Liter Of Water Research Articles

The Atmospheric water harvesting by using Neodymium Metal Organic Framework (MOF-417)

The capture of tidy water from damp air without having the use of bulky instruments or large amounts of energy, has made appeal as a possible eco-friendly substitute to traditional water collecting methods. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer prospects for this application due to their structural flexibility, which allows for the straightforward, scalable adjustment of structural and functional elements. Here, we have tried to provide a parameter-based analysis of hydrolytically stable MOFs of varying structures to explore the physical properties to control the speed of water storage in this type of material and to search for its overall adsorbing capacity by weight. Examination of temperature, humidity and powder bed depth to determine ideal parameters for adsorption and desorption was performed. MOF-417 has potential and able to produce 0.5 litre water per kilogram of MOF in a day.

NIGHT-FLYING BEETLES, ADORETUS COMPRESSUS – PESTS OF OIL PALM

Adoretus compressus are small night-flying beetles, and also known as cockchafer beetles. A. compressus beetles are about 10-15 mm long, brown in colour and elongate and oval shaped. Adults usually eat by chewing and forming small holes in the foliage. The larvae or grubs live in the soil, generally under grass and almost exclusively feeding on plant refuse or decaying vegetable matters of the top soil. Life history of A. compressus is not well known and the life cycle of the insect is roughly complete in three months. A. compressus is polyphagous and feeds on leaves of many species of plants including several plantation based crops of tea, coconut, cocoa, rubber and oil palm. It is the most common insect pest in oil palm nurseries. Occasional outbreaks cause serious defoliation in immature plantings. During serious outbreaks, large number of Adoretus beetles can cause 80 to nearly 100 per cent defoliation of newly planted seedlings within two weeks. Almost all the fronds become badly damaged and skeletonised; and finally total drying of leaves occurs. Yield recording started when fruit bunches production commenced for a period of 27 months. Even though the affected palms recovered after effective chemical control, immature palms with severe damage (more than 50% defoliation) recorded 27 per cent reduction in fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield and 18 per cent reduction in bunch number. Various aspects of management and control are discussed. In dealing with occasional outbreaks, spraying of insecticides like triclorfon, carbaryl, carbosulfan and cypermethrin at intervals of 7 to 14 days is effective. In southern Thailand, spraying of carbaryl 85 per cent wettable powder (WP) 60 g per 20 litres water + application of carbosulfan 5 per cent granules (G) at 200 g per palm gave 100 per cent effectiveness after three rounds of treatments at weekly intervals. Keywords: Adoretus compressus, cockchafer beetles, night flying beetles, leaf-eating pest, oil palm, control.

Limestone Powder Saves 17 Million Liters of Water

Limestone Powder Saves 17 Million Liters of Water

Design and Fabrication of Water Can Cleaning Machine

Aim of this project is to develop a mechanical system for cleaning domestic cylindrical 20 litre water can. A Water Can Cleaning Machine is generally used for cleaning the water can inside and outside the can. Sediment scale and algae get deposited on the outer and inner surface of the water can. So, we have proposed the automatic plastic can washing and drying system in order to resolve the problem of the employees. In this system we are using Relay as main controller. Some of the main benefits of this system are high productive, reliable, accurate, cost effective water can cleaning machine enables to save time and it provides high safety and high efficiency.

Growth responses of Clarias agboyiensis and C. macromystax fed foreign and indigenous commercial fish feed

The study investigated growth responses of the small fish, Clarias agboyiensis and C. macromystax fed with foreign (Coppens and Al aqua) and indigenous (Vital and Blue crown) commercial catfish feed. Fish were grouped into four categories: AA1 to AA4 represented C. agboyiensis fed with Coppens; BB1 to BB4 represented C. macromystax fed with Al aqua; CC1 to CC4 represented C. agboyiensis fed with Vital while DD1 to DD4 represented C. macromystax fed with Blue crown. Fish on foreign feed were fed at 1% of their body weight once a day while those on indigenous feed were treated at 2% body weight twice daily. Each feed contained 60% crude protein. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design with 16 fish in each 70 litre water container. Growth responses were estimated using standard procedure. Results showed that C. agboyiensis fed with Coppens at 1% body weight and once daily had the best average final weight of 337.37g, final length of 32.15cm, specific growth rate of 19.65%/day, condition factor of 2.95 and survival rate of 83.5 %. This was followed by C. macromystax fed Al aqua at the same frequency and duration having a final weight of 309.25g, final length of 30.85cm, specific growth rate of 19.40%/day, condition factor of 2.95 and survival rate of 80%. The least growth response was recorded in C. macromystax fed Blue crown. The study indicated that Coppens feed has the best nutrient utilization ability. Thus, fish fed this diet even at 1% biomass and once daily produced the best growth. Therefore, fish could actually be fed once a day for growth and improved meat quality provided the feed quality is adequate.

Management of powdery mildew and aphid in organically grown Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) through different oils

All the cultivated Brassica species exhibited powdery mildew severity with highest (43.2%) on Brassica juncea followed by B. rapa (28.0%) which is widely cultivated in India. Yield losses from 10-90 per cent with reduction in 6.47 per cent oil content have been estimated from different Brassica species. Hence, the present study was carried out to evaluate different oils to manage powdery mildew disease and aphids in an organically grown mustard crop. Five oils (castor, groundnut, sunflower, neem and mustard oil) and ghee were evaluated against powdery mildew (Erysiphae cruciferarum) and aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). Castor oil 50 EC, neem oil 50 EC and mustard oil 50 EC and deshi ghee 50 EC (@ 100 ml/10 litre water) were effective over untreated control in reducing powdery mildew disease severity when applied as foliar spray (@ 5 ml/litre) in the experiment carried out in organic field (plot No. B-2 at Agronomy Instruction Farm, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar). Maximum reduction in germinated conidia (66.0%) over control, disease severity (50.0%), area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) values (51.8%) and maximum increase over control in 1000 seed weight (16.7%) and seed yield (10.3%) was observed with neem oil. This was followed by the application of ghee which exhibited reduced disease severity (22.9%) and AUDPC values (30.6%) and increased seed yield (8.1%) and the application of castor oil 50 EC which exhibited an increased in seed yield (8.0%) and reduced powdery mildew severity (20.8%). Shortest log phase was observed with neem oil during 10th std. week. All the oils tested (castor, groundnut, sunflower, neem and mustard oil) and deshi ghee were effective in reducing aphid population (39.5 to 65.9%) and damage index (6.1 to 25.1%). A maximum reduction in aphid population (65.9%) over control and lowest aphid damage index (3.70) was observed with neem oil 50 EC 6 days after 2nd spray. Application of neem oil, castor oil and deshi ghee resulted in increased seed yield (8.1 to 10.4%). This information could be useful in devising strategies for powdery mildew and aphid management in organic cultivation, eco-friendly management and IPM of mustard.

Comparative evaluation of selected neonicotinoids and conventional insecticide against aphids (Aphis gossypii) and whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci)

Polyphagous sucking insect pests like aphids (Aphis gossypii) and whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) causes major problem in fibre crops, oilseed crops, pulses and vegetables. These sucking insect pests cause serious economic losses directly and indirectly by acting as vectors in transmitting several viral diseases in cultivated crops. Neonicotinoids viz., imidacloprid 17.6 SL @ 0.28 ml, acetamiprid 20SP @ 0.1 g, thiacloprid 21.7SC @ 0.28 mL, thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.2 g and clothianidin 50 WDG @0.08 g along with monocrotophos 36 SL @ 1 ml per litre water and control (water alone) were tested against nymphs and adults of A. gossypii and B. tabaci following methods recommended by Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC). Among different treatment tested on A. gossypii, imidacloprid was found to be superior with 100% mortality on both nymphs and adults at 72h aftertreatment. When these treatments were tested against B. tabaci, acetamiprid was found to be superior to other neonicotinoids and monocrotophos, resulting in 100% mortality of nymphs and adults at 72h after treatment. Outcome of the studies suggest that neonicotinoids are significantly superior to monocrotophos for management of sucking insect pests. Imidacloprid and acetamiprid, that are systemic, selective with less mammalian toxicity are comparatively safer than conventional insecticide like monocrotophos and hence may be included in IPM practices to manage polyphagous sucking insect pests like aphids and whiteflies in different crop ecosystems.

Microplastic abundance in the Thames River during the New Year period

Microplastic pollution is widely studied; however, research into the effects of large-scale firework displays and the impact on surrounding waterways appears to be lacking. This study is potentially the first to look at microplastic abundance in rivers after a major firework event. To assess the impact of the 2020 New Year's firework display in London, a 3 litre water sample was collected over nine consecutive days at Westminster on the River Thames. A total of 2760 pieces of microplastics (99% fibres) were counted using light microscopy, and further analysis was performed on representative plastic samples (354) using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Whilst anthropogenic microfibres made up 11%, most microplastic identified (13.3%) were polychloroprene. This study demonstrates the occurrence of a short-term influx of microplastics in the River Thames following the New Year fireworks, which will have an additional detrimental impact on the ecology and aquaculture of the river and neighbouring waterways.

On farm trials on management of pod borer complex in green gram

Pulses productivity in Rajasthan is lesser than the national average due to the poor management of the crop. Green gram, an important pulse crop, is attacked by different pod borer species like gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, spotted pod borer, Maruca testulalis and M. vitrata, spiny pod borer, Etiella zinckenella, etc. Pod borers directly feed on the pods and seeds causing appreciable deterioration in grain quality and quantity. Pod borer complex is a major constraint to increase production of green gram therefore the on farm trial (OFT) were undertaken by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lunkaransar of Bikaner for two consecutive years 2019 and 2020. The results on the management of pod borer complex in green gram indicated that maximum per cent reduction in larval population of pod borers was observed in 79.25 and 82.69 per cent in kharif 2019 and 2020, respectively, in recommended spray (emamectin benzoate 5 SG 0.5 gm per litre water). The maximum benefit cost ratio of 2.77 and 4.00 were obtained in the recommended practices, while it was minimum 1.66 and 2.63 in farmers practice (quinalphos 25 EC @ 1.25 l ha−1) during kharif 2019 and 2020.

USE OF ALOE VERA AS NATURAL GROWTH PROMOTER ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF SONALI CHICKEN

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of dietary supplementation of Aloe vera gel on production performance, dressing yield and hematological parameters of sonali chicken. Methods: A total number of 180 day old chicks were randomly assigned into five treatment groups namely (T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4) having three replication in each treatment group. Chicks were brooded upto 7 days then randomly separated into pen upto 8 weeks. Each treatment group contains 36 birds whereas each replication contain 12 birds. Experimental birds in T2, T3 and T4 were provided aloe vera gel @ 7.5,15, and 22.5 gm per litre drinking water while T0 was provided only plain water and T1 provided 1ml amino plus per litre water those were maintained as control group. Results: The study indicated that final live weight gain and feed efficiency of birds was significantly (p<0.05) higher that received @22.5gm/L aloe vera gel compared to control T0 while insignificant in commercial growth promoter group. This result also indicated that body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were increased along with increasing dose of aloe vera gel. In meat yield parameters there were no significant difference among the treatment group except breast meat weight. Blood parameters (RBC, PCV, Hb and Total WBC) showed significant (p<0.05) difference among the treatment groups except the total white blood cells (WBC) count. Aloe vera treated group T4 showed the lowest feed cost while untreated group showed the highest price.

Economic Feasibility Study of Community Scale Reverse Osmosis Plants in Jaipur, Rajasthan

This study presents a performance analysis in terms of energy and other costs related to the unit cost of water produced in 16 identical community scale reverse osmosis units installed at Jaipur. The energy consumptions indicated that these plants suffer from accelerated fouling of membranes due to scaling by hardness causing substances, which results in a significant loss of useful life of the membranes. The study shows that the overall cost of water production has four major components. Energy cost varies between Rs. 0.025 and 0.079 per litre. Salary cost varies between Rs. 0.04 to 0.20 per litre. Spares and chemical cost varies between Rs. 0.01 to 0.04 per litre. In addition, repayment of capital invested has also been considered with and without solar integration to arrive at realistic cost estimates over a perceived life cycle of the system. The breakeven achieved by selling 4600–5200 litre water @ Rs. 0.2 per litre per day if repayment of capital investment is not considered, as these units were installed under CSR, while it varies between 8800 and 9600 litre if repayment of capital investment is also considered as an independent business venture. This analysis substantiates that potential exists for the long-term sustainability of these systems.

Efficacy of homoeopathic medicinesZincum metallicum6CH andZincum metallicum12CH on growth ofAbelmoschus esculentusL. (Bhindi) in a natural environment: A placebo-controlled study

Objectives:Homoeopathic dilutions are used to increase active principles in medicinal plants, detoxify plants, increase plant growth rate and fruit production, improve plant metabolism and control diseases. This controlled experimental prospective study was conducted to evaluate the effect of homoeopathic medicinesZincum metallicum6CH andZ. metallicum12CH on plant growth ofAbelmoschus esculentusL. in a natural environment. This study helps assess and establish the role of homoeopathy in propagating plant growth.Materials and Methods:A. esculentusseeds were cultivated in a designated area of the Homoeopathy University campus. Among these, 30 receivedZincum6CH (20 drops in 1 litre water), while 30 receivedZincum12CH (20 drops in 1 L water) and 30 received normal water. After 60 days, the entire plant was measured for height, pod length and productivity.Results:After 60 days, the number of fruits (plant productivity) in the groups receivingZincum6CH and 12CH was 335 and 267, respectively; in the group receiving normal water, the number of fruits was 159. The heights of plants receivingZincum6CH (M = 48.4 cm, SD=2.65) and 12CH (M = 40.1 cm, SD=2.39) were comparatively more than in plants receiving normal water (M = 31.6 cm SD = 2.26). The length of pods in plants receivingZincum6CH (M=13.3 cm, SD = 0.96) and 12CH (M = 10.3 cm, SD = 0.97) was comparatively more than in plants receiving normal water (M = 8.9 cm SD = 0.62).Conclusion:The application of potentised homoeopathic medicinesZincum6CH and 12CH onA. esculentusdemonstrated a beneficial result, as observed through significant differences in plant productivity, mean plant height and mean pod length among the experimental and control groups.Zincum6CH showed more efficacy than 12CH in all aspects of growth.

Linear, spatio-temporally resolved ultrasound measurement of the liquid fraction distribution in froth

Abstract Froth flotation is an important process for separating metal particles from gangue. A single flotation circuit for copper uses approx. 44 billion litres water a year. In situ process monitoring of the foam’s parameters and closed-loop control can reduce the resource use. However, no measurement technique is broadly employed that yields the liquid fraction distribution in the froth. Optical measurements are prevented by the bulk foam’s opacity. Though, ultrasound in the low frequency range is able to penetrate froth. In this paper we investigate the application of ultrasound to measure the local liquid content of aqueous foam in the axis of the ultrasound beam. Assuming a dependency of the backscattering coefficient b on the foam’s liquid fraction ϕ, we developed a model to calculate b from the echo signal. Local backscattering coefficients b n {b_{n}} can be determined for time gated windows and show a trend in the dependency on the foam’s liquid fraction ϕ (for ϕ < 0.8 \phi <0.8 %). The absolute uncertainty of the liquid fraction determined by means of an electrical reference measurement is σ ϕ = 0.079 {\sigma _{\phi }}=0.079 %. We demonstrated the capability of spatio-temporally resolved measurements with a frame rate of 0.33 Hz and an axial resolution of 7.9 mm in an experiment with a time-varying, inhomogeneous liquid fraction. This research work is contributing to a determination of in situ information of the foam’s parameter in a flotation process.

Diurnal Variation of Ambient NH3 in Relation with Agricultural Activities and Meteorological Factors at a Rural Site in North India

Ammonia is a chemically active gas which accelerates particulate matter formation by combining with nitrate (NO3−) and sulphate (SO42-) in acid cloud droplets, thereby reducing air quality. Since pre-industrial times, NH3 emissions have more than doubled globally, owing to increase in agricultural activities and fertilizer usage. In this study, ambient NH3 monitoring was done during selected periods on event basis in summer season (kharif crop) at a rural site of Jhajjar district of Haryana. Collected gaseous NH3 samples in absorbing solution (1.4ml H2SO4 in 1 litre water) at a flow rate of 1 LPM were prepared with the indo phenol-blue method and analyzed using spectrophotometer at 630nm. Here, we present the day-night variation in ambient NH3 concentrations emitted from various agricultural activities such as synthetic fertilizers, animal manure, biological N-fixation, the crop residue in the field after harvest, biomass burning, etcin relation with meteorological parameters. Its emission was recorded as 1 to 45; 63 to 190; 98 to 187 and 56 to 249 µg m-3 during sowing, fertilizer addition, grain filling and biomass burning respectively.Concentration during the sowing period i.e. 1 to 45 µg m-3can be considered as baseline values.Concentration of ambient NH3 reached itsmaxima at night and minima duringmidday.NH3 concentration was observed to be high during night time which might be due to reduced dispersion as the atmospheric conditions are stable at night. Concentration of NH3 is majorly influenced by wind speed and wind direction & its dependence on these meteorological parameters suggested a local source influence indicating that the nearbyagricultural fields might be the major NH3contributors at the observational site.This study suggests that the knowledge of NH3 levels measured at various stages can help in implementing N efficient management system and emissions can be reduced by minimizing the Nitrogen (N) input during different stages. These measurements are also helpful in making fertilizer policy, and guidelines for farmers.

Application of Chicken manure Dosage and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacetria on the Growth and Yield of Shallot Plants (Allium ascalonicum L.)

The study’s objective was to determine the effect of dose Fertilizer Coop Chicken and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria on growth and yield crops of onion (Allium ascalonicum L.). The research was conducted in the agricultural land of Sadasari Village, Argapura District, Majalengka Regency, West Java. With an altitude of 639 masl, starting from April 2020 to June 2020. The research method used a randomized block design (RBD) Factorial pattern was repeated 3 times. The treatment tested is Factor 1 is chicken manure (K), consisting of three levels: k 1 = 10 tons / ha, k 2 = 15 tons / ha and k 3 = 20 tonnes / ha. Factor 2 is PGPR (P), consisting of three levels: p 1 = 5 ml / litre water, p 2 = 10 ml / litre water, and p 3 = 1 5 ml / litre water . The difference in the average treatment was tested using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at the 5% level. The results showed that there was an interaction between the dose of 20 ton / ha of chicken manure and 10 ml / l of PGPR of water on the average number of leaves aged 28 and 35 hst. The independent effect of chicken manure had a significant effect on the average plant height at 14 days and 35 days of planting, tuber diameter, average tuber wet weight per hill, and the average tuber dry weight per hill. The independent effect of PGPR has a significant effect on all observed parameters.

Comparative Efficacy of Different Insecticides Against Cucurbit Fruit Fly <i>(Bactrocera cucurbitae)</i> on Bottle Gourd <i>(Lagenaria siceraria) </i>in Sarlahi District, Nepal

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy of different Insecticides against cucurbit fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae in Bottle Gourd laid out at farmer’s field in Sarlahi district. The research was designed under RCBD with 6 treatments (T1 = Spinosad @ 200ml/ha, T2 = Dichlorovos 76% EC @2ml/litre water, T3 = Lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC @ 1-2 ml/litre water, T4 = Jholmal @10ml/ litre water, T5 = Multineem (Azadirachtin 0.03%) @ 10ml/ litre water and T6 = Control (water spray) and 3 replications accommodating 12 plants in each plot. The insecticides were applied as first, second, and third sprays at pre-set, post-set, and harvest stage of Bottle Gourd in 10 days intervals between each spray and data collection being done on 3rd, 7th, and 10th day after each spray. The results showed significant variation for studied traits. The maximum number of fruit fly per plant was 8.40 (10DAS-III) during the experiment. Cucurbit fruit flies preferred young fruits and flowers for oviposition and the results obtained high pre-set damage of 43.85% (10DAS-I) and post-set damage of 68.14% (10DAS-II). The highest fruit infestation was 52.41% & 53.71% based on number and weight respectively under control treatment. Under Spinosad treatment, the lowest insect population (1.33 at 3DAS-III) was obtained with least pre-set damage, post-set damage, and minimum fruit infestation of the insect by number (27.29%) and weight (25.90%) followed by Dichlorovos and Lambda-cyhalothrin for similar traits. While, Jholmal and Azadirachtin were inferior in controlling the fruit fly population and reducing the infestation at pre-set, post-set, and harvest stage. However, Azadirachtin and Lambda-cyhalothrin were on par in terms of post-set damage (46.32% and 47.50%), respectively. The results revealed that Spinosad is the best bio-pesticide against Cucurbit fruit fly in Bottle Gourd with Dichlorovos and Lambda-cyhalothrin next in order while Jholmal and Azadirachtin offered a better quality of fruits and higher yield in Bottle Gourd. While chemical insecticides may seem effective for short term, we must opt to use eco-friendly pesticides/botanicals such as Spinosad, Jholmal and Azadirachtin for pest management and thus further study is required to explore the comparative efficacy of bio-pesticides/botanicals against chemical insecticides for fruit fly management in Bottle Gourd.

Physiological and haematological responses of broiler chickens offered cold water and vitamin C during hot-dry season

The effects of cold water and vitamin C on broilers’ rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and haematological parameters were evaluated during dry season. Two hundred and sixteen 4-week-old Anak 2000 broilers fed ad libitum were offered either water at ambient temperature (29.5oC; ORD) or cold water (8.0oC; COLD) to which either 0 (-C) or 500 mg vitamin C per litre water (+C) was added to give four treatment groups (ORD-C, ORD+C, COLD-C and COLD+C) from week 5 to 8 of age. There were 3 replicates with 18 birds per replicate. RT and RR were taken for three days weekly at 16.00 h. Blood was sampled weekly for haematological, plasma biochemical and triiodothyronine analyses. Data on RT, RR, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cell (WBC), heterophil (HET), lymphocyte (LYM), eosinophil (EOS), monocyte (MON), heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H:L), plasma K+, Na+, glucose (GLU), protein (PRO) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) were subjected to ANOVA using least squares] method. Water temperature had significant (P<0.01) effect on RT and RR. Cold water lowered RT and RR of the birds compared with water at ambient temperature. Similarly, vitamin C in drinking water caused decrease in RT (P<0.001) and RR (P<0.01) compared to ordinary water. Water temperature had no significant (P>0.05) effect on MCHC, MCH, MCV, LMY, EOS, plasma K+, Na+, GLU, PRO and T3. But cold water significantly lowered MON (P<0.05) and increased PCV (P<0.001), RBC (P<0.001),Hb (P<0.001), WBC (P<0.001), HET (P<0.01) and H: L (P<0.05) when compared with water at ambient temperature. Addition of vitamin C significantly increased LYM (P<0.05) and H:L (P<0.05) but decreased HET (P<0.05) when compared with birds that received no vitamin C. Vitamin C had no significant (P>0.05) effect on PCV, RBC, Hb, WBC, MCHC, MCH, MCV, plasma K+, Na+, GLU, PRO and T3. There were significant (P<0.01) interactions between water temperature and vitamin C on HET, LYM and H: L. Broiler chickens offered ORD+C had significantly lower HET and H: L than those offered ORD-C, COLD-C and COLD+C. However, the LYM was highest in ORD+C birds. High HET and H:L, and low LYM are indicators of heat stress in poultry. In conclusion, cold water and vitamin C were effective in reducing broilers’ RT and RR in the afternoon during hot-dry season. Either of the two may improve the well-being of broilers during dry season.

Honey administration in laying pullets during hot-dry season does not alter lipids and vitamin A content of eggs

An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of honey on lipid profile and vitamin A content of eggs from laying pullets during hot-dry season. One hundred and twenty laying pullets (aged 28 weeks) used were randomly assigned to 3 doses of honey: 0 (0H), 10 (10H) and 20ml honey (20H) per litre water for 16 weeks. Each treatment group consists of 4 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. During a 16-week experimental period, data on egg cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL and vitamin A were determined and subjected to one-way analysis of variance. Egg cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL and vitamin A concentrations were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by dosage of honey in drinking water. Birds on 0H, 10H and 20H recorded 1163.8, 1154.7 and 1160.0 mg/dL respectively for egg cholesterol and 129.8, 151.0 and 123.3 IU vitamin A, respectively. In conclusion, administration of honey in drinking water of laying pullets to combat heat stress during hot-dry season may not affect egg lipids and vitamin A content.

Productivity improvement of low lying area with litchi (Litchi chinensis) based integrated system

The present study was carried out at ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur during 2014-2017 for sustained productivity, profitability, employment generation and soil health. Four different models comprised of rain water harvesting, fish culture, and intercropping of annual and vegetable crops with litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) + banana and litchi+papaya in different combinations on pond dykes. Rain water accumulated in the ponds during rainy season with the storage capacity (7.29 million litre water) varied from of 1.62-2.16 million litre of water per pond. Among different models, model 1 recorded the highest total system productivity in terms of LEY (25.49 t/ ha), production efficiency (140.67 kg/ha/day), net return (₹ 159950/ha) and system economic efficiency (438.23 ₹/ ha/day). Sustainable value index (SVI) among the models varied due to different component and expressed 2 to 3 time’s higher value than existing system. Model 1 recorded highest SVI (0.78) and existing model (0.25) recorded lowest. Relative production and economic efficiency of the different models were also computed over the crop based existing system and value ranged from 521.72 and 67.64 in model 4 to 529.38 and 116.15 in model 1, respectively. Integration of fish, fruits, vegetable and crop component in the system showed greater employment opportunity and it was almost double than the crop based existing system. The highest employment generation was observed in model 1 (331 man-days/ha/year) as compared to existing system (150 man-days/ha/year). Marked improvement in soil health status (pH, EC, soil organic carbon and NPK) was observed as compared to initial soil status after three years of study.

Weld solidification cracking in a 304L stainless steel water tank

Type 304L stainless steel alloy is known to be highly resistant to solidification cracking. In the present case the particular design of the welded seams in a simple 200 litre water tank, along with the likely manner in which the closing welds were made, has led to an interesting example of interdendritic hot cracking in 304L GTA welded using a 309L filler metal. The paper presents a short introduction to hot cracking in austenitic stainless steels and uses the fractographic evidence to demonstrate that this form of cracking has occurred. The cracking has occurred primarily from excessive residual restraint stresses arising from weld -fit-up and welding practice, combined with the particular sequence of welds made in finally closing the tank.