Heat and mass transfer of an oscillatory flow with Hall current

In the first part of these notes new expressions—simpler than any previously obtained—are presented in integral form for the derivatives of the α _n ⁰ -functions (required for an interpretation of the observed light changes of eclipsing variables) with respect to the fractional radiir _{1, 2} and projected separation δ of their centres in terms of the modified Bessel functionsK _{0, 1} (x) of the second kind; and utilized for establishing new asymptotic formulae for the computation of ‘boundary integrals’ of the formJ _?1 ⁰ ,n(μ). In the second part of this paper, by a resort to bi-polar coordinates, we shall establish a new type of expansions for the α _n ⁰ -functions valid for any type of eclipses, and converging faster than the expansions of the cross-correlation integral of the form (1) for α _n ⁰ that have so far been established.     

Energy spectrum and time variations of hard X-rays from Cyg X-1

Experimental results on the intensity, energy spectrum and time variations in hard X-ray emission from Cyg X-1 based on a balloon observation made on 1971, April 6 from Hyderabad (India) are described. The average energy spectrum of Cyg X-1 in the 22–154 keV interval on 1971 April 6 is best represented by a power law dN/dE=(5.41±1.53)E ^{–(1.92±0.10)} photons cm^–2s^–1 keV^–1 which is in very good agreement with the spectrum of Cyg X-1 derived from an earlier observation made by us on 1969 April 16 in the 25–151 keV band and given by dN/dE=(3.54±2.44)E ^{–(1.89±0.22)} photons cm^–2s^–1 keV^–1. A thermal bremsstrahlung spectrum fails to give a good fit over the entire energy range for both the observations. Comparison with the observations of other investigators shows that almost all balloon experiments consistently give a spectrum of E ^–2, while below 20 keV the spectrum varies fromE ^–1.7 toE ^–5. There is some indication of a break in the Cyg X-1 spectrum around 20 keV. Spectral analysis of data in different time intervals for the 1971 April 6 flight demonstrates that while the source intensity varies over time scales of a few minutes, there is no appreciable variation in the spectral slope. Analysis of various hard X-ray observations for long term variations shows that over a period of about a week the intensity of Cyg X-1 varies upto a factor of four. The binary model proposed by Dolan is examined and the difficulties in explaining the observed features of Cyg X-1 by this model are pointed out.     

Time variations of hard X-rays from Sco X-1

Simultaneous hard X-ray and optical observations of Sco X-1 were carried out on 1971 May 1 at Hyderabad, India, when Sco X-1 was optically bright. The X-ray intensity observed by balloon-borne counter telescopes increased in coincidence with optical enhancements, while the plasma temperature derived by fitting the X-ray spectrum in the energy range 20–40 keV to the thermal bremsstrahlung spectrum did not appreciably change over the whole period of observation.     

Landscape characterization of Sariska National Park (India) and its surroundings

Landscape characterization gives an overall information on the status of Land Use and Land Cover(LULC),changes in its composition and the impact of natural and human influences operating at different spatial and temporal scales.This information can be used to monitor changes in natural forest resources and protected areas,delineate potential conservation areas and can serve in effective management of ecologically fragile landscapes.In the present study,geo-spatial tools were used to characterize the landscape of Sariska National Park and its surroundings.Satellite data was used to prepare LULC maps for 1989 and 2000,change detection analysis and computation of landscape metrics.Climatic data,field records and modeling tools were used to map the po-tential spread of two invasive species,Prosopis juliflora and Adhatoda vasica.The results show that the forest area increased from 1989 to 2000,indicating better management practices.Landscape metrics(PAFRAC,PLADJ and AI)also support this argument.Improvements in the degraded forest can further enhance this effect.The entire reserve however is suitable for the invasion of P.juliflora and A.vasica but is more pronounced in Boswellia serrata and Anogeissus pendula-Acacia catechu(open)forests.A detailed landscape characterization map can help forest managers to make important policy decisions concerning issues such as in-vasive species.     

Reduction of structural Fe(III) in nontronite by methanogen Methanosarcina barkeri

Clay minerals and methanogens are ubiquitous and co-exist in anoxic environments, yet it is unclear whether methanogens are able to reduce structural Fe(III) in clay minerals. In this study, the ability of methanogen Methanosarcina barkeri to reduce structural Fe(III) in iron-rich smectite (nontronite NAu-2) and the relationship between iron reduction and methanogenesis were investigated. Bioreduction experiments were conducted in growth medium using three types of substrate: H₂/CO₂, methanol, and acetate. Time course methane production and hydrogen consumption were measured by gas chromatography. M. barkeri was able to reduce structural Fe(III) in NAu-2 with H₂/CO₂ and methanol as substrate, but not with acetate. The extent of bioreduction, as measured by the 1,10-phenanthroline method, was 7-13% with H₂/CO₂ as substrate, depending on nontronite concentration (5-10 g/L). The extent was higher when methanol was used as a substrate, reaching 25-33%. Methanogenesis was inhibited by Fe(III) reduction in the H₂/CO₂ culture, but enhanced when methanol was used. High charge smectite and biogenic silica formed as a result of bioreduction. Our results suggest that methanogens may play an important role in biogeochemical cycling of iron in clay minerals and may have important implications for the global methane budget.     

A synoptic-climatic study of the onset of southwest monsoon over Mumbai

Surface and upper air synoptic features prevailing at the time of onset of southwest monsoon over Mumbai have been examined for a period of 50 years from 1947 to 1996. These synoptic situations have been found to fall under three broad categories. The study shows that on about 66% of the occasions, the onset of monsoon over Mumbai is caused by low pressure area forming over southeast and east central Arabian Sea as they move northwards, while on 28% of the occasions, the onset is due to the low pressure systems forming over northwest/head Bay of Bengal and their movement towards northwest/west northwest. Based on the findings of the study and the climatological aspects, a criterion for declaring onset over Mumbai has been suggested.     

Urban land consolidation: a review of policy and procedures in Indonesia and other Asian countries

Many Asian mega-cities are growing rapidly and they face formidable urban problems: unplanned squatter settlements, inadequate infrastructure and basic amenities. Smaller Asian urban areas also need badly the provision of basic infrastructure and facilities. However, efforts to improve are often constrained by either nonavailability of suitable land or its exorbitant cost. Strategies such as land consolidation have shown considerable promise. Implementation of the strategy varies from country to country and from project to project. In general, the land consolidation approach is participatory in nature and places emphasis on in situ development with voluntary contribution of private assets by affected households in need of infrastructure and basic services. However, to make any significant impact of the land consolidation strategy on urban development, financial support from multilateral agencies such as the World Bank is necessary. To enable this it is necessary that the policy and implementation procedures fully conform to the objectives of the World Bank's safeguard policies such as OD 4.30 `Involuntary Resettlement'. This study reviews the land consolidation policies and procedures as applied in several Asian countries in general, and in Indonesia in particular. The objective is to identify the gaps that exist between the policy and procedures and that of the objectives of the World Bank's Policy of Involuntary resettlement and to recommend general policy and procedural guidelines for land consolidation projects that would enable financial support from multilateral agencies such as the World Bank. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

X-rays from supernovae remants 3C 400.2 (≡ G53.7-2.2) and MSH 15-56

Detection of two new soft X-ray sources and their identification with the supernova remnants (RNRs) 3C400.2 and MSH 15-56, is reported. From the observed X-ray flux in the 0.7–2.0 keV energy range, the X-ray luminosity of 3C400.2 is derived to be in the range of (2.7–5.3)×10³⁵ ergs s^?1 and that of MSH 15-56 in the range of (0.9–1.6)×10³⁵ ergs s^?1. If we use the standard adiabatic shockwave model for the SNR's, an age of ～(1.4–3.2)×10⁴ yr is derived for 3C400.2 whereas MSH 15-56 is found to be younger of an age of (5–10)×10³ yr.