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Open Access
Fabrication and evaluation of nanobentonite/epoxy laminated poplar veneer lumbers
(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 2021-07) Mohd Arif; Misra, Anadi
A method of modification of poplar wood veneers (PWVs) was developed through adhesive bonding with bentonite epoxy nanocomposites (BENs).The process of adhesive bonding was executed through alternate laying of BENs across 4- layers of PWVs by pressing at 10kg/cm2 over 24h.This has afforded laminated veneer lumbers (LVLs) with improve mechanical properties, thermal and dimensional stability. LVLs were characterized through Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Effect of weight fraction (WF, wt%) of nanobentonite (NB) ranging 0 to 3.0 on mechanical properties, thermal and dimensional stability of LVLs was investigated with reference to PWVs as control. With WF of NB, the LVLs have rendered ultimate modification (%) in their flexural (80.49), tensile (63.81) and impact strength (18.35) at 2.0 WF of NB over PWVs. LVLs at 12 mm thickness with 2 WF of NB has rendered water resistance by 48.97% and thickness swelling (27.46%) over PWVs. Simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA-DTG) reveals reduction in moisture content of LVLs ranging 4.92 to 1.4 with WF of NB. TG-DTA reveals onset temperature of degradation of LVLs at 200o C with marginal reduction in their heat of fusion over PVWs. DTG reveals thermal degradation (mg/min) of LVLs ranging 0.79 to 0.41 in the temperature range of 287.93 to 294.40oC. TG endset of LVLs was commenced in the temperature range of 485.78 to 600.68o C with heat of fusion (J/mg) ranging 49.5 to 50.8 and average char residue of 3.45% .The present study reveals sustainable modification of PWVs thorough adhesive boding with BENs to deliver the LVLs with improved durability, thermal and dimensional stability.
Open Access
Effect of dietary supplementation of nano-chromium and phytase enzyme on performance of chicken
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. PIN - 263145, 2021-08) Renu Kumari; Ashoka Kumar
Present study was carried out to perceive the effects of dietary supplementation of nano-chromium and phytase enzyme on performance of chicken. In experiment-I, 240, day-old broiler chicken were procured and randomly allocated into eight different treatment groups with three replicates in each. The control group (T0) was fed with standard basal diet as per BIS (2007). Treatment groups T1, T2 and T3 were fed with 400, 800 and 1600ppb levels of nano-chromium, respectively, wherein, T4 and T5, T6 and T7 groups were supplemented with 250FTU phytase alone (T4) and along with 400, 800 and 1600ppb of nano-chromium, respectively for a period of six weeks. In trial-II, 180, twenty eight weeks old layer chickens were selected and randomly distributed in to ten treatment groups with 3 replicates in each. The control group (T0) was fed with standard basal diet wherein, groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 were fed with 200, 400, 800 and 1600ppb levels of nano-chromium, respectively, while, T5, T6, T7, T8 and T9 groups were fed with 250FTU phytase alone and along with 200, 400, 800 and 1600ppb of nano-chromium, respectively for a period of 12 weeks. Best performance in terms of body weight, weight gain and feed intake in broiler chicken was observed in 800ppb nano-chromium along with 250FTU phytase added group. Similarly, supplementation of nano-Cr alone or along with phytase, significantly (P≤0.05) increased nutrient utilization, thymus weight, protein content in meat, Hb, serum TP, globulin, Ca and P concentration, lymphocyte proportion, HDL concentration, SOD and GSH-Px concentration, Cr and Zn concentration in serum and meat while significant (P≤0.05) reduction in abdominal fat percentage in broiler chicken, EE content and TC concentration in breast and thigh muscles, heterophil and H/L ratio, serum biochemical indices viz., glucose, AST and serum lipid profile, MDA level in meat muscles was observed.Immune status, SOD and GSH-Px levels in tissues were significantly (P≤0.05) increased while serum LPO level was significantly declined (P≤0.05) in T2 and T3 groups due to nano-Cr inclusion to broiler chicken diets. The economics of broiler chicken production in terms of net profit/ kg BW was significantly (P≤0.05) improved in T1 (400ppb nano-Cr) group. With increased levels of nano-Cr in diet, feed cost was significantly increased. The highest egg production and feed intake were recorded in 1600ppb nanao-Cr supplemented with 250FTU phytase group of layer chicken. Feed conversion ratio per dozen and per kg eggs, haugh unit, nutrient retention, egg protein, haematological parameters i.e. Hb, MCH and lymphocyte proportion, TP, globulin, HDL level, SOD concentration and Zn content in egg shell were significantly (P≤0.05) improved while EE and TC content in egg, heterophil, H/L ratio, serum glucose, lipid profile and serum LPO level in layer chicken were significantly (P≤0.05) reduced by inclusion of nano-Cr alone or along with phytase. Chromium contents in egg shell and GSH-Px level were significantly (P≤0.05) increased due to nano-Cr inclusion in feed. Lowest feed cost/egg produced was recorded with inclusion of 800ppb nano-Cr while increased (P≤0.05) feed cost/egg with increasing levels of nano-Cr with 250FTU phytase. Hence, it can be concluded that dietary supplementation of nano-Cr at the rate of 1600ppb in diet of broiler and layer chicken may be recommended as it improved production performance, nutrient utilization, immune status, mineral contents in serum, meat, egg and lowered fat and lipid profile in serum, meat and eggs which may have an implication for producing designer meat and eggs in broiler and layer chicken.
Open Access
Fabrication and evaluation of nanobentonite/epoxy laminated poplar veneer lumbers
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. PIN - 263145, 2021-07) Mohd Arif; Misra, Anadi
A method of modification of poplar wood veneers (PWVs) was developed through adhesive bonding with bentonite epoxy nanocomposites (BENs).The process of adhesive bonding was executed through alternate laying of BENs across 4- layers of PWVs by pressing at 10kg/cm2 over 24h.This has afforded laminated veneer lumbers (LVLs) with improve mechanical properties, thermal and dimensional stability. LVLs were characterized through Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Effect of weight fraction (WF, wt%) of nanobentonite (NB) ranging 0 to 3.0 on mechanical properties, thermal and dimensional stability of LVLs was investigated with reference to PWVs as control. With WF of NB, the LVLs have rendered ultimate modification (%) in their flexural (80.49), tensile (63.81) and impact strength (18.35) at 2.0 WF of NB over PWVs. LVLs at 12 mm thickness with 2 WF of NB has rendered water resistance by 48.97% and thickness swelling (27.46%) over PWVs. Simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA-DTG) reveals reduction in moisture content of LVLs ranging 4.92 to 1.4 with WF of NB. TG-DTA reveals onset temperature of degradation of LVLs at 200o C with marginal reduction in their heat of fusion over PVWs. DTG reveals thermal degradation (mg/min) of LVLs ranging 0.79 to 0.41 in the temperature range of 287.93 to 294.40oC. TG endset of LVLs was commenced in the temperature range of 485.78 to 600.68o C with heat of fusion (J/mg) ranging 49.5 to 50.8 and average char residue of 3.45% .The present study reveals sustainable modification of PWVs thorough adhesive boding with BENs to deliver the LVLs with improved durability, thermal and dimensional stability.
Open Access
Hydrological modelling using SWAT and effect of climate change on rainfall, runoff and sediment yield in the Naula Watershed, Uttarakhand
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. PIN - 263145, 2021-11) Saran, Bhagwat; Anil Kumar
Soil and water is one of the most important natural resources for the survival on the earth. Without soil and water the life on the earth is not expected. At present increasing the rate of soil erosion is the matter of serious concern to feed such a huge population. Considering the above facts the present study is undertaken to assess the hydrological behaviour of Naula watershed. In this study the physically based Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to simulate the runoff and sediment yield from the Naula watershed of Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, India. The data used for this study was runoff and sediment yield from the year 1980 to 2012, two years of data (1980-1981) were used to warm up of the SWAT model. The calibration was performed using monthly observed data of runoff and sediment yield from the year 1982 to 2002 and that model was validated using same data from 2003 to 2012. The calibration and validation analysis of the model has been carried out at Naula watershed using SWAT-CUP with the algorithm SUFI-2 (Sequential Uncertainty Fitting) for the runoff and sediment yield. The results of monthly Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), coefficient of determination (R2), percent bias (PBIAS) and RMSE-observations standard deviation ratio (RSR) were found to be acceptable for both calibration and validation period. The NSE, R2, PBIAS and RMSE for the runoff simulation were found as 0.68, 0.68, -3.3 and 0.56 during calibration period and 0.62, 0.64, -12.8 and 0.76 for the validation respectively. For the simulation of sediment yield using SWAT-CUP, the NSE, R2, PBIAS and RMSE were found as 0.69, 0.73, -1.3 and 0.56 for the calibration period and 0.75, 0.76, -2.6 and 0.51 for the validation period respectively. NDVI and LULC change detection were also analysed in this study. The highest NDVI values were found as 0.64, 0.72 and 0.55 for the year 2000, 2010 and 2020 respectively. In the LULC change detection, the land covered by the agriculture was 13.87 %, mixed forest 1.95 %, shrub land 6.59 %, barren land 0.58 %, fallow land 11.63 %, water body 0.49 % and evergreen forest 64.85 % of the total area for the year of 2000. However, the area of agriculture and forest gradually decrease while the area of barren land and fallow land increase in the year 2000-2010. In the year 2010-2020; the agriculture land and forest land, fallow land decrease and barren land increases twice as compared to previous year. The area of water body increases very less from the year 2000-2020. Climate change was studied by determining the percentage change of rainfall, runoff and sediment yield from the year 2020 to 2052 (33 years) and 2053 to 2085 (33 years) with the base value of 1980 to 2012 (33 years).
Open Access
Effect of n-Pentanol addition to methanol-diesel blends on combustion stability, knock, performance and emission characteristics of diesel engine
(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 2021-12) Vishnoi, Pradeep Kumar; Gupta, V.K.
The present study investigates the influence of n-pentanol addition to diesel/methanol blends on diesel engine performance, combustion, knock, and emission characteristics at different loading conditions. The experiments were performed for diesel and five different test fuels namely MnP5 (5% methanol+5% n-pentanol+90% diesel), MnP10 (10% methanol+10% n-pentanol+80% diesel), MnP15 (15% methanol+15% npentanol+80% diesel), MnP20 (20% methanol+20% n-pentanol+60% diesel) and MnP25 (25% methanol+25% n-pentanol+50% diesel). Performance characteristics were evaluated by using a fuel consumption test. Moreover, combustion and knock characteristics were evaluated based on in-cylinder pressure measurement and heat release analysis. Further, combustion stability analysis was conducted by using statistical and wavelet methods. The peak pressure data series was used for statistical and wavelet analysis. The results indicate that n-pentanol can stabilize the diesel-methanol blend and improve the properties of npentanol-methanol-diesel blends. The brake thermal efficiency for all test fuels and exhaust gas temperature for all test fuels was higher than that of the diesel. Longer ignition delay was observed for all the blends except MnP5 at lower load conditions, while shorter ignition delay was observed at high load conditions. Further, the ignition delay was increased with the increase in methanol and n-pentanol percentage in the test fuel blends. The peak pressure and rate of heat release for all the blends except Mn25 were higher than that of diesel at high load conditions. Knock, and ringing intensities for MnP5 were found to be higher than diesel at all loads. NOx emission for all the blends was lower than diesel at all loading conditions, while HC and smoke emission for MnP5 and MnP10 was lower than diesel at high load conditions. CO emission was found to be higher than diesel for all the blends at all loading conditions. Furthermore, coefficient of variation (COV), wavelet power spectrum (WPS), and global wavelet spectrum (GWS) power indicate that MnP25 exhibits very high cyclic variation.
Open Access
Study of obesity and derivation of simple screening measure to identify obesity among school going adolescents in Rudrapur city, Dist. U.S. Nagar
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2021-12) Anugya Bharti; Kushwaha, Archana
The present study was undertaken for determining the prevalence of obesity among school going adolescents and to assess the dietary intake and its adequacy and level of physical activity among adolescents. The study also aims to determine the simple screening measure for identifying adolescents with overweight and obesity. A school based cross-sectional study was done in Rudrapur city. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 10.4% and 4.1%, respectively considering IAP reference standards as cut – offs with higher prevalence among boys than girls. Result of multivariate analysis showed that type of school and mother’s educational level were the factors that were found to be significantly associated with overweight. Only type of school was found to be significantly associated with prevalence of obesity. The odd of overweight and obesity was almost 1.7 times and 2.2 times, respectively higher in private school in comparison to government school. Energy, carbohydrate, sugar and fat intake was significantly higher in obese subjects in comparison to their overweight and normal weight counterparts. On comparing the nutrient intake of subjects with the RDA suggested for Indian adolescents, the adequacy of CHO and protein intake was found in more than 80% of the subjects whereas the adequacy of ascorbic acid and magnesium intake was found in 77.7% and 67.2%, respectively of the study population. The inadequate intake of iron and zinc was found in more than 40% of the study population. More than 50% of the subjects had inadequate intake of calcium, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Boys were having significantly higher physical activity in comparison to girls. In comparison to active child, inactive child (>60 min/day of MVPA) had 1.5 times more chance to become overweight. Similarly, in comparison to active child, inactive child had 2.4 times more chance to become obese. ROC curve analysis was done and on the basis of Youden index (sensitivity + specificity -1), Tri ponderal mass index (TMI) was found as best screening measure for identifying overweight and obesity among adolescents. The optimal TMI cut off value for screening overweight among adolescents were >12 kg/m3 and >13 kg/m3 for boys and girls, respectively. The optimal TMI cut off value for screening obesity among adolescents were >14 kg/m3 and >16 kg/m3 for boys and girls, respectively.
Open Access
Analysis and design of substrate integrated waveguide based leaky wave antennas and compact self-quadruplexing antenna
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2021-11) Singh, Abhay Kumar; Paras
The presented work includes different Substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) based leaky-wave antenna (LWA) for beam steering applications. Phased-array antennas, which offer beam steering capabilities by tuning the phases of individual radiating elements, are most commonly used in beam steering applications. However, the tunable phase shifters utilized are limited by the continuity of the phase shift. In contrast, frequency beam steering offers a more economical and convenient solution for a number of applications. This thesis focuses on the solutions of the problems like Open Stop Band (OSB) and beam scanning coverage area. The OSB problem is solved using the impedance matching and lumped modeling technique. In the first contribution, beam steering is defined, and enhanced technology based on a dispersive element is proposed. The dispersive element is used to engineer the slope of the dispersion curve of the unit cell in LWA. Though having a flat response in its dispersion curve, the beam steering coverage is enhanced. The proposed LWA has the capability to cover the entire range 360° of E-plane. In the second contribution, improved impedance balanced condition based on the distributed transmission line model is derived in periodic LWA based on EH2-mode are designed. The EH2-mode LWA has beam steering capabilities from backward to forward quadrants in a quasi-E plane. In the third contribution, two-dimensional beam steering is achieved by incorporating the LWA with the R-KR lens beamforming. By changing the ports of the R-KR lens, antenna beam scans in the E-plane, while by changing the operating frequencies beam scan in the Hplane has been achieved. In the fourth contribution, a SIW-based self-quadruplexing antenna is proposed. This design eliminates the need for employing external circuitry in quadruplexes design. The fabricated prototype responses closely matched theoretical predictions, verifying the proposed concept.
Open Access
Effect on variability, character association and quality traits in gamma rays induced mutants of potential rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.)
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2021-03) Ali, Tabinda; Nautiyal), M.K.
The present study was conducted at Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, GBPUAT, Pantnagar during the kharif seasons of 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21.In experiment 1the divergence analysis of M2 generation maximum percentage contribution to the total divergence in M2 generation for quantitative traits was made by Number of filled grains per panicle (35.786 %). The genotypes of M2 generation were grouped into five clusters, cluster I being the largest having eight genotypes and cluster V being the smallest having one genotype only. Cluster I had the highest intra cluster D2 value (169.51) followed by cluster IV (169.10) and cluster II (146.27). The highest inter cluster distance was observed between cluster III and cluster V (1360.03) followed by cluster III and cluster IV (1296.87), cluster I and cluster V (1235.69) and lastly cluster II and cluster III (1163.80) indicating very clearly that the genotypes of these clusters could be used in hybridization programs. Inter character correlation coefficient at phenotypic level indicates that panicle length has a significant and positive correlation with yield per plant (0.459), panicle length has a significant and positive correlation with thousand grain weight (0.486). Thousand grain weight has a highly significant and positive correlation with yield per plant (0.849). On the analysis of quality traits of M2 generation, Pearson’s correlation revealed that a number of quality traits are having a highly significant and positive correlation with the other quality traits. Divergence analysis resulted in the grouping of genotypes into four clusters. Cluster I has the largest number of genotypes (twelve) whilst cluster IV has lowest number of genotypes (only one). Cluster III has the highest intra cluster D2 value (302.37) followed by cluster II (226.61) and cluster I (216.49). The highest inter cluster D2 value was observed between cluster II and IV (1160.31) followed by cluster III and IV (919.46), cluster I and II (765.10) and ultimately cluster II and III (473.90). The genotypes of these clusters could be used in the hybridization programs. Among various quality traits in M2 generation, highest contribution to diversity was given by head rice recovery percentage (48.599 %) followed by kernel length (24.489 %), gel consistency % (9.919 %) and alkali digestion value (7.517). In M3 generation ANOVA revealed significant differences for all the traits under study. The diversity analysis of quantitative traits of M3 generation revealed that cluster IV had the highest intra cluster D2 value (98.071) followed by cluster I (96.678) and cluster III (92.376).The highest inter cluster distance was observed between cluster II and cluster III (1496.967) followed by cluster II and cluster V (1039.585) and cluster III and cluster VI (941.687). This indicates that the genotypes of most distant clusters will serve as potential parents in the hybridization programs.Maximum contribution to the genetic divergence was provided by the trait days to maturity (30.04%) followed by thousand grain weight (27.30%), days to flowering (21.04 %), number of panicles per plant (4.81%) and yield per plant (4.25%). The genotypes were grouped into six clusters with cluster I being the largest having 13 genotypes and cluster V and VI being the smallest clusters, having one genotype each. Inter character correlation coefficients between different characters at genotypic level in M3 generation reveals that panicle length has a significant and positive correlation with yield per plant (0.422) and thousand grain weight has a highly significant and positive correlation with yield per plant (0.828). Direct selection for these traits can lead to enhancement in the yield of grains per plant. Pearson’s correlation has been worked out to find out the correlation among various quality traits. Most quality traits have a highly significant and positive correlation with the other quality traits. The divergence analysis of quality traits in M3 generation on the basis of D2 statistics resulted in the grouping of genotypes into six clusters. Cluster II being the largest (sixteen genotypes) and cluster V and VII being the smallest clusters (one genotype each).In terms of quality in M3 generation maximum intra cluster distance was observed in case of cluster IV (297.19) followed by cluster II (225.49) and cluster III (190.09). Maximum inter cluster distances was observed between cluster III and IV (2322.47), cluster III and V (1336.40) and cluster I and IV (1251.92). Crosses can be made among the genotypes of the most diverse clusters. Maximum contribution to the total diversity in terms of quality is made by head rice recovery percentage (32.75%) followed by kernel length after cooking (27.53 %) and gel consistency (16.08 %). In the phenotypic screening for BLB in M2 generation five resistant types mutants have been found among twenty-one lines namely, UPR-7029- 10 kR, Jhumri selection-3-10 kR, Jhumri selection-3-20 kR, Jhumri selection-7-10 kR and Jhumri selection-7-20 kR. Furthermore, in M3 generation eight resistant types have been screened among the twenty- six lines namely, UPR-7029- 10 kR-12, UPR-7029- 20 kR-4, UPR-7029- 20 kR-2, UPR-7029- 20 kR-3, Jhumri selection-3-10 kR, Jhumri selection-3-20 kR, Jhumri selection 7- 10 kR and Jhumri selection -7 -20 kR dose. In the second experiment Analysis of variance for assessing the effect of the split doses of GA3 on the female parental line revealed that on increasing the dose of gibberellic acid there was a corresponding increase in the plant height. Number of tillers per plant also increased on increasing the dosage of gibberellic acid. Similar trends were observed in case of length of exerted panicle, panicle exertion percentage, number of filled spikelets per panicle, seed setting percentage and seed yield.
Open Access
Exploration of zinc solubilizing bacteria and their prolific contribution in zinc biofortification of rice grains
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2021-12) Upadhayay, Viabhav Kumar; Singh, Ajay Veer
The current study was an endeavor to characterize zinc-solubilizing bacteria, bearing massive plant growth-promoting traits, from the rhizosphere of millets (barnyard millet and finger millet). In addition, the study was conducted to evaluate the effect of potential bacterial strains and their consortia on growth and the biofortification benefits by assessing improved level of zinc assimilation in rice under pot and field conditions. A total of 130 bacteria were isolated and tested for zinc solubility characteristics, of which only 10 bacterial isolates were selected based on their zinc solubilization potential. Finally, 3 bacterial isolates (BMAR64, FMAR105 and BMRR126) were selected based on the quantitative pattern of zinc solubility potential and their compatibility with one another, and were used for the development of bacterial consortia. These bacteria solubilized Zn profoundly determined quantitatively in liquid broth by AAS and SEM-EDX. These zinc-solubilizing bacterial strains were characterized on the basis of morphological, biochemical tests and 16S rDNA sequencing. These isolates BMAR64, FMAR105 and BMRR126 were recognized as Pantoea rodasii, Serratia marcescens and Burkholderia cepacia, respectively, and they were also found to have genes for organic acid production (gcd and gdh). All three bacterial isolates and their consortia were evaluated for their effect on rice plants (variety- Pusa Basmati -1) in a pot trial in which the treatment with bacteria and their consortia with ZnO supplementation established narrative of Zn-biofortification and improvement in the growth of rice plant. The zinc solubilizing bacterial consortia (Consortium 1 and Consortium 2) with ZnO supplementation exhibited the maximum Zn content in grains of rice (variety- Pusa Basmati-1) in both the Terai and Katchar region of Northern part of India. The treatments containing single bacterial inoculants (BMRR126) with 60% RDF and Consortium (BMAR64+FMAR105+BMRR126) with 100% RDF with ZnO amendment exhibited promising level of Zn content in grain of rice plant (variety- Pant Dhan 18) grown in Terai region. All treatments containing zinc-solubilizing bacterial strains increased rice crop productivity in terms of several aspects such as plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of tillers and effective tiller, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, panicle length, number of grains per ear, and thousand grain weight. The soil parameters (pH, EC, organic carbon, NPK, available Zn, and soil dehydrogenase activity) also positively influenced under all bacterial treatments compared to uninoculated control. The present study gives an impression of the use of zinc solubilizing bacteria and their consortia as effective bioinoculants (supplementation with economic feasible source of zinc, i.e. ZnO) to harness zinc biofortification of rice crops in more ecofriendly way for sustainable agriculture. Our study clearly highlights the need for zinc-solubilizing bacteria to achieve the benefits of zinc biofortification in different regions.

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