Native germplasm resources are adapted to specific ecological niches. They have sustained over generations owing to the preference of local communities for their unique taste, the utility to particular dishes, and the low cost of cultivation. They may help eradicate malnutrition and act as a source for trait-linked genes. The present dataset comprises thirty-three native germplasm of maize collected from Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh states of India with an altitudinal variation of 386–2,028 m. They were evaluated for proximate composition, minerals, nutritional attributes, and antioxidant activity and compared with the standard values reported in the Indian Food Composition Table 2017 (IFCT2017). The nutritional profile showed moisture content in the range of 7.16–10.9%, ash 0.73–1.93%, crude protein 8.68–12.0%, crude fat 3.72–8.03%, dietary fiber 5.21–11.2%, and available carbohydrates 60.6–69.8%. Three accessions, namely, Malan 11 (7.06%), Malan 24 (7.20%), and Yellow Chamba Local 02 (8.03%) exhibited almost double the crude fat content as compared with the values notified in IFCT2017 (3.77). Total sugar content obtained was in the range of 5.00–11.3%, whereas the starch content was found between 50.9 and 64.9%. All the germplasm except Yellow Chamba Local reflected a higher protein content than reported values in IFCT2017 (8.80). Sathi, Safed Chamba Local, and Ragal Makka had nearly 12% protein content. Mineral malnutrition, mainly due to iron (Fe) deficiency, is a worldwide issue to science, humanity, and society. The mineral profile revealed that most germplasm had a higher iron content. Accessions with the iron content of nearly three times of IFCT2017 reported value were identified in germplasm belonging to three states. A negative relationship was observed between the altitude of the sample collection site and available carbohydrate content. In contrast, available carbohydrate showed inverse correlations with dietary fiber, protein, and fat content. The information generated in this study can be utilized to promote these germplasm as nutrifood, nutritional surveillance, labeling, and crop improvement programs.

A ccurate forecasts of specific oceanographic parameters such as currents, temperature, and salinity in the surface and subsurface ocean, tides, and wind waves are essential for planning most maritime activities and securing the lives and livelihoods of millions of people who venture into and onto the oceans.Recognizing this, particularly for the waters around India, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, entrusted the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) to design and develop a High-Resolution Operational Ocean Forecast and Reanalysis System (HOOFS)-the operational ocean forecast system of India.A good understanding of the circulation of the Indian Ocean in general, and coastal waters around India in particular, is a prerequisite for designing and developing a forecast system for the Indian Ocean.

Chordomas are a rare bone malignancy and arise primarily in the sacrum or skull base. Management typically consists of maximal safe resection and adjuvant radiation therapy. Chordomas are inherently radioresistant requiring doses in excess of 70 Gy, which presents a dosimetric challenge given the risk of normal tissue toxicity. Therefore, efforts to induce tumor radiosensitization are needed. We explored the ability of hyperthermia to function as a radiosensitizer, utilizing two human chordoma cell lines. We also examined how hyperthermia impacts brachyury, a transcription factor that serves as a chordoma biomarker and also functions as driver of chordoma tumorigenesis and growth. U-CH2 and MUG-Chor1 (human sacral derived chordoma cell lines) were used for our studies. Hyperthermia's radiosensitization was assessed by clonogenic survival in colony formation assays. U-CH2 and MUG-Chor1 cells were subjected to hyperthermia (43 degree C for 1 hour) and various doses of radiation (1 – 16 Gy) along with appropriate controls (radiation-alone, hyperthermia-alone, and sham-treated cells). Brachyury protein levels were assessed in U-CH2 and MUG-Chor1 by western blot analysis after cells were subjected to hyperthermia and 4 Gy radiation (and appropriate control treatments) and lysed 16 hours after treatment. In both U-CH2 and MUG-Chor1 cells, hyperthermia induced radiosensitization as determined by clonogenic survival assay. Specifically, the combination of hyperthermia and radiation treatment reduced colony formation to a greater extent than radiation-alone. Optimal hyperthermia radiosensitization for Mug-Chor1 and U-CH2 cells was observed at 4 Gy. In U-CH2 cells, hyperthermia+radiation treated cells exhibited a 18% surviving fraction versus 46% for radiation-alone treatment (P < 0.05). In Mug-Chor1 cells, hyperthermia+radiation treated cells exhibited a 32% surviving fraction versus 85% for radiation-alone treatment (P < 0.05). We next assessed brachyury levels in hyperthermia+radiation, hyperthermia-alone, radiation-alone, and sham-treated U-CH2 and MUG-Chor1 cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated both cell lines had a marked reduction in brachyury levels in response to hyperthermia-alone, with no further reduction with the addition of radiation. Hyperthermia functions as a radiosensitizer for chordoma cells base. Additionally, hyperthermia leads to reduced brachyury levels. Collectively, this data raises the possibility that hyperthermia's radiosensitization may at least in part be due to hyperthermia-induced brachyury reduction. This provides clinical rationale for combining hyperthermia with radiation therapy, especially given clinical pelvic hyperthermia devices are already in use.

Statement of Problem: The occurrence porosity in polymethyl methacrylate, the most commonly used denture base material is a problem. The occurrence of oral candidiasis and other infections has also been reported in denture users. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of an antimicrobial agent, silver zeolite on the porosity of denture base resin, which will be an effective tool in the prevention of oral candidiasis among denture wearers. This study also aims to analyze the effect of polymerization technique on porosity in zeolite incorporated dentures to develop a denture base resin which will be easy to process with optimal mechanical and antimicrobial properties. Materials and Methods: Eighty rectangular resin specimens (65 mm × 40 mm × 5 mm) were divided into one control group (A) and three experimental groups (B - Microwave cured denture base resin specimens, C - Conventionally cured denture base resin incorporated with antibacterial zeolites, D - Microwave cured denture base resin incorporated with antibacterial zeolites) porosity was calculated by measurement of the specimen volume before and after its immersion in water. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Results: The mean values of the percent mean porosity were: A = 0.9555%, B = 0.9590%, C = 0.9630%, D = 0.9695%. No significant differences were found in mean porosity among the groups evaluated. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it could be concluded that the addition of zeolites did not result in significant porosity and that the use of microwave processing is a viable option for denture processing.

AIM:The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the flexural strength of commercially available acrylic (trevalone) and modified polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).MATERIALS AND METHODS:Four groups were tested; Group 1- control group regular MMA, group 2-2% methacrylic acid, 88% MMA, group 3-16% methacrylic acid, 84% MMA group 4- 20% methacrylic acid, 80% MMA 15 resin specimens of each group were polymerized. After processing, the specimens were subjected for flexural strength testing using three point bending test in a Universal Testing Machine. All data was statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA, differences within the groups were analyzed by Scheffe's analysis.RESULTS:As the ratio of incorporated methacrylic acid to PMMA increased, the flexural strength decreased. Analysis of data revealed a significant decrease in flexural strength of specimens (p < 0.000) after incorporation of 12%, 16%, 20% methacrylic acid to heat polymerized acrylic resin, when compared with the control group. Lowest flexural strength was observed with specimens containing 20% methacrylic acid and highest flexural strength was observed with specimens containing conventional monomer without methacrylic acid.CONCLUSION:It was observed that as the concentration of methacrylic acid in heat polymerized acrylic resin increases, the flexural strength decreases. Lowest flexural strength was observed with specimens containing 20% methacrylic acid and highest flexural strength was observed with specimens containing conventional monomer without methacrylic acid.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:The major advantages of addition of methacrylic acid to polymethylmethacrylate could be for the elderly people with restricted manual dexterity or cognitive disturbances, especially for patients who do not follow an adequate denture cleansing protocol and diabetic patients who are more susceptible for denture stomatitis.

RRCAT is developing a Vertical Test Stand (VTS) to test and qualify 1.3 GHz/650 MHz, SCRF Cavities in collaboration with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) under Indian Institutions' Fermilab Collaboration. The technical details for VTS is being provided by FNAL, USA. The RF System of VTS needs to provide stable RF power to SCRF cavity with control of amplitude, relative phase and frequency. The incident, reflected, transmitted power and field decay time constant of the cavity are measured to evaluate cavity performance parameters (E, Qo). RF Power is supplied via 500W Solid State amplifier, 1270-1310 MHz being developed by PHPMS, RRCAT. VTS system is controlled by PXI Platform and National Instruments LabVIEW software. Low Level RF (LLRF) system is used to track the cavity frequency using Phase Locked Loop (PLL). The system is comprised of several integrated functional modules which would be assembled, optimized, and tested separately. Required components and instruments have been identified and procurement for the same is underway. Inhouse development for the Solid State RF amplifier and instrument interfacing is in progress. This paper describes the progress on the development of the RF system for VTS.

A computerized grading machine was developed and evaluated to grade Alphonso mangoes on weight basis in five grades. A logistic software was developed to run the grader. The performance of the grader was evaluated at four speeds (480, 600, 720 and 840 m/s), four microprocessor settings (B1, B2, B3 and B4) and their effect was observed on five grades of mango viz., Grade I (326-375 g), Grade II (276-325 g), Grade III (226-275 g), Grade IV (176225g) and Grade V (< 175 > 376 g) for single lane. The statistically analyzed data showed maximum capacity of 950 kg/h with maximum grading efficiency of 95.13% at 720 m/s speed and B4 setting. The cost of manual grading was Rs. 350/t as against Rs. 190/t for the grader.

OBJECTIVES:Institute for Research in Medical Statistics, Indian Council of Medical Research, Delhi undertook a study to obtain all India estimate of utilization of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H).METHODS:The study covered 35 districts spreading over 19 States of India. In this article, results for the State of West Bengal are being presented. Selected districts in West Bengal were Midnapore and Darjeeling where about 2400 sick persons from 2000 households were studied.RESULTS:About 20% sick persons actually availed ISM&H treatment in the State. Majority availed Homeopathy followed by Ayurvedic medicines. Use of Unani and Siddha is negligible in this State. In case of minor ailments, ISM&H was preferred by about 15% in Darjeeling district and 42% in Midnapore district. In case of serious illnesses, about 12% in Darjeeling district preferred ISM&H, but very few (about 5%) preferred this in Midnapore. 39.4% and 20.8% of sick persons sought treatment from traditional healers in Midnapore and Darjeeling district respectively. Jaundice, snakebite, dog bite and 'bone setting' were some of the conditions for which traditional healers were mostly visited. Sizable proportion (30%-89%) of sick persons used various 'kitchen remedies' for conditions like indigestion, loose motion, constipation, fever, body ache, sprain and cough & cold.

This paper deals with a technology for drying of Di-basic calcium phosphate (DCP) through solar energy. For drying this material a solar tunnel dryer was designed and commissioned at MIS Phosphate India Limited, Udaipur. It is semi-cylindrical shaped tunnel dryer having a loading capacity of 1.5 tonne per batch. Two such tunnels were installed in series to accommodate 3.0 tonne of material. It is observed that maximum temperature inside the solar tunnel dryer was 62°C and 50°C on a summer and winter day respectively, which is about 15°C higher than ambient temperature. Total 16 h were needed for drying DCP up to the safe moisture content during winter seasons while total 12 h were needed during summer seasons for reducing moisture content from 37.3% to 9.4%. The solar tunnel drying reduces moisture content to around 10%. Thereafter, the moisture content is reduced to around 5% in a spin-flash dryer for final delivery to market.

Studies were carried out to observe the effect of compression pressure on compression characteristics of water hyacinth (Elchhorma crassipes) plant. There was rapid reduction in volume and weight and bulk density of the compressed plant during initial and later stages of compression process. Compression pressure of 2.63 MPa was required to get maximum volume (94 %) and weight (29.76 %) reduction of water hyacinth.

Lifters constitute an important functional unit of the sugarbeet digger. A study was conducted to observe the effect on lifting and con veying efficiencies of different types of stable lifters used in tractor operated sugar beet digger in sandy loam soil. Results indicated that fork lifter performed better than share lifter with positive angle of incidence followed by share lifter with negative angle of incidence.

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) has posed ecological and economical problems in several countries. Various control methods have been studied and tried including chemical, biological and mechanical means but with no lasting success. The simplest way to handle this weed is to harvest it and utilize it for useful products like animal feed, biogas generation, handicrafts, paper industries, etc. The main problem of handling of water hyacinth is its bulk and high cost of transportation. To overcome this problem a mechanical system was developed at College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur, India. The system consisted of a hopper, cutting and pressing rolls, drives, conveyors belts etc. The performance of the system was evaluated on the basis of its ability to reduce volume and weight of freshly harvested water hyacinth. Two variables namely feed rate and knife speeds were studied. Weight reduction studies showed that with the increase in feed rate and knife speed, there was a decrease in weight loss. Regression models were also developed to predict the apparent specific volume and weight loss at different feed rates and knife speeds. The developed system reduced the apparent specific volume and weight of fresh water hyacinth up to 64% and 31.54% respectively at the recommended feed rate of 0.4 t h-1 and knife speed of 4.71 m s-1. The average no load power required to run the system was 0.03 kW. The output capacity of the system was found to be 1.38 t h-1. The chopped and crushed material can be utilized as animal feed, fertilizer, biogas generation, paper industries, mulch and compost etc. The handling of the material will become very easy and the transportation cost can be reduced up to 68 per cent. The system can be easily transported to the harvesting site.

A solar tunnel dryer installed at M/S Phosphate India Pvt. Limited has been evaluated in terms of its· techno-economic analysis, which was carried out by using different indicators such as Net Present Worth (NPW), Benefit· cost ratio and Payback period and compared with electrical drying system. The net present worth (NPW) for eolD11ltrclal solar tunnel dryer is Rs. 78,74,500 whereas for diesel fired electrical dryer it is Rs. 36,52;500. The benefit cost ratio for solar tunnel dryer and for the diesel fired electrical dryer is 7.08 and 2.36 respectively. The total payback period for commercial solar tunnel dryer is 10 months, whereas it is 2.9 years for' diesel fired electrical dryer. The economic of solar tunnel dryer was made in comparison with diesel fired electrical dryer, because initially company was having diesel fired dryer, before introduction of solar tunnel dryer. It was observed that commercial solar tunnel dryer is a good proposition for drying or all kind of material and is techno-economically better than electrical drying system. Significant saving in electrical energy could be achieved through its use.

A water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) chopper cum crusher was developed at College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur, India to solve the problem of the bulk of freshly harvested water hyacinth during transportation. The performance of the chopper cum crusher was evaluated on the basis of its ability to reduce volume and weight of fresh water hyacinth. Two variables namely feed rate and knife speeds were studied. Relationships were developed between changes in specific volume, knife speed; percent weight loss and feed rates. Weight reduction studies showed that, with the increase in feed rate and knife speed, there was a decrease in weight loss. Maximum weight loss of 33·77% was achieved with the minimum feed rate of 1·0 t h−1 and knife speed of 3·14 m s−1. Regression models were developed to fit the data. The developed machine reduced the specific volume and weight of fresh water hyacinth by up to 64 and 31·54%, respectively, at the recommended feed rate of 1·0 t h−1 and knife speed of 4·71 m s−1.

Chopped samples of fresh water hyacinth were compressed in a closed cylindrical die at 10 levels of pressures, five levels of die charges and five levels of compression speeds on Houn's Field Universal Testing Machine. The complete compression process was observed and relationships were developed among compression ratio and compression pressures, die charges and compression speeds. The relationship between compression ratio and compression pressure followed the simple power law while a linear trend was found with die-charge. The result shows that with the increase in die-charge the increase in compression ratio decreases for all compression pressures. Compression ratio was found to increase with the increase in compression pressure for all die charge. There was a significant difference in reduction in compression ratio while moving from one pressure level to another and from one die charge to another die charge. Maximum compression ratio found was 17.52 for die-charge of 0.020 kg and minimum was 4.95 for die charge of 0.040 kg, at a maximum compression pressure of 2.54 MPa.