Other treatments like T₂P, (Hot water blanching x 1% perforation) and T₁P₁ (No blanching x 1% perforation) were effective in retaining the marketable quality upto 6-8 days only as evident from PLW and blackening of fruits.

4 tables, 6 ref

014469   Oz M;Karasu A;Cakmak I;Goksoy A T;Ozmen N (Mustafa Kemal Pasa Vocational High School, Uludag Univ, Bursa, Turkey, Email: momer@uludag.edu.tr) : Protein, oil and fatty acid contents of hybrids and their parents of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Asian J Chem 2009, 21(4), 3099-106.

This research was earned out to determine the contents of protein, oil, fatty acids and the correlation coefficients and heterosis effects for sunflower parents and hybrids. Field trials were conducted during 2004-06, using randomized complete block design with four replications in Mustafa Kemal Pasa, Bursa, Turkey. Three cytoplasmic male sterile lines (CMS01, CMS10 and CMS23) and 2 restorer lines (RHA03 and RHA10) were crossed and obtained 6 hybrid lines (CMS01 x RHA03, CMS10 x RHA03, CMS23 x RHA03, CMS01 x RHA10, CMS10 x RHA10 and CMS23 x RHA10). Protein contents varied among 15.92-23.59%, oil contents 36.33-50.15%, oleic acid rates 27.91-49.71%, linoleic acid 43.25-60.38%, palmitic acid 3.32-6,70% and stearic acid rates 3.30-6.48%. Heterosis rates were found -2.6 to +27.07% for protein content, -9.62 to +19.88% for oil, -10.54 to +30.88% for oleic acid, -24.81 to +5.20% for linoleic acid, -41.92 to + 16.11% for palmitic acid and -4.62 to +69.81% for stearic acid rates. Protein content was negatively correlated with oil (r = -0.468**), linoleic acid (r = -0.495**) and palmitic acid (r = -0.349*) and positively correlated with oleic acid (r = 0.482**) and stearic acid (r = 0.544**). It was recorded that there was negative and the highest correlation coefficient between oleic acid and linoleic acid (r = -0.958**), whereas the high positive correlation was fixed between oleic acid and stearic acid (r = 0.576**).

3 tables, 33 ref

014468   Orak H H (Food Technology Dep of Vocational School of Technical Science, Namik Kemal Univ, Tekirdag, Turkey, Email: horak@nku.edu.tr) : Determination of glucose and fructose and fructose contents of some important red grape varieties by HPLC. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(4), 3068-72.

Glucose, fructose and sucrose contents of 24 different red grape varieties (Vitis vinifera), grown in Turkey, were determined by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Among analyzed samples glucose content of varieties varied from 5.98% (Alicante) to 12.21% (Gewurztraminer) and the fructose content was ranged between 5.93% (Bogakere) and 12.66% (Md. Jean Mattihas). Sucrose was determined in three different varieties which were Kalecik karasi, Md. Jean Mattihas and Cinsault.

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

014467   Kulkarni M B;Mahanwar P A;Sonawane S (Polymer Engg Dep, Maharashtra Institute of Tech., Kothrud, Pune-38, Email: mbkulkarni_kop@rediffmail.com) : Effect of untreated and treated fly ash on properties of polypropylene filled composite. J Envir Res Dev 2009, 4(1), 193-201.

Fly ash, a by-product of thermal power plants available in abundance, is not an eco-friendly material. If ways can be found to use this, it will serve the twin purposes of facilitating applications for the ash bearing materials and at the same time reduce pollution. One way to achieve this task is to make ash-bearing composites having polymer matrices. In this manuscript we have attempted to study the effect of untreated and treated fly ash on the properties of Polypropylene filled compositions, which is to make an effective utilization of the fly ash as a filler material by carrying out the surface modification of the filler prior to compounding. Coupling agents used for the following research are aminostearamide and polyisobutylene amine. Properties investigated on the filled polymers were tensile strength and impact strength, etc. Comparison of the properties of the composites filled with untreated and treated fly ash in Polypropylene established that prior surface treatment of fly ash leads to better mechanical properties. It was found that the treated fly ash filled Polypropylene compositions showed improvement in% Elongation and Impact strength and with marginal reduction in tensile strength as compared to untreated fly ash filled Polypropylene compositions.

4 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

014466   Kakati B K;Guptha K R;Verma A (Chemical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam-781 039, Email: anil.verma@iitg.ernet.in) : Fabrication of composite bipolar plate for proton exchange membrane fuel cell. J Envir Res Dev 2009, 4(1), 202-11.

With the shortage of oil and gas resources and global climate change emerging as high concerns, the need for new technologies to alleviate the dependence on hydrocarbons and reduced carbon dioxide (COa) emissions is becoming stringent. Considerable efforts have been given to develop commercially viable technologies to reduce the CO2 emission by the use of fossil fuel, producing hydrogen from fossil fuel, using nuclear and renewable energy sources and to develop fuel cells. Among all the energy sources fuel cells are getting importance as one of the most promising clean energy sources for stationary as well as automotive application. Considerable efforts have been given worldwide for the development of cost effective fuel cells. Bipolar plate is one of the key components of the fuel cell, which consumes around 38% of the total cost and contributes around 80% of the total stack weight. In this study composite bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) were developed by compression molding technique using vinyl ester resin as a polymer matrix and natural graphite as reinforcement. U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) target values were taken as the benchmark for the development and investigation of the bipolar plate. The composite bipolar plates were characterized for density, porosity, electrical conductivity, flexural strength, shore hardness and corrosion resistance. At 25% resin content the composite bipolar plate achieved the US DOE benchmark for density, electrical conductivity, shore hardness and corrosion resistance. However, the flexural strength of the composite bipolar plate was not upto the bench mark set by the US DOE.

9 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

014465   Gosavi P G;Mirashi A S;Waghmare A S;Rajeev Singh (NO, P.V.G's C.O.E.T, Pune-9, Email: arch_s_m@yahoo.co.in) : Biogas and marine board using waste green leaves. J Envir Res Dev 2010, 4(3), 695-704.

In the rural areas, green leaves and stems mainly from vegetable crops, banana, grapes, etc., are underutilized after harvesting. Some green leaves and stem are used as fodder for animals which is not completely digested by them. Otherwise they are burned or thrown away. Green leaves contain proteinous matter, waxes, resin, lignin and cellulose. Many people are under impression that green leaves and stems produce good manure. They have no idea that cellulose and lignin in these green leaves cannot give good quality of manure and even cannot be decomposed easily. Our idea of a Bio-Village will give biogas to the villagers. The green leaves and the stems are crushed to produce juice. This juice is fermented to produce biogas which can be used for cooking. Also the residual lignin + cellulose (lingo-cellulose) can be used to make the doors and windows of houses, furniture etc. Here, the ligno-cellulose bonds are partially broken and made them to be in-situ bonds again to form dense hard-board. The strength of ligno-cellulose can be enhanced by adding phenol resin to the ligno-cellulose residue. We assume that a group of few villages come forward to produce biogas centrally which further can be distributed amongst them. The low cost set up for manufacture of particle wood can also be established in the village which can provide the employment to the villagers. Gandhiji always said that Villages should prosper, then Country will prosper and then the World.

3 illus, 11 ref

014464   Gaytancioglu O;Gecgel U;Lorcu F;Afacan A (Agricultural Economics Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Namik Kemal Univ, Tekirdag 59030 Turkey, Email: ogaytancioglu@nku.edu.tr) : Chemical composition of vegetables oils the usage of analytic hierarchy process technique in preference of consumer vegetable oils buying. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(4), 3219-26.

In this research consumer preferences for refined oils marketed in Turkey are analyzed with respect to their characteristics. This analysis is also made according to physical characteristics such as view, odour and packaging as well as chemical characteristics such as quantity of oleic acid, amount of energy, composition values of oil acids. According to the research findings obtained from consumers, although the most important factor for purchasing is sale price, but it is understood that odour and the quantity of trans and cis oleic acid affects consumer preferences to an important extent. Analytic hierarchy process, a technique for decision making when evaluating customer preferences, is used. The analytic hierarchy process is a useful decision methodology that can be applied in vegetables oil preferences as well as in consumer. In this research, an evaluation is made of 5 oil breed by using the analytic hierarchy process according to criteria determined by 600 consumer.

8 tables, 11 ref

014463   Atasever M;Unsal C;Karakaya Y;Canakci G; Adiguzel (Food Science and Technology Dep, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Ataturk Univ, 25240-Erzurum, Turkey, Email: gulsah@atauni.edu.tr ) : Presence of some pathogen microorganisms of cag kebab. Biosci Res Bull 2009, 25(2), 59-68.

Cag kebab is a special Turkish meal prepared from lamb meat and seasoned with salt, yoghurt, onion, and black pepper. The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological quality of cag kebab. In the study, a total of 42 raw samples and 42 done samples of cag kebab were investigated for microbiological aspect. The objective of this research was to acquaint the product and to determine hygienic quality of the cag kebabs sold in the Erzurum restaurant. The samples were examined for pH values, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast, molds, Eschericltia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridiiim perfringens and œ. coli O157: H7. As a result, average pH values of the raw and done cag kebab samples were as 5.24±0.22 and 5.70±0.37, respectively. Average values in the raw samples; the number of the microorganisms (log₁₀) were determined as total aerobic mesophilic bacteria 5.85± 6.11 cfu/g, Escherichia coli 4.00± 4.53 cfu/g, Staphylococcus aureus 4.59± 4.93 cfu/g, yeasts 4.36± 4.86 cfu/g, molds 1.99± 2.23 cfu/g. It was found that the raw samples contain Salmonella (2 samples, 4.76%), Listeria monocytogenes (3 samples, 7.1%), and Clostridiiim perfringens (2 samples, 4.76%). There wasn't E. coli O157:H7 in the raw samples. Average values in the done samples, the numbers of the microorganisms were determined as total aerobic mesophilic bacteria 4.90± 5.08 cfu/g, E. coli 0.85± 1.53 cfu/g, S. aureus 3.60± 3.86cfu/g, yeasts 1.71±2.15 cfu/g. It was found that the done samples contain Salmonella (1 samples, 2.38%), and L. monoajtogenes (2 samples, 4.76%). There weren't mold, C. perfringens and E. coli O157:H7 in the samples. In conclusion, it was determined that the cag kebab consumed in Erzurum were inappropriate for hygienic quality. They had low hygienic quality; therefore, they would have a potential hazard for public health. It must be obey the hygienic rule and eat after effective heat treat.

1 table, 22 ref

014462   Arumugham V (Principal, Kings College of Engineering, Pudukottai-613 303, Email: drvarumughamkce@gmail.com) : Performance and emission characteristics of CI engine fuelled with non edible vegetable oil and diesel blends. J Envir Res Dev 2009, 4(1), 212-21.

The objective of this study is to compare the engine performance and emission results of biodiesel derived from Jatropha oil when applied in different proportions in a stationary diesel engine without any engine modifications. A single cylinder four stroke diesel engine was tested at various loads with the blended fuel at the rated speed of 1500 rpm. Esterified Jatropha oil and diesel blends having 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% Jatropha oil on volume basis and pure diesel were used as fuel. Engine performance with pure diesel was also evaluated for comparison. An AVL 5 gas analyzer and a smoke meter were used for the measurements of exhaust gas emissions. Engine performance (specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, and exhaust gas temperature) and emissions (HC, CO, COa, NOx and Smoke Opacity) were measured to evaluate and compute the behaviour of the diesel engine running on biodiesel. The results show that the brake thermal efficiency of diesel is higher at all loads followed by blends of Jatropha oil and diesel. Experimentally the maximum brake thermal efficiency and minimum specific fuel consumption were found for blends upto 20% Jatropha oil at all loads among the blends. The specific fuel consumption was found to be even lower than the conventional diesel for blends up to B20. The brake thermal efficiency for B10 and B20 were also closer to diesel and the CO₂ emissions were found to be lesser than diesel while there was a marginal increase in the smoke opacity and NO_X. The increase in opacity can be effectively managed by engine optimization. The reductions in brake specific fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions made the blend of biodiesel B20 a suitable alternative fuel for diesel and thus could help in controlling air pollution.

9 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

014461   Akram N;Anwar F;Raza S A;Husain A I;Saleem B (Chemistry Dep, Agriculture Univ, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan, Email: fqanwar@yahoo.com) : Effects of sunlight exposure on the quality and oxidative stability of sunflower and soybean oils. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(4), 2789-98.

The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sunlight exposure on the quality and oxidative stability of sunflower and soybean oils. Samples of refined bleached and deodorized soybean oil and sunflower oil, packed in translucent polyethylene tereph-thalate bottles were exposed to sunlight (exposure period, ca. 10 h daily) over a period of 7 weeks. Control (oils stored at ambient in darkness) samples were also processed, concurrently. The levels of auto and photo-oxidative alterations in the oils investigated were assessed by determinations of colour, refractive index, peroxide, p-anisidine, conjugated dienes, conjugated trienes, free fatty acid contents and iodine numbers at appropriate intervals. Overall, the magnitude of oxidative changes was more distinct in the case of soybean oil; nevertheless, both the sunlight-exposed oils revealed significantly (p < 0.05) higher deterioration as compared with their respective controls.

4 tables, 19 ref

013451   Venkatesh K S;Roy A S (Institute of Sugar Technology, G.U.P.G. Center, Bidar, Email: venkateshgug@gmail.com) : Surrogate the steam driven mill drives with electric DC motors. Bionano Front 2010, NCANDT(spl), 35-8.

The improvement of the co-generation plant in sugar factories, selling additional power to the national grid may be possible. The low pressure steam demand is added the power production in the co-generation plant which was replaced by steam driven mill drives with electric DC motors. The replacement can enhance the net saleable power to the grid, resulting in additional revenue for the sugar plant. The annual energy saving achieved was Rs 62.37 million this required an investment of Rs 42.00 million, which had an attractive simple payback period of 9 months. Hence, this method is extremely reliable to save the equivalent amount of steam by the replacing the steam driven mill drives with electric DC motors. The livesteam can be passed through the power turbine, to generate additional power in sugar factories.

1 table, 13 ref

013450   Sood S;Minhas S;Kalia M;Katoch S (Food Science and Nutrition Dep, CSKHPKV, Palampur-176 062) : Storage study of cheese whey and soy-whey based bael squash. Indian Fd Packer 2009, 63(1), 60-6.

Squashes were standardized by various permutation and combinations of basic raw ingredients viz. whey, sugar, citric acid and pulp. Instead of water cheese-whey and soy-whey were used for the development of squashes. The prepared products were evaluated for pH, TSS, acidity and ascorbic acid, total sugars, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars. The addition of whey with fruit pulp improved the nutritional value.

4 tables, 19 ref

013449   Sen A R;Naveena B M;Patil G;Muthukumar M (NO, National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicheral, P.B. Bo. 19, Uppal P.O., Hyderabad-500 039, Email: senarup@rediffmail.com) : Case-ready packaging and carbon monoxide as gas flush - a recent concept in meat packaging. Indian Fd Packer 2009, 63(1), 80-4.

Reviews the major development in fresh meat packaging with special emphasis on case ready packaging and carbon monoxide as gas flush. A review of the current state of fresh meat packaging in developed countries has shown a continued evolution to case ready packaging with 60% in this format. As packaging innovations were reached across the food industry, it was noted that the majority of the significant innovations were taking place in product lines outside of the meat industry. There are numerous examples of breakthrough innovations which will be discussed, as they may have application to the fresh meat industries. The use of carbon monoxide (CO) in the primary package of fresh meat is a major breakthrough. Addition of carbon monoxide in modified atmosphere packaging system provides the advantage to enhancing meat colour. The recent regulatory approval of CO in fresh meat packaging will enable greater usage of low oxygen packing formats and should provide greater retail acceptance of case-ready.

^iia15 ref

013448   Satindar Kaur;Kaler R S S (Applied Chemical Sciences and Technology Dep, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar-143 005, Email: satindar_gndu@yahoo.com) : Quantitative estimation of polysaccharides in molasses using near infra red spectroscopy. Sugar Tech 2008, 10(3), 265-8.

Non-invasive near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) in transmittance mode between 1100-2500 nm was employed for the quantitative estimation of dextran, starch, gum and pectin in final molasses one at a time. Partial least square regression analyses was used to develop a calibration model with 40 samples each in 0th, 1st and 2nd derivatives which gave low SEC values. This method was applied for the estimation of unknown concentrations of the four polysaccharides in molasses, which gave low prediction error in the 0th derivative explaining the accuracy of the results with correlation coefficient of 0.98. Stepwise multi linear regression has also been applied and wavelengths have been identified specific to the polysaccharides and a correlation has been tried on the basis of the structure of the polysaccharides. The above results lead to the most promising future use of NIR spectroscopy as on-line processing tool in sugar industry.

8 tables, 17 ref

013447   Sajeed Ali S (Food and Industrial Microbiology Dep, Rajiv Gandhi College of Food Technology, Parbhanil-431 401) : Protease production by solid state fermentation using Fusarium oxysporum. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(3), 264-5.

Fusarium oxysporum isolated from diseased seed of groundnut was used for the production of protease by solid-state fermentation. Maximum protease production was observed on gram bran on 5th day of incubation.

1 illus, 8 ref

013446   Ramana P;Patil S K (NO, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, Email: ramana_cofs@rediffmail.com) : Extraction and marketing of Garcinia juice in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Med Pl 2009, 1(2), 125-7.

Attempt has been made to study Garcinia (local name: kokum) juice extraction and it's marketing in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Fruits of both the varieties of Kokum viz. Garcinia indica and G. gummi-gutta are used for juice extraction. Out of the two varieties of Kokum, G. indica, which yields red fruit, are predominant and are widely used for juice extraction on commercial scale. Both ripe and unripe fruits are used for juice extraction. Lack of market and market information making primary collectors to resort on thirsty middleman to dispose the material at a throw away price.

^ssc1 illus, 7 ref

013445   Raghu Ram K S;Raju N V S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Sri Chaitanya Engineering College, Kommadi, Visakhapatnam, Email: profksraghuram@rediffmail.com) : Manufacturing results of aluminium matrix composite materials reinforced by in-situ Al₂O₃ SiC C particles. Bionano Front 2010, NCANDT(spl), 214-17.

This paper shows and compare modern method of particulate composite materials with aluminium alloy matrix reinforced by Al₂O₃ SiC C particles. Material for investigation was Inariufactured by rheocasting method and the in-situ reinforcement material is obtained by fractional distillation method containing ceramic particles Al₂O₃SiC C. The received results show the possibility of obtaining the new composite materials with required structure joining positive properties composite materials components. Tested composite materials can be applicate among the others in automotive industry but it requires additional researches. Worked out technologies of composite materials manufacturing can be used in the production of small elements near net shape and locally reinforced elements.

2 illus, 9 ref

013444   Pandey S K;Bisen A;Dwivedi V (Instrument Development and Service Centre Dep, College of Agriculture, J.N.K.V.V., Jabalpur-482 004, Email: abhay_horti@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of gamma radiation on chemical composition and storability of lime RTS. J Nucl Agric Biol 2008, 37(3-4), 96-108.

In the investigation, the RTS was irradiated with different doses of gamma radiation to study their effect on chemical composition and storability of lime RTS and vitamin `C' content only was influenced significantly by 50 Gy gamma radiation during storage (16 days) without adversely affecting the quality of lime fruits, whereas, under control and higher doses of gamma radiation, the quality of lime RTS was deteriorated. The irradiation of lime with 50 Gy gamma radiation may be useful for extending storability of lime of RTS and stabilizing the market demand.

2 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

013443   Nasr M I;El Razek A (NO, Sugar Crops Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt, Email: nasr_mi@yahoo.com) : Sugar beet performance under newly reclaimed soils conditions of Sinai, Egypt. Sugar Tech 2008, 10(3), 210-18.

Investigation was carried out to study the effect of planting and harvesting time on yield and quality of sugar beet cultivars under North Sinai conditions. Two field experiments were conducted in a newly reclaimed sandy soil in a private farm at North Sinai region to study the effect of three sowing dates (1st Aug., 1st Sep. and 1st Oct.) and three harvesting dates (170, 190 and 210 days after planting) on yield and quality of six sugar beet cultivars, viz.,Pamela, Hipoly2, Pleno, Monte Bianco, Oscar poly and Gloria. The results obtained from the study showed that sowing dates had significant effects on sucrose and purity per cent, as well as, root and sugar yields/fed in both seasons. The highest root and sugar yield were obtained from the 1st Sept. sowing. Harvesting after 210 days from sowing recorded the highest root weight, sucrose and purity per cent as well as root and sugar yields/fed. Oscar poly variety recorded the highest root yield but, Monte Bianco cultivar surpassed all cultivars in sugar yield. The interaction between each two factors under study was insignificant. The response equation of root yield/fed to delaying harvest showed diminishing returns. The results revealed that a higher predicted root yield than that retained herein, could have been obtained if harvest was delayed beyond 210 days after sowing.

5 tables, 15 ref

013442   Naik Y K;Khare A;Choudhary P L;Goel B K; Shrivastava A (College of Dairy Technology, Indira Gandhi Agriculture Univ, Raipur-492 006, Email: yugal.naik@rediffmail.com) : Physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of whey based watermelon beverage. Asian J Res Chem 2009, 2(1), 57-9.

Whey Based Watermelon Beverage (WBWB) prepared "by bending watermelon juice (15%), sugar (7%) and different concentration of Betel leaves distillate (0, 1, 2, 3%) into chhanna whey (78-75%). The prepared beverage has red colour, highly acceptable taste and overall acceptability. The overall acceptability of beverage improved with increase in betel leaves distillate up-to 2%. After in-bottle sterilization and cooling, the beverage was stored at refrigerated temperature. The storage study showed that there is an increasing trend in the TSS, acidity, and reducing sugar and a decreasing trend in the pH and ascorbic acid but total sugar has non significant effect during storage. The sensory quality of fresh beverage containing 2% betel leaves distillate on the preparation as well as 30 days of storage were found to be highly acceptable. Additions of 3% betel leaves distillate do not improve the mouth-feel but they extend the storage period of the product. This indicates that antimicrobial and anti-oxidant properties in essential oil of betel leaf increase the storage stability of the beverage.

2 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

013441   Mishra B;Khatkar B S (NO, Centre of Food Science and Technoloyg, CCS HAU, Hisar-125 004, Email: bhawana0504@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of coatings and plastic packaging on the post harvest shelf life of cucumbers. Indian Fd Packer 2009, 63(1), 54-9.

Effect on shelf life of cucumbers (cucumis sativus l.) coated with different hydrophilic coatings: whey, protein concentrate (wpc), carboxymethyl cellulose (cmc) and hydrophobic coatings: peanut oil (po), bees wax (bw) and stored for 3 and 12 days at ambient (31±2°c, 75±5% rh) and refrigerated storage (15±1°c, 88±3% rh) conditions, respectively, was studied with respect to respiration, acetic acid and ethanol accumulation and quality attributes viz. Physiological loss in weight (PLW), decay loss, firmªness and sensory score. Uncoated fruits packed in corrugated fiberboard (cfb) boxes lined with newsªpaper (Control-I), uncoated fruits packed in sealed polybags with 0.5% perforations (Control-II) and sealed polybags without perforations (Control-III) were used for comparing results. The physiological loss in weight (PLW) and decay loss was less in bw coated cucumbers than uncoated cucumbers kept in corrugated fibre board box. However, cucumbers packed in unperforated poly bags showed maxiªmum reduction in PLW and respiration rate; yet inferior in quality due to higher decay loss, accumulaªtion of acetic acid and ethanol indicating anaerobic conditions resulting in off flavour development and lower sensory scores.

7 tables, 15 ref

013440   Luthra S K;Gopal J;Dinesh Kumar;Singh B P; Pandey S K (NO, Central Potato Research Institute Campus, Modipuram, Meerut-250 110, Email: skluthra@hotmail.com) : Solanum wild and cultivated species as source of resistance to cold induced sweetening. Potato J 2009, 36(3-4), 115-20.

In order to identify the sources of resistance to cold induced sweetening, glucose estimation was done in 72 accessions of 15 wild and cultivated species along with seven released Indian potato varieties during two consecutive years before and after cold storage. Accessions namely SS1763-6, (S. albicans), SS1780-3 (S. berthaultii), SS1732, SS1735-2, SS1846 (S. demissum), SS1652-9 (S. jamesi), SS2044-5 (S. tuberosum ssp. andigena) maintained low glucose level (glucose content <50 mg/ 100 g fresh tuber weight) before and after cold storage over the years. These accessions may be useful for breeding varieties resistant to cold induced sweetening.

1 illus, 1 tble, 8 ref

013439   Kansaria J J;Parulekar S V (Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dep, Seth G S Medical College, K E M Hospital, Parel, Mumbai) : Nomogram for foetal kidney length. Bombay Hosp J 2009, 51(2), 155-62.

Objective is to evaluate the application and accuracy of foetal kidney length measurement in determining the gestational age of the foetus. Out of 70 women, 50 women who were certain of their last menstrual periods (LMP) and who had regular menstrual cycle completed the study. Serial study of foetal biometry at 2 weekly intervals between 22 weeks and 38 weeks of gestation was performed to measure foetal kidney parameters and BPD, FL, AC, head circumference (HC). Foetal kidney length grows at the rate of 1.7 mm fortnightly. Kidney length predicted gestational age with better precision than the model with biometric indices of Biparietal Diameter (BPD), Abdominal Circumference (AC) and Femur Length (FL). The study demonstrated that by measuring kidney length, pregnancies could be dated within 9.17 days in those booking late or in those who had forgotten their last menstrual periods and presented late for booking.

3 illus, 7 tables, 20 ref

013438   Hassan S F;Imam Nasr M (Geography Dep, Institute of African Research and Studies, Cairo University, Egypt, Email: prof_soltanofoly@yahoo.com) : Sugar industry in Egypt. Sugar Tech 2008, 10(3), 204-9.

Sugar industry in Egypt started back in the year 710. Egyptians are considered to be the pioneers in refined sugar industry since ninth and tenth centuries. The total production of sugar in Egypt in 2007-2008 is 1,582 million tonnes and the consumption is 2,485 million tonnes. Sugar beet grown in 247 million hectares and produces 482 mt of white sugar with an average of 50.7 ton/ha. However the sugarcane is grown in 136 million hactares and produces 1075184 metric ton of sugar. An up-to-date progress and distribution of sugar beet and sugarcane industry in Egypt has been discussed.

^iia6 illus, 7 tables, 13 ref

013437   Hassan S F (NO, Institute of African Research and Studies, Cairo University, Egypt, Email: prof_soltanfoly@yahoo.com) : Development of sugar industry in Africa. Sugar Tech 2008, 10(3), 197-203.

Most important sugar producing regions in Africa are north and southern regions. North African region is the oldest one in the sugar industry. African sugar producing countries need to increase the share of the contribution to the GDP. Sugar industry in Africa is one of the key industries which contributes in providing jobs for the growing unemployment as well as instrumental in rural development. This will reduce the high rates of migration from rural to urban areas and many associated problems.

^iia8 illus, 7 tables, 19 ref

013436   Gupta N;Singh D B;Singh V B;Vijay Kumar (Horticulture Dep (Fruit Production and Post Harvest Technology), Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Deemed University, Allahabad-211 007) : Effect of storage on chemical parameters of Karonda candy prepared by various methods. Ann Pl Soil Res 2009, 11(2), 112-14.

Laboratory investigation was conducted to study the effect of storage on chemical parameters of Karonda candy prepared by various methods. The prepared candies were stored in glass jars under different storage periods. The product was analysed fresh and after every one month of storage upto a period of five months for total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid, acidity and moisture. The results revealed that the TSS content ranged between 79.12 and 81.04 ^{0Brix. However, ascorbic acid, acidity and moisture content decreased from 0.52 to 0.42 mg/100g, 0.83 to 0.31% and 33.2 to 24.7% with the advancement in the storage period. After five months of storage, on the basis of sensory evaluation, whole fruit with pectin coating was found to be the best than the candies prepared by other methods.}

3 tables, 10 ref

013435   Chakraborty B;Dutta P;Ganguly B (NO, , I.S.M. Dhanbad, Jharkhand) : Synthesis of silica sulfated zirconia binary oxide with improved acidic and textural properties. Bionano Front 2010, NCANDT(spl), 208-10.

Solid acid catalyst material have many advantages over homogeneous acid catalysts due to easy separation reusabiIity and environmental friendliness. Objective of this work is to to synthesize, non-ionic surfactant templated, ordered mesoporous silica sulfated zirconia binary oxide with improved acidic and textural properties. Attempts have been made to make synthesis methodology more economical by using cheaper raw materials like sodium silicate and zirconium oxy-chloride as source of silica and zirconia respectively. A series of mesoporous SZS material were prepared using tri-block co-polymers as template by changing various parameters like the precursors used, different Si:Zr ratio, pH of the gel and the effect of ageing time. The products were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, TPD, FTIR, nitrogen adsorption at liquid nitrogen temperature, and by chemical analysis. Acidic properties of selected samples were determined by ammonia TPD technique. Results of X-ray diffraction analysis and atomic mapping of Zr during TEM analysis revealed that homogeneous distribution of zirconia in SZS SB A-15 mesoporous material was observed when ZrO₂ content was less than 10 wt%. When ZrO₂ content was increased t0'more than 10% in SZS catalyst phase separation of zirconia was observed. The TEM images showed the presence of ordered hexagonal mesostructure. Results of N₂ adsorption exhibited typical type IV isotherm and uniform pore distribution. The Si/Zr ratio was found to be almost similar in the precursor gel and in the final product when pH of the solution was increased. The ageing time and Si/Zr ratio in the gel had a profound influence on the morphology of the catalyst as observed in SEM. Ammonia TPD results showed desorption peaks at 628 C, 817 C and 997 C indicate the presence of very strong acidic sites. The catalytic activity of the prepared SZS catalysts was evaluated for the synthesis of coumarone by Pechman Reaction.

2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

013434   Bansode V V;Sakhale B K;Jadhao A S (Chemical Technology Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004) : Development of plum RTS beverage. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(3), 260-1.

Protein rich plum RTS (Ready to serve) beverage was prepared by using plum juice, sugar and whey protein concentrate (WPC). The RTS plum beverage prepared by using 30% WPC and stored in refrigerator was found better with respect to chemical composition and sensorial quality.

1 table, 6 ref

012402   Zhou W;Ran R;Shao Z;Jin W (State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Colle, Nanjing Univ of Technology, No.5 Xin Mofan Road, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China, Email: shaozp@njut.edu.cn ) : In situ templating synthesis of conic Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O₃ perovskite at elevated temperature. Bull Mater Sci 2009, 32(4), 407-12.

Conic Ba_0.5Sr_o.5Co_0.8Fe_o.2O₃δ< D>5 (BSCF) functional composite oxide was synthesized via a simple in situ templating process. The treatment of the solid precursor with concentrated nitric acid resulted in the mismatch of ionic radius at A-site and B-site of the ABO₃ perovskite, due to the oxidation of cobalt/iron ions, and the formation of Ba_0.5Sr_0.5(NO₃)2 solid solution. Therefore, instead of the direct formation of BSCF oxide, an intermediate phase of Bao.sSr_0.5CoO₃ (BSC) in hexagonal lattice structure and with conic particle shape was preferentially formed during calcination at low temperature. BSCF perovskite was then produced by the in situ templating of BSC with iron diffusing into the BSC lattice during calcination at high temperature. Well-crystallized BSCF particles in conic shape were obtained by the calcination of the nitric acid treated precursor at 900°C.

11 illus, 20 ref

012401   Temuujin T;Bardakhanov S P;Nomoev A V; Zaikovskii V I;Minjigmaa A;Dugersuren G;Van Riessen A (Imaging and Applied Physics Dep, Curtin Univ of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth WA 6845 Australia, Email: jtemuujin@yahoo.com) : Preparation of copper and silicon/copper powders by a gas evaporation-condensation method. Bull Mater Sci 2009, 32(5), 543-7.

Pure and silicon-coated metal copper nano to submicron-sized powders were prepared by gas evaporation and condensation. This powder was synthesized by using an industrial electron accelerator, ELV-6, with Ar as the carrier gas. Vapour from the liquefied metal surface was transferred to the cold zone by the carrier gas and precipitated as spherical Cu metal and Si/Cu composite powders. The mean diameter of the resulting powder was 100-200 nm.

7 illus, 13 ref

012400   Song X;Li F (NO, Nanjing Univ of Science & Technology, Nanjing-210 094) : Dependence of particle size and size distribution on mechanical sensitivity and thermal stability of hexahydro-1, 3, 5-trinitro-1, 3, 5-triazine. Def Sci J 2009, 59(1), 37-42.

Two kinds of RDX samples, with broad and narrow particle size distribution, have been fabricated by wet riddling and solvent/non-solvent methods, respectively. By controlling the technical condition, the RDX powders with different particle sizes were obtained for each sample. All samples were characterised by laser granularity measurement and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Using mechanical sensitivity tests, slow cook-off test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the mechanical safety and thermal stability of RDX samples, depending on the particle sizes and size distribution, were studied. Results indicated that, for each kind of RDX particles, the mechanical sensitivity and thermal stability of samples changed according to the particle size. However, although two samples had almost the same average particle size, their safety changed when two particle size distributions differed. Concretely, the mechanical sensitivity of RDX reduced and their thermal stability increased gradually along with the decreasing of particle size. Meanwhile, RDX with broad size distribution had higher mechanical sensitivity and thermal stability than samples with narrow size distribution.

16 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

012399   Singha A S;Thakur V K (Chemistry Dep, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur-177 005, Email: assingha@gmail.com) : Fabrication and characterization of S.cilliare fibre reinforced polymer composites. Bull Mater Sci 2009, 32(1), 49-58.

In the recent times, there has been an ever-increasing interest in green composite materials for its applications in the field of industries, aerospace, sports, household etc and in many other fields. In this paper, fabrication of Saccharum cilllare fibre reinforced green polymer composites using rcsorcinol formaldehyde (RF) as a novel matrix has been reported. A systematic approach for processing of polymer is presented. Effect of fibre loading on mechanical properties like flexural, tensile, compressive and wear resistances has also been determined. Reinforcing of the RF resin with Saccharum cilllare (SC) fibre was done in the form of particle size (200 micron). Present work reveals that mechanical properties of the RF resin have been found to increase up to 30% fibre loading and then decreases. Morphological and thermal studies of the resin, fibre and particle reinforced (P-Rnf) green composites have also been studied.

17 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

012398   Sharma P C;Kaushal P;Sharma A K (Post Harvest Technology Dep, Dr Y S Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: pcsharma2@yahoo.co.in) : Improvement in method of pectin extraction from apple pomace for commercial adoption. Indian Fd Packer 2009, 63(3), 60-5.

Apple pomace generally thrown as a waste after juice extraction was utilized for extraction of pectin on semi-pilot scale. Blanching followed by drying of pomace was found to be a necessary pretreatment before pectin extraction. Out of different combinations, the method of boiling dried pomace in 0.05N HCI at 95°C for one hour followed by filtration was found the most appropriate to get pectin extract. Among precipitation methods, the use of 95% ethanol in precipitation yielded highest recovery of pectin. Apple pomace pectin obtained by using acid extraction contained 59.1% anhydrogalacturonic acid, 71.2% degree of esterification and 110 jelly grade. The cost of production of pectin worked out to be Rs. 808.30/- per kg. On the basis of yield and quality of pectin, the method can be adopted at semi-commercial scale.

2 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

012397   Saxena D K;Sambi S S;Sharma S K (Food Technology Dep, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, R.B.S. College, Bichpuri, Agra) : Cottonseed meal: a rich source of protein. Indian Fd Packer 2009, 63(3), 66-74.

The cotton plant is primarily grown for its fiber content but its seed is a source of high protein and can be one of the most valuable commodities. For every kg of cotton fiber, around 1.65 kg of cottonseed is available which contains about 23% good quality protein. The annual global production of cotton fiber is about 25 Million Tonnes (MT). This can provide around 10 mmt of good quality protein; sufficient to meet the annual protein requirement of about half a billion people across the world @ 50g/day. However, the presence of a toxic substance, "Gossypol" renders it unsafe for human beings and for centuries it has been used as animal feed. Considerable work has been done in the area of detoxification/extraction of gossypol from the cottonseeds not only to make it fit for human consumption but also get purified gossypol which could be used as a precious compound in medicine and pharmaceutical industry. The present paper discusses the possibilities of cottonseed meal as a rich source of protein.

3 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

012396   Premarani T;Chhetry G K N (Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur-795 003, Email: prema.thingom@gmail.com) : Soybean seed microbes in post harvest indigenous food (Hawaijar) processing. J mycopathol Res 2009, 47(2), 181-6.

Hawaijar is indigenously semi-fermented processed food of soybean (Glycine max) and is used as a flavouring item in vegetables by the valley people of Manipur throughout the season, it gives good flavour and taste when mixed with other vegetable items. The fermentation process of hawaijar is not a total anaerobic, it is caused by microorganisms. Assessment of these microbes in surface sterilized and unsterilized soybean seeds revealed eight fungal species, a white sterile mycelium and 2 bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis IV1TCC 9228 strain A and Bacillus ehimenis MTCC 7666). The bacterial species were dominated by fungi and the diminant fungi include Aspergillus niger, A. flavus. A. ochraceus, Penicillum sp., Rhizopus stolon/fer, Fusarium solani, Cladosporium cladosporoides and Curvularia lunata. Isolation, identification, seasonal variation and their effective roles in the processing of hawaijar are discussed.

4 tables, 23 ref