012887   Parimalavalli R;Roxana G;Radhai Sri S (Food Science Dep, Periyar University, Salem-11, Email: raghavharini@yahoo.com ) : Organoleptic quality and nutrient content of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) incorporated bakery products. Biomed 2007, 2(2), 123-30.

Stevia Rebaudiana is one of the most health restoring plants on earth. Stevia extract was incorporated in biscuits and breads for medicinal purposes. The level of incorporation was 1, 2 and 3 per cent with regular ingredients. A control treatment was also run. Sensory qualities were evaluated using a five-point hedonic scale scorecard and the nutrients were analyzed. Of these various levels, one per cent level was well accepted by the panel of judges. Addition of extract in biscuits and breads were equally comparable to the biscuits and breads of standards in respect of sensory qualities. Regarding nutrient analysis, the nutrients present in the incorporated products were slightly higher when compared with standards. The study concluded that the stevia is a natural sweetener, which could be used for the preparation of various therapeutic food formulations.

5 tables, 10 ref

012886   Pardeshi I L;Arora S;Shinde K J (NO, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Krishinagar, Akola-444 104) : Heat transfer study during single kernel layer drying of green peas (Pisum sativum L.). Green Fmg 2008, 2(2), 109-13.

Thin layer drying of green peas var. Pb-87 was carried out in hot air-drying chamber using an automatic weighing system. The green peas were blanched and sulphited before drying. The green peas were dried at five different drying air temperatures from 55 to 75 °C at constant air velocity of 1.667 m/s. The heat transfer coefficient for green peas dried at drying at temperatures from 55 to 75°C and air velocity of 1.667 m/s varied from 56.9068 to 57.3017 W/m² °C. The temperature at center of green pea kernel could be well predicted using exponential expressions for the drying air temperature under consideration. The difference between temperature of drying air and that at center of kernel of green peas was higher at higher drying temperatures and it was decreased with drying time. The prominent temperature difference was observed in first half an hour as compared 2nd half an hour and decreased subsequently. This could indicate utility of intermittent drying to reduce energy requirement drying of green peas.

2 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

012885   Oghenejoboh K M;Abowei M F N;Puyate Y T (Chemical/Petroleum Engineering Dep, University of of Uyo, Nigeria, ) : Sorption mechanism of Nigerian crude petroleum into soil medium. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 7-12.

Sorption of Nigeria's light crude petroleum from aqueous phase into soil medium is investigated. Three soils from the oil producing Niger Delta area of the country were selected as representative soils. The properties of these soils including organic carbon content, texture, bulk density, particle density, pH were determined. Equilibrium sorption experiments with 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/L of crude oil solution of known properties into the soil samples were conducted in temperature controlled batch reactors. Results of the sorption experiments indicated that the sorption of the crude oil into the soils investigated can be appropriately described by the simple linear and Freundlich isotherm equations. The sorption of the studied crude oil into soil medium can be considered an equilibrium partitioning process between the aqueous crude phase and the soil medium. It is therefore, appropriate to represent the sorption as a retardation factor `R' in the transport advection-dispersion equation. The retardation factor `R' is dependent on the distribution coefficient (K_d) - the slope of the linear isotherm, bulk density and porosity of the soil medium.

3 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

012884   Kamali A R (Materials Science and Metallurgy Dep, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Shahin-Shahr, Isfehan, Iran, Email: alirezakam@yahoo.com) : Self-sustaining reaction for titanium aluminides production via alumino-calciothermic reduction of TiO₂. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2008, 15(5), 429-32.

Titanium aluminides can be produced via an alumino-calciothermic reduction of TiO₂ in presence of KClO₄. This reaction, named KRH process, has been studied. The results show that after heating of starting materials with rate of 20°C/min, a self-sustaining reaction is ignited at about 550°C which led to the rapid increasing of system temperature to 1950°C during a short time of 192 s with a mean internal heating rate of around 437°C/min.

5 illus, 12 ref

012883   Jagadeesh S L;Hegde L (Post-harvest Technology Dep, K.R.C. College of Horticulture, Arabhavi-591 310, Email: hegdelax@gmail.com) : Quality assessment of Stevia rebaudiana incorporated mango and pomegranate RTS beverages. Biomed 2008, 3(3-4), 195-201.

Stevia is a plant that produces a variety of high potency low calorie sweeteners in its leaf tissue. Water based Stevia leaf extract was used to make Ready-to-Serve (RTS) beverages of mango and pomegranate to study its suitability as a sweetener. Organoleptic evaluation revealed a significantly low score for the RTS prepared with Stevia extract alone or in combination with cane sugar. The RTS prepared from cane sugar alone (Control) as a source of sweetness obtained the highest scores in both the fruits. However, in pomegranate the treatment T₄ (750 ml fruit juice + 3850 ml water + 5 g citric acid + 100 ml Stevia extract) ranked statistically on par with the control. A. wide variation was found with respect to TSS but the titratable acidity did not vary among the different RTS treatments.

2 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

012882   Celik O;Damci E;Piskin S (Civil Engineering Dep, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey, Email: celik@istabul.edu.tr) : Characterization of fly ash and its effects on the compressive strength properties of Portland cement. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2008, 15(5), 433-40.

Structure of different type of fly ash samples collected from different thermal power plants (Soma Unit IV/ type C, €atalagzi/type F, €ayirhan / type C, Tun‡bilek/ type F) in Turkey has been investigated. The chemical and physical properties, mineralogical composition and particle size distributions of the samples and their effects on the compressive strength properties of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), have been determined by FTIR, XRD, Mastersizer and SEM. Characterization results show that either Soma Unit IV and Tun‡bilek or €atalagzi and €ayirhan fly ash samples give similar structure of peaks in FTIR/ATR separately. Particle size distribution and SEM results also support each other. There are overlaps between characterization results of fly ash samples and compressive strength results of fly ash mortars. The cement mortars are prepared and tested for compressive strength according to the European Standards (EN 196-1). Results indicate that fly ash samples in the ratio of 15% in clinker markedly increases the compressive strength value (61.1 N/mm²) at 90 days. It indicates that decreasing the particle size of fly ash in blended Portland cement causes an increase in compressive strength. This means that fineness is a more effective parameter than chemical composition in improving the strength development of fly ash mortars and it is suggested that fine fly ash can be used to obtain higher compressive strength values.

4 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

012881   Anil Kumar;Dass R (Industrial Chemistry Dep, Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Yamuna Nagar-135 001, Email: anilkbishnoi@rediffmail.com) : Rapid spectrophotometric method for the determination of molybdenum using ferron in industrial and environmental samples. Indian J Chem-Sect A 2008, 47(10), 1533-6.

Ferron has been used as an analytical reagent for the extractive spectrophotometric detennination of molybdenum(V) obtained from the reduction of molybdenum(VI) with ascorbic acid. Molybdenum(V) in presence of a large number of cations, anions and complexing agents forms a yellow complex with ferron that is quantitatively extractable into tri-n-octylamine-chloroform from I M H₂SO₄ medium. The complex is stable for at least 24 hand shows an absorption maximum at 425 nm with molar absorptivity and Sandell's sensitivity of 3.96x10³ 1 mol^-1 cm^-1 and 0.02525 μg cm^-2 Mo(V), respectively. The method obeys Beer's law up to 31 μg ml^-1 Mo(V). For ten replicate detenninations of 10 μg ml^-1 Mo(V), the relative standard deviation is found to be 0.54%. The method is simple, selective, precise and rapid, and has been satisfactorily applied to the determination of molybdenum in aqueous, synthetic and technical samples of diverse matrices.

^ssc1 table, 17 ref

011834   Vijay M;Meyyappan R M (Chemical Engineering Dep, FEAT, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Electricity generation and effect of catholyte in a dual chambered microbial fuel cell using Klebsiella pneumoniae biocatalyst. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2008, 15(1-2), 9-14.

Biofuel cells (BFC) are capable of converting chemical energy to electrical energy using microorganisms/enzymes (biocatalyst) using electrocatalytic technology. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are special types of biofuel cells, producing electric power by utilizing microorganisms, instead of isolated enzymes, to assist redox reactions. The performance of catholyte on the bioelectricity generation was studied in a dual chambered batch type biofuel cell utilizing Klebsiella pneumoniae, as anodic inoculum. In this study, microbial based biofuel cell (i.e.) MFC was operated separately with three configurations, permanganate catholyte (MFCPC), hydrogen peroxide catholyte (MFCHPC) and ferricyanide catholyte (MFCFC). The efficiency of catholyte in power generation under similar operating conditions was studied. From the results, it was clear that a maximum electrical power was obtained, when potassium permanganate was used as the catholyte when compared with other two catholytes. (i.e.) MFCPC generated a maximum power density of 3.43 mW/m² which was higher than MFCHPC and MFCFC respectively. This study shows that in addition to ferricyanide, permanganate and hydrogen peroxide can also be used as catholyte in a biofuel cell, out of which, permanganate performed well in the generation of bioelectricity.

5 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

011833   Venkatathri N (Chemistry Dep, Anna University, Chennai-600 025, Email: venkatathrin@yahoo.com) : Influence of template on synthesis of silica nanosphere using CaCO₃. Indian J Chem-Sect A 0000, 47(12), 1826-8.

Synthesis of silica nanosphere is reported using tetrapropylammonium bromide and calcium carbonate as template for the first time, the physicochemical characteristics of the sample has been compared with the sample synthesized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and calcium carbonate. The results show that both the materials arc similar, although mesoporosity appears only on the latter. The hollow sphere property is observed in calcined and 10 % dil. HCl treated samples. The weight loss due to calcium carbonate decomposition occurs at high temperature (800°C). Thermogravimetry/ differential thermal analyses show that there is no organic amine inside the TPABr morphology and only a small amount (5 %) in CTABr sample. FTIR spectroscopic analysis shows the peak responsible for CaO^- in addition to the peak due to the T-O-T tetrahedral skeleton. Nitrogen adsorption does not show any significant result on the as-synthesized sample activated at 100°C before adsorption.

^ssc2 illus, 21 ref

011832   Venkatathri N (Chemistry Dep, Anna University, Chennai-600 025, Email: venkatathrin@yahoo.com) : Influence of template on synthesis and characterization of novel mesoporous silica nanosphere. Indian J Chem-Sect A 2008, 47(12), 1823-5.

New method is reported for the synthesis of mesoporous silica nanosphere using ultrasonic method. Characterization reveals that the material is mesoporous with a small particale size. The template method gives spherical samples; uniform panicle size is obtained when n-octylamine is used. Three stage weight loss occurs in cetyltrimethylammonium bromide samples, while the other templates show two stage weight loss. Amorphous and mesoporous silica simples have identical infrared spectra. The assynthesized simple shows type II nitrogen adsorption curve, while the calcined samples show type IV adsorption curves.

^ssc2 illus, 2 table, 21 ref

011831   Tripathi S;Bagga J K (Wood Preservation Discipline, Forest Products Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand) : Suitability of Eucalyptus hybrid, Melia azedarach and Mangifera indica treated with CCA, ACA and copper lignate in cooling water. Indian J For 2008, 31(2), 209-16.

Eucalyptus hybrid, Mangifera indica and Melia azedarach were treated with different concentrations of CCA, ACA and Copper lignate. Pinus roxburghii (Pine) was also treated with the same preservatives and used as reference species. Two experiments for different periods i.e. 4 and 5 years were conducted in the same cooling tower. Observations in terms of weight loss were taken. It was found that Melia azedarach (Melia), Pinus roxburghii and Eucalyptus hybrid (Eucalyptus) performed excellently when treated with CCA at 16 kg/ m^{3 retention throughout the period of investigation. While ACA (16 kg/m3) and CCA (i) (consisting As₂O₃ 2H₂O) treated samples were protected considerably but were not comparable with CCA treated samples. Copper lignate (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg/m3) treated samples (10 x 2.5 x 0.6 cm3) of all species, could not perform satisfactorily. Visual observations of Mangifera indica (Mango) samples indicated heavy attack of soft rot fungus on the sample in the 3rd year of experiment itself, thus indicating none of the preservative treatment being able to protect Mango wood samples.Thus, Eucalyptus hybrid (heartwood) and Melia azedarach treated with CCA can be recommended for smaller size samples used in cooling towers whereas for bigger size of wood used in cooling towers, where strength is important criteria, bigger samples i.e. stake test (45 x 5 x 4 cm3) is required.}

4 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

011830   Thakur R M;Bhattacharyya D;Krishnan V (IOC R & D Centre, , Faridabad) : INDMAX technology : a process technology for upgradation of heavy hydrocarbon residue into LPG, light olefins and high octane gasoline. Process Pl Engng 2007, 25(6), 26-30.

5 illus, 1 table

011829   Rana N K (NO, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Mumbai) : India could become a global leader in biofuels production. Process Pl Engng 2007, 25(4), 63-5.

3 illus, 1 table

011828   Mandavgane S A;Holey P P;Deopujari J Y (Chemical Engineering Dep, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Email: mandavgane@gmail.com) : Preparation and testing of perfume as described in Brhatsamhita. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2009, 8(2), 275-7.

Brhatsamhita of Varaha-Mihira (5-6th century AD) describes the materials and methods of perfumes in chapter Gandhayukti. This chapter explains Gandharnava (perfume ocean), wherein it provides a matrix of 4x4, i.e. total 16 ingredients, choosing any 4 of them along any row, column or diagonal and permuted variously at will and that in one, 2, 3 or 4 parts provide 1,820 different compositions of perfumes. Though the chapter gives the details of raw materials, but it has not given the process of preparation and purification. In the study, an attempt was made to prepare perfumes using 8 of 16 ingredients with different permutations. Paper presents a primary study to explore the possibility and feasibility of perfume preparation as described in Brhatsamhita.

011827   Julka D K (NO, , Uhde India Limited, Mumbai) : Urea formaldehyde concentrate (UFC-85) plant for SAFCO, Saudi Arabia. Process Pl Engng 2007, 25(4), 67-8.

2 illus

011826   Gehlor R;Sharma K;Mathew M;Kumbhat S (Biosensor Laboratory, Chemistry Dep, J.N.V. University, Jodhpur-342 033, Email: skumbhat@rediffmail.com) : Surface plasmon resonance based biosensor for label free detection of cholesterol. Indian J Chem-Sect A 2008, 47(12), 1804-8.

A surface plasmon resonance based biosensor has been proposed for a simple, label-free, highly selective and sensitive detection of cholesterol employing the flavoenzyme, cholesterol oxidase, as the sensing element. The immobilization of cholesterol oxidase conjugated with bovine serum albumin on to the gold sensor chip has been accomplished by covalent binding through an activated self-assembled ll-mercaptoundecanoic acid monolayers. The surface morphology of the biosensor has been recorded using atomic force microscopy. Sensitivity of 1.41m^o/mg dl^-1 of cholesterol has been achieved using the biosensor. The biosensor is highly specific for cholesterol and shows no significant interference from potent interferents such as ascorbic acid and uric acid.

^ssc3 illus, 20 ref

011825   Dhami K R (NO, Blinex Filter Coat Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai) : High performance corrosion resistance: fluoropolymer/PTFE coated fasteners for offshore and oil gas industries, coatings for the 21st centaury. Process Pl Engng 2007, 25(6), 42-5.

Corrosion is a very serious issue in oil and gas companies who are into oil exploration by means of platforms. The damage edue to corrosion sometimes accounts to thousands of dollars. For this reason, major metallic equipments and parts must be proteched from corrosion resistance. Although commonly used methods of corrosion protection viz hot dip galvanized, molycote, cadmium plating have been present in the market over the years, there is a demand and requirement for a superior high performance coating for specific applications and saline water resistance where all the traditional methods tend to fail. Here emerges the market for Fasteners and equipments which represent an innovative alternative.

5 illus

011824   Christopher M D;Padmanabha Reddy V; Venkateswarlu K (Microbiology Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur-515 003) : Viability during storage of two Bifidobacterium bifidum strains in set and stirred flavoured yoghurts containing whey protein concentrate. Nat Prod Radiance 2009, 8(1), 25-31.

The viability of two strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum (NCDC 229/A and DSM 20456), during storage at refrigerated temperature, in flavoured set and stirred yoghurts prepared without or with whey protein concentrate (WPC), and the overall acceptability of these probiotic yoghurts for human consumption were assessed. Supplementation of either set or stirred probiotic yoghurts with 0.5 or 1.0% WPC followed by storage at 4°C improved the viability of B. bifidum strains. However, both the yoghurts supplemented with WPC, at 0.5% level, were acceptable up to four weeks of refrigerated storage.

010786   Tharayil N J;Raveendran R;Vaidyan A V;Chithra P G (Physics Dep, Sree Narayana College, Kollam-691 001, Email: nishajohntharayil@yahoo.co.in) : Optical, electrical and structural studies of nickel-cobalt oxide nanoparticles. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2008, 15(6), 489-96 .

Nanoparticles of nickel-cobalt oxide arc prepared by chemical co-precipitation method. The particle size is determined from X-ray diffraction studies and TEM image. The surface morphology is revealed by SEM image. The effect of sintering on the particle size is analyzed. The FTIR studies have been used to confirm the formation of metal oxide. The characteristic stretching and bending frequencies of the sample is analyzed. The absorption spectra of the material in the UV-Vis-NIR range are recorded. An absorption band is observed to occur at 350 nm and another one around 650 nm. From the analysis of absorption spectra, the nickel-cobalt oxide (sintered at 500°C, 700°C and 900°C) arc found to have direct band gaps ranging from 1.827 to 1.61 cV. Electrons are highly localized in nanoparticles and interaction between these localized states give rise to the observed band gap. The effect of temperature and frequency on the dielectric behaviour and ac electrical conductivity have been studied for nanosized samples of nickel cobalt spinel oxide prepared by chemical co-precipitation method. The dielectric permittivity of nanosized nickel cobalt spinel oxide sample is evaluated from the observed capacitance values in the frequency range 100 kHz-5 MHz and in the temperature range of 300-403 K. It is seen that with decreasing frequency, the dielectric constant increases much more obviously than that of conventional materials. As the temperature increases more and more dipoles are oriented resulting in an increase in the values of dipole moment. Space charge polarization and rotation direction polarization play a crucial role in the dielectric behaviour of this nanosized material. Further from the permittivity studies ac conductivity is evaluated.

9 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

010785   Suryawanshi A B;Kirad K S;Phad G N;Patil S B (Horticulture Dep, Allahabad Agricultural Institute-(Deemed Univ), Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Standardization of preservation method and their combination for safe storage of pomegranate juice at room temperature. Asian J Hort 2008, 3(2), 395-9.

Investigation "Standardization of preservation method and their combination for safe storage of pomegranate juice at room temperature" was carried in the P.G. Research Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Allahabad Agricultural Institute-Deemed University, Allahabad during the year 2006-2007. The experiment was laid out in 4 x 4 factorial with three replications. There were sixteen treatments comprising two factors with each of four levels. The treated juice was kept for 60 days of storage and physico-chemical characters were recorded from 0 days to 6C days of storage. In various levels of pasteurization minimum changes in T.S.S., acidity, pH, total sugar, reducing sugar and tannin were recorded with T₂-70°C pasteurization while among the various levels of preservative the minimum changes were observed in P₂- sodium benzoate at 500 ppm and in case of combination minimum changes were observed with T₂P₂ - 70°C pasteurization + sodium benzoate at 500 ppm. Overall minimum changes were observed in chemical preservative than pasteurization.

6 tables, 9 ref

010784   Sopyan I;Ramesh Singh;Hamdi M (Manufacturing & Materials Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic Univ Malaysia, P.O. Box 10, 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Email: sopyan@iiu.edu.my) : Synthesis of nano sized hydroxyapatite powder using sol-gel technique and its conversion to dense and porous bodies. Indian J Chem-Sect A 2008, 47(11), 1626-31.

Hydroxyapatite powder has been prepared via sol-gel procedure using calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate as the precursors for calcium and phosphorus, respectively, XRD measurement shows that the powder contains hydroxyapatite crystals with β-TCP and calcium oxide as secondary phases. Hydroxyapatite powder of higher purity, i. e., the correct Ca/P ratio, has been obtained by adding an appropriate amount of diammonium hydrogen phosphate and heating with stirring. Morphological evaluation by SEM measurement shows that the particles of the HA arc tightly agglomerated and globular in shape with an average size of 1-2 μm. The primary particulates have average diameters of 50-200 nm, as detected by SEM and nanoparticle sizer. Purity (almost 100%) of the obtained hydroxyapatite has been confirmed by XRD analysis. Its performance has been tested by making dense and porous samples.

7 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

010783   Singh A K;Menhi Lal;Suman A (Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh-226 002, Email: shantaanil@yahoo.com) : Effect of intercropping in sugarcane (Saccharum complex hybrid) on productivity of plant cane - ratoon system. Indian J Agron 2008, 53(2), 140-4.

Field experiment was conducted at Lucknow during 2002-03 and 2003-04 to assess the production potential and economic viability of autumn-planted sugarcanenbased intercropping systems, viz. sugarcane sole and sugarcane intercropped with lentil (Lens esculentus), rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Indian mustard (Brassica compestris), rapeseed (Brassica sp.) and maize (Zea mays L.) for cobs at 2 row spacings of 90 and 75 cm. The intercropping with rajmash had no adverse effect on the number of millable canes (117.6 thousand/ha), cane length (213 cm) and cane yield (83.4 t/ha) compared with sole cane. Intercropping of rajmash and maize for green cobs resulted in highest net profit (Rs 89,883 and 83,815/ha) and benefit : cost ratio (B : C) (2.53 and 2.34) compared with sole sugarcane (Rs 50,199 /ha). Ratoon sugarcane intercropped with lentil gave higher cane yield (64.2 t/ha) than that from sugarcane sole. Besides, there was improvement in the physico-chemical properties of the soil under sugarcane + lentil intercropping system with lower bulk density (1,26 g/cm³) and higher infiltration rate (4.75 mm/hr) compared with sole sugarcane. Inclusion of short-duration intercrops like rajmash, and maize for green cobs in autumn-planted sugarcane improved the productivity and profitability, and lentil intercropping improved the soil health under plantnratoon system.

1 ref

010782   Sheikh M A;Anil Kumar;Paliwal M;Ameta R; Khandelwal R C (Chemistry Dep, Government Meera Girls College, Udaipur-313 001, Email: ameta_ra@yahoo.com) : Degradation of organic effluents containing wastewater by photo-fenton oxidation process. Indian J Chem-Sect A 2008, 47(11), 1681-4.

Photooxidation of some organic pollutants (p-nitroaniline, p-aminophenols and acetanilide) has been carried out in the presence of photo-Fenton reagent. The effect of various parameters like pH, concentrations of organic compounds, ferric ions and hydrogen peroxide and light intensity, etc. on the reaction rate has been studied. The degradation is found to be pseudo first order. The optimum pHs for the degradation of p-aminophenol, p-nitroaniline and acetanilide are found to be 3.0, 3.5 and 2.5, respectively while the rate degradations of the three compounds are found to be comparable. The study shows that the photo-Fenton process are more effective and faster than Fenton's reagent in oxidation of organic compounds, and that the organic compounds are completely oxidized and degraded into CO₂ and H₂O. A tentative mechanism has been proposed. Excellent removal has been obtained using photo-Fenton process assisted with artificial irradiation. This study demonstrates that the use of photo-Fenton process on organic effluents wastewater treatment is very promising, especially when solar light is used.

^ssc15 ref

010781   Sharma S;Joshi V K;Lal Kaushal B B (Post Harvest Technology Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmer Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Email: vkjoshipht@rediffmail.com) : Preparation of ready-to-serve drinks from lactic acid fermented vegetables. Indian Fd Packer 2008, 62(3), 52-62.

Preparation of Ready-to-Serve drink from lactic acid fermented vegetables was undertaken. Different combinations of fermented vegetables viz., carrot, radish and cucumber with apricot, mango and pear pulp were made separately and were processed as per routine procedure. All the beverages were prepared having constant TSS of 14° B and 25% of pulp, as per the respective combinations discussed. The blending ratio influenced the titratable acidity, brix-acid ratio, pH and colour of RTS so prepared. Based on the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of RTS drinks prepared, all the products met the FPO specifications. Among radish and cucumber based RTS drinks, the combination prepared with 30% fermented radish + 70% mango pulp and 20% fermented cucumber + 80% mango pulp were preferred. Based on the sensory evaluation, the fermented carrot based RTS drink, prepared from 40% fermented carrot +60% mango was adjudged to be the best. The combinations with apricot had second best overall acceptability after mango based drinks. But, among the three vegetables and pulps tried, carrot with mango pulp based drink was the best and had the highest overall acceptability. The lowest (Rs. 9.44) cost was recorded for carrot based fermented RTS drink followed by those of radish, and cucumber. Complete process for the preparation is described.

6 illus, 5 tables, 19 ref

010780   Saravanan V;Rajamohan N (Chemical Engineering Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Email: sarav_30@yahoo.co.uk) : Biofiltration of toluene and xylene emissions using Scedosporium apiospermum. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(4), 885-92.

Experiments are carried out for gaseous toluene and xylene removal using pure strain. The biofiltration is carried out at different gas flow rate of higher and lower orders and at different inlet toluene and xylene gas concentrations. The investigations are aimed to study the toluene and xylene elimination capacity of the biofilm binding in scedosporium apiospermum. A cocunut fiber was selected as a packing material for the development of biofilter. A maximum of 92% toluene removal was achieved at an inlet gas concentration of 0.1 gm-3 with gas flow rate of 0.15 m3h-l. For xylene maximum of 88% removal efficiency was achieved at an inlet gas concentration of 0.1 gm-3 with gas flow rate of 0.12 m3h-l. A biofilm model incorporating zero-order kinetics was applied to interpret and characterize the process microkinetics. Theoretical total biofilm thickness and distribution coefficient for toluene and xylene were calculated for both high and low concentrations and gas flow rate, the system performance was well described by a diffusion model.

1 table, 5 illus, 21 ref

010779   Sai P S T (Chemical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600 036, Email: psts@iitm.ac.in) : Evaluation of mathematical models for the reduction of ilmenite with char in a rotary reactor. Indian chem Engr 2008, 50(4), 312-22.

Experimental data on reduction of ilmenite with coal char in a rotary reactor is used to identify the controlling mechanisms of reduction reaction. The five models chosen for evaluation are: unreacted core model for spherical particles of unchanging size, Ginstling model, Jander's model, Prout-Tompkin model and Avarami model. The results indicated that the rate controlling steps are solid-solid reaction during initial stages and diffusion of carbon monoxide through product layer during later stages of reaction. The activation energies for the two heterogeneous reactions are estimated to be 25 and 35 kcal/ mol for solid-solid and gas-solid reactions, respectively. The experimental observation showing phase changes during reaction could not be confirmed either by Prout-Tompkin or Avarami models.

8 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

010778   Renugadevi N;Archana B;sreeja M (Chemistry Dep, Avinashilingam Univ, Coimbatore-641 043) : Conversion of the rind of Crescentia cujeta L. into an effective adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(6), 540-6.

Deals with the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution using activated carbon from Thiruvottuai, (Cres-antia cujeta L ). Various parameaters, such as initial concentration of the adsorbate, contact time pH and adsorbent dosage were studied by conducting batch mode experiments. The experimental adsorption data fitted well to Langmuir and Freundiich adsorption isotherms and Langergran first order kinetic model.

6 illus, 10 tables, 54 ref

010777   Reddy A H V;Chikkasubbanna V (Horticulture Div, Agricultural Science Univ, G.K.V.K., Bangalore, Karnataka) : Standardization of recipe and storage behaviour of lime blended amla squash. Asian J Hort 2008, 3(2), 203-7.

Lime blended Amla squash with 25 per cent juice containing amla pulp and lime juice in the ratio of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1 and 40, 45 and 50° brix T.S.S was prepared and subjected to physico-chemical analysis at 0, 30, 60 and 90 days of storage and organoleptic rating at 90 days of storage. An increasing trend in pH, total soluble solids and total sugars, reducing sugars and decreasing trend in acidity, crude protein, fibre, tannins, non-reducing sugars and ascorbic acid was noticed during storage period of 90 days. Squash prepared with 25 per cent pulp (amla pulp and lime juice in the ratio of 1:3), 40°B total soluble solids was found to be the best recipe for organoleptic qualities like appearance, aroma and flavour, taste and overall acceptability.

3 tables, 19 ref

010776   Rakesh Kumar;Misra A K;Maity T K (Dairy Microbiology Dep, Faculty of Dairy Technology (West Bengal Univ of Animal and Fishery Sc, Mohanpur-741 252, Email: maity.tk@gmail.com ) : Effect of spice supplementation on the shelf life of sandesh under ambient and refrigerated conditions. Anim Sci Reptr 2009, 3(1), 19-26.

Sandesh is the premier milk sweet of Eastern India. It is a highly perishable product with low shelf-life. The aversion of consumers to addition of chemical preservatives to milk sweets has necessiated search for GRAS preservatives for shelf-life enhancement of sandesh. In this experiment, Indian varieties of three spices viz., cinnamon, fennel and clove at the rate of 0.3%, 1% and 0.2% respectively of chhanna (w/w) were used as preservatives to extend the shelf-life of sandesh under ambient (30±1 °C) and refrigerated (7±1 °C) temperatures. The samples were examined microbiologically, physicochemically and organoleptically at different intervals, till they were tolerable based on organoleptic test and consumer acceptance. The sensory evaluation of the product revealed that addition of spices enhanced the shelf-life and consumer acceptance of sandesh up to 16 days at ambient temperature and up to 60 days under refrigeration, besides improving the organoleptic quality. Clove was found to be the most effective preservative.

6 tables, 23 ref

010775   Raghusankar M;Sarma S;Ravi S;Srinivasan A (Physics Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039, Email: asrini@iitg.ernet.in) : Magnetic and martensitic transformations in Ni-Fe-Ga alloy. Indian J Phys 2008, 82(2), 169-72.

Magnetic and martensitic transformations have been observed in Ni₄₈Fe₂₀Ga₃₂ alloy prepared by arc-melting. AC magnetic susceptibility technique was employed to determine the martensitic transformation and Curie temperature. Room temperature optical and scanning electron microscopy investigations were performed to ascertain the presence of the martensite phase and to determine the overall alloy composition. The alloy exhibited a ferromagnetic martensitic phase below 237 K.

5 illus, 12 ref

010774   Parthiban R;Iyer P V R;Sekaran G (Chemical Engineering Dep, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Sriperumbudur-602 105, Email: pvri@svce.ac.in) : Anaerobic tapered fluidised bed reactor for treatment of sago industry effluent. Indian chem Engr 2008, 50(4), 323-33.

Anaerobic biodegradation of synthetic sago industry wastewater was carried out in a tapered anaerobic fluidised bed reactor (TAFBR) with mesopores granular activated carbon (GAC) as the carrier media. The utility of TAFBR over the conventional anaerobic fluidised bed reactor (AFBR) was considered in the treatment. The incorporation of tapered portion in the fluidised bed resulted in lowering of superficial velocity and drag force of bioparticles at the upper part of the tapered fluidised bed. The experimental protocol was defined to examine the effect of the increase of organic loading rate and the efficiency of TAFBR and to report on its steady state performance. The TAFBR reactor was subjected to steady state operation over a range of hydraulic retention times (HRT), and organic loading rate (OLR), up to 14.4 kg COD/m³/day in order to evaluate its overall treatment capacity and efficiency. The TAFBR reactor was initially operated with an OLR of 1.0 kg COD/m³/day and HRT of 26.74 h. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was found to be 92% in the reactor while the biogas produced in the digester reached 4.49 m³/m³ of the reactor per day. TAFBR can be operated at a significantly higher liquid throughput than other previously reported systems while maintaining its excellent COD removal efficiency.

4 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

010773   Nedumaran B;Velan M (Chemical Engineering Dep, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Sriperumbudur-602 105) : Removal of copper(II) lons from aqueous solutions by Azolla filiculoides and Azolla rongpong: Performance evalution by biosorption capacity. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(6), 526-9.

Batch studies were conducted to investigate the potential of biosorption capacity of the biomass of blue green alga Azolla filiculoides and A. rongpong for Cu(ll) ions in aqueous solutions. It is observed that the biosorption capacity of alage depends on initial pH and dosage. The maximum bio-sorption capacity of 893 mg/g of A. filiculoids was observed at an optimum pH of 4.5 with an alage dosage of 1 g/L The results indicate that with the advantage of high metal biosorption capacity and recovery of Cu(ll) ions, A. filiculoides can be used as an efficient and economic biosorbent for the removal and recovery of toxic heavy metals from aqueous wastes However, A. rongpong seems to be an alternative source of biosorbent with maximum biosorption capacity of 157 mg/g.

18 ref, 3 illus

010772   Muppa Ravi;Somasekhara Rao K;Sreedhar B; Rajesh K;Vani K N K (Chemistry Dep, Post graduate Centre, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nuzvid-521 201) : Adsorption of methylene blue and surface chemical characterization of activated carbons. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(6), 505-17.

Sorption of methylene blue (MB) on activated carbon was examined at different parameters, like adsorption capacities, agitation time, dose of adsorbent, effect of pH, temperature and initial concentration. The surface chemical properties of the activated carbons were characterized using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and particle size. Acid pH was favourable for the adsorption of methylene blue. The adsorption data obtained from batch studies were modeled using both Langmuir and Freundlich classical adsorption isotherms and the adsorption process is found to be of first order kinetics. It was observed that the maximum loading capacity is 99.85%. The adsorbents were found to be both effective and economically viable.

14 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

010771   Mishra D K;Mishra P K;Sahu D R;Behera D;Roul B K (NO, Institute of Materials Science, Planetarium Building, Bhubaneswar-751 013, Email: ims@iopb.res.in) : Effect of Ho and Nd substitution in La_0.67Ca_0.33MnO₃ CMR manganites. Indian J Phys 2008, 82(2), 155-61.

Temperature dependent low field magnetization and electroresistive properties for the sample La_0.64 Ho_0.03Ca_0.33MnO₃ & La_0.64Nd_0.03Ca_0.33MnO₃ have been studied. The substitution of Nd^{3+ and Ho3+ in the site of La3+ in La_0.67Ca_0.33MnO₃ (LCMO) lower the magnetic transition temperature (7,) in comparison to the main matrix of LCMO prepared by solid-state reaction route. However, the substitution showed a direct relationship between T, and . It is expected that decreasing the mean ionic radius <r_A> influenced the reduction of Mn-O-Mn bond angle, which caused the reduction of the transition temperature. The magnetic transition temperature (Curie temperature) 'T_c' is well lying within metal-insulator transition temperature T_MI.}

5 illus, 21 ref

010770   Masud Hossain S K (Chemical Engineering Dep, Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Kilakarai-623 806) : Biological sugar industry wastewater treatment with fungus Aspergillus niger. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(6), 530-4.

Biodegradation of sugar industry wastewater using fungi Aspergillus niger is an effective pollution abatement solution for wastewater treatment. Batch aerobic studies of the bioprocess show that the bacteria can remove COD. BOD₅ and colour of sugar industry wastowaters 7 day age old and 30 % ( v/v ) inoculum of the fungi Aspergillus niger is used for the studies. The optimum initial pH is found to be 5.5 and the optimum temperature is 40 °C for maximum poiution abatement with fungi Aspergillus niger. The fungus can degrade 98.82 % of COD and 93.85 % of BOD₅ by 168hrof incubation at optimum biological process conditions, respectively. The colour removal of the effluents is 99.34 % at optimum incubation time with optimum bioprocess parameters.

4 illus

010769   Lakshmana Rajanna K M;Shivanna M (Post Harvest Technology Dep, College of Horticulture, Mudigere, Chikmagalur, Karnataka) : Preparation and quality analysis of unfermented mango (cv. raspur) beverages. Asian J Hort 2008, 3(2), 427-8.

Laboratory experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, Mudigere. The mango beverages such as pure juice, sweetened juice, RTS, nectar and squash were prepared from cv. Raspuri with different proportions of juice, TSS and acidity. The beverages were kept under room temperature for period of 0 to 6 months were analyzed at bimonthly interval. The results indicated that among different mango beverages tested, squash had better storage life with higher chemical composition and sensory quality characteristics.

2 tables, 5 ref

010768   Kushal Singh;Ranjit Singh;Ramesh Kumar (Floriculture and Landscaping Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab) : Wet storage of cut rose stems in relation to post storage treatments. Asian J Hort 2008, 3(2), 400-2.

Stems of rose cv. MERCEDES were subjected to wet refrigerated storage up to 21 days by dipping basal 5-7 em basal stem portions in water. After storage, the stems were held in vase solutions comprising of aluminium sulphate [Al₂(SO₄)₃16H₂O], 300 ppm, sucrose 1.5% + [Al₂(SO₄)₃16H₂O] 300 ppm ahd. water i.e. control, post-storage vase solutions comprising of sucrose (1.5%) + Al₂(SO₄)₃16H₂O (300 ppm) followed by Al₂(SO₄)₃16H₂O alone, significantly improved keeping quality of the stems.

2 tables, 7 ref

010767   Kulshrestha N;Jha Y K;Kumbhar B K (Post Harvest Process and Food Engineering Dep, College of Technology, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: jhayk@rediffmail.com) : Process optimization of low calorie and high protein pineapple bar using response surface methodology. Indian Fd Packer 2008, 62(3), 37-46.

Low calorie high protein pineapple fruit bar was developed using defatted soy flour for protein enrichment, stevia as sugar replacer and pectin for giving body and texture. Central composite rotatable design was used for selecting the levels of ingredients in the experimental run. The product was evaluated for sensory characteristics namely colour, taste, body and texture, aroma and overall acceptability. Second order mathematical model was used for optimization and showing the effect of ingredients on sensory characteristics. Results indicated that the sensory score ranged between 5.0-8.3,5.0-7.7,4.5-8.0, 7.7-8.2 and 5.5-8.4 for colour, taste, body and texture, aroma and overall acceptability, respectively. Mathematical models predicted all responses except aroma quite well with coefficient of determination more than 85%. Defatted soy flour affected the sensory characteristics significantly while stevia and pectin did not have significant effect. Optimization resulted in the ingredient levels as defatted soy flour 11.2g, stevia 3.0g and pectin 1.57g per 100g pineapple pulp.

1 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

010766   Kolhe R P;Das S;Mane B G;Singh D K (Livestock Prodycts Technoloy Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareily-243 122) : Nanotechnology-an emerging technology in food industry. Indian Fd Packer 2008, 62(3), 67-75.

Nanotechnology refers to the study of manipulation of material at an atomic scale. It is enabling scien tists, researchers to better understand the relationship between macroscopic properties and molecular structure of matter. It is now widely applied in various areas viz., electronics, automation and biological sciences like medicine and Pharmaceuticals but its application in food sector is not fully explored. With the advent of scientific discoveries world over, nano-biotechnology has great potential to revolutionize agriculture and food system. Nanotechnology in food industry has varied applications in production, processing and packaging of foods. Nanoscale phenomenon in agriculture disease monitoring and treatment of food animals will significantly enhance the food quality and safety from the public health point of view. Research and development in nano-biotechnology is needed on top priority in developing nations in collaboration with developed ones.

7 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

010765   Kalaichelvi K (Agronomy Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Effect of BT hybrids, plant geometry and fertilizer leels on soil nutrient availability. Agric Sci Dig 2008, 28(4), 250-3.

Soil available nitrogen and phosphorous was significantly influenced with plant spacing and fertilizer levels. Plant spacing of 90x60 cm and 120x60 cm and application of fertilizers at the rate of 200:100:100 kg NPK ha^-1 recorded higher nitrogen and phosphorus availability. Bt hybrids, plant spacing and fertilizer levels had no significant influence on potassium availability.

3 tables, 7 ref

010764   Kadam A M;Nemade P D;Oza G H;Shankar H S (Chemical Engineering Dep, , ) : Uptake of Nitrogen from aqueous solution by adsorption on to various low cost materials. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(6), 535-9.

In study red soil and agro-residues, namely rico husks (Ratna), saw dust, and groundnut shell were used as adsorbent without any treatment. Nitrogen removal by adsorption was investigated using above adsorbents at pH 7. Adsorbent dosages were 2 g/100 ml. A series of isotherm studies were undertaken and the data evaluated for compliance with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The value of q_max, adsorption rate coefficient (k) and the adsorption capacity coefficient (n) are reported for these materials. Experimental data show that red soil and agro-residues were effective and comparable for various forms of nitrogen removal.

5 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

010763   Joseph S;Malsawmkimi;George T E (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Vellanikkara, Thrissur-680 656) : Correlations and path coefficient analysis in clove bean (Ipomoea muricata (L.) Jacq.). Agric Sci Dig 2008, 28(4), 246-9.

Correlation and path coefficient studies were worked out for 25 genotypes of dove bean (Ipomoea muricata (L.) Jacq.) during 2007-2008. Length, girth and weight of pedicel, weight of fruit and number of harvests had positive and significant correlation with yield. The positive direct effect on yield was revealed by weight of fruit, weight of pedicel, days to first flower production, days to first harvest and vine length. Therefore, these traits may be considered as the most reliable selection indices for effective improvement in fruit yield in clove bean.

2 tables, 9 ref

010762   Gumaste J L;Satapathy D;Mazumder B;Mukherjee P S;Mishra B K (NO, Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 013, Email: deba1997@yahoo.com) : Preparation and characterisation of activated carbon produced from coir pith waste. Indian chem Engr 2008, 50(4), 288-300.

Coconut pith waste is a highly porous by product generated during separation of coconut fibres from its shell. Its accumulation in fibre production units causes problem of disposal and environmental pollution. Due to its highly porous structure and a fixed carbon content of 47.5 wt.%, it has been tried as a raw material for the production of activated carbon (AC). An attempt has been made to produce activated carbon by the thermal pyrolysis of cleaned coconut pith in the temperature range of 550-750°C in CO₂ and nitrogen atmosphere. The study on thermal pyrolysis of coir pith showed carbon yield of 30-35 wt.% of the initial weight of the coconut pith. The thermal activation treatments on carbon char derived from coconut pith were carried out in CO₂ atmosphere in the temperature range of 750-900°C for 1-2 h. The XRD studies on coconut carbon char and CO₂ activated carbon powder showed XRD peaks of 4-H graphite. The SEM pictures of activated carbon particles showed enlargement of pore volume. The column filtration of water samples from Mahanadi, Kuakhai river, sewage stream and effluent water of textile industry through a bed of activated carbon powder showed remarkable decrease in Ni, Fe, Cu, Co, ion concentration of filtered water samples. ACs produced by the pyrolysis of H₃PO₄ impregnated coconut pith showed decolourising power of 170.0 mg/g, for methylene blue adsorption.

3 illus, 6 tables, 18 ref

010761   Chaurasia S R;Shashikant (Civil Engineering Dep, Madan Mohan Malaviya Engineering College, Gorakhpur-273 010) : Removal of basic dye from aqueous solution using natural adsorbents: equilibrium and diffusion studies. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(6), 491-7.

Equilibrium studies for adsorption of methylene blue onto carbonised low cost adsorbents were studied using Langmuir and Freundlich Isotherm equations. Diffusion studies show that adsorption is controlled by intra-particle diffusion process for all the four adsorbents (rice husk ash, boiler bottom ash, saw dust ash and wood coal).

12 illus, 6 tables, 9 ref

010760   Chaudhary N;Gautam N;Silky;Dheer Singh (Institute of Food Technology, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) : Optimization of process parameters for drying of aonla, Emblica officinalis. Flora Fauna 2008, 14(2), 203-9.

The process parameters were optimized for drying of commercially grown Aonla fruits by using cabinet air drier. The optimized parameters were 3.5 minutes blanching in boiling water, destoned and dipped for 20 hours in potassium metabisulphite solution (100ppm) at pH 5. The slices were dried at 45 ± 2°C temperatures for 7.5 hours in a cabinet air drier and an acceptable quality of aonla powder was prepared. The chemical composition of aonla, such as protein, fat, crude fiber,ash, calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin C, titratable acidity, pectin, tannin and total sugars were 0.75, 0.15,3.40, 0.60, 0.06, 0.0069, 0.032, 550, 3.17, 0.95, 0.65 and 3.55 percent, respectively, on fresh weight basis.

1 illus, 6 tables, 15 ref

010759   Chakrapani Ch;Ravi M;Srinivasa Rao K; Somasekhara Babu Ch;Venkateswara Rao K V;Srinivasa Rao V (Chemistry Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ Post Graduae Centre, Nuzvid-521 201) : Removal of methylene blue by maize shell carbon. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(6), 547-53.

Removal of methylene blue (MB) by maize shell carbon (MSC) is examined at different parameters, like adsorption capacities, agitation time, dose of adsorbent, effect of pH temperature initial concentration particle size, regeneration and recycling are investigated. The adsorpt on data obtained from batch studies are modeled by using both Langmuir and Freundlich classical adsorption iso isotherms. It is observed that the maximum loading capacity 99.75%. The maize shell carbon is found to be effective in the removal of MB dye solution.

10 illus, 5 tables, 34 ref

010758   Borah S M;Pal A R;Bailung H;Chutia J (Plasma Physics Laboratory, Material Sciences Div, , Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Gorchuk, Guwahati, Assam-781 035, Email: sankarmoni@gmail.com) : Titanium nitride nano-structure by DC magnetron sputtering plasma. Indian J Phys 2008, 82(2), 209-13.

Titanium nitride is useful as hard coating for surface durability. It also provides wear and corrosion resistance to the coated material. Direct current magnetron sputtering is used for deposition of titanium nitride (TiN) on an alloy of copper and tin (bell-metal) substrate. Plasma is produced in argon and nitrogen reactive gas environment with titanium (cathode) as the target for the sputtering mechanism. Qualitative study of the deposited titanium nitride film shows the formation of nano-structure. XRD study confirms the formation of TiN, SEM and AFM analyses are carried out to study the surface morphology of the deposited film. The TiN film provides a permanent hard protective and anti-corrosive bright gold coloured coating to the bell-metal substrate.

5 illus, 7 ref

010757   Biswas B;Hussain S A;Bhattacharjee D (Physics Dep, Tripura Univ, Suryamaninagar-799 130, Email: tuphysic@sancharnet.in) : Orientation of carbazole molecule in the mixed langmuir-blodgett films. Indian J Phys 2008, 82(2), 173-7.

Reports the molecular orientation of carbazole (CA) molecules in the mixed Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of carbozole in stearic acid (SA) matrix. Changes in the intensities of the absorption bands are observed by rotating the LB films, keeping the direction of the incident radiation unchanged. Maximum intensities of the absorption bands are observed when the LB films are kept at an angle of 45ø with the incident radiation. For other angles of orientations ; intensities of the absorption bands are minimum. This certainly confirms the fact that CA molecules have preferred orientation on the substrate of the LB films.

2 illus, 13 ref

010756   Ahmed S F;Mitra M K;Chattopadhyay K K (Thin Film & Nanoscience Laboratory, Physics Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032, Email: kalyan_chattopadhyay@yahoo.com) : Electrical characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes synthesized by DC-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. Indian J Phys 2008, 82(2), 223-8.

Thermoelectric and electrical conductivity properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes deposited "by plasma enhanced chemcal vapor deposition with acetylene as precursor using Ni as a catalyst on Si substrates have been studied in detail. The substrate temperature has been varied from 750 - 850°C. It was found that the thermoelectric power of the MWCNT is positive over the whole temperature range, and increases with increasing the deposition temperature and showed p-type conduction in the films. Room-temperature Seebeck coefficients were found in the range 11.12 to 31.24 μVK^{-1, for films deposited with different substrate temperature. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the graphitic phase of carbon nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy study showed the diameter of the carbon nanotubes lying in the range 15-20 nm. The room temperature electrical conductivity (σ_RT) of the carbon nanotubes increased with increase of the substrate temperature, as usual for semiconductors and the highest room temperature electrical conductivity obtained was 4.07 x 104 S cm-1 for the sample deposited at 850 °C substrate temperature.}

4 illus, 12 ref

009788   Ziaie-Shirkolaee Y (Chemical Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Tehran University, P.O. Box, 11365/4563 Tehran, Iran, Email: ya_ziaee@yahoo.com) : Comparative study on hydrogen peroxide bleaching of soda-organosolv and Kraft rice straw pulps. Indian J chem Technol 2009, 16(2), 181-7.

Rice straw was cooked with three levels of alkali content (12, 14 and 16%) in cooking liquor by soda-organosolv (ethanol, diethylene glycol, dimethyl formamide) process. The effect of alkali addition on yield, kappa number, brightness and viscosity of organosolv unbleached pulps was studied. The TCF bleachability of these organosolv pulps and kraft pulp was carried out using a simple three stage peroxide bleaching sequence without oxygen pre-bleaching. All tested pulps were bleached under identical conditions during each stage. After full peroxide bleaching sequences of three alkali-organosolv pulps, some similarity in behaviour of brightness and peroxide consumption for each alkali percentage was observed. The final brightness of 63-70% ISO was attained for all tested pulps. The chemical charge required to reach this level of brightness varied for different pulps (despite the equal initial content of the residual lignin), which was directly related to starting brightness values. The high bleached yield for organosolv pulps (approximately, in range of 90-91% o.d.p) indicates to the limited organosolv carbohydrate degradation during peroxide bleaching. The strength properties of bleached organosolv pulps were higher than kraft pulp. No relation was found between improvement in brightness and lignin removal during hydrogen peroxide bleaching.