Showing papers by "Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management published in 2005"

Antimicrobial activity ofTerminalia bellerica.

Abstract: The antimicrobial activity of crude and methanol extract ofTerminalia bellerica dry fruit was tested by disc diffusion method, against 9 human microbial pathogens. Crude aqueous extract of dry fruit at 4 mg concentration showed zone of inhibition ranging from 15.5–28.0 mm.S. aureus was found to be highly susceptible forming highest zone of inhibition, suggesting thatT. bellerica was strongly inhibitory towards this organism. These pathogens were highly sensitive to the methanol extract forming 14.0 to 30.0 mm zone of inhibition suggesting that the methanol extract ofT. bellerica was more effective than crude extract against most of the microbes tested exceptE. coli (enteropathogen) andP. aeruginosa. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of crude and methanol extracts were determined by broth dilution technique which ranged from 300 to >2400 μg/ml and 250 μg to >2000 μg/ml respectively, indicating thatT. bellerica was highly effective againstS. aureus with lower MIC values. There were some biochemical alterations induced byT. bellerica. These results indicate thatT. bellerica dry fruit possesses potential broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.

Anti-inflammatory activity of a new sphingosine derivative and cembrenoid diterpene (lobohedleolide) isolated from marine soft corals of Sinularia crassa TIXIER-DURIVAULT and Lobophytum species of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of a new sphingosine derivative (1) and cembrenoid diterpene (lobohedleolide) (2) isolated from the soft corals of Sinularia crassa and Lobophytum species respectively, collected on the coasts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenin-induced rat hind paw edema model for acute inflammation and cotton pellet granuloma model for chronic inflammation. Indomethacin was used as a standard drug in this study. Both the sphingosine derivative (1) and the cembrenoid diterpene (2) produced the maximum effect at a dose of 10 mg/kg and this is comparable to that of indomethacin (2 mg/kg, p<0.001). The observed anti-inflammatory activity is almost identical in both the types of experimental inflammation.

Automatic Modular Fixture Generation in Computer-Aided Process Planning Systems:

Abstract: Fixturing is the most commonly used manufacturing constraint in setup planning. The computer-aided fixture design technique is being rapidly developed to reduce the lead-time involved in manufacturing planning. An automated fixture configuration design system has been developed to select modular fixture components automatically and place them in position with satisfactory assembly relationships. In this paper, an automated fixture generation system for prismatic components is presented. Sequential steps for automatic fixture layout planning for machining setups, focusing on determining the most suitable locating and clamping positions in accordance with the 3-2-1 configuration, considering geometrical and dimensional constraints are presented. A software has been developed which takes two-dimensional-manufacturing drawings of the prismatic components as input and generates fixture design automatically. The modularity concept is incorporated in the developed software application and enables locatin...

Kinetics of dissociation of tris-(2,2'-bipyridyl) iron(II) in water solubilized by Triton X-100 reverse micelles

Abstract: The dissociation of tris-(2,2'-bipyridyl) iron(II) ([Fe(bipy)3]2+) has been studied in the Triton X-100/hexanol/cyclohexane reverse micellar medium. The reaction obeys simple first-order kinetics with no evidence of autoinhibition. The first-order rate constant (k1) has been determined at different values of W ([H2O]/[Triton X-100]). The rate (k1) decreases with increasing value of W. k1 also increases with increase in Triton X-100 concentration at constant values of W, showing that the reaction takes place at greater speed at the micellar interface. The kinetic results can be interpreted by the monomolecular pseudo-phase model. The effect of W on rate (k1) is more pronounced in the range of W from 1.55 to 4.2 but less pronounced at higher W. The reaction is further accelerated by Cl- and SCN- ions and the kinetic results provide evidence for the formation of ion pairs between the cation [Fe(bipy)3]2+ and each of these anions. The formation of such ion pairs has not been observed in aqueous medium but has been reported earlier in aqueous-alcohol mixtures. This result therefore provides evidence for the lower micropolarity of solubilized water compared to ordinary water.

Higher Dimensional String Cosmologies in Scale-Covariant theory of Gravitation

Abstract: Field equations are obtained with the aid of higher dimensional Bianchi type-I cosmological model in scale covariant theory of gravitation in the context of cosmic strings. We present here isotropic and anisotropic solutions of the field equations and some physical implications of these solutions are briefly discussed.

The Changing Global Agri-trade Regime and Indian Agri-exports

Abstract: Global agri-trade in the post-WTO regime is full of challenges for developing nations like India. While the new regime promises opportunities out of the expected reduction in subsidies and decrease in quantitative restrictions (QRs), developing nations face threats from developed markets in form of non-trade barriers like Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). Addressing these challenges with the intention of harnessing the competitive advantage of its agriculture sector, India has initiated strategic plans which involve farmers, the private sector, and governmental and non-governmental agencies. All put together, these plans have shaped up in the form of Agri-export Processing Zones (AEZs). This article attempts to understand the various challenges which developing nations, including India, face in agri-trade and how initiatives like AEZs are addressing such challenges. The ultimate goal is to take Indian agri-exports to newer heights.