A three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer undergoing transverse strain and streamwise pressure gradient

Results from an experimental investigation designed to provide data on both mean and turbulence quantities in the axisymmetric, swirling boundary layer (with and without pressure gradient) flowing over a stationary cylinder downstreams of a spinning cylindrical section are presented. The pressure gradient was introduced into the flow field by a 25.4 mm-high, forward-facing, circular step mounted on the stationary cylinder, the step height being nearly equal to the thickness of the approaching boundary layer. All the measurements were made at a nominal upstream reference Reynolds number of 2.4 x 10 to the 6th power/m (corresponding to an upstream reference velocity of 36 to 37 m/sec) with the rotation of the spinner set to make its peripheral speed equal the reference velocity. The data reported included measurements of surface pressure and the mean surface shear-stress vector taken with a miniature, directional, surface-fence gage. These measurements were supplemented by oil-flow visualization studies of the stationary cylinder. The data indicates that the streamwise pressure gradient controls the development of the streamwise component of wall shear, but leaves the peripheral component of wall shear practically unaffected

How important is serum β-hCG in the management of ectopic pregnancy?

Background: Objective: To investigate whether serum β-hCG levels may influence presentation & management of ectopic pregnancy. Methods: A total of 176 women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy were divided into 4 groups based on initial serum β-hCG values; group 1 - 5000 mIU/ml. The clinical presentations, ultrasound findings, mode of management & success of medical management in relation to serum β-hCG values were recorded.Results: There were no significant correlations between Serum β-hCG values and ultrasound findings. Ectopic pregnancies with values less than 1000 mIU/ml could also present with rupture, requiring surgical management. A falling trend on Day 4 serum β-hCG was a good predictor of successful medical management. Out of the 28 patients managed medically, 21 (75%) had resolution of ectopic pregnancy, remaining 7, who did not show a subsequent decline on the fourth day, required either repeat dosage or surgical intervention. The study also revealed a positive correlation between initial β-hCG values and site of ectopic gestation. More than 80% (16/19) of patients with cornual ectopic had initial values greater than 10,000 mIU/ml.Conclusions: Serum β-hCG is a complementary and a useful tool in diagnosis & management of ectopic pregnancy

Effect of fertigation on growth and yield on Chilli hybrid Arka Meghana

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of fertigation on chilli F1 Hybrid Arka Meghana during kharif of 2017 and 2018, with ten treatments, including different doses, sources of fertilizers and its frequency of application, in randomized block design with three replications. The pooled analysis revealed that application of fertilizer dose (125:100:125 kg N: P2O5: K2O ha-1) through fertigation on bi-weekly basis resulted in higher plant height (76.3 cm) at 80 days after transplanting, which was on par with the same dose and source applied at weekly interval (74.0 cm). These two treatments recorded higher fruit length (12.63 and 12.27 cm), number of fruits per plant (153.33 and 169.67) and dry weight of 10 fruits (9.00 and 8.63 g), respectively. All the fertigation treatments recorded higher yields over the conventional soil application of fertilizers to the tune of 14.84 to 61.55%. Among the fertigation treatments, application of 100% of fertilizer dose using water soluble fertilizers at bi-weekly interval resulted in significantly higher yield (32.44 t ha-1) compared to all treatments except the treatment where the weekly application of same dose of fertilizer through the same sources (31.81 t ha-1) and 75% of 125:100:125 kg N: P2O5: K2O ha-1 was applied weekly or bi-weekly intervals (29.23 and 30.01 t ha-1). Biweekly and weekly application of 100% fertilizer dose of 125:100:125 kg N: P2O5: K2O ha-1 through fertigation could yield maximum net income (Rs. 400151 and Rs. 387551 ha-1) with B: C (1.61 and 1.56). However, fertilizer applied to soil resulted in minimum net income of Rs.183054 ha-1 and B: C (0.84)

Autoimmune diseases in pregnancy: maternal and fetal outcomes

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of autoimmune connective tissue disorders on the outcomes of pregnancy and the influence of treatment on pregnancy.  Methods: Thirty-seven antenatal patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases, comprising of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), Mixed Connective Tissue Diseases (MCTD), ankylosing spondylitis and Takayasu arteritis were analysed.Results: Multigravidas constituted 89.4% and were associated with bad obstetric history. Before diagnosis and treatment, serious maternal complications of eclampsia and thromboembolism were observed in patients with SLE and APS. The live birth rates were 9% and 2.4% respectively in patients with SLE and APS. With appropriate treatment- aspirin, heparin and immunosuppressant, the live birth rates were raised to 70% in SLE and 100% in APS patients. Investigation for autoimmune disease in recurrent pregnancy loss is important. A rare association between MCTD and congenital anomaly - Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata was observed. Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, fetal growth restriction and preterm labour were the common complications noted.  Conclusions: Active disease at onset of pregnancy, presence of Anti-ds DNA antibodies and secondary APS were strong predictors of poor pregnancy outcomes among patients with SLE. Vigilant monitoring during pregnancy is required for favourable outcomes

Effect of processing parameters on recovery of hot process virgin coconut oil and co-products utilization

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is growing in popularity as functional food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical oil. The high cost of VCO is due to its low recovery. In order to improve the recovery, the effect of milk expelling methods (manual and mechanical) and pre- treatments (slicing, pulverizing and blanching) on coconut milk and hot process VCO recovery with respect to fresh coconut kernel weight was studied. The blanching and pulverizing yielded more milk and VCO recovery in both manual and mechanical expelling methods. The recovery of coconut milk and VCO ranged from 34.0 to 51.6 per cent and 14.2 to 22.4 per cent respectively. Among the different treatment combinations, pulverized, blanched and double screw pressed coconut kernel yielded the highest milk and VCO recovery. The per cent recovery of two important co-products namely coconut milk residue and VCO cake ranged from 38.5 to 55.6 and 6.3 to 8.8 respectively. An attempt was made to recover the oil from 8 per cent dried coconut milk residue and VCO cake in commercial oil expeller. The oil recovery from milk residue and VCO cake flour was 41.2±1.1 per cent and 25.8±1.0 per cent respectively. The dried coconut milk residue and VCO cake flour was utilized in the preparation of extrudates and sweet snacks along with the broken rice, maize grits and pearl millet grits

Influence of Various Sources and Levels of Fertilizer Applied through Fertigation on Hybrid Watermelon Grown in Rabi-Summer

A field experiment was conducted at Bangalore during 2006-2008 to study the effect of fertigation on growth and yield of rabi-summer grown watermelon. Seven treatments comprising varying rates and sources of fertilizers were applied. Application of water soluble fertilizer @ 70:70:70kg N:P2O5:K2O per hectare through fertigation gave significantly higher vine length, number of branches per plant and leaf area index. In general, fertigation treatments recorded higher values for number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and total soluble solids than conventional soilapplication of fertilizers. All the fertigation treatments recorded higher average marketable watermelon yield over conventional soil-application of fertilizers amounting to 7.22 to 26.4% increase. Among fertigation treatments, though recommended dose of fertilizer applied as water soluble fertilizer resulted in highest marketable-fruit yield, highest net income (Rs. 229775) and B:C ratio (3.03) was obtained in treatment with 70% of recommended dose of NPK using conventional fertilizers supplied through fertigation

Effect of Microsprinkler Fertigation on Growth and Yield of Rabi Onion

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2005-2006 at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, to study the performance of onion cv. Arka Niketan as influenced by microsprinkler fertigation using different sources and levels of fertilizers. Results indicated that crop growth in terms of leaf production, plant height, radial and equatorial diameter was not significantly influenced by the treatments. Fertigation treatments were superior for marketable bulb yield as compared to soil application of fertilizer. Also bulb yield through soil application of fertilizer increased by changing over from surface-irrigation to microsprinkler irrigation. However, bulb yield did not significantly decrease by applying just 75% of the recommended NPK fertilizers, using common or water soluble fertilizers supplied through fertigation. For achieving maximum yield, however, it is recommended to apply 100% recommended dose of fertilizers through sprinkler fertigation using water soluble fertilizers

PHYTOCHEMICALS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF CLERODENDRUM PANICULATUM (L.) LEAF AND FLOWER EXTRACTS

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the phytochemicals present in the flower and leaf extracts of Clerodendrum paniculatum L., collected from Nelji village of Kodagu district . Methods: The healthy leaves and flowers of C. paniculatum were collected and the plant extracts were prepared using ethanol, hexane and distilled water separately. Phytochemical analysis was conducted using standard procedurs for the flower and leaf extracts of C. paniculatum. The antioxidant activity in leaf and flower extracts was determined by three assays, estimation of total phenolic content, reducing power assay and radical scavenging activity (DPPH) using standard procedures. Results: Phytochemical screening conducted for the flower and leaf extracts of C. paniculatum showed the presence of three phytochemicals, namely saponins, alkaloids and terpenoids. Terpenoids were commonly present in all the extracts of flower and leaf that is in both polar (aqueous and ethanol) solvent and in non-polar (hexane) solvents. The extracts tested for the antioxidant activity showed the presence of total phenolics in ethanol, aqueous and hexane extracts. The aqueous extract showed high redox potential followed by ethanol and hexane extracts. The aqueous leaf extract showed high radical scavenging activity when compared to the flower extracts of C. paniculatum. Conclusion:  The present study showes C. paniculatum to be an important medicinal plant, since the flower and leaves showed good antioxidant activity. Thus it may used in the treatment of diseases and may also used in the preparation of natural or herbal drugs due to the presence of antioxidants

Quantification of yield gaps in rain-fed rice, wheat, cotton and mustard in India

Rainfed farming / Crop yield / Simulation / Rice / Wheat / Cotton / Mustard / India