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Not AvailableIn the manufacture of tablets, tableting processes, design of reliable solids handling equipment such as hoppers, silos, and storage bins the flowability of powders and other flow property data are most important characteristics. In the case of powder discharge from silos or hoppers, arches and ratholes may be formed, especially in the presence of humid air, resulting in poor flow of the powder. Keeping in this view flow properties of gum arabic powder was evaluated by powder flow tester in which gum arabic powder with particle size 700 micron to 300 micron was tested. It was found that gum arabic powder follow two type of flow behaviour first easy flowing between 0.6 to 3 kPa major principal consolidating stress, σ1 and 0.07 to 0.30 kPa unconfined faliure strength, σc then free flowing between 3 to 9 kPa major principal consolidating stress, σ1 and 0.30 to 0.80 kPa unconfined faliure strength, σc. The critical arching values for gum arabic were density 717.3 kg/m3, effective angle of internal friction 38oC, effective lengh 0.011m at stress level 0.038 kPa and critical rathole values were density 797 kg/m3, effective angle of internal friction 36.5oC, diameter 0.29 m at stress level 0.80 kPa. All these properties can be used in handling and processing equipments.Science & Technology Society for Integrated Rural Improvemen

Plant proteomics in India and Nepal: current status and challenges ahead

Plant proteomics has made tremendous contributions in understanding the complex processes of plant biology. Here, its current status in India and Nepal is discussed. Gel-based proteomics is predominantly utilized on crops and non-crops to analyze majorly abiotic (49 %) and biotic (18 %) stress, development (11 %) and post-translational modifications (7 %). Rice is the most explored system (36 %) with major focus on abiotic mainly dehydration (36 %) stress. In spite of expensive proteomics setup and scarcity of trained workforce, output in form of publications is encouraging. To boost plant proteomics in India and Nepal, researchers have discussed ground level issues among themselves and with the International Plant Proteomics Organization (INPPO) to act in priority on concerns like food security. Active collaboration may help in translating this knowledge to fruitful applications. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12298-013-0198-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users