Evaluation of Nutritional and Nutraceutical Content of Polished and Unpolished Barnyard Millet - An Analytical Study

Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacaea) is an indigenous under utilized millet variety of south India with bounty of health benefits due to the abundance of dietary fiber antioxidant and minerals like iron. This gluten free wonder millet can be a healthy alternate dietary source for diabetic, obesity and CVD patients. Scientific evidence based studies on nutritional quality of this millet both in polished and unpolished form is less. The current study aims at “Evaluation of nutritional and nutraceutical content of polished and unpolished barnyard millet”. Both polished and unpolished barnyard millets were procured from local market, cleaned to remove dirt, dust and stone. The cleaned millets were dried powdered and sieved using 60 mesh sieves (250 Micron). The powdered millet flour was stored in airtight container. Nutritional content of Barnyard millet was analysed for macro, micro nutrients and nutraceutical properties of both polished and unpolished form using standard AOAC method - 20th edition (2016). The analysed nutrient content were compared statistically at 99% and 95 % confidence interval (t-test).The result shows that, the quantum of carbohydrate present in polished barnyard millet was 11.37 % lesser than the milled parboiled rice and 9 % lesser than the brown rice and 12.45 % lesser than the raw milled rice. The total dietary fibre content of unpolished barnyard millet was 14.2 gm and polished barnyard millet was 8.5 gm. Crude fibre content of unpolished barnyard millet was noted as 11.2 gm and the same in polished barnyard millet was 4.5gm. The protein content of unpolished barnyard millet (10.4gm) was found to be superior to polished barnyard millet (6.8gm).The presence of nutraceutical components were more nutritionally superior in unpolished barnyard millet compared to polished one.

Numerical Simulation and Experimental Analysis of Volume Alternate Cavitation (VAC) - A new Cavitation Generation Method

Cavitation generation methods have been applied in multifarious directions due to their diversity. And scholars have carried out numerous researches and discussions on cavitation generation methods. The purpose of this study is to explore the generating mechanism and evolution law of volumetric alternate cavitation (VAC). In the VAC, the liquid water is placed in an airtight container with variable volume. With the volume alternately changes, the liquid water inside the container continues to cavitate. In this study, the mixture turbulence model and in-cylinder dynamic grid model were used to apply computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of volume alternate cavitation. In the simulation, the cloud images at 7 heights on the central axis are monitored, and the phenomenon and mechanism of height and eccentricity are analyzed detailedly. By using the method of cavitation flow visualization (CFV), the generating mechanism and evolution law of cavitation are clarified. The synergistic effects of experiments and high-speed camera capture confirm the simulation. In the experiment, the volume change stroke of the airtight container is 20 mm, the volume change frequency is 18 Hz, and the shooting frequency of the high-speed camera is set to 10000 fps. The results show that the position of occurring cavitation phenomenon has a reasonable law during the whole evolution cycle of the cavitation cloud. It is evident that a cycle of volume alternation corresponds to the generation, development and collapse stages of cavitation bubbles.

Diversity of pollen collected by kelulut bee (Heterotrigona itama) from South Kalimantan

Pollen is an essential source of proteins and vitamins for the bee diet. In addition, the diversity of pollen found in honey provides information about plant species that illustrate the bees foraging activity. This study aims to identify pollen in kelulut (Heterotrigona itama) beehives and identify its botanical origins. This study was conducted in two bee farming locations which are Layuh Village, Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency, and Gambah Luar Village, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, South Kalimantan Province. Pollen was collected from the beehives and stored in an airtight container. Collected pollen was identified using the acetolysis method. According to this study, there were 14 pollen types found, where only 9 of them can be identified. In the first locations (Layuh Village), most pollen came from Asteraceae (38.8%) and Arecaceae (31.2%) families. While at the Gambah Luar village, pollen was dominated by those who originated from the Rubiaceae family (31.2%). This result also revealed that Heterotrogona itama is a multi-floral bee and has various diets consisting of fruit, ornamental, and herbaceous plants. The information generated from this study can be used as plant enrichment recommendations in the honey bee farming areas.

Comparing the effectiveness of negative-pressure barrier devices in providing air clearance to prevent aerosol transmission

Purpose To investigate the effectiveness of aerosol clearance using an aerosol box, aerosol bag, wall suction, and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter evacuator to prevent aerosol transmission. Methods The flow field was visualized using three protective device settings (an aerosol box, and an aerosol bag with and without sealed working channels) and four suction settings (no suction, wall suction, and a HEPA filter evacuator at flow rates of 415 liters per minute [LPM] and 530 LPM). All 12 subgroups were compared with a no intervention group. The primary outcome, aerosol concentration, was measured at the head, trunk, and foot of a mannequin. Results The mean aerosol concentration was reduced at the head (p < 0.001) but increased at the feet (p = 0.005) with an aerosol box compared with no intervention. Non-sealed aerosol bags increased exposure at the head and trunk (both, p < 0.001). Sealed aerosol bags reduced aerosol concentration at the head, trunk, and foot of the mannequin (p < 0.001). A sealed aerosol bag alone, with wall suction, or with a HEPA filter evacuator reduced the aerosol concentration at the head by 7.15%, 36.61%, and 84.70%, respectively (99.9% confidence interval [CI]: -4.51–18.81, 27.48–45.73, and 78.99–90.40); trunk by 70.95%, 73.99%, and 91.59%, respectively (99.9% CI: 59.83–82.07, 52.64–95.33, and 87.51–95.66); and feet by 69.16%, 75.57%, and 92.30%, respectively (99.9% CI: 63.18–75.15, 69.76–81.37, and 88.18–96.42), compared with an aerosol box alone. Conclusions As aerosols spread, an airtight container with sealed working channels is effective when combined with suction devices.

REJUVENATION OF SKIN BY PREPARED CITRUS AURANTIUM, LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM, SANTALUM ALBUM AND PRUNUS DULCIS HERBAL FACE MASK: FORMULATION AND EVALUATION

The main objective of the work is the formulation and evaluation of a natural herbal face mask for rejuvenation and glowing skin from locally available ingredients. Citrus aurantium, Lycopersicon esculentum, Santalum album, Prunus dulcis, Rose petals, Camellia sinensis leaves were procured from the local market and were dried, powdered, then passed through sieve no-100, mixed geometrically, and packed in an airtight container for converting into unique formula. The distinguishing microscopically characters of individual powders were noted, and quantitative measurements were taken. The powder had passable flow property which is suitable for a face mask. The particle size of the powder was found to be 20 -25µm. Herbal face mask is used to stimulate blood circulation, rejuvenates the muscles and help to maintain the elasticity of the skin and remove dirt from skin pores and provide glow and flawless skin. The non-toxic nature reduced allergic reactions and easy availability of herbs making them acceptable and useful for users.

An Experimental Apparatus for Monitoring Radon during Compression of Coal/Rock Samples and Its Preliminary Application

Based on the radionuclide distributions in sedimentary coal-bearing strata, this study analyzed the microrelease mechanisms of radon in coal-bearing strata. It was found that the microrelease process includes three stages: emanation, migration, and exhalation. Based on this, an experimental apparatus was independently designed for monitoring radon during compression of coal/rock samples from coal-bearing strata, whose major components include an electrohydraulic servocontrolled rock mechanics testing system, an airtight container, coal/rock samples, radon output device, and a continuous emanometer. The developed apparatus was preliminarily utilized for uniaxial compression tests on mudstone samples taken from the #21105 coalface of the Fourth Coal Mine in Yili Coalfield, China. The test results show that before sample failure under the uniaxial compressive load (UCL), the radon concentration is negatively correlated with the applied UCL and the magnitude of imposed elastic deformation. Increasing the applied load shortens the period of stable deformation, gradually decreasing the porosity of the rock, and as a result of declining the concentration of radon emanation from the rock. Finally, suggestions for future research are proposed, including mathematical equations to express the correlations between different experimental parameters and fractal characteristics of radon release from porous media.

Enhanced diuretic action of furosemide by complexation with β-cyclodextrin in the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate

Preparation of inclusion complex using cyclodextrins is a well-known formulation strategy to elevate the solubility of drugs. However, often cyclodextrins alone may not bring a considerable improvement in the solubility of low solubility drugs. In this study, the inclusion complexation of furosemide (FSM) was tried with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) either with the use or without the use of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is a surfactant. By using the kneading method, the binary complex of FSM/β-CD in the equal molar ratio was used. FSM and β-CD were kneaded continuously until a thick past was achieved, which was evaporated for a period of about 24 h. The solid complexed product was then crushed and stored in airtight container until use. Phase solubility studies confirmed a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 (FSM/β-CD and FSM/β-CD with SLS). The apparent stability constant and complexation efficiencies of significantly enhanced in the presence of SLS. The prepared complexes were evaluated for DSC, PXRD, 1H NMR, and in vitro release studies. The results exhibited a significant enhancement in diuresis in rats. It is evident that the addition of SLS with β-CD significantly enhances the solubilizing efficiencies and hence bioavailability of FSM.

Liquid CO2 phase transition fracturing technology and its application in enhancing gas drainage of coal mines

Liquid CO2 phase transition fracturing (LCO2-PTF) is an effective and economical technology used to improve the permeability of rock and coal. In this study, the working mechanisms of LCO2-PTF were analysed and relevant equipment was designed to develop and promote the application of this technology. It utilized phase transition equipment (PTE) consisting of a liquid gas container, control unit for the current and gas volume, heating tube, and other components. LCO2 blasting experiments were conducted in an airtight container to investigate the released energy, pressure, and other technical parameters. The application of LCO2-PTF for enhancing gas drainage in coal mines was then evaluated. The results of a blasting experiment showed a maximum energy of 947.12 kJ and revealed that the releasing pressure could be easily changed by varying the plate and heat tube. The releasing pressure remained unchanged within an initial distance and then decreased exponentially. The blasting products were gaseous CO2 and water vapor, with no sparks or flames. The surface temperature of the PTE ranged from 269.32 to 277.96 K. Application of LCO2-PTF in coal mines with low permeability showed gas drainage 3.38 times higher than that achieved with conventional technologies, with methane concentration increasing from 55 to 89%. The attenuation coefficient of gas emissions dropped by 94% and the gas permeability coefficient of the coal body increased more than 23 times after fracturing. The shockwave of the high-pressure gas promoted the development and extension of cracks. The influence radius of the pre-cracking coal seam was 8.1 m, which is 6.75 times that of the original coal seam. The experimental results and the engineering applications indicate that LCO2-PTF is a safe and effective technology to enhance gas drainage in coal mines.

Proximate, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Mineral Compositions of Four Different Brands of Tea

The comparative studies of the proximate, phytochemical and antioxidant mineral compositions of four different brands of green tea were investigated. The four different brands, Tianshi®, Qualitea®, Slimfit®, and Xiang® were purchased from a supermarket in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The samples were pulverized and stored in an airtight container prior to analysis. The proximate composition was analysed using AOAC method while phytochemical compositions of the green teas were investigated using standard methods. The result of the study indicated that the moisture content (15.80±0.01%) and protein content (1.05±0.00%) of Qualitea® was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to Slimfit and Xiang tea while the fibre content of Xiang tea (80.35±0.03%) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than other tea studied. The phytochemical study showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins and cardiac glycosides in all the teas studied. However, Qualitea® contains the highest amount of phytochemicals when compared to the other brands of tea investigated. Data obtained from the antioxidant mineral study showed that the four brands of the tea are good sources of antioxidant minerals such as Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Se. It is therefore recommended that tea be included in our menu because of their nutritive and health benefits.

One Pot Synthesis and Spectral Analysis of Ag Doped Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone Encapsulated Zinc Oxide Nano Composites and its Antibacterial Efficacy

A facile wet chemical method is used for the preparation of the transition metal doped semiconducting materials. To prepare pure PVP encapsulated ZnO nano particles by taking 1g PVP which was dissolved in 50 ml of ethanol and the solution is stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. After the stirring process zinc nitrate of (0.5, 1.0, 1.5)g was added and to this solution add 0.1g of silver nitrate and stirr vigarously. The resultant product is kept aside for ten day, then dried under vacuuo and annealed.The synthesized nano material was preserved in an airtight container and it is subjected for various spectral investigation tools like X -Ray Diffraction analysis, High Resolution Scanning Electron microscope Analysis, Photoluminescence studies, Ultra Violet Absorption and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic studies. The XRD results reveal that the synthesized samples are in highly crystalline in state and also show that the sample does not contain any metal peak which shows that the synthesized samples are in highly pure phase. The HR SEM result shows that the materials are in Nano phase. The UV visible absorption spectroscopic study shows strong absorption peaks of ZnO around 295 nm and Ag doped ZnO around 280 nm which is caused by the band edge transition of the synthesized semiconductor. The FTIR studies are also shows characteristic peaks for PVP, ZnO, Ag doped ZnO nanocomposites. The ZnO nano material behaves as a potential antimicrobial agent but the silver doped ZnO shows a lesser activity while comparing with the standard drug (Streptomycin).