Hrs Interval Research Articles

Adaptive-DMPC based energy management and pre-installation techno-economic analysis of a grid-tied cyber-physical community microgrid

The trends for creating smart cities is increasing as it gives assurance of high-quality living standards, however, converting an existing city into a smart one needs more time, investments and is highly tedious. Another concept of community based sustainable living that can be installed in and around outskirts of any city. All the features of smart cities can be brought in by most economical, sustainable, and environmental friendly way. A cyber-physical Community Microgrid (CMG) can have various loads such as heating, cooling, security and lighting purposes. The dependency on grid supply can be reduced by using renewable sources of electricity. Solar water heaters and biogas plant can take care of heating loads. Handling uncertainties in generation, time-varying load scenarios, and dynamics of supply grid are crucial for smooth operation of cyber-physical CMG. In this work, an Energy Management Strategy (EMS) for CMG is proposed using an adaptive Distributed Model Predictive Control (DMPC) that improves scalability with modular architecture, allow enhanced flexibility and adaptability, robustness and reliability, enhanced optimization and predictive capabilities. All possible intermittencies types due to renewables, time-variable demand profiles, smooth charging/discharging cycles and longevity of storage batteries, curtailing of noncritical loads, and dynamic price of grid consumption are applied. Further, use of EMS outcomes is done to develop pre-installation techno-economic analysis for establishing a CMG with optimal component sizing. The given DMPC scheme for CMG is verified by conducting comprehensive test case studies over 24 hrs interval on the Matlab/Simulink and hardware-in-loop testing.

Evaluation of Spermatic Cord Ligation as an Alternative Method of Castration in Dogs

The study evaluated open spermatic cord ligation as an alternative method of castration in dogs. Three Nigerian indigenous puppies were randomly selected (identified as SL1, SL2 and SL3) and used for the study. They underwent the same surgical procedure. Blood samples of the experimental puppies were taken daily for 3 days, pre-surgery. Additional blood sampling was at 24 hrs post-surgery, and, subsequently at 48 hrs interval for 3, 2, and 1 week(s) in SL1, SL2, SL3 respectively. Sera samples were harvested from the blood samples. At weeks 3, 2 and 1, the testicles of the puppies were harvested for macroscopic and microscopic evaluations. The puppies were physically examined daily throughout the study period. Serum testosterone concentration of the puppies was determined using ELISA kit. The pre-surgical values ranged from 0.1ng/mL-0.5ng/mL before the surgery and declined to 0ng/mL 24 hrs post-surgery. Gross appearance of the testicles showed atrophy of the testicles. Testicular histopathology showed distortion of germ and supporting cells due to ischaemic necrosis, which was more evident in SL1 followed by SL2, and then SL3. It was concluded from this study that the procedure was effective, minimally invasive, simple and fast.

Successful Management of Follicular Cyst-induced Dermatoses in a Labrador Retriever Dog

Background: Sex hormone dermatoses are uncommon in dog and causes overproduction of one or more of the sex hormones or exogenous administration. Ovarian cyst-induced hyperestrogenemia increased cortisol, hypertestosteronemia, and skin lesions mostly underwent undiagnosed and untreated. This case was documented as clinical pathological changes, diagnosis, and treatment of sex hormone imbalance-induced dermatosis due to an ovarian follicular cyst in a Labrador Retriever bitch. Methods: This clinical investigation was carried out in the month of April’2022 at Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli with a history of prolonged proestrus bleeding, perineal pruritus with reddening, swelling, and enlargement of the vulva. Vaginal exfoliative cytology, hormonal assay, ultrasonography, histopathology of skin, and haemato-biochemistry were performed. Result: Physical examination revealed hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratinization of the skin. Vaginal exfoliative cytology and progesterone assay revealed cytological estrus. Ultrasonography revealed greater than 10 mm-sized anechoic structures in both ovaries along with uterine endometrial hyperplasia. Hormonal analysis revealed hyperestrogenemia and increased cortisol and testosterone. A biopsy of the perineal skin revealed hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis. The case was confirmed as sex hormone imbalance-induced dermatosis due to an ovarian follicular cyst. The animal was treated with two shots of Inj. hCG 500IU in 48 hrs interval followed by OHE after three months.

REPELLENCE EFFECTS OF RED CHILI AND BLACK PEPPER OLEORESINS AGAINST AGRICULTURALLY IMPORTANT SUCKING PESTS

A study was carried out to evaluate red chili and black pepper oleoresins’ repellence against Citrus psyllids (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama), Red spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch), Cotton aphids (aphis gosippi Glover) and Cotton mealy bug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley) at laboratory conditions. In filter paper half of the portion was treated with one ml of respective solution using pipette and air dried under room condition. After they placed into 80 mm petriplates. Then the insects (15 nos ) were released into it and the repellency was recorded at 6 hrs interval. The results revealed that at 1% concentration, the red chili oleoresin possessed the highest repellence against aphids (100%), followed by red spider mites (86.66%) and psyllids (69.33%). The highest repellence (51.20%) in mealybugs was noticed only at the maximum concentration tested (5%).At 1% concentration, repellence was very minimal (25.33%). A similar trend was recorded in black pepper oleoresin also. Both the spice oleoresins had the highest repellence against cotton aphids. Phytotoxicity studies on 25 and 45 days old cotton plants revealed no symptoms at concentrations from 0.1 to 1%. At higher concentrations tested, some minor leaf and boll injuries appeared, and later, the plants recovered.

​Haematobiochemical Changes during Pain Management with Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine and Bupivacaine-dexmedetomidine in Dogs

Background: There is no gold standard to evaluate postoperative pain in animals. The study was conducted to evaluate haematobiochemical changes following intraperitoneal bupivacaine and bupivacaine-dexmedetomidine in dogs. Methods: Eighteen clinical cases of dogs requiring laparotomy were randomly divided into three groups viz. Group-B, BD and N comprising of six dogs in each. The animals were premedicated with glycopyrrolate, meloxicam and diazepam. Anaesthetic induction and maintenance was done by using propofol. Intraperitoneally bupivacaine, bupivacaine-dexmedetomidine and normal saline were infused in the three groups. The blood samples were collected prior to pre-medication at 0 min (base line), 30 min (after induction), 2 hrs and 24 hrs interval after intraperitoneal administration of drugs for estimation of haematobiochemical parameters. Result: The bupivacaine and dexmedetomidine combination reduces the serum glucose and cortisol level which might be indicative of lowered pain response.

Effect of FSH Stimulation of Ovaries on in vitro Maturation of Sahiwal Oocytes Collected by Ovum Pick-up (OPU) Method

Background: For conservation of breeds and faster multiplication of superior germplasm in a short period, ovum pick-up- In vitro embryo production (OPU-IVEP) in combination with embryo transfer (ET) can be a viable alternative to the multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of FSH stimulation on follicular population, oocyte recovery rate and in vitro maturation of oocytes collected by ovum pick-up in Sahiwal cows. Methods: Sixteen Sahiwal cows aged 3-6 years were randomly divided into two groups. Animals in group 1 (Non-stimulated, n=8) were subjected to ovum pick-up (OPU) twice at 96h interval at random stage of estrous cycle. Animals in group 2 (FSH stimulated, n=8) were subjected to FSH prestimulation (Follitropin-V, 200 mg i/m in 3 tapering doses 100, 60, 40 mg) prior to OPU 1 and with a duration of 96 hrs interval OPU 2 performed. Result: There was significant difference (p less than 0.05) observed between FSH stimulated and non-stimulated group in mean number of follicles available for aspiration (15.31±1.56 and 6.88±0.55, respectively), mean number of oocytes recovered (4.94±0.70 and 3.25±0.40, respectively), cumulus cell expansion rate (92.95 and 83.7% respectively) and 1st polar body extrusion rate (74.64 and 67.44%, respectively). In conclusion, 200 mg of FSH stimulation with decreasing dose prior to OPU increased the follicular population and increased more number of medium and large follicles available for aspiration. FSH pre-treatment also improved the mean number of oocyte recovery and maturation rate compared to non-stimulated group.

Environmentally Benign <i>Solanum torvum</i> (Sw.) (Solanaceae) Leaf Extract in Ecofreindly Management of Human Disease Vector, <i>Aedes aegypti</i> (Linn.)

<div>Mosquitoes play a key role in the transmission of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, etc. Plant based compounds form alternate source of control measures against mosquitoes, in view of deleterious effects of chemical pesticides. In the present study, insecticidal activity of aerial part of <em>Solanum torvum</em> (Sw.) was studied against <em>Aedes aegypti</em> (L.) under laboratory conditions. GC-MS study was analysed in hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extract of <em>S. torvum</em> and the leaf extracts yielded around 57 compounds. In the larvicidal and adulticidal tests against <em>A. aegypti,</em> mortality rate increased with the increased concentrations of <em>S. torvum</em> extract. Highest larval mortality was obtained with ethyl acetate 100% extract at the dose of 200 ?g/ml after 48 hrs experiment, followed by methanol 64% and hexane 42% leaf extract. The LC<sub>50</sub> values of leaf extract was observed as 159.594 ?g/mL, 182.272 ?g/mL at 24 hrs interval and 85.2833 ?g/mL, 138.472 ?g/mL 48 hrs interval for ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts, respectively. In adulticidal activity highest mortality rate was obtained in ethyl acetate extract at 92% for the dose of 2 mg/ml after 24 hrs, followed by methanol 74% and hexane 52% leaf extracts. The LC<sub>50</sub> values were 0.453 mg/mL, 0.790 mg/mL and 1.294 mg/mL with ethyl acetate, methanol and hexane extracts at 24 hrs interval against<em> Aedes aegypti</em>. In control treatment, no mortality rate was observed. Thus the present study showed the potential application of <em>S. torvum</em> leaf extract in the control of dengue mosquito under the laboratory conditions.</div>

Early and Late Haemodynaemic Effects after Adding Fentanyl to Bupivacaine-Lignocaine Mixtures in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: A Randomized Control Trial

Background Objectives: Haemodynamic changes are very crucial issues during regional anaesthesia. The purpose of the present study was to observe the immediate and late haemodynaemic effects after adding fentanyl to bupivacainelignocaine mixtures in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Methodology: This randomized clinical study was conducted in the Department of Anesthesiology in Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) from March 2011 to May 2012 for a period of one year. All patients with the age group of 18 to 65 years who were selected for upper limb surgery distal to the mid arm were the study population. The random allocation of the patient was done into Group A patients (control group) who were received injection Bupivacaine (0.25%) with injection lignocaine A (1%) with injection Normal saline (0.9%). Group B patients (treatment group) were received injection bupivacaine (0.25%) with injection Ligonocaine A (1%) with injection fentanyl. With all aseptic precaution, supraclavicular brachial plexus block was done using paresthesia technique. Pulse and blood pressure were measured at baseline, intra-operatively and post-operatively. Result: A total of 60 patients were enrolled in this study with 30 patients in each group named group A and group B. The mean age of group A and group B were 32.43±12.25 and 34.90±13.05 respectively (p=0.453). The mean pulse rate of group A (79.53±5.03) and group B (78.10±4.26) at baseline level increased at the time of injection (88.30±5.77 and 85.63±4.87 respectively). At 8 hours interval mean pulse rate of group A was 86.47±5.51 compared to that of group B (86.07±3.08). The mean systolic blood pressure of group A (126.50±18.21) and group B (120.07±11.61) at baseline level increased at 0 minute at the time of injection (129.70±15.34 and 123.17±10.57 respectively). The mean diastolic blood pressure of group A (71.73±11.20) and group B (72.73±11.45) at baseline level increased at 0 minute (75.97±12.74 and 75.80±12.85 respectively). At 8 hrs interval mean diastolic pressure of group A was71.73 ±11.20 compared to that of group B (71.73±11.20). Conclusion: In conclusion there is no significant immediate or late haemodynaemic effects after adding fentanyl to bupivacaine-lignocaine mixtures in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2022; 40: 17-22

An insight into the sequential changes in enzymatic activities during retting of jute (Corchorus spp. L.).

Aim: To study the dynamics of enzymes involved in biochemical process of jute (Corchorus spp.) retting with and without microbial retting consortium. Methodology: Two large scale retting trials were conducted with and without microbial retting consortium in triplicate. The retting water samples were collected every day at 24 hrs interval from both the trials. Polygalcturonase (PG), pectin lyase (PNL) and xylanase activities along with the pH were measured from the collected retting water samples following standard procedure. Fibre quality parameters were also studied from the resultant fibre obtained from both the retting trials. Results: There was a sharp decrease in pH of retting liquor by 1.35 units and that of pectin lyase activity by 97.9 Uml-1 within 24 hrs of inoculation of microbial retting consortium. Thereafter, higher pectin lyase (123.1 Uml-1), polygalacturonase (3.56 Iuml-1) and xylanase (0.818 IUml-1) activities were recorded during middle stage of retting. The enzyme activities were lower and non-significant at last stage of retting (11-14 days). The completion of retting without microbial consortium took longer time due to lower enzymatic activities as compared to microbial consortium mediated retting. Interpretation: The PG, PNL and xylanase enzymes released by the microbial consortium during retting of jute helped in faster biodegradation of pectin and xylan compared to control retting. Hence, the pre retting treatment of jute with microbial consortium is suggested for quick retting.

Effect of dietary supplementation of crushed soybean and flaxseed on ovarian response in postpartum crossbred dairy cows

The effect of dietary supplementation of crushed soybean and flaxseed on ovarian function in postpartum crossbred dairy cows was studied. Total 20 postpartum normally calved cows from 2nd to 4th lactation were randomly divided into two equal groups. In addition to routine feed, cows from group T1 were fed with dietary supplementation of crushed soybean @ 10% of DM requirement from the day of calving to day 50 postpartum and thereafter continuation with curshed Flaxseed @ 15% of DM requirement of animal from day 51 to day 85 postpartum respectively, whereas cows from Group T2 was considered as control and supplemented with routine feed. All the animals from both groups were synchronized on day 60 postpartum with Ovsynch protocol. The Follicular dynamic study with the help of USG was undertaken at every 24 hrs interval before the first injection of GnRH of Ovsynch protocol and during Ovsynch protocol (Day 0 to Day 9) of synchronization. It was observed that mean number of class II follicles and total number of follicles were significantly increased in T1 group as compared to T2 group, whereas the mean number of class I and class III follicles did not differ significantly in T1 and T2 groups on day 0. During the synchronization period the mean number of class I, class II, total numbers of follicles and preovulatory follicles size were significantly larger in T1 as compared to T2 groups. The present research findings concluded that the dietary supplementation of crushed soybean and flaxseed showed significant increase in class I, class II, total number of follicles and size of preovulatory follicle in crossbred cows as compare to control group.

Spermatozoa Survival Rate in Stored Cock Semen Extended With Diluent Fortified With Natural Antioxidant Sources under Room Temperature

An experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with five treatments in triplicates. Four extenders were formulated: Lake Extender; Coconut water-Orange juice Extender (CWOE), Egg yolk-Tomato juice Extender (EYTE) and Milk based-Carrot Extender (MCE), were used to extend cock semen constituting treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively, while the control (Treatment 1) was unextended semen. Semen was harvested from 8 proven Isa breeder cocks aged 35-40 weeks, pooled and evaluated. The ejaculate was divided into 5 and each part was extended with the extenders at ratio 1:2 (Semen: Extender). The extended and un-extended semen samples were kept under room temperatures (26.6 27.4°C) with relative humidity of 64.0-74.0% for in vitro assessment at 2 hrs interval until percentage motility was less than 60%. The results showed that the mass activity, sperm motility and percentage livability reduced p<0.05) as the time of storage increased. Mass activities of unextended semen and the one extended with coconut water-orange juice were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of other treatments at 0 hour period of storage. Sperm motility in treatments 1 (95.0%), 3 (93.3%) and 4 (88.3%) was not significantly (p>0.05) different from one another, but they was significantly (p<0.05) higher than treatments 2 (40.0%) and 5 (71.7%). At 2 hours of storage, the mass activity and percentage sperm motility in treatment 2 were significantly (P<0.05) lower than other treatments, while live sperm cells were significantly lower for Treatment 3 than other treatments. At 4 hours of storage, mass activity and motility were zero in Treatment 2, while Treatment 1 recorded the highest values (66.7% and 93.5% respectively). Percent motility in Treatments 3, 4 and 5 were 55.0, 50.0 and 43.3%, respectively. However, percent live sperm cells were significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatments 2, 4, 5 and 1 than the in treatment 3. Both CWOE and EYTE possessed a good keeping quality for semen storage. The extenders fortified with natural antioxidants can be used for on-farm insemination in poultry within two hours of collection.

The effect of mother’s voice on pain and physiological parameters during arterial blood sampling in children hospitalized in PICUs

Introduction: Arterial blood sampling is a painful procedure, and is frequently performed in PICUs. Listening to mother's voice may be effective in reducing pain during arterial blood sampling in children. This study was aimed to determine the effect of mother’s recorded voice on pain and physiological parameters during arterial blood sampling in children hospitalized in PICUs.
 Methodology: This study was a single blind randomized clinical trial with crossover design. Fifty children hospitalized in PICUs participated in this study. The participants were selected through “sequential sampling” and randomly allocated into two groups; e.g., Group AB (n = 25) and Group BA (n = 25). Physiological parameters and pain in each child were measured before and during arterial blood sampling with (B) and without (A) listening to their mothers’ voices with a minimum of 24 hrs interval. To measure the pain, COMFORT pain scale was used and the physiological parameters were measured using the monitoring devices connected to the children. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 22, repeated measure test, paired and non-paired t-test, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test.
 Results: Means of pain scores and physiologic parameters did not show a significant difference before the intervention on the first and second day between the two groups (AB-BA). The results showed the period effect (f = 0.581 and p = 0.89) and carry over effect (f = 0.055, p-value = 0.881) were not significant. Results of paired t-test showed that the mean pain score during arterial blood sampling with (B: 21.82 ± 5.53) and without (A: 22.40 ± 4.76) listening to their mothers’ voices was significantly different (p = 0.002). That is, with the mother’s voice, the children felt a lower level of pain. The SpO2 decline during the sampling was less with the mother’s voice. Additionally, the heart rate declined less during the sampling compared to the rate before the sampling with the mother’s voice; still, the difference was not significant (p > 0.05).
 Conclusion: Listening to mothers’ recorded voice was effective to alleviate pain during arterial blood sampling in children hospitalized in PICUs. The use of this method to reduce pain during this painful procedure is effective even in the absence of the mother.
 Key words: Pain; Mother’s voice; Arterial blood sampling; Physiological indices; PICU
 Citation: Shoghi M, Ahmadi M, Rasouli M. The effect of mother’s voice on pain and physiological parameters during arterial blood sampling in children hospitalized in PICUs. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2021;25(1):40-47.DOI: 10.35975/apic.v25i1.1440
 Received: 20 June 2020, Reviewed: 16 September 2020, Accepted: 25 November 2020

Spermatozoa Survival Rate in Stored Cock Semen Extended With Diluent Fortified With Natural Antioxidant Sources under Room Temperature

An experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with five treatments in triplicates. Four extenders were formulated: Lake Extender; Coconut water-Orange juice Extender (CWOE); Egg yolk-Tomato juice Extender (EYTE) and Milk based-Carrot juice Extender (MCE), were used to extend cock semen constituting treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively, while the control (Treatment 1) was unextended semen. Semen was harvested from 8 proven Isa breeder cocks aged 35-40 weeks, pooled and evaluated. The ejaculate was divided into 5 and each part was extended with the extenders at ratio 1:2 (Semen: Extender). The extended and un-extended semen samples were kept under room temperatures (26.6-27.4oC) with relative humidity of 64.0-74.0% for in vitro assessment at 2 hrs interval until percentage motility was less than 60%. The results showed that the mass activity, sperm motility and percentage livability reduced p<0.05) as the time of storage increased. Mass activities of unextended semen and the one extended with coconut water-orange juice were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of other treatments at 0 hour period of storage. Sperm motility in treatments 1 (95.0%), 3 (93.3%) and 4 (88.3%) was not significantly (p>0.05) different from one another, but they was significantly (p<0.05) higher than treatments 2 (40.0%) and 5 (71.7%). At 2 hours of storage, the mass activity and percentage sperm motility in treatment 2 were significantly (P<0.05) lower than other treatments, while live sperm cells were significantly lower for Treatment 3 than other treatments. At 4 hours of storage, mass activity and motility were zero in Treatment 2, while Treatment 1 recorded the highest values (66.7% and 93.5% respectively). Percent motility in Treatments 3, 4 and 5 were 55.0, 50.0 and 43.3%, respectively. However, percent live sperm cells were significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatments 2, 4, 5 and 1 than In treatment 3. Both CWOE and EYTE possessed a good keeping quality for semen storage. The extenders fortified with natural antioxidants can be used for on-farm insemination in poultry within two hours of collection.

Effectiveness of single over triple dose antibiotic prophylaxis in open inguinal hernioplasty

Background: Inguinal hernia is the commonest type of external hernias. Lichtenstein tension free mesh repair is the most favoured technique of inguinal hernia repair nowadays for weakened inguinal wall using polypropylene mesh. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of single versus triple dose antibiotic in reduction of postoperative wound infection in hernioplasty. Method: This is a prospective study done on patients in General Surgery Department, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Science, Kulaseharam, Kaniyakumari Dist., India., from 1st june 2018 to 30th November 2020. Total 120 patients were divided into 2 groups of 60 patients each in which Group-A received single dose antibiotic prophylaxis (Inj. Cefotaxim 1gm iv 30mins before surgery) and Group-B received 3 doses of antibiotic therapy (Inj. Cefotaxim 1gm iv 30 mins before surgery, post operatively 2 doses in 12hrs interval). Results: A total of 120 patients were included. Age of the patients ranged from 18 to 65 (Mean 46.21) years. In Group-A SSI was observed in 5 patients (8.33%) while 55 patients (91.66%) had a healthy scar. In Group-B SSI was seen in 4 patients (6.66%) and 56 patients (93.33%) had healthy scars. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p=0.72). Conclusion: Single dose antibiotic among patients undergoing open mesh repair for inguinal hernia is preferred option to prevent postoperative infection and it is cost effective too.

Effect of Post-Harvest Degreening on Quality Parameters of Acid Lime Cv. Balaji

Analyze the effect of post-harvest degreening on quality parameters of Acid lime cv. Balaji. The present research was conducted at Post harvest laboratory of College of Horticulture, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during the year 2018-2019. Experiment was designated with two factorial completely randomized design with two factors viz., (A) Ethylene concentrations, (B) Number of pulsings were taken for test and executed with the objective: Effect of post-harvest degreening on quality parameters of Acid lime cv. Balaji. The Acid lime cv. Balaji fruits were harvested and subjected to degreening treatments for one day. The treated Acid lime fruits were stored for sixteen days at ambient conditions. Acid lime fruits picked randomly from treated lot and evaluated for Physiological loss in weight %, Peel thickness mm, Fruit firmness Kg/cm2, Total soluble solids °Bx, Titratable acidity %, Ascorbic acid mg/100 g, Juice recovery % at four days interval by adopting the respective methods. Among all the quality parameters there were gradual increase in Total soluble solids (TSS), Juice recovery, Physiological loss in weight (PLW) and there were decreased trend in Titratable acidity, Peel thickness, Fruit firmness and Ascorbic acid content. Ethylene @ 15 ppm proved the better results for the above parameters. Among different number of pulsings, 1 pulsing in 24 hours @ 24 hrs interval and 2 pulsings in 24 hr @ 12 hrs interval was best.

Regional Flood Forecasting using SWMM for Urban Catchment

Urban flooding is the inundation of land or property in a designed atmosphere, significantly in additional densely inhabited areas, caused by precipitation overwhelming the capability of drain systems, like storm sewers. Due to expeditious increment and improper urban designing the probabilities of creek, localized or flash urban floods have drastically multiplied. This study explores the application of Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) to densely populated area of Vijayawada city, which is fragmented into 58 sub-catchments. The study area is delineated in SWMM by the assistance of blueprint AutoCAD maps showing drainage network and Reference Level details. From this elaborated elevation data of drain networks, the flow direction has been evaluated to create the descriptive view of the area in SWMM. In this study area 2016, 2017 and 2018 extreme rainfall events of 24 hrs interval is considered for runoff analysis. The focus of the current wok is to model runoff conditions by applying Dynamic wave equation for routing floods and Green-Ampt equation for infiltration in SWMM. The model outputs guided in visualizing the runoff from extreme precipitation events and to analyze the accuracy of the storm water network system.

Environment friendly qualitatively responsive ethyl cellulose films as smart food packaging

The present study assessed the applicability of pH indicators in the polymeric films that can be used as smart packaging in the food industries. The pH responsive films using Ethyl cellulose (EC) and azo indicators [i.e., Methyl Orange (MO) and Methyl Red (MR)] have been developed, which have shown remarkable sensitivity towards the pH variation. After activation in different pH range, the colour variation was measured for each film with the CIE Lab methodology. A significant L * [the parameter L * represents the lightness of colours from 0 (dark) to 100 (light), in CIELAB units] variation of EC-MO was seen ranging from 59 (at 0% acid) to 32 (at 60% acid) while for EC-MR, the variation in L * parameter was seen ranging from 89 (at 0% acid) to 32 (at 50% acid). These qualitatively responsive films were further tested for their water absorption capacity and mechanical properties. The water absorption capacity of the EC film incorporated with indicators were observed to be low as compared to the EC-standard film. The incorporation of MO resulted in a regular increase in water absorption capacity range from 34.08–47.11 while the MR incorporated films showed an irregular increase from 41.13–42.13, during a 24 hrs interval. The film with MO also showed a good mechanical property when tested by a micro UTM. The peak load was observed at around 2.7 N. Necking was more observant in the EC film incorporated with MO as compared to other samples, thus showing good plasticity.

Phytochemicals and phyto-disinfectant properties of citrus species (Citrus limon, Citrus aurantifolia and Citrus sinensis) for pond water purification

The health concern associated with the use of chemical disinfectant in water purification has necessitated the search of safe and effective water treatment agents from natural sources. The leaf, stem, seed and bark of Citrus limon, Citrus aurantifolia and Citrus sinensis were investigated for phytochemicals and disinfectant properties on contaminated pond water at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 g/L. Microbial quality of the water sample was investigated at 12 hrs interval. The leaf and bark of C. aurantifolia and the bark of C. limon contains all the phytochemicals tested. Steroids and alkaloids were present in all parts of the plant. Cardiac glycosides and terpenes were present in all parts of Citrus sinensis. A total of 10 different bacteria isolates were identified from ponds water sample. The stem of Citrus aurantifolia completely eliminated the total viable count, total coliform count, fecal coliform count after 12 h. The leaf, bark and seed of C. aurantifolia at 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 g/L, leaf and bark of C. limon and C. sinensis at 0.1-0.5 g/L eliminated the various bacteria after 24 hours. However, the stem and seed of C. limon were less active; only concentrations of 0.4 and 0.5g/L eliminated the organism after 24 h of treatment. The plant materials had minimum inhibitory concentration in the ranged of 16 and 128 mg/g and minimum bactericidal concentrations in the ranged 16 and 256 mg/g against all the isolates. It is concluded that the leaf, stem bark and seed of citrus species contains various phytochemicals and have the potentials to serve as a disinfectant for water treatment.

Embryonic Development of Macrobrachium idae (Heller, 1862)

The egg laying usually takes place between 6 and 20 hrs after mating. The laying of one whole batch of eggs is usually completed within 20 mins. The eggs are extruded through the female genital pores into the brood chamber, first on one side then the other. The chamber between the 4th pair of pleopods is filled first, then those between the 3rd, 2nd and 1st pairs, successively. The eggs are held in bundles like grapes by an extremely thin elastic membrane which is believed to be secreted by the ovigerous setae. During the development in prawns the colour of the eggs changed through greenish opaque, light green, brownish-yellow and dull whitish in colour. The embryonic stages are very much useful in recognizing the stages of development of the species. The process of embryonic development includes nuclear division, cleavage (blastomeres), segmentation, formation of optic vesicle, eye pigment development and larva formation. At third minute after mating the sperm fused with the egg membrane and subsequently the male pronucleus entered the egg’s cytoplasm. The first and second nuclear divisions were completed without any corresponding division of the cell. Third division begun at 8 h and eight nuclei were formed after 9 hrs. Subsequent divisions of sixteen and thirty two nuclei stage took place at about 1 to 1.30 hrs interval and segmentation was completed at 22-24 hrs. Embryonic development follows the normal blastula and gastrula stages, ending with the closing of the blastopore. When larva hatches out from the eggs, they undergo a series of development stages before metamorphosing to juvenile. During this period, they exhibit marked variations in morphological features. These variations are unique for each and every species according to the developmental stages.

GC-MS Analysis of Phytochemical Compounds Present in the Leaves of Citrus medica. L

Objective: The main objective of the present work is to analyse the phytochemical compounds present in the leaves of Citrus medica L using GCMS. Materials and Methods: The collected fresh young leaves of Citrus medica L were shade dried, grinded to fine powder and kept in dry conditions. The dried powdered leaf material was extracted successively with methanol in an orbital shaker for 24 hrs at room temperature. Whatman No.1 filter paper was used to filter the extract and the extractable substances were removed, at every 3 hrs interval. The combined extracts were then evaporated at 40°C on water bath and the dried extract was used for GCMS analysis Results: The methanolic extract of Citrus medica L confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and glycosides based on the presence or absence of colour changes. The sixteen chemical constituents identified from methanolic leaf extract of Citrus medica. L by GC-MS analysis were found to have various biological activities like anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities. Conclusion: Thus the GC-MS analysis of methanolic extract of Citrus medica. L showed a highly complex profile, containing approximately 16 components. This study may be useful to explore the pharmacological and biosynthetic activity of the plants further. The leaves were rich sources of valuable bioactive compounds and can be explored as nutraceuticals.