000691   Le S T T;Khanitchaidecha W;Nakaruk A (Civil Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan Univ, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand, Email: auppathamn@nu.ac.th) : Photocatalytic reactor for organic compound removal using photocatalytic mechanism. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(2), 569-72.

In this work, a photocatalytic reactor with a working volume of 13 l was fabricated of soda-lime silica glass. Commercial titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particles were used as the photocatalyst and trails were conducted on the photodecomposition of methylene blue (MB) solutions (10^-5 M). The activation of the photocatalysts was carried out using 5 UV lamps (378 nm, 36 W), and 13 g of TiO₂ was added each week to the reactor. The MB solution was fed at a flow rate of 0.87 l h^-1, while the effluent was removed after 5 h of hydraulic retention time. The performance of the reactor was studied over a period of 45 days. The results showed a sharp decline in the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and pH of the solution with the increased addition of TiO₂ to the reactor owing to the occurrence of the photocatalytic process. The reactor was found to be highly effective in decomposing MB solution. The performance was observed to slightly decrease over the long operating period owing to the TiO₂ accumulation on the reactor wall, and its non-participation in the reactions.

6 illus, 18 ref

000690   Langhammer L;Jerabek J;Polak J;Sotner R;Stork P (Telecommunication Dep, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communica, Brno Univ of Technology, Technicka 12, 616 00, Brno, Czech Republic) : Tunable fully-differential filter employing MOTA and DACA elements. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2016, 23(2-3), 107-19.

A new fully-differential (F-D) filtering structure of the second-order current-mode universal filter is described in this paper. Presented filter is also proposed in a single-ended (S-E) form in order to compare behavior of single-ended and fully-differential structures. Signal-flow graphs method is used to design both presented filters. Multi-output transconductance amplifiers (MOTAs), digitally adjustable current amplifier (DACA), multi-output current follower (MO-CF) and fully differential current follower (FD-CF) are used in proposed filters. Filters possess of ability to adjust their pole frequency and quality factor independently of each other. The actual function of proposed filters has been verified by PSpice simulations and experimental measurements.

^ssc18 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

000689   Khalid S (NO, , ) : Comparative critical analysis of control techniques optimized using ATS algorithm and conventional control techniques applied in shunt active power filter for total harmonic reduction for power electronic converters in high frequency (400 HZ). J Aerospace Engng Technol 2015, 5(3), 44-52.

Three different conventional control strategies used for extracting reference currents for shunt active power filter and optimization of these strategies using Adaptive Tabu Search have been compared and their performances have been evaluated under different balanced and unbalanced loads connected together. The compensation ability of different control strategies will be compared, and suggestion will be given for optimum. Simulation results using MATLAB have been included.

000688   Kazemikia K;Bonabi F;Asadpoorchallo A; Shokrzadeh M (Electrical and Computer Engineering Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Bonab Branch, Bonab 55591, Iran, Email: kaveh_kazemi@yahoo.com) : Influence of the concentration of carbon nanotubes on electrical conductivity of magnetically aligned MWCNT-polypyrrole composites. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(2), 457-62.

The goal of this work is to study the effect of high magnetic pulses on electrical property of carbon nanotube-polypyrrole (CNT-PPy) composites with different CNT concentrations. CNT-PPy composites are produced in fractions of 1, 5 and 9 wt%. During the polymerization process, the CNTs are homogeneously dispersed throughout the polymer matrix in an ultrasonic bath. Nanocomposite rods are prepared. After exposure to 30 magnetic pulses, the resistivity of the rods is measured. The surface conductivity of thin tablets of composites is studied by 4-probe technique. The magnitude of the pulsed magnetic field is 10 Tesla with time duration of 1.5 ms. The results show that after applying 30 magnetic pulses, the electrical resistivity of the composites decreases depending on the concentration of CNTs in the composites. The orientation of CNTs is probed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique. AFM images approved alignment of CNT-polymer fibres in the magnetic field. We found that the enhancement in the electrical properties of CNT-PPy composites is due to rearrangement and alignment of CNTs in a high magnetic field. The stability of nano-composites is studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

7 illus, 28 ref

000687   Kaushik M (NO, , ) : Superiority of tabs with corrugations of jet mixing. J Aerospace Engng Technol 2015, 5(3), 15-26.

The jet mixing promoting effectiveness of two identical rectangular tabs of blockage 2.5% (each), placed diametrically opposite at the exit of a Mach 1.65 axi-symmetric nozzle, is experimentally investigated. The efficacy of the tab with and without corrugations is studied at varied levels of expansions present at the nozzle exit. To quantify the tab performance the total pressure distribution along and across the jets were measured at varied Nozzle Pressure Ratios (NPRs). The shocks and expansion fans prevailing in the uncontrolled and controlled jets were visualized by shadowgraph technique. It is seen that when the plain tabs are introduced at the nozzle exit, only a 37.5% reduction in core length is obtained at over-expanded conditions corresponding to NPR 4 whereas, providing corrugations along the tab edges has affected their performance drastically. The efficacy of corrugated tabs is found to be superior at under-expanded condition with a maximum core length reduction of 90.1% at NPR 6. The pressure profile plots also confirm that the corrugated tab is more efficient in promoting the mixing, without introducing asymmetry to the jet field. In addition to reducing the core length, the corrugated tab causes the waves in the core to become weaker and the shock cells to become shorter, compared to the uncontrolled jet.

000686   Kalpesh L;Nagopara B H (NO, , ) : Performance analysis of 1-bit full adder using GDI and CMOS logic. J Elect Des Technol 2015, 6(2), 18-22.

The adder is one of the most essential part in math processor, multiplier, and in various scientific applications. Full adder plays important role in multiplier architecture. In this paper a 1-bit full adder using GDI and CMOS logic has been implemented and comparative analysis has been done. The less delay and low power consumption is achieved for this implementation. This paper presents comparison of number of transistors have been used for both logic styles are shown in table. The design of 1-bit full adder has been implemented in TANNER EDA version 15 tool using BPTM 45nm CMOS process technology.

000685   Kaliaraj G S;Kirubaharan K;Pradhaban G; Kuppusami P;Vishwakarma V (Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sathyabama Univ, Chennai-600 119, Email: gsbiotech5@gmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of biogenic calcium carbonate/phosphate from oral bacteria and their adhesion studies on YSZ-coated titanium substrate of dental implant application. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(2), 385-9.

Biogenic calcium carbonate/phosphate were isolated and characterized from oral bacteria (CPOB). The crystalline nature and morphology of calcium carbonate/phosphate were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively. XRD analysis revealed the cubic phase of YSZ coating as well as biogenic calcium carbonate (rhombohedral) and calcium phosphate oxide (hexagonal) was observed from CPOB. FESEM confirmed the extracellular synthesis of calcium compounds. Bacterial adhesion result reveals that YSZ coating drastically reduce bacterial invasion than titanium substrate.

3 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

000684   Jana A;Dandapat N;Das M;Balla V K;Chakraborty S;Saha R;Mallik A K (CSIR-Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute, , Kolkata-700 032, Email: amallik@cgcri.res.in) : Severe wear behaviour of alumina balls sliding against diamond ceramic coating. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(2), 573-86.

At present alumina is the most widely used bio-ceramic material for implants. However, diamond surface offers very good solid lubricant for different machinery, equipment including biomedical implants (hip implants, knee implants, etc.), since the coefficient of friction (COF) of diamond is lower than alumina. In this tribological study, alumina ball was chosen as the counter body material to show better performance of the polycrystalline diamond (PCD) coatings in biomedical load-bearing applications. Wear and friction data were recorded for microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition (MWCVD) grown PCD coatings of four different types, out of which two samples were as-deposited coatings, one was chemo-mechanically polished and the other diamond sample was made free standing by wet-chemical etching of the silicon wafer. The coefficient of friction of the MWCVD grown PCD against Al₂O₃ ball under dry ambient condition was found in the range of 0.29-0.7, but in the presence of simulated body fluid, the COF reduces significantly, in the range of 0.03-0.36. The samples were then characterized by Raman spectroscopy for their quality, by coherence scanning profilometer for surface roughness and by electron microscopy for their microstructural properties. Alumina balls worn out (14.2 x 10^-1 mm³) very rapidly with zero wear for diamond ceramic coatings. Since the generation of wear particle is the main problem for load-bearing prosthetic joints, it was concluded that the PCD material can potentially replace existing alumina bio-ceramic for their better tribological properties.

7 illus, 4 tables, 50 ref

000683   Humrutha M K G (NO, , ) : Review of shock-boundary layer controlled interactions studies in high speed in takes. J Aerospace Engng Technol 2015, 5(3), 1-14.

The present work review about the studies conducted by various researchers on shock-boundary layer interactions and their control in high speed intakes. The shock-boundary layer interactions have been a topic of immense interest among the researchers for past many decades due to their associated aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic phenomena. The sudden retardation at the shock impact point promotes, either the boundary layer thickening or even separation leading to increased drag. Further, in the proximity of the shock impact point the thermal loads due to these interactions might lead to severe detrimental effects limiting the efficiency of intakes critical in the performance of the aerospace vehicles. The chronological evolution of both computational and experimental investigations on these interactions are reviewed, however they are presented according to their relevance in the discussion. In high speed intakes, the boundary layer bleed is found to be most efficient in reducing the shock indued separation and drag reduction.

000682   Hossain M R;Hossain M R (NO, , ) : Comparative study on carbon nanotube mosfet, silicon nanowire mosfet and single gate mosfet. J Elect Des Technol 2015, 6(2), 7-12.

Among many of the concerns for the researchers in nano-electronics, Single Gate MOSFET, Silicon Nanowire MOSFET and Carbon Nanotube MOSFET were very popular three. All of them are different in their structures and performance. This paper is focused on the comparison of their characteristics in terms of Current- voltage relations, Mobility charge density and Quantum capacitance. 'FETToy' in 'nanohub' was used to simulate the predefined models in room temperature. Drain and Gate control parameters were kept same for all of them.

000681   Hossain M R (NO, , ) : Modeling and performance analysis of gallium arsenide based P-I-N solar cells. J Elect Des Technol 2015, 6(2), 23-7.

Current technology has made a lot of inspection and also facing many difficulties for optimizing a solar cell's efficiency. Many previous works had been done on p-n junction solar cells to achieve the maximum performance. But a few researches show us that the performance of p-i-n solar cell has not yet reached its optimum level. Thus in this paper we concentrate on an analysis of Gallium Arsenide based p-i-n solar cell and achieve the maximum efficiency of a Gallium Arsenide based p-i-n solar cell. In this paper we ascertain a specific method to virtually design a Gallium Arsenide p-i-n solar cell and analyse its efficiency at different doping concentrations using device simulator. After doing rigorous analysis a maximum efficiency of 17.56% was achieved for Gallium Arsenide solar cell. In this methodology we have perceived the foremost implementation of the unit cell in several doping concentrations. In this paper a comparison was made on the performance of Gallium Arsenide based p-i-n solar cell and suitable results were achieved.

000680   hosh T K;et. al. (Polymer Science and Technology Dep, Calcutta Univ, 92 A.P.C. Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: dipnkar.chattopadhyay@gmail.com) : Physical and electrical characterization of reduced graphene oxide synthesized adopting green route. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(2), 543-50.

Graphene and its related materials are important areas of research in recent years owing to their unique properties. The wide-range industrial application of graphene-related compounds has led to the development of novel and simple methods for the synthesis of graphene. In this paper, an environmentally friendly green synthesis for the partial reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to reduced GO (RGO) in a cost-effective single-step mechanism was reported. The method completely avoids the use of toxic and environmentally harmful reducing agents commonly used in the chemical reduction of GO to obtain RGO. The reduction of GO was carried out using aqueous leaf extracts of Paederia foetide L. The prepared GO and green RGO were characterized by ultraviolet-visible, Raman and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopic analysis which showed a clear indication of the partial removal of oxygen-containing groups from the GO and the formation of RGO. The morphology of the green RGO was characterized by transmission electron and scanning electron microscopy. Dynamic light scattering was used for zeta potential measurement and correlated with the morphology of the sheets. Electrical conductivity was also measured to check the extent of reduction of GO to RGO.

9 illus, 60 ref

000679   Hmsagayathri;Sampath P;Gunavathi M (NO, , ) : Design and simulation of microstrip patch array antenna for 2.45 GHz. J Commun Engng Syst 2016, 5(1), 17-24.

Breast cancer is one of most common life-threatening diseases among the world's women. Early detection of Breast cancer, aids in fast and effective treatment to save lives. Mammography, which is currently the most popular method of breast screening, has some limitations. Microstrip antennas are used as an alternative in growing medical applications. The main purpose of the project is to design a simple and cost effective conformal Microstrip Patch Antenna with dimensions of 37 mm X 28 mm using FR4 substrate for operating frequency 2.45 GHz. For enhancing the bandwidth, directivity and gain, 4x1 antenna arrays are designed in linear with corporate feeding networks. Experimental results of the proposed antenna are simulated and discussed using the ADS simulation software. The proposed antenna has a bandwidth of 65 MHz covering the frequency range 2.41-2.49 GHz, the return loss below -26 dB and antenna gain of 2.45 dB. The flexible patch antenna holds good efficiency of 87.1%. This paper proposes design patch antenna which can be applied for early Breast tumor detection in women.

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000678   Ghugal Y M;Shikhare G U (NO, , ) : Bending analysis of sandwich beams according to refined trigonometric beam theory. J Aerospace Engng Technol 2015, 5(3), 27-37.

An equivalent single layer trigonometric shear deformation theory is presented for flexure of sandwich beams. The axial displacement field uses trigonometric function in terms of thickness coordinate to include the effect of transverse shear deformation. The transverse displacement is assumed to be a function of longitudinal direction. Normal and shear strains corresponding to assumed displacement field of the present theory are obtained within the framework of linear theory of elasticity. Governing equations and boundary conditions are obtained by utilizing the principle of virtual work. To demonstrate the validity of present theory it is applied to the bending analysis sandwich beams. The results obtained by using present theory are compared with those of other refined theories and exact solutions available.

000677   Fani D;Shahraki E (Electrical and Computer Engineering Dep, Sistan and Baluchestan Univ, Zahedan, Iran) : Two-link robot manipulator using fractional order PID controllers optimized by evolutionary algorithms. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(1), 589-98.

Fractional order (FO) controllers are highly considered with regard to higher performance and robustness of these controllers in FO systems. According to advantages of PID controllers such as suitable performance, low price and simplicity of design, they are widely used in industry. A FOPID controller is used for two-link robot control in this paper. Considering vast use of evolutionary algorithms and numerical optimization, coefficients of the FO controller are optimized using evolutionary algorithms in this paper. An individual FOPID controller is applied in order to control each link. Three evolutionary optimization algorithms including particle swarm optimization (PSO), genetic algorithm and estimation of distribution algorithm, are compared from optimal coefficients determination point of view. Experimental results indicate that FOPID controller is more applicable according to use of actual model for robot and suitable performance of the PSO algorithm.

10 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

000676   Demaria C;Arrais A;Benzi P;Boccaleri E; Antoniotti P;Rabezzana R;Operti L (Dipartimento di Chimica and NIS Centre of Excellence, Universita degli Saudi di Tornio, via Pietro Giuria 7, 10125 Torino, Italy, Email: aldo.arrais@uniupo.it) : A catalyst-free synthesis of germanium nanowires obtained by combined X-ray chemical vapour deposition of GeH₄H₄ and low-temperature thermal treatment techniques. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(2), 499-507.

A catalyst-free innovative synthesis, by combined X-ray chemical vapour deposition and low-temperature thermal treatments, which has not been applied since so far to the growth of germanium nanowires (Ge-NWs), produced high yields of the nanoproducts with the GeH₄ reactant gas. Nanowires were grown on both surfaces of a conventional deposition quartz substrate. They were featured with high purity and very large aspect ratios (ranging from 100 to 500). Products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive atomic X-ray fluorescence and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray powder diffraction diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis with differential scanning calorimetry, vibrational infrared and Raman and ultraviolet-visible-near infrared spectroscopies. A quantitative nanowire bundles formation was observed in the lower surface of the quartz substrate positioned over a heating support, whilst spots of nanoflowers constituted by Ge-NWs emerged from a bulk amorphous germanium film matter, deposited on the upper surface of the substrate. The nanoproducts were characterized by crystalline core morphology, providing semiconductive features and optical band gap of about 0.67 eV. The possible interpretative base-growth mechanisms of the nanowires, stimulated by the concomitant application of radiant and thermal conditions with no specific added metal catalyst, are hereafter investigated and presented.

9 illus, 51 ref

000675   Cheng Z Y;Liu J;Jia-Xin Y;Jia-Chen Z;Liu S; Zhi-Dong X (The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan Univ of Science and Technolohgy, Wuhan, 430081, P R China) : Effect of normalization on the microstructure and texture evolution during primary and secondary recrystallization of Hi-B electrical steel. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2016, 23(2-3), 165-70.

Normalization, as an important process step in the production of Hi-B electrical steels, influences the microstructure and texture evolution during the subsequent primary and secondary recrystallization annealing. The effects are investigated by TEM, EBSD and XRD for a Hi-B electrical steel. The results show that large numbers of small and dispersed AlN precipitated after normalizing treatment. The precipitated AlN inhibitors promoted the formation of CSL boundaries of S Σ 3, 11 and 13b, and boundaries with misorientation angles between 25-45° during the primary recrystallization, which are believed to promote the selective growth of the Goss grains during secondary recrystallization. After primary recrystallization, the normalized specimen showed the increase in the intensity of {111}<60>112<62> component and the decrease of the a*-fiber intensity. As a result, the growth of Goss component was promoted during the secondary recrystallization.

7 illus, 19 ref

000674   Chaudhary N;Jain R;Tripathi A (NO, , ) : HVDC low loss switching boost converter using auvilary circuit. J Elect Des Technol 2015, 6(3), 33-9.

AC supply is available in different frequencies so many problems occur in different etiquettes; like battery charging needs the nonstop DC supply. Because of switching losses(AC to DC converters) are befalls in the converters. A new soft switching boost converter with an aux-iliary or secondary switch and resonant circuit is projected in this work. The resonant circuit is consisted of a resonant inductor L_r, two resonant capacitors Cr₁ Cr₂, two diodes and an auxiliary switch. This combination of elements makes partial resonant path for main switch perform soft switching at zero voltage. The main advantage of this converter topology is that the auxiliary switch also achieves soft switching by help of resonant circuit. The proposed soft switching boost converter can be applied to various fields such as, HVDC converter station, photovoltaic system, power factor correction, electrical vehicles and so forth. To evaluate the authentication of the circuit MATLAB software can be used to simulate and achieve the real time data.

000673   Cartigueyen S;Mahadevan K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Pondicherry Engineering College, Puducherry-605 014, Email: scartigueyen@rediffmail.com) : Effect of heat input and particulate deposition on Cu/SiCp surface composite processed by friction stir processing. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2016, 23(2-3), 145-51.

Friction stir processing is a novel, green and low energy consumption route used to prepare surface level composites. In this study, a single pass friction stir processing was utilized to prepare copper based surface composite using silicon carbide particles at a constant rotational speed of 1000 rpm and processing speed of 50 mm/min. A cluster of blind holes 2 mm in diameter and 4 mm depth is used for particulate deposition during composite fabrication. The effects of heat input and particulate deposition technique on microstructure and mechanical properties of fabricated surface composite are studied. Temperature distributions are measured using K-type thermocouples. Optical and scanning electron micrographs reveal a uniform dispersion of SiC particles without any agglomeration problem. X-ray diffraction study shows that no intermetallic compound is formed after processing. The microhardness of the surface composite is remarkably enhanced than that of base metal.

7 illus, 29 ref

000672   Buyukada M;Evrendilek F (Environmental Engineering Dep, Abant Izzet Baysal Univ, Bolu, Turkey, Email: feverendilek@ibu.edu.tr) : Modeling ultrasound-assisted decolorization efficiency of reactive red 195 using soybean cake. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(12), 4541-8.

Soybean cake was utilized as an adsorbent for the decolorization of Reactive Red 195 from aqueous solution based on adsorption, ultrasound and ultrasound-assisted adsorption. This study quantified and modeled effects of the following six factors on decolorization efficiency: the three process types, five initial dyestuff concentrations, five initial pH values, four adsorbent concentrations, four temperatures and 16 reaction times. Optimum pH for adsorption was determined as 2. The maximum decolorization efficiency (93.3%) was obtained consistently with ultrasound-assisted adsorption, the lowest initial dye concentration (200 mg/L), the highest adsorbent concentration (2 g/L) and the highest temperature (50°C). The best-fit multiple non-linear regression models accounted for 85.1 to 93.3% of variation in decolorization efficiency, had a cross-validation-derived predictive power that ranges from 84.2 to 92.8% and quantified the rates of change in decolorization efficiency as a function of the experimental predictors. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model described decolorization kinetics of Reactive Red 195 better than pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The Langmuir adsorption model fitted the adsorption equilibrium data better than the Freundlich model. The adsorption of Reactive Red 195 on soybean cake was found to be of endothermic and spontaneous nature.

4 illus, 6 tables, 38 ref

000671   Bhattacharyya S;Bhowmik R S;Paul B C;Raja S; Roy T (NO, , ) : Kolkata traffic analysis through unmanned aerial vehicle. J Aerospace Engng Technol 2015, 5(3), 53-9.

This work presents the design and construction of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), to be used in order to realize a precise and accurate traffic study, a way to evaluate the real gathering traffic flow conditions in Kolkata areas based on videos taken by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, is proposed. The UAV was designed to be powered by a DC battery and to carry a maximum payload of 1.0 kg. It is equipped with a microcontroller, actuators and sensors. This particular work reports in terms of vehicular traffic flow along a way in the city of Kolkata. The results have been used to analysis the traffic flow of various areas in Kolkata.

000670   Berteau E;Ionita D;Simoiu M;Paraschiv M;Tatia R;Apatean A;Sidoroff M;Tcacenco L (National Institute of Research and Development of Biological Sciences, , Bucharest 060031, Romania, Email: md_ionita@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of bioderadation and biocompatibility of collagen/chitosan/alkaline phosphatase biopolymeric membranes. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(2), 377-83.

The aim of this study was to develop a new variant of membranes based on collagen (COL), chitosan (CHI) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) immobilized and cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GA) at different concentrations. The biodegradation in the presence of collagenase was investigated. Biocompatibility was evaluated by MTT assay using a mouse fibroblast cell culture type NCTC (clone 929). Non-cross-linked samples were biocompatible and membranes cross-linked with low concentrations of GA (0.04, 0.08%) were also biocompatible. However, high concentrations of GA lead to a decreased biocompatibility. The adsorption behaviour of Ca²⁺ ions to all membranes were evaluated using the Freundlich isotherms. Haemolytic studies were performed in order to consider their applications in biomineralization process. By the addition of collagen and ALP to chitosan, the haemolytic index decreases, the COL-CHI-ALP membrane being in the non-haemolytic domain, while the COL-CHI-ALP-GA membrane has a haemolytic index greater than 2, and is slightly haemolytic.

8 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

000669   Altunisik A C;Bayraktar A (Civil Engineering Dep, Karadeniz Technical Univ, 61080, Trabzon, Turkey, Email: ahmetcan8284@hotmail.com) : Structural performance evaluation of arch type long span highway bridge. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2016, 23(2-3), 188-202.

This paper describes an arch type long span highway bridge, its finite element modeling, experimental measurements, finite element model updating using some uncertain parameters, and structural performance evaluation before and after model updating. For this purpose, Birecik Highway Bridge located on the 81st km of Sanliurfa-Gaziantep state highway over Firat River in Turkey is selected as a numerical example. The bridge consist of five arches, each of arch has a 55 m main span. The total bridge length is 300 m and width of bridge is 10 m.The initial finite element model of the arch type long span highway bridge is modelled using SAP2000 program to extract the analytical dynamic characteristics. Operational modal analysis method is used to extract dynamic characteristics using enhanced frequency domain decomposition method. Obtained dynamic characteristics are compared with each other and finite element model of the bridge is updated to reduce the differences by changing of some uncertain parameters such as section properties, damages, boundary conditions and material properties. At the end of the study, structural performance of the highway bridge is determined under dead load, live load, and dynamic loads before and after model updating to specify the updating effect. Displacements, internal forces and stresses are used as comparison parameters. From the study, it is seen that the ambient vibration measurements are enough to identify the most significant modes of long span highway bridges. Maximum differences between the natural frequencies are reduced averagely from 49.1% to 0.6% by model updating. A good harmony is found between mode shapes after finite element model updating. It is demonstrated that finite element model updating has an important effect on the structural performance of the arch type long span highway bridge. Maximum displacements, axial forces, bending moments and compressive stresses are reduced 35.7%, 38.9%, 47.05%, and 29.6%, respectively.

16 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

000668   Al Ayubi H;Rizvi N Z (NO, , ) : Delay analysis for VLSI interconnect's circuits. J Elect Des Technol 2015, 6(3), 25-32.

This research work has been comprised of three parts. The first part deals with the implementation and estimation for the delay of an inverter and study of the influence of the delay variations with the increased size of the inverter. In this modern era of VLSI integrated circuits, interconnect's delay majorly influences the device delay. The second phase of the work emphasizes on the realization of the interconnect delay and interprets the change in interconnect delay with the change in the length of the interconnect. It has been observed that the interconnect delay varies quadratically with respect to its length. This causes the interconnect delay to become non-acceptable to be used as global interconnects, as they are quite large in length. The delay can further be reduced (linearized) by inserting inverters or buffer circuit in between the interconnectnet work. The next part is, to realize delay for the interconnect having buffer circuit. This, results in achieving the optimized segment length of the interconnect with minimum delay.

000667   Agrawal P;Shrivastava S M;Mishra A;Sharma P; Parganiha R (NO, , ) : Analysis of cross phase modulation in WDM system. J Commun Engng Syst 2016, 5(1), 25-31.

In this review paper, the authors show a brief introduction about WDM system. Different types of nonlinearities found in optical fiber are taken into consideration among which, Cross Phase Modulation is focused. Also the Q-factor and BER at different values of the optical dispersion is analysed. Effect of Cross Phase Modulation on the optical fiber is presented by the graphs for the different values of Q-factor and BER. The intensity and timing jitter distortion caused by XPM in 100km NZDSF with channel spacing of 0.8nm is compared and effect of XPM in DQPSK modulation format is discussed. The modelling is done using a commercial optical system simulator named OptiSystem by Optiwave. The objective of this review paper is to make readers understand the key terms related to fiber nonlinearities specifically Cross Phase Modulation to help them carry out their future project work.

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000666   Advani K;Sayyed A (NO, , ) : Numerical simulation for strength increase on flat plate impacted by bird using ansys-autodyn. J Aerospace Engng Technol 2015, 5(3), 38-43.

Bird strike term indicates the collision between an aircraft and bird as occurred during flight can lead to structural damage of an aircraft. This work leads to improvement in aircraft structure by improving its strength and will be able to satisfy the FAR requirements. First of all considering a square flat plate and impacting the impactor at a velocity of 90 m/s performing analysis in ANSYS-AUTODYN software. Results validate with the results given in literature. Ribs are provided in the section increasing its strength, leading to improved design efficiency and safety.

000665   Abaza S F;Ahmed A M;Darweesh M A (Physics Dep, Faculty of Science, King Abdul Aziz Univ, Jeddah, Saudia Arabia, Email: profabdelmonem@gmail.com) : Effect of magnetic field on rate of production of nickel powder from nickel solution by cementation of zinc. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(12), 4317-19.

The effect of magnetic field on the rate of cementation of nickel from nickel sulphate on zinc was studied. Variables studied were nickel sulphate concentration and magnetic field intensity. It was found that the rate of nickel cementation increases significantly with increasing the intensity of magnetic field and percentage of increase in the rate of cementation ranges from 16.6 to 122%. Results were explained on the basis that the application of magnetic field produces magneto hydrodynamic flow which enhances the rate of cementation.

4 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

024014   Zhu T;Deng Z;Fang X;Dong W;Shao J;Tao R;Wang S (Anhui Provincial Key Lab of Photonics Devices and Materials, Anhui Instiute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Scien, Hefei 230031, China, Email: xdfang@aiofm.ac.cn) : Room temperature deposition of amorphous p-type CuFeO₂ and fabrication of CuFeO₂/n-Si heterojunction by RF sputtering method. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 883-7.

Transparent conducting amorphous p-type CuFeO₂ (CFO) thin film was prepared by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method at room temperature using polycrystalline CuFeO₂ target. Amorphous structureof as-deposited film was confirmed by XRD. XPS analysis convinced that the chemical state of Cu⁺ and Fe³⁺ in the film, and the chemical composition of the thin films is close to the stoichiometry of CuFeO₂. Surface morphology of the film was analysed by SEM studies. p-type nature and concentration of carriers was investigated by Hall effect measurement. The p-n heterojunction in the structure of Al/n-Si/p-CuFeO₂/Al showed good rectifying behaviour with a forward and reverse currents ratio of 555 at 2 V. The turn-on voltage and reverse leakage current values were found to be 0.9 V and 4 μA at -2 V. Further, the conduction mechanism of forward bias voltage was controlled by thermionic emission (TE) and trap-space charge limited current (TCLC) mechanisms.

8 illus, 28 ref

024013   Yoo Y;Lee S;Song H (Architectural Engineering Dep, Hanbat National Univ, Daejeon 302-72, Republic of Korea, Email: sslee111@hanbat.ac.kr) : Mechanical properties of artificial stone based on mixing ratio using waste resources. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(11), 4210-12.

The environmental problems have recently aggravated due to global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, environmental damage and resource depletion have worsened by reckless collection of aggregates and limestone, which are the raw materials for cement. In addition, the extrusion molding in stone production process causes gas emission, degradation of performance, fire resistance and durability problems, making it urgent to reduce the use of cement and push forward the research into substitutes. In this study, we set the mixing ratio to 70% for waste resources (waste glass, waste porcelain) and 80% for exterior materials. The related items of test are flexural strength, density, water absorption ratio, rate of aggregate on the surface, etc.

3 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

024012   Ye S;Ullah K;Zhu L;Oh W C (Advanced Materials Science & Engineering Dep, Hanseo Univ, Chungnam 356-706, Republic of Korea, Email: wc_oh@hanseo.ac.kr) : Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Pd-MWCNT/TiO₂ catalysts synthesized by ultrasound-assisted method and their application for hydrogen evolution. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(11), 4229-31.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) modified using TiO₂ nanoparticles (MWCNT/TiO₂) were prepared. Then, Pd-MWCNT/TiO₂ catalysts were prepared by a ultrasound-assisted method for hydrogen evolution. The physico-chemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by TEM, XRD and EDX spectroscopy, respectively. The hydrogen evolutions were attributed to the Pd element and TiO₂ nanoparticles attached on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, which act as reaction centers for H₂ evolution.

1 table, 5 illus, 8 ref

024011   Xinzhi W;Dongjie Y;Fuyang K (School of Geography and Remote Sensing, Nanjing Univrsity of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044 Jiangsu, PR China) : Research on the ionospheric VTEC changes during period of typhoon UTOR. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(4), 482-91.

Present article consists the GPS observation data from the IGS stations of pimo and bjfs to invert the VTEC values of the ionosphere, then use the quarterback method to analyze the ionospheric VTEC changes during the period of typhoon UTOR. The results show that: VTEC values of the pimo station increase significantly during the period of UTOR and reach the critical values of upper limit or cause disturbance. VTEC values of the bjfs station change relatively stable and occasionally reach the critical values of the upper and lower limit, but the disturbance should be independent with the typhoon UTOR.

9 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

024010   Wu X;Luo L;Jiang N;Wu X;Zheng Q (College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal Univ, Chengdu 610066, China, Email: wuxiaochun@sicnu.edu.cn) : Effects of Nb doping on the microstructure, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of 0.7BiFeO₃-0.3BaTiO₃ lead-free ceramics. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 737-42.

Donor-doped lead-free Bi_0.7Ba_0.3(Fe_0.7Ti_0.3)_1-xNb_0.66xO< v>3 + 1 mol % MnO₂ ceramics were prepared by a conventional oxide-mixed method and the effects of Nb-doping on microstructure, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of the ceramics were investigated. All the ceramics exhibit a pure perovskite structure with rhombohedral symmetry. The grain growth of the ceramics is inhibited after the addition of Nb doping. High electric insulation (R=10⁹-10¹⁰Ω.cm) and the poor piezoelectric performance and weak ferroelectricity are observed after the addition of Nb₂O₅ in the ceramics. Different from the donor effect of Pb-based perovskite ceramics, the introduction of Nb into 0.7BiFeO_{3-0.3BaTiO3 degrades the piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity of the ceramics. The Bi0.7Ba0.3(Fe0.7Ti0.3)1-xNb0.66x.O 3 + 1 mol % MnO2 ceramic with x=0 exhibits the optimum piezoelectric properties with d33=133pN C^-1 and kp=0.29kp=0.29 and high Curie temperature (TC=603°).}

6 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

024009   Wu X F;Zhang G A;Wu F F (School of Materials Science and Engineering, Liaoning Univ of Technology, Jinzhou 121001, People's Republic of China, Email: hgd901@126.com) : Wear behaviour of Zr-based in situ bulk metallic glass matrix composites. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 703-9.

Zr-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) and its in situ BMG matrix composites with diameter of 3 mm were fabricated by conventional Cu-mould casting method and the dry sliding wear behaviour of the BMG and composites was investigated. Compared to the pure BMG, the composites exhibited a markedly improved wear resistance from 10 to 48% due to the existence of various volume fractions of the ductile β-Zr dendritic phase embedded in the glassy matrix. The composites showed lower friction coefficient and wear rate than the pure BMG. Meanwhile, the surface wearing of the composite with a proper amount of β-Zr dendrites was less severe compared to that of the pure BMG. The worn surface of the composite was covered with mild grooves and some fine wear debris, which exhibited the characteristic of a mild abrasive wear. The improvement of the wear resistance of the composite with the proper amount of β-Zr crystalline phase is attributed to the fact that the β-Zr crystalline phase distributed in the amorphous matrix has some effective load bearing, plastic deformation and work hardening ability to decrease strain accumulation and the release of strain energy in the glassy matrix, restrict the expanding of shear bands and cracks, and occur plastic deformation homogeneously.

8 illus, 8 ref

024008   Wang H;Zhao X;Xu J;Zhai X;Yang L (School of Materials Science and Engineering, Guilin Univ of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China, Email: wh65@tom.com) : Structure and properties of (1-x)[(K_0.5Na_0.5)NbO₃-LiSbO₃]-xBiF e_0.8Co_0.2O₃ lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 743-7.

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (1-x)[0.95(K_0.5Na_0.5)NbO₃-0.05LiSbO₃]-xBiFe _0.8Cov_0.2O₃(KNN-LS-xxBFC) were prepared by a conventional sintering technique. The effect of BFC content on the structure, piezoelectricand electrical properties of KNN-LS ceramics was investigated. The results reveal that the BFC is effective in promoting the sinterability and the electrical properties of the ceramics sintering at low temperature of 1030°C. Theceramics show a single perovskite structure, in which the tetragonal phase decreases while the orthorhombic phase increases with the increase of x. The more the BFC content is, the smaller and homogeneous grains were formed.With the increase of x, the d₃₃ and the k_p increase to a maximum value and then slightly decrease, but the Q_m increases continuously. As BFC content increases, the Curie temperature T_c and remnant polarization P_r decrease, but the diffusivity of phase transition in KNN-LS ceramics will intensify and the coercive field E_c fluctuate between 1.16 and 1.51 kV mm^-1. The samples with x=0.004 exhibit optimum electrical properties at room temperature (d₃₃=268pCd33=268pC N^-1, k_p=52%, ω_r, tanδ δ2.11%, T_c=325°Tc=325°C, P_r=20.4 μr= μC cm^-2, E_c=1.16 kV mm^-1.

7 illus, 15 ref

024007   Vora S H;Acharya G D;Bhatnagar S P (NO, , ) : Experimental study on a portable mini salt gradient solar pond. J Alternate Energy Sour Technol 2015, 6(3), 72-8.

The mini salt gradient solar pond is an innovative and novel concept which overcomes many of the difficulties of the conventional salt gradient solar pond. An experiment was carried out to analyses the performance of the mini salt gradient solar pond of surface area 2.02 m² at Bhavnagar, India. Experimental investigation has been carried out during the month of June 2014. The maximum storage temperature was found to be 72°C. The outcome of the experimental investigations has been reported in this paper.

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024006   Vedeanu N S;Cozar I B;Stanescu R;Stefan R; Vodnar D;Cozar O (NO, Luliu Hatieganu Univ of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, RO-400023 Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Email: bogdan_cozar@yahoo.com) : Structural investigation of V₂O₅-P₂O₅-K₂O glass system with antibacterial potential. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 697-702.

The _xV₂O(1-x1-x)[0.8 P₂O₅.0.2K₂O] glass system with 0≤x500≤50 mol % was prepared and the structural changes induced in these glasses by increasing the vanadium oxide content were investigated by IR and ESR spectroscopies. The dual behaviour role of V₂O₅ oxide, as network modifier (for x≤10x≤10 mol %) and the network former (x≥20 mol %), as a consequence of phosphate network depolymerization and P-O-V and V-O-V linkages appearance was also highlighted. The antibacterial effect of the glasses with x≤20 mol % V₂O₅ content was tested by optical density (OD) measurements. A linear correlation between the amount of vanadium and the antibacterial effect was evidenced.

6 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

024005   Torabinejad V;Rouhaghdam A S;Aliofkhazraei M; Allahyarzadeh M H (Materials Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Tarbiat Modares Univ, P.O. Box 14115-143, Tehran 14117 13116, Iran, Email: maliofkh@gmail.com) : Ni-Fe-Al₂O₃ electrodeposited nanocomposite coating with functionally graded microstructure. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 857-64.

In this study, a Ni-Fe-Al₂O₃ nanocomposite coating was deposited on the substrate of low-carbon steel by electrodeposition from a sulphate-based bath. The effects of frequency and duty cycle were investigated to producethe functionally graded (FG) coating. For this purpose, first, the coatings with duty cycle-decreased method (DDM) were deposited in eight steps from 88 to 11%. At the second step, frequency-increased method (FIM) was utilized from 50 to 6400 Hz during eight steps. Assessing of coatings was carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), potentiodynamic test, Vickers microhardness test and wear test.Microstructure evaluations gained by SEM and EDS demonstrated that the continuous alterations of duty cycle contribute for manufacturing of FG coatings, so that the maximum particle fraction was in the free surface of the coating and its amount was gradually decreased to the interface. These investigations showed that FIM had no effect on production of graded structure. Corrosion and wear tests indicated high corrosion and wear resistance of DDM coatings in comparison to FIM coatings. Investigating the best coatings obtained from both above methods exhibited 50 and 20% reduction in corrosion current density and wear rate, respectively, for DDM specimen in comparison to FIM sample.

9 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

024004   Swain S S;Samal S K;Mohanty S;Nayak S K (Laboratory for Advanced Research in Polymeric Materials (LARPM), Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 024) : Investigation of fibre orientation using SEM micrograph and prediction of mechanical properties through micromechanical modelling. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 837-46.

The present study concerns the fabrication of short sisal fibre-reinforced polypropylene (PP/SF) composites by melt mixing with different fibre length (3, 6 and 10 mm) comprising of 70% of matrix PP and 30% of SFs followed by injection moulding. The PP/MA-g-PP/SF composites were prepared with the ratio of 65:5:30 with the optimized fibre length of 6 mm at different mould temperatures (25, 45 and 65°C) in a similar fashion. This work also further extended to study the effect of fibre orientation of the composites by numerical calculation of secondorder orientation tensor. To evaluate the fibre orientations PP/MA-g-PP/SF composites at different mould temperatures,scanning electron microscope micrographs were used to estimate the accurate principal directions and two-dimensional fibre orientation distributions through centre coordinates of the elliptical fibre images. Finally, a mathematical model of modified rule of mixture was adopted to compare the predicted tensile strength and modulus with the experimental findings.

6 illus, 2 tables, 40 ref

024003   Su X;Wang B;Zhou J;Sun H (School of Materials Science and Engineering, Chang' an University, Xi'an 710061, China, Email: xinghuasuchd@gmail.com) : Synthesis and electrical field-assisted sintering behaviour of yttria-stablized tetragonal ZrI₂ nanopowders by polyacrylamide gel method. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 641-6.

The tetragonal ZrO₂ nanopowders stabilized with 3 mol % Y₂O₃ (3YSZ) were synthesized using a polyacrylamide gel method. The mean particle size of the 3YSZ nanopowders was found to decrease with increasing molecular ratio of monomer to the precursor salt. The 3YSZ nanopowders with mean particle size of 12 nm can be densified in 1 h at 800°C, by the application of a d.c. electrical field. Under a constant d.c. electrical field, the current density through the specimen of 3YSZ rose rapidly when the temperature increased to a certain value. In the sintering process, the current density was restricted when the sharp increase occurred. By limiting current density to different values for one hour, it was found that current density was the most important factor in electrical field assisted sintering process. The grain size of 3YSZ bulk increased with the enhanced current density. The stable stageof electrical field-assisted sintering process can be explained by Joule heating. Corresponding real temperature of specimens is estimated by applying black body radiation theory.

7 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

024002   Sowparnika G C;Sivalingam A;Thirumarimurugan M (NO, , ) : Signal modeling, control and simulation of boost converter using PV cell. J Control Instrumn 2015, 6(3), 23-30.

DC-DC converters are switched power converters. They are used to convert one DC voltage to another DC voltage. It is inordinately used in industry as well as in research. The model of the converter system varies from the ON state to the OFF state. The major drawback of the boost converter is the uncontrolled supply of voltage and current. So, a convectional PID controller is designed to regulate the output voltage and shows improved performance of the converter. The closed loop response and time domain specifications are determined from the simulation results.

024001   Sohgoura M;Jain R K (Chemical Engineering Dep, Ujjain Engineering College, Ujjain) : Investigation of waste heat recovery in cement industry. Int J chem Stud 2016, 4(6), 5-7.

Recovery and re-use of commercial waste heat is an attractive idea that would simultaneously scale back energy prices and greenhouse gas emissions. This study has developed a unique approach to quantifying the chance, involving the creation of an innovative techno-economic model that links energy and carbon costs and capitalist priorities with the first of a kind data base of commercial waste heat production, process heat use, and heat recovery technologies. The results based on the operational information which is collected from Birla Corporation Cement Plant (SCW). A 33470352 MW/annum electricity generation were achieved. The value saving was calculable of 148842655 INR/annum additionally to 40 months was expected as the simple payback period.

1 table, 15 ref

024000   Shoeibi R;Mehrshad N (Electrical Dep, Khorasan-e-Razavi Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Neyshabur, Iran, Email: rezaa.shoeibi@gmail.com) : Design and implementation of low consumption fir bandpass filters for matching biological data with FPGA. Curr Trends Technol Sci 2016, (Spl issue), 55-9.

Biological Sequences (protein or DNA) are vital in Bioinformatics. These like string adaptation in context of biologics data and a set of protein or DNA sequences are used for discovering evolutionary relationship. In this study we present FIR bandpass digital filter with low power consumption for matching biological sequences. We proposed that instead of using collectors in parallel, design filters so that the collectors will be in series that lead to less power consumption. First the programs of these bandpass filters are designed by MATLAB then MATLAB codes are converted to VHDL by CONVERTOR HDL. Bandpass FIR filter proposed in FPGA ARTIX-7 XC7A100T segment are applied and Synthesized by XILINX ISE 14.2. The power consumption has been analyzed by Xilinx XPower analyzer.

8 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

023999   Shivpure V;Thokchom B D;Bimlesh Kumar (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Email: bimk@iitg.ernet.in) : Analysing turbulence characteristics of flow over submerged flexible vegetated channel. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2015, 21(3), 265-75.

Experimental investigation has been done to access turbulence characteristics just above the sparse flexible submerged vegetation zone in open-channel flow. The experimentation has been done in a tilting flume with bed covered by artificial vegetation and arranged in a regular staggered configuration. The applicability of log law is analysed above the vegetated canopy. Turbulent parameters such as velocity profiles, Reynolds stresses, turbulent intensities, quadrant analysis, turbulent production and diffusion, dissipation and stream power have been appraised to understand the hydrodynamics of vegetated channel. Results show that the log law is valid above the canopy of submerged vegetation with decreased Von-Karman constant. Maximum value of turbulent intensities and Reynolds stresses has been found above the canopy. Quadrant analysis shows that sweeps and ejections events are more dominating factors in submerged vegetated channel.

15 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

023998   Shin K;Kim G;Yoon M;Koo K (Architectural Engineering Dep, Chungnam National Univ, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, Email: gyuyongkim@cnu.ac.kr) : Compressive strength of concrete based on slag binder using pig iron preliminary treatment slag as activator. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(11), 4239-42.

As a way of recycling industrial waste and reducing carbon dioxide emissions, this study has tried to improve the compressive strength of concrete that contains a large amount of fine blast furnace slag powder. To investigate the low compressive strength resulting from using a large amount of the fine blast furnace slag powder in ordinary portland cement concrete, we analyzed the concrete by measuring setting time, compressive strength, pH, SEM, EDS and XRD. A pig iron preliminary treatment slag, which is a by-product of the slag generated during the steel production process, was added based on the principle of destroying the impermeable film of the blast furnace slag powder due to the cement hydration product. As a result, it was possible to manufacture concrete with a compressive strength of 20 MPa by using 100% industrial by-product. This was judged to affect the compressive strength by generating hydrates, such as ettringite, Ca(OH)₂ and C-S-H gel, through failure of the fine blast furnace slag powder film due to the pig iron preliminary treatment slag. Also, pH and Si/Al ratio were determined to be the main factor in the development of the compressive strength.

5 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

023997   SeshagiriRao N V S S;Murthy V S N;Sharma Y J V S R (Physics Dep, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad-500 078, Email: satyam@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in) : Magnetic force microscopy and simulation studies on Co₅₀Fe₅₀ elliptical nanomagnets. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 725-8.

Authors studied the magnetization reversal mechanism of single-layered Co₅₀Fe₅₀ nanomagnets by measuring the magnetization reversal and using the micromagnetic simulations. The magnetization reversal strongly depends on the thickness of the nanomagnets. In the remanent state, the magnetic force microscopy studies and the simulation data showed the formation of single and vortex states depending on the thickness of nanomagnets.

4 illus, 17 ref

023996   Ravi B R;Mishra P;Nagarjuna K R;Reddy K S (NO, , NABARD, 204, Srinidhi Building, Karimnagar-505 001, Email: rnagarjunakumar@yahoo.com) : Application of HEC-HMS for simulation of peak runoff rates from a small watershed. Adv appl Res 2015, 7(1), 9-13.

Hydrologic Engineering Center - Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), a versatile hydrological model, was applied to a small watershed situated in Chotanagpur plateau region of India for simulation of peak runoff rates. Initial and constant loss method and Snyder unit hydrograph were chosen for computing the precipitation losses and transforming the estimated runoff into direct surface runoff, respectively. Seven sets of observed hyetographs and corresponding flood hydrographs were used for calibration of model parameters viz., initial loss, constant loss rate, Snyder peaking coefficient and standard time lag. The model output was validated with other set of flood hydrographs (five in number) of the same watershed. A simple linear relationship between predicted and observed peak flow rates was also developed. The HEC-HMS simulated depths of runoff and peak runoff rates matched reasonably well with the observed data. The average value of absolute relative error in estimated peak, a measure of goodness of fit between the peak runoff rates of predicted and observed hydrographs was found to be 6.94%. It was concluded from the study that the HEC-HMS model with the calibrated parameters can be safely used for the determination of the depth of runoff and peak runoff rates from ungauged watersheds with similar hydrological conditions.

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023995   Raveendran N R;Sinha A K;Rajaraman R;Premila M;Amaladass E P;Vinod K;Janaki J;Kalavathi S;Mani A (Materials Science Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam-603 102, Email: jjanaki@igcar.gov.in) : Structural studies of Nd_1.85Ce_0.15CuO₄ + Ag superconducting system. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 627-32.

Authors have studied for the first time the effect of Ag addition (0-15 wt %) to the superconducting system, Nd_1.85Ce_0.15CuO₄, on its crystal structure and local structural features, using synchrotron X-ray diffraction(SXRD) and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. SXRD and subsequent Rietveld refinement studies on powders of Nd_1.85Ce_0.15CuO₄ ++ Ag system indicate a small but significant change in lattice parameter upon Ag addition, showing evidence for possible incorporation of Ag to the extent of <126>1 wt %. Raman spectroscopic studies indicate that the parent structure of Nd_1.85Ce_0.15CuO₄ remains unaffected with no major local structural changes on doping with silver. However, all Raman modes show minor phonon hardening upon Ag addition, which is consistent with the unit cell volume reduction as is observed in XRD. A systematic bleaching out of the apical oxygen defect mode was also observed with increased Ag addition. Polarized Raman measurements helped to identify the asymmetric nature of the B_1g Raman mode. X-ray diffraction studies on pellets of Nd_1.85Ce_0.15CuO+ Ag system further indicate a randomization of preferred orientation upon Ag addition. The superconductivity of the Nd1.851.85Ce0.150.15CuO44 ++ Ag system has been well characterized for all the compositions studied.

9 illus, 17 ref

023994   Priyadarshini B G;Sharma A K (Nanotech Research Innovation & Incubation Centre, PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Peelamedu, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: geethapriyadarshini@gmail.com) : Design of multi-layer anti-reflection coating for terrestrial solar panel glass. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 683-9.

To date, there is no ideal anti-reflection (AR) coating available on solar glass which can effectively transmit the incident light within the visible wavelength range. However, there is a need to develop multifunctional coatingwith superior anti-reflection properties and self-cleaning ability meant to be used for solar glass panels. In spite of self-cleaning ability of materials like TiO₂ and ZnO, these coatings on glass substrate have tendency to reduce lighttransmission due to their high refractive indices than glass. Thus, to infuse the anti-reflective property, a low refractive index, SiO₂ layer needs to be used in conjunction with TiO₂ and ZnO layers. In such case, the optimization ofindividual layer thickness is crucial to achieve maximum transmittance of the visible light. In the present study, we propose an omni-directional anti-reflection coating design for the visible spectral wavelength range of 400-700 nm,where the maximum intensity of light is converted into electrical energy. Herein, we employ the quarter wavelength criteria using SiO₂, TiO₂ and ZnO to design the coating composed of single, double and triple layers. The thicknessof individual layers was optimized for maximum light transmittance using essential Mcleod simulation software to produce destructive interference between reflected waves and constructive interference between transmitted waves.

5 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

023993   Prasanna B P;Avadhani D N;Muralidhara H B; Chaitra K;Thomas V R;Reva Nasiddappa M;Kathyayini N (C.M.R.T.I. Research Centre, Tumkur Univ, Tumkur-572 101, Email: nkathyayini45@gmail.com) : Synthesis of polyaniline/ZrO₂ nanocomposites and their performance in AC conductivity and electrochemical superacapacitance. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 667-75.

Polyaniline/zirconium oxide (PANI/ZrO₂) nanocomposites have been synthesized by incorporating ZrO₂ nanoparticles into the PANI matrix via liquid-liquid interfacial polymerization method. The composite formationand structural changes in PANI/ZrO₂ nanocomposites were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). PXRD pattern of PANI/ZrO₂ nanocomposites exhibited sharp and well-defined peaks of monoclinic phase of ZrO₂ in PANI matrix. SEMimages of the composites showed that ZrO₂ nanoparticles were dispersed in the PANI matrix. The FT-IR analysis revealed thatthere was strong interaction between PANI and ZrO₂. AC conductivity and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites were studied in the frequency range, 50-10⁶ Hz. AC conductivity of the nanocomposites obeyed the power lawindicating the universal behaviour of disordered media. The nanocomposites showed high dielectric constant in the order of 10⁴, which could be related to dielectric relaxation phenomenon. Further, the materials were checked fortheir supercapacitance performance by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry (CP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Among the synthesized nanocomposites, PANI/ZrO2-25 wt.% showed a higherspecific capacitance of 341 F g^-1 at 2 m Vs^-1 and good cyclic stability with capacitance retention of about 88% even after 500 charge-discharge cycles.

6 illus, 2 tables, 49 ref

023992   Posa V R;Annavaram V;Somala A R (Materials Science & Nanotechnology Dep, Yogi Vemana Univ, Kadapa 516003, Email: anreddyphd@gmail.com) : Fabrication of graphene-TiO₂ nanocomposite with improved photocatalytic degradation for acid orange 7 dye under solar light irradiation. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 759-67.

In this study, photodegradation of the non-biodegradable azo dye acid orange 7 (AO7) was selected as modal target in aqueous solution using graphene-TiO₂ (GR-TiO₂) hybrid nanocomposite, was well investigatedand elucidated. The crystal phase, special surface area, microscopic analysis of the GR-TiO₂ and also, chemical state of the photocatalysts were studied by powdered X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Raman spectrum, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauere Emmette Teller (BET) method andphotoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). During photocatalysis, the GR-TiO₂ nanocomposite improved photocatalytic performance compared with that of pure TiO₂ towards AO7 organic azo-dye degradation. The reusability test ofphotocatalytic activity was also examined. A conceivable reaction mechanism was suggested and nattered on the basis of tentative effects. Therefore, the GR-TiO₂ nanomaterial can be widely used as a photocatalyst for treatingthe organic dye contaminant in the field of environmental protection.

9 illus, 29 ref