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M. M. Roy , P. S. Pathak , A. K. Rai , Deepak Kushwaha

Abstract

Representative eight-year old trees of Melia azedarach planted in single line (2 m apart) on farm boundary were felled for estimation of aerial biomass production. The trees were grouped into three diameter classes. Maximum number of trees were recorded in the diameter range of > 22 cm. The trees contributed a total biomass production of 21.1 t/ha of which 66, 24 & 10 per cent were contributed by minor timber, firewood and fodder, respectively. Considering the overall phytomass production, the additional productivity in a rainfed farm was estimated to be 2.64 t/ha/year on a rotation of eight years. Biomass prediction equations based on regression analysis with D², dbh and D²H were developed. The relationship of bole and total aerial biomass was found to be strong with all the predictor variables whereas relationship of foliage was strong with D² and D²H only.

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A. K. Rai , K. K. Sharma , Y. K. Sharma

Abstract

Thee paper presents the results on high density plantation of poplars and their avaliability for pulp and paper manufacture as a short rotation crop. The reaults of the study at the age of two years indicated that total air, dried bole-biomass was higher (i.e. 24.4 t/ha) In case of Populus × euramericana '72/58' as compared to Populus deltoldes 'G-3' (17.5 t/ha). At the age ot three years, P. deltoldes 'G-3' had taken the lead and contributed the highest total bole air dried biomass i.e. 52.6 t/ha aa compared to 37.8 t/ha by P. × euramericana '72/58'. At the age of three years for both P. deltoldes '0-3' and P. × euramericana '72/58' the total air dried above ground biomass (bole end branches) was of the order of 55.5 and 45.5 t/ha, reapectlvely. The evaluation of pulping and papermaking qualities on pilot acale, using the woody material of P. × euramericana '72/58' Ind P. deltoldes '0-3' indlclted that a 50 : 50 mixture of 2 Ind 3 years ega wood with bark is suitable for producing wrapping paper from both the species. The laboratory experlments showed that the same mixture with bark is also suitable for producing writing and printing papers.

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S. V. Singh , A. K. Rai , S. P. Singh

Abstract

This paper gives briefy an account of the chemical and morphological characteristics of major species of bamboo used for papermaking The researches carried out on (i) pulping and bleaching (II) effect of morphological characteristics on sheet properties (iii) beating properties, and (iv) decay on storage and its effect on pulp properties have been reviewed and discussed. A brief description about industrial pulping and papermaking is given.

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P. L. Soni , Attar Singh , A. K. Rai

Abstract

Leucaena leucocephala is uselul not only due to its food, fodder and fuel value but also due to the gum exuded by it as a result of gummosis which was found to be comparable with guar gum as Wet-end additive in paper making. Subabul seeds which are abundantly available have no commercial utilization till todate. Studies conducted in this laboratory has shown that seed is a rich source of gum. The gum is found to be readily soluble in waler and tested as an additive in paper making.

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A. K. Rai , Y. K. Sharma

Abstract

Bamboo the main basic domestic raw material used in pulp and paper industry are fast becoming in shorl supply. The industry should increasingly use the alternative raw materials. This article deals with the Work done on suitabilily of poplar for pulp and paper and suggest the future line of work to be carried out for more rational use of poplars in pulp and paper industry of the country.

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S. R. D. Guha , Y. K. Sharma , A. K. Rai

Abstract

Laboratory experiments on the production of sulphate pulps from Madhuca longifolia var latifolia are described. The average fibre length of the pulp was 1.03 mm and average fibre diameter was 0.016 mm. The unbleached pulp yield was lower than obtained from other hardwoods in general. The strength properties of the standard sheets were satisfactory. The pulps were easy bleaching and the strength properties of bleached pulp sheets were satisfactory.

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Y. K. Sharma , A. K. Rai , S. R. D. Guha

Abstract

Laboratory scale experiments on the production of sulphate pulps from Diospyros melanoxylon are described. The wood had 16.6 percent pentosan content, 21.1 percent ligain content and 79.03 percent holocellulose. The average fibre length was 1.14 mm and average fibre diameter was 0.0175 mm. Unbleached pulps in good yield and good strength properties could be prepared. The bleaching of pulp using CEHH sequence was, however, not satisfactory. Even by applying 13 percent total chlorine the bleached pulp had mottling effect.

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A. K. Rai ¹, Himadri Basu ², S. Zakaulla ¹, K. Umamaheswar ²

Affiliations
1 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Bangalore-560072, IN
2 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Hyderabad-500016, IN

Abstract

Miniature pits of varying size and shape are found in the topmost arenaceous layers of the Gulcheru quartzite. Though pits in sedimentary rocks form in a variety of ways, in clean beach sands they owe their origin to mainly physical processes. Small pits, found in the Gulcheru quartzite, have been formed as a result of interplay of difierent physico-Chemical factors which prevailed in syn- as well as post-Depositional environments. In addition to different agents of physical weathering, which played a vital role in the formation of pits in the Gulcheru quartzite, syn-depositional precipitation of iron oxides and their syn-to post-diagenetic chemical changes are believed to be the main chemical factors.

Keywords

Pits, Ferric-Hydroxide, Gulcheru Quartzite, Cuddapah Basin, Andhra Pradesh.

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Himadri Basu ¹, G. R. Gangadharan ¹, Suresh Kuman ¹, U. P. Sharma ¹, A. K. Rai ¹, Anjan Chaki ¹

Affiliations
1 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Nagarbhavi, Bangalore 560 072, IN

Abstract

Middle Proterozoic Gulcheru Quartzite marks the onset of sedimentation, after the Eparchaean unconforrnity, in the Cuddapah Basin. In the southwestern margin of the basin it is made up dominantly of orthoquartzites. On the basis of lithology, stratigraphic relationship, bedding characteristics, texture and colour of sediments and sedimentary structures, five lithofacies were recognized within Gulcheru Quartzite. The Gulcheru Quartzite, though dominantly of shallow marine origin, shows imprints of other depositional regimes. Detailed interpretation of the facies and study of their field relationships reveal that pink massive quartzite, the lowermost unit of Gulcheru Quartzite, is of fluvio-aeolian origin. Later marine transgression .led to the development of a moderate to low energy beach, which evolved with time into a barrier: spit complex.

Keywords

Depositional environment, Facies analysis, Fluvio-Aeolian, Barrier-Spit, Gulcheru Quartzite, Cuddapah Basin, Andhra Pradesh.

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E. V. S. S. K. Babu ¹, S. Nayak ¹, A. K. Rai ², P. Krishnamurthy ³, S. N. Kak ¹

Affiliations
1 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy 'Begumpet, Hyderabad - 500 016, IN
2 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Shillong, Meghalaya, IN
3 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Tatanagar, Jamshedpur, IN

Abstract

Occurrences of discrete selenide phases in the geological environment are rather rare and are confined to a few sulphide deposits and sandstone-type uranium deposits such as those of the Colorado plateau, USA. The occurrence of discrete selenide phases viz., clausthalite (PbSe), ferroselite (FeSe₂) and Co-penroseite (CoNiCuSe₂) are reported for the first time from the Uraniferous Mahadek sandstones of Domiasiat and Wahkyn South, West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. The selenide phases are associated with pyritiferous organic matter, pitchblende and other ore minerals such as marcasite and sphalerite.

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Sukanta Dey ¹, A. K. Rai ¹, Anjan Chaki ²

Affiliations
1 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Nagarabhavi, Bangalore-560072, IN
2 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500016, IN

Abstract

The basal conglomerate and sandstone all along the northern margin of the Proterozojc Kaladgi basm are highly enriched in K-feldspar ranging m size from sand to pebble They are believed to have undergone K-metasomatism by earlier workers However, the present study shows that K-feldspar grains present in these rocks are predominantly temgenous detrital This is indicated by sympathetic relation between constituent quartz and feldspar in size, presence of fresh rounded microcline with or without authigenic overgrowth, typical arkosic texture and geochemistry of the rocks, and their sharp erosional contact with the underlying granitoids An uplifted, restncted source, dominantly consisting of K-rich granitoids and pegmatites to the north of the basin supplied the immature arkosic detritus possibly under humid and warm climatic condition The testimony for the presence of a highly K-rich source weakens the theory of K-metasomatism in the Kaladgi basin as proposed by some earlier authors.

Keywords

Arkose, Petrography, Geochemistry, Provenance composition and tectonism, Kaladgi Basin, Karnataka.

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Rajeev Bidwai ¹, S. Srinivasan ¹, L. K. Nanda ¹, Atanu Banerjee ¹, P. N. Bangroo ¹, A. K. Rai ², P. S. Parihar ²

Affiliations
1 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Western Region, Jaipur 302 030, IN
2 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Hyderabad 500 016, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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Rajeev Bidwai , S. Srinivasan , L. K. Nanda , Atanu Banerjee , P. N. Bangroo , A. K. Rai , P. S. Parihar

Abstract

No Abstract.

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U. P. Sharma ¹, S. Shukla ¹, P. K. Sinha ¹, R. K. Purohit ¹, A. Majumdar ¹, A. K. Rai ²

Affiliations
1 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, AMD Complex, Civil Lines, Nagpur 440 013, IN
2 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, AMD Complex, Begumpet, Hyderabad 500 016, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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G. S. Yadav ¹, A. Muthamilselvan ², T. S. Shaji ³, L. K. Nanda ⁴, A. K. Rai ⁴

Affiliations
1 Jamshedpur 831 002, IN
2 Center for Remote Sensing, Bharthidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 023, IN
3 Thiruvananthpuram 659 012, IN
4 Hyderabad 500 016, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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A. K. Rai ¹, S. Tripathy ¹, S. C. Sahu ²

Affiliations
1 School of Earth, Ocean and Climate Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar 751 007, IN
2 India Meteorological Department, Bhubaneswar 751 020, IN

Abstract

The northeastern part of the Indian Ocean, i.e. the Bay of Bengal (BoB) is located near some of the most complicated tectonic zones on the Earth. An earthquake of magnitude ∼6.0 occurred on 21 May 2014 near the coast of Odisha. Occasional moderate to large earthquakes in BoB highlight the need to study precise hypocentre locations, and focal mechanisms to understand the cause of intraplate seismicity in BoB.It is also important for seismic hazard and tsunami risk evaluation along the eastern coast of India. We present an analysis of the digital data of this earthquake recorded by regional and global networks of seismic stations. Our analysis of travel-times of P- and S-waves indicates that the epicentre of the earthquake is located between the Eighty Five East and Ninety East ridges. The focus of this earthquake was at a depth of ∼61 km, well below the lower boundary of the oceanic crust. The focal mechanism determined by modelling long period P- and SH-waveforms suggest an strike-slip motion along a NW-SE or NEE-SWW-directed fault or fracture. We interpret that the upper part of the BoB lithosphere is abnormally strong and brittle.

Keywords

Earthquake Location, Focal Mechanism, Intraplate Seismicity, Tectonic Zones.

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A. Yugandhara Rao ¹, K. Vijay Raj ², O. P. Yadav ², L. K. Nanda ³, A. K. Rai ³, P. S. Parihar ³

Affiliations
1 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Vishakapatnam 530 007, IN
2 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Jaipur 302 033, IN
3 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Hyderabad 500 016, IN

Abstract

Magnesium-bearing calcretes of soft-gritty and hard pan varieties containing uranium concentrations from 16 to 74 ppm with <10 ppm of thorium are located along the Saraswati palaeochannel at Khemasar village, Churu district, Rajasthan. The uraniumbearing calcretes are exposed over an areal extent of 300 m × 200 m with thickness of up to 2 m in an interdunal depression. The silty sand layer occurring below the calcrete horizon suggests that it is a valley-fill calcrete, deposited along a palaeochannel. This occurrence of uraniferous Mg-calcrete in the Saraswati river palaeochannel opens up a large area for uranium exploration in the calcrete environment of Thar Desert. These calcretes are composed of 15.94% to 25.39% CaO, 7.15% to 22.39% MgO and Sr/Ba ratio up to 66.98. There is a positive correlation of U with Sr/Ba and MgO. The high Sr/Ba ratio and MgO indicate water of saline nature and high rate of evaporation. Ephemeral centripetal drainage mixing with the dissected palaeochannel waters and groundwaters, under arid climatic conditions might have resulted in the formation of this kind of uranium-bearing calcrete in fluvio-lacustrine environment.

Keywords

Fluvio-Lacustrine Environment, Khemasar, Magnesian Calcrete, Surficial Type Uranium.

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Sukanta Dey ¹, A. K. Rai ², Anjan Chaki ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Atomic Energy, Begumpet, Hyderabad - 500 016, IN
2 Department of Atomic Energy, Nagarabhavi, Bangalore - 560 072, IN

Abstract

Mildly deformed granitoids exposed around Bilgi in the northernmost part of the eastern Dharwar craton are divided into two groups viz. granodiorites and monzogranites. The granodiorites contain microgranular enclaves and amphibolite xenoliths, and show low-Al TTG affinity with high SiO₂ (71-74 %), Na₂O, Y and Sr/Y, moderate to moderately high Mg#, Cr and Ni, low to moderate LILE, and low Nb and Ta. However, compared to similar TTGs from different cratons the Bilgi granodiorites have distinctly higher K₂O, K₂O/Na₂O, Rb and lower REE and Th. The amphibolite xenoliths are characterized by variable enrichment of K₂O, Rb, Ba and Th and depletion of Ti, Zr and P compared to MORB. The microgranular enclaves are quartz diorite to granodiorite in composition with high Mg, Ni and Cr, and compared to MORB, are enriched in LILE and depleted in Ti and Y. The monzogranites, compared to the granodiorites, display higher SiO₂, K₂O and Rb with lower Mg#, although still maintaining the high Na₂O, Ni and Cr and low REE character.

The Bilgi granodiorites are explained as transitional TTGs late synkinematic with respect to regional deformation. Geochemical signatures and regional geological set up suggest that they are probably derived from partial melting of a highly depleted slab material (metabasalt) followed by variable contamination or assimilation of intermediate crustal rocks in a subduction zone set up. Late stage fluid activity on the granodioritic magma is probably responsible for the generation of monzogranites. The amphibolite xenoliths predate the granodiorites and possibly represent fragments of a schist belt carried away by the granitic magma. They are probably island arc basalt derived from mantle source that has been metasomatized by slab-derived fluids. The microgranular enclaves are coeval with the Bilgi granodiorites and also likely to be island arc magmas derived from mantle variably enriched in slab-derived and within-plate components.

Keywords

Transitional TTG, Petrography, Geochemistry, Petrogenesis, Geodynamic Setting, Dharwar Craton.

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Akhilesh Shrivastava ¹, A. K. Rai ¹, A. K. Saxena ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Technology, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chhindwara 480 001, MP, IN

Abstract

The nutritive value of any food stuff should be assessed on the state in which it is consumed. Gera et al, revealed that cooking methods have varied effect on the nutritional and organoleptic aspects of food. Due to increasing energy crisis, it has become necessary to explore new and economic energy sources.

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G. S. Yadav ¹, U. K. Pandey ², S. L. Aravind ³, P. K. Panchal ³, A. S. Venkatesh ⁴, P. R. Sahoo ⁴, A. K. Chaturvedi ², A. K. Rai ², P. S. Parihar ²

Affiliations
1 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Jamshedpur 831 002, IN
2 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Hyderabad 500 016, IN
3 Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Jaipur 302 030, IN
4 Department of Applied Geology, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad 826 004, IN

Abstract

Uranium mineralization in Bichun area, Jaipur district, Rajasthan, India is hosted by albitites within the Banded Gneissic Complex (BGC). Detailed mineralogical and EPMA studies reveal the presence of davidite along with brannerite and uraninite. The U-Pb concordia upper intercept age of 933 ± 13 Ma and Pb-Pb isochron age of 930 ± 4 Ma, on pure davidite fractions indicate the timing of uranium mineralizing event to be ca. 930 Ma. The timing of uranium mineralization can be correlated with the Grenvillian orogeny (ca. 1000 Ma). The Sm-Nd model age (T_DM) of daviditeis varies from 1851 to 2200 Ma with ε_{Ndi(930 Ma)} ranging from -10.7 to -15.5 which shows that the Palaeoproterozoic rocks with crustal component (either within BGC or basement granite) are the source for uranium.

Keywords

Albitite Zone, Davidite, Geochronology, Orogeny, Uranium Mineralization.

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Saraswat Nikita ¹, Pal S. Rashmi ¹, Pal Yogendra ¹, Wal Pranay ¹, Wal Ankita ¹, A. K. Rai ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmacy, Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Kanpur, IN

Abstract

Background: Baldness is very common in males and females but predominantly it is seen more in males. This accounts for approximately 89-99 percent of hair loss. Though there are multiple causes responsible for causing baldness like hormones, hereditary, age factors, pollution, work environment, stress and many more. Objective: The objective of the paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of poly herbal hair oil prepared in the laboratory from sources such as hibiscus, leech, beehive, and onion which could be a potential hair growth promoter. Methods: The hair from the dorsal area of male wistar rats was shaved and they were divided into three groups having 6 rats each. Group I received the application of coconut oil daily, Group II received application of Minodixil (2%) ethanol extract as standard hair growth promoter and Group III received the application of poly-herbal oil prepared in the laboratory. The oil in respective groups was applied daily on rats of each group on the shaved surface. Results: The initiation of hair growth in all groups was calculated as a mean value to compare the results in different groups. Then the length of hair was noted on 15, 21, 30 and 40th day in centimeters. The mean length was calculated on each day for every group and the results were compared. The anagen/telogen ratio was also calculated for all the groups for better evaluation of results. Conclusion: The hair growth was maximum in the case of Group III, on which the poly herbal formulation of oil was applied daily. The hair growth in Group II (Minoxidil) was observed with optimum hair growth while the Group I was observed with least hair growth after the final evaluation and comparison of all the results. A significant hair growth effect from the poly herbal formulation oil was noted from the research conducted.

Keywords

Alopecia, Leech Oil, Hair Loss, Baldness, Poly Herbal Hair Oil, Herbal Extract.

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Rashmi Saxena Pal ¹, Nikita Saraswat ¹, Yogendra Pal ¹, Pranay Wal ¹, Ankita Wal ¹, A. K. Rai ¹

Affiliations
1 NH-2, Bhauti, Department of Pharmacy, Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Kanpur (U.P) 209305, IN

Abstract

Background: According to WHO (World Health Organization), more than 50 million pre-school children and approximately 2 billion adults are overweighed and more than half a billion are obese. Obesity is a matter of concern for population worldwide. For the treatment of obesity, the use of Ayurveda, as well as traditional forms of medication, has turned widely popular amongst the Indians. In fact, the world population is adopting many traditional medications, herbs, and formulations as a part of the lifestyle to cure obesity. Natural sources have always proved to bring long-term results as well as considered to be efficacious and safe as compared to the trending weight-loss product market. Objective: The objective of the paper is to evaluate and proclaim the effectiveness of extract of powdered poly herbs prepared in the laboratory from sources such as Ajowan fruit, Cinnamon bark, Leaves of pomegranate, Garlic buds and dried fruits of black pepper which could be potential anti-obesity source. Methods: The experiment was performed on Wistar male rats four weeks old weighing approx. 200-250g. They were administered the prepared herbal extract for evaluating the anti-obesity action. Throughout the experiment, the rats were divided into six groups with 6 rats in each group. Group I was considered as Normal Control Group hence normal pellet diet was given and no drug was administered to the rats of this group. Obesity was induced through HFD (high-fat diet) in standard and treated groups (Group II to VI). Group II was not given any medication to reduce obesity whereas a standard dose of Orlistat 5 mg/kg b. wt and was administered in Group III. Groups IV, V, VI were administered with Alcoholic Extracts containing different concentrations of Poly Herbal Powder and the anti-obesity action was recorded. The food intake, body weight, serum lipid profiles like, total TG, total serum cholesterol (TC), High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Very Low-density lipoprotein VLDL, Blood glucose. Results: The average results of all groups were noted, plotted and analyzed where the results pointed out the anti-obesity activity in all groups. The standard group reported anti-obesity action whereas the treated groups with the maximum concentration was reported to be comparatively goodin anti-obesity action as compared to the standard group. Conclusions: The results concluded that the formulated herbal extract from powdered sources of dried herbs proved to be effective in the treatment of obesity. Multiple parameters were evaluated which directly pointed out that the extract is effective in relieving from the problem of obesity. The most effective treatment of the three concentrations of the prepared herbal extract was found to be Group VI HFD + Prepared Extract 200 mg/kg b. wt.

Keywords

Obesity, Polyherbal Extract, High-Fat Diet (HFD), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Herbal Extract, Serum Total Cholesterol (TC).

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