Photometric and spectroscopic evolution of type II-P supernova SN 2004A

We present optical photometry and spectroscopy of the normal type IIP supernova SN2004A, which was discovered in the galaxy NGC 6207 on 2004 January 9.84UT. Early observations indicated that the supernova was discovered at about two weeks since explosion. We estimate the distance to NGC 6207 to be 20.35 ± 4.5 Mpc using the Standard Candle method. Using this distance, we estimate the ejected nickel mass in the explosion to be 0.032 ± 0.02 M☉. The plateau luminosity, its duration (about 80 days) and the expansion velocity of the supernova ejecta at the middle of the plateau indicate an explosion energy of 4.7 ± 2.7 × 1050 ergs and an ejected envelope mass of 7.2 ± 2.2 M☉. The ejected envelope mass implies a main sequence mass of 10 ± 2.5M☉ for the progenitor

Development of CCME WQI model for the groundwater appraisal for drinking in Basaltic terrain of Kadava River basin, Nashik, India

1933-1940In this study, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Water Quality Index (CCMEWQI) model has been used to ascertain the groundwater suitability for drinking in Kadava River basin located in Nashik district, Maharashtra. Therefore, forty (40) representative groundwater samples were collected from different dug/bore well during Pre (PRM) and Post (POM) monsoon seasons of 2011 and analyzed by standard procedures of APHA. The parameters like pH, EC, TDS, TH, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, F, SO4 and NO3 were considered to compute the CCME WQI model. The results of CCME WQI values inferred that 7.5 % in PRM and 17.5 % samples in POM seasons fall in poor category. Moreover, 77.5 % and 60 % samples fall in marginal category in PRM and POM seasons. While, 15 % and 22.5 % samples came under fair category in PRM and POM seasons. Spatial distribution maps illustrated that North, Central and South regions are identified as vulnerable for drinking; hence, unfit for drinking. In a nutshell, groundwater quality is significantly deteriorated because of agricultural practices and anthropogenic activities, therefore appropriate monitoring along with proper remedial measures is essential to sustain the groundwater quality in the river basin

The broad line type Ic supernova SN 2007ru: Adding to the diversity of type Ic supernovae

Photometric and spectral evolution of the Type Ic supernova SN 2007ru until around 210 days after maximum are presented. The spectra show broad spectral features due to very high expansion velocity, normally seen in hypernovae. The photospheric velocity is higher than other normal Type Ic supernovae. It is lower than SN 1998bw at $\sim$ 8 days after the explosion, but is comparable at later epochs. The light curve evolution of SN 2007ru indicates a fast rise time of 8$\pm$3 days to $B$ band maximum and post-maximum decline more rapid than other broad-line Type Ic supernovae. With an absolute $V$ magnitude of -19.06, SN 2007ru is comparable in brightness with SN 1998bw and lies at the brighter end of the observed Type Ic supernovae. The ejected mass of \Nifs is estimated to be \sim0.4\Msun. The fast rise and decline of the light curve and the high expansion velocity suggest that SN 2007ru is an explosion with a high kinetic energy/ejecta mass ratio ($E_{\rm K}/M_{\rm {ej}}$). This adds to the diversity of Type Ic supernovae. Although the early phase spectra are most similar to those of broad-line SN 2003jd, the [OI] line profile in the nebular spectrum of SN 2007ru shows the singly-peaked profile, in contrast to the doubly-peaked profile in SN 2003jd. The singly-peaked profile, together with the high luminosity and the high expansion velocity, may suggest that SN 2007ru could be an aspherical explosion viewed from the polar direction. Estimated oxygen abundance 12 + log(O/H) of $\sim$8.8 indicates that SN 2007ru occurred in a region with nearly solar metallicity.Comment: 9 pages, 10 figures, emulateapj style, later observations are included, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journa

Photometric and spectroscopic evolution of type II-P supernova SN 2004A

We present optical photometry and spectroscopy of the normal type IIP supernova SN2004A, which was discovered in the galaxy NGC 6207 on 2004 January 9.84UT. Early observations indicated that the supernova was discovered at about two weeks since explosion. We estimate the distance to NGC 6207 to be 20.35 \pm 4.5 Mpc using the Standard Candle method. Using this distance, we estimate the ejected nickel mass in the explosion to be 0.032 \pm 0.02M\odo\cdot. The plateau luminosity, its duration (about 80 days) and the expansion velocity of the supernova ejecta at the middle of the plateau indicate an explosion energy of 4.7 \pm 2.7 x 10^50 ergs and an ejected envelope mass of 7.2 \pm 2.2M\odot\cdot . The ejected envelope mass implies a main sequence mass of 10 2.5\pm M\odot\cdot for the progenitor

The Broad-Line Type Ic Supernoava SN 2007ru: Adding To The Diversity Of Type Ic Supernovae

Photometric and spectral evolution of the Type Ic supernova SN 2007ru until around 210 days after maximum are presented. The spectra show broad spectral features due to very high expansion velocity, normally seen in hypernovae. The photospheric velocity is higher than other normal Type Ic supernovae (SNe Ic). It is lower than SN 1998bw at similar to 8 days after the explosion, but is comparable at later epochs. The light curve (LC) evolution of SN 2007ru indicates a fast rise time of 8 +/- 3 days to B-band maximum and postmaximum decline more rapid than other broad-line SNe Ic. With an absolute V magnitude of -19.06, SN 2007ru is comparable in brightness with SN 1998bw and lies at the brighter end of the observed SNe Ic. The ejected mass of Ni-56 is estimated to be similar to 0.4 M-circle dot. The fast rise and decline of the LC and the high expansion velocity suggest that SN 2007ru is an explosion with a high kinetic energy/ejecta mass ratio (E-K/M-ej). This adds to the diversity of SNe Ic. Although the early phase spectra are most similar to those of broad-line SN 2003jd, the [O I] line profile in the nebular spectrum of SN 2007ru shows the singly peaked profile, in contrast to the doubly peaked profile in SN 2003jd. The singly peaked profile, together with the high luminosity and the high expansion velocity, may suggest that SN 2007ru could be an aspherical explosion viewed from the polar direction. Estimated oxygen abundance 12 + log(O/H) of similar to 8.8 indicates that SN 2007ru occurred in a region with nearly solar metallicity

Investigation on the Combustion Behavior of Coal at Various Level of Washing in TGA and Drop Tube Furnace

Cleaning of coal resulted in ash reduction, heat value enhancement, increased reactive maceral content and change in ash composition influencing combustion performance. With washed fractions, trends of improved combustion behavior were observed in thermo-gravimetric analyser, which was not always reflected correspondingly in bench scale combustor, i.e. drop tube furnace (DTF). Lower burnout efficiency in DTF was observed when top port char particles were totally masked by defused mineral matter. Higher burnout efficiency was observed with tenui ballon/ sphere type of char structure partially covered by defused mineral matter. Overall improvement of combustion performance also led to CO2 emission reduction

Risk Factors Associated with Tuberculosis Infection Among Household Children Contacts of Sputum Smear Positive Tuberculosis Cases

Background: India has highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) globally. The source of infection for children is usually an adult in their household with active TB. Only few studies have been carried out among household children contacts of active TB patients in India to assess the risk factors of infection among children. Aim and Objective: To study the risk factors of TB infection among household children contacts of sputum positive patients. Material and Methods: We conducted study on 200 household children contacts (1-15 years) of sputum positive patients registered at DOTS centers in Lucknow district, Uttar Pradesh. Stratified sampling was done. A semi structured questionnaire was administered to collect the information. Infection in children was assessed by TST (Mantoux test). Results: TST positivity in children of TST positivity was associated with female index case (p=0.027), lower socioeconomic status (p=0.011), overcrowding (0.008) and duration of symptoms before treatment (p<0.001). Among the factors of children, age >6 years, duration of stay with index case >10 hours/day and malnutrition were significantly associated. Conclusion: The study concludes that TB infection among children is significantly associated with various factors related to index case, susceptible host and environment, which can be intervened to prevent TB infection in children