Manoj Kumar

Bio: Manoj Kumar is an academic researcher from National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Loam & Noise control. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 4 publications receiving 24 citations.

Litchi Breeding for Genetic Improvement

Abstract: Litchi chinensis Sonn. ranks (high) among the most important horticultural crops, belongs to the family Sapindaceae and widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions (Menzel 1985). The tree produces delicious top quality fruits that are in great demand for their wholesome taste, sweet aroma and attractive colour. They are mainly consumed as a fresh table fruit worldwide but in China, dried litchis, called litchi nuts with the taste of the raisin are quite popular. They are also preserved and canned in syrup or used as squash. In Florida, frozen fruits are consumed on a limited scale. China, India and Taiwan are the major producers of litchi whereas in the last 40 years substantial increase in production in South Africa, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, USA and Israel has led litchis to become a significant commodity in the international trade, (Underhill et al. 1997). Major thrust of litchi research has been on prevention of physiological browning and retention of bright red colouration of litchi fruits in several countries. Exotic litchi fruits have received worldwide attention. Increase in popularity has necessitated litchi cultivation in a wide range of environmental conditions. In fact litchi is generally adapted to various soil types via alluvial sands, loams, heavy clay, organic soil and calcareous soil with 30% lime and rock files (Chapman 1984a). In China, the best litchi trees are prevalent in Gwanagdong province close to the rivers on alluvial sands with good drainage and access to the water table (Chapman 1984b). They are also grown in gravelly sandy loam to loam soils as well as in swampy areas. However, soil in Fijian province is very high in clay, poorly drained and acidic in reaction (Winks et al. 1983). In South Africa, trees are more vigorous in growth on acid soils rather than on neutral or alkaline soils (Marloth 1947). Under Indian conditions, litchi cultivation in Bihar state is common on calcareous soils containing more than 40% free calcium carbonate and trees flourish well in a moist subtropical climate and in deep loamy soil with high moisture content. However,

Assessment of Traffic Noise on Highway Passing from Urban Agglomeration

Abstract: Assessment of traffic noise pollution in developing countries is complex due to heterogeneity in traffic conditions like traffic volume, road width, honking, etc. To analyze the impact of such variables, a research study was carried out on a national highway passing from an urban agglomeration. Traffic volume and noise levels (L10, Lmin, Lmax, Leq and L90) were measured during morning and evening peak hours. Contribution of noise by individual vehicle was estimated using passenger car noise unit. Extent of noise pollution and impact of noisy vehicles were estimated using noise pollution level and traffic noise index, respectively. Noise levels were observed to be above the prescribed Indian and International standards. As per audio spectrum analysis of traffic noise, honking contributed an additional 3–4 dB(A) noise. Based on data analysis, a positive relationship was observed between noise levels and honking while negative correlation was observed between noise levels and road width. The study suggests that proper monitoring and analysis of traffic data is required for better planning of noise abatement measures.

Values for 1,3-Disubstituted Barbituric Acid

Abstract: Thermodynamic protonation constants of dimethyl barbituric acid (DMBA), Diphenyl barbituric acid (DPBA), di-o-tolyl barbitiuric acid(D-O-TBA), di-m-tolyl barbituric acid (D-m-TBA), di-p-tolyl, barbituric acid (D-p-TBA), di-o-xylyl barbituric acid (D-o-XBA), di-m-xylyl barbituric acid ( D-m-XBA), di-p-xylyl barbituric acid (D-p-XBA), di-± napthyl barbituric acid (D-±-NBA) and di-p- anisyl barbituric acid (D-p-ABA) have been determined in different mole fraction of deoxane ( 0.175 - 0.350 ) at 20, 30, and 40 ± 0.10 0

Assessment of honking impact on traffic noise in urban traffic environment of Nagpur, India.

Abstract: In context of increasing traffic noise in urban India, the objective of the research study is to assess noise due to heterogeneous traffic conditions and the impact of honking on it. Traffic volume, noise levels, honking, road geometry and vehicular speed were measured on national highway, major and minor roads in Nagpur, India. Initial study showed lack of correlation between traffic volume and equivalent noise due to some factors, later identified as honking, road geometry and vehicular speed. Further, frequency analysis of traffic noise showed that honking contributed an additional 2 to 5 dB (A) noise, which is quite significant. Vehicular speed was also found to increase traffic noise. Statistical method of analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirms that frequent honking (p < 0.01) and vehicular speed (p < 0.05) have substantial impact on traffic noise apart from traffic volume and type of road. The study suggests that honking must also be a component in traffic noise assessment and to identify and monitor “No Honking” zones in urban agglomerations.

Fingerprinting and analysis of genetic diversity of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) accessions from different germplasm collections using microsatellite markers

Abstract: Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a fruit crop with a clear niche for expansion in countries with subtropical climates. One of the main limitations for breeding purposes and optimum germplasm management in this species is the confusion in cultivar denomination among different producing countries and germplasm collections worldwide. Litchi cultivar identification is still mainly based on morphological characters, and homonymies and synonymies are very frequent. To address this gap, a molecular study was conducted to characterize litchi accessions from two of the main litchi-producing regions for the export market, Mauritius and Reunion, and to compare them to those obtained from litchi cultivars from different origins conserved in a germplasm collection in Spain. Eleven simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were used to characterize molecular polymorphisms among 88 litchi accessions conserved in Mauritius, Reunion, and Spain. A total of 67 amplification fragments were detected with those 11 SSRs, with an average of 6.1 bands/SSR. Three primer pairs seemed to amplify more than one locus. The mean expected and observed heterozygosities over the eight single locus SSRs averaged 0.53 and 0.61, respectively. The total value for the probability of identity was 9.78 × 10−4. Molecular characterization revealed the existence of 42 different genetic profiles. Several synonymies and homonymies in litchi cultivar nomenclature both within and across geographical regions were found. This comparative study provides the basis for the standardization of litchi cultivar nomenclature over the studied regions and in other litchi-producing countries.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on festival celebrations and noise pollution levels

Abstract: India is a country where every religion and community celebrates their culture Festivals have an important role in Indian culture and are celebrated whole-heartedly by the citizens Most of these celebrations culminate to causing pollution especially noise pollution due to festivities and rituals One such festival is Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav which is magnificently celebrated in Maharashtra state of India In the present study, noise pollution levels during Ganeshotsav at famous community pandals in Mumbai city were monitored in the year 2020 Noise level data was analyzed based on indices such as L-10, L-50, L-90, noise pollution level (L-NP) and noise climate (NC) Comparison of noise levels was carried out for the collected data during Ganesh Chaturthi in the previous years of 2018 and 2019 The city witnessed simple festival celebration in eco-friendly manner leading to significant decrease in noise levels due to CoVID-19 pandemic The pandemic situation is an eye-opener for the city administration with demonstration in reduction of noise pollution Many aspects of the pandemic can be carried forward in making new guidelines and policies to curtail pollution and eco-friendly celebration of festivals

Traffic noise prediction model of an Indian road: an increased scenario of vehicles and honking

Abstract: Noise is considered as an underrated and underemphasized pollutant in contrast to other pollutants of the environment. Due to the non-acute response of health effects, people are not vigilant towards consequences regarding noise pollution. The expansion of the transportation industry is contributing towards the increment in the public and private vehicular volume which causes an increment in noise pollution. For evaluation of respective scenario, the research study has been conducted on one of the minor roads of Nagpur, India; for 2 years, viz., 2012 and 2019. The study concludes an increment of 5–6 dB(A) in noise level, 4–6 times in honking, and 1.7 times in traffic volume. The study confirms increment in sound pressure by 65.9% and 81.9% for the year 2012 and 2019 during morning and evening sessions, respectively. Noise prediction model has also been developed for the abovementioned years, using multiple regression analysis, considering traffic volume, honking, and speed against noise equivalent level. Honking has been further characterized into honk by light and medium category vehicles as acoustical properties of horns vary with respect to category of vehicle and introduced into the noise prediction model. Noise prediction model for 2019 has predicted the noise level in a range of − 1.7 to + 1.4 dB (Leq) with 84% of observations in the range of − 1 to + 1 dB (Leq), when compared with observed Leq on the field. For proper management of noise pollution, a noise prediction model is essentially needed so that the noise level can be anticipated, and accordingly, measures can be outlined and executed. This increased noise level has serious impacts on human hearing capacity and overall health. Accordingly, noise mitigation preventive measures are recommended to control traffic noise in the urban environment.

Noise pollution in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR): An emerging environmental threat

Abstract: Noise pollution in urban areas is an emerging environmental threat which local agencies and state authorities must consider in planning and development. Excessive noise is becoming a significant problem adversely affecting the physiological and psychological health of the citizens. Present study was carried out to assess and quantitatively evaluate ambient noise levels in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) consisting of 9 cities namely Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayandar, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Thane, Ulhasnagar and Vasai-Virar. The noise environment was assessed on the basis of equivalent continuous sound pressure levels (Leq), day-night noise levels (LDN) and noise limit exceedance factor (NEF) during day and night time of working and non-working days in four different area categories, viz. industrial, commercial, residential and silence zones. Present study shows that silence zones have been the worst affected areas where noise pollution levels and NEF indicate excessive violation of permissible noise limits due to unplanned, congested and unruly spaces for developmental and commercial activities, followed closely by residential and commercial zones. Cities with separate industrial and commercial zones showed less noisy surroundings in comparison with those cities where land use pattern of industrial and commercial zones is around or overlapping each other. It can thus be concluded that appropriate demarcation and planned use of city space is important to avoid exposure to rising noise pollution levels. Based on the noise pollution in (MMR), various control measures are suggested including awareness campaign and strict compliance of the rules and regulations.