013597   Pradhan M;Pradhan R;Dhekne P Y (NO, , ) : Fragpred: an automated solution for rock fragmentation prediction. Indian Min Engng J 2007, 46(1), 20-4.

Optimization of blast design is a continuous process. One of the purposes of optimization is to obtain rock fragmentation in desired range. The blast parameters are so optimized that the predicted fragmentation is nearer to the preferred one. Modified Kuz- Ram model is universally accepted for the prediction of fragmentation. Nonetheless, use of this model for prediction of fragmentation entails numerous lengthy and complicated calculations, which is impractical for a field engineer. This has made it necessary to develop a software, which not only predicts the fragmentation but also facilitates to mutate the blast design according to the requirements on fragmentation. This paper discusses the development of such a software, which is user friendly. The software predicts the fragmentation for given conditions and helps to modify the blast design for desired results. The input data is as per the requirement of Modified Kuz-Ram model and output in the form of size distribution for various percentage of mass passing is presented. Thus, software will offer a practical solution to the day-today problem of fragmentation prediction and subsequent blast optimization.

4 illus, 1 table

013596   Pradeep Kumar J;Thanikachalam J;Bhuvanasekar G (School of Mechanical Engg., Sastra Univ, Thanjavur) : Design of experimental approach to determine the effect of process parameters on depth of penetration in laser beam welding. Mfg Technol Today 2008, 7(6), 19-23.

Accurately complied statistics help to achieve process efficiency in manufacturing activities, which in turn results in modernized production methods. The laser welding which is one of the modern manufacturing tools has the output variables which are characterized with parameters like depth of penetration and bead width in addition to the qualitative metallurgical factors. Laser input parameters like beam power, beam angle and welding speed are observed to have an influence on the output parameter of depth of penetration. A solid state Nd: YAG laser system with 2 kW capacity at WRI is used for conducting the experimental study. The effect of input process parameters on the depth of penetration have been investigated using full factorial design of experiments, employing orthogonal array technique. The individual and interactive effect of input parameters on the depth of penetration is studied in detail for AISI 304 grade stainless steel. Using Analysis of Variance (ANNOVA), the significance of input parameters is evaluated. The effect of input parameters on the depth of penetration is arrived at in the form of second degree polynomial equation using orthogonal contrast coefficients.

8 tables, 7 ref

013595   Paul A;Singh A K;Kumar N;Rao D G (NO, Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research, Barwa Road, Dhanbad-826 001) : Empirical approach for estimation of rock load in development workings of room and pillar mining. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(3), 214-6.

Develops relationship between rock loads of galleries and junctions in coalmines. Study was extended further to infer relation between CMRI RMR and rock load of galleries and junctions for formulation of optimum design of support system for stability of openings in Indian coalmines.

013594   Pandey V K;Pandey P C;Sarvaiya J N (BME Group, Bio School, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400 076, Email: vinodpandey@iitb.ac.in) : Impedance simulator for testing of instruments for bioimpedance sensing. IETE J Res 2008, 54(3), 203-7.

Bioimpedance sensing is a noninvasive technique for measuring parameters related to tissue structure or physiological events. Generally, the impedance is sensed by injecting a high frequency low intensity current through a pair of electrodes placed across the selected region of the body and monitoring the voltage developed across the same or another pair of electrodes. The base value of the impedance and its variation can be used, with the help of an appropriate model, for obtaining diagnostic information. For testing and calibration of instruments developed for bioimpedance sensing, we have developed an impedance simulator by using a microcontroller and analog switches. It can be used for measuring sensitivity and frequency response for bioimpedance signals, and for studying the effect of various electrode configurations and common mode interference caused by bioelectric sources and external pickups.

3 illus, 11 ref

013593   Ozturk A;Aydin K;Sahin B;Pinarbasi A (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Engineering Faculty, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, 58140, Turkey) : Effect of impeller-diffuser radial gap ratio in a centrifugal pump. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(3), 203-13.

Effects of flow behavior in a non-traditional centrifugal pump, whose diffuser was subjected to different radial gaps, were investigated numerically using multi-purpose FLUENT code. Flow was assumed to be three dimensional, viscous and incompressible. RNG with standard near-wall functions was used. Centrifugal pump had a five backward curved-bladed impeller running at 890 rpm and a nine vaned diffuser. Investigations for three different radial gaps (10%, 15%, 20%) have been carried out for 15 different volume flow rates. For present pump, 20% radial gap is found most suitable for pressure fluctuations.

013592   Nalawade P;Aware B;Kadam V J;Hirlekar R S (NO, Bharati Vidyapeeth's College of Pharmacy, Sec-8, C B D Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400 614) : Layered double hydroxides: a review. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(4), 267-72.

Combination of two-dimensional layered materials and intercalation technique offers a new area for developing nanohybrids with desired functionality. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are mineral and synthetic materials with positively charged brucite type layers of mixed metal hydroxides. Exchangeable anions located in interlayer spaces compensate for positive charge of brucite type layer. Since most biomolecules are negatively charged, can be incorporated between LDHs. A number of cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory agents are either carboxylic acids or carboxylic derivatives and could be ion exchanged with LDHs to have controlled release. LDHs have technological importance in catalysis, separation technology, medical science and nanocomposite material engineering.

013591   Muthukumar M;Alagarasan C (NO, , R&D, System Integration, Group, Astra Microwave Products Ltd, Hyderabad-500 005, Email: alagarasanrf@gmail.com) : Design of a high-performance microstrip array antenna with coplanar corporate feed network for long-range RFID system. IETE J Res 2008, 54(2), 149-54.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology deployed in all areas of automatic data capture which allows contact-less identification of objects via Radio Frequency (RF). The Current applications range from industrial automation to access control, from animal identification to e-Passport, from medical applications to ticketing and inventory tracking. RFID technology solutions are acquiring much attention in research and development projects of large corporations. RFID is a major growth area in auto identification applications, providing the technology behind contact-less smart card, production automation and the electronic supply chain. In this paper a 16-element (4x4) transmitting array antenna and 4 element (1x4) receiver array antenna with their printed feed network on same plane is designed for high-performance long range RFID Reader operating at 2.403GHz ISM band. The Receiver receives the back scattered signal from RF Tag i.e. 4806 MHz, and the predicted radiation patterns, return-loss, VSWR, directivity and gain are presented, good agreement with measured results are obtained. The design is verified by fabricating the array antenna on a PTFE Glass Fiber -RT Duriod 5870(ε_r=2.33) with a thickness of 62 mils (1.575 mm).

10 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

013590   Muralidhar K V;Divya K;Renji K;Srinivasan R K (Spacecraft Structures Group, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore-560 017) : Improvements in the superelement method of structural analysis for spacecraft applications. J Spacecraft Technol 2009, 19(1), 32-42.

Finite element based structural analysis of complex structures are often performed using the concepts of superelements. Though these concepts are incorporated in commercial software packages, it is seen that there are several limitations, especially in estimating the interior responses of the superelements, which are very essential for spacecraft applications. Therefore several procedures/programs are developed for the above purposes. A few of them are described. First a detailed insight to the dynamic analysis procedures using superelements is presented. Detailed description on output transformation matrices and their use in estimating the responses of the superelements are explained. The limitations in general-purpose software packages in carrying out the superelement analysis are highlighted and procedures/programs developed to overcome these limitations are discussed. Results of several examples from spacecraft applications are presented explaining the advantages.

11 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

013589   Murali Mohan G;Niraj Kumar;Rao D G;Sinha A (NO, Central Mining Research Institute, Barwa Road, Dhanbad) : In situ stresses in the earth's crust. Indian Min Engng J 2007, 46(1), 13-19.

The stress distribution and hence the stability of underground workings depends to a large extent on the direction and magnitude of in situ stress field at the location. It is therefore important that field measurements of in situ stresses must be made in all major and important projects. Errors in input of this important parameter may result in serious design errors, which have direct impact on safety and economy of the operation.

5 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

013588   Murali Krishna V N B;SubbaRao K;SubbaRao S V; KesavaRaju V;Rao D M (Mission Development Group, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore-560 017) : Payload program system of cartosat-2 mission. J Spacecraft Technol 2009, 19(1), 43-50.

A ground based operational software system to efficiently plan payload user requests for handling and operating cartographic satellites is presented. The primary aim of the Payload Program System (PPS) is generation of spacecraft payload sequencing commands for imaging the area of user interest. The secondary aim is to image maximum number of user requested Area Of Interests (AOI) in pass-wise sequence, by arranging the requests in one orbit and also optimally using the spacecraft resources. The PPS system consists of several modules viz. Proposal Generator(PG), Clash Checker(CC), Single Pass-wise sequencer(UIT), Day-wise sequencer(Master scheduler), Schedule and Status Generator(SSG). The function of PG is to generate day wise imaging feasibilities for the requested AOIs with feasible dates from considerations of spacecraft orbit. The module CC resolves the feasible dates against the already committed user dates. The module UIT selects from many contesting request strips, the maximum number of possible strips limited to a maximum of 16 strips. The payload Day wise sequencing module decides sessions for orbits of the day. The day-wise sequence auto program selects the strips based on their weightage indicated by assigned priorities and upgraded priorities. Further an option is built-in to select the feasible strips of the session in manual mode by PPS programmers. Under manual programming at the end of previous strip, the user is shown all the feasible strips from which, user can select the strips of choice as the next strip. The day-wise program outputs are convened into the spacecraft command codes in Command Sequence Generator (CSG) at spacecraft control center. The status of request and its tasking will be communicated to the user as feedback by SSG. Scheduling Messages are generated at SSG end to all the participating ground stations to inform the real time/playback data reception schedules. As an additional feature, the PPS system also caters to the urgent requests efficiently with an inbuilt provision. The entire PPS has been conceived, designed, implemented and operationalised for Cartosat-II and has been found to satisfactorily perform since launch.

13 illus, 2 tables

013587   Mulay A G (NO, , Dynawall Conveying & Elevating Co.Pvt.Ltd., Mumbai) : Conveyor belts for bulk solids handling industry. Process Pl Engng 2007, 25(2), 35-9.

The chemical industry has provided conveyor belt manufacturers with a market basket of synthetic reinforcement and elastomers to meet the customer's needs. Manufacturers, engineering firms and consultants have advanced the state of the art through advanced conveyor belt design, new technology, and improved system engineering to truly make the conveyor belt the prime mover, and economical, performance-proven, highly reliable means of transporting materials.

5 illus, 2 tables

013586   Mitra S;Chaudhuri B B;Mitra M (Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203, BT Road, Kolkata-700 108, Email: sucharita_r@isical.ac.in) : Simple online histogram and pattern recognition based ECG analyzer. IETE J Res 2008, 54(3), 241-8.

Combination of histogram and heuristic rule based approaches are used for detection of different patterns of ECG waves and extraction of few important time -plane features, which are used for ECG interpretation and classification. At first, an efficient, simple and new approach for detection of base line and QRS complexes from the horizontal and vertical histogram of ECG images plotted on computer screen is described. The vertical and horizontal histograms are generated from the computation of number of ordinates for a particular abscissa at the vertical and horizontal direction respectively. The base line is determined at the maximum of the horizontal histogram whereas QRS or R peaks are determined from the local maximas of the maximum area zone of vertical histograms. A high accuracy is achieved for both the cases (99.5% for QRS and 92% for base line). This method is advantageous for onscreen pictorial analysis because both QRS and base lines can be determined directly from computer screen ECG data without use of complex mathematical models, even when ECGs are tilted due to respiration and disturbed in the presence of power line oscillation. After detection of R points and base points, an efficient algorithm is developed using priory knowledge of different patterns of ECG wave for detection of P, Q, R, S and T waves and their different attributes which are useful for ECG interpretation.

4 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

013585   Mehta S S;Lingayat N S (Electrial Engineering Dep, J N Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 011, Email: ssmehta_58@rediffmail.com) : SVM based QRS detection in electrocardiogram using signal entropy. IETE J Res 2008, 54(3), 231-40.

Two algorithms are presented for the detection of QRS-complexes in Electrocardiogram (ECG). The first uses single lead ECG at a time for the detection of QRS-complexes, while the second uses 12-lead simultaneously recorded ECG The ECG signal is filtered using digital filtering techniques to remove power line interference and base line wander. Support Vector Machine (SVM) is used as a classifier for detection of QRS-complexes in ECG. Using the standard CSE data-set 3, both the algorithms performed highly effectively. The performance of the algorithm with sensitivity (Se) of 99.70% and positive prediction (+P) of 97.75% is achieved when tested using single lead ECG. It improves to 99.93% and 99.13% respectively for simultaneously recorded 12-lead ECG signal. The percentage of false positive and false negative is low. The proposed algorithm performs better as compared with published results of other QRS-detectors tested on the same database.

8 illus, 25 ref

013584   Mandal A;Samanta S;Roy K;Roy B;Astitwa K (Mechanical Engg Dep, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli, Email: amitava03@gmail.com) : Parametric optimization of pulsed ND:YAG laser micro-grooving of alumina through an artificial neural network model. Mfg Technol Today 2008, 7(6), 3-9.

Pulsed Nd:YAG laser beam has great ability for micro-machining of ceramic materials because of high laser beam intensity at low mean beam power, good focusing characteristics due to very small pulse duration, small kerf widths and narrow heat affected zones. Micro-grooving of alumina ceramic plate by pulsed Nd: YAG laser beam machine is studied. Selection of optimum machining parameter combinations for obtaining accuracy is the challenging task in laser micro-grooving operation. Nowadays several numerical methods are widely used for either modeling or optimizing the performance of the manufacturing technologies. That has been advanced due to the large diffusion of the personal computer and the numerical algorithms. To develop an appropriate machining strategy for obtaining most accurate dimension of the micro-groove and to prepare a database for assistance during laser micro-grooving operation. A feed-forward back-propagation neural network is developed to model machining process. The three most important process parameters - lower width, upper width and depth of the groove- have been considered as measures of process performance. The model is capable of predicting the response parameters as a function of five different control parameters i.e. lamp current, pulse frequency, pulse width of the duty cycle, assist air pressure and cutting speed.

2 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

013583   Lautre N K;Manna A (Mechanical Engg Dep, Punjab Engg. College (DU), Chandigarh, Email: nfl_123@rediffmail.com) : Analysis of cutting speed and surface roughness through WEDM operation on E0300 alloy steel using anova. Mfg Technol Today 2008, 7(6), 10-14.

Presents the experimental investigation into the influence of WEDM parameters on cutting speed, upper and lower portion of machined surface roughness. The effect of cutting parameters on the machining characteristics are experimentally and theoretically investigated during machining of thick Eo300 alloy steel by Electronica Sprintcut 734-WEDM. The basic aim of this investigation is to understand the effect of the machining characteristics on cutting speed and surface roughness. Taguchi methods based L₁₈ mixed orthogonal array is used to determine S/N ratio and analysis of Variance and 'F' test values for indicating the significant parameters affecting the WEDM performance. The significant parameters are optimized and verified through confirmation from the seven selected reference setting parameters. Investigations were carried out considering the upper portion and the lower portion of the machined workpiece for the analysis of upper and lower surface roughness of anode and cathode. SEM results are also studied for the machined wire.

3 illus, 7 tables, 11 ref

013582   Kundu P;Das A (Electrical Engineering Dep, Jadavpur University, Kolkata-700 032) : Microprocessor-based system for identification of phase sequence and detection of phase unbalance of three-phase ac supply. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(7), 597-604.

A prototype detection system based on 8085 microprocessor / 8751 microcontroller has been developed for identification of phase sequence and detection of phase unbalance. System principle compares self-generating code by hardware circuit with pre-defined specific codes corresponding to positive and negative sequences for successful match in each measuring cycle. System is also capable in detecting phase unbalance, if any. Rule based intricate software algorithm is developed and operates within a cycle. Processor generates signals for detecting phase sequence and phase unbalance up to a recommended value.

013581   Kshirsagar M P (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Bhilai Institute of Technology, Durg-49100) : Experimental study for improving energy efficiency of charcoal stove. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(5), 412-7.

Describes design steps with experiments carried out for charcoal stove (SEES) to interlink efficiency and various design parameters. Important parameters affecting energy efficiency are amount of air supplied (flue gas temp.), retention time of flue gas in stove, insulation and skirt gap. Skirt gap is most important parameter for higher efficiency of SEES prototype.

013580   Kolahan F;Sharifinya A (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, PO Box 91775-111, Mashhad, Iran) : Simultaneous job scheduling and tool replacement based on tool reliability by proposed Tabu-SA algorithm. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(6), 496-504.

Addresses integrated job scheduling and tool replacement problems in a single machine environment with objectives to determine optimal job sequence, tool selection for operation, tool replacement schedule, and number of spares for each tool type, in such a way that total expected production cost is minimized. Since problem is NP-hard, a hybrid algorithm [Tabu-simulated annealing (SA)] is proposed to simultaneously provide job sequencing, tool replacement intervals and number of spare tools required. Tabu-SA is examined and results are compared by solving a real-sized example problem.

013579   Kirtane R D;Suryawanshi P C;Patil M R; Chaudhari A B;Kothari R M (NO, Jain Hi-Tech Agri Institute, Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd (JISL), Jalgaon-425 001) : Optimization of organic loading rate for different fruit wastes during biomethanization. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(3), 252-5.

Anaerobic microbial digestibility of three substrates [pomegranate shells (PS), mango peels and kernel (MPK) and banana peels (BP)] has been evaluated as a function of organic loading rate and conversion to methane. A direct correlation appears between C:N ratio and % lignin, and C:N ratio and % digestibility, placing BP topmost, MPK in middle and PS at the end. Accordingly, optimized organic loading rate (OLR) is: PS, 1.5; MPK, 3.5; and BP, 3.5 kg VS/day/m³.

013578   Kim H R;Lee K Y (NO, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., ltd., Ulsan, 682-792, South Korea) : Application of Taguchi method to determine hybrid welding conditions of aluminum alloy. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(4), 296-301.

A systematic approach to determine optimal process parameters (welding direction, laser power, laser focus, voltage, wire feed rate, root opening tolerance, and traveling speed) associated with hybrid welding (Nd: YAG-GMA) of aluminum alloy (AA5052-H32) using Taguchi method. Optimum welding parameters determined by Taguchi method improved welding performance as compared to those from preliminary set of experimental parameters.

013577   Khanna V K (MEMS and Microsensors, Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute, Pilani-333 031, Email: vkk@ceeri.ernet.in) : ISFET (ion-sensitive field-effect transistor)-based enzymatic biosensors for clinical diagnostics and their singal conditioning instrumentation. IETE J Res 2008, 54(3), 193-202.

Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) are the key components of silicon ICs (integrated circuits). Due to the potential of these devices to provide large, label-free, low-cost, disposable arrays of sensors that are easily integrated in portable 'point-of-care' instrumentation, efforts have been devoted worldwide, over the past three decades, towards exploitation of field-effect mechanism in biological sensors. Most of this work concerned the development of the ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET). A major advantage of ISFET is that it operates under equilibrium conditions. Current does not flow across the biological layer due to the presence of the insulating layer on top of the semiconductor. Although ISFET is primarily a pH sensor, creation of a gate potential by enzyme-promoted reactions of analyte biomolecules leading to pH changes near its gate surface, have resulted in the development of a diversity of biosensors for medical applications. Sensing mechanisms of different biosensors based on ISFET structure for medical diagnostics are described. In order to obtain a measuring signal, the ISFET has to be associated with an interface and readout circuit. During measurements with ISFET, the drain-source voltage and the drain-source current are maintained constant while the changes in gate-source voltage are determined. Introducing the source-drain follower circuit, the Wheatstone bridge method for eliminating the influence of temperature on measurements is explained. Presents an overview of the current scenario and ongoing developments covering from the sensing device to the instrument. ISFET fabrication at CEERI, Pilani is briefly presented, and significant achievements are highlighted.

6 illus, 27 ref

013576   Kaur J;Kumar J (NO, Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO), Sector 30 C, Chandigarh-160 030) : Design and implementation of touch sensing technique for respiratory parameters of an anaesthesia ventilator. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(4), 301-6.

Reports touch sensing technique of acquiring input control data from front panel knobs of ventilator using microcontroller 89C51, besides design and implementation of hardware and embedded system software associated with touch sense technique for respiratory parameters. Touch sense module developed is successfully tested and implemented in indigenously developed CSIO anaesthesia ventilator.

013575   Kanthamani S;Raju S;Abhaikumar V (RF Systems Lab, Electronics & Communication Engineering Dep, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai-600 015, Email: skmece@tce.edu) : Applications of micro electro mechanical systems in microwave circuits and systems. IETE J Res 2008, 54(2), 175-87.

Micro electromechanical structures (MEMS) technology have facilitated innovative approaches in the design and development of effective and low cost microwave circuits and systems. This technology is expected to have significant application in the development of reconfigurable systems and architectures. This paper presents an overview/review of the evolution of MEMS based subsystems and devices, specifically switches, transmission lines, filters, phase shifters and antennas. This paper also discusses the key issues in the analysis and the design of MEMS based devices, popularly called RF MEMS with primary emphasis on MEMS switches.

5 illus, 3 tables, 72 ref

013574   Kakirde A A;Sinha B;Sinha S N (Electronics and Computer Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee-247 667) : Reduction in SAR using RF shields made of nickel-zinc spinel ferrite at 2.4 GHz. IETE J Res 2008, 54(4), 308-13.

Experimenta evaluation of the 'Specific Absorption Rate' (SAR) reduction in a human head due to radio frequency [RF) shields attached to a mobile handset. Shields of various shapes and sizes were made from a nickel-zinc spinel ferrite. The human head was simulated by a fibre glass container filled with NaCI solution to represent the muscle tissues. An E-field probe was used to measure the electric field strength at various points in the head model with and without the RF shields. The E-field variations in the head model show that the developed ferrite RF shields reduce the 'SAR' effectively.

9 illus, 6 ref

013573   Joshi B R;Gupta R A;Wadhwani A K (Electrical Engineering Dep, CTAE, MPUAT, Udaipur-313 001) : Enhanced stability of matrix converter cage drive using digital filter. IETE J Res 2008, 54(4), 276-84.

Stability of the closed-loop, controlled matrix converter (MC)-fed induction motor drive system is evaluated by analyzing the migration of eigenvalues of the system state matrix, linearized around the operating point for closed-loop controlled MC-fed induction motor drive. A digital low-pass filter has been applied to the input voltages, and using these filtered voltages for calculating the duty-cycles of the MC, the system stability can be improved.

9 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

013572   Jindal G D;Ananthakrishnan T S;Jain R K;Sinha V;Kini A R;Deshpande A K (Electronics Div, BARC, Mumbai-400 085, Email: jindal@barc.gov.in) : Non-invasive assessment of blood glucose by photo plethysmography. IETE J Res 2008, 54(3), 217-22.

Instrument has been developed at Electronics Division, BARC for the non-invasive assessment of Blood Glucose, using the principle of Photo Plethysmography. In this instrument an infrared light of wavelength around 1300 nm is made incident on the index finger of the subject and the transmitted light is received by a photo-diode and detected by electronic circuit. It has been observed that the output of photo-detector is related to the blood glucose content of the subject This output is processed further to display the blood glucose content on the LCD panel. The development of this instrument and the results obtained are described.

3 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

013571   Jhansi Rani A;Somasekhar Rao P V D (Electronics & Communication Engineering Dep, V R Siddhartha Engineering College, Vijayawada-520 004, Email: ajravskp@yahoo.com) : Modeling and analysis of round end slots in rectangular waveguides. IETE J Res 2008, 54(2), 129-39.

Modeling and analysis of rectangular waveguide fed round end slots with two different sets of curvatures at the ends are presented in this paper. Performance characteristics of a waveguide slot radiator with transverse wall round end radiating slot and a 2-port waveguide junction with a round end coupling slot in the common cross-section of the rectangular waveguide are evaluated by the method of moments for three different slot models considered - namely, the rectangular end slot, round end slots of Type 1 and Type 2 curvatures. The analysis and formulations have been carried out by considering the thick radiating/coupling slot as a stub waveguide. Entire sinusoidal basis functions and Galerkin's type of inner product are implemented. The variation of the performance characteristics obtained for the different slot models are compared with experimental results for transverse wall slot radiators and slot coupled junctions.

7 illus, 11 ref

013570   Jayaseelan T (NO, , ) : Pioneering a new development path with renewable energy. Energy Fuel Users J 2008, 57(4), 22-6.

The Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency is implementing a number of schemes to promote renewable energy, thus helping in conservation of exhaustible fuels, as well as environment protection.

013569   Jasvanth V S;Adoni A A;Ambirajan A;Dinesh Kumar (Thermal Systems Group, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore-560 017) : Results of experimental and theroretical study of ammonia based loop heat pipe. J Spacecraft Technol 2009, 19(1), 18-31.

The next generation of ISRO 's high power spacecraft with electrical power generation of 10kW or more will require deployable thermal radiators for handling high heat dissipations of their payloads. These thermal management devices should transfer a large amount of heat from the spacecraft to the deployed radiators. Loop heat pipe (LHP) is the state-of-art for high heat transport flexible couplings between payload and radiator in a deployable thermal radiator system. LHPs are gaining importance as a part of the thermal control system of modern high power spacecraft, terrestrial electronic thermal management, cryogenics, etc. They are two-phase heat transport devices that have a working principle similar to that of heat pipes - closed evaporation and condensation cycle being maintained by capillary pumping. A laboratory model ammonia LHP was designed and fabricated at Thermal Systems Group, ISAC to demonstrate the operation and capability of an Ammonia LHP. The developed LHP is capable of transporting at least 400 W over a distance of 3m.. Data from an in-house developed analytical thermo-hydraulic model of LHPs was correlated with the experimental observations. The analytical model predicts experimental data very well.

12 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

013568   Jaiswal A;Shrivastava B K (Mining Engineering Dep, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005) : Proposed hybrid method of partial extraction. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(4), 307-11.

Introduces a hybrid method of partial extraction by combining widely used methods, wide stall method for big pillar and pillar splitting method for small pillar. Stability criteria for proposed method ensures stability and non-violent failure condition of pillar. Numerical simulation of underground coalmine was carried out by finite element method (FEM) and boundary element method (BEM). Coal pillars were simulated by FEM to determine stress-strain behaviour. Coal panel was simulated by BEM to determine local mine stiffness and superimposed load on simulated coal pillars.

013567   Jain R K;Sinha V;Sawant G V;Ananthakrishanan T S;Mishra N;Muralidharan K C;Sarade B (Regional Research Centre, CCRH, Mumbai) : Development of software for assessment of therapeutic response by physiological variability. IETE J Res 2008, 54(3), 223-30.

Electronics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has developed a novel instrument, called Medical Analyzer, for studying the time domain variations in the physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiration rate, stroke volume, cardiac output and peripheral blood flow in human subjects. This system has been used to explore the possibility of disease characterization from variability of heart rate, peripheral blood flow etc in around 200 of subjects with encouraging results. Also therapeutic response has been observed with material-less medicine in a limited sense. Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH) wanted to conduct systematic proving of the medicines to act as a template during patient management and therefore more powerful processing tools, to suit these investigations were required. This paper details about the requirement for this study and development of processing tools for assessment of therapeutic response by physiological variability.

5 illus, 10 ref

013566   Jain P;Balbir Kumar;Jain S (Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, IP Univ, Kashmere Gate, Delhi-110 006) : Efficient approach for realization of discrete sine transform and its inverse. IETE J Res 2008, 54(4), 285-96.

Novel very-large-scale integration (VLSI) algorithms for computing the Discrete Sine Transform (DST) and its inverse (IDST) are proposed. By respectively folding the inputs, the DST kernels are derived to realize it through Infinite-impulse response (MR) structure. Single folding algorithm provides data throughput two times of that achieved by the conventional methods. The double folding recursive algorithms for DST and IDST have been suggested, which reduce the computation cycles to one forth of that in the single folding method. Moreover, the regular and modular properties of the proposed recursive structures are easily amenable to VLSI implementation.

10 illus, 11 ref

013565   Jain A K (NO, , Grasim Industries Ltd. (Cement Business), Mumbai) : Ready mixed concrete - present status and future growth prospects. Process Pl Engng 2007, 25(2), 41-6.

The growth of any industry especially in a developing country is dictated by technology absorption, immediate markets, capital investment, risk taking capacity, government support and future prospects. Construction will continue to dominate Indian economy in coming years and cement and concrete will continue to remain the backbone of the construction industry. In this scenario, cement and concrete are indispensable components of the engine for the economic growth. Cement and concrete will continue to grow at 1.1 to 1.2 times of GDP growth and with the international exposure of the economy, the premium will be laid on life cycle cost rather than initial cost of the projects. It is here that RMC will receive considerable importance over site mixed concrete and will emerge as most preferred construction material. The growth of RMC in India over last 12 years can be viewed from both optimistic and pessimistic perspectives. It would be more prudent to view the developments positively. In a short span of time, RMC has made a place for itself throughout the country. People have become aware of it, people like it, people want to use it, people have a very favourable opinion about it and it is this changing mindset that will accelerate the future growth of RMC in India. There are numerous constraints in its growth at present but the over whelming advantages the product offers will become sufficient reason to solve the existing empasse. World over growth of RMC has followed 'S' curve and in India also, same pattern will emerge, may be with minor changes in the gradient of the curve. The RMC industry has arrived in India for ever and it will continue to forge ahead with accelerated pace in the years to come.

5 tables, 9 ref

013564   Hanumantha Rao S;Madhu T;Premellama C (ECE Dep, Shri Vishnu Engineering College for Women, Bhimavaram-534 202, Email: itshrao@yahoo.co.in) : Design of a quadrifilar helical antenna for satellite and mobile communications. IETE J Res 2008, 54(2), 141-8.

Quadrifilar Helical Antenna is one of the most commonly used antenna for satellite and mobile phone systems. It provides a high gain, shaped beam with excellent circular polarization over a wide angular range. The Quadrifilar helix produces a cardioid shaped radiation pattern from a radiator of extremely small size and weight. The antenna provides very high beam width of 128 0 to provide a good coverage of upper hemisphere in vertical plane and omni directional pattern in the horizontal plane.

13 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

013563   Gunes M;Baba F (Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, K.Maras/Turkey) : Speed and position control of autonomous mobile robot on variable trajectory depending on its curvature. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(6), 513-21.

Presents design of autonomous mobile robot MBR-01 for speed and position control on variable trajectory depending on trajectory curvature. MBR-01 can communicate reciprocally with host computer using RF data transceiver. Reference speed is applied to fuzzy controller unit and output is sent to vehicle by wireless transmitter unit. Received control signal by vehicle is transferred to DC motor drive system with Pulse Width Modulation techniques. Position control is realized by microprocessor-based units mounted on vehicle. Equipped 7 optical sensors detect trajectory deviation and wheel angle of vehicle for track detection and wheel angle detector unit.

013562   Govinda Raju S P (Aerospace Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: spg@aero.iisc.ernet.in) : Aerobasics - an introduction to aeronautics, 3. airplane basics. Resonance 2008, 13(11), 1009-19.

Introduces the concepts of lift and drag of a wing and their role in determining the performance of an airplane. The airplane is then compared with other modes of transport on the basis of a study by Gabrielli and Von Karman to bring out its special features. Next, the requirements of controlled flight are explained. The relations between the configuration of the airplane and the requirements of controlled flight are indicated.

4 illus, 2 ref

013561   Gauri S K;Chakraborty S (Production Engg Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata, Email: s_chakraborty00@yahoo.co.in) : Selection of optimal control parameters for non-traditional machining processes using the Taguchi method. Mfg Technol Today 2008, 7(7), 33-41.

With the introduction and increased use of newer and harder materials like titanium, stainless steel, high strength temperature resistant (HSTR) alloys, fiber-reinforced composites and ceramics in aerospace, nuclear, missile, turbine, automobile, tool and die making industries, a different class of machining processes has been emerged. Instead of employing the conventional tools, these non-traditional machining (NTM) processes use energy in its direct form to remove materials from the workpiece. To achieve the best performance of these NTM processes, it is necessary to select the machining parameters at their optimal levels. Taguchi method of robust design has been extensively used to choose the optimal parametric levels in various machining processes. Reviews the applications of the Taguchi method adopted to select the optimal factor level combinations in different NTM processes.

34 ref

013560   Erdem B;Do T B (Mining Engineering Dep, Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey) : Spoil room utilization in dragline stripping. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(3), 217-28.

Deals with spoil room utilization by two different spoil placement techniques. A three-dimensional computer-aided design approach for generating conical and curvilinear spoil piles are developed. Curvilinear spoil piles make better use of spoil room. When dragline and panel dimensions are closely matched, geometrical stability is reached after a few sets along the direction of advance.

013559   Das M (NO, Water Technology Centre for Eastern Region, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar-751 023) : Identification of effluent quality indicators for use in irrigation - a factor analysis approach. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(7), 634-9.

Determines effluent quality indicators for periodical monitoring of effluent usage in irrigation. Using discriminant analysis, salt type (variance, 20%), salt stress (variance, 17.8%), heavy metal impact and potassium effect were identified as most critical factors. Further analysis of individual attributes within these factors evaluated discriminating attributes those best served as effluent quality indicators in the order of Pb > Cd >>TDS (total dissolved solids) > Mg ≅ Cl^- ≅ EC ≅ Na > Fe ≅ SAR (sodium adsorption ratio) > Cr ≅ pH. Variance analysis identified Pb, Cd, Mg and Cr as first priority indicators followed by TDS, Na, SAR, Fe and pH as secondary indicators to assess effluent quality for use in irrigation.

013558   Chen S H;Liao T T (Automation and Control Engineering Dep, Far East University, No. 49, Chung Hua Road, Hsin-Shin, Tainan County 744, Taiwan) : Automated IC chip marking inspection system for surface mounted devices on taping machines. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(5), 361-6.

Presents a new automated system for inspecting markings on surface mounted devices (SMDs) prior to packaging. In proposed design, marking region is identified using a normalized cross-correlation template-matching scheme. A multi-resolution pyramid image processing approach is used to enhance speed of search process. Target image is filtered using a hybrid digital logic filter (DLC) / mean and standard deviation gray scale (MSDGS) algorithm for noise filtering. Individual characters in marking are segmented and fed to a neural network for automatic recognition. DLC / MSDGS filtering scheme is found more straightforward and far more robust toward a noise filtering than conventional image processing schemes. System achieves a recognition rate of 99.14% with identifying each IC chip marking within 0.05 sec. System provides an ideal solution for real-time inspection of IC markings in high-throughput SMD packaging applications.

013557   Chaturvedi P K;Jain S;Agrawal P;Nema R K;Sao K K (Electrical Engineering Dep, S.A.T.I., Vidisha-464 001) : Switching losses and harmonic investigations in multilevel inverters. IETE J Res 2008, 54(4), 297-307.

Use of conventional two-level pulse width modulation (PWM) inverters provide less distorted current and voltage but at the cost of higher switching losses due to high switching frequencies. Multilevel inverters are emerging as a viable alternative for high power, medium voltage applications. This paper compares total harmonic distortion and switching losses in conventional two-level inverters with multilevel inverters (three-level and five-level) at different switching frequencies. An optimized switching frequency has been obtained for a lower level of total harmonic distortion and switching losses. Diode-clamped, three-phase topology is considered for study. A sinusoidal PWM technique is used to control the switches of the inverter. Simulation study confirms the reduction in harmonic distortion and switching losses as the number of the levels increases.

15 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

013556   Chandrashekar M;Sontineni S;Reddy M B;Vinod C;Kumar T V (NO, , Solectron Centum Electronics Limited, 44 KHB Industrial Area, Yelahanka, New Township, Bangalore-560 064, Email: chandrashekar,swarnas, mbreddy, vinod{@centumelectronics.com}) : Design of high power gated crystal oscillator for IFF application. IETE J Res 2008, 54(2), 111-19.

Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF) is an electronic system which determines the intent of an aircraft at the speed of a fast computer. It is a two channel system with one frequency (interrogator-1030MHz) used for interrogating signals and another (identity reply unit-1090MHz) for the reply. The pulse pair spacing is typically 3usec (for 1030MHz) and 1.45usec (for 1090MHz) with pulse width of 0.8usec and typical PRF of 300-400Hz. This paper explains the design considerations of high power gated crystal oscillator operating in 1030MHz. It also covers the simulated and actual results of the oscillator.

15 illus, 5 ref

013555   Buyruk E;Fertelli A;Sonmez N (Mechanical Engineering Dep, University of Cumhuriyet, 58140, Sivas / Turkey) : Numerical investigation for solidification around various cylinder geometries. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(2), 122-9.

Calculates effect of ice formation on different cylinder geometries placed in a rectangular ice storage tank filled with water. Fluent package program was used for numerical solution of flow domain to depict temperature distribution and ice formation. Water temperature in tank and cylinder surface temperature were assumed as 4°C and -10°C respectively. Temperature distribution, liquid fraction and ratio of A_i /A_c (formed ice area / cross sectional area of cylinder) were determined for various cylinder geometries.

013554   Beenamole K S;Revankar U S;Pandharipande V M (NO, Defence Avionics Research Establishment, C V Raman Nagar, Bangalore-560 093, Email: ceme_uceou@yahoo.com) : Wide band wide beam antenna elements for active phased array applications. IETE J Res 2008, 54(2), 155-67.

Consolidated information about wide band, wide beam phased array antenna elements reported so far, has been presented in this paper with an objective to analyse their suitability to use with high performance active phased array antennas. The different types of radiating elements used for phased arrays, printed and waveguide configurations, used for phased array applications is highlighted. The suitability of these elements as applicable to broad band and wide field-of-view active antenna arrays are also presented. The characteristics of the elements in terms of beam width, bandwidth, crosspolarisation and gain are also presented. The paper is the result of a vast literature survey conducted on the research articles, of some of the recent and over the past three decades.

19 illus, 59 ref

013553   Bansal P;Dev A;Jain S B (Computer Sc. & Engineering Dep, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, GGSIP Univ, New Delhi) : Optimum HMM combined with vector quantization for Hindi speech word recognition. IETE J Res 2008, 54(4), 239-42.

Proposes an optimum speaker-independent, isolated word Hidden Markov Model (HMM) recognizer for the Hindi language. The recognition system is based on the combination of the vector quantization (VQ) technique at the acoustical level and the Markovian modeling at the recognition level. The recognizer consists of three modules-feature extraction, vector quantizer and HMM training and testing modules. The scheme proposed here firstly computes the acoustic features in terms of the Linear Predictive Cepstral LPC coefficients, Mel-Frequency Cepstral coefficients and delta MFCC along with noise and silence detection. Then, codebooks are created using VQ, and finally in the recognition phase, an optimum set of parameters are derived from different phases for getting the highest recognition score. The training and testing database consists of a set of 35 utterances of nine Indian cities/states and 35 utterances of nine digits spoken in Hindi by male and female speakers. The recognition rate was observed to be 98.61%.

3 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

013552   Bansal P;Bindu K R;Mishra R M;Pichayya B; Sambasiva Rao V;Pal S (Communication Systems Group, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore-560 017) : X-band high power SSPA for satellite on-board applications. J Spacecraft Technol 2009, 19(1), 51-9.

An X-band, 8W Solid State. Power Amplify (SSPA) has been described. The SSPA is a hybrid of GaAs MMIC drivers and GaAs FET power stages. The SSPA is developed, fabricated and qualified for on-board application in the data transmitter system of Chandrayaan-I spacecraft and future IRS spacecraft. The amplifier is suitable for production and has very less turn-around time. Discusses the design and performance parameters of the developed SSPA. A brief discussion on methods to achieve high output power at high frequencies has been presented.

6 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

013551   Bandyopadhyay L K;Chaulya S K;Mishra P K; Choure A;Baveja B M (NO, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), Dhanbad-826 001) : Wireless information and safety system for mines. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(2), 107-17.

A wireless information and safety system for mines developed by CIMFR, Dhanbad. System consists of hardware devices and application software. Hardware module is ZigBee-compliant active radio frequency identification (RFID) devices/ transceivers, which can be programmed to act as end device (tag), router or coordinator that enables them to form an IEEE 802.15.4-based mesh network. It uses a unified wireless mesh-networking infrastructure to locate, trace and manage mobile assets and people as well as monitor different environmental conditions using sensors. Another core module is wireless sensor network (WSN) software, which is developed for tracking of underground miners and moveable equipment by wireless sensor networking in mines. Software is especially designed for tracking of miners and vehicles, route tracking in opencast mines, preventing fatal accidents and vehicle collisions, environmental monitoring, observing miners' unsafe practice, sending alert message, and preparing computerized miners' duty hours record.

013550   Balsavar D (NO, , ) : Harvesting solar power in residences. Energy Fuel Users J 2008, 57(4), 20-1.

With ample sunlight almost around the year, one possibility is to use of solar energy to generate electricity in apartments and township projects in Chennai.

013549   Balemarthy D;Paily R (VLSI and Digital System Design Laboratory, Electronios and Communicati, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam-781 039, Email: balemarthy@iitg.ernet.in) : 1.6/1.8/2.1/2.4-GHz multiband CMOS low noise amplifier. IETE J Res 2008, 54(2), 97-104.

Describes an inductively source degenerated multiband low noise amplifier (LNA) designed in a standard CMOS 0.18 μm TSMC process. The multiband LNA can be tuned to 1.6-GHz, 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.4 GHz with the help of switches. The narrowband gain and impedance matching are obtained at the required frequency bands by appropriately switching the transconductance, input and output capacitances. The switches are realized using metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors. The designed LNA exhibits a gain of 16.2dB, 16dB, 15.5dB and 15.5dB and a noise figure of 3.3dB, 3.5dB and 3.2dB at 1.6, 1.8, 2.1 and 2.4 GHz respectively. The LNA design is carried out using Mentor Graphics Eldo software.

12 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

013548   Arun C;Rajamani V (Information Technology Dep, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai-602 105) : Design and VLSI architecture of non-polynomial based low probability of error (P_b) Viterbi decoder. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(2), 97-106.

Presents implementation of a new non-polynomial approach to design a high throughput with reduced bit error probability Viterbi decoder. Increase in dfree has been achieved by proposed non-polynomial convolutional coding method. A decoder system (code rate k/n=1/6, constrain length K=4) has been implemented on Xilinx VERTEX-E. Performance of Viterbi decoder with proposed method has been improved from 27% to 75%. High speed (60.299 Mbps) and low bit error rate (BER) are achieved for Viterbi decoder. Proposed Viterbi decoder provides satisfactory probability of error (P_b) performance and high operating speed under conditions including AWGN, co-channel interference and adjacent channel interference environments.