Phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activity of the seagrass Cymodocea serrulata

1216-1221The seagrass Cymodocea serrulata was collected from Ramanathapuram coastal region and its antioxidant potential was determined. The ethanol extract showed the highest phenolic content of 284.94 mg/ml gallic acid equivalence and the ethyl acetate extract showed the highest flavonoids content of 40.18 mg/ml quercetin equivalence. The tannin content was higher at 264.71 mg/ml tannic acid equivalence in aqueous extract. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2¢-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 44.47 µg and 2.5 µg, respectively. The ferric reducing ability and nitric oxide scavenging activity were efficient in both ethanol and aqueous extracts. The superoxide scavenging activity was high in hexane extract. The comparative antioxidant study of the subsequent extract of C. serrulata showed that the ethanol extract possesses the highest free radical scavenging property compared to other extracts. This may be due to the presence of high phenolic compounds. The study brings out the medicinal value of C. serrulata which can be used as a nutraceutical compound in various food and pharmaceutical industries

Superconductivity in Ru substituted BaFe2-xRuxAs2

The occurrence of bulk superconductivity at ~22 K is reported in polycrystalline samples of BaFe2-xRuxAs2 for nominal Ru content in the range of x=0.75 to 1.125. A systematic suppression of the spin density wave transition temperature (TSDW) precedes the appearance of superconductivity in the system. A phase diagram is proposed based on the measured TSDW and superconducting transition temperature (TC) variations as a function of Ru composition. Band structure calculations, indicate introduction of electron carriers in the system upon Ru substitutiom. The calculated magnetic moment on Fe shows a minimum at x=1.0, suggesting that the suppression of the magnetic moment is associated with the emergence of superconductivity. Results of low temperature and high field Mossbauer measurements are presented. These indicate weakening of magnetic interaction with Ru substitutionComment: 20 pages 10 figure

Band filling and interband scattering effects in MgB2_2: C vs Al doping

We argue, based on band structure calculations and Eliashberg theory, that the observed decrease of $T_c$ of Al and C doped MgB$_2$ samples can be understood mainly in terms of a band filling effect due to the electron doping by Al and C. A simple scaling of the electron-phonon coupling constant $\lambda$ by the variation of the density of states as function of electron doping is sufficient to capture the experimentally observed behavior. Further, we also explain the long standing open question of the experimental observation of a nearly constant $\pi$ gap as function of doping by a compensation of the effect of band filling and interband scattering. Both effects together generate a nearly constant $\pi$ gap and shift the merging point of both gaps to higher doping concentrations, resolving the discrepancy between experiment and theoretical predictions based on interband scattering only.Comment: accepted by PR

Effect of vaginal pH on efficacy of dinoprostone gel for labour induction

Background: Induction of labour is defined as an intervention designed to artificially initiate uterine contractions leading to progressive dilatation and effacement of the cervix and birth of the baby. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of vaginal pH on the efficacy of dinoprostone gel for labor induction.Methods: A prospective study conducted on 200 subjects within 1 year in India. The Bishop score and vaginal pH (with pH paper, Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, USA) of subjects undergoing induction of labor with dinoprostone gel was assessed prior induction. After 6 hours of induction, PGE2 gel was repeated or labor was augmented. The vaginal pH measured was compared with age, parity, Bishop Score, time to enter into active phase of labor, and the mode of delivery. The significance of association was calculated by Chi-square test.Results: Majority subjects had pH in the range 5-6.Subjects with higher parity were associated with higher vaginal ph. Higher vaginal pH was associated with a higher Bishop score prior to induction, responded to single induction, and had a higher  number of vaginal deliveries than those with lower vaginal pH. There was no significant association found in vaginal pH and the time taken to enter into active phase of labor. Subjects with pregnancy induced hypertension were found to have higher vaginal ph.Conclusions: Parity influences vaginal pH and vaginal pH itself has a significant effect on the Bishop Score prior induction. Hence knowing the vaginal pH prior induction could be a useful tool to assess the labor outcome in induction with PGE2

Personal Assistance using Artificial Intelligence for Computers

Machine makes life easier so men always keen to develop new machine and software which makes life easier. Since the invention of computers or machines, their capability to perform various tasks went on growing exponentially. Humans have developed the power of computer systems in terms of their diverse working domains, their increasing speed, and reducing size with respect to time. So the objective of the proposed work is to control the computer in easier way that is through the voice commands. The system is based on one of the major application of artificial intelligence “Speech Recognition”. This Software “Personal assistance for computer using artificial intelligence” can be used as personal assistance to user working in personal computer. Software with cognitive abilities similar to those of the human brain so that it can understand human language thinks, infer, reason and learn. It use the android application to take the input from user and the command given by the user will sent through the Bluetooth for the MATLAB interface in computer. The command is processed and the action for specific command is executed. So in simple way through voice command we can do the work in PC

Effect of nitrogen and potassium sources on yield attributes and yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

In a field experiment the comparative efficacy of three sources of nitrogen viz., urea, calcium ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate and two sources of potassium viz., muriate of potash and sulphate of potash on yield attributes and yield in chilli cv LCA 353 was evaluated. Among the treatments tested the highest number of fruits per plant and yield was recorded in the treatment where the recommended nitrogen of 300 kg ha-1 was given 50% as urea and remaining 50% as CAN and recommended potassium of 120 kg ha-1 as 50% MOP and remaining 50% as SOP (228.4 fruits plant-1 and 48.85 q ha-1). However, in the treatment where the recommended nitrogen of 300 kg ha-1 was given 50% as urea and remaining 50% as AS/CAN and recommended potassium of 120 kg ha-1 as 50% MOP and 50% SOP were economical with C:B ratio of 1:1.95 as against control with 1:1.64 where split application of recommended N and K was given in single source as urea and muriate of potash. &nbsp

WSN based power monitoring in smart grids

Smart grid technology is one of the recent developments in the area of electric power systems that aid the use of non-conventional sources of energy in parallel with the conventional sources of energy. Monitoring and control of smart grids is essential for its efficient and effective functioning. In this paper, we propose an architecture for monitoring power in smart grid applications using wireless sensor network (WSN) technology. A prototype power sensing module is designed and developed to calculate the power for any kind of loads. Using WSN technology, the monitored power is communicated to the sink at periodic intervals. Multi hop wireless mesh network is set up using IRIS motes to enhance the communication between the power sensing nodes and the sink. The data collected is a rich source of repository for data analysis and modelling. A number of smart actions and applications, such as power theft detection, energy efficient building design, smart automation systems and smart metering can evolve out of the proposed model. A novel Power theft detection algorithm is proposed and simulated in this paper. The system is also scaled using GSM technology to extend the range of communication. Load monitoring can aid distributed architecture in smart grids with automated technology to switch between the non-conventional source of energy and the grid

Validation of Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) forecasts from Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The annual exploitable fisheries of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are estimated to be 1.48 lakh t of which a meagre 22% is harvested currently. Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) forecasts based on remotelysensed chlorophyll concentration and sea surface temperature were applied for harvesting the unexploited marine fishery resources. Simultaneous validation experiments (n = 87) synchronizing with PFZ forecasts within (PFZs) and outside (non-PFZs) the demarcated zones employing different vessel categories viz., gillnetters (n = 50), trawlers (n = 22) and longliners (n = 15) were carried out. Significant disparity in fish catch was observed within and outside PFZs. Fish catch from gillnetters composed of carangids, clupeids, scombrids with Megalaspis cordyla being dominant at PFZ. Carangids, sphyraenids, serranids, lutjanids, lethrinids and carcharhinids were reported from trawlers with significantly higher CPUE from PFZs except nemipterids. Fish catch from longliners constituted mainly of carcharhinids and serranids, where the catch of former was found to be significantly higher at PFZs

Study of various congenital anomalies in fetal and neonatal autopsy

Background: The study of dead is to save the livings. The growing awareness that still births and infant mortalities are unable to reduction has led to a wide spread desire for more information regarding the cause of these deaths. Congenital malformations have become important cause of fetal and neonatal (perinatal) mortality in developed countries and would very soon be increasingly important determinants of fetal and neonatal mortality in developing countries like India. In spite of antenatal diagnostic modality still the fetal autopsy plays the vital role in the conformation as well as identification of congenital anomalies and also for the counseling of the parents, to prevent the fetal congenital anomalies in further pregnancies. This study was undertaken with the purpose of finding out cause of death during the perinatal period at government maternity hospital and pediatric department S.V.R.R.G.G.H. & S.V. medical college Tirupati, and to study the clinical and pathological findings (Gross & microscopic) in fetal and neonatal death.Methods: The present study of congenital anomalies in fetal and neonatal deaths was done at S.V. medical college, Tirupati, over a time period of 2 years from September 2008 to 2010 August. Consent for autopsy in requested compassionately, respectfully and fully informed. The present study included dead fetus and neonates with gestational age above 20 weeks of intra uterine life and within 7 days of post natal life. All fetuses of gestational age <20 weeks and all neonates above 7 days of age were excluded from the study. The study also obtained clearance from the ethical committee of the institution. Autopsy was performed by standard technique adopted by Edith L. Potter. External and internal findings followed by histopathological examination, and autopsy findings were compared with available ultrasound findings.Results: A total of 46 Autopsies performed, 40 (87%) were fetal deaths, 6 (13%) were early neonatal deaths. In a total of 46 fetuses, there were 13 male and 33 female babies. On external examination of 46 fetal and Neonatal (perinatal) deaths, 8 (17.39%) babies showed congenital malformation. On internal examination of the 46 fetal and Neonatal (perinatal) deaths, 4 babies showed internal congenital anomalies. A total of 46 anatomical and histopathologic examinations were done among fetal and neonatal (perinatal) deaths. Out of 13 autopsies on male babies, 2 had congenital malformation and 33 autopsies on female babies, 7 had congenital malformations. Congenital anomalies were commonest in the birth weight group of 1000-1500 grams accounting for 9 cases. Malformations of central nervous system (33.33%) were most common followed by musculoskeletal system (16.66%), genitourinary and respiratory system (8.33%) respectively.Conclusion: Most number of perinatal deaths occurred in low birth weight and preterm babies. Study of malformations greatly helpful in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in successive pregnancies