Search

Technoeconomic analysis of renewable aviation fuels has not been widely considered, despite the increasing global attention that the field has received. We present three process models for production of aviation-fuel from microalgae, Pongamia pinnata seeds and sugarcane molasses. The models and assumptions have been deposited on a wiki (http://qsafi.aibn.uq.edu.au) and are open and accessible to the community. Based on currently available long-term reputable technological data, this analysis indicates that the biorefineries processing the microalgae, Pongamia seeds, and sugarcane feedstocks would be competitive with crude oil at $1343, $374, and $301/bbl, respectively. Sensitivity analyses of the major economic drivers suggest technological and market developments that would bring the corresponding figures down to $385, $255, and $168/bbl. The dynamic nature of the freely accessible models will allow the community to track progress toward economic competitiveness of aviation fuels from these renewable feedstocks. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To perform the pharmacognostic study of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (P. pinnata) stem bark. Method: The pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of organoleptic, macroscopic, microscopic, fluorescence analysis and physicochemical parameters. Results: The bark consisting of channelled, recurved, slightly quilled, usually 0.2–1 cm thick, lenticellate pieces with outer surface ash-grey to greyish-brown and internal surface yellowish-white to cream coloured having unpleasant odour and bitter taste. The main microscopic characterstics of the bark include phellem (5–20 or more layers of cork), phellogen (2–3 layered) followed by 10–15 layered phelloderm. Among other microscopic components were phloem parenchyma, phloem fibre and stone cells, traversed by wavy medullary rays. Further, physicochemical analysis of the bark power showed total ash, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash and sulphated ash as 10.94, 1.96, 1.47 and 15.8 % w/w respectively. The alcohol and water soluble extractives values of the stem bark were 9.6 and 18.4 %w/w respectively. Conclusions: Various pharmacognostic characters observed in this study helps in botanical identification and standardization of P. pinnata L. in crude form. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of cycloart-23-ene-3β, 25-diol (B2) on vital organs in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic mice. Methods: Diabetes was induced in mice by streptozotocin (200 mg/kg, i.p.) injected 15 min after nicotinamide (110 mg/kg, i.p.). The mice were divided into following groups; group 1- non-diabetic, group 2- diabetic control and group 3- B2 (1 mg/kg, p.o.). At the end of 28th day, mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation method. Liver, kidney, heart, eye and brain tissue were isolated. The isolated tissues were trimmed into small pieces and preserved in 10 % formalin for 24 h. Specimens were cut in section of 3-5 μ m in thickness and stained by hematoxyline-eosin stain. Results: Microscopic examination of vital organs showed severe alteration in diabetic control group in contrast to absence of any changes or minimum changes in B2 treatment. Conclusions: It is concluded that B2 exhibits protection of vital organs by minimizing toxic effects and related abnormalities of diabetic conditions in streptozotocin- nicotinamide induced diabetic mice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]