NOPR Collection:

Chemical Characterization of Khimp Fibre (Leptadenia pyrotechnica)

2014-02-17T16:49:03Z

Title: Chemical Characterization of Khimp Fibre (Leptadenia pyrotechnica) Authors: Mojumder, P; Mondal, S B; Mukhopadhya, S; Sen, K K Abstract: The characteristics of Khimp fibre(Leptadenia pyrotechnica) are studied with a view to exploring wider uses for it. The high α-cellulose and low lignin contents of the fibre with favourable length/breadth ratio of the ultimate cell make it suitable for use in blending with cotton or polyester fibres to produce blended textile yarns and in pulp and paper industries. Page(s): 675-677

Toxicity Evaluation of Zectran on Certain Blood Biochemical Parameters in Passer domesticus (Linneaus)

2014-02-11T16:50:06Z

Title: Toxicity Evaluation of Zectran on Certain Blood Biochemical Parameters in Passer domesticus (Linneaus) Authors: Gupta, Atri; Upadhyay, Ravi Kant; Saxena, P N Abstract: The toxicity of zectran has been evaluated on the basis of blood biochemical changes, especially concerning sublethal doses for acute and subchronic treatment. The LD₅₀ of zectran in house sparrows has been observed to be 37.3 45 mg/kg body weight and shows dose dependent mortality in Passer domesticus, zectran also formidably shows effect on glucose and lipid metabolism, which is noticed in hyperlipemia in both acute and subchronic treatments. A reduction in serum cholesterol and an increase in the blood glucose level has been observed after acute and subchronic treatment in the blood after oral administration of sublethal doses of zectran to Passer domesticus. Page(s): 668-674

Use of Ethylene Gas for Degreening of Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) ev. Mosambi

2016-07-20T05:59:24Z

Title: Use of Ethylene Gas for Degreening of Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) ev. Mosambi Authors: Ladaniya, M S; Singh, Shyam Abstract: Ethylene gas was applied by trickle method to ‘Mosambi’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) fruits in a specially designed chamber (170 cm length × 170 cm width × 227 cm height, internal dimensions) for degreening. Three sprays of carbendazim (500 ppm) were applied to fruits on tree at 15 d interval prior to harvesting. Complete degreening of green but mature Mosambi fruits (TSS 9-10 per cent and titratable acidity nearly 0.30 per cent) was achieved within 48 h with 5-10 ppm ethylene at 27-29^oC and 90-95 per cent RH with four air changes/h and air circulation of 0.5-0.6 L/s/kg fruit. Ethylene-exposed fruit developed bright yellow colour with hue angle less than 90^o while non-exposed fruit remained green with hue angle of 100°. The 48 h treatment resulted in 1.95-2.15 per cent mass loss in ethylene-exposed and control fruits. Respiration rate increased from initial 35 to 80 mg CO₂/kg/h in ethylene-exposed fruits in 48 h and slowly declined after removal from ethylene atmosphere. Fruit firmness, juice content and total soluble solids and ascorbic acid remained unchanged with ethylene treatment but titratable acidity declined significantly (p < 0.05). Fruit rind degreening continued in treated and untreated fruits during storage at 24±4^oC. The hue angle was almost similar at the end of 30 d in degreened and non-degreened fruits but intensity and brightness were lower in the latter. Polyethyelene liner minimized mass loss during storage with no difference due to ethylene treatment (p > 0.05) but cumulative decay losses due to Geotrichum candidum were higher in non-degreened fruits (p < 0.05 ). Page(s): 662-667

Window Air Conditioners: Performance Evaluation and Energy Conservation

2014-02-12T16:49:45Z

Title: Window Air Conditioners: Performance Evaluation and Energy Conservation Authors: Bhatt, M Sidhartha; Kumar, R Sudir Abstract: The paper presents the results of performance evaluation of window air conditioners (mainly units of capacity 1.5 TR) which use R22 as the refrigerant and electrical power (230 V, 50 Hz) as the actuating energy source. The results pertain to two types of studies-field studies, wherein over 100 units are routinely tested for their cooling load and power input (as a part of the energy audit in a number of locations all over India); and laboratory studies wherein the cooling load and daily energy consumption are monitored under stabilized conditions. The power input to window A/Cs is 10-30 per cent more than state-of-the-art systems. The daily specific energy consumption (kWh/m³/d) is higher by six to seven times than those in the developed countries and can be reduced by logic based controls and by minimizing heat in leaks in the conditioned space. The laboratory tests indicate that the daily energy consumption of conventional window A/Cs are in the range 17-23 kWh/d/NTR. Logic based energy savers can reduce the energy consumption by 11-20 per cent. Use of state-of-the-art developments in compressors, motors and heat exchangers can minimize the electrical power input by as much as 30 per cent. In the long run, R22 needs to be replaced by more eco-friendly refrigerants. Page(s): 655-661