Development and evaluation of onion bulb descaler for removal and collection of surface dry peel

Onion bulbs contain outer papery dry peel which is rich with industrially important high-value compounds. Removal of dry peel/scale of onion is the common practice during bulb processing, storage and marketing. A conventional manual method of scale removal involves huge labour, drudgery and means of environmental pollution. An onion descaler machine has been therefore developed to mechanize this operation, reduce drudgery and effectively collect the dry scales for industrial use. The operating parameters of the developed machine were optimized for its best performance using RSM. During optimization study, roller speed, roller slope and hopper opening were taken as independent variables. The performance of the machine was evaluated through descaling efficiency and descaling loss. During experimentation, descaling efficiency and descaling loss were obtained in the range of 35.92-98.55% and 0.82-9.07%. The optimum performance of the machine was obtained at 450 rpm roller speed, 2% roller slope and 380 mm of the hopper opening with maximum descaling efficiency (88.29%) and minimum descaling loss (3.65%). The optimization of the onion descaler parameters and their statistical relation provided the necessary information on the combination of material-machine alignment, and design parameters for enhanced descaling efficiency.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05264-5.

Effect of environment on spatio-temporal structuring of fish assemblages in a monsoon-influenced tropical estuary

This study analyzes the trophic structure of fish assemblages in a well-mixed tropical estuary, Zuari, located in southwest coast of India. A total of 224 fish species were collected between September 2013 and August 2016 from 324 sampling events from 9 sampling stations using surface and bottom set gillnets. The sampling events were designed to cover three major seasons such as the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon. For each sampling event, abiotic variables such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and transparency of the water were recorded. The data obtained for abundance of fish species was subjected to cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling. The results defined six spatio-temporally varying groups (clusters) within Zuari estuary. Canonical correspondence analysis demonstrated that temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and transparency were important in determining the fish assemblages in Zuari. The estuarine resident species were abundant in the inner zone (riverine side) of the estuary, where the salinity and temperature recorded lower dimensions compared to middle and outer zones (marine side). However, the inner shallow zone of the estuary was not a preferred habitat for the migrating marine species. Majority of the fish species preferred middle and outer zones and post-monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons for inhabiting the estuary. The present study furnishes a reference data for the spatio-temporal dynamics of fish assemblages in tropical monsoonal estuaries.

Baseline radionuclide concentration in selected marine organisms around the coastal areas of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, west coast of Maharashtra, India

The present work deals with assessment of baseline radionuclide concentration in marine organisms around selected coasts of Maharashtra, India. This baseline study highlights concentrations of natural and fallout radionuclides in finfish and shellfish species found in the surrounding seawater. Water and fish samples were collected, processed, and analyzed for ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs by high-resolution gamma spectrometry. ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs concentrations were found to be in the range of ≤1.5, ≤2.0, ≤0.4, ≤1.5, ≤8.0 to 258, and ≤0.2 Bq/kg, respectively. The seasonal study revealed the maximum concentration in premonsoon season. Activity concentrations were higher in pelagic fish than those in demersal fish. A higher concentration factor was reported in shellfish than in finfish.

Maturation profile and fecundity of the exotic Oreochromis niloticus in the River Yamuna, India

The knowledge on the reproductive biology of fish Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in riverine condition is meagre in the Indian sub-continent which is necessary for the development of an appropriate fishery management protocols for the rivers. In this context, the gonadal maturation profile and fecundity of 0. niloticus was studied. Mature, spawning and spent females recorded in almost all the months of the year evidenced multiple and prolonged breeding behaviour. An overall sex ratio (M/F) of 1: 1.08 observed was statistically non-significant from expected 1:1 ratio (chi2=6.994219, p=0.8642) indicating that males and females were statistically equal in number. The absolute fecundity ranged from 1192 to 4760 with mean of 2590 eggs from ovary weighing between 1.91 g to 28.89 g. Monthly changes in gonado-somatic index (GSI) revealed that fish bred throughout the year except in July and August, but at peak between October-November and March-June. Size at first maturity of male was estimated as 229.6 mm with confidence limit of 235.9 and 223.6 mm and for female as 238.1 mm with confidence limit of 244.7 and 231.7 mm, respectively.

Cord blood stem cells - a dream for future medicine

Umbilical cord blood collected at birth is a rich source of stem cells that can be used to treat diseases of the blood and immune system. Cord blood stem cells which have infinite medical potential are currently used in the treatment of several life-threatening diseases, and play an important role in the treatment of blood and immune system related genetic diseases, cancers, and blood disorders. Transplant recipients are less likely to reject a cord blood stem cell and do not require a perfect match as bone marrow transplants do. Transplantation of umbilical cord blood stem cells represents a major advantage in providing a new source of stem cells to patients in need. Private storage of cord blood stem cells clearly has value, in that it provides future patients and families with potential therapeutic options for transplant. Many recent studies showed that human umbilical cord blood stem cells have the potential to generate cells with neuronal characteristics. Therefore, the umbilical cord blood stem cells can be viewed as the stem cells source of choice for clinical and non-clinical research applications.

Microscopic impacts of gestational diabetes mellitus on the umbilical cord

This observational study was done among the different types of diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In the present study we looked for the microscopic impacts of GDM on the umbilical cord. This study was carried out in the department of Anatomy, Chittagong Medical College from May 2006 to April 2007. Total fifty umbilical cords with placenta were collected from selected subjects within 36 to 40th weeks of gestation and divided them into two groups. Twenty five control group (specimen collected from normal mothers) and 25 GDM group (specimen collected from mothers developing diabetes during pregnancy state). Tissues from a particular area of the umbilical cord were processed for histological study by routine procedure. All the slides were examined under light microscope. In GDM group light microscopy showed rupture and erosion of the endothelium and complete rupture of the umbilical vessels resulting in extravasation of blood within Wharton's jelly. The umbilical vein was grossly dilated and thin walled. Smooth muscles of the umbilical vessel showed disruption and degeneration of its fibers. Wharton's jelly showed alteration in the pattern of distribution and degeneration of its fibers with honeycomb like empty spaces among them. It is suggested that GDM might have some harmful effects on the umbilical vessels and connective tissue component of the Wharton's jelly.

DNA barcoding of elasmobranchs from Indian coast and its reliability in delineating geographically widespread specimens

Identification of elasmobranchs by conventional taxonomy is difficult due to similarities in morphological characters. Species-specific molecular markers are good choice for identifying species irrespective of it's life stage. Recently, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene got global recognition as a barcode gene to discriminate all animals up-to species level. In this study, mitochondrial COI partial gene was used to develop DNA barcodes for 18 species of elasmobranchs (10 species of sharks and 8 species of rays). The COI barcodes clearly distinguished all the species with high interspecific distance values than intraspecific values. The average interspecific and intraspecific distance values are 8.6% and 0.3% for sharks, respectively and 12.4% and 0.63% for rays, respectively using K2P method. The Neighbor-Joining tree showed distinct clusters shared by the species of same genera. The COI barcodes were also used to estimate allopatric divergences for selected species across broad geographical locations and found that Sphyrna lewini, Aetobatus narinari and Neotrygon kuhlii have cryptic diversity.

A comparative study on intertidal faunal biodiversity of selected beaches of Mumbai coast

Comparative study has been done to examine the biodiversity and ecological status of the intertidal region of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bandstand and National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) rocky beaches in Mumbai, West coast of India. A total of 50 species of intertidal organisms were recorded from these shores. Shannon and Simpson's diversity index, Margalefs richness index and Pielou's evenness index indicated different level of ecological state of the shore in different months. Dendrograms and 2-D non metric MDS ordination from Bray-Curtis similarity matrix of occurrence of intertidal organisms from these sites showed highest similarity and combination pattern of occurrence between Nerita oryzarum and Planaxis sulcatus in TIFR and Bandstand shore. Nerita oryzarum and Tactarius malaccanus at NCPA shore. Abundance/biomass comparison (ABC) method of determining level of disturbance also pointed towards the polluted status of these shores. Study concludes that though these beaches are highly disturbed due to anthropogenic activities, they still support a rich intertidal biodiversity which need immediate attention for protection and conservation.

Intertidal biodiversity and health status of Bandstand shore (Bandra), Mumbai, India

A study was carried out to assess the biodiversity status of the intertidal region of rocky shore of Bandstand (Bandra), Mumbai. Among 42 species recorded, Euchelus asper was maximum in density during December (123/m2). However, maximum biomass was recorded for Nerita oryzarum in November (146.94 g/m2). ANOVA revealed no variation in the occurrence of organisms according to transects, but the variation was recorded according to months and quadrates. Shannon and Simpson's diversity index, Margalef's richness index and Pielou's evenness index indicated different level of ecological state of the shore in different months. Dendrogram from Bray-Curtis similarity matrix and non metric Multi-Diamentional Scaling (MDS) revealed maximum closeness of occurrence between N. oryzarum and Planaxis sulcatus. Shepard diagram and abundance/biomass comparison (ABC) curve method revealed light to moderately polluted status of the shore. However, in spite of such condition, this shore is still rich in intertidal biodiversity that should be conserved.

Biochemical and stress responses of rohu Labeo rohita and mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala in relation to acclimation temperatures

The biochemical and stress responses of two Indian major carps, rohu Labeo rohita and mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala were studied after acclimating them to four preset temperatures (26, 31, 33 and 36 degrees C) for 30 days. The blood glucose and liver glycogen levels showed an inverse trend in both the species and were significantly different in L. rohita at higher temperatures. The decrease in the liver glycogen level of C. mrigala, however, was not significant. Plasma cortisol levels increased significantly whereas the ascorbic acid content in the brain and kidney of both the species decreased significantly with increasing temperatures. Total lipid content in the liver of both the species decreased significantly with increasing acclimation temperatures. The phospholipid concentration decreased in L. rohita with increasing acclimation temperatures, and in C. mrigala the values decreased up to 33 degrees C and increased at 36 degrees C. In C. mrigala, the cholesterol level decreased up to 33 degrees C and then increased at 36 degrees C, but the absolute value was lower in comparison to L. rohita. The cholesterol levels, however, were not significantly different in L. rohita. Triglycerides and free fatty acids concentrations decreased significantly with increasing acclimation temperatures in both the species. The present study indicates species-specific metabolic responses of L. rohita and C. mrigala to thermal acclimation.

Attitudinal response towards road traffic noise in the industrial town of Asansol, India

The major objective of the investigation was to evaluate the road traffic noise and its likely impacts on the local community of Asansol city (West Bengal, India) by monitoring and modeling. The attitudinal response of local population due to existing vehicular noise is presented in the paper. Noise and Attitudinal Survey was conducted at 25 locations. A total of 869 individuals were surveyed. The relationship between traffic noise levels and annoyance was studied using correlation, linear and multiple linear regressions analysis. The average L(dn) value was 73.28 +/- 8.51 dB(A) (55.1-87.3); The Traffic Noise Index (TNI) was 80.62 +/- 15.88 dB(A) (49.4-115.8). The mean value of percent of population Highly Annoyed (%HA) due to road traffic noise was 26.50 +/- 3.37 (19.44-33.2), whereas the mean dissatisfaction score (MDS) was 2.96 +/- 0.90 (1.04-4.45). Annoyance modeling was also performed based on field data. It can be said that Noise values gives desirable annoyance predicting values in comparison to vehicular data.

Evaluation and analysis of road traffic noise in Asansol: an industrial town of eastern India

The objectives of the study were to monitor and assess the road traffic noise in its spatial-temporal aspect in an urban area. The paper discusses the observations, results and their interpretation based on the study. Noise recordings from site, collected from April 2006 to March 2006, were used for statistical analysis and generation of various noise indices. Noise maps were also created for impact analysis and formulation of Noise Risk Zones. Mean L_dn value ranged between 55.1 and 87.3 dB (A). Day time L_eq level ranged between 51.2 and 89.0 dB (A), where it ranged between 43.5 and 81.9 dB (A) during night. The study reveals that present noise level in all the locations exceeds the limit prescribed by CPCB. Based on the finding it can be said that the population in this industrial town are exposed to significantly high noise level, which is caused mostly due to road traffic.

Assessment of coastal pollution through bioassay and transplantation of intertidal clams

In the present study, a survey of Mahim creek and Bay area was undertaken that indicated absence of fauna, particularly molluscs from the area, which was a repository in the past. During bioassay experiments of Mahim creek water, the clams G. divaricatum and C. antiquata could not open their valves in 100% creek water and died within 12 hrs of exposure. The 96 hrs LC50 values of Mahim creek water for G. divaricatum and C. antiquata were found to be 20% and 40% respectively during summer and 38% and 57% respectively during rainy season. When two sets of the clams were transplanted at Mahim creek, they died within 12 hrs. These experiments suggest the extreme level of pollution in the area. This level of pollution is responsible for transforming the area into barren locality in terms of fauna, specially the rich molluscan diversity. However, Gorai creek was found to be comparatively very less polluted and it still serves as breeding and nursery ground for various fishes and prawn species. Hence it must be protected and conserved.

Monthly variation in night time noise levels at residential areas of Asansol city (India)

Intense vehicular movement and industrial activities are the major noise producing sources in the Asansol city. Ambient night time noise levels were monitored in ten residential areas from August 2002 to July 2003, to study the existing quality of noise and their impact in the local community. Based on the monitored noise levels in the area, traffic-social survey was also conducted. About 39% of individuals surveyed were highly annoyed with noise pollution from different origins. The study revealed that night time noise levels (10.00 pm - 6.00 am) in all the locations exceeded the limit prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board. The day time noise level was much higher at all locations in respect of the night time noise level. The Day-Night equivalent noise level (Ldn) was determined and ranged between 67.16 dB(A) and 89.44 dB(A). The percentile noise level (L90) exceeded the CPCB standard in all cases and varied from 72.36 dB(A) to 102.45 dB(A). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the local community is exposed to high noise environment.

Nephrotic syndrome in non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis: a report of three cases

We describe three patients with nephrotic syndrome and non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis. In two of them, the liver disorder preceded the nephrotic syndrome while in the third patient the two conditions presented together. All three patients achieved remission of nephrotic syndrome with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide.

Comparison of plasma ascorbate status between diabetic retinopathy subjects with and without photo-coagulation therapy

Metabolism of ascorbic acid is deranged in Diabetes Mellitus (DM). One important reason of this derangement is its increased turnover in the process of handling an increased load of free radicals. Anoxia, the triggering factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy generates free radicals in anoxia-reperfusion sequence. Any process like argon laser photocoagulation that destroys the anoxic sites and improves oxygenation in retina might hinder the process of generation of free radicals and thus expected to preserve ascorbic acid. In this study plasma total ascorbic acid concentration in matched groups of (I) diabetics with retinopathy with no history of photocoagulation (II) diabetics with retinopathy treated by laser and (III) diabetics without microvascular pathology were measured by 2-4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine method. Plasma total ascorbate concentration was significantly higher in group-II (0.47 +/- 0.09 mg/dl; X +/- SD) in comparison to group-I (0.19 +/- 0.07 mg/dl P < 0.001). The concentration was not significant between group-II and group-III (0.49 +/- 0.06 mg/dl; P = 0.40). Other clinical and metabolic parameters were not significantly different in between the groups. This observation leads to speculation that photocoagulation saves ascorbic acid from excessive turnover in anoxic retina in the process of handling free radicals.

Plasma ascorbate status in newly diagnosed diabetics exhibiting retinopathy--a finding that alarms

Diabetics, who developed retinopathy within one year of detection of disease were found to have a significantly low plasma total ascorbate concentration compared to those who developed retinopathy 7-17 years after detection of DM. Traditional metabolic parameters did not show significant difference between the two groups. Thus a severe ascorbate deficiency may be an important determinant in the pathogenesis of retinopathy independent of metabolic status and duration of DM. It merits early supplementation of ascorbic acid to retard the progression of microvascular complication.

Role of plasma ascorbate in diabetic microangiopathy

Plasma total ascorbate status measured by 2.4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine method showed that diabetics (N = 100) had significantly lower plasma total ascorbate compared with 45 age and sex matched non-diabetic controls; 0.34 +/- 0.16 mg/dl vs 0.68 +/- .06 mg/dl, P less than 0.001) regardless of presence or absence of retinopathy and irrespective of mode of treatment. The finding unique to this study was that plasma total ascorbate status in diabetics with retinopathy (0.19 +/- 0.07 mg/dl) was significantly lower than that of uncomplicated diabetics (0.49 +/- 0.06 mg/dl; P less than 0.001). Plasma Glucose had no correlation with plasma ascorbate levels and effect of duration of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) on ascorbate status in diabetics was ambiguous. Diabetics had abnormally fragile cutaneous capillaries detected by Hess test. The incidence of capillary fragility was more in patients with retinopathy. Hess test can be used as an easy and non-invasive test to assess plasma ascorbate status to detect microvascular involvement in DM. The experience of this study reflects that the two distinct microvascular lesions in diabetes, i.e. abnormal dermal capillary fragility and retinopathy may have a common link to ascorbic acid deficiency. An early switching on of the supplementation of ascorbic acid may retard the development of microvascular complications in diabetes.

Density of Culex vishnui and appearance of JE antibody in sentinel chicks and wild birds in relation to Japanese encephalitis cases

In the District of Burdwan, a rural area of West Bengal State, India, Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus is endemic. In one village a longitudinal survey was conducted in order to find out whether associations could be established between the density of the vector mosquito Culex vishnui in two types of resting places, the incidence of infections in sentinel chicks exposed at monthly intervals, the prevalence of antibodies in wild birds and the occurrence of clinical infections in the human population. The experiment lasted from August 1981 till August 1982. Meteorologically a summer season (March-June), a rainy season (July-October) and a winter season (November-February) are distinguished. In the sentinel chicks infections were observed in all three seasons; in wild birds antibodies were prevalent throughout the year; these observations suggest perennial transmission of the virus in its maintenance cycle. Human infections were observed periodically with, in August 1982, a pronounced peak; this may point to fluctuations in the level of circulation of the virus in its maintenance cycle and spillover to the human population at times of peak circulation. The peaks may be related to the influx of young non-immune birds and newborn mammals into the animal population in summer. Further studies, including virus isolation attempts from mosquitoes and nestling birds, are required to prove this hypothesis.

Leucocyte migration inhibition response of Mycobacterium habana with sensitized animals and cells from leprosy patients

Response of Mycobacterium habana sensitized mouse cells against habanin (sonicated extract) lepromin (Dharmendra) and tuberculin has been studied in the leucocyte migration inhibition test. The homologous antigenic response has evoked maximum inhibition as compared to heterologous antigens but close antigenic association has also been observed with lepromin and tuberculin. With human cells from leprosy patients these antigens have evoked analogous response indicating cross immunogenicity of M. habana with leprosy sensitized cells.

Cryoground Rubber-Natural Rubber Blends

Addition of cryoground rubber (CGR) causes changes in curing characteristics (decrease in Mooney scorch time, optimum cure time, and reversion time) and shows a detrimental effect on most of the vulcanizate properties (tensile, resilience, flex, hysteresis, set, and abrasion). Tear strength, however, is not adversely affected by CGR. Higher doses of curatives (sulfur 3.5 phr and acelerator 1.4 phr) and addition of reinforcing carbon black make up the losses in physical properties. Scanning electron microscope fractographs show that there is little adhesion between natural rubber and CGR. But addition of carbon black overshadows the effect of CGR, and the fractographs show the characteristics of black-filled vulcanizates.

Studies of Vulcanization of Reclaimed Rubber

Rubber vulcanizates can be reclaimed by milling them with curing ingredients. Physical properties of the RR vulcanizates are inferior to those of the control vulcanizate. RR compounds exhibit poor processing characteristics. Poor physical properties and processing characteristics can be improved by blending with fresh rubber. However, a higher proportion of RR increases the stiffness and causes brittle failure.

Short Jute Fiber Reinforced Carboxylated Nitrile Rubber

Silica is not an essential component in the bonding system in XNBR-jute fiber systems. Mechanical anisotropy is observable only at the higher fiber loadings (40 phr and above) in XNBR-jute fiber composites. In composites containing sufficient amounts of bonding agent and fibers for tensile-strength anisotropy to be observed, tensile failure occurs by both fiber breakage and debonding. Fibers increase the aging resistance of XNBR composites. Mill shrinkage and green strength of XNBR improve, while Mooney viscosity increases and scorch time decreases with the addition of jute fiber to XNBR.

Silica- and Clay-Reinforced Carboxylated Nitrile Rubber Vulcanized by a Mixed Crosslinking System

The polymer-filler interaction of silica- and clay-filled XNBR vulcanizates has been analyzed. The presence of carboxyl groups in the polymer chain gives better polymer-filler interaction, and no coupling agent is essential. Properties of silica-filled XNBR vulcanizates containing different carboxyl contents in the polymer chain have also been studied. SEM studies of fracture surfaces have been made to understand the failure behavior of gum and filled vulcanizates.

Scanning Electron Microscopy Studies of Tear of Carboxylated Nitrile Rubber

Mechanism of tear of unfilled and carbon black filled carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) having metallocarboxylate crosslinks, sulfur-sulfur crosslinks and mixed type crosslinking systems has been studied by Scanning Electron Microscope. Tear proceeds through stick-slip process in the case of gum mixes. The number of tear lines is more in the sulfur crosslinked system, resulting in poor tear strength. Addition of reinforcing carbon black changes the mechanism of tear. The sulfur crosslinked system shows knotty tear, while introduction of ionic crosslinks results in smooth tear presumably due to the large tip diameter reaching the edge of the specimen.