Issue Papers

Abstract

Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L. var. DBW 17) exposed to different concentration of iron(10, 100, 200, 400 µM Fe) in the form of FeEDTA under controlled glass house conditions were quantified for different physiological parameters and antioxidative enzymes as well as antioxidant compounds. At 40 and 60 days of exposure the plants were harvested and growth, active Fe content, lipid peroxidation enzymes and metabolites of the antioxidative metabolism were determined. Plants showed maximum growth at 100 µM Fe supply and this level was treated as control. At 10 µM Fe plants shoewd maximum reduction in growth and choruses in young leaves. Excess of Fe also caused significant inhibition of growth and induced bronzing of older leaves. High concentration of TBARS (indicated lipid peroxidation) and H2O2 content in leaves were detected in Fe deficient and Fe toxic plants (10, 200 and 400 µM Fe) as compared to control. The activities of Fe containing enzymes such as speroxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) increased with increasing Fe concentration at 40 DAT. A significant enhancement in the activity of GR was also observed with increasing Fe concentration at 40 DAT but the activity of GR as also that of POD and APX reduced at 60 DAT. The ascorbate (ASA) and non- protein thiol (NPT) content in general increased with increasing Fe concentration. The results indicate that under Fe stress condition plants suffer increased oxidative damage, which is regulated by change in the activities of antioxidative enzymes and the contents of the antioxidants ASA and NPT.

Introgression of genes by wide hybridization: A crop improvement approach

Abstract

Introgression is the movement of genes or gene flow from one species into the gene pool. wide hybridisation breaks the species barrier for gene transfer and makes it possible to transfer the genome of one species to other, which results alteration in genotypes and phenotypes of the progeny. The main objective of wide hybridisation is to transfer desirable genes, to create genetic variability when it lost due to domestication and creation of novel crop species.it is not always successful, where development of young zygote may be arrested by hybrid breakdown, hybrid sterility and hybrid non viability. The F1 plants obtained from wide hybridization showed sterile and semi sterile due to abortion of male and female gametes. The pre-fertilisation and post-fertilisation factors affects the fruit set in chilli and it showed highly significant positive correlation with pollen germination and pollen tube growth for transferring fruit rot resistance to C. annum. Chromosomal manipulation in wide hybrids based on their chromosome behaviour and constitutions are chromosome elimination, chromosome doubling with production of unreduced gametes and homeologus pairing with translocated segments. Transfer of auxinic herbicide resistance from wild mustard into radish was achieved through distant hybridization with embryo rescue. Successful interspecific hybridization can be achieved through wide hybridization with embryo rescue, through study of cytological events in meiotic division and identifying genes controlling homologous pairing between wild and cultivated species.

Efficacy of two fungicides for the management of Phytophthora infestans on potato through different applications methods adopted in controlled conditions

Abstract

In an attempt to develop an alternative strategy, it is interesting to assess the best method of fungicide application, the position of the leaflets treated and the effect of a reduced dose on the infection level. Two fungicides, Ridomil Gold® and Copper Nordox® were evaluated to control mildew infection caused by Phytophthora infestans on potato (cv. Bintje). Hyphal growth of P. infestans was reduced by using Ridomil Gold® at 50 mg/L a.i (33.96%) compared to Copper Nordox® (54.28%) and untreated control (100%). Both Ridomil Gold® and Copper Nordox® indicated that spray application method on the lower side revealed a reduction of infection level. The other methods such as dipping and placing drop using Copper Nordox® revealed a decrease of mildew necrosis areas. The infection levels inhibition reached 53.94% and 56.62%, respectively (control=100%). It could be suggested that the use of fungicides Metalaxyl at low dose preventively could be efficient to control potato late blight in vitro and might be used for controlling this disease of potato plants under field conditions. Keywords: Phytophthora infestans, potato, dose, fungicide application, position treated leaflets.

Impact of Farmers Training Programmes Conducted by KVK, Chikkaballapura District, Karnataka

Abstract

A study was conducted to analyze the impact of farmers training programmes conducted by KVK, Chikkaballapura district from 2011 to 2014 on the five areas namely, crop production, plant protection, horticulture production, sericulture, and processing and value addition. In the study, the ex-post facto research design was used covering 60 respondents. The results revealed that, on an average, the complete knowledge level was observed up to 75 per cent and partial knowledge to the extent of 25.00 per cent. With respect to adoption level, on an average, 63.33 per cent of the participants had adopted completely, and 35.00 per cent showed low adoption of the technologies learnt in the training programmes. The results with respect to spread of learnt technologies to the neighbouring farmers indicated that, every trained participant taught on an average of eight other neighbouring farmers and among the eight, seven neighbouring farmers adopted the technologies learnt from the trainee.

Influence of Polyhouse Cultivation on Floral Characters of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) Cultivars during Rainy Season

Abstract

A field experiment on the influence of polyhouse cultivation on floral characters of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cultivars was carried out during July 2015 – November 2015, at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, KAU, Vellanikkara, Kerala. Eight African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cultivars were evaluated for their performance with regard to various floral characters, under open field and polyhouse (rain shelter) conditions during the rainy season. A significant influence of growing conditions was observed with respect to days to 50 per cent flowering, number of flowers/plant, marketable flower yield and shelf life of flowers of the cultivars was noticed. But the growing condition had no significant influence on flower length, pedicel length and seed yield/flower of the cultivars. Highest number of flowers/plant (76.83) and marketable flower yield (665.02 g/plant) were recorded in cultivars Local Orange and Orange Giant respectively, grown under rain shelter condition. The cultivars Sonata Orange and Sonata Yellow grown under rain shelter condition recorded maximum shelf life of flowers (4.79 days). Cultivation of African marigold under polyhouse (rain shelter) condition was found better than open field cultivation during the rainy season in Kerala.

Synthesis and Characterization of some novel Mn(III) porphyrin complexes with Imidazole

Abstract

The present work describes the synthesis and characterization of a few Mn(III) porphyrins with imidazole. A new series of high-spin Mn(III) porphyrins having general formulae [Mn(THMPP)X] and [Mn(THMPP)X(Im)], where THMPP =  Tetrakis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) porphinato ligand, X = Cl−, Br−, N3- or NCS− and Im = Imidazole have been synthesized. These complexes have been characterized by UV-visible, FT-IR, ESI-MS spectra, elemental analysis and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The tentative structures have also been proposed to be square pyramidal and octahedral respectively. These complexes will be studied for their applications in various organic transformation reactions as well as the depolymerization activity towards humic acid model compound. Keywords- Mn(III) porphyrin, Imidazole, Tetrakis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)porphine, FT-IR, ESI-MS.

Antibiotic resistance among enteric bacteria and their health implication

Abstract

Today antimicrobial agent resistance is an emerging global concern to both public and veterinary health. The use of antibacterial drugs for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes in humans and for veterinary and agricultural purposes has provided selective pressure favoring the survival and spread of resistant organisms. However, resistant bacteria may transfer their resistance to previously non-resistant pathogenic bacteria or directly infect humans with bacterial diseases that cannot be treated by conventional antimicrobial therapies. The potential for antibiotic exposure and resistance development in human and animal gastrointestinal tracts, coupled with relatively great abundance in waters contaminated with human and animal waste, makes the fecal coliform bacteria a logical fecal group for studies of antibiotic resistance and transfer in aquatic environments. The main bacteria present in human and animal feces discussed which indicators of fecal pollution should be used in current drinking water microbiological analysis. This review mainly focoused on antibiotic resistance of environmental isolates is imperative to explore the antibiotic pressure in the environment. In addition methods to reduce bacteria resistant load in wastewaters and the amount of antimicrobial agents is originated in most cases of hospitals and farms that optimization the disinfection procedures and management of wastewater.

HERMETIC STORAGE SYSTEM FOR FOOD MATERIAL

Abstract

India is amongst the leading countries as far as food wastage is concerned. Food grains worth Rs. 58,000 Crore are wasted per annum due to the lack of (or inferior quality) the storage facilities. The poor condition of the food grain is due to the inferior condition of godowns. The storability of the food grain is affected by different factors like, moisture content of the grain, oxygen, carbon dioxide content of the storage environment. As the moisture content affects food grains storability severely, the storage structures must be provided with sufficient protection from moisture migration to the grain from the environment. The insect and pests grow at a faster rate in the presence of oxygen and moisture in the storage environment. To avoid infestation, the storage environment can be manipulated or a chemical treatment can be given to the grain. Among the new gaseous application technologies that have successfully replaced fumigants are the manipulation of modified atmospheres (MAs) through the use of bio generated MAs, for insect control and for quality preservation of grains, stored paddy, polished rice, wheat, pulses, cocoa or coffee beans, high moisture corn, etc. The MAs can be achieved either by the natural respiration of the grain and the insects or by artificially flushing of gases. Sufficiently sealed structures generate the MA by reducing the O2 and increasing the CO2 concentrations. The sealed structures keep moisture levels of the grain constant which prevents mould growth. This technology is also termed as sealed storage, airtight storage, or assisted hermetic storage, bio-generated modified atmosphere (MA), etc. Hermetical Storage is based on the principle of generation of an oxygen-depleted, carbon dioxide-enriched atmosphere caused by the respiration of the living organisms in the ecological system of a sealed storage.

PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF GRAMAPRIYA UNDER INTENSIVE SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the production performance of Grmapriya maintained at the Poultry Research Station, Tamil Nadu veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India. Day old Gramapriya chicks were obtained from the Poultry Research Station and hatch weight of Gramapriya was 33.35 ± 0.10 g. Bi-weekly body weight was recorded to select best individual for next generation. Eight week body weight of Gramapriya was 675.88 ± 6.78 g and 12th week male body weight was 1211.25 ± 10.12 g and female body weight was 1077. 42 ± 10.22 g. Percentage of Hen day egg production for Gramapriya was 50.60 ± 1.52. External and internal egg qualities were characterized during the study period.

Issues in Renewable Energy in India

Abstract

Planning for India’s energy future requires addressing multiple and simultaneous economic, social and environmental challenges. Each year an estimated 6.5 million deaths are linked to air pollution in all part of the world. Estimated that coming decades the issue will create unbearable disorders in the world. In China, recent signs of energy emissions decline in a consolidated manner. Negatively the energy emissions generally rise in India. This paper proposes a Non-Conventional energy sources like wind energy are identified by International Energy Agency as key element to reduce fossil fuels dependency and helpful tool to combat global warming. The state wise status, different challenges, issues, barriers, Renewable Energy development and policies are discussed.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION MEASUREMENT IN PAINT INDUSTRY: A CASE STUDY OF ASIAN PAINTS

Abstract

Increasing completion among the firms has forced them to search for tools providing competitive advantage in the market. The recognised tools used by the organisation include innovation in product and processes, employees training and development to sustain the ever changing environment and satisfying the customer in order to increase the profitability. Satisfaction of customer is widely known as an important tool for competitive advantage and survival of the business. Firms constantly through their innovative product or process try to capture the market by providing and trying to provide maximum satisfaction to their current and potential customer. The present study examines the level of impact of product features, durability, variety, price and services offered by employees and distributors of Asian Paints on satisfaction of its customer, experience of the customers and their intention to repurchase. Perceptions of customers of Asian Paints in Vadodara city were recorded by means of survey method. Data was analysed using measures of central tendency mean and mode to assess the level of impact of variables on customer satisfaction, experience and intention to repurchase. Results of the study supported the notion of effects of variables on the satisfaction of the customers.

EFFECT OF SOIL POLLUTION ON PHARMACOGNOSTIC PROPERTIES OF Ruellia tuberosa L.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ruellia tuberosa L. belongs to Acanthaceae family is a noxious weed. The present investigation attempts to record the pharmacognostic properties of Ruellia tuberosa grown in polluted and unpolluted water sources. The morphological, microscopic and macroscopic studies serve as a standard reference for identification, authentication and distinguishing the plant from its adulterants. Keywords: Adulterants, Ruellia tuberose L., Identification, Pharmacognosy and Water pollution.

Engineering properties of Locally Available Mango Stone

Abstract

Mango (Mangiferaindica Linn.) is one of the most important tropical fruits in the world, especially in the India, in the Konkan region of Maharashtra state and it is greatly relished for its succulence, exotic flavor and delicious taste in most countries of the world. During processing of mango, by-products such as peels and mango stones are generated. In the mango stones various important nutritious values like protein, crude oil, ash, carbohydrate, energy etc. are contents. The determined physical properties of the Local mango stones are required to designing the mango stone decorticator to increase its market value. The physical properties of the mango stone was determined in spatial dimensions, i.e. length, breadth, thickness, geometric mean diameter and Sphericity for Grade – A of Local mango stone was to be 41.1 mm, 26.4 mm, 6.88 mm, 19.55 mm and 0.48 respectively, for Grade – B 52.0 mm, 31.01 mm, 9.98 mm, 23.80 mm and 0.55 respectively, and for Grade – C 68.9 mm, 34.57 mm, 14.07 mm, 26.3 mm and 0.65 respectively. The bulk density and true density for Local mango stone was to be 375 kg/m3, 1051 kg/m3. The average compressive stress and tensile stress for Local mango stone was to be 104.045 k-N/m2,110.23 k-N/m2 respectively.

Importance of Fixed Points in Mathematics: A Survey

Abstract

In this research paper we have mentioned some areas where the fixed points are important. In this research paper we have explored following areas of pure and applied Mathematics where the fixed points have significant appearance. 1. Number Theory. 2. Numerical Analysis. 3. Complex Analysis. 4. Linear Algebra. 5. Transformational Geometry.

Soybean (Glycine Max L.) Germplasm Evaluation through Morphological and Quality Characterization

Abstract

The protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Right Authority (PPV& FRA) provide guidelines for the conduct of test for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability. In this study characterization of 13 soybean varieties was done as per DUS guidelines (PPV & FRA, 2009). T he varieties were characterized 20 characters, viz. Plant growth type, days to 50% flowering, leaf shape, leaf colour, plant growth habit, flower colour, plant height(cm), pod pubescence, pubescence colour, pod shattering, days to maturity, seed size, seed hilum colour, cotyledon colour, seed oil content and seed protein content. Most of the varieties have medium height except 524 and 2008 were short type and Pusa 16, Pusa 20, Pusa 24 were tall. Green leaf colour was common as compare to dark green colour (eg 750-1, Chatkabhuj). All candidate varieties showed purple flower colour whereas, Pusa 20 and Pusa 24 have white flower colour. All varieties were early maturing type. Most of the varieties have high protein content with medium oil content except variety 2008, which have high oil content (22.7%). Key words: Soybean, PPV& FRA act, Candidate varieties, Characterization

Arrival and Price Behaviour of Soybean in Major Markets of Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Soybean is the leading oilseed produced globally. Huge fluctuations in prices of farm produce are observed during past few years. The present study aimed to study price movement of Soybean i.e. seasonal variation, cyclical variation among the major Soybean markets in Madhya Pradesh. For study purpose the data related to monthly average prices and arrivals of Soybean were collected from major markets from different markets in States viz. Betul,Dewas,Dhar, and Indore for the period 2004-2015. Moving average method used to study seasonal variation. The results of study showed that the prices of Soybean were higher in the months from June to August in all selected markets. The cyclical variation observed in the prices of Soybean in the selected markets.

Food security in India: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

India’s half of population is struggling to find food on their plate, coping with stern starvation and droughts with on the flipper side. India is home to the largest number of hungry people in the world with over 200 million people. The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2013 ranks India at the bottom with 63rd position (out of 84 countries)with a GHI of 23.90, which the index characterizes as “alarming” food security situation. Major issues of food security in India are what will be the impact of such large government foodgrain procurement on the open market prices.Given the inefficiencies and leakages in the current distribution system, identify the principal areas of reform of the PDS and the alternative mechanisms of reaching the foodgrain/subsidy to the entitled households. Ways to forward is go for a universal right to food under which everyone is entitled to get subsidised foodgrains from the PDS. It is also suggested that instead of identifying the poor, it would be much easier to identify the rich to exclude them. Systems of storage, distribution, accountability and monitoring have to be put in place to ensure that there is minimal leakage. Provision of decentralized procurement need to be implemented. More states need to be brought under the procurement net and the procurement of coarse cereals increased. The food coupon or Aadhaar card-linked entitlement would eliminate the problem of having to procure and distribute more than 500 lakh tonnes of foodgrains every year as also the problem of diversion.

Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Improving Bioavailability

Abstract

Oral route is the most common and convenient route for drug delivery, but some drugs are not given by this route. This route is most common problem is low bioavailability .The various challenges faced by the pharmaceutical scientists leads to the improve bioavailibilityty enhance the approach of self emulsifying drug delivery system. It has gained exposure of their ability to increase solubility and improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. SEEDS being a lipid based formulations consist oils ,surfactants, solid lipid nanoparticles ,dispersion, emulsion and liposomes .Different type SEEDDS are available in market like as oral drud delivery, Topical delivery, parental drug delivery, ocular & pulmonary drug delivery .Different type of oral dosage forms ae availaalbe in the market like as Self emulsifying capsule,Self emulsifying controlled release pellets, Self emulsifying sustained/controlled release pellets, Self emulsifying solid dispersion. In drug detection and growth solubility has an important role in various step to import high bioavalibilty and to gain required pharmalogical action due o low aqueous solubility,effect the lipophilic drug. Lipophilic drug has shown low bribability when aqueous solubility has low.

Heat and drought stress tolerance of wheat

Abstract

Wheat is one of the most important crops throughout the world, and heat and drought stresses are two of the major abiotic factors limiting wheat growth, development and production in the world. Developing a viable wheat breeding program that will increase the tolerance of wheat to heat and drought is a pivotal strategy for breeding new cultivars in order to maintain wheat yields, given the climate changes forecast for the future.

DIVERSITY OF AQUATIC MACROPHYTES OF MUTHIRAI KULAM, MIDALAM, IN VILAVANCODE TALUK, KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT, TAMILNADU, S. INDIA.

Abstract

A detailed survey of aquatic macrophytes in muthirai kulam, midalam, in vilavancode taluk. kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu was made during the period of one year (January-2011 to December-2011). A total of 50 species belonging to 34family and 44 genera under 3 classes were identified, 22 species under the class dicotyledons, 24 species under the class monocotyledons, 4 species under the class Pteridophytes are recorded in this pond. Further the aquatic macrophytes classified in morphological group viz., classified under floating (10), submerged (3), and submerged anchored (2), floating leaved anchored (9) and emergent anchored (26).

BREEEDING CYCLE OF SELECTED WETLAND BIRDS FROM VISNAGAR, GUJARAT

Abstract

Total 29 species of wetland birds have been studied in Visnagar, North Gujarat site. Out these, 7 species breed in this area which include 4 species of Egrets 1 species of Herons and 2 species of Ibis. Most of the species start nesting for breeding after early summer and complete before post monsoon (October). The availability of an adequate food supply was the most important ultimate factor. All the species those of recorded are piscivorous as well as insectivorous. Most of the birds require 5to 10 day to complete their nests. Maximum activated nests were observed in early rainy days. Egg laying timing required 2 to 7 days in all except White lbis. Clutch size was 1 to 4 except Ibises. Egret species required maximum incubation period (20-27 days) than, Herons and Ibises. Hatching failure, predation, egg fall and nest destruction are the measure causes for egg mortality. There was seventy percent of hatching success, Predation, nest destruction and cyclone are main factors chick mortality. The nesting period was 37 to 42 days. Most species covered nesting period within 72 to 82 days.

EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF GHEE RESIDUE ON THE MEAT AND EGG OF JAPANESE QUAILS

Abstract

Five hundred Japanese quails were fed with graded levels of Ghee Residue (GR) for the period of 0-16 weeks to assess its effect on the composition of egg and meat. Experimental ration was formulated at 0, 5, 10 and 15 % levels of GR on iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous basis. Highly significant (P<0.01) levels of Stearic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid were observed in meat and it was highest in GR supplemented groups compared to control. Amino acid levels in meat samples were highly significant (P<0.01) where the levels of Serine, Threonine, Argine, Alanine, Tyrosine,Valine, Phenyalanine, Leucine and Isoleucine levels were observed highest in GR supplemented groups compared to control. However, the levels of Glycine, Lysine and Methionine were decreased on increasing the level of inclusion of GR. Meat cholesterol levels were significantly (p<0.05) higher in GR supplemented groups compared to control and there was no dietary effect over egg cholesterol levels. Egg fatty acid levels were significant (p<0.05) where the levels of Arachidic, Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic acids were increased up to 10 per cent GR inclusion whereas the level of myristic acid was decreased on increasing the level of inclusion of GR. It is concluded that GR could be included up to 15 and 10 per cent level in Japanese quail diet for improving the chemical composition of meat and egg, respectively.

STUDIES ON THE NITRATE CONTENT OF VEGETABLES AT SOURCE AND UNDER DIFFERENT METHODS OF STORAGE AND ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Studies on the nitrate content of vegetables at source and under different methods of storage and environment under Manipur condition was taken up to study in five district of Manipur 1) Imphal East, 2) Imphal West, 3) Bishnupur, 4) Thoubal and 5) Senapati districts. Random sampling was adopted due to the unavailability of requisite no. of farmers in each village as the particular crop was not cultivated widely. Fudge and Truman methods with some modification was used for estimation of Nitrite and nitroxylenol method of Lip and Dolberg for Nitrate. Fresh vegetables contain higher levels of Nitrate compare to Nitrite. However the vegetables under storage condition contain higher values of Nitrite compare to Nitrate. Wide variation of nitrate content in freshly harvested sample may be due to difference in cultivation practices. Rulkawska B reported that significantly lower nitrate content in patoto was observed in ecological farm and almost twice higher in conventional farm. Decrease in Nitrate content after storage may be due to the reduction of Nitrate by micro-organism during storage into Nitrite. This finding was similar with the finding of Chung J.C. et al.

Effect of organic sprays and bunch cover on banana (Musa AAB) Nendran on shelf life of fruits

Abstract

This research has been done on the basis of studies from organic farming with a view to familiarize improved agricultural practices to banana farmers in Kerala by means of improvement in yield and quality. Nendran is the most popular variety of banana in Kerala where it is relished as a fruit as well as a staple food. Spraying hormones, nutrients or growth promoters on banana bunches is found to enhance yield and quality. Rather than safety, in farmers’ level organic produce fetches more income too. However, chemical sprays are not acceptable in organic farming practices. Use of certain organic liquid sprays, such as panchagavyam, vermi wash, cow’s urine, jeevamrutham etc. on leaves or bunch has the ability to enhance the yield and quality.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIOCIN FROM BACILLUS CEREUS MTCC 1307

Abstract

Bacteriocins are antibacterial proteins produced by bacteria that inhibit the growth of other bacteria. In the present study a bacteriocin produced from Bacillus cereus MTCC1307 (Microbial Type Culture Collection) was isolated and characterized. The bacteriocin was extracted from culture supernatants of 40% saturation with Ammonium Sulfate and further concentrated by Chloroform/Methanol mixture in 2:1 ratio. The purified product resolved a single band on SDS-PAGE with a molecular weight of 23 kDa. The bacteriocin was characterized by testing the bactericidal activity at different temperatures, pH, organic solvents, enzymes and storage. It was found that bactericidal activity was stable up to 60oc for 10 minutes but lost its activity at 100oc. The action of bacteriocin was found to be stable at pH 3.5, 4.5 and 7.0 but the activity was completely lost at pH 9.0. Bacteriocin was insensitive to organic solvents such as chloroform and n-propanol, where as sensitive to proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin and proteinase K. They were found to be stable for a period of 30 days at -20oc and +4oc, but on storage at room temperature resulted in loss of activity after 15 days. The antibacterial activity of the isolated bacteriocin was determined against typed E.coli isolates of poultry origin by agar spot assay. This study has shown the way of exploring the possibilities of using these bacteriocins as antimicrobial agents against the infections caused by E.coli in young animals and birds by incorporating them in feed or water.

Preparation, Characterization of a new Fast ionic Conductor [Ag2CdI4:0.xRbI] where (x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mol. wt. %)

Abstract

Considerable effort has been taken to the development of new Rb+ ion conducting composite fast ionic systems, [Ag2CdI4:0.xRbI] (where x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mol. wt. %), were prepared, using [Ag2CdI4] mixed composite system as the host. [Ag2CdI4] compound belongs to the fast ion conductors of A2BX4 (A = Ag, Cu, B = Hg, Cd, Zn, Pb and others). The compound [Ag2CdI4] becomes superionic near 388K as the crystal lattice changes from a tetragonal to a hexagonal structure. Near 445K, [Ag2CdI4] is replaced by an equilibrium mixture of α-AgI and CdI2. At each of these phase transition, ionic conductivity increases by an order of magnitude or more. The substitution of Cd++ from Ag+ in [Ag2CdI4] is accompanied by a slight increase in the room temperature conductivity, as a result of either increased crystalline defects or an increased Rb+ substitution also characterized. FTIR, FAR-IR, SEM and EDAX analyses were performed to confirm the formation of fast ion conductors [Ag2CdI4:0.xRbI] (where x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mol. wt. %).

Nutritional and Cultural Studies for Optimal Conversion of β-sitosterol to Testosterone by Rhizopus oryzae nrc11

Abstract

A strain of Rhizopus oryzae nrc11 was evidenced to have ability to convert β-sitosterol to testosterone in a single fermentation step. Productivity of testosterone was studied in five different fermentation media. Testosterone yield varied considerably in different media and the highest yield was attained in nutrient broth medium. Augmentation of medium with different carbon and nitrogen sources was accompanied with increase in hormone yield in mostly all tested sources. The optimal yield was in case of corn steep liquor (280 µg/flask). Further enrichment of the medium with cane molasses (20 gm/l) resulted in an impressive elevation in the yield to reach the value of 370 µg/flask. The results showed also that the role of nutritional requirements was critically controlled by initial pH value of the medium. The fermentation medium was best suited to biotransformation process at neutral pH value (pH 7) and slight change in initial pH away from value of 7 was accompanied with drastic decrease in testosterone concentration. Slight increase in yield could be attained by increasing agitation of culture to 200 rpm. However, comparable yield outputs were obtained under static and agitated culture which may be beneficial when considering costs of agitation in large scale processes. The effects of some additives like surfactant, oxidation-reduction agents and protective agents of steroidal nucleus were studied and there was no further optimization in the yield which proved that improvement done has reached the ultimate optimization under tested nutritional and cultural condition.