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Purnima Ashok , S. Arulmozhi , B. P. Bhaskara , R. Rajendran , B. G. Desai

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate food intake inhibitory activity of aqueous extract of Sida cordifolia (AESC) and alcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (AEWS). Both Sida cordifolia Linn. (Malvaceae) and Withania somnifera Linn. (Solanaceae) are widely growing medicinal plants and have been reported to possess number of medicinal properties. Materials and methods: The food intake inhibitory activity of different concentrations of AESC and AEWS (0.5% w/w, 1% w/w and 1.5% w/w) were evaluated by supplementing them with normal feed of rats for seven days, measuring their body weight and food intake daily and compared with the control. Results: There was a significant decrease in food intake (P<0.001) and body weight (P<0.01) with 1 % w/w and 1.5 % w/w of AESC while decrease in food intake and body weight with 0.5 % w/w of AESC was not significant. AEWS showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in food intake only, but no significant decrease in body weight was observed with AEWS at any dose level. Conclusion: Both extracts were found to have significant food intake inhibitory activity. However when compared to AEWS, AESC was found to be more effective in reducing the food intake and bodyweight.

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S. J. Patel ¹, B. G. Desai ¹, A. D. Vaidya ¹, R. Shukla ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, M S University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002, IN

Abstract

Middle Jurassic rocks of the Habo Dome consist of well-preserved abundant trace fossil genera. These are described from the black limestone of Jhuno Formation and overlying thick classic sequence which is capped by thin bands of oolitic limestone of Jumara Formation. Total 30 ichnospecies of 23 ichnogenera are identified and their preservational aspects, ecological observations, producers and behavioural aspects are discussed. The trace fossils are found in subtidal sequences i.e. sandstone-siltstone-shale partings, thick, massive and cross-Bedded sandstones and in shelf sequences i.e. black limestone which consists of abundant Chondrites species with resting traces (Lockeia). The clastic sequence exhibits poorly sorted and intensely bioturbated cross-bedded sandstone, ripple-marked ferruginous sandstone and laminated shale-siltstone lithofacies which consist of three dimensional buiTow systems of Ophiomorpha, Thalassinoides and Spongeliomorpha, feeding burrows (Rhizocoralhum, Chondrites, Halymenidium, Gordia, Rutichnus, Planobtes) and crawling traces (Scolicia, Gyrochorte) Massive sandstone facies is moderately bioturbated while shale, conglomerate, shell bed and oolitic limestone lithofacies are poorly bioturbated (Thalassinoides). Wave and current energy, substrate consistency, food supply and bathymetry may have influenced the distribution of trace fossils m the shallow marine environments of the Middle Jurassic rocks of the Habo Dome.

Keywords

Trace Fossil, Lithofacies, Environment, Middle Jurassic, Habo Dome, Mainland Kachchh, Gujarat.

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S. J. Patel ¹, N. Y. Bhatt ², B. G. Desai ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, M S University of Baroda, Vadodara -390002, IN
2 M. G. Science Institute, Navarangpura, Ahmedabad-380009, IN
3 Department of Geology, M. S. University of Baroda, Vadodara-390002, IN

Abstract

Trace fossil of ichnospecies Asteriacites quinquefolius- QUENSTEDT 1876, of the pentamerous star tish is recorded for the first time from the Central Mainland Kachchh, Western India It occuis in the lower part of Bhuj Formation, on thin slabs of fine grained sandstone that intercalate with siltstone, along with symmetrical ripple surface covered by mud drapes Two different types of behavioural activities are found (i) solitary and isolated deep impression of the traces, on account of their resting structures and (n) composite, overlain structure indicating the movement of arms for preying activities The occurrence of Asteriacites traces in the Lower Bhuj Formation indicates tidal-subtidal condition in a fully marine environmental set up.

Keywords

Asteriacites, Asteroid (star-fish), Trace fossil, Marine environment, Bhuj Formation, Kachchh, Gujarat.

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B. G. Desai ¹

Affiliations
1 Community Science Centre, Atmajyoti Ashram Road, Subhanpura, Vadodara 390 023, IN

Abstract

A number of publications have been recently available from international and national agencies in the field of energy statistics. Analysis of data from these publications shows that per capita energy consumption remains low; simply because 40-50% of the population does not have access to electricity and other commercial fuels. To achieve good standard of living for everyone, consumption of electricity and other sources has to rise substantially. India is depending heavily on imported oil, coal and gas. To achieve energy security, improve balance of payment and reduce emissions, energy efficiency offers the most cost-effective solutions. Energy policy has to shift drastically from supply side to demand side management. Organizations like BEE, PCRA, GEDA, MEDA have to be given significantly large human and financial resources. Importance has to be given to residential sector and small and medium industries. Public transport and railways need heavy investment compared to private vehicles and expressways.

Keywords

Climate Change, Energy Efficiency, Energy Policy, International Comparison.

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S. J. Patel ¹, B. G. Desai ², R. Shukla ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara - 390 002, IN
2 Institute of Petroleum Technology, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar - 382 009, IN
3 Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, 33, Gen. Mahadeo Singh Road, Dehra Dun - 248 001, IN

Abstract

Dhosa Oolite Member of the Jumara Formation comprises alternating bands of oolitic limestones and shales, exposed in Jhura dome of Mainland Kachchh, Western India. This sequence is highly bioturbated and exhibits a moderate diversity and behaviourally complex assemblage of ichnospecies. The rhythmically bedded sequence shows three different levels of preservation of traces. Epichnial tiering consists of moderately bioturbated oolitic limestone exhibiting horizontal or low-angle protrusive/retrusive biogenic laminae, commonly dominated by feeding structures like Rhizocorallium jenense, R. irregulare, Zoophycos brianteus and Zoophycos isp. The endichnial structures within the oolitic limestone can be separated into two different preservational trace fossil suites. The endichnial shallow suites consist chiefly of deposit feeders like Chondrites intricatus, C. targionii, Planolites beverleyensis, Taenidium cameronensis, Thalassinoides isp., Z. brianteus, Z. cf circinnatus and Zoophycos isp. and few suspension feeder forms like Palaeophycus tubularis; while endichnial deep suites consist of Chondrites intricatus, Skolithos linearis and Zoophycos isp. Hypichnial structures consists abundant, cylindrical, branched, horizontal, large-sized three dimensional feeding burrows of Thalassinoides isp. and somewhat irregular, obtuse angle ramification burrows of Phycodes isp., which are attached to the lower surface of the casting medium. The trace fossil association indicates Cruziana ichnofacies and abundance of Zoophycus species below the fair weather wave base level is largely a preservational artifact. The preservational processes of the trace fossils indicate soft substrate and diversity and their abundance reflects the other palaeoecological parameters of the open shallow marine environments.

Keywords

Oolitic Limestone, Trace Fossils, Preservation, Palaeoecology, Jurassic, Kachchh, Gujarat.

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B. G. Desai ¹

Affiliations
1 Community Science Centre, Atmajyoti Ashram Road, Subhanpura, Vadodara - 390 023, IN

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuels are the most important cause of global warming. Here we analyse recent data published by the International Energy Agency. CO₂ emission drivers like population, GDP, carbon intensity and energy efficiency are analysed for the time period from 1971 to 2015 for the whole world and five countries like USA, Japan, Germany, China and India. Carbon intensity of primary energy supply has not changed much, but population and GDP have increased sharply. Energy efficiency, including structural changes in economy have restricted CO₂ emissions to some extent, but continuous increase of GDP by developed countries will not leave much space for growth of developing countries. Emissions from road transport and residential sectors deserve special attention.

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B. G. Desai ¹

Affiliations
1 Community Science Centre, Atmajyoti Ashram Road, Subhanpura, Vadodara 390 023, IN

Abstract

The energy crisis of 1973 shocked the world from complacency about energy supply and price. The world has responded by significant improvement in energy efficiency and substitution of oil. Global warming concerns are further driving energy efficiency and the rise of renewables. This article looks at the energy scene in World and India before and after the energy crisis. Some observations are made based on available data for further action.

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B. G. Desai ¹

Affiliations
1 Community Science Centre, Vadodara, Atmajyoti Ashram Road, Subhanpura, Vadodara 390 023, IN

Abstract

This article discusses three case studies of renewable energy integration in power grid from the international literature. Case studies in India and Gujarat in particular are discussed. Capacity and energy generation for 2019–20 actual and 2029–30 estimated are provided. Methods of renewable energy integration are discussed in detail. A brief review of energy storage technology is given. It is shown that with the setting up of Green Energy Corridors and Renewable Energy Management Centres, India would be able to integrate planned renewable energy generation without much difficulty. It must be noted that in the next 25 years renewable energy source, including hydro, will only provide 35–40 % of electricity generation. Coal will remain the main energy source for power, and oil and gas for transport.

Keywords

Case Studies, Capacity and Energy Generation, Green Energy Corridors, Power Grid, Renewable Energy Integration.

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B. G. Desai ¹

Affiliations
1 Community Science Centre, Aarti Society, Atmjyoti Ashram Road, Subhanpura, Vadodara 390 023, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

Keywords

No Keywords.

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