Changing landscape in biotechnology patenting

Trade regime of the world has brought into focus the ability to generate and secure IPR. The transformation has been rapid and recent decades have seen an increase in intellectual property protection worldwide. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) has, since it began in 1978, seen continuous growth with a record 156,100 application filed in 2007, representing a 4.7% growth over the previous year. Most academic patents applied for are in biotechnology or related fields. The paper identifies the effect of the changing landscape in biotechnology patents. Changes in specific areas like transgenic crops, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals etc. are also discussed along with trends like the increase in patent applications by educational institutes across the globe. Certain problems pertaining to patenting of biotechnological innovations that have arisen in recent times are also discussed.     

Multiple performance optimization in machining of GFRP composites by a PCD tool using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II)

Optimization of cutting parameters is important to achieving high quality in the machining process, especially where more complex multiple performance optimization is required. The present investigation focuses on the multiple performance optimization on machining characteristics of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites. The cutting parameters used for the experiments, which were carried out according to Taguchi’s L₂₇, 3-level orthogonal array, were cutting speed, feed and depth of cut. Statistical models based on second-order polynomial equations were developed for the different responses. The Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) tool was used to optimize the cutting conditions, yielding a non-dominated solution set that is reported here.     

Optimization of machining parameters in turning GFRP composites using a carbide (K10) tool based on the taguchi method with fuzzy logics

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite materials are finding increased applications in a variety of engineering fields. Subsequently, the need for accurate, machining of composites has increased enormously. This paper discusses the application of the Taguchi method with fuzzy logic to optimize the machining parameters for machining of GFRP composites with multiple characteristics. A multi-response performance index (MRPI) was used for optimization. The machining parameters viz., work piece (fiber orientation), cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and machining time were optimized with consideration of multiple performance characteristics viz., metal removal rate, tool wear, and surface roughness. The results from confirmation runs indicated that the determined optimal combination of machining parameters improved the performance of the machining process.     

Structural and electrical properties of amorphous carbon-sulfur composite films

In this paper, we discuss the synthesis of carbon-sulfur composite (a-C:S) films by vapour phase pyrolysis of maleic anhydride and sulfur. Structural changes in the system are analysed by scanning electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Microhardness test depicts an increase in the value of hardness with an increase in sulfur concentration. Electrical conductivity of composite samples varies with sulfur concentration. Magnetoresistance (MR) measurements show a drastic increase in the value of MR for the samples prepared at < 900°C. Thermal stability of these samples is analysed by thermogravimetric analysis, which depends on the host structure and the amount of intercalated species.     

The functional properties of popped, flaked, extruded and roller-dried foxtail millet (Setaria italica)

Foxtail millet grains were decorticated in rice‐milling machinery and the decorticated millet was processed to prepare flaked, extrusion cooked and roller‐dried products, whereas the native grains were subjected to high‐temperature, short‐time treatment to prepare popped millet. The nutrient composition and some of the functional properties of the products were determined, principally solubility and swelling power in water, oil absorption capacity and pasting characteristics. Carbohydrate and lipid profiles of the products were also studied. The changes in the starch granular structure caused by heat treatment were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The degree of starch gelatinization was highest in the case of roller‐dried millet followed by popped, flaked and extruded products. It was concluded that the cereal processing technologies that were investigated could be successfully applied to foxtail millet to prepare ready‐to‐eat or use products, thereby increasing its utilization as a food.     

Influence of alloying elements on the corrosion performance of alloy 33 and alloy 24 in seawater

The nitrogen-bearing alloys (alloy 33 and alloy 24) and stainless steel type 316L were used in this investigation in order to study the effect of alloying elements on electrochemical behavior and on the nature of passive film in seawater. Scanning electron microscopic studies were carried out to identify the pit morphology of the alloys. Surface analysis of the alloys by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy after passivation showed that nitrogen and chromium are enriched at the surface of the passive film.     

Effect of iodine incorporation on the electrical properties of amorphous conducting carbon films

In this work, the influence of iodine incorporation on the electrical properties of amorphous conducting carbon films, prepared by the vapor phase pyrolysis of maleic anhydride, is reported and discussed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies reveal structural changes in the system. The anomalous behavior in the electrical properties of the intercalated system at low temperatures is investigated. The system shows a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) at low temperatures, which suggests reasons for the induced ordering of the system at low temperatures with the iodine incorporation. Also, a systematic increase in the conductivity of the sample is observed. The crossover temperature depends on the disorder in the system. The results indicate the possibility of metal-insulator (M-I) transition as a function of preparation temperature, iodine concentration and magnetic field.     

PCR amplification of the genomic DNA from the seeds of Ceylon ironwood,Jatropha, and Pongamia

Plant source for fuel that replaces fossil fuels is a topical subject and has gained prominence as “Biofuel crops”. Successful DNA extraction from seed yielding appropriate DNA quality for PCR amplification will allow molecular genetic investigations in such crops. Standardized protocols for DNA isolation failed to yield high quality DNA from dried seeds that are rich source of triglycerides. In this paper, we report a protocol for isolation of genomic DNA from three potential biofuel crops using SDS extraction step, followed by precipitation and purification to remove polysaccharides, proteins and polyphenols which are abundant in storage tissues like seeds. The average yield of DNA among the biofuel crops varied from 15 to 25 mg kg^?1 tissue. Spectrophotometric and electrophoretic analysis indicated that the isolated DNA was highly pure and of high molecular weight amenable for PCR amplification and restriction endonucleases. This procedure may prove useful for other oilseed crops of commercial importance.     

Integrated supply chain risk management via operational methods and financial instruments

Supply chain risk management (SCRM) is an emerging field that generally lacks integrative approaches across different disciplines. This study contributes to narrowing this gap by developing an integrated approach to SCRM using operational methods and financial instruments. We study a supply chain composed of an aluminium can supplier, a brewery and a distributor. The supply chain is exposed to aluminium price fluctuation and beer demand uncertainty. A stochastic optimisation model is developed for managing operational and financial risks along the supply chain. Using this model as a base, we compare the performance of an integrated risk management model (under which operational and financial risk management decisions are made simultaneously) to a sequential model (under which the financial risk management decisions are made after the operational risk management decisions are finalised). Through simulation-based optimisation and using experimental designs and statistical analyses, we analyse the performance of the two models in minimising the expected total opportunity cost of the supply chain. We examine the supply chain performance as a function of three factors, each at three levels: risk aversion, demand variability and aluminium price volatility. We find that the integrated model outperforms the sequential model in most but not in all cases. Furthermore, while the results indicate that the supply chain improves its performance by being less risk averse, there exists a threshold beyond which accepting a higher risk level is not justified. Managerial insights are provided for various business scenarios experimented with.     

Effect of reinforcement form on the bearing capacity of square footings on sand

This paper presents the results of laboratory model loading tests and numerical studies carried out on square footings supported on geosynthetic reinforced sand beds. The relative performance of different forms of geosynthetic reinforcement (i.e. geocell, planar layers and randomly distributed mesh elements) in foundation beds is compared; using same quantity of reinforcement in each test. A biaxial geogrid and a geonet are used for reinforcing the sand beds. Geonet is used in two forms of reinforcement, viz. planar layers and geocell, while the biaxial geogrid was used in three forms of reinforcement, viz. planar layers, geocell and randomly distributed mesh elements. Laboratory load tests on unreinforced and reinforced footings are simulated in a numerical model and the results are analyzed to understand the distribution of displacements and stresses below the footing better. Both the experimental and numerical studies demonstrated that the geocell is the most advantageous form of soil reinforcement technique of those investigated, provided there is no rupture of the material during loading. Geogrid used in the form of randomly distributed mesh elements is found to be inferior to the other two forms. Some significant observations on the difference in reinforcement mechanism for different forms of reinforcement are presented in this paper.