Informatics Publishing Limited

V. Subramanian , C. Buvaneswaran , K. Rajagopal , M. George

Abstract

Biomass production and nutrient cycling studies were carried out in a young teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) plantation of five year old (density 2,500 trees ha^-1). The trees attained an average girth and height of 23.1cm and 7.6m, respectively and the above ground biomass (agb) amounted to 76.9 t/ha, of which stem wood contributed 60%. The percentage of ischolar_main to agb was 20.5%. Investigations on nutrient content in the standing crop have shown that the per cent concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were highest in leaf. But on unit area basis, wood accumulated the major portion (39 to 60%) of all nutrients. Among the nutrients, maximum accumulation was accounted for Ca (1,619 kg ha^-1) and the minimum for P (178 kg ha^-1). With reference to nutrient return via litter, it was observed that the total litter produced was 4,574 kg ha^-1 and the nutrients returned amounted to 46 kg ha^-1 N; 3 kg ha^-1 P; 39 kg ha^-1 K; 86 kg ha^-1 Ca and 21 kg ha^-1 Mg. Studies on interception of rainfall and nutrient return through rain-wash have shown that among the nutrients return was highest for Ca (1.87 kg ha^-1) followed by Mg (1.09 kg ha^-1), K (0.98 kg ha^-1), N (0.36 kg ha^-1) and the least for P (0.11 kg ha^-1). Nutrient cycling on an annual basis was worked out for the plantation and it was found that of the total uptake of various nutrients (178kg N ha1 yr1, 248 kg K ha^-1 yr^-1, 387 kg Ca ha^-1 yr^-1 and 109 kg Mg ha^-1 yr^-1, 74 to 91% was retained in the non-photosynthetic biomass and the rest returned to soil. These results were compared with nutrient cycling in 20-year-old teak plantation and found that at younger age teak retains more nutrients in its biomass. As the plantation gets older, it retains less and returns more quantity of nutrients. These results suggest that as the age of plantation increases, teak becomes an eco-friendly species by not adversely affecting the ecology of the site.

Keywords

Nutrient Cycling, Young Teak Plantation, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Full Text

     

K. Rajagopal , C. Buvaneswaran , V. Subramanian , M. George

Abstract

Studies on different pathways of nutrient return through litterfall and rain-wash were carried out in a young teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) plantation at five years age (Density 2500 trees/ha). The total litter produced was 4574 kg/ha and the nutrients returned amounted to : nitrogen - 46kg/ha; phosphorus- 3 kg/ha; potassium 39kg/ha; calcium 86kg/ha; and magnesium 21kg/ha. Studies on interception of rainfall have shown that, the total incident rainfall recorded for this study during the year 2000 was 1013 mm. Of which, 28.97% was intercepted by the canopy, while 7.66% was accounted for stemflow and 63.37% for through fall. With regards to nutrients return through rain-wash, it was found that, throughfall returned more quantities of all nutrients, than stemflow. Of the total return (litter + rain wash) of various nutrients, maximum amount (kg/ha) of return was accounted for calcium (87.40) followed by nitrogen (46.56), potassium (40.31), magnesium (22.13), and the least for phosphorus (3.31). Among these two pathways of nutrients return, litterfall contributed greater amount of all nutrients (from 95 to 99%), when compared to rain wash (0.8 to 4.9%). These results were compared and discussed with nutrients return and nutrient cycling in 20 years old teak plantation and suggest intensive silvicuItural practices in teak plantations during the initial stages of growth to enhance the productivity.

Full Text

     

K. Rajagopal , C. Buvaneswaran , M. George , P. Manivachagam

Abstract

Comparative studies on litter decomposition employing two methods - bag and non-bag, were carried out under teak plantation of age 30 years. Though a steady decline in decomposition of the litter occurred in both the cases, the rate of decomposition was faster in the non-bag method than that of the bag. The un-decomposed litter after a period of one year was 19.43% in non-bag method against 49.8% in the bag method. The decomposition coefficient (k) was higher in non-bag (1.638) when compared to bag method (0.697). With regard to nutrients in the decomposing litter, the concentration of different nutrients differed as the decomposition progressed. Among the nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg), the release of potassium was faster when compared to others. Between the two methods the decomposition co-efficient (k) was greater for all nutrients in non-bag method.

Full Text

     

T. S. Suryanarayanan , K. Rajagopal

Abstract

The periderm tissue of ten tree species growing in a dry deciduous forest and a montane evergreen forest of the Western Ghats was sampled for the presence of filamentous fungi (phellophytes). These trees, belonging to six families, yielded a total of 963 phellophyte isolates that could be grouped in to 36 species. Of these, four were Ascomycetes, one belonged to Coelomycetes, and eleven were Hyphomycetes. The rest were sterile mycelial forms. Alternaria alternata and a Fusarium sp. (49) could be isolated from more number of tree species. Some phellophytes were unique to certain tree species. The mean density of colonisation was maximum for the bark of Rhododendron arboreum. Twenty three isolates of phellophytes occurred as endophytes in living leaf tissues of the trees.

Full Text

     

Rashmi Rajvanshi , Vijai Kumar , Waman Bachpai , K. Rajagopal , S. Francis Hilary Raj

Abstract

The herbaceous undergrowth under natural sholas was found qualitatively most rich and unique species composition. Eucalyptus planlatlon. Supported a good undergrowth both qualitatively and quantitatively, while pines have Much less undergrowth. A good grass cover Was found under Eucalyptus with a biomass of 998.6 ± 65.3 kg ha^-1; tbe total biomass (kg ha^-1) of herbs under the three forest covers were 445.8 ± 55.7 (Sbolas), 1135.1 ± 484 (Eucalyptus) and 54.7 ± 8.85 (plnes).

Full Text

     

V. S. Hariharan ¹, K. Vijayakumar Reddy ², K. Rajagopal ³

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Mechanical Engg., Lakireddy Bali Reddy College of Engg., Mylavaram, Krishna Dt., Andhra Pradesh, IN
2 Department. of Mechanical Engineering., JNTU College of Engg. , Hyderabad, IN
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, JNTU College of Engineering , Hyderabad, IN

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to study the performance, emission and combustion characteristics of a DI diesel engine using sea lemon oil-based fuels. In the present work, sea lemon oil and sea lemon oil methyl ester are tested as diesel fuels in diesel engine in neat form. The reduction in NOx emission and an increase in smoke, hydrocarbon and CO emissions were observed for Neat sea lemon oil compared to those of standard diesel. From the combustion analysis it was found that ignition delay was slightly more for both the fuels tested compared to that of standard diesel. The combustion characteristics of sea lemon oil and its methyl ester closely followed those of standard diesel.

Keywords

Biofuel, Sea Lemon Oil, Diesel Engine, Energy

Full Text

   

S. Karthikeyan ¹, R. Prasad ¹, T. S. Mahendran ¹, K. Rajagopal ¹, V. Ravendran ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Vel’ s University, Pallavaram, Chennai 600 117, IN
2 Department of Botany, Madras Christian College, Chennai 600 059, IN

Abstract

This study reports a simple micropropagation protocol and thereby rapid multiplication of the useful medicinal plant- Scoparia dulcis L. Single node explants were inoculated on basal MS medium containing 3% (w/v) sucrose, supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (KN), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) for direct plant regeneration. Maximum numbers of shoot (~22) were observed on the medium containing 0.5 mg/l BAP and 0.25 mg/l IAA after four weeks of culture. Regenerated shoots were separated and ischolar_mained on half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l of IBA alone for three weeks. Simultaneous regeneration of shoots and ischolar_mains and in vitro flowering were achieved from the nodal explants on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l KN and 2.0 mg/l IAA. Well-developed complete plantlets were transferred on to specially made plastic cup containing soil rite. Acclimatized plantlets were successfully grown in garden soil.

Keywords

Scoparia dulcis, Nodal Explants, Micropropagation, Plant Tissue Culture

Full Text

   

K. Appa Rao ¹, K. Rajagopal ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Mechanical Engg., Lakireddy Bali Reddy College of Engg., Mylavaram, Krishna Dt., AP-521230, IN
2 Dept. of Mechanical Engg., JNTU College of Engg., Hyderabad, AP-500085, IN

Abstract

An experimental investigation was carried out in diesel engine operated in both homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) and conventional modes. The engine used in this investigation is single cylinder, 4 stroke, water cooled, constant speed, variable compression ratio diesel engine with a displacement of 553 cc. In conventional diesel mode, the fuel was injected 27⁰ bTDC with a nozzle included angle 140⁰ and the compression ratio 16.5. In HCCI mode, the fuel was injected 80⁰ bTDC during compression stroke by using modified camshaft, with a nozzle 60⁰ included angle. In HCCI mode, to control the phasing and rate of combustion, the effective compression ratio was reduced to 14.5. From the experimental results it is inferred that, HCCI mode of operation results in reduced smoke and NOx emissions significantly with a little increase of HC and CO emissions.

Keywords

Engine, HCCI, Injection Timing, Injection Pressure, Emissions

Full Text

   

K. Amutha ¹, K. Rajagopal ², B. Senthil Kumaran ², S. Karthikeyan ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, VELS University, Pallavaram, Chennai -600117, IN
2 Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, VELS University, Velan Nagar, Pallavaram, Chennai- 600 0117, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Two independent experiments were performed to isolate diseases cell lines of Cleome viscosa from leaf segments. In the first experiment, callus induction was obtained on Murashige and Skoog medium with different concentrations of Thidiazuron (TDZ). Best dedifferentiation rates of 2.08 g fresh weight occurred in the presence of 2.0 mg/l. In the second experiment, Aspergillus nigar and Aspergillus flavus were prominently isolated from garden soil and infected leaves respectively. Biochemical studies of anthocyanin accumulation at the different elicitor treated callus tissue revealed isolation and characterization of diseases resistant cell lines. Among different concentration, 0.5 gm/l mycelia of both fungal strains elucitate the maximam accumulation of anthocyanin. The best accumulation of anthocyanin was achieved with elicitors of A. flavus. Hence, pathogenic fungi are more effective for elicitation and to develop diseases resistant traits.

Keywords

Callus, Cleome viscosa, Anthocyanin, Aspergillus, Medicinal Plant.

Full Text

     

N. Kannan ¹, N. Thirunavukkarasu ², A. Suresh ¹, K. Rajagopal ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Vels University, Chennai - 600117, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, Dr. Ambedkar Government Arts College, Viyasarpadi, Chennai - 600039, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study is to collect the samples of true mangrove plant, associated mangrove plants, water and sediments from Ennore Mangrove Ecosystem and the samples are analyzed for heavy metals accumulation. Methods/ Statistical Analysis: The water, sediment and plant materials were collected at 6 locations. After the collection, the plant materials were washed with distilled water and they were dried and acid digested. Further the samples were subjected to analysis of heavy metals by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Triplicate samples were analyzed and their results were expressed in ppm. The statistical analysis ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and DMRT (Duncan Multiple Range Test) were used. Findings: The maximum concentrations of metals were accumulated (lead-20.93±0.26 ppm/l in water and 48.5±1.44 ppm/g in sediments) in station 4, 5 and minimum concentration (zinc -2.95±0.25 ppm/l in water and 4.36±0.10 ppm/g in sediment) was observed in station 5. In overall average accumulation of heavy metals like Pb (6.09±4.59 ppm/g) > Zn (4.35±3.22 ppm/g) > Cd (3.78±2.80 ppm/g) > Hg (2.84 ± 2.70 ppm/g) > Cr (2.76±2.90 ppm/g) > Cu (0.58 ±0.42 ppm/g) found in the Avicennia marina followed by Pb (4.19±3.13 ppm/g) > Zn (4.12±3.32 ppm/g) > Cd (3.78±2.79 ppm/g) Cr (2.47±1.91 ppm/g) Hg (1.89±1.61ppm/g) > Cu (1.27±1.20 ppm/g) in the Suaeda nudiflora and Pb (4.39±3.23 ppm/g) > Zn (3.77±2.99 ppm/g) > Cd (2.39±1.86 ppm/g) > Cr (1.75±1.34 ppm/g) Hg (0.76±0.74 ppm/g) > Cu (0.50±0.40 ppm/g) in the Sesuvium portulacastrum. The metal concentration of the water and sediments were significantly (p<0.05) varied and in plants, lead (Pb) were significantly varied (p<0.05) between selected plants parts then the other metals like Hg, Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn were not significant. Application/Improvements: Heavy metals contamination was observed in all samples. The mangroves accumulated more concentration than associated mangroves, therefore the Avicennia marina is suitable candidate for bioaccumulator and recommended for phytoremediation.

Keywords

Accumulation, Ecosystem, Ennore, Heavy Metals, Mangroves, Phytoremediation.

Full Text

   

B. Premkumar ¹, M. Srinivasa Murthy ², K. Rajagopal ³

Affiliations
1 PSG College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Vignan Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hyderabad, AP, IN
3 Zydus Cadila Healthcare Ltd., Ahmadabad, Gujarat, IN

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating disease and its features are progressive destruction of bones and cartilage. Allopathic medicine comprising anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs have the limitations of emergence of non-responders and several adverse effects. Herbal drugs due to their safety, economy and easy availability could be better alternates in this scenario. Considerable work had been done on antiarthritic plants and some of them are available commercially, based on the traditional uses and scientific reports. The primary objective of this review is to give a brief description of antiarthritic herbs that have the history of human use and their antiarthritic activity. Antiarthritic activity has been evaluated in animal models, cell-lines studies and clinical trials. In this review 72 medicinal plants having antiarthritic property has been analyzed.

Keywords

Rheumatoid, Arthritis, Antiinflammatory.

Full Text

     

R. Arulmathi ¹, D. N. P. Sudarmani ², K. Rajagopal ¹, T. Nagarajan ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Vels University, Chennai, IN
2 Department of Biotechnology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Madurai, IN
3 Department of Molecular Biology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, IN

Abstract

Four invasive plants from the family of Amaranthaceae were challenged against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 3541) for quorum sensing interference. Gomphrena serrata (seed), Digera muricata (flower) and Alternanthera paronychioides (leaf) showed elevated anti swarming activity 61.14%, 73.60% and 68.99% respectively when compared with control. All the concentrations of plant extracts used do not inhibit the growth but the quorum sensing. Significant scavenging activity of free radicals was observed with seed and flower extracts is above 97% of Alternanthera paronychioides and Digeria muricata flower showed 97% of scavenging free radicals. Biofilm (70.92%), pyocyanin (79.08%) and Las A (76.26%) production was inhibited to the significant level by Alternanthera paronychioides leaf, flower and leaf respectively. From the results analysed it is the property of plant compound to interfere quorum sensing but not the single part of the plant contribute all the phenomenon of quorum sensing inhibition but the whole plant may do the activity on further research.

Keywords

Quorum Sensing, Free Radical Scavenging, Invasive Weeds.

Full Text

     

K. Rajagopal ¹, S. S. Jayabalakrishnan ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Physics, Govt. Engg. College, Thirunelveli-627007, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Physics, P.S.R. Engg. College, Sivakasi, IN

Abstract

N, N-Dimethylimidodicarbonimidic Diamide Hydrochloride (Metformin hydrochloride) has been widely used for management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. In this paper we present the result of ultra sonic velocity, density, viscosity of aqueous metformin hydrochloride solution and methanol-metformin hydrochloride solution for different concentration at T=303.15K. The variations in ultrasonic velocity and internal pressure play a significant role in understanding the solute-solvent, intra and inter molecular interactions. Further the acoustical relaxation time, acoustical impedance, internal pressure, free volume, enthalpy, inter molecular free length, Rao's constant, Wada's constant are computed. Hydrogen bonding and molecular interaction in the solutions are analyzed on the basis of viscometric, volumetric and acoustical data.

Full Text

   

K. Rajagopal ¹, S. Edwin Gladson ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Physics, Government College of Engg., Tirunelveli-627007, Tamilnadu, IN
2 Department of Physics, St. Xavier's Catholic College of Engg., Chunkankadai-629807, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

Viscosity, density and ultrasonic data for sodium carbonate in L-Histidine water mixtures at different concentrations have been reported at 303.15K. The viscosity data have been analysed using the Jones-Dole equation. Apparent molar volumes, apparent molar compressibilities, limiting partial molar volumes, limiting partial molar compressibilities, transfer volumes have been calculated. All these parameters have been used to interpret the structure making or breaking capacities of sodium carbonates in L-Histidine water solutions.

Full Text

   

S. Prabakar ¹, K. Rajagopal ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Physics, IRT Polytechnic College, Tirunelveli-627007, IN
2 Department of Physics, Govt. College of Engineering, Tirunelveli-627007, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Ultrasonic velocity and density for binary liquid mixtures of acetone+acetophenone, ethyl methyl ketone+acetophenone and acetone + ethyl methyl ketone have been measured at 308 K over the entire molar concentration range. From these measured parameters, adiabatic compressibility (K_S), inter molecular free length (L_f) acoustic impedance (Z), relative association (R_A) and excess adiabatic compressibility (K_S^E) along with excess intermodular free length (L^E_f) have been calculated. The thermodynamic parameters and their excess values are used to account for the molecular interactions taking place between the components of the mixtures. Further the experimental ultrasonic sound velocities of all these binary systems are compared with those evaluated theoretically from empirical, semi empirical and statistical models. The validity of these models is also checked and a comparative study of the various theories is made for these systems.

Full Text

   

S. Anuradha ¹, S. Prema ², K. Rajagopal ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Physics, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, IN
2 Department of Physics, Rose Mary College for Women, Tirunelveli, IN
3 Department of Physics, Govt. College of Engg., Tirunelveli-627007, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Densities and ultrasonic velocities have been measured at 299K for the binary mixtures of acetonitrile (ACN) with acetone/ethyl methyl ketone/Methyl isobutyl ketone and acetophenone over entire composition range. From these, isentropic compressibility (K_S), intermolecular free length (L_f) and their deviations namely excess isentropic compressibility (L^S_E) and excess inter molecular freelength (L^E_F) have been calculated and interpreted in terms of inter molecular interactions. Further theoretical values of ultrasonic velocity in the four binary liquid mixtures are calculated using two different theoretical models. The relative merits of these theories and relations have been discussed.

Full Text

   

P. Balakrishna ¹, K. Rajagopal ², K. S. Swarup ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai- 600036, T.N., IN
2 GE HTC, Cyber Pearl, Hitech City, Madhapur, Hyderabad - 500081. A.P., IN

Abstract

Power System or Grid is defined as the collection of group of devices, components that make a physical system to generate, transmit and distribute electricity to the end users. Complexity of power system has grown tremendously in the last few decades, facing new challenges during its operation. In order to meet some of these challenges there is a definite need of automation which helps in automatically operating & controlling the power system under various circumstances. The new era of smart grid in the 21st century has made automation really a need to operate grid under the dynamics of rapid load changes, making the system more time sensitive towards faults and failure modes. Automation being one of the critical components in realizing smart grid, this paper tries to present an overview of grid automation technology trend from generation to distribution over the past few years and future opportunities& challenges.

Keywords

Automation, Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Smart grid, Trends, Challenges

Full Text