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The aim of this paper is to develop a probabilistic model for a cold standby system that consists of an imperfect switching device and a servicing facility. The model aims to address the issue of unexpected random failures of the switch by implementing preventive maintenance measures. The system has two identical units. It starts with one unit in active operation and another unit in cold standby mode. In standby mode the unit remains in perfect state. No failure is allowed in standby mode. As the operating unit fails, the standby unit needs to be switched into operation, to keep the system working. A servicing facility is present in the system to perform necessary servicing related tasks. The servicing facility referred to as the server, also takes care of all necessary remedial activities like preventive maintenance and repairs. The switch used as switching mechanism to place the standby unit into operation may found imperfect when needed. Similarly, the server too can fail while doing job. A preventive maintenance scheme is used for the switch whereas treatment is given to server. The method of semi-Markov process and regenerative point technique is used for model developing and solving, respectively. The expressions are derived to determine different system performance measures such as mean time to system failure, availability, busy period, expected number of preventive maintenances and the profit. The distributions of random time elapsed in repairs, replacements, preventive maintenances and treatments are general. This study highlights the usefulness of switch's preventive maintenance in long run. To study the asymptotic behavior of the system model, all the expressions for system performance measures are obtained in steady state. A simulation study is conducted using a presumed data set and assuming a Weibull probability distribution. The numerical results are shown in tabular form. The simulation results serve to highlight the significance of preventive maintenance for the switch. The findings of the paper can provide guidelines to the people engaged in designing, framing and implementing standby switching systems in real applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To know the status of trace minerals in buffaloes from various agro-climatic zones of Jammu division, a baseline survey was conducted. A total of 193 buffalo blood and 169 fodder samples offered during various seasons were collected and analyzed. The average values of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Co in buffalo plasma samples were 14.86, 31.27, 56.05, 1.98 and 3.35 µmol/l, respectively. Sub-clinical deficiency of Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn was recorded among 34.42, 3.22, 7.05 and 11.97% buffalo population. Fodder sample analysis revealed wide variation in the level of trace elements among different fodders and also areas. Level of iron in fodders was adequate; however, Cu deficiency was prevalent among corn stover (55.55%), fodder tree leaves (50%) and Pennisatum typhoides (22.22%). Zn deficiency was recorded among Sorgum spp. (68.75%), corn stover (66.66%), wheat straw (82.5%), Pennisatum typhoides (37.5%), tree leaves (33.33%) and Trifolium alexandrium (15.38%). Mn deficiency was recorded among Sorgum spp. (62.5%), corn stover (66.66%), wheat straw (30.76%) and Pennisatum typhoides (44.44%). Study concluded that area specific mineral mixtures need to be supplemented for enhancing the productive and reproductive potential of buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations were carried out during two consecutive Rabi seasons of 2014 and 2015 at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India to study the spatial distribution of Brevicoryne brassicae in cabbage. One month old cabbage seedlings were planted in the field in the month of November during both the years. Distribution pattern of any insect population is an important aspect as it represents the interaction between individuals of the species and their habitat. Spatial distribution is useful for designing efficient sampling programmes for population estimation and development of population models. Spatial distribution is also important to understand the bioecology of the pest and to determine the sampling protocol for that species. In the present study variance to mean ratio (s2/ X),mean crowding (X*), ratio of mean crowding to mean (X*/X), 'k' of negative binomial, Taylor's power equation (s2 = 0.9099X1.55 during 2014 and s2 = 2.9861X1.1949 during 2015), Iwao's patchiness regression and optimum number of samples (Nopt) required to achieve the desired precision were calculated for different densities. Cabbage aphid, B. brassicae appeared in the fourth standard week i.e last week of January( 26.2 aphids/ plant during 2014 and 0.30 aphids/ plant during 2015) and persisted upto thirteenth standard week i.e last week of April ( 18.4 aphids/ plant during 2014 and 18.2 aphids/ plant during 2015) and followed a negative binomial distribution during both years. Optimum number of samples (Nopt) required varied with mean density as well as precision level. The present study will serve as basic information to develop a sampling plan of B. Brassicae in cabbage for its monitoring and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity of engineering systems makes it challenging to keep them functional without failures for longer interval of time. This task is achieved by adopting effective maintenance strategies and appropriate structure design. So in such cases the functioning of service mechanism and chat of the server becomes essential. The server failure during any maintenance activity may lead to declined availability and hence the profit. In this paper we develop a probabilistic model for a standby system consisting of two identical units and a server subject to failure and treatment. The inspection of failed server reveals feasibility for treatment or replacement. The replacement time of server and switching time of standby is negligible. The failure, repair, inspection and treatment times are assumed as arbitrary. The model is developed using semi-Markov process and the steady state results of interests are derived using regeneration point technique of renewal theory and Laplace transfornations. The practical importance of the study is highlighted through numerical simulation, for a particular case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of subclinical and clinical mastitis on haematological, biochemical and mineral profile of crossbred cattle an investigation was carried. Haematology of animals revealed significantly (P< 0.05) higher average values of TLC in sub-clinically (9.20× 103/μl) and clinically (9.31× 103/μl) infected animals than healthy animals (6.87× 103/μl). Differential leucocytic count revealed neutrophilia and lymphopenia in clinical as well as sub-clinical mastitis (SCM). Biochemical estimations of plasma samples from sub-clinically and clinically infected animals revealed higher average values of TPP (8.44 g/dl and 823 g/dl), albumin (2.447 g/dl and 2.31 g/dl), globulin (5.82 g/dl and 5.93 g/dl) and fibrinogen (0.74 g/dl and 1.21 g/dl) compared with control group (7.44 g/dl, 2.94 g/dl and 4.41 g/dl and 0.60 g/dl, respectively). Mineral estimation revealed significant (P< 0.05) increase in calcium level in sub-clinical (13.45mg/dl) and clinical mastitis (13.149mg/dl) as compared to healthy control (9.44 mg/dl), however, no significant (P> 0.05) change was observed in inorganic phosphorus, Mg, Na and K levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the prevalence of hypophosphatemia in buffaloes Bubalus bubalis from hilly areas in the northwest outer Himalayas of Jammu division covering Shivalik hills and the sub-Himalayan mountains. The researchers analyzed hematological parameters to estimate biochemical and mineral contents including copper, iron, zinc, manganese and cobalt. They measured plasma concentrations of total proteins, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, urea nitrogen and phosphorus.

The article presents a study which assess the haematobiochemical profiles of cows shedding acid-fast bacilli. The cows were tested positive for Johne's disease (JD) in Johnin test and acid-fast bacilli in rectal pinch. The study suggests the prevalence of anemia, in normocytic-normochromic type, in clinically JD cows. It also indicates that biochemical parameters, plasma urea nitrogen, and total cholesterol were low in JD cows.

The aqueous petal-extracts of 20 plants were screened by agar diffusion methods for their antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, a causal organism of black rot of cabbage and cauliflower. X. campestris pv. campestris was found most sensitive to the petal extracts of Tagetes erecta and Chrysanthemum coronarium. Some of the other plants such as Acacia fernesiana, Anthocephalus cadamba, Bombax malabaricum, Lathyrus odoratus, Rosa damascena and Thevetia nerifolia also showed the inhibitory effect against the test bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study assessing the haematobiochemical alterations in crossbed cows which tested positive for Johne's Disease (JD) using the Johnin test, and for acid-fast bacilli using the rectal pinch. The haemotological parameters that were studied from collected blood samples of 45 infected cows included hemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV) and total erythrocyte count (TEC). Results of the study are presented in a table which compare the parameter values exhibited by acid-fast bacilli (AFB) shedding cows against those of normal cows.

The article presents a study on the prevalence of iron deficiency in crossbred cow calves reared on pucca floor in India. For the study, researchers initiated a survey to note the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in 115 crossbred cow calves in the age group of 1-3 months reared on pucca floor. They found 45.2 percent of the calves had iron deficiency, in which 27.8 percent of them had iron deficiency anaemia and 17.4 percent of them had latent iron deficiency.

The article discusses clinical research which aims to examine the presence of gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites and acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in the faeces of crossbred cows with anemia. Clinical symptoms such as weight loss and urine discoloration were recorded and blood samples were collected. Anemia was classified on the basis of hemoglobin and packed cell volume. The study concluded that the major etiology of anemia evolved as anemia of chronic inflammatory diseases.

The article presents a study which examined the effect of seasonal dietary changes on hemogram and iron biochemistry of crossbred cattle in Punjab, India. Blood samples were collected from each group of crossbred cows to estimate red cell parameters and iron metabolism analytes to represent six-periods. The prevalence rate of seasonal anaemia was 40 percent during July to August, 34.2 percent during September to October and 8.82 percent during November to December period. Results revealed that plasma iron concentrations were highest during September to October and November to December and lowest during May to June in all groups. However, the values of total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were highest during May to June and lowest during September to October and November to December periods.

The article presents a study on the socio-economic and the cultural factors responsible for indebtedness among the scheduled castes in Haryana, India. It notes that the respondents' purpose of availing a loan is for productive purposes and the main sources for loan are the landowners or the moneylenders. It states that the low level of income and the high level of investment for productive and consumption are the main causes of indebtedness for any indebted person.

The article discusses the case of a five-year-old male Labrador who was diagnosed with gastric outflow obstruction due to acquired pyloric stenosis. It offered facts about pyloric stenosis. Topics covered include surgical techniques available to treat partial or complete gastric outflow obstruction, details of clinical and laboratory examinations conducted on the dog, and some pre-operative medications administered.

The article presents a study which investigates the prevalence of trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma evansi in horses. The researcher screened blood smears of suspected horses and analyzed the blood sampled for various hemotological parameters which include hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and total erythrocyte count. The researcher indicated that out of 117 horses that were presented for screening, 26 horses were found positive for T. evansi.

The article describes a case of concurrent infection of Mycoplasma haemocanis and Hepatozoon canis in a 7-year-old German Shepherd male dog. The dog was presented at university clinic with history of swelling in the limb and erythematous lesions accompanied with tick infestation. The dog also has a history of treatment with corticosteroids as supportive treatment of Ehrilichia canis. Treatment of M. haemocanis found on red blood cells (RBC) and H. canis in neutrophil is also discussed.

The article describes the case of a Labrador crossbred male dog that had a concurrent infection of canine granulocytic ehrilichiosis and hepatozoonosis with joint affection. Tests showed the presence of morula of Ehrlichia ewingii in neutrophils and gamont of Hepatozoon canis in neutrophil. Symptoms exhibited by the dog are also described, including swollen areas that revealed pain, dissolution of bone, and effusion. The euthanizing of the dog is also cited.

The article discusses the study that compares the bone marrow aspirate examination of anemic and acid fast bacili shedding anemic cows with those of healthy cows for access to the type of anemia on basis of regeneration and bone marrow iron stores. The study found that there was a discrepancy in morphological classification of anemia as determined from calculated red cell indices and from peripheral blood smear examination in the study on chronic anemia in crossbred cattle of Punjab in India.

The article discusses a study which profiled iodine status of buffaloes in the state of Jammu, India. It was noted that the buffaloes' dietary intake of iodine in the area was below the requirement, and that sub-clinical iodine deficiency was highly prevalent. It was also observed that thyroid hormones are not the true index of sub-clinical deficiency.

A case study of secondary hypothyroidism in canines is presented. The study examined an 11-year-old mongrel dog with history of loss of appetite, lethargy, mood swings, irritability, alopecia and pruritis 45 days after the death of a fellow dog. Skin scrapings were negative for mites and fungi. Biochemical profile as well as clinical examination lead to secondary hypothyroidism. A similar diagnosis was given to a 12-year-old Spitz after being separated from the owner.

A total of 132 buffaloes with history of pruritis, ulceration and exudation from ears were examined for ear sores. Flies were seen on body of all animals. Lesions were more concentrated around ears (132/132) with papular or pustular eruptions, exudation, excoriation, incrustation, alopecia, de-pigmentation and nodules. Ear lesions were more unilateral (94/132) as compared to bilateral (38/132). Distribution of other lesions were around eyes (25/132), on wither (16/132), teat and udder (9/132) of affected buffaloes. Impression smears and scrapings were collected from ears and other body lesions for diagnosis. Blood samples were collected from 10 ear sores affected buffaloes and 6 healthy buffaloes for haematobiochemical parameters. Impression smear revealed microfilaria, whereas scrapings revealed some microfilarial stages of StephanofUaria. It was confirmed as filiaria by expert and suggested for further investigations. Hemogram showed absolute eosinophilia. Biochemical parameters showed significant increase in globulin, whereas TPP, albumin showed significant decrease as compared to healthy buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with a study which investigated transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) in 19 dogs of various breeds and both sexes. Topics discussed include the findings that TVT are most prevalent neoplasia of the genitalia and extra genitalia of dogs, the use of cytology as a quick technique for diagnosis of TVT, and the effectiveness of intravenous administration of Vincristinup in therapeutic management of TVT in dogs.

The article presents a case study of a six years old pluriparous goat which was found to have a mummified and live fetus in its vagina. It states that vaginal lubrication has been conducted using a sterile liquid paraffin to remove the placental membranes. It adds that the live fetus kid was treated with dextrose injection after expulsion and fetal membranes removal.

This article describes a case study of artificial induction of lactation in a hydroaminotic five-year-old Holstein Friesian cross-bred cow. The cow was presented in a veterinary hospital with history of full-term pregnancy, colic and distension of abdomen and regression of udder. It was treated with subcutaneous infections of Estradiol and progesterone.

The article presents a case of a Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in an adult horse. A 5-years-old horse was presented with a history of decreased appetite, purulent nasal discharge, and coughing. The horse had not responded to amoxicillin and cloxacillin treatment and died on the fifth day. Post-mortem examination was the conducted wherein found and confirmed were the anteroventral consolidation of lungs and presence of Rhodococcus equi.

The article presents the study which examined the therapeutic management of acute canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (ACME) in dogs. In the study, dogs presented in government veterinary clinics and private clinics in Jammu, India during August 2007-January 2012 were examined. The dogs, which have a history of such diseases as depression, fever and lameness, were screened for rickketesial infection.

The article presents the case of three dogs aged four, 10 and 13 months that were presented to private clinics and university in India during January 2010-January 2011 due to several papillomatous growths from their mucous membrane, difficulty in eating, bleeding and halitosis. They were diagnosed with canine oral papilloma and were treated with Azithromycin.

The article presents several cases of bromadiolone poisoning in dogs. In the first case, a two years old Retriever dog was presented with a history of anorexia, lethargy, and black colored faeces, among others, after eating a dead and dying rodents. The dog was diagnosed with secondary poisoning of bromadiolone. The other cases involved a six years old German Shepherd and a four months old mongrel dog.

The article discusses the study documenting blood transfusion reactions in canines with different types of anaemia after whole blood transfusion. The study found an overall occurrence of blood transfusion reactions at 29.29 percent with 13.79 percent experiencing febrile reaction, and 10.34 percent with allergic reactions. The other adverse reactions recorded during or after whole blood transfusion include hiccups at 50 percent, emesis at 16.66 percent, and salivation at 66.6 percent.

The article discusses torticollis or wry neck, a primary neurological sign indicative of central or peripheral vestibular dysfunction in adult rabbits due to bacterial otitis. Head tilt resulting from otitis media was attributed to Staphylococcus aureus, Psudomonas aueroginosa, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogens. The study showed that after receiving treatment with enrofloxacin, the affected rabbits recovered uneventfully without any complications.

The article highlights a study which examined the outbreak of the skin disease cowpox in different dairy farms in Jammu region, India. Lactating cows were found to have the highest morbidity, followed by suckling calves and pregnant cows. Enrofloxacin was administered to the infected animals, along with supportive therapy of Meloxicam. No mortality was reported during the outbreak.

The article presents a case report of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) in Dzos of Jammu, India. Eye lesions in eight Dzos were investigated. Particularly, bulbar, palpebral conjunctiva mucous membranes, sclera and cornea were examined for lesions, discharge and foreign bodies. Treatments given included eye wash with two percent boric acid solution, chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline drugs. The identified flies or vector were Haematobia and Musca spp.