Numerical simulation on the effects of Ambient velocity and Temperature on solar panel efficiency

In desert regions like Thar located in India, the efficiency and capacity of solar panels is affected by many natural factors like wind velocity, surrounding temperature, dust, humidity etc. The main aim of this research is to find the temperature rise observed in solar panels due to surrounding temperature and wind velocity in the Thar Desert. A solar panel model is constructed for this research. The panel is simulated under three different velocities, 2.23m/s, 6.17m/s and 10.10m/s that are prominently observed in different months of a year in the Thar Desert. The surrounding temperatures considered for the simulation are 22.22°C, 30°C and 45°C respectively. Analysis results are obtained using Ansys simulation software. Based on the result, the ambient temperature and wind velocity can be determined to obtain best efficiency of the solar panel constructed in the Thar Desert.

Constraining the chronology and ecology of Late Acheulean and Middle Palaeolithic occupations at the margins of the monsoon

South Asia hosts the world’s youngest Acheulean sites, with dated records typically restricted to sub-humid landscapes. The Thar Desert marks a major adaptive boundary between monsoonal Asia to the east and the Saharo-Arabian desert belt to the west, making it a key threshold to examine patterns of hominin ecological adaptation and its impacts on patterns of behaviour, demography and dispersal. Here, we investigate Palaeolithic occupations at the western margin of the South Asian monsoon at Singi Talav, undertaking new chronometric, sedimentological and palaeoecological studies of Acheulean and Middle Palaeolithic occupation horizons. We constrain occupations of the site between 248 and 65 thousand years ago. This presents the first direct palaeoecological evidence for landscapes occupied by South Asian Acheulean-producing populations, most notably in the main occupation horizon dating to 177 thousand years ago. Our results illustrate the potential role of the Thar Desert as an ecological, and demographic, frontier to Palaeolithic populations.

Determination of total phenolic, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in Calligonum polygonoides L. from Thar Desert

Aim: The aim of the study was Identification and quantification of phenolic compounds, total flavonoides content and antioxidant potential of flower buds, foliages, bark and root of a perennial herb, Calligonum polygonoides (Phog) of Thar Desert. Methodology: The methanolic extracts of different plant parts of C. polygonoides were subjected to LC-MS/MS (Waters Acquity UPLC-PDA, TQD) analysis for phenolic identification and spectrophotometric assay of total phenolic and flavonoids content and total antioxidant activity was estimated. Results: A total of 15 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified, among which gallic acid content was abundant, followed by catechin. Besides these, the other major phenolic compounds detected in different plant parts were vanillic, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, coumeric acid, catechol, vanillic acid, epicatechin and syringic acid. Extremely higher values were recorded for total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. The values for phenol, flavonoids and total antioxidant activity in bark extracts were higher than that of clove extract. Interpretation: The identified phenolic compounds possess high antioxidant potential. These results provide scientific evidence for use of C. polygonoides as safe natural antioxidant compounds in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industry.

Assessment of Hepatoprotective Potential of Manilkara hexandra STEM Bark: An In-vitro Analysis

Background: Manilkara hexendra (Bignoniaceae) is tree species, privately known as Rohida, found in Thar Desert districts of northwest and western India. The bark acquired from the stem is utilized as a solution for syphilis, urinary issues, amplification of spleen, gonorrhea, leucoderma, and liver infections. The point of this work is to consider the hepatoprotective impact of unrefined Methanolic removal from the bark portions of Manikara hexendra. The methanolic extricate got from bark portions of Manikara hexendra was assessed via cell line study in HepG2 cell line followed in for hepatoprotective movement in rodents by initiating liver harm via paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride. Results: The methanolic extricate at an oral portion of 200 mg/kg displayed a critical (P < 0.05) defensive impact. These biochemical perceptions were enhanced by histopathological assessment of liver areas. The action might be a consequence of the presence of flavonoid mixes. Moreover, the intense harmfulness of the concentrates gave no indications of poisonousness up to a portion level of 2000 mg/kg. Conclusion: It could be inferred that the methanolic concentrate of Manikara hexendra has huge hepatoprotective properties.

The Historical Thar Desert of India

Desert was a ‘no-go area’ and the interactions with it were only to curb and contain the rebelling forces. This article is an attempt to understand the contours and history of Thar Desert of Rajasthan and to explore the features that have kept the various desert states (Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner etc.) and their populace sustaining in this region throughout the ages, even when this region had scarce water resources and intense desert with huge and extensive dunes. Through political control the dynasts kept the social organisation intact which ensured regular incomes for their respective dynasties. Through the participation of various social actors this dry and hot desert evolved as a massive trade emporium. The intense trade activities of Thar Desert kept the imperial centres intact in this agriculturally devoid zone. In the harsh environmental conditions, limited means, resources and the objects, the settlers of this desert were able to create a huge economy that sustained effectively. The economy build by them not only allowed the foundation and formation of the states, it also ensured their continuation and expansion over the centuries. The continuity of the Rajput states in the Thar Desert is sufficient indicators of the fact that this desert was nourishing all of them efficiently. Received: 2 May 2021 / Accepted: 15 June 2021 / Published: 8 July 2021