Showing papers by "Birbal Singh published in 2015"

Study of Ionospheric precursors related to an earthquake (M=7.8) of 16April, 2013 using GPS-TEC measurements: Case study

Abstract: In the present paper, we analyze the GPS-TEC data which observed at Agra station, India (27.2o N, 78o E) and also see the diurnal variations of global ionospheric maps (GIMs) TEC data over the epicenter of this earthquake (M=7.8) in Pakistan region for the month of April, 2013. We use a statistical technique for the analysis of data and identify the significant precursors using 3σ criterion. These precursors are found in form of enhancements on different days in the interval of 5-7 days prior to the earthquake. We also see the effect of geomagnetic storm and solar activity on TEC data and found no anomaly associated with them.

A study of ionospheric precursors associated with the major earthquakes occurred in Pakistan region

Abstract: The GPS-TEC measurements have been in progress at Agra station (27.2 o N, 78 o E), India since 01 April 2006. In the present paper, we analyze the GPS-TEC data for two months of April and September, 2013 in which two major earthquakes (M > 7) occurred in the adjoining region of Pakistan. We use the quartile based statistical technique for the analysis of data and identify the significant precursors associated with the earthquakes. These precursors occurred on different days in the interval of 2-10 days prior to the earthquakes. We also examine the effect of geomagnetic storms on the total electron content (TEC) data and find that the precursors are not influenced by the storms. The cause of the precursors is E × B drift with the electric field generated over seismic regions and penetrated the ionosphere.

Effect of replacing oat fodder with fresh and chopped oak leaves on in vitro rumen fermentation, digestibility and metabolizable energy

Abstract: AIM A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing oat fodder (OF) with fresh oak leaves (FOL) or chopped oak leaves (COL) on rumen fermentation and digestibility through in vitro gas production technique (IVGPT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Nine different diets were prepared by mixing OF with oak leaves (either FOL or COL) in different ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100). The rations were evaluated through Hohenheim IVGPT with 200 mg substrate and 30 ml of buffered rumen liquor. All the syringes were incubated at 39°C for 24 h in buffered rumen liquor of cattle. After 24 h, the total gas production was recorded, and the contents were analyzed for in vitro methane production, protozoa no. and ammonia-N. RESULTS Chopping (p<0.01) reduced the tannin fractions as well as non-tannin phenol. Increase in levels of oak decreased total gas production, methane, organic matter (OM) digestibility, and metabolizable energy (ME) values. The polyphenol content of the substrate did not show any significant difference on the protozoal count. CONCLUSION In vitro studies revealed that the addition of oak leaves reduced the methane production and ammonia nitrogen levels; however, it also decreased the OM digestibility and ME values linearly as the level of the oak leaves increased in the diet. Chopping was effective only at lower inclusion levels. Further studies, especially in vivo studies, are needed to explore the safe inclusion levels of oak leaves in the diet of ruminants.

Shift of effective lightning areas during pre to post period of solar cycle minimum of 2008-2009 as determined from Schumann resonance studies at Agra, India

Abstract: Employing a set of 3-component search coil magnetometer, Schumann resonance studies have been in progress at Agra (Geograph. lat. 27.2°N, long. 78°E), India since 01 April, 2007. We have analysed the data for two periods; first from 01 April, 2007 to 31 March, 2008 (period-I), and then from 01 March, 2011 to 29 February, 2012 (period-II) which correspond to pre and post periods of solar cycle minimum of 2008-2009. From the diurnal variation of first mode intensity and frequency, we study the seasonal variations of global thunderstorm activity, effective source distance and level of lightning during both the periods. We show that world thunderstorm activity shifts to summer in the northern hemisphere as the effective source distance approaches close to the observer, and the level of intense lightning shifts from the month of July, 2007 in period-I to August, 2011 in period-II. This is supported by Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) satellite data also. A possible explanation in terms of increasing solar activity is suggested.

Isolation, Identification and Molecular Characterization of Tannase Producing Klebsiella sp., from the Rumen of Migratory Goats and Sheep

Abstract: Tannase, so called Tannin Acyl Hydrolase (TAH) (E.C.3.1.1.20) is one of the versatile biocatalyst with several industrial applications. It is solely responsible for the degradation of hydrolysable tannin thus surpassing the untoward effects of high concentration of tannin consumption in the gut of small ruminants. In the locality of Palampur the migratory goats and sheep have the unique property to resist excess amount of tannin consumed by them. This is because of their ruminal microflora. The concept of ruminal microflora can be used as Direct Fed Microbial (DFM) gaining momentum now-a-days. Thus in the present study attempts were made to explore new source of tannase producing microbes from the rumen of goats and sheep. Rumen samples were collected over several places of Palampur, then processed and finally the most tannin tolerable cultures were selected. Their genomic DNA were isolated and subjected for 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize the isolates. From the molecular characterization we identified Klebsiella sp. as a novel source of tannase from the rumen of these migratory animals. This is the first report of a Klebsiella sp. from the rumen of migratory small ruminants capable of degrading forage tannin.

Submodal anomalies in Schumann resonance phenomenon possibly associated with earthquakes

Abstract: Schumann resonance (SR) observations have been carried out at a low latitude station Bichpuri, Agra (Geograph. Lat. 27.2 o N, Long. 78 o E), India using a set of 3-component search coil magnetometer and accessories since 01 April, 2010. Here, we analyse the data for a period of one year from 01 January to 31 December, 2013 in search of possible anomalies in SR data associated with earthquakes. We find that unusual submodal amplitude enhancements ≈ 10-15 dB, frequency shifts 1 Hz-4Hz, precursory period 7 days and duration of the anomaly ≈ 6 hours occurred beyond third and fourth SR bands associated with 03 major earthquakes (M > 6.0). The earthquakes occurred in neighbouring countries of China and Pakistan around India in the months of July and September, 2013. We show that the anomalies appeared as a result of constructive interference maxima at the receiver between the direct ELF waves generated from African and South Asian thunderstorm centers and reflected from the disturbances over epicentres of earthquakes.