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P. Indhira Devi ¹, G. Chitra ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Civil Engineering,Thiyagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, IN

Abstract

In quality management, the use of cost as a measure of performance has been recognized and this is usually known as the Cost of Quality (COQ) or Quality Cost. The usefulness and importance of knowing the Cost of Quality in manufacturing are well known. This is not so in the construction industry. Since there are differences in the nature and characteristics of the processes and environments of the two industries, it is difficult to assess whether similar quality cost concepts can be used in construction. One can only speculate that if the manufacturing industries can get benefit from quantifying quality costs then there should also be benefit to construction. Theoretically, it seems easy to apply the quality cost concept into the design and construction phases of a civil engineering project. In practice, it is quite complex and can be difficult. This paper initially presents a methodology for assessing the ‘complete’ COQ for construction projects. It also presents COQ model for determining optimum level of quality cost. Finally, techniques to reduce the COQ in construction industry are investigated.

Keywords

Quality Costs, Cost of Quality, COQ Models

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G. Chitra ¹, P. S. Sreeja ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, Sree Narayana College, Nattika-680 566, Thrissur (Dt), Kerala, IN

Abstract

The effect of liquid extracts of two seaweeds, Caulerpa peltata and Gracilaria corticata on seed germination, growth and pigment contents of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) was studied. The extracts promoted seed germination at lower levels of seaweed liquid fertilizer application. The plant treated with 4% seaweed liquid fertilizer of Gracilaria corticata showed maximum shoot length, ischolar_main length, number of leaves, number of fruits, number of ischolar_main nodules, chlorophyll contents (a,b and total chlorophyll).

Keywords

Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer, Vigna radiata, Seed Germination, Chlorophyll.

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G. Chitra ¹, K. A. Athira ¹, C. T. Anitha ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, Sree Narayana College, Nattika-680 566, Thrissur Distt., Kerala, IN

Abstract

The antibacterial activity of Mimosa pudica and Mimosa invisa were evaluated. The extract of these plants was obtained by using methanol and water as solvents. Antibacterial activity was screened by using agar well diffusion method against pathogenic bacteria, i.e., Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas fluorescens. M. pudica and M. invisa showed highest antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae and B. subtilis respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed that M. pudica and M. invisa, in general, contain active constituents like alkaloids, tannins, flavanoids, steroids, phenols, glycosides, terpenoids, anthraquinones, etc. having a definite specificity.

Keywords

Antibacterial Activity, Pathogenic Bacteria, Mimosa pudica, Mimosa invisa.

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Usha Chandrasekhar ¹, G. Chitra ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Foods Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for women (Deemed University), Coimbatore 641 043, IN

Abstract

A tribe is a collection of families bearing a common name, speaking a common dialect, occupying or professing to occupy a common territory. The problem of providing adequate nutrition is very important in the tribal areas as the dietary standard of the tribals is so low that their diet hardly provides them the essentials of food elements like proteins, fats, minerals and vitamin in proper proportion.

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