023941   Advani M;Gupta N J;Parida P;Kanagadurai B (NO, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi-110 025) : Transport system, safety and city size interrelationship in India. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2016, 24(2), 145-52.

Usage of motorized modes as well as non-motorized mode for any city/area is the simplest parameter to measure the sustainability of road transport. Factors affecting to such share could be many including city size, population density, road network density, per-capita income, safe infrastructure in using alternate modes, etc. Many researchers have studied such interrelationships for different countries. However, in India, the cities having the characteristics of mix landuse type has not been studied in that manner. In this paper attempt has been made to study the interrelationship among the road network, geography and demographic characteristics of an area/city to understand the usage of motorized and non-motorised transport.

10 illus, 5 tables, 19 ref

023940   Addepalli S;Suda U (Physics Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: suresh181083@gmail.com) : Influence of heat treatmentr on the structural, morphological and optical properties of DC magnetron sputtered Ti_xSi_1-xO₂ films. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(3), 789-95.

Ti_xSi_1-xO₂ thin films were formed onto unheated p-silicon and quartz substrates by sputtering composite target of Ti₈₀Si₂₀ using reactive DC magnetron sputtering method. The as-deposited films were annealed in oxygenatmosphere at different temperatures in the range 400-900°C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic indicated that the as-deposited films formed at oxygen flow rate of 8 sccm were of Ti0_0.7Si_0.3O₂. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the as-deposited films were amorphous. The films annealed at 800°C were exhibited broad (101) peak which indicated the growth of nanocrystalline with anatase phase of TiO₂. The crystallite size of the films increased from 9 to 12 nm with increase of annealing temperature from 800 to 900°C, respectively, due to increase in crystallinity and decrease in defect density. XPS spectra of annealed films showed the characteristic core level binding energies of the constituent Ti_0.7Si_0.3O₂. Optical band gap decreased from 4.08 to 3.95 eV and the refractive index decreased from 2.11 to 2.08 in the as-deposited and the films annealed at 900°C due to decrease in the lattice strain and dislocation density.

8 illus, 2 tables, 50 ref

023939   Adarsh S;Reddy M J (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Email: adarsh_lce@yahoo.co.in) : Gravitational search algorithm for probabilistic design of HBPS canals. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2015, 21(3), 290-7.

In this study, the performance of a recent meta-heuristic technique, namely, gravitational search algorithm (GSA) is evaluated for a deterministic as well as for a probabilistic design of canals that have cross-sectional shape of horizontal bottom and parabolic sides (HBPS). The uncertainty in various input parameters is modeled using probabilistic approach and a modified chance-constrained model is presented for an optimal design of HBPS canals with the aim of minimizing the total cost, while satisfying the basic flow constraints and reliability constraints on the canal capacity and overtopping. First, the GSA method is applied to solve the HBPS canal design problem under different constraints, and its performance is evaluated by comparing with the solutions of the deterministic models by the particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm. Then, the GSA is applied to obtain the solution of the probabilistic model and in view of multiple conflicting goals; pseudo-weight vector approach is adopted to assist in decision-making and demonstrate its applicability for arriving at a suitable decision. The results obtained suggest that the proposed GSA approach has good potential for a reliable and cost-effective design of canals.

3 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

023938   Abgaze T A;Sharma P K (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Email: pks08fce@iitr.ac.in) : Solute transport through porous media with scale-dependent dispersion and variable mass transfer coefficient. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2015, 21(3), 298-311.

In this paper, we investigate the behavior of breakthrough curves in mixed heterogeneous soil column experiments. Advective dispersive transport equations are used for solute transport through mobile-immobile porous medium. A hybrid finite volume method is used to solve the governing equations for solute concentration in mobile region. In first part of the study, constant dispersion, linear, and asymptotic distance-dependent dispersion functions are used to describe the scale effect and to simulate experimental breakthrough curves observed in long soil column experiment. Also, a comparative study has been done among distance-dependent and constant dispersion models, while simulating the experimental data of solute transport through soil column with constant mass transfer coefficient. In second part of the study, variable mass transfer coefficient as function of pore velocity and travel distance is considered and an empirical relation is derived from observed data from experiments. It is shown that asymptotic dispersion model with variable mass transfer coefficient simulates the observed breakthrough curves better as compare to constant and linear distance-dependent dispersion models. Finally, present study also shows that the value of mass transfer coefficient is dependent on pore velocity and movement of solute through porous media.

16 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

022979   Toufiq R;Raha R;Islam R (NO, , ) : Hand geometry based person indentification system using support vector machine. Curr Trends Signal Process 2015, 5(1), 26-33.

In recent times, it is immensely important to identify a person to access the secure data in a system. In this case, verification and identification techniques play a vital role to secure the process. Password system has failed to provide such kind of security. We highly emphasize on the biometric characteristics to design such secured systems. In this paper, we provide a way to identify a unique person by his hand geometry feature. Shape based features of human hand have been extracted using different image processing techniques. Then the feature vector has been classified by multi-classifier support vector machine technique. The output of this person identification technique has provided a better performance which is about 85 percent using low quality non planer, noisy gray images. The system is expected to bring great comfort to users as there is no restriction of the palm position.

022978   Swami A;Arora S (NO, , ) : Fuzzy based night color image enhancement. Curr Trends Signal Process 2015, 5(1), 1-6.

This paper presents an algorithm based on fuzzy sets for enhancement of images captured during night. HSV color space is employed to extract S and V components of the image and fuzzification is carried out on the V component. The fuzzified membership function is modified, defuzzified and three iterations are carried out. This algorithm enhances the dark region by restraining the glaring region, adjusting the contrast, distributing luminance evenly and brings out more details. Results are obtained for variety of night images under successive iterations quantitatively and qualitatively. A comparison of the proposed technique is done with histogram equalization to show that this algorithm is efficient and can preserve hue effectively.

022977   Singh B;Handa P;Kamboj P (NO, , ) : Role of biosensors and image processing for improving quality inspection of food products. Curr Trends Signal Process 2015, 5(1), 21-5.

year, millions of people experience serious and sometimes fatal health problems due to consumption of unsafe or contaminated food. Biosensors and image processing techniques provide solutions to some of the challenges that arise in food inspection. The conventional food-inspection techniques which depend on collection of samples followed by qualitative analysis in labs are time-consuming and inspections are not too much efficient. With the advancement of technology in computers, scientific methods are used to measure different quality parameters of food products in a short time. In this paper, the main focus is on the importance of biosensors and image processing for improving quality inspection of food products.

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022976   Rao C V;Sharma A V N L;Avinash M P V;Pavan Kumar P (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Baba Institute of Technology and Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh) : Fabrication and mechanical properties of aluminum metal matrix composite. Archiv appl Sci Res 2015, 7(4), 56-63.

In this present study, LM25 /Coco fiber ash (CFA) metal matrix composites (MMCs) were fabricated by Stir casting method, Taguchi method and ANOVA Techniques used for different weight fractions of reinforcement were used to fabricate the composites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (XRD) is used for micro structural characterization. The properties like ultimate tensile strength, compressive strength and micro hardness were investigated. The results of micro hardness revealed higher hardness of the matrix material in the immediate vicinity of Coco fiber ash particle. The addition of Coco fiber ash particle reduces the density of composite while increasing some of their mechanical properties.

8 illus, 9 tables, 11 ref

022975   Qi G S;Wang H;Liu Y Z;Zhu Z W;Tian J X;Fu J (Research Centre of Shanxi Province for High Gravity Chemical Engineer, North Univ of China, Taiyuan-030 051, Email: liuyz@nuc.edu.cn) : Characteristics of gas pressure drop of a countercurrent-flow rotating packed bed. Indian J chem Technol 2016, 23(1), 59-64.

The gas pressure drop of rotating packed bed (RPB) is an important indicator for measuring its performance. This work examines pressure drop using air-water system in which the RPB can be operated from 0 to 800 r/min and the gas flow rate can be ranged from 200 to 1100 m³/h and the liquid flow rate can be varied from 0 to 9 m³/h. Results show that the pressure drop of dry bed increases with increase in gas flow rate and rotor speed while that of wet bed is the same without flooding. The phenomenon of flooding occurs in range of lower rotor rate when the gas flow rate is large enough. The pressure drop of dry bed is lower than that of wet bed when the rotor rate is low, vice versa counter. This work lay the foundation for the design and application of RPB industrialized on both the theoretical and experimental side.

6 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

022974   Omole D O;Ndambuki J M;Badejo A A;Oyewo D O; Soyemi T O (Civil Engineering Dep, Covenant Univ, P M B 1023, Ota, Nigeria, Email: david.omole@covenantuniversity.edu.ng) : Public feedback on state of domestic water supply in Lagos: Implication for public health. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2016, 15(2), 245-53.

Traditional beliefs and public perceptions have direct impact on water use in any community. Furthermore, public feedback has been recognized as a necessary input for integrated water resources management. Thus, public feedback regarding the state of water supply in Lagos state was harvested using stratified sampling technique, while data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Lagos is a mega-city with annual growth rate of 5% and 21 million residents. Results show that majority of the residents believe water services should be free, and behave as such. Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) supplies 210 million gallons of water/day to the city but loses 60-83% of its production to vandalism, illegal connections and ageing infrastructure. The resultant effect is that 34% of the residents are reached with water, while 64% use groundwater as an alternative. In Lagos Island, where water table ranges from 3-7 m, septic tanks are sited indiscriminately and saltwater intrusion is frequently reported. Thus, groundwater pollution is rife and public health is constantly at risk. Using proven examples, the paper demonstrated how repositioning LWC for sustainable production and distribution of water in Lagos could provide the cheapest, cleanest, and quickest alternative for making water available to all residents.

9 illus, 21 ref

022973   Murat N;Cengiz M A;Koc B (Industrial Engineering Dep, Ondokuz Mayis Univ, Turkey, Email: nacimurat@amu.edu.tr ) : Bayesian approach for zero-inflated count data in psychological research. J advd scient Res 2015, 6(1), 20-6.

Count data in psychological research are commonly modelled using zero-inflated Poisson regression. This model can be viewed as a latent mixture of an "always-zero" component and a Poisson component. In this study we introduce a Bayesian approach for zero inflated Poisson model, and discuss model comparisons and the interpretation of their parameters. As illustrated with two real-world examples psychological research, both Bayesian and classic approach of models can easily be fitted with a great gain.

2 illus, 8 tables, 48 ref

022972   Khadar Baba M A;Rao V M (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, Guru Nanak Institutions Technical Campus, Hyderabad-501 506, Email: abdul2805@gmail.com) : Effective estimation of GAGAN signals with adaptive equalization. Curr Sci 2016, 110(5), 792-97.

The main objective of this study is to compensate channel distortions in GPS-Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) applications by means of adaptive equalization. Positional accuracy of GAGAN system is basically dependent on ranging errors and satellite constellation geometry. Further, this study focuses on enhancing the phenomena of instrumental biases and GAGAN augmentation.

6 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

022971   Kaushik A;Sabherwal P (NO, , ) : Real-time system for monitoring and analyzing ECG using cell phone. Curr Trends Signal Process 2015, 5(1), 7-12.

Health conditions of various patients suffering from cardiac diseases need to be monitored time to time. This is due to the criticality of these conditions which are mainly related to cardiac dis orders. Thus patients need to be followed up on a regular basis. An immediate follow-up can be facilitated in a real environment. A portable device can act suitably as a real environment here in such conditions. A hand-held device as a cell-phone thus provides the best suited solution. Detection of various cardiac diseases such as ventricular fibrillation, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia detection, premature ventricular contraction, Tachycardia, Bradycardia can be performed by analyzing an ECG (Electrocardiogram) signal. It is surveyed that there are various techniques for classification of ECG signal on portable platforms. This is due to usage of various algorithms for QRS complex detection and software for android integration. A comparative study of possible ECG detection techniques over cell phone or portable platform is done here.

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022970   Jiwani M R;Shekhar S;Agarwal P;Bansal S; Srivastava P;Tyagi R K (Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity Univ, Noida) : Development of design of motor using one way nitinol. Archiv appl Sci Res 2015, 7(4), 64-7.

The aim of this research is to make a Nitinol motor using One-Way Nitinol, based on the previous design of Nitinol Heat Engine invented in 1973's. The main principal behind our motor was based on the Nitinol property known as "Shape Memory". The motor basically comprises of "U-shape" Nitinol wire mounted a centre spoke wheel using hook and a container containing separate section of hot and cold water. Unlike two-way Nitinol, one way Nitinol can only memorize one shape so it was necessary to provide outside force to retract to its "U-shape". For this, springs were mounted on one of hook to retract the Nitinol back to its U-shape. The intension of this research is to develop a feasible design of the motor which runs on one way nitinol.

4 illus, 4 ref

022969   Huddar S;Hampannavar V;Patil P;Shetty K; Savadi R (NO, , ) : Design of electrostatic RF switch using comsol. Curr Trends Signal Process 2015, 5(1), 13-16.

This paper presents the design, modeling, and measurements of radio frequency micro electromechanical systems (RF MEMS) switches. These models are rectangular, taper, and meandering beam structures. The characteristics of RF MEMS switches including displacement and natural frequency are studied. Rectangular, taper, and meandering structures are selected because these three structures display different geometrical shapes. Geometrical shapes are one of the important factors as far as the mechanical and electronic characteristics of RF MEMS are concerned. Switch as an example to discuss mechanical principle and function simulation of the RF MEMS switch in wireless communication system, here there will be three different geometrical shapes to analyze their switch characteristic. In this paper COMSOL tool was used to carry out multiphysics coupling analysis and simulation.

022968   Hamed S;Thomas M;Feroz S;Rao L N (Caledonian College of Engineering, , Sultanate of Oman) : Separation of lipids with dual solvent system using liquid extraction. Int J pharm chem biol Sci 2015, 5(2), 437-9.

In the present study, the distribution of castor oil and soya bean oil between hexane and the dual solvent system of hexane and ethanol is measured. The dual solvent system comprises of hexane and ethanol in equal proportions which is a mixture of a non-polar and a polar solvent. The separation efficiency was determined as function of solvent-feed ratio, contact time and contact temperature. The efficiency of dual solvent system was found to be much better than that of the single solvent system. The synergism in separation was brought by the combined effect of the nonpolar hexane and polar-aprotic ethanol.

3 illus, 13 ref

022967   Dubey L;Dwivedi B S;Dwivedi A K;Thakur R (Soil Science & Agril. Chem. Dep, J.N. Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur-482 004, Email: rkthakur28@rediffmail.com) : Effect of long-term application of fertilizers and manure on profile distribution of various phosphorus fractions in vertisol. Green Fmg 2016, 7(2), 365-70.

The study was conducted during 2009-10 under the ongoing All India Coordinated Research Project on Long-Term Fertilizer Experiment with Soybean-Wheat sequence, commenced from 1972 at J.N.K.V.V., Jabalpur (MP). The study attempted to find out the effect of continuous application of different agricultural inputs on the depth-wise distribution of phosphorus fraction and other nutrients (NPK) in a Typic Haplustert (Vertisol). The phosphorus fractions and other nutrients were relatively higher in surface soil (0-20 cm) and their contents continued to decrease with increasing soil depth, amongst all the treatments. The results revealed that the highest values of phosphorous fractions (16.47, 36.74, 60.73, 11.90 & 219.71 mg/kg Saloid-P, Al-P, Fe-P, Occluded-P and Ca-P, respectively) were found associated with 100% NPK + FYM at 0-20 cm soil depth. Application of 100% N alone resulted in lower values of available N, P, K and fractions of P contents in the profile. The Ca-P form was found to be predominantly in higher amounts followed by Fe-P and Al-P while Saloid-P contributed least content. Further, the productivity of soybean was gently influenced with balanced fertilizer application over imbalance application. The yield of soybean was significantly correlated with available P (0.575), Occluded-P (0.730) and Ca-P (0.764). The correlation coefficient of Saloid-P with yield was estimated to be 0.687 which was lowest among all the fractions considered here. Thus, the Ca-P form was found to be predominantly in higher amounts followed by Fe-P and Al-P while Saloid-P contributed least content. The order of P fraction content in soil are Ca-P<62>Fe-P<62>Al-P<62>Occluded P<62>Saloid-P in a Vertisol.

6 tables, 24 ref

022966   Chhoker R;Sabharwal P (NO, , ) : Biomedical image processing: Retinal blood vessel segmentation using graph cut technique. Curr Trends Signal Process 2015, 5(1), 17-20.

Retinal image, which is used in determining different diseases in the eye of a human being, is an important feature in the field of ophthalmology. Similarly, optic disc detection is also an important feature as it locates diseases and defects. In Image processing of fundus, image vessel extraction is the key feature used in doing so. Here, we are presenting the Graph Cut method which helps in extracting blood vessels that can be used in detection of optic disc.

022965   Bharadwaj N;Kumar P;Arkatkar S;Maurya A;Joshi G (Civil Engineering Dep, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat-395 007, Email: sarkatkar@gmail.com) : Traffic data analysis using image processing technique on Delhi-Gurgaon expressway. Curr Sci 2016, 110(5), 808-22.

With the advancements in video image processing system (VIPS), detection mechanism has made a significant improvement over traditional methods for traffic data analysis. Traffic on Delhi-Gurgaon expressway is heterogeneous in nature with non-lane based behaviour. Moreover, automation and instrumentation are also not implemented. In view of this, TRaffic AnalyZer and EnumeratoR (TRAZER), a VIPS was used to process video-captured data on Delhi-Gurgaon expressway to check accuracy based on traffic count, speed and lateral placement. The motivation behind using TRAZER is to evaluate its efficiency and robustness for extracting micro and macro-level traffic parameters under heterogeneous traffic conditions. To achieve this, data were extracted manually on above parameters and compared with those obtained from TRAZER. The volume count data from TRAZER generated a lesser accuracy of 60% detection under heavy traffic conditions, using default parameters. Thus, refinements were carried out in the software as part of calibration: (i) redefining maximum and minimum detection widths for each vehicle category, and (ii) selecting the optimum trap length for reducing the occlusion effect, which increased the detection percentage as well as reduced the error. After implementing these refinements, 80% of the vehicles were detected. Further, relationships between vehicle speed and its lateral placement from median across road width, at a given point were also developed. The models were developed for both aggregate (considering all vehicles) and disaggregate (vehicle category-wise) levels. The polynomial relationship was found to be best fitted function to estimate vehicle speed based on its lateral placement.

14 illus, 6 tables, 23 ref

022964   Azimi M;Riazi R (Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, Univ of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Email: mreza.azimi@ut.ac.ir) : Analytical solution of unsteady GO-water nanofluid flow and heat transfer between two parallel moving plates. Indian J chem Technol 2016, 23(1), 47-52.

Unsteady squeezing nanofluid flow between parallel plates has been analyzed analytically. The based fluid is water containing graphene oxide. The Reconstruction of Variational Iteration Method is used to solve this problem. Similarity transformations are used to transform the governing nonlinear equations of momentum and thermal energy to a system of nonlinear ordinary coupled differential equations with fitting boundary conditions. The transmuted model is shown to be controlled by a number of thermo-physical parameters, viz. moving parameter, graphene oxide nanoparticles solid volume fraction, Eckert and Prandtl number. Nusselt number and skin friction parameter are achieved for various values of GO solid volume fraction and Eckert number. The comparison assures us about validity and accuracy of solution.

7 illus, 17 ref

022963   Ahmad A (Unaizah College of Engineering, Qassim Univ (QU), PO Box 6666, Buraidah 51452, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Email: anwarak218@yahoo.co.uk) : Application of cement kiln dust enhancing methane production using upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor for the treatment of palm oil mill effluent. Indian J chem Technol 2016, 23(1), 31-8.

Anaerobic digestion of palm oil mill effluent (POME) for continuous biogas production has been carried out in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASBR) using cement kiln dust (CKD). POME is used as the substrate carbon source and CKD as a neutralizing agent. The effects of the hydrualic retention time (HRT) 20 h and organic loading rate (OLR) 4.5 kg COD/m³h^-1 over 95% COD removal and 0.89 mL CH₄/L/h with a methane yield of 0.65 L CH₄/g COD_removed at 1600 mg/L CKD in UASBR have been studied. Without CKD (control) the reactor for the removal of COD only 10.5% and methane production up to 0.13 L CH₄/g COD. However, increasing the OLR to 4.5 kgCOD/m³h^-1 by reducing the hydraulic retention time (HRT 6 h) reduced the COD removal efficiency to 58% and methane production up to 0.43 L CH₄/g COD_removed. Considering this, the use of CKD containing UASBR might be practically and economically attractive for industrial scale biogas production and sludge reduction from industrial wastes and wastewater.

4 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

022051   Zhu Y;Su H;Guo J (School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum Univ, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan Province, P.R. China, Email: yqzhu@swpu.edu.cn) : Geometry and vibration spectrum of marine β-carboline alkaloid. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(9), 3219-24.

In this study, the geometry and vibration spectrum of 5-bromo-8-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline alkaloid was investigated by the density functional theory (DFT) in combination with the scaled quantum mechanism force field method (SQM). The fully optimized geometries at the B3LYP/6-311++G** and B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ levels were found to be in good agreement with the X-ray crystal structure. Based on the optimized geometries, a normal coordinate analysis was carried out with the GF matrix method to generate the potential energy distributions. According to potential energy distributions, all vibration modes were assigned reliably to certain vibration frequencies. The strongest absorption peak with a frequency of 1265 cm^-1 is contributed by the stretching of the N₁₆^-C17, N₂₄^-C₂₁,C₂₃^-C₂₅ bonds and triangle deformation of the C₁₅^-C₁₇^-C₂₃^-N₂₄^-C₂₁ ^-C₁₉ six member ring and potential energy distributions of the these modes are 10.85, 14.90, 10.99 and 21.53%, respectively. This study is helpful to further study the relationship between the structure and the pharmacological activity of β-carboline alkaloid derivatives.

3 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

022050   Yang M;Xia J;Huang Y (School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic Univ, ChangQing Garden, Hankou, Wuhan 430023, P.R. China, Email: yangmqgu@126.com) : Synthesis and characterizations of hollow spheres of platinum nanoparticles using se@pt as precursor. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(8), 2873-5.

Hollow spheres of platinum nanoparticles with an average diameter of 50-200 nm have been prepared by spheres of Se@Pt reaction with aqueous hydrazine. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra and and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The sizes of the nanoparticles of platinum were estimated by Debye-Scherrer formula according to XRD spectrum.

6 illus, 17 ref

022049   Wang C;Li N;Li D Y;Wang F F (School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P.R. China, Email: lininghit@263.net) : Preparation of Ag/CuO composites as anode for lithium-ion batteries. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(8), 2976-8.

An Ag/CuO composite is obtained by a facile electroless deposition process and the electrochemical performance was evaluated for lithium-ion batteries application. The Ag/CuO composite electrode exhibit excellent cycle stability, retaining the capacity of 560 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 C and 416 mAh g^-1 at 1 C after 50 cycles, respectively within the voltage rage of 3-0.02 V (vs. Li⁺/Li). Furthermore, the composite electrode exhibits excellent rate capability at varying rates.

5 illus, 7 ref

022048   Thangavelusamy D;Ponnusamy L (School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, VIT Univ, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: deepathangavelusamy@gmail.com) : Performance analysis of bacteria foraging and biogeography based optimization techniques for a non-linear spherical tank process. Int J chem Sci 2015, 13(4), 1551-74.

The performance comparison using optimization technique with a focus on a spherical tank process has been discussed. The study is carried out experimentally using a spherical tank process. The transfer function is derived from the open loop response of real time setup of spherical tank system using LabVIEW software. The input is flow (LPH) and the output is the water level (cm). The Internal Model Control based Proportional Integral (IMCPI) Controller is designed to control the level of the water in the tank. The controller parameters are tuned using various optimization techniques like Bacteria Foraging (BF) and Biogeography Based Optimization (BBO). The performance of the above mentioned controllers are compared for set point tracking and disturbance rejection. From the results, it is inferred that the BBOPI gives minimum Integral Square Error (ISE) and better tracking performance.

11 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

022047   Teng Y;Liu Y;Jiang J (Light Industrial Engineering Dep, Changzhou Institute of Light Industry Technology, Changzhou 213164, P.R. China, Email: njujianguo@126.com) : Preparation of carboxyl-end-group poly(methyl methacrylate) and polysstyrene with low polydispersity by atom transfer radical polymerization initiated with chloroacetic acid. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(9), 3254-8.

Carboxyl-end-group poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene with low polydispersity were successfully prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization in bulk or in solution with chloroacetic acid as initiator and CuCl/N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine as catalyst. The polymerizations showed the different polymerization rates depending on the feeding ratios for the atom transfer radical polymerization of both methyl methacrylate and styrene in either bulk or solution polymerization. The bulk polymerization for both monomers methyl methacrylate and styrene gave a faster polymerization rate and afforded a broader M_w/M_n of the obtained polymer. When the solvent was added into the polymerization system, the polymerization showed a moderate rate and yielded poly(methyl methacrylate) with the narrowest M_w/M_n of 1.17-1.21 and polystyrene with the narrowest M_w/M_n of 1.16-1.19, respectively. Polymerization kinetics showed that the polymerization proceeded by the normal atom transfer radical polymerization. The end groups of the well-defined poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene were determined by ¹H NMR.

6 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

022046   Shaban S A;El Sayed H A;Dardir M M (Refining Dep, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt, Email: monamdardir@yahoo.com) : Spent oil management and its recycling by hydrotreating catalyst for oil well drilling fluid. Int J chem Sci 2015, 13(4), 1911-34.

Used oils are lubricating oils, which have become unsuitable for their proposed use. They may be recycled through the use of rerefining process to achieve useful products. Environmentally-conscious design of processes and products is increasingly viewed as an integral strategy in the sustainable development of new refining and chemical processes. This study compares the lubricating oil before and after treated oil with rerefining processes. A laboratory setup of dehydration, extraction and hydrotreating processes were established to rerefine used oil collected from different sources. A comparison of its product characteristics with untreated oil characteristics is introduced, the results showed that pour point increased from -21°C for used oil to -6°C for treated oil. Sulfur content was found about 3124.9 ppm for used oil and 90.4 for treated oil. Also, viscosity (at 70°C, cst.) and density (at 15°C, g/cm³) decreased from 30.73 and 0.897 for used oil to 9.44 and 0.855 for treated oil. This study concentrates on the investigation of energy and environmental benefits for used oil pertaining to its reuse through: (i) recovering the heating value of used oils in a combustion process and (ii) rerefining of used oil to produce fresh lube oil products. Also, the recycling used oil has been evaluated as a continuous phase in synthetic based mud instead of synthetic hydrocarbons for oil well drilling fluids. The rheological, filtration properties and electrical stability of the synthetic mud, which formulated with the recycle used oil, were studied and compared to the synthetic mud formulated with pure synthetic hydrocarbons (MR). The thermal stability of the mud were also tested and compared to the MR.

8 illus, 6 tables, 42 ref

022045   Sevim F;Kara A;Aksakal O;Demir F;Eroglu H (Chemical Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Ataturk Univ, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey, Email: fsevim@gmail.com) : Preparation and characterization of nanofibres of 2ZnO.3B₂O₃.5H₂O ceramic composite using sol-gel processing. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(8), 3083-5.

2ZnO.3B₂O₃.nH₂O (zinc borate) having the industrially important composite and used as flame retardant, anti-smoke and semiconductor in the electronic circuits was examined with different crystal structures. In this study, nanofibers of PVA/zinc nitrate/boric acid composite were prepared by using sol-gel processing and electrospinning technique. By high temperature calcinations of the above precursor fibers, nanofibers of 2ZnO.3B₂O₃.5H₂O composite with diameters of 110 nm could be successfully obtained. The products have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. The effects of experimental conditions on the products were investigated.

4 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

022044   Senthilkumar T;Miranda L R (Carbon Research and Engineering Laboratory, Chemical Engineering Dep, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: limamiranda2007@gmail.com) : Adsorption of anionic and cationic dyes on chemically modified pomegranate peel: a isotherms and kinetics studies. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(9), 3267-76.

The dyes used are highly toxic in nature also affecting the aquatic life and causing carcinogenic effects on human beings. Adsorption using activated carbon has received considerable interest from researchers globally due to its high efficiency in the treatment of effluents. In this present study pomegranate peel (Punica granatum sp.) was taken as an adsorbent. The methylene blue number, iodine number and surface area of pomegranate peel activated carbon were found to be 175 mg/g and 1360 mg/g and 686 m²/g, respectively. The anionic and cationic dye adsorption behaviour of pomegranate peel activated carbon (PPAC) was carried out using acid violet 12 (AV12) and basic brown 4 (BB4) onto pomegranate peel activated carbon. The isotherm studies were carried and it was found that the Langmuir isotherms fit well for the adsorption of both acid violet 12 and basic brown 4 on pomegranate peel activated carbon. Adsorption kinetics follows pseudo second order model and the adsorption process endothermic in nature.

11 illus, 5 tables, 50 ref

022043   Ray M;Singh V B (Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: mrchemwsu@gmail.com) : Corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels in non-aqueous neutral chloride solution. Indian J chem Technol 2015, 22(6), 291-6.

The corrosion resistance of two standard austenitic stainless steels (AISI 304 and 321 SS) has been investigated in non-aqueous methanolic solution containing lithium chloride. The effect of chloride concentration on the general corrosion behaviour of the steels has been investigated using open circuit potential (OCP), potentiostatic polarization and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. Both the steels have undergone active corrosion. The rate of corrosion is found to depend directly on the concentration of chloride ion in methanol similar to the aqueous solutions. The polarization measurements reveal that the corrosion resistance of the Ti-alloyed 321 SS is superior as compared to the 304 SS due to the presence of titanium in it. AISI 321 SS suffer from pitting corrosion whereas grain boundary attack is apparent in 304 SS.

4 illus, 5 tables, 34 ref

022042   Rama Kameswari P L;Bhagavan V S (Mathematics Dep, K.L. Univ, Vaddeswaram Dist.: Guntur-522 502, Email: ramaravikumar.i@gmail.com) : Group theoretic origins of certain generating functions of legendre polynomials. Int J chem Sci 2015, 13(4), 1655-65.

In this paper, Weisner's group theoretic method is utilized to obtain the generating functions for the Legendre polynomials P_n (x). To derive the elements of Lie algebra, a suitable interpretation to the index n is given. Further, a linear independent differential operators was derived, which generates a Lie algebra. The principle interest in our results lies in the fact that, how the Weisner's group-theoretic method can be applied suitably to the Legendre polynomials in order to derive six generating functions. Many results obtained are well known but some of them are believed to be new in the theory of special functions. Mathematics Subject Classification (2010): 33C10, 33C45, 33C50, 33C80.

11 ref

022041   Prabha V C;Shalini A;Saravanaganesh S; Selvakumar K (Civil Engineering Dep, K. S. R College of Engineering, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, Email: prabhacsamy@gmail.com) : Study on behaviour of cold formed built-up I-section with trapezoidal corrugation in web by varying the aspect ratio and angle of corrugation. Int J chem Sci 2015, 13(4), 1935-46.

The use of cold-formed steel structures is increasing throughout the world as they are efficient in terms of stiffness and strength. Structural instability of the section is more likely to occur. To improve their strength and to eliminate local buckling of web elements, trapezoidal corrugated web is used. There are totally 8 beams in that; the four trial beam having aspect ratio varies from 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2. The another four trial beam having angle of corrugation varies from 15°, 30°, 45°, 60° and the other parameters such as length of span (3000 mm), flange width (100 mm), thickness of flange (2 mm), thickness of web (1.2 mm), lip size (15 mm) and depth of web (300) are constant for all the eight trial beams. Four beams were fabricated and experimented under two point loading. A tension test was done for three series of specimens with 2 mm thickness to determine the Young's modulus and yield stress. It was observed that the load carrying capacity of AR2 having aspect ratio 1 and DC3 angle of corrugation 45° specimen's increases more, when compared to other specimens and it also reaches maximum deflection, which does not undergo any major failure. Hence, the cold-formed steel section with trapezoidal corrugated web beams can be applicable in structural components.

11 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

022040   Narendiranath Babu T;Rama Prabha D (School of Mechanical and Building Sciences, VIT Univ, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Email: narendiranathbabu.t@vit.ac.in) : Impact of working environment and productivity improvement on assembly line through reduction of down time-a lean approach. Int J chem Sci 2015, 13(4), 1747-54.

Lean manufacturing is a management philosophy derived mostly from the Toyota production system. It is an applied methodology of scientific, objective technique that cause work tasks in a process to be performed with a minimum of non-value adding activities resulting in greatly reduced wait time, queue time, move time, administrative time, and other delays. The prime objective is to evolve and test few strategies to eliminate waste on the shop floor. This work is focused on improving the productivity of the seat welding and assembly plant by reducing the down time using lean tools. The non-value added activities, which are identified in the assembly line will be eliminated using lean tools. The paper addresses the productivity improvement of a seat welding and assembly line. The goal of this paper is to identify and reduce the downtimes. An attempt has been made in this paper to present some experiences of implementing new productivity improvement strategies in a small company. The project has taken place at Faurecia Automotive Seating India located in Pune producing seat frames for Volkswagen India. In this paper, experiences with implementation of productivity improvement strategies are presented.

6 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

022039   Logvinenko A V;Ahmedjanov T K;Nuranbaeva B M (Oil and Gas Fields Development Dep, Geology and Petroleum Engineering Institute Kazakh National Technical, Satpayev str., 22, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan, Email: alex.kazntu@gmail.com) : New method for oil field development based on the gravity drainage. Int J chem Sci 2015, 13(4), 1639-54.

Traditional technologies of oil production on shelf have low oil recovery factor, and it causes an enormous damage to the environment, as it is evidenced by the increasing number of spills around the world. This paper presents a new method of oil field development that can significantly improve the oil recovery factor by using the artificially generated gravity drainage. Due to this fact, the new method of oil production is based on the principle of close well spacing and wells are drilled from the underground mine workings so that it can eliminate the environment pollution during the development of shelf fields. In comparison with the surface methods of oil production on a shelf, such as the development of artificial islands, oil platforms and racks, this method has a number of technological and economic advantages. The world experience of these technologies application is reviewed here. In order to give comparative analysis of methods of oil field development, the Krykmyltyk oil field is taken here as an example for calculation of wells flow rates and capital expenditures.

4 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

022038   Liu D;Zhu J (School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Univ of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, P.R. China, Email: 944085336@qq.com) : Investigation of anti-deliquesce properties of Ca9(NO₃)₂.4H₂O crystal particles in double-layer coated materials with epoxy resins and portland cement. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(8), 3097-100.

In order to improve anti-deliquesce properties and other unsatisfactory performance of Ca(NO₃)₂.4H₂O crystals in applications, a double-layer coating technology with epoxy resins and Portland cement was used. Double-layer coated samples were characterized through FTIR, DTA and multiple optical microscopy spectrometers analysis and natural moisture absorption performance test in the atmosphere. The results showed that compared to epoxy coated materials the moisture absorption growth rate of these double-layer coated samples increased slowly and reduced about 85-90%, which means that it effectively avoided Ca(NO₃)₂.4H₂O crystals deliquescent at room temperature. It is considerable significance for double-layer coated Ca(NO₃)₂.4H₂O crystals in the deep-rooted using fields of building functional materials, other industries and agriculture.

6 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

022037   Lin Q B;Cai L F;Wu S J;Chen Z N;Wang Z W (Key Laboratory of Product Packaging and Logistics, Packaging Engineering Institute, Jinan Univ, P.R. China, Email: tlinqb@jnu.edu.cn) : Migration of bisphenol a and bisphenol a diglycidyl-ether from can coatings into food simulants. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(8), 3013-18.

The migration and alteration of the key bisphenol-A-related compounds, bisphenol A and bisphenol A diglycidyl-ether, in food simulants (deionized water, 3% acetic acid and 50% ethanol) stored in coated cans were investigated. Quantification and confirmation of the two compounds were performed with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Recoveries for bisphenol A and bisphenol A diglycidyl-ether at three concentration levels (10, 25, 250 μg L^-1) ranged from 81.8 to 101.5% and RSDs were 2.61 to 12.52%. The effects of the initial concentration, heat processing (for sterilization), time and temperature of storage on migration and alteration of bisphenol A and bisphenol A diglycidyl-ether were investigated. The results showed that heat processing contributed greatly to bisphenol release. Besides, storage temperature and time had a significant effect on the migration of bisphenol A, with concentrations increasing gradually with time and temperature. Conversely, the concentrations of bisphenol A diglycidyl-ether decreased during storage because of hydrolysis by the food simulants, especially for aqueous acetic acid.

5 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

022036   Lim C S (Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Dep, Hanseo Univ, Seosan 356 706, Republic of Korea, Email: cslim@hanseo.ac.kr) : Cyclic microwave-modified sol-gel process of NaY(MoO₄)₂:Eu<. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(10), 3547-50.

Double molybdate NaY_1-x(MoO₄)₂:Eu³⁺/Yb³⁺ phosphors with doping concentrations of Eu³⁺ and Yb³⁺ (x = Eu³⁺ + Yb³⁺, Eu³⁺ = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and Yb³⁺ = 0.2, 0.45) were successfully synthesized by the microwave-modified sol-gel process and the upconversion and spectroscopic properties were investigated. Well-crystallized particles showed a fine and homogeneous morphology with particle sizes of 2-5 μm. Under excitation at 980 nm, NaY_0.5(MoO₄)₂:Eu_0.05Yb_0.45 particles exhibited a strong 475 nm emission band in the blue region and a weak 525 nm emission band in the green region and a very weak 615 nm emission band in the red region. Raman spectra of the doped particles indicated the domination of strong peaks at higher frequencies (794, 890, 926, 1370 and 1440 cm^-1) induced by the disorder of the [MoO₄]^2- groups with the incorporation of the Eu³⁺ and Yb³⁺ elements into the crystal lattice or by a new phase formation.

5 illus, 24 ref

022035   Lim C S (Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Dep, Hanseo Univ, Seosan 356 706, Republic of Korea, Email: cslim@hanseo.ac.kr) : Upconversion properties of Y₂(MoO₄)₃:Er<. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(10), 3543-6.

Green phosphors of Y_2-x(MoO₄)₃:Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ with doping concentrations of Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ (x = Er³⁺ + Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and Yb³⁺ = 0.2, 0.45) were synthesized via the cyclic microwave-assisted sol-gel route and their upconversion properties were investigated. Well-crystallized particles, formed after heat-treatment at 900 °C for 16 h, showed a fine and homogeneous morphology with particle sizes of 5-10 μm. Under excitation at 980 nm, Y₂(MoO₄)₃:Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ particles exhibited a strong 525 nm and a weak 550 nm emission bands in the green region and a very weak 655 nm emission band in the red region. Raman spectra of the particles indicated the presence of strong peaks at both higher frequencies and lower frequencies induced by the disorder of the [MoO₄]^2- groups with the incorporation of the Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ elements into the crystal lattice or by a new phase formation.

5 illus, 22 ref

022034   Lim C S (Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Dep, Hanseo Univ, Seosan 356 706, Republic of Korea, Email: cslim@hanseo.ac.kr) : Synthesis of NaGd(MoO₄)₂: Eu<. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(10), 3539-42.

NaGd_1-x(MoO₄)2:Eu³⁺/Yb³⁺ phosphors with doping concentrations of Eu³⁺ and Yb³⁺ (x = Eu³⁺ + Yb³⁺, Eu³⁺ = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and Yb³⁺ = 0.2, 0.45) were successfully synthesized by the microwave-modified sol-gel method and the upconversion and spectroscopic properties were investigated. Well-crystallized particles showed a fine and homogeneous morphology with particle sizes of 2-5 μm. Under excitation at 980 nm, in the case of NaGd_0.5(MoO₄)₂:Eu_0.05Yb_0.45 the particles exhibited a strong 525 nm emission band and a weak 550 nm emission band in the green region and a very weak 615 nm emission band in the red region. In the case of NaGd_0.7(MoO₄)₂:Eu_0.1Yb_0.2 the particles showed a strong 475 nm emission band in the blue region and a strong 525 nm and a weak 550 nm emission bands in the green region. The Raman spectra of the doped particles indicated the domination of strong peaks at higher frequencies of 780, 890, 1366 and 1438 cm^-1 and at lower frequencies of 324 and 400 cm^-1.

5 illus, 18 ref

022033   Lim C S (Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Dep, Hanseo Univ, Seosan 356-706, Republic of Korea, Email: cslim@hanseo.ac.kr) : Synthesis of NaLa(MoO₄)₂:Eu<. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(9), 3289-92.

NaLa_1-x(MoO₄)₂:Eu³⁺/Yb³⁺ phosphors with doping concentrations of Eu³⁺ and Yb³⁺ (x = Eu³⁺ + Yb³⁺, Eu³⁺ = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and Yb³⁺ = 0.2, 0.45) were successfully synthesized via the microwave-modified sol-gel route and the upconversion and spectroscopic properties were investigated. Well-crystallized particles showed a fine and homogeneous morphology with particle sizes of 5-10 μm. Under excitation at 980 nm, NaLa_0.5(MoO₄)₂:Er_0.05Yb_0.45 particles exhibited a strong 525 nm emission band and a weak 550 nm emission band in the blue region and a very weak 655 nm emission band in the red region. The Raman spectra of NaLa_0.8(MoO₄)₂:Eu_0.2, NaLa_0.7(MoO₄)₂:Eu_0.1Yb_0.2 and NaLa_0.5(MoO₄)₂:Eu_0.05Yb_0.45 particles indicated the domination of strong peaks at higher frequencies (762, 890, 1358 and 1430 cm^-1) and weak peaks at lower frequencies (323, 388 and 450 cm^-1).

5 illus, 15 ref

022032   Lim C S (Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Dep, Hanseo Univ, Seosan 356-706, Republic of Korea, Email: cslim@hanseo.ac.kr) : Microwave-assisted sol-gel preparation of KY(WO₄)₂:Ho₃₊/Yb₃₊ yellow phosphors and their upconversion photoluminescence properties. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(9), 3285-8.

Double tungstate KY_1-x(WO₄)₂:Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺ yellow phosphors with doping concentrations of Ho³⁺ and Yb³⁺ (x = Ho³⁺ + Yb³⁺, Ho³⁺ = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and Yb³⁺ = 0.2, 0.45) were successfully prepared by the microwave-assisted sol-gel method and their upconversion photoluminescence properties was investigated. Well-crystallized particles, formed after heat-treatment at 900 °C for 16 h, showed a fine and homogeneous morphology with particle sizes of 2-5 μm. Under excitation at 980 nm, the upconversion intensity of KY_0.5(MoO₄)₄:Ho_0.05Yb_0.45 phosphor exhibited yellow emissions based on a strong 550 nm emission band in the green region and a strong 655 nm emission band in the red region. The Raman spectra of the particles indicated the presence of strong peaks at higher frequencies and a weak peak at lower frequency induced by the disorder of the [WO₄]^2- groups with the incorporation of the Ho³⁺ and Yb³⁺ elements into the crystal lattice or by a new phase formation.

5 illus, 12 ref

022031   Lim C S (Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Dep, Hanseo Univ, Seosan 356-706, Republic of Korea, Email: cslim@hanseo.ac.kr) : Upconversion properties of NaGd(WO₄)2₂:Ho<. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(9), 3281-4.

Upconversion properties of the NaGd_1-x(WO₄)₂:Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺ yellow phosphors with doping concentrations of Ho³⁺ and Yb³⁺ (x = Ho³⁺ + Yb³⁺, Ho³⁺ = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and Yb³⁺ = 0.2, 0.45) were investigated. The synthesized particles were successfully synthesized by the micro-wave-modified sol-gel method. Well-crystallized particles showed a fine and homogeneous morphology with particle sizes of 2-5 μm. Under excitation at 980 nm, the upconversion intensity of NaGd_0.5(MoO₄)₄:Ho_0.05Yb_0.45 phosphors exhibited yellow emissions based on a strong 550 nm emission band in the green region and a very strong 655 nm emission band in the red region. The Raman spectra of the particles indicated the presence of strong peaks at higher frequencies.

5 illus, 11 ref

022030   Li X;Yu H;Zhang H;Xue X (School of Material Science and Engineering, Shenyang Ligong Univ, Shenyang 110159, P.R. China, Email: honghaoyu@hotmail.com) : Preparation of novel polystyrene-layered hydroxide zinc benzoate nanocomposites by bulk polymerization. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(8), 2987-90.

Novel polystyrene-layered hydroxide zinc benozate nanocomposites were prepared by bulk polymerization with azobisisobutyronitrile initiator. The well dispersion of layered hydroxide zinc benzoate in matrix was observed. The presence of filler shields polystyrene from thermal oxidation and brings to a reduction of 50% in heat release rate during combustion with 1 wt. % loading. The research sucessfully exemplified the feasibility of layered hydroxide benzoate as fillers in polymeric nanocomposites.

7 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

022029   Li H;Zhao Q;Wang G;Xu Y;Liu K;Hu L (School of Environment and Materials Engineering, Yantai Univ, Yantai 264005, P.R. China, Email: hhli12b@imr.ac.cn) : Study on the preparation and properties of inorganic silica single-layer film. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(8), 2798-800.

The silica single-layer film catalyzed by hydrochloric acid was prepared on the glass matrix with tetraethyl orthosilicate and absolute alcohol as main raw materials by sol-gel method. The reaction mechanism of sol-gel method included hydrolysis reactions and polymerization reactions. The samples were characterized by visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis (TG and DTA). Results showed that the light transmittance of the silica single-layer film was enhanced remarkably. X-ray diffraction results indicated that the single-layer film possessed amorphous characteristic. Adhesion tests showed that the adhesion force between the silica single-layer film and the glass matrix was very strong. Thermal analytical results demonstrated that silica would absorb heat when it transformed from amorphous structure to crystal structure.

5 illus, 10 ref

022028   Kudaibergenov S;Akhmedzhanov T K;Zhappasbayev B Z;Gussenov I S;Shakhvorostov A V (NO, Institute of Polymer Materials and Technology, Almaty, Kazakhstan) : Laboratory study of ASP flooding for viscous oil. Int J chem Sci 2015, 13(4), 2017-25.

This article presents results of laboratory investigation of ASP flooding technology for improving recovery of viscous oil from Karazhanbas oilfield. Oil displacement efficiency of two-component ASP formula consisting of polymer-surfactant (hydrophobically modified polybetaine CROHDA-MAA) and alkali (KOH) was tested by conducting filtration experiments on sandpack models. During the course of the experiments, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5% concentrated aqueous solutions of polymer-surfactant and alkali were injected into the model as a result oil displacement coefficient varied from 31 to 37% in addition to water flooding. This technology has potential to become an alternative to the thermal oil recovery methods especially in cases, where application of these methods is restricted by geological, economical or ecological factors.

7 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

022027   Khalik W M A W M;Abdullah M P;Al-Qaim F F; Othman M R;Aziz Y F A (School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia, Email: mpauzi@ukm.edu.my) : Optimization and validation of solid-phase microextraction of mercury species: and application of experimental design. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(10), 3803-8.

In this study, determination of mercury species in water by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) has been developed. The extraction procedure consisted of screened using factorial design and followed by optimization using two level central composite designs. An optimum working condition was obtained at 22.5 ° after 20 min, pH 4 and stirring rate (200 rpm) with fixed values of salt addition (8.5 mg L^-1) and sample volume (25 mL). Extraction was performed by using 100 μm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber and desorption time at 1.2 min. Analytical figure of merit showed good linearity with R2 in the range of 0.992-0.994. Limit of detection and limit of quantification obtained were from 0.037 to 0.078 μg L^-1 and from 0.124-0.178 μg L^-1 for all analytes, respectively. Repeatability and reproducibility were good with relative standard deviation (RSD) <60> 10%. Recoveries were obtained in the range of 72-109% at two levels of concentration.

6 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

022026   Karthikeyan S;Paramasivam M;Jeeva P A;Raja K (School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: p.a.jeeva@gmail.com) : Corrosion inhibition and quantum mechanical studies of L80 carbon steel in khuff gas environment - a laboratory scale study. Int J chem Sci 2015, 13(4), 1693-704.

The corrosion inhibition of L80 carbon steel sheets in Khuff gas well environment with sulfisoxazole (SZ) as green inhibitor has been evaluated by mass loss, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and quantum mechanical studies. All these techniques reveal that the SZ inhibits the corrosion of L80 carbon steel in acidified H₂S/CO₂ environment. Polarization studies indicated that inhibitor is acted as mixed type. The adsorption of the compounds on L80 carbon steel surface follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

3 illus, 5 tables, 43 ref

022025   Hu Z;Xie J;Jia H;Jiang X;Cao L (College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhoukou Normal Univ, Zhoukou 466001, P.R. China, Email: zksyxjp@163.com) : Microemulsion electrokinetic chromatographic analysis of potassium sorbate and saccharin sodium using trimethylchlorosilane double coating. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(9), 3325-7.

A novel microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography with photo diode array detection method was developed, using trimethylchlorosilane double coating for the analysis of potassium sorbate and saccharin sodium. The influences of wavelength, buffer pH, buffer concentration and applied voltage on the separation were studied. A running buffer of 30 mmol/L sodium tetraborate (Na₂B₄O₇) + 10% microemulsion, pH 9.2 and voltage 12 kV were applied after a series of optimization. The coating on the capillary surface helped to speed up the separation. Potassium sorbate and saccharin sodium were separated within 2.6 min. Under the optimized experimental conditions, real samples were determined with good results.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

022024   Hu X;Lin Z;Zheng Y;Xu Y (College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Univ of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545006, Guangxi, P.R. China, Email: hxypym@126.com) : Preparation and characterization of two component transparent zinc oxide/silicone nanocomposites for power light emitting diodes encapsulant. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(8), 2905-10.

Novel transparent zinc oxide (ZnO)/silicone nanocomposites for power light-emitting diodes packaging with excellent properties including a high transparency, UV-shielding efficiency and thermal properties were successfully synthesized through a three-step reaction routes: (i) ZnO precursor was prepared via homogeneous precipitation method and ZnO nanpoparticles were then obtained by calcination of the precursor at different temperature; (ii) the graft polymerization of surface fractionalized ZnO (m-ZnO) nanoparticles in hydrogen-containing poly(methysiloxane) were investigated and then mixed with terminal-vinyl poly(methylsiloxane) and MQ silixone resin as component B; (iii) the hydrosilylation chemistry of terminal-vinyl polymethysiloxane (as component A) in (ii) with MQ silicone resin and platinum catalysts. The structural properties of the as-prepared ZnO nanoparticles were studied and the nanocomposites were characterized through Fourier transform infrared, themogravimetry and Scanning electron microscope. The optical properties of nanocomposites namely visible light transparency and UV-light shielding efficiency were studied using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The results indicated that functionalizations with A151 greatly improved the dispersion of ZnO in silicone due to their high chelating capacities with ZnO and the refractive index of m-ZnO in nanocomposites were changed by chemical grafting. The optical properties of the as-obtained nanocomposites were shown to depend on ZnO particle size and the nanocomposites containing 0.06% in weight of functionalized ZnO nanoparticels with an average particle size of 96.01 nm after calcination at 400 °C possessed excellent visible-light transparency and high UV-light shielding deficiency. Moreover, the thermal properties of nanocomposites was enhanced with m-ZnO introduced and met the requirements of high-performance electronic packaging for high-power light-emitting diodes encapsulant.

9 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

022023   Gurumoorthy A V P;Krishnamoorthy R (Chemical Engineering Div, School of Mechanical and Building Sciences, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: anand.g@vit.ac.in) : Continuum formulation for polymers in solution. Int J chem Sci 2015, 13(4), 1849-60.

The Edwards equation for polymers in solution is rigorously derived (based on the work of Freed¹) in this review. Then it is shown, how researchers have adapted this equation for describing polymers at surfaces. A brief comment on the validity of the random flight model, which forms the basis for the Edwards equation, is made.

12 ref