Comparison of Solvent-Free Microwave Extraction and Conventional Hydro-Distillation of Essential Oils from four Selected Underutilised Citrus sp. Plants

Essential oils (EOs) are widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, fragrance and food industry. Solvent Free Microwave Extraction (SFME) is a green method for the extraction of essential oils from aromatic plants. The aim of the study is to compare SFME with conventional hydro-distillation (HD) technique, for the extraction of EO from four selected underutilised Citrus plant species in the essential oil industry; Citrus medica, C. reticulata, C. madurensis and C. limon in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant activity and energy consumption. The EOs were extracted using SFME (Microwave power: 700 W for 5 minutes and 400 W for 55 minutes) and HD (for 1 hour) and chemically analysed using Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The Antioxidant activity of the EOs were determined using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Total Polyphenolic Content (TPC) assays. The GC and GCMS identified 4(10)-Thujene (33.82%) as the major compound in C. medica oil, extracted by HD while that was L- terpinene-4-ol (18%) when extracted by SFME technique. The β-Linalool was the major component in C. reticulata (42.98%) and C. madurensis (37.95%) in SFME extracted EOs, however, it has been dropped down to 26.71% and 26.83% respectively during HD extraction. In C. limon, D-Limonene (43.069%) was abundant in HD- extracted EOs while it was (R)-(+)-Citronellal (39.08%) in SFME-extracted EO. SFME yielded EOs with higher amounts of more valuable oxygenated compounds with higher antioxidant capacities over HD. In comparison with HD, the SFME technique presented higher efficiency with reduced extraction times, costs and energy, yielding EOs with excellent chemical profiles and relatively high antioxidant activity.Keywords: Essential oils, Solvent free Microwave extraction, GC, GCMS, Antioxidan

Experience in the application of IEC/TR 61000-3-6 to harmonic allocation in transmission systems

Technical report IEC/TR 61000-3-6 is widely used as a guide to harmonic management in HV and MV networks, assisting in coordination of harmonic levels between utility and customer. In 2001, Australia and New Zealand adopted the harmonic standard AS/NZS 61000.3.6, which closely follows the above IEC technical report. As a result, transmission utilities and connected loads are required by government regulations to abide by the harmonic allocations set by the standard. The technical report contains some useful general principles which can be applied to the harmonic management of power systems. However, unexpected difficulties can be found when attempts are made to apply them to large power systems. The formal procedure recommended by the standard for calculation of harmonic emission levels limits the voltage at the point of connection. There can be situations where the highest harmonic voltages are remote from the PCC. This can be accounted for by taking into account interactions between each injecting load and all other busbars in one single step. This leads to the development of a harmonic allocation constant , which will apply to the entire transmission network, as a measure of the ability of the network to absorb harmonics without violating a set planning limit. At present, the allocation procedure given in the standard implies consideration of only a single network operation scenario. However, substantial variations have been identified in the harmonic behaviour of transmission networks, including harmonic absorption capacity, with changes in generator commitment and switching configuration. The proposed approach accounts for variations by taking data from multiple network scenarios. For the specification of an easily-measurable harmonic current emission level - rather than a harmonic voltage level - for a particular customer, the network harmonic impedance is necessary. This quantity can vary substantially at the one busbar in a transmission network. The application of a standardised hth harmonic impedance is proposed which is based on the fundamental frequency fault level at the PCC. IEC/TR 61000-3-6 gives no guidance as to methods of treating harmonic resonances in transmission systems. Resonances will occur in any transmission system with sufficient line lengths, and will impose substantial constraints on harmonic allocation if computer calculations are accepted without modification. It is unclear if these resonances are of practical importance, and it is proposed that resonance amplifications be limited to allow useful allocations until their importance has been established by field results

Evaluation of the undergraduate family medicine programme of Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya : quantitative and qualitative student feedback

Background: Worldwide there is an increasing emphasis on the importance of primary care. The ministry of health Sri Lanka issued a directive in 2016 that training of doctors in primary care should be strengthened. Medical students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya follow a 1 month long clinical appointment in family medicine in their fourth year of study. Methods: Feedback is taken from students on completion of the appointment. Half the students from each group complete a pre tested structured feedback questionnaire that consists of answers to questions based on a likert scale with a space for free comments. The other half provide qualitative feedback. In this evaluation data were gathered from 185 (98%) students from all eight clinical groups throughout the year 2016. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 22. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data from the Round Robin activity and free comments from the questionnaire. Results: The qualitative feedback provided a richer indepth overview of student ideas on the appointment compared to the quantitative data. In reflection of a desire for learning to be of relevance students wanted clinically oriented teaching focused on management. They preferred active teaching learning methods such as the opportunity to conduct consultations and receive immediate feedback. Students had a high regard for the teaching sessions by general practitioners at their clinics. The appointment had created an interest in the discipline of family medicine which could have an impact on future choice of career. There were indications to suggest that student attitudes towards patients may have evolved to be more patient centred. Students appreciated the inclusive and low stress ambience of the learning environment. Conclusions and recommendations: Regular evaluation of teaching programmes helps maintain accountability of faculty and paves the way for more student centred teaching through the incorporation of students’ views in devising teaching methods. This evaluation found that qualitative feedback provided more descriptive material to reflect on and therefore improve teaching on the programme. It is recommended that more use should be made of qualitative methodologies in programme evaluations

Optimizing CIGB-300 intralesional delivery in locally advanced cervical cancer

Background:We conducted a phase 1 trial in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer by injecting 0.5 ml of the CK2-antagonist CIGB-300 in two different sites on tumours to assess tumour uptake, safety, pharmacodynamic activity and identify the recommended dose.Methods:Fourteen patients were treated with intralesional injections containing 35 or 70 mg of CIGB-300 in three alternate cycles of three consecutive days each before standard chemoradiotherapy. Tumour uptake was determined using 99 Tc-radiolabelled peptide. In situ B23/nucleophosmin was determined by immunohistochemistry.Results:Maximum tumour uptake for CIGB-300 70-mg dose was significantly higher than the one observed for 35 mg: 16.1±8.9 vs 31.3±12.9 mg (P=0.01). Both, AUC 24h and biological half-life were also significantly higher using 70 mg of CIGB-300 (P<0.001). Unincorporated CIGB-300 diffused rapidly to blood and was mainly distributed towards kidneys, and marginally in liver, lungs, heart and spleen. There was no DLT and moderate allergic-like reactions were the most common systemic side effect with strong correlation between unincorporated CIGB-300 and histamine levels in blood. CIGB-300, 70 mg, downregulated B23/nucleophosmin (P=0.03) in tumour specimens.Conclusion:Intralesional injections of 70 mg CIGB-300 in two sites (0.5 ml per injection) and this treatment plan are recommended to be evaluated in phase 2 studies.Fil: Sarduy, M. R.. Medical-surgical Research Center; CubaFil: García, I.. Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología; CubaFil: Coca, M. A.. Clinical Investigation Center; CubaFil: Perera, A.. Clinical Investigation Center; CubaFil: Torres, L. A.. Clinical Investigation Center; CubaFil: Valenzuela, C. M.. Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología; CubaFil: Baladrón, I.. Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología; CubaFil: Solares, M.. Hospital Materno Ramón González Coro; CubaFil: Reyes, V.. Center For Genetic Engineering And Biotechnology Havana; CubaFil: Hernández, I.. Isotope Center; CubaFil: Perera, Y.. Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología; CubaFil: Martínez, Y. M.. Medical-surgical Research Center; CubaFil: Molina, L.. Medical-surgical Research Center; CubaFil: González, Y. M.. Medical-surgical Research Center; CubaFil: Ancízar, J. A.. Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología; CubaFil: Prats, A.. Clinical Investigation Center; CubaFil: González, L.. Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología; CubaFil: Casacó, C. A.. Clinical Investigation Center; CubaFil: Acevedo, B. E.. Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología; CubaFil: López Saura, P. A.. Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología; CubaFil: Alonso, Daniel Fernando. Universidad Nacional de Quilmes; ArgentinaFil: Gómez, R.. Elea Laboratories; ArgentinaFil: Perea Rodríguez, S. E.. Center For Genetic Engineering And Biotechnology Havana; Cuba. Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología; Cub

Anthelmintic efficacy of albendazole and levamisole against gastrointestinal parasites in sri lanakan elephants at udawalawe, Sri Lanka

альбендазол, левамизол, комплексное лечение, стронгилята, фасциолы, паразитозы, слоны, Шри ЛанкаПроведено сравнение антигельминтной эффективности препаратов «Альбендазол» и «Левомизол» при желудочно-кишечных паразитозах слонов Шри-Ланки. Первый тест проводился с использованием только альбендазола, второй тест – комплексное использование препаратов. Слоны, находящиеся в эксперименте, были инвазированы фасциолами и стронгилятами. Было установлено, что комплексное лечение наиболее эффективно против желудочно-кишечных гельминтов слонов

Post-tsunami natural regeneration of coastal vegetation in the Hambantota district in south-eastern Sri Lanka

A qualitative rapid survey was conducted in 45 plots distributed in the gentle seashore vegetation andsand dunes (n = 13), coastal scrublands (n = 19), and mangroves (n = 13) along the coastline ofHambantota District, affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami. The objective of the survey was toinvestigate the natural regeneration of coastal vegetation 20 months after the tsunami disturbance21 plant species belonging to 19 families were recorded as the prominent plants regenerating inaffected mangroves, while 16 species in 15 families and 32 species in 23 families were observed asprom inent plants to regenerate in affected areas of the gentle sea-shore vegetation and coastalscrublands respectively.In tsunami affected mangrove stands Acanthus iltctfolius (in 50% of study plots), Achrosticumaureum (40%) and Lumnitzera racemosa (17%) were the dominant species establishing in openmuddy substrates, while Clerodendrum inerme (57%), Lumnitzera racemosa and Excoecariaaga//ocha (29% each) were regenerating in sand deposited in the mangrove patches.Ipomoea pes-caprae (85%), Scaevola taccada and Calotropis gigantea (23% each) were observedas the dominant species re-establishing in the gentle seashore vegetation, while Spinifex littoreusshows a slow rate of regeneration. Most of the destroyed Pandanus odoratissimus bushes facingthe beach are not regenerating. Instead a new row of Pandanus was observed regenerating immediatelybacking the original stands. Prominent species regenerating in coastal scrublands are Crotonbonplandianus and Gymnema sylvestre (37% each), Clerodendrum inerme (16%), Calotropisgigantea (10%) and Crateva adansonii (10%) and saplings of Azadirachta indica and Limoniaacidissitna .Invasive alien plants, mainly Opuntia dillennii have established well and spreading vigorously inaffected coastal scrublands (58%), some study plots of gentle seashore vegetation (31 %) as wellas on sand depositions in the affected mangroves (15%). This species was observed replacing thespaces occupied by destroyed Pandanus odoratissimus bushes and Spinifex littoreus beds.Invasive alien plants such as Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara were also spreading intsunami disturbed coastal scrublands.

AN ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE REKAWA, USSANGODA AND KALAMETIYA INLAND COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS IN SOUTHERN SRI LANKA

The survey was carried out to document the status of inland biodiversity in the Rekawa,Ussangoda and Kalametiya area along the Southern coastal zone of Sri Lanka. Thesurvey extended from October 2002 - March 2003 (6 months). A reconnaissance surveyof the inland areas was conducted, prior to the regular field sampling, in order to selectrepresentative sampling sites within the Ruk area. Eight sites were selected for regularfield sampling at fortnightly intervals, and the plants and animals of the area weresurveyed in a scientific manner, using appropriate sampling techniques.The survey area harbours a variety of natural and man-made vegetationlhabitat types,including both terrestrial and wetland systems. A total of 287 plant species belonging to222 genera under 94 families were documented from the above inland vegetationlhabitattypes of the Ruk area. Several sub types of Mangroves, based mainly on floristics, couldbe found in the RUK area. These include the Lumnitzera dominated stands (Rekawa),Ceriops dominated stands (Rekawa), Avicennia dominated stands (Rekawa), Mixedstands (Rekawa, Kahanda), Excoecaria dominated stands (between Lunawa andKalametiya) and Sonneratia dominated stands (Kalametiya, Malpeththawa). It isinteresting to note that some mangrove stands are represented by only a single species.A total of 328 species of vertebrates were recorded from the RUK area, of which 14species (4%) are endemic, while 27 species (8%) are nationally threatened. Thevertebrates include 52 species of fish, 17 species of amphibians, 49 species of reptiles,184 species of birds, and 26 species of mammals. The invertebrates include 72 species ofcolorful butterflies, 25 spec.es of terrestrial molluscs an": 9 species of aquatic molluscs.Three beach stretches that are important turtle nesting sites, eleven birding hotspots andthree bird roosting sites were identified within the RUK area.The study area has been identified for major development initiatives, under the SouthernDevelopment Programme of the Government of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the relevantconservation agencies should take steps to ensure that, biodiversity conservation concernsare adequately addressed in specific developmental activities planned for the area.

The Double Pulsar Eclipses I: Phenomenology and Multi-frequency Analysis

The double pulsar PSR J0737-3039A/B displays short, 30 s eclipses that arise around conjunction when the radio waves emitted by pulsar A are absorbed as they propagate through the magnetosphere of its companion pulsar B. These eclipses offer a unique opportunity to probe directly the magnetospheric structure and the plasma properties of pulsar B. We have performed a comprehensive analysis of the eclipse phenomenology using multi-frequency radio observations obtained with the Green Bank Telescope. We have characterized the periodic flux modulations previously discovered at 820 MHz by McLaughlin et al., and investigated the radio frequency dependence of the duration and depth of the eclipses. Based on their weak radio frequency evolution, we conclude that the plasma in pulsar B's magnetosphere requires a large multiplicity factor (~ 10^5). We also found that, as expected, flux modulations are present at all radio frequencies in which eclipses can be detected. Their complex behavior is consistent with the confinement of the absorbing plasma in the dipolar magnetic field of pulsar B as suggested by Lyutikov & Thompson and such a geometric connection explains that the observed periodicity is harmonically related to pulsar B's spin frequency. We observe that the eclipses require a sharp transition region beyond which the plasma density drops off abruptly. Such a region defines a plasmasphere which would be well inside the magnetospheric boundary of an undisturbed pulsar. It is also two times smaller than the expected standoff radius calculated using the balance of the wind pressure from pulsar A and the nominally estimated magnetic pressure of pulsar B.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables, ApJ in pres