Infrared band absorptance correlations and applications to nongray radiation

Various mathematical models for infrared radiation absorption spectra for atmospheric gases are reviewed, and continuous correlations for the total absorptance of a wide band are presented. Different band absorptance correlations were employed in two physically realistic problems (radiative transfer in gases with internal heat source, and heat transfer in laminar flow of absorbing-emitting gases between parallel plates) to study their influence on final radiative transfer results. This information will be applied to the study of atmospheric pollutants by infrared radiation measurement

A Feasibility Study For The Implementation Of Non Site Based Hands On Curriculum For Engineering Technology Education

This paper discusses the development of an intelligent architecture for web-based programming & control of an automated manufacturing cell. The cell consists of a three-axis TERCO CNC milling machine, an IBM SCARA robot and a raw material feed station. The cell components are integrated using a data acquisition system (DAS), programmed using Visual Basic and controlled through the web. A dedicated web page provides the users the opportunity to learn CNC programming and its control from remote sites. When the user submits a CNC program, the server in the lab takes control and executes various routines to complete the machining of the part automatically. The remote user can witness the operation of the cell through a real video feedback on the web page. Details pertaining to the development, integration and remote operation of the automated manufacturing cell is presented in this paper. The feasibility of providing non-site based hands-on engineering and technology education is also explored through this project

Role of edaphic factors on VAM fungal colonization and Spore populations in certain tropical wild legumes

Four nodulating annual tropical wild legumes, viz., Alysicarpus monilifer, Desmodium triflorum, Indigofera linnaei and Tephrosia purpurea from three different regions in the Western Ghats ecosystem were investigated to assess their mycorrhizal status. The response ofvesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) root colonization and spore number to edaphicfactors such as soil moisture, pH and available Nand P was analysed. Though the spore number varied significantly both within and between sites, a uniformly high degree ofroot colonization was observed for all the plants in the present study. The spore number recorded was high, rangingfrom 15 to 165 spores gl soil. Spores of sixteen VAM fungal species belonging to Acaulospora, Glomus and Scutellospora were isolated from the rhizosphere soils. Soil moisture generally had a positive influence on VAM colonization and sporulation except in I. linnaei. The pH correlated negatively with root infection in I. linnaei and T. purpurea, but had no influence in the other two species. The effect of 2-pH on sporulation varied with host species and sites. No general correlation existed between available soil nutrients, root colonization and spore number but the influence ofNand P was counteractive on VAM infection. The present study indicates that the response of root colonization and spore number to edaphic factors is a localised rather than a generalised phenomenon

Effects of Formaldehyde Fumigation and Fytolan Drench on VAM fungi and nodulation in some Leguminous forest Tree Seedlings in India

Seedlings of 12 legume tree species (Acacia caesia, A. catechu, A. farnesiana, A. holosericea, A. leucocephala, A. nilotica, Albizia lebbeck, Dichrostachys cinerea, Leucaena latisiliqua, Prosopis cineraria, Dalbergia latifolia and Pterocarpus marsupium) were raised informaldehyde-fumigatedf Fytol and renched beds in a nursery. Seedlings in the formaldehyde fumigated beds had stunted growth and were chlorotic; had poor VAM root colonization (18-25.3%) and spore density (3.1 - 10.6 g. soil-1 ) and lower nodule number (3 - 8 plant-1 ) and nodular biomass (100 - 870 mg plant-1 ); the total biomass (15.5 - 72 g plant-1 ) and field survival rate (31.2 - 40.4%) of the seedlings were very low. The mycorrhizal species isolated were Acaulospora bireticulata, Glomus fasciculatum and G. geosporum. In contrast, seedlings form Fytolan-drenched beds showed normal growth, enhanced biomass (18 - 83.21g plant-1 ) and higher field survival rate (71 - 86%); intense VAM root colonization (53.4-100%) and higher spore density (36 - 82.8 g soil-1 ) and higher module number (7.4 - 17.6 plant-1 ) and nodular biomass (195 - 950 mg plant ) compared with the control seedlings. Roots of these plants exhibited extensively developed arbuscular and vesicular structures. Ofthe seven VAMF species recordedfrom the rhizosphere soils of control and Fytolan-drenched beds, A. bireticulata, G. fasciculatum and G. geosporum were the dominant species. The differences between treatments were statistically significant (P < 0.05)

Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal colonization and growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in autoclaved soil

The effect of autoclaving soil an uesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAAl) Jungal colonization and biomass production of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) was assessed in pot experiments under greenhouse conditions. Four treatments were given viz., (1) VAM-free plants in autoclaued soil, (2) VAM plants in autoclaued soil, (3) VAM plants in autoclaved soil amended with VAM-free filtrate of non-autoclaved soil, and (4) VAM plants in non-auloclaved soil. The VAM plants grown in non-autoclaued soil showed the highest root colonization of 87.78% while those under (2) and (3) showed only 55.11 % and 56.94% respectiuely. On the other hand, significantly higher shoot length (105.4 cm2/plant), wtal kaJ area (740.3 cm2/plant) and biomass (8.43 g/plant) were obtained in VAM plants grown in autoclaved soiL VAM-free plants in autaclaved sail had reduced growth. In treatments 3 and 4 plant growth was intermediate. The results indicate that VAM colonization and sporulation were favoured under natural conditions, but VAM plants under autoclaved soil conditions produced maximum growth

Effect of interactions of three growth-promoting microorganisms on VAM colonization, spore density, plant growth and nutrient accumulation in tomato (lycopersicon esculentum) seedlings

Interactions of Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum and Glomus fasciculatum in the rhizosphere of tomato plants were studied. There was no significant difference in plant growth parameters between YAM-inoculated treatments. Plants inoculated with the phosphobacteria had significantly higher shoot length, which was equivalent to VAM and other VAM + phosphobacteria combinations. Azospirullum or phosphobacteria alone increased plant biomass compared with the uninoculated control. VAM index was significantly reduced with the addition of phosphobacteria. There was no difference in tissue nutrient concentrations between treatments

A Web-based approach to automated inspection and quality control of manufactured parts

This paper presents an approach for the automated inspection and quality control of manufactured parts from a remote site. A web-based control system was developed to establish communication among the various components of the experimental manufacturing cell, consisting of an IBM 7535 robot, a measuring station and a part feed station. The various cell components are interfaced with the computer through digital and analog interface modules from National Instruments and is controlled using a graphical programming language called LabVIEW. A dedicated web page was developed for the cell that allows remote users to perform online quality tests. Details pertaining to the cell and the control architecture developed to automate the quality control task are presented in this paper. The feasibility of providing non-site based hands-on engineering and technology education is also explored through this project

IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT AND RADICAL SCAVENGING ABILITIES OF AQUEOUS METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF CASSIA OBTUSA L. PLANT PARTS (CAESALPINIACEAE)

Objective: The present study was carried out to examine the in vitro antioxidant activity of the aqueous methanolic extracts of Cassia obtusa plant parts.Methods: The activity was assessed using various in vitro assay models viz., ferric reducing antioxidant power, DPPH•, OH•, O2-, ABTS•+ scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibiting activities. The results were substantiated with well known natural as well as synthetic antioxidants.Results: Among the samples analyzed, C. obtusa leaf extracts determined (P&lt;0.05) effective antioxidant power in terms of all the assays tested.Conclusion: Based on these findings, C. obtusa leaf can be considered as a potent source of nutraceutical contributor which could offer protection and ameliorate oxidative stress-induced physiological malfunctions

Mycorrhizae in sedges as related to root character and its ecological significance

Twenty four sedges were examined to assess the role of root characters on mycorrhizal status. Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) injection was positively related to root thickness and negatively to root hair number and length. Dried mycorrhizal roots of Bulbostylis barbata, Cyperus cyperinus. C. kyllingia and Fimbristylis ovata served as inocula oj VAMJungi in pot culture study indicating that mycorrhizal sedge roots could act as inocula in initiating and reviving mycorrhizae in natural soils