001582   Chakraborty S (Production Engineering Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032) : Optimization of α-factor value in exponential smoothing technique using artificial neural network. J Instn Engrs-Pt PR 2007, 88(Sept), 47-50.

Scientific basis of forecasting lies in studying the present and past trends/actions and hence, to calculate their effects on the future events. Time series methods are observed to be the most widely used forecasting techniques and among these methods, the exponential smoothing technique plays an important role. The accuracy of the exponential smoothing technique depends on the weightage factor (a) value of the current demand. The objective of the present article is to determine the optimal α-factor value in such a way, so that, the Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) between the forecast data and the actual data will be minimum. A back propagation artificial neural network architecture is suitably designed, developed, properly trained using the past MAD and α-factor values, tested and finally, simulated to estimate the optimal' α-factor value in order to minimize the mean absolute deviation.

3 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

001581   Bepari B;Pal S;Kumar M (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Haldia Institute of Technology, Haldia-721 657) : Object oriented dynamic validation of multi-degrees of freedom dextrous robot gripper. J Instn Engrs-Pt PR 2007, 88(Sept), 19-23.

Control of robot gripper without proper kinematic validation is superfluous. Modern sensing and control through different type of sensors, actuators and controller has been adapted yet as far as any mechatronic system is concerned. This paper gives a privilege to dynamically validate a multi-degrees of freedom dextrous robot gripper in its control environment. A gripper has been developed and controlled for grasping different objects. Different slip and force sensors have been mounted on to the fingertips for slip and grasping force recognition and actuation. The weight of the object and the grasping force has been correlated through complex feedback control architecture. A dynamic model to the same system has been developed in Advanced Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical System (ADAMS) to validate the force control results. It has been observed that the data, which has been taken during feedback control, validates the mechanical systems successfully.

8 illus, 8 ref

001580   Augustine B S M;Joseph Stanley A (Aeronautical Engineering Dep, Hindustan College of Engineering, Padur, Kelambakkam-603 103, Email: bsmaugustime@yahoo.co.in) : Aircraft maintenance management - an analysis of defect trend for maintenance of aeroengine (Artouste III B). J Aerospace Sci Technol 2007, 59(2), 148-56.

Maintenance of Aeroengine plays a vital role in the Aircraft Maintenance Management. In this paper, an analysis of defect trend for maintenance of aeroengine (Artouste III B) has been carried out on premature withdrawals of ninety - one aeroengines (Artouste III B) fitted in Chetak/Cheetah helicopters under operation for a period of five years in the various parts of India. Based on the analysis, the trend of defects occurred has been established and the remedial measures are suggested to the manufacturer, overhaul agency and operators to prevent occurrence of such defects. Some of them are implemented in the form of mandatory modifications issued by Director General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) based on the Service Bulletins issued bv the manufacturer.

^ssc8 illus, 10 ref

000780   Warhate S R;Yenkie M K N;Pokale W K (Chemistry Dep, Lokmanya Tilak Mahavidyalaya, Wani-445 304, Email: wkpokale@rediffmail.com) : Impact of continous mining on water and soil of Wani region. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(9), 777-84.

Physico-chemical properties of 25 water and 19 soil samples (includes one overburden) from coalmines in Wardha river valley located at Wani (Dist. Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India) were studied to assess the impact of mining activities on the surroundings. Out of 25 water samples, 7 samples contained slightly higher concentrations of measured contaminants and fall into the category of marginally safe sources for human consumption as per the standard BIS classification. However, some sources are found to be approaching the maximum permissible limits. Soil samples indicate adverse influence of mining activities on the soil quality. Overburden sample showed high acidic pH and exceptionally high TDS, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, sulphate, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, manganese and zinc, which contribute extensively to the contamination of surface waters.

5 tables, 17 ref

000779   Vivekanandan N (Central Water & Power Research Station, P.O. Khadakwasla Research Station, Pune-411 024) : Estimation of extreme wave height using frequency analysis approach. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2007, 57(5-6), 157-62.

Estimation of wave height for a desired return period is an important parameter for designing of any marine structures. This paper gives details of a study involving the use of frequency analysis approach for estimation of wave height for different return periods for Dahej and Tarapore regions. Probability distributions like extreme value type I, Lognormal and Weibull were used for prediction of extreme wave height. Anderson-Darling test was used for checking the adequacy of fitting of the distributions to the significant wave height data recorded at both the regions. Diagnostic analysis involving relative absolute error and mean square error was used for evaluating the suitability of the appropriate distribution for wave height estimation for the data under study. The paper presents the Weibull to be the best suited among three distributions studied for prediction/ estimation of wave height extremes for the region under study. Plots of observed and predicted/estimated extreme wave height are developed and presented.

4 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

000778   Vijaya Kumar R;Ramamurthy G;Rao K M; Lakshminarayana H V (Rotary Wing Research and Design Center (RWR&DC), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Airport Road, Bangalore-560 017, Email: rvkumari1@yahoo.com) : An improved finite element model to study stress concentration around an elliptical cutout in pressure vessel:validation:part-I. J Aerospace Sci Technol 2007, 59(3), 196-207.

A finite element model to the analysis of thin shell structures with cutouts/inclusions is developed based on shear deformation theory. An eight-noded isoparametric shell element is considered with six degrees of freedom at each node. A convergence study is under taken to arrive at a suitable finite element mesh. The loading conditions include uniform tension, uniform pressure. The finite element results presented in this work are shown to be in good agreement with available analytical and experimental data and the direction for future work is also given.

17 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

000777   Verma P R P;Razdan B (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, Ranchi-835 215, Email: prverma275730@yahoo.com) : Studies on disintegrant action of Leucaena leucocephala seed gum in ibuprofen tablet and its mechanism. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(7), 550-57.

Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) seed gum (LSG) was evaluated for disintegrant action in lactose (soluble) based tablets containing ibuprofen, a relatively insoluble drug. The properties of tablets evaluated include weight uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration time and in vitro dissolution (k, T₅₀, A₃₀). LSG, at low concentration level (2% w/w), can be used as a disintegrant in tablet dosage form containing water-insoluble drug. In contrast to maize starch, LSG swells rapidly when brought in the contact with water, while preventing the liquid uptake in cylindrical column of powder. This presumably suggests that initial swelling of LSG particles generates enough pressure to elicit disintegration action in the tablet before further liquid uptake results in formation of mucilaginous, gel like coherent mass, which hinders further movement of water into the tablet matrix.

4 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

000776   Venkatesan M V;Manickavasagam A;Rajadurai A (Technical Training Centre, Integral Coach Factory, Chennai) : Statistical modelling and predicting the effects of process parameters in flux cored arc welding of AISI 301 stainless steel. Indian Weld J 2007, 40(2), 13-23.

Modelling is a technique widely used to represent the effect of multiple and interacting parameters on responses of many process. Welding is one such process where various parameters independently and interactively determine properties. The aim of this study is to reestablish the relationship between welding process parameters and tensile strength, slag inclusion count and penetration on the basis of statistical modelling. AISI 301 grade Stainless Steel Plates were welded with different CO₂ flow rates such as 10, 15 and 20L/min. Visual test indicated that regularity of weld bead profile decreased with increase of flow rate. Gamma Radiographic Test revealed that slag inclusion count increased with increase of flow rate. Tensile test indicated that ultimate tensile strength of the specimen decreased with increase of flow rate. Hardness Test indicated that hardness of the specimen increased with increase of flow rate due to faster cooling rate. Micro structure analysis revealed that Head affected zone of the specimen welded with 15 and 20 L/min have coarse and fine grained structure. Modelling equations were developed and can effectively be used to predict the slag inclusion count, tensile strength and penetration in terms of process parameters.

5 illus, 13 tables

000775   Velmurugan R;Buragohain M (Aerospace Engineering and Composites Technology Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600 036) : Buckling analysis of grid-stiffened composite cylindrical shell. J Aerospace Sci Technol 2007, 59(4), 282-93.

An energy based smeared stiffener model is developed to obtain equivalent stiffness coefficients of a general grid-stiffened composite cylindrical shell. These equivalent stiffness coefficients are used in the Ritz buckling analysis of the shell. Transverse shear properties are important in a stiffened shell and results are obtained for First order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT) as well as for Classical Laminated Shell Theory (CLST). Parametric study is carried out to find out the effects of various design parameters on specific buckling load of the shell.

8 illus, 14 ref

000774   Ulusoy U;Yekeler M Y (Mining Engineering Dep, Cumhuriyet Univ, 58140, Sivas, Turkey, Email: yekeler@cumhuriyet.edu.tr ) : Floatability of barite particles with different shape and roughness. Indian J chem Technol 2007, 14(6), 616-25.

Different mill (ball, rod and autogenous) products of' barite mineral were charaeterized in terms of their shape, roughness and wettability. 2D shape parameters were measured by the particle projections using SEM and expressed by elongation and roundness. Surface roughness values were determined and slated as the parameters of K_a value on the surface of the compressed discs. The wettability characteristics (γ_c) of barite were determined by microflolation and contact angle measurement techniques. Finally, some correlations were established between the shape parameters, surface roughness values and the wettability characteristics. In conclusion, the degree of hydrophobicity was favoured with elongation, while it was not favoured with roundness and roughness regardless of the type of the mill used.

9 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

000773   Tohit K N M;Sulaiman S;Ismail N;Sapun S M (Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Dep, Putra Malaysia Univ, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: sapuan@eng.upm.edu.my) : Improvement of accuracy level using process failure mode and effect analysis and control plan techniques for automotive fender shield assembly. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(10), 811-18.

Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA) and control plan (CP) techniques used as preventive tools to ensure products being produced are of high quality. Data analysis based on parts' coordinate in X, Y and Z positions are performed to determine the root cause of failures. Data in prototype (PO and PI) stage are used to prove effectiveness of PFMEA and CP techniques prior to and after both techniques have been applied in the product development process for Front Fender Shield Assembly Left Hand. Integration between PFMEA and CP and minimum target of accuracy level (85%) has been successfully achieved.

3 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

000772   Thakur D;Basu S (NO, , ) : Special purpose machine (SPM) for automatic welding. Indian Weld J 2007, 40(2), 43-5.

3 illus

000771   Taser O F;Tarhan S;Ergunes G (Farm Machinery Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Gaziosmanpa_a Univ 60240, Tokat, Turkey, Email: ftaser@hotmail.com) : Effects of chemical pretreatments on air-drying process of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.). J scient ind Res 2007, 66(6), 477-82.

Drying as the preservation method, black mulberries (Morns nigra L.) placed into sample bags were dipped into one of six different chemical solutions for one minute at room temperature to accelerate the moisture loss. Pretreated black mulberry samples were dehydrated by artificial air-drying, solar drying and open sun drying. The samples treated by 2% ethyl oleate were the fastest ones reaching to the final weight loss percentage (75%) in 22 h by the laboratory tray dryer providing 45.2 °C drying air (artificial air drying) and in 90 h by solar drying. The pretreatment combination caused only slight changes in measured color values of mulberries during all drying trials.

3 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

000770   Sundararajan N;Ganapathi M (Mechanical Engineering Dep, The Univ of Akro, Ohio-44311, USA) : Dynamic snap-through buckling of functionally graded spherical caps. J Aerospace Sci Technol 2007, 59(3), 223-7.

The dynamic snap-through buckling characteristics of clamped functionally graded spherical caps suddenly exposed to a thermal field are studied using finite element procedure. The material properties are graded in the thickness direction. The temperature load corresponding to a sudden jump in the maximum average displacement in the time history of the shell structure is taken as the dynamic buckling temperature. Numerical study is carried out to highlight the influences of shell geometries and material gradient index on the critical buckling temperature.

3 illus, 16 ref

000769   Sukla A (NTPC Ltd, Power Management Institute, Plot no.5-14, Sector 16A, Noida-201 301) : Present practices and future trends in control and instrumentation in power plant. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2007, 57(5-6), 137-41.

Provides online and automatic power plant thermodynamic optimization using state-of-art DDCMIS (digital distributed control and management information system). Power generation organizations are moving into a more competitive environment. Power plant performance optimization is therefore becoming a very important criterion. The industry is now required to optimize the power generation of existing plant by increasing the efficiency of equipment and by chasing "lost megawatts". The various advancements in the field of control and instrumentation can be fully utilized to automatically optimize the operation of the plants.

1 illus, 5 ref

000768   Sood P;Singh S P (Electronics Engineering Dep, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Email: suryapal_s@yahoo.com) : Radiation characteristics of modified box-horn with metamaterial. Asian J Phys 2008, 17(2), 297-302.

In recent year metamaterials have been used to modify the characteristics of antennas and transmission lines. In this paper, an experimental study of radiation patterns and gain of modified box-horn with and without a metamaterial is presented. The modified box-horn consists of a box waveguide, which can support TE₁₀ and TE₃₀ modes, fed by a pyramidal horn carrying TE₁₀ mode. The results have shown that metamaterial used in the study improves the gain of the box-horn and reduces half power beam-width at the cost of Increased back-lobe and cross-polarized lobe levels.

6 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

000767   Sivaraman B;Krishna Mohan N (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: siv_gee@rediffmail.com) : Analysis of heat pipe solar collector using artificial neural network. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(12), 995-1001.

Artificial neural network (ANN) has been used to analyze effects of L/d (lotal length/inner diam of heat pipe), L_e/L_e. (condenser length/evaporator length), water inlet temperature, collector tilt angle and solar intensity on heat pipe solar collector (HPSC). Heat pipes (5 each) having two different L_e/L_e and L/d₁ ratios have been designed, fabricated and used in solar collector absorber. Copper container, stainless steel wick material and meihanol as working fluid were used for heat pipes. which are designed to have heat transport factor of around 194 W and 260 W of thermal energy. Experiments were conducted during summer with different collector till angles to the horizontal. Collector efficiency, which increases witli decrease in L/d₁ ratio and increase in L_e/L_e ratio, is due to increase in heat transport factor of heat pipe.

9 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

000766   Sivanandam S N;Deepa S N (Computer Science and Engineering Dep, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: snsivanandam@yahoo.co.in) : Particle swarm optimisation for lower order system modelling of an automatic voltage regulator in power systems. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2007, 57(9), 199-204.

New optimisation technique called "particle swarm optimisation" (PSO) is used to obtain a lower order model of an automatic voltage regulator in power system. The results are shown in the form of unit step response curves. It is observed that the proposed procedure minimizes the integral square error of the lower order model when compared to the unit step time response of the original higher order model.

5 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

000765   Sivanandam S N;Deepa S N (Computer Science and Engineering Dep, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: deepapsg@rediffmail.com) : Novel approach for inferring instability analysis of a hydel power station at lean load condition using routh column polynomials. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2007, 57(7-8), 184-8.

Analysis of instability of a hydel power station at lean load condition, employing the elements of columns from Routh table is brought out in this work. Any system represented in the form of characteristic equation can be analyzed for its stability or instability with the help of Routh table. The elements of this table are generated using Routh multiplication rules and the sign changes in the first column, as well sign change anywhere in the table indicates unstable situation. If the sign change occurs at the end of the first column, it involves more computation. As results, in this work, the other columns of the Routh array are studied, based on which Pseudo-Routh polynomials are constructed and the instability is analyzed. It is to be noted that the information residing from the last column only traverses towards the first column. If the instability analysis is obtained from last column or last but one column itself, the entire Routh array need not be constructed, which helps in easier computation in higher degree polynomials. The approach is applied to a remote hydel power station and its instability is analysed at extreme lean load conditions.

5 tables, 20 ref

000764   Sivakumar V;Ravi Verma V;Swaminathan G;Ray P G (Chemical Engineering Div, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai-600 020, Email: vsival@rediffmail.com) : Use of ultrasound in chrome recovery process in leather industry. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(7), 545-49.

The influence of ultrasound on the stoichiometric use of precipitating agent magnesium oxide, (MgO)as an alkali in the recovery of chrome from the spent tanning liquors has been studied. The use of MgO in chrome recovery assists settling characteristics but suffers from low solubility and reactivity. A significant improvement (3-fold) is observed in settling rate of chromic hydroxide precipitate with the use of pre-sonicated MgO as compared to control (no sonication). A considerable decrease of Cr in the supernatant liquor after precipitation suggests better recovery due to better dispersion and particle-size reduction of MgO in water due to sonication. No appreciable improvement with sonicated sodium carbonate solution prior to chrome recovery may be due to sodium carbonate itself is highly water soluble in comparison to MgO.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

000763   Singal S K;Saini R P;Raghuvanshi C S (Alternate Hydro Energy Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee-247 667) : Estimation of cost for low head small hydropower installations. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2007, 57(7-8), 179-83.

For investment decision, reasonable cost estimate is essential for any project, however it is very difficult in case of hydropower projects. The cost estimate with reasonable accuracy is important at the investigation stage of a project. An effort has been made to develop a co-relation for cost estimation of canal based low head small hydropower (SHP) schemes. The predicted cost from the developed co-relation is compared with the actual cost of the recently completed such power stations for which cost data were available. A maximum deviation of +15% has been found which may be reasonable for decision makers of SHP projects.

5 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

000762   Sindhu;Jagadeesan G (NO, Avinashilingam Univ for Women, Coimbatore-641 043) : Appraisal of rural renewable energy technologies in Coimbatore District. Res Highlight 2008, 18(4), 210-15.

6 tables, 5 ref

000761   Shukla R;Jha S K;Prakash K;Gupta D S;Singh U P (R&D Centre for Iron & Steel, Sail, Ranchi-834 002) : Development of vanadium micro-alloyed rail. Steel India 2007, 30(1), 12-16.

Due to increase in traffic density, Indian railway industry is introducing heavier axle loads, larger traffic volume and higher uehicle speeds for economic transportation of goods and passengers. Therefore, it has become essential to explore the possibility of developing new grades of rail steels to meet the requirements of severe operating conditions of tracks. It is well known that addition of vanadium enhances the mechanical and metallurgical properties of steel. Therefore, chemistry of rail steel was optimized and it was microalloyed with vanadium to suit the Indian Railways requirements. Two heats were made and rolled in R-52 and R-60 rail profile. Results of Investigation revealed that the yield strength of this steel (612-634MPa) is much higher than the auerage ualue, 468 Mpa, for normal 880-grade C-Mn rail steel. Other properties such as yield ratio (YS/UTS), fracture toughness, fatigue strength and interlamellar spacing were found to be superior to C-Mn grade 90 UTS rail.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

000760   Sharma S C;Gupta S;Sharma C;Kapoor R (Paper Technology Dep, IIT Roorkee, Saharanpur-247 001, Email: sanjeevgupta45@yahoo.com) : Simulation of control loops of pulp bleaching section using distributed control system - an experimental study. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(6), 431-4.

Day by day requirement for better quality of paper in terms of brightness and strength is arising. To meet the chalking requirements, the bleaching sequences and process conditions need to be modified. For implementing these modified conditions, to increasing the reaction rate and to reduce the chemical wastage control loops need to be redesigned. The process engineer working in the mill must know the design procedure of control loop on DCS. Keeping this in mind, control loop for changing demand of hot water How used at C/D washer for water spray and temperature of hot water of pulp bleaching section have been designed and simulated offline. Later on these loops were installed, commissioned and tested on-line using DCS (MP 200/1).

4 illus, 6 ref

000759   Shah S S;Ahmad M S (Civil Engineering, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: ssced@yahoo.com) : Stabilization of heavy metal containing waste using flyash and cement. Indian Geotech J 2008, 38(1), 89-100.

Electroplating waste and flyash (the waste product of Thermal Power Plants), which creates enormous problems of dumping and disposal can be well utilized as construction materials.

7 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

000758   Senthilkumar S;Perumal K;Srinivasan P S S (Basic Sciences Dep, Kongu Polythenic College, Perundurai, Erode-638 052, Email: shansenthils@yahoo.com) : Construction and performance analysis of a three dimensional compound parabolic concentrator for a spherical absorber. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(7), 558-64.

Three-dimensional compound parabolic concentrator (3-D CPC) was found to be more efficient than 2-D CPC because of higher concentration ratio. A 3-D CPC was fabricated with a half acceptance angle of 4° for a spherical absorber (radius 100 mm). UV stabilized aluminized polyester foil having high reflectivity was pasted on the reflector for a total height of 441 mm and an aperture width of 540 mm. Theoretical value (0.645) of optical efficiency compared well with experimental value (0.626). Experimental values of optical and thermal efficiencies were in good agreement with theoretical values. Optical efficiency from 3-D CPC was found significantly higher than that of 2-D CPC of similar dimensions. Time constant of 3-D CPC (431 sec) was fairly high as compared with 2-D CPC (110 sec). An attempt was made to generate low-pressure steam in in-situ steam generation mode, which was one of the possible applications of 3-D CPC module.

8 illus, 16 ref

000757   Senthil Kumar N;Palanivelu K (Centre for Enviromental Studies, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: kpvelu@hotmail.com) : Pervaporative recovery of perchloroethylene from spent solvent of electroplanting industry: experiment and modeling studies. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(6), 490-4.

Pervaporation (PV), a membrane separation process, has been used to recover from spent solvent of perchloroethylene (PERC), one of the solvents used for surface treatment in electroplating industries. Commercial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) flat type membrane (thickness, 200 /im) was employed to remove PERC from spent solvent. A model, based on solution-diffusion mechanism, was proposed to predict mass transfer during PV. The effects of permeate pressure and feed flow rate on PV were investigated to validate the model. A Pervaporation Separation Index (PSI) of 4198.61 was achieved finally. The moisture content in the final permeate was 1%.

5 illus, 17 ref

000756   Sai Ram K S;Srinivas C (Civil Engineering Dep, RVR & JC College of Engineering, Chowdavaram, Guntur-522 019, Email: sairamks@yahoo.com) : Static behaviour of laminated composite shells containing piezoelectric actuators and sensors. J Aerospace Sci Technol 2007, 59(4), 294-308.

The behavior of laminated composite shells with piezoelectric actuators and sensors subjected to external load and electric potential is investigated. The analysis is carried out using the finite element method based on first-order shear deformation theory. An eight nodded degenerated isoparametric shell element with five degrees of freedom at each node is considered. Results are presented for the variation of deflection and stresses in the simply supported laminated composite cylindrical shell panel subjected uniform normal pressure and electric potential.

14 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

000755   Saha S (NO, MCKV Institute of Engineering, Liluah, Howrah, Email: satadalsaha@yahoo.com) : Remote retrieval of Guinea pig's vital signs through RFID. Int J Inf Comput Sci 2007, (20 Nov), 26-30.

Sometimes it may be required to obtain the vital signs of any small mammal (or animal in general) for biological reasons. For this to be done some device or combination of devices thereof are therefore required to be inserted into the body of the guinea pig by poking and / or prodding, which may excite it thereby modifying the original behavior of the required parameter (for example the pulse rate). A novel system is proposed here that uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) for non-invasively identifying the guinea pig's vital signs. The system consists of a transponder implanted into the body of the guinea pig and a base station implanted at the study center near the transponder. The transponder and the base station communicate with each other wirelessly. The power required for the transponder is provided by using a low frequency electric field transmitted from the base station and thus it requires no separate power source for its own operation. The wireless data is coded by Manchester encoding scheme for which the clock is recovered through software. The system is in the designed stage and requires more sophistication to be implemented.

5 illus

000754   Ravi Kumar;Chattopadhyaya S;Mukherjee S (Management Studies Dep., Indian School of Mines Sr. Manager, ) : Analytical approach towards the interactive behavior of the confounded parameters of submerged arc welding process for mild steel plates. Indian Weld J 2007, 40(2), 24-31.

Deals with the Study of the Interactions of the Confounded Parameters of Submerged Arc Welding Process for Welding Mild Steel Plates of Higher thicknesses. Here the thickness of the plate is more than 10 mm. This experimental study was conducted at the workshop of Indian School of Mines, (Dhanbad). For this study MEMCO semiautomatic welding equipment with constant voltage rectifier was used. The SAW process has been chosen for this application because of the complex set of variables involved in the process. Submerged arc welding (SAW) is a high quality, very high deposition rate welding process commonly used to join plate. SAW is usually operated as a fully mechanized or automatic process, but it can be semi-automatic also Submerged arc welding provides a purer and cleaner high volume weld which is also faster than traditional welding methods. The SAW process is much more critical because of its application in welding critical parts, equipments and machinery which have huge economic and social implications. Welding parameters: current, arc voltage and travel speed all affect bead shape, depth of penetration and chemical composition of the deposited weld metal. Because the operator cannot see the weld pool, greater reliance must be placed on parameter settings. In this study the parameters among current, arc voltage, and travel speed were varied and then the readings for penetration, bead width, metal deposition rate and time were taken. Welding parameters were noted during actual welding to determine the fluctuations. The same procedure is repeated many times to achieve more accurate results. On the bases of these readings graphs were plotted between the parameters to study the interactions of the parameters with each other. The main objective being to identify the main input factors, to determine the interactions amongst the input factors and finally to establish the optimum settings for the input factors the response output being weld bead parameters.

9 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

000753   Ramachandran P;Ravichandran S;Senthil R (NO, Jayararam College of Engineering and Technology, Tiruchirappalli-621 014) : Spatial load forecasting. Int J Syst Cybernetics Inf 2007, (Jul), 69-72.

Utilities are required to provide reliable power to customers. In the design stages, utilities need to plan ahead for anticipated future load growth under different possible scenarios. Their decisions and designs can affect the gain or loss of lakhs of rupees for their companies as well as customer satisfaction and future economic growth in their territory. The reliability, efficiency, and economy of a power delivery system depend mainly on how well substations, transmission lines, and distribution feeders are located within the utility service area, and how well their capacities match power needs in their respective localities. Often utility planners are forced to commit to sites, rights of way, and equipment capacities years in advance. A necessary element of effective expansion planning is a forecast of where and how much demand must be served by the future T&D system, a forecast with sufficient accuracy and detail to allow meaningful determination of sites and sizes for future substation, transmission, and distribution facilities. Proposed a scheme that can provide alternatives to distribution planners for spatial load forecasting.

4 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

000752   Rajan E G (Pentagram Research Centre (P) Limited, No. 201, Venkat Homes, , Migh-59, Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad-500 028, Email: rajaneg@yahoo.co.in) : Logic of constructive signal processing (lecture series-7). Int J Syst Cybernetics Inf 2007, (Jul), 83-8.

Studies constructive signal processing systems in the framework of a constructive logic introduced by Markov [40], [41], [42], [43], [44], [45], [46]. This constructive logic is built on a hierarchical system of languages denoted as α = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,..., ω, ω|, whose main constituents are alphabets, words and normal algorithms. Presents a summary of the basic notions of this logic that are relevant for us and then introduce a theory Th(ℜ) for constructive signal processing. In later sections, we make use of this theory in the study of constructive systems in terms of homorphisms and extended topological filters.

57 ref

000751   Raja T;Kalaichelvi P;Anantharaman N (Chemical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Trichy, Email: kalai@nitt.edu) : Development of CFD model for optimum mixing in jet mixed tanks. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(7), 522-7.

A jet-mixed vessel can create a flow pattern similar to that in an agitated vessel with paddle impeller.Tangential How and circulation flow can be provided by using a jet nozzle fixed at the center of a cylindrical vessel, where circulation flow can be controlled by varying angle of jet nozzle and jet flow rate. Numerical studies were performed using k-ε turbulence models using computational fluid dynamic software FLUENT 6.1 to examine the effects of shape of tank on flow pattern and mixing characteristics in a jet mixer. Resuls show that belter mixing is obtained lor cylindrical bottom than the flat bottom for the

8 illus, 12 ref

000750   Raghavendra R J (NO, JNN College of Engineering, Shimoga, Karnataka, Email: raghavendra.r.j@gmail.com) : Fast collision detection for virtual environment using improved ray tracing. Int J Syst Cybernetics Inf 2007, (Jul), 25-31.

Problem of Collision detection or interference determination between two or more objects is fundamental to virtual environment in which objects are involved in motion. Presents an accurate collision detection algorithm, with complexity of O (n log n) where n represents number of objects. The algorithm can be used directly for convex, non-convex objects and objects undergoing arbitrary motion. The algorithm works efficiently in virtual environment by reducing number of objects that need to be checked accurately for interference by distance check and sphere check filtering techniques; objects that remains after pruning stage are then accurately checked for interference using ray tracing. The algorithm uses sphere as bounding volume to be pre-computed and updated. The algorithm is efficient and simple to implement can be used in many applications, which involve objects under motion.

7 illus, 29 ref

000749   Radmanovic M;Stankovic R;Moraga C (Computer Science Dep, Faculty of Electronics, Nis Univ, 18000 Nis, Serbia) : Analysis of decision diagram based methods for the calculation of the dyadic autocorrelation. Int J Syst Cybernetics Inf 2007, (Jul), 11-19.

Describes methods for calculation of the logic autocorrelation of switching functions. Compared calculation over function vectors and decision diagrams and performed an experimental analysis of performances of these methods with an emphasis on their time complexity were compared.

10 illus, 11 tables, 19 ref

000748   Prasad R;Singh D;Singh K P (Applied Physics Dep, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Email: rprasadl@rediffmail.com) : Microwave response of vegetation lady's finger by bistatic scatterometer. Asian J Phys 2008, 17(2), 303-6.

Bistatic outdoor measurements were carried out to study the microwave signature of crop lady's finger at several growth stages and propose the best suitable angular range for the operation of sensor onboard satellite for observing the microwave response of crop lady's finger. An outdoor crop-bed was prepared to observe the response in the form of scattering coefficient in the angular range between 20° to 70° for both Vertical- Vertical.(VV-) and Horizontal-Horizontal (HH-) polarization. From the collected data, scattering coefficient was computed and their dependence on the look angle was analyzed through regression analysis. The various regression parameters have been computed which show that the best suitable angular range for the operation of sensor onboard satellite would be 35° to 65° for VV- and 35° to 65° for HH- polarization for observing crop lady's finger parameters.

5 illus, 9 ref

000747   Paul J C;Padhy K P;Mishra J N;Mishra P (College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, O.U.A.T., Bhubaneswar-751 003) : Integrated land and water management plan preparation of watershed using remote sensing and GIS-a case study. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2007, 57(9), 229-34.

Remote sensing and GIS technique have been applied for the integrated watershed planning of Bajpur watershed in Khurda sadar block of Khurda district (Orissa). IRS ID, LISS III F.C.C: satellite images and toposheet number 73H/ 12 together with verification have been used as the data source. Thematic maps like land use/land cover map, hydrogeomorphology map, soil map, slope map, drainage and surface water body maps were prepared by using both satellite imageries and survey of India toposheet. By integrating all these maps in GIS, water and land resource management plans were developed. The water resources development plan indicates the sites for groundwater exploitation and sites for surface water development including sites for different soil and water conservation structures. Eleven action items were suggested under land resource action plan with specific sites, aerial locations and maps. Thus remote sensing technology demonstrates the usefulness for providing up-to-date, reliable and accurate information on different natural resources of the watershed which is a pre-requisite for an integrated approach to identify the suitable sites for water harvesting structures, check dams, farm ponds, percolation tanks, nala bonds etc. The GIS technique is helpful to integrate the information into a composite land unit development map, to generate alternate Icaid. use system for sustainable development of the watershed.

5 illus, 6 tables, 11 ref

000746   Pandey V K;Srivastav A;Vishvakarma B R (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, College of Engineering and Technology, IFTM Campus, Delhi Road, PO: Pakbara, Moradabad-244 001, Email: vijaykpandey@yahoo.com) : Patch antenna on biased ferrite substrate - role of orientation of magnetic field in frequency agility. Asian J Phys 2008, 17(2), 313-18.

A patch antenna, typically of rectangular configuration, on an in-plane biased ferrite substrate was analyzed to show that the antenna could be frequency-tuned over a relatively broad band. The tuning range, optimized with respect to impedance match vis-a-vis magnetic field orientation, attains a value as high as 75.6%, typically, at 0.5 GHz, for transverse biasing. In addition, the ferrite substrate patch can provide compact antennas tuned to lower frequencies as well.

5 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

000745   Pandey V K;Kumar S;Sharma B K;Shamshi M A (NO, Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO), Sector 30 C, Chandigarh-160 030, Email: serbks@yahoo.com) : Performance characteristic of indigenously developed 24-bit seismic data recorder for earthquake seismology. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(9), 741-7.

Describes long term performance of CSIO developed seismic data acquisition tested on local, regional and distant earthquakes in comparison with imported data acquisition system. Waveform data is cross-correlated to test the similarity and validate the results. Two major earthquakes have been considered for cross-correlation procedure and the results have been analyzed and explained. CSIO developed 24-bit seismic data recorder has been explained.

3 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

000744   Pal A K (Applied Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering Dep, Heritage Institute of Technology, Chowbaga Road, Anandapur, Kolkata-700 107, Email: arabindak_pal@yshoo.com) : Control of a non-linear process by modeling PI and PD type fuzzy, self-tuning fuzzy and neuro-fuzzy controller. Int J Syst Cybernetics Inf 2007, (Jul), 46-51.

Described the robust scheme for Fuzzy Controllers (FC's), Self-Tuning Fuzzy Controllers (STFC's) and Neuro- Fuzzy Controllers (NFC's) to control the nonlinear process. Then Proportional-Integral and Proportional-Derivative type of these controllers are applied to a typical dynamic non-linear system for analysis and comparative study. Especially the performances of the proposed NFC's are compared with those of the STFC's and conventional PC's. The different performance measures such as rise time (t_r), settling time (t_s), peak overshoot ( M_p), integral absolute error (IAE) and integral-of-time multiplied absolute error (ITAE) are taken for comparative study. In this work, observed a remarkably improved performance of neuro-fuzzy controller compare to fuzzy controller. The self-tuning fuzzy controller is designed by adding a fuzzy gain-updating factor, whereas used back propagation technique to develop neuro-fuzzy controller.

1 table, 30 ref

000743   Omprakash P;Roy A;Das S;Prasad J K (Space Engineering and Rocketry Dep, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra-835 215, Email: j_k_prasad@yahoo.com) : Investigation of incompressible flow past a two dimensional wedge. J Aerospace Sci Technol 2007, 59(4), 229-45.

Incompressible flow past two dimensional wedges of various wedge apex angles has been investigated at different Reynolds numbers and angles of incidence both numerically and experimentally. A Navier-Stokes solver based on finite volume approach using a boundary fitted curvilinear structured O-grid has been developed to obtain details of unconfined low past arbitrary two-dimensional body geometry. Standard k-ε turbulence model with standard wall functions has been incorporated to capture the flow field at high Reynolds numbers. Experiments have been performed on a 90 degree wedge at high Reynolds number to obtain the static pressure distribution on the wedge surface at different angles of incidence. Good agreement between the experimental and computed data has been achieved.

25 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

000742   Ojha S K;Das A;Arora A;Parthasarthy L (R&D Centre for Iron & Steel, Sail, Ranchi-834 002) : Some aspects of permeability of a packed bed in the context of blast furnace stack. Steel India 2007, 30(1), 17-23.

Presents a review of the basic concepts pertaining to the permeability of a packed bed of solid particles in the context of flow of gases through the stack zone of the blast furnace. In particular, the effect of granulometry of the sinter burden on the sinter bed permeability has been discussed.

5 illus, 5 tables, 6 ref

000741   Ofodu J C;Hart H I (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Port Hartcourt Univ, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Email: ofodu-jc@yahoo.co.uk) : Temperature and soot formation in a natural gas diffusion flame. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(7), 570-6.

It presents temperature and soot formation profile within a natural gas diffusion (lame under the equivalenceratios of 0.35, 0.90. 1.70 and 2.56. An in-house combustion Test-Rig designed for diffusion flame studies was used for temperature distribution and gravimetric soot mass. The soot was samples with an isokinetic probe insert, from this; a fairly accurate value of the soot number density and volume fraction was computed. There was sharp increases in the line-of-sight flame temperature within the centerline with peak values occurring at some distances of 6, 12. 12 and 9 cm from the burner rim. corresponding to 0.35, 0.90. 1.70 and 2.56 equivalence ratios respectively, after which it decreases gradually. A clear marked reduction was observed in temperature values as the condition of fuel mixture changes from lean to heavy rich. This reduced temperature that was most evident of flame equivalence ratio of 2.56 has been traced to be as a result of high sooty condition imposed by this fuel rich mixture. This condition of soot laden, enhances high rate of heat losses through adverse radiative heat transfer, thereby decreases flame temperature and combustion efficiencies of the parent user device. It was also observed that the gravimetric soot mass profile is much regular in behaviour for the lean mixture flames as it increases with increase in measured temperature values. Contrarily, for a richer mixture of 2.56, it increases with decrease in temperature.

18 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

000740   Nedunchezhian R;Valarmathi M L;Rajalakshmi M (NO, Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, Email: rachezhian@yahoo.co.in) : Mining K-high frequent closed patterns (HFCP). Int J Syst Cybernetics Inf 2007, (Jul), 63-8.

Mining frequent patterns is considered as an important problem in data mining applications like discovery of association rules, episodes. Various algorithms have been proposed for solving this problem. All these techniques have the overhead of the specification of precise minimum support value for generating K-high frequent patterns successfully. Proposes a new mining approach for determining closed frequent itemsets called Mining 'k' high frequent dosed itemsets of length no less than min_l, where k is the desired number of frequent closed itemsets to be mined, and min_l is the minimal length of each closed frequent itemset. Starting at min_support = 0 and by making use of the length constraint, min_l, the value of min_support can be raised dynamically. HFCP reduces the number of tree traversals by adopting a new structure for header table. The closed frequent patterns are stored in the Result Hash Table in support descending order. HFP has high performance and scalability compared to previous techniques.

6 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

000739   Murthy Y K;Varshney R S (Dam Safety Review Panel Kachchh Region, , Government of Gujarat) : Design and rehabilitation of earth dams on soft foundations. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2007, 57(9), 205-28.

Lessons from the case histories of rehabilitation of some of the earth dams abroad have been studied and applied for the rehabilitation of the earth dams which had to be rehabilitated after extensive damages that occurred during the devastating earthquake on 26th January, 2001 in Gujarat. The relevant data have been compiled and analysed on the basis of the study of such earth dams. The authors were closely associated with the design and rehabilitation of damaged dams in the Kachchh region. Attempt is made to discuss briefly the lesson from the case histories of earth dams rehabilitated abroad and the design and construction aspects for the rehabilitation of damaged earth dams in Kachchh region of Gujarat. On the basis of study of such dams, broad guidelines for design and construction of earth dams on soft foundation have been formulated and outlined.

24 illus, 14 ref

000738   Murthy Y K;Varshney R S (Dam Safety Review Panel I (Kachchh Region), Water Resources Dep, , Govt. of Gujarat) : Ground bar spillways in earthquake damaged earth dams in Gujarat. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2007, 57(5-6), 148-56.

The devastating earthquake of January 2001 in Bhuj Gujarat caused severe damages to about 185 earth dams in Kachchh region and their appurtenant works. Spillways for these dams had been constructed as chute spillways or ground bars (a design commonly used in Gujarat), or by wash channels on the flanks. It was seen that compared to the damages caused to earth dams and appurtenant structures, ground bars spillways withstood the fury of earthquake better and they practically remained unharmed. These spillways had been constructed with no definite hydraulic and structural parameters and therefore have attracted the notice of the authors who have been intimately associated with their inspection for rehabilitation and up gradation of the damaged dams and spillways in Kachchh and Saurashtra regions of Gujarat. The ground bar spillway for a low and medium earth dam is virtually a flush escape channel constructed on a stretch along the perimeter of the reservoir as close to the dam as possible where the natural ground level is at about full reservoir level to pass the seasonal floods of the stream across which the earth dam is constructed. This type of ungated spillways are widely used for dams of low and medium height and have functioned satisfactorily. The authors have made an attempt, in this article, to rationalize the hydraulic design and layout of the ground bar spillways after reviewing the performance of the existing structures in Gujarat and used the rationalized design approach and checked the adequacy of spillway capacity for rehabilitation and upgradation of earthquake damaged earth dams in Kachchh region of Gujarat wherever necessary.

26 illus, 2 tables

000737   Mukhopadhay S (NO, , ) : Robotic welding system - the myth or the reality. Indian Weld J 2007, 40(2), 37-42.

16 illus

000736   Mohite P M;Upadhyay C S (Aerospace Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur-208 016, Email: shekhar@iitk.ac.in) : Simple strain recovery based a-posteriori error estimator for laminated composite plates. J Aerospace Sci Technol 2007, 59(3), 212-22.

A globally and locally reliable strain recovery based a-posteriori error estimator for laminated composite plates is proposed in this study. An extensive check of the local and global quality of the proposed error estimator is carried out for the bending problem. Effect of material orientation, ply stacking sequence, boundary condition and loading profile is carried out for a square plate. It is found that this estimator is reliable for almost all the cases, and even predicts errors for the preasymptotic range reliably.

6 illus, 12 tables, 29 ref

000735   Mohanta S (Chemical Engineering Dep, Indira Gandhi Institute of Technologym, Sarang-759 146, Email: satyabrata.mohanta@rediffmail.com) : Balancing of raw washability data using spreadsheet optimization routine. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(10), 828-9.

A technique for balancing raw washability data utilizing spreadsheet program is proposed and demonstrated by a working example. The sum of squares of the relative errors between raw and estimated data is minimized. The generated balanced dat satisfy mass and ash balance conditions.

1 table, 5 ref

000734   Metri B A (NO, Management Development Institute, Gurgaon-122 001) : Small hydropower development and privatisation. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2007, 57(7-8), 176-8.

Concepts of quality and privatization have been attracting attention in recent years. In developing countries like India, privatization is emerging as a viable alternative in the development of small hydropower (SHP). Outlines the development of SHP and essence of privatization in India. An analysis on the quality performance of SHP projects has been carried out by identifying the barriers in public sector and key drivers in the private sector. Innovation and efficiency are the key contributors to the quality performance of private firms. The study highlights the present status of private participation in India and also examines the policies and incentives of Indian government for the development of SHP. Strategies for accelerating the SHP in private sector have been suggested. Finally it has been shown that privatization is an important means to build, in quality and bridge the huge resource gap in SHP industry.

4 ref