An Experimental Study of the Performance of a Subscale Kerosene - Fuelled Ejector Ramjet at Simulated Takeoff

The ejector ramjet is a rocket based combined cycle propulsion system in which a rocket and ramjet are integrated to accrue synergistic benefits. A proof-of-concept experiment to augment the thrust of a simulated rocket by the induction of air through an ejector and the subsequent afterburning of kerosene fuel in it is described. Ejector ram-jet thrust augmentation ratios of up to around 1.1 at the simulated take off conditions have been achieved. The critical effect of the operating conditions and the ejector ramjet geometry, in particular the afterburner configuration, for achieving thrust augmentation ratios greater than one have been demonstrated

Fermentatative production of itaconic acid by Aspergillus terreus using Jatropha seed cake

Fermentation process for the production of itaconic acid was carried out using jatropha seed cake. Itaconic acid is commercially produced by the cultivation of Aspergillus terreus with molasses. Jatropha seed cake is one of the best carbon sources among various carbohydrates, because it is pure, inexpensive and available in a mass supply. The reaction was carried out at various temperatures, agitations and pH. The samples were collected at 24 h time intervals. Itaconic acid concentration wasmeasured by the rapid spectroscopic method. Jatropha seed cake shows maximum yield of 24.45g/lafter 120 h

Prospective study on sociodynamics of cellulitis in general surgical unit

Background: Cellulitis is a potentially serious infection that commonly recurs. The identification of preventable dynamic factors could reduce infection related morbidity and cost and improve patient management. The aim of this study was to identify the dynamic factors associated with cellulitis, including analysis of risk factors associated with cellulitis in either limb and in other parts of the body.Methods: We conducted a prospective study on 110 patients with cellulitis in either limb and in other parts of the body, who were admitted in septic ward of all units of King George hospital between period of December 2013 to December 2014. The factors such as low socioeconomic status, illiteracy, rural area, nutritional status and associated co-morbid conditions and their effect on outcome of patient were studied. Univariate analyses were performed to describe the study.Results: The median age of the participants was 62.5 years. The following risk factors were strongly and independently associated with cellulitis and outcome of the patient; illiteracy (OR, 4; P value 0.010), age above 50 years (OR, 0.110; P value 0.000), residing in rural areas (OR, 4.008; P value 0.006), low socioeconomic status (OR, 0.241; P value 0.030) and associated co-morbid conditions (OR, 0.390; P value, 0.032).Conclusion: Patients usually presented in the late stage of disease because of illiteracy, ignorance and poor knowledge. Patients should be educated to routinely inspect their feet, and the importance of appropriate footwear should be emphasized. Patients who are actively involved in their care can improve their quality of life and have a better outcome.

Ethnobotany genomics - discovery and innovation in a new era of exploratory research

We present here the first use of DNA barcoding in a new approach to ethnobotany we coined "ethnobotany genomics". This new approach is founded on the concept of 'assemblage' of biodiversity knowledge, which includes a coming together of different ways of knowing and valorizing species variation in a novel approach seeking to add value to both traditional knowledge (TK) and scientific knowledge (SK). We employed contemporary genomic technology, DNA barcoding, as an important tool for identifying cryptic species, which were already recognized ethnotaxa using the TK classification systems of local cultures in the Velliangiri Hills of India. This research is based on several case studies in our lab, which define an approach to that is poised to evolve quickly with the advent of new ideas and technology. Our results show that DNA barcoding validated several new cryptic plant species to science that were previously recognized by TK classifications of the Irulas and Malasars, and were lumped using SK classification. The contribution of the local aboriginal knowledge concerning plant diversity and utility in India is considerable; our study presents new ethnomedicine to science. Ethnobotany genomics can also be used to determine the distribution of rare species and their ecological requirements, including traditional ecological knowledge so that conservation strategies can be implemented. This is aligned with the Convention on Biological Diversity that was signed by over 150 nations, and thus the world's complex array of human-natural-technological relationships has effectively been re-organized

Large vessel vasculitis

Takayasu arteritis is a chronic granulomatous disease of the aorta and its major branches that usually affects women during the second and third decades of life, but it has been reported in young children. This review details the clinical, pathological and radiological features, differential diagnoses and management of the condition, focusing chiefly on the disease in children. The recent definition of Takayasu arteritis is discussed. The condition should be considered in patients with unexplained arterial hypertension or unexplained inflammatory syndromes without signs of localization. Since the disease may be life-threatening and progressive, early recognition is necessary to initiate appropriate therapy. Patients with persistent ischaemic symptoms including hypertension might benefit from revascularization procedures

An Experimental Investigation of a Four Inlet, Side Dump Combustor of a Kerosene - Fuelled Boosted Ramjet

An experimental investigation of a four-inlet side dump combustor configuration suitable for a boosted ramjet has been carried out. Combustor characteristics were obtained from water tunnel simulation and direct-connect combustion tests. A perspex, one third scale, model of the ramjet combustor was tested in a water rig. Flow field visualisation was accomplished by employing the hydrogen bubble streak technique. The best placement of the cruciform flameholder relative to the air inlet plane was determined. A similar combustor was made from stainless steel and tested in a combustor test rig. Combustion efficiency, cold and hot total pressure loss and ignition characteristics and lean blow-out limits were obtained. A design methodology for ramjet combustors has been arrived at

DNA barcoding and NMR spectroscopy-based assessment of species adulteration in the raw herbal trade of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd, an important medicinal plant

Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd, commonly known as "Asoka" or "Ashoka" is one of the most important medicinal plants used in raw herbal trade in India. The bark extracts of the tree are used in the treatment of leucorrhea and other uterine disorders besides also having anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-pyretic, anti-helminthic, and analgesic activity. The indiscriminate and rampant extraction of the wood to meet the ever-increasing market demand has led to a sharp decline in naturally occurring populations of the species in the country. Consequently, the species has recently been classified as Bvulnerable^ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Increasing deforestation and increasing demand for this medicinal plant have resulted in a limited supply and suspected widespread adulteration of the species in the raw herbal trade market. Adulteration is a serious concern due to: (i) reduction in the efficacy of this traditional medicine, (ii) considerable health risk to consumers, and (iii) fraudulent product substitution that impacts the economy for the Natural Health Product (NHP) Industry and consumers. In this paper, we provide the first attempt to assess the extent of adulteration in the raw herbal trade of S. asoca using DNA barcoding validated by NMR spectroscopic techniques. Analyzing market samples drawn from 25 shops, mostly from peninsular India, we show that more than 80 % of the samples were spurious, representing plant material from at least 7 different families. This is the first comprehensive and large-scale study to demonstrate the widespread adulteration of market samples of S. asoca in India. These results pose grave implications for the use of raw herbal drugs, such as that of S. asoca, on consumer health and safety. Based on these findings, we argue for a strong and robust regulatory framework to be put in place, which would ensure the quality of raw herbal trade products and reassure consumer confidence in indigenous medicinal systems