Modular AC coupled hybrid power systems for the emerging GHG mitigation products market

Bioenergy systems particularly waste to energy (WTE) systems are increasingly gaining prominence. Market for modular hybrid energy systems (HES) combining renewable energy sources including WTEs is potentially large. Novel configuration of AC coupling for HES is discussed. Emerging opportunities for market development of hybrid energy systems under green house gas mitigation initiatives particularly Kyoto flexibility mechanisms is analysed

Oyster farming

Large quantities of the edible oyster, Crassostrea madrasensis (Fig. 1) growing wildly in most of the tidal creeks and estuarine regions along the east coast of India, are allowed to perish un-exploring the great strides made in this venture by developed nations. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute focused its attention in developing systems for the culture of edible bivalves, identifying edible oyster farming and mussel farming as priority areas for Research and Development. Evaluation of the resources potential, identification of suitable water spread and areas for culture, evolving proper techniques to collect required seed for farming, introducing an appropriate method of farming and establishing a model farm formed the broad objectives of the project initiated in 1975 on edible oyster culture. By employing suitable method for spat collection and providing better growing conditions for the seed so collected it appeared distinctly possible to raise large number of oysters achieving faster growth rate and better meat yield. Weighing the pros and cons of the different systems of oyster culture followed in other countries and bearing in mind the local conditions, it was decided to experiment with the 'rack' system of culture

Studies on the chemical quality of cured fish products from the west coast of India

Fish curing is one of the oldest industries of the coastal areas of India. It has been estimated that about 50 to 70% of the marine fish catches of India are at present being processed into cured products {Government of India Publication, 1951 a and b). Though fish curing is of this magnitude, it is one of the least developed industries of India, although efforts are being made in some of the maritime States such as Madras, Travancore-Cochin and Bombay, to improve curing by providing better facilities to the fishermen engaged in the industry. The methods practised are generally primitive and the attention paid to cleanliness and sanitation leaves much to be desired. Only 17-3% of the total fish landing is being cured through the Government fish curing yards {Government of India Marketing Report, 1951), the rest being processed in private yards which are not under the supervision of Government agencies

Larval rearing and production of spat of the oyster Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston) in an Experimental hatchery

The Indian backwater oyster, Crassostrea madrasensis, was spawned in the laboratory at Tuticorin. The larvae were reared and the spat settled in 15-20 days. Two species of jihytoflagellates, Isochrysis galbana and Pavlova sp. were isolated from the natural environment, cultured in mass scale and given as food throughout the larval period. Early stages of the development of fertilized egg, successive stages of developing larvae, and metamorphosis to the spat have been described. The methodology of the production of cultchless spat and rearing the post-set oysters are discussed

ENERGY REQUIREMENT OF ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR DESALINATING GROUNDWATER FOR IRRIGATION

Increased global water demand coupled with limited water resources has led to acute water shortage in many regions, significantly affecting a griculture, which is the world’s largest consumer of water. Groundwater resources are thus increasingly being used to meet irrigation requirements. However, groundwater resources around the world tend to be saline ( 0.5 ≤ S ≤ 5 g/kg ) rquiring desalination before use. Furthermore, with decreasing water availability, demands for producing permeate from the feed at higher recoveries (>85%) is also increasing. In this work, a thermodynamic least work analysis for desalination and pumping ground water is developed first. Then, the actual energy required by high recovery desalination technologies such as brackish water reverse osmosis (RO), closed circuit reverse osmosis (CCRO) and electrodialysis reversal (EDR) are compared with the thermodynamic least work of desalination from 50-95% recovery. CCRO consumed the least energy until a recovery of 92% after which EDR consumed the least energy. While the energy required for RO and CCRO changed with recovery, EDR energy consumption remained approximately constant at 0.85 kWh/m³. Water table depth was also found to significantly contribute to the total energy consumed, with the power required to pump groundwater being comparable to the desalination power requirements at water table depths greater than 50 m. Thus, the choice of selection of desalination technologies is particularly crucial for water table depths less than 50 m

REVISION OF THE GENUS CATANTHERA F.v. MUELL. (MELASTOMATACEAE)

A historical sketch of the genus Catantlicra is presented and its relationship with the two allied genera Dissockaeta Bl. and Mediniltu Gaud, is discussed. The 16 species recognised in the genus Cntantkcra are described and a key to the species so far known is presented. The genus Cata-nthera is entirely restricted to Malesia, occuring in New Guinea, Borneo and Sumatra. They are ivy-like climbers which form a canopy in the tropical rain forests. Five new species, Catanthera royenii Nayar, C. pifosa Nayar, C. novoguinevnsis Nayar, C. Hleuineri Nayar and C. peltata Nayar are described and illustrated

The Professional Journey of a Female Mathematician: From India to the United States

This article chronicles the journey of an immigrant female mathematician in the United States. The chronicle encompasses early training, encouragements received, road-blocks encountered and the background while growing up which shaped the core of her being. The loving, supportive and educative background she received early in life provided the strength to withstand the hurdles thrown in the path of her career advancement. These hurdles are not unique to the author; many immigrant professionals face similar situations. The purpose of the article is to bring awareness to these challenges such professionals face and how they still persevere with discipline and focus