017703   Azimi V;Menhaj M B;Fakharian A (Electrical and Computer Engineering Dep, Cleveland State Univ, Cleveland, OH, USA, Email: v.azimi@csuohio.edu) : Tool position tracking control of a nonlinear uncertain flexible robot manipulator by using robust H₂/H∞ controller via T-S fuzzy model. Sadhana 2015, 40(2), 307-33.

In this paper, a robust H₂/H_∞ control with regional Pole-Placement is considered for tool position control of a nonlinear uncertain flexible robot manipulator. The uncertain nonlinear system is first approximated by Takagi and Sugeno's (T-S) fuzzy model. To achieve a better tracking, an extra state (error of tracking) is then augmented to the T-S model. Based on each local linear subsystem with augmented state, a regional pole-placement state feedback H2/H8 controller is properly designed via linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach. Parallel Distributed Compensation (PDC) is also used to establish the whole controller for the overall system and the total linear system is obtained by using the weighted sum of the local linear systems. A fuzzy weighted online computation (FWOC) component is employed to update fuzzy weights in real time for different operating points of the system. Simula-tion results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed controller like robustness and good load disturbance attenuation and accurate tracking, even in the presence of parameter variations and also load disturbances on the motor and the tool. The superiority of the proposed control scheme is finally highlighted in comparison with the Quantitative feedback theory (QFT) controller, the QFT controller of order 13, a polynomial controller and the so-called linear sliding-mode controller methods.

12 illus, 10 tables, 36 ref

017702   Azimi M;Riazi R (Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, Tehran Univ, 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

017701   Azarang F;Telvari A R;Sedghi H;Bajestan M S (Young Researchers and Elites Club, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran, P.O. Box-1477893855, Email: f.azarang@srbiau.ac.ir) : Application of HEC-RAS model for evaluating erosion and sedimentation of Karkheh river, Iran. Ecol Envir Conserv 2015, 21(4), 1673-84.

Using numerical models is an adequate tool for simulating erosion phenomenon and sediment transport conditions of the rivers that can be the basis for planning and implementation of water and environmental engineering projects. Karkheh Basin is one of the most important watersheds of Iran which belongs to Karkheh River (the third biggest river of Iran). However, the Karkheh River has strategical and environmental importance for design and implementation of large hydrological projects and supplying water for agricultural, industrial and municipal units but, there is no reliable and academic documentation about its erosion and sediment transport especially after the reservoir dam construction. Hence, the famous model of HEC-RAS has been utilized for simulating the sediment transport and erosion of Karkheh River during 12 years (2001-2013) downstream of the reservoir dam. Therefore, Thalweg and cross section alternations were estimated and the total sediment load of Karkheh River was determined at the study site. The results indicate increasing of erosion at the river post-dam which would be reduced in the middle and distal portion. The model outcomes showed that Sediment transport equations such as Ackers-White, Laursen and Engelund-Hansen have been provided the most accurate predictions of changes in erosion and sedimentation of the river. Moreover, the results from morphology section of model present that reservoir dam construction has failed to prevent displacement of Karkheh River central axis. Our survey would be a basic reference for future engineering experiments on Karkheh River and effects of dam construction on alluvial rivers.

16 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

017700   Arthi J E;Jagadeeswari M (NO, , ) : Voice based control of appliances using labview. J Pwr Elect Pwr Syst 2014, 4(1), 53-8.

Voice based control of appliances for home and office automation become increasingly important and interesting. Automation with the voice provides better time management. These also improve the quality of our lives by automating some of the electrical home appliances such as light source, A/V equipment, computer, security device, etc. In this paper a voice based control of devices using LabVIEW is implemented. User can input the control command through the head phone. Different frequencies are assigned to the device when the spoken command matches with that frequency the device responds. LabVIEW is used to process and recognize the voice signal then the signals is used to send commands to the control unit to control a wide range of mains appliances in homes and offices.

017699   Ambika C;Hirankumar G (Centre for Scientific and Applied Research, PSN College of Engineering and Technology, Melathediyoor-627 152, Email: hiran.gp@gmail.com) : Comparative electrical and electochemical performance of proton conducting polymer nanocomposites based on TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ fillers. Int J chem Sci 2016, 14(1), 463-7.

Two different systems of nanocomposite blend solid proton conducting polymer electrolytes based on PMMA/PVP with MSA as proton provider dispersed with nano fillers such as TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ are prepared by solution casting technique. The maximum conductivity value of 2.82 x 10^{-5 S/cm is observed for the 1 mol% of TiO₂ dispersed nanocomposite blend solid polymer electrolytes. The maximum conducting sample in each set of TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ dispersed nanocomposite solid polymer electrolyte is used for the construction of proton battery as electrolyte. Electrochemical impedance value is calculated for the fresh cells. The discharge characteristics are monitored for 0.01 mA of current drain. The energy density of the proton battery constructed with TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ dispersed nanocomposite polymer electrolytes are 3.16 and 2.82 Wh/Kg respectively. The cell performance of TiO₂ based nanocomposite polymer electrolyte found better than the Al₂O₃ based nanocomposite polymer electrolyte.}

3 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

017698   Ambika C;Hiran Kumar G (Center for Scientific and Applied Research, PSN College of Engineering and Technology, Melathediyoor-627 152, Email: hiran.gp@gmail.com) : Effect of blending on electrical and electro chemical studies of solid proton conduction polymer electrolytes based on PVP and PMMA. Int J chem Sci 2016, 14(1), 409-14.

Solid proton conducting polymer electrolytes of PVP_K30 (poly vinyl pyrrolidone) -MSA (Methanesulfonic acid), PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate)-MSA and PMMA-PVP_K30-MSA in various compositions are prepared by conventional solution casting technique. The conductivity values for all the prepared polymer electrolytes are calculated from cole-cole plot. The conductivity value is enhanced due to blending. The maximum conducting sample is identified in each set of polymer matrices and it is utilized for the construction of proton battery as solid electrolyte. The configuration of the primary proton battery is Zn + ZnSO₄.7H₂O + AC| solid polymer electrolytes |MnO₂ + AC. Discharge profile of the proton battery is monitored at a constant current of 0.01 mA. Electrochemical impedance value of the constructed proton battery is calculated for both before and after discharge. Electrochemical impedance value is found decreased for the proton battery constructed with blend solid polymer electrolyte. The proton battery constructed with PMMA-MSA matrices shows poor discharge performance because of the high electrochemical impedance value.

5 illus, 3 ref

017697   Ahmed A (Unaizah College of Engineering, Qassim Univ (QV), PO Box 6666, Buraidah 51452, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Email: anwarka218@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/m^{3h-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

017696   Adarsh Rai A;Srinivasa Pai P;Shrinivasa Rao B R (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Nitte Mahalinga Adyanthaya Memorial Institute of Technology, Nitte-574 110, Email: a.adarsh.rai@gmail.com) : Prediction models for performance and emissions of a dual fuel CI engine using ANFIS. Sadhana 2015, 40(2), 515-35.

Dual fuel engines are being used these days to overcome shortage of fossil fuels and fulfill stringent exhaust gas emission regulations. They have several advantages over conventional diesel engines. In this context, this paper makes use of experimental results obtained from a dual fuel engine for developing models to predict performance and emission parameters. Conventional modelling efforts to understand the relationships between the input and the output variables, requires thermodynamic analysis which is complex and time consuming. As a result, efforts have been made to use artificial intelligence modelling techniques like fuzzy logic, Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Genetic Algorithm (GA), etc. This paper uses a neuro fuzzy modelling technique, Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for developing prediction models for performance and emission parameter of a dual fuel engine. Percentage load, percentage Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Injection Timing (IT) have been used as input parameters, whereas output parameters include Brake Specific Energy Consumption (BSEC), Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE), Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) and smoke. In order to further improve the prediction accuracy of the model, GA has been used to optimize ANFIS. GA optimized ANFIS gives higher prediction accuracy of more than 90% for all parameters except for smoke, where there is a substantial improvement from 46.67% to 73.33%, when compared to conventional ANFIS model.

11 illus, 10 tables, 17 ref

017695   Abarna S;Hirankumar G;Sivaraja N;Kuberan A (Centre for Scientific and Applied Research, PSN College of Engineering and Technology, Tirunelveli-627 152, Email: hiran.gp@gmail.com ) : Studies on ion conducion mechanism in Li_0.4+yCo_0.3O₂ cathode materials. Int J chem Sci 2016, 14(1), 415-20.

Lithium rich and deficient, Li_1+x Ni_0.4+yCo_0.3Mg_0.3O₂ (x =0, ± 0.1, -0.2 and y = 0, ± 0.05, +0.1) cathode materials were prepared by conventional solid state reaction method. Vibrational studies of the prepared materials were analyzed by using FTIR spectroscopy. Electrical and dielectric properties of the materials were measured using AC impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range 7 MHz-1Hz over the temperature range of 303-343 K. The sample Li_0.9Ni_0.45Co_0.3Mg_0.3O₂ shows maximum conductivity of 1.02 x 10^{-4 S cm-1 at ambient temperature. All samples obey Arrhenius rule. Dielectric properties of the cathode materials on the influence of Li, Ni composition and temperature were also discussed.}

4 illus, 12 ref

016815   Vyas P B;Tambe M P;Khatri J N (Civil Engineering Dep, Sigma Institute of Engineering, Bakrol, Vadodara, Gujarat) : Aerobic treatment of pharma waste water using lab scale rotating biological contractor- A case study. Pollut Res 2015, 34(4), 771-2.

Biological treatment using three-stage lab scale rotating biological contactor (RBC) was implemented for pharma waste containing high levels of COD & BOD. The RBC consists of 18 parallel discs rotating in a reservoir arranged in three stages. Six discs oriented in each stage, the reactor performance at different organic loading rates (2000, 3000, 4500, 7000 mg/L) at different RPM (5, 10, 15) was evaluated. The effect of hydraulic retention time disc submergence, and disc rotational speed on COD removal was examined. From the present study the optimum COD load was 4500 mg/L with removal efficiency of 95% at 5 RPM. COD removal efficiency increased 98% while HRT increased from 1 to 2.5 days. The COD removal efficiency increased from 70% to 93% as the disc submergence was increased from 36% to 40%. At submergence level of 20% the removal efficiency was increased due to activation of second and third compartments, when the rotational speed was increased from 5 to 15 RPM, the COD removal efficiency was decreased from 95% to 70% respectively. The stage COD removal efficiency was gradually decreasing with increasing number of stages and 80% of organic compounds were removed in the first stage of aerobic RBC.

^ssc4 tables, 3 ref

016814   Vaghefi M;Ghodsian M;Salimi S (Civil Engineering Dep, Persian Gulf Univ, Shahid Mahini Street, P.O. Box: 75169-13817, Bushehr, Iran, Email: vaghefi@pau.edu.ac.ir) : Effect of circular bridge piers with different inclination angles toward downstream on scour. Sadhana 2016, 45(1), 75-86.

Fundamental principle in the safe design of bridge piers is to estimate maximum scour depth. As such, many researchers devoted their efforts to study the phenomenon of scour around bridge piers and to present relationships to estimate maximum scour depth. In the current research, scour around circular bridge piers with two different diameters and different inclination angles toward downstream has been investigated experimentally under clear water and different discharges. The obtained results revealed that increase in the inclination angle leads to a significant decrease in the scour depth, dimensions of sediment ridge and scour hole. Moreover, by comparing the data obtained from vertical bridge pier and well-known relationships, a relationship having the most agreement with the results was selected and modified to estimate equilibrium scour depth around inclined piers.

17 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

016813   Ulyanov V V;Gulevdky V A;Storozhenko A N; Teplyakov Y A (JSC "State Scientific Centre of the Russian Federation- Institute for, 249 033, Kaluga Region, Obninsk, Bondarenko sq., 1, Email: mtrushin@mail.ru) : Control of oxidizing potential of Pb and Pb-Bi coolants. Oriental J Chem 2015, 31(4), 2059-69.

Analytical and experimental data on formation of oxygen oxidizing potential in heavy liquid metal coolants (Pb and Pb-Bi eutectic) was considered. It was revealed that oxygen could be both dissolved in these coolants and included in various thermodynamically unstable oxide compounds. In case of heavy liquid metal coolant (HLMC) flowing in non-isothermal circuit, these compounds are broken down with oxygen release or formed fixing dissolved oxygen. The amount of oxygen, which is present in HLMC and exhibits its activity with temperature, could be much greater than the value detected by oxygen sensor. That is why HLMC possess internal oxygen reserves inhibiting corrosion in the circuits. Presence of thermodynamically unstable oxide phases in the above coolants, non-isoconcentration distribution of active oxygen, and impossibility to currently obtain the analytical relationship showing dissolved oxygen distribution make it necessary to use at least three oxygen sensors for studying processes of formation of HLMC oxidizing potential. These sensors should be located in the zones of max and min temperatures (t_max, t_min) and in that at t=450-550°C. In order to assure the most accurate estimate it is reasonable to provide additional two or more sensors in the zone at t=450-550°C.

12 illus, 21 ref

016812   Tyulenev M;Zhironkin S;Litvin O (Open Pit Mining Dep, Kuzbass State Technical Univ, Kemerovo, 650 000, Vesennyaya St., Russia, Email: tma.geolog@kuzstu.ru) : Low-cost technology of quarry water purifying using the artificial filters of overburden rock. Pollut Res 2015, 34(4), 835-40.

Influence of open-cast mining of mineral deposits on environment is substantial. It includes change of a landscape, violation of hydrological conditions and water and air pollution. But the greatest pollution of mining enterprises is being caused to surface water sources. It is caused by high maintenance of a suspension and other contaminants in the disposal water, its considerable volume and rather low efficiency of purifying facilities that doesn't allow proper waste water purifying to the norm of disposal. The article contains a description of the filtering rate characterizing the intensity of suspended material grains settling in the pores of the filter array. The change of the filtering rate on the height of the filter array is described. The technology that allows improving the quality of open pit waste water purification is presented. The schemes and location of artificial rock arrays currently exist on several open pit coal enterprises are given.

4 illus, 28 ref

016811   Thumaty K C;Rodda S R;Singhal J; Gopalakrishnan R;Jha C S;Parsi G D;Dadhwal V K (NO, National Remote Sensing Centre (ISRO), Balanagar, Hyderabad-500 037, Email: trkchand@gmail.com) : Spatio-temporal characterization of agriculture residue burning in Punjab and Haryana, India, using MODIS and suomi NPP VIIRS data. Curr Sci 2015, 109(10), 1850-5.

Agriculture residue (in the form of stubble) burning is commonly practised in the northern states of India along the Indian part of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), predominantly in the states of Punjab and Haryana. In the present study, we characterize spatiotemporal patterns of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana states of India, using active fire data from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership - Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (Suomi NPP-VIIRS) for kharif cropping season (September-November) 2014. Analysis of active fire locations derived from MODIS and VIIRS during September-November 2014 suggest intense practice of stubble burning in the study area with total fire detections going up to 15,222 (MODIS) and 15,568 (VIIRS). Comparative analysis of MODIS and VIIRS active fire detections suggested that VIIRS is more sensitive with higher detection capability. Further, grid-based (5 x 5 km) analysis of fire patterns, viz. total fire detections, fire frequency and total fire intensity using temporal (kharif season for 2004-2014) MODIS active fire locations suggest intense burning activity in the central and southern districts of Punjab during the study period. Temporal analysis of MODIS active fire locations (2004-2014) suggests a transition of decrease to increase in the total number of fire detections during October to November respectively, during 2004 through 2014.

7 illus, 25 ref

016810   Srivastava S;Gadhave R (Polymer Technology Dep, Univ Institute of Chemical Technology, North Maharashtra Univ, Jalgaon) : Recent developments in inorganica polymers: A review with focus on Si-Al based inorganic polymers. Oriental J Chem 2015, 31(4), 2475-80.

Inorganic polymers are a unique classification of polymers. They contain inorganic atoms in the main chain. Hybrids with organic polymers as well as those chains that contain metals as pendant groups are considered in a special sub-classification as organo-metallic polymers. The networks containing only inorganic elements in main chain are called inorganic polymers. The silicone rubber is the most commercial inorganic polymer. The organo-metallic and inorganic polymers have a different set of applications. The current paper is a review of current applications of polymers with inorganic back-bone networks, especially focusing on Si and Al based inorganic polymeric materials.

35 ref

016809   Singh K K K (NO, CSIR Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Barwa Road, Dhanbad-826 015, Email: kkksingh@yahoo.com) : Borehole radar for delineation of unapproachable underground coal-mine galleries below grand chord railway lines. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1722-7.

There are chances of railway lines being unsafe and thus directly affecting the safety of persons and goods due to the presence of old, abandoned and inaccessible mine workings below them. In the past, about 21 galleries in the leasehold of Kunstoria and Satgram areas of the Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), West Bengal and 33 galleries in the leasehold of Mugma area of ECL were driven below the Eastern Railway on the Grand Chord Howrah-Delhi railway line between Andal and Dhanbad. The abandoned mine plans of most of these galleries are not available and as such the exact locations of the galleries were not known. Keeping the above points in view, the present study was taken up for delineating the inaccessible and unknown mine galleries using borehole radar near Ratibati Colliery, Satgram area. A borehole radar survey has been conducted using an antenna frequency of 100 MHz along the six proposed railway sites. Six mine galleries were delineated in a radial distance varying from 4.5 to 5.0 m from the investigation boreholes and at the depths of 24, 27.5, 36.5, 51.5, 53.5 and 54.5 m respectively, from the surface. These mine galleries have been confirmed using direct non-coring drilling. It is also suggested that all mine galleries should be filled up with sand for the safety of the Grand Chord railway tracks in future.

4 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

016808   Shahare M (Humanities and Social Sciences Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016, Email: mahendra.shahare@hss.iitd.ac.in) : Uncertainty and the capability approach to design. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1665-71.

The concept of 'design for sustainable well-being and empowerment' seeks to harmozine distinct ideals using the capability approach framework, of which an important element is technology. To increase the freedoms or effective capabilities of individuals, the aim is to design artefacts and technologies. However, in this article, the argument is that due to the inherent uncertainty such optimistic outcomes cannot always be guaranteed and technologies can fail in practice and diminish human capabilities. Design trade-off and affordance of artefacts are used here to demonstrate that the use of capability approach to design in merely a static analytical tool.

27 ref

016807   Sarkar A;Bose S (Architecture Dep, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh-177 005, Email: amitava@nith.ac.in) : Thermal performance design criteria for bio-climatic architecture in Himachal Pradesh. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1590-1600.

Native architecture of any settlement is characterized by design and construction methods developed by the wisdom of local people to achieve indoor thermal comfort amidst outdoor uncomfortable climatic conditions. Modern construction practices adopt standardized building materials and construction methods that dominate the Indian market at present. The present article attempts to suggest appropriate architectural design criteria for present day buildings located in lower Himachal Pradesh through quantitative and qualitative comparison of thermal performances of traditional and modern residential buildings through field-survey. Results highlight the need for symbiosis of traditional wisdom with modern construction methods for sustainable built environment.

5 illus, 5 tables, 44 ref

016806   Saindanvise V;Naik T (Refinish Group Technology Div, , PPG Asian Paints Industries Pvt. Ltd, Email: author.paintindia@gmail.com) : Lotus effect coatings. Paintindia 2015, 65(2), 57-62.

The surface wettability control of solid materials has been considered as an essential aspect of surface chemistry. In the past decade, superhydrophobic surfaces have revealed a cornucopia of novel structural and functional properties, exhibiting considerable importance in both fundamental research and practical applications. In this review, we summarize the recent developments of superhydrophobic surfaces with unique structural and functional properties. Both the fabrication methods and the working performance of superhydrophobic surfaces with multidisciplinary functionalities including self-cleaning are included. The current challenges and future prospects of this dynamic field are discussed based on our own opinion.

4 illus, 9 ref

016805   Ridzuan N;Adam F;Yaacob Z (Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Natural Resources, Univ Malaysia Pahang, 26300 Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia, Email: norida@umjp.edu.my) : Effects of shear rate and inhibitors on wax deposition of Malaysian crude oil. Oriental J Chem 2015, 31(4), 1999-2004.

Wax deposition can cause a serious problem in crude oil flow assurance, especially in deep water operation due to the long chain of n-paraffin. This paper examines the effects of two factors on the deposition process, which are shear rate and different types of inhibitors. 10 mL of four different types of wax inhibitors (cocamide diethanolamine (C-DEA), diethanolamine (DEA), poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) and poly (maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) (MEA) were injected into a crude oil vessel where the temperature of cold finger and water bath were set at 5°C and 50°C, respectively. The rotation speed was operated at different ranges between 0 and 600 rpm. From the result, it was found that the amount of total wax deposit decreased when shear rate increased. EVA showed a strong effect to inhibit wax formation with 33.33% reduction of wax deposit at 400 rpm as compared to other inhibitors.

3 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

016804   Reddy B V V (Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru-560 012, Email: venkat@civil.ernet.in) : Design of a manual press for the production of compacted stabilized soil blocks. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1651-9.

In this paper, author discuss the design of a manually operated soil compaction machine that is being used to manufacture stabilized soil blocks (SSB). A case study of manufacturing more than three million blocks in a housing project using manually operated machines is illustrated. The paper is focussed on the design, development, and evaluation of a manually operated soil compaction machine for the production of SSB. It also details the machine design philosophy, compaction characteristics of soils, employment generation potential of small-scale stabilized soil block productions systems, and embodied energy. Static compaction of partially saturated soils was performed to generate force-displacement curves in a confined compaction process were generated. Based on the soil compaction data engineering design aspects of a toggle press are illustrated. The results of time and motion study on block production operations using manual machines are discussed. Critical path network diagrams were used for small-scale SSB production systems. Such production systems generate employment at a very low capital cost.

16 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

016803   Rathore B P;Singh S K;Brahmbhatt R;Bahuguna I M;Rajawat A S;Ajai (NO, Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad-380 015, Email: rathorebp@sac.isro.gov.in) : Monitoring of moraine-dammed lakes: a remote sensing-based study in the Western Himalaya. Curr Sci 2015, 109(10), 1843-4.

Monitoring of lakes in glaciated terrain in the Himalayan region has been recognized as one of the priority areas especially after the Kedarnath disaster. Among all types of glacial lakes, moraine dammed lakes (MDLs) are the most important from disaster point of view. Remote sensing plays a significant role in view of availability of unbiased repeated data on the expansion or contraction of MDLs located in rugged terrains of the Himalaya. Monitoring of two MDLs, associated with Katkar and Gepang-gath glaciers in Zanskar and Chandra sub-basins respectively was done using satellite images of 1965, 1976, 1989, 2001, 2006-07, 2012 and 2014. Survey of India (SOI) topographical maps of 1962 were also referred to monitor the respective glaciers lakes. SOI maps show the presence of only one lake associated with Gepang-gath glacier. Areal extent of the MDLs had increased from 21 to 57 ha between 1965 and 2014, and from 27 to 80 ha between 1962 and 2014 for the Katkar and Gepang-gath glaciers respectively. Increase in peak discharge of the two lakes was also estimated using different empirical models in case of outbursts of these lakes. The lake outburst probability for both these lakes was found to be very low (less than 1%), however, possibility of outburst of lakes due to natural calamity like cloud burst, landslide or earthquake cannot be ignored. The rate of retreat of these two glaciers was observed to be high due to the presence of MDLs in comparison to surrounding glaciers in the valley.

9 illus, 2 tables, 46 ref

016802   Rathna C (ECE Dep, College of Engineering, Guindey, Chennai-600 025, Email: crathnag@yahoo.com) : PI controller scheme for charge balance in implantable electrical stimulators. Sadhana 2016, 45(1), 31-45.

Electrical stimulation has been used in a wide variety of medical implant applications. In all of these applications, due to safety concerns, maintaining charge balance becomes a critically important issue that needs to be addressed at the design stage. It is important that charge balancing schemes be robust to circuit (process) and load impedance variations, and at the same time must also lend themselves to miniaturization. In this communication, simulation studies on the effectiveness of using Proportional Integral (P-I) control schemes for managing charge balance in electrical stimulation are presented. The adaptation of the P-I control scheme to implant circuits leads to two possible circuit realizations in the analog domain. The governing equations for these realizations are approximated to simple linear equations. Considering typical circuit and tissue parameter values and their expected uncertainties, Matlab as well as circuit simulations have been carried out. Simulation results presented indicate that the tissue voltages settle to well below 20% of the safe levels and within about 20 stimulations cycles, thus confirming the validity and robustness of the proposed schemes.

23 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

016801   Ram G;Mandal D;Kar R;Ghoshal S P (Electronics and Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur) : Circular and concentric circular antenna array synthesis using cat swarm optimization. IETE Tech Rev 2015, 12(3), 204-17.

This paper proposes an algorithm called cat swarm optimization (CSO) for the optimal design of non-uniform single-ring circular antenna array (CAA) and non-uniform three-ring concentric circular antenna array (CCAA). The algorithm is used to determine an optimum set of current excitation weights and antenna inter-element separations for CAA of 8, 10 and 12 elements and optimal current excitation weights for CCAA, respectively, which provide radiation pattern with maximum reduction of side lobe level (SLL). Two 3-ring CCAAs, one having the set of 4-, 6-, 8-, elements and the other having 8-, 10-, 12- elements, with and without centre element are considered. Simulation results show a considerable improvement of SLL and some restricted improvement of 3-dB beamwidth with respect to the corresponding uniform cases of both the types of antenna array and the corresponding results of some recent literature reported in this paper.

6 illus, 11 tables, 34 ref

016800   Rahate A (NO, , Nippon Paint India Pvt. Ltd, Email: author.paintindia@gmail.com) : Use of ultrasonic & sound waves energy in paint technology. Paintindia 2015, 65(2), 53-6.

^iia11 ref

016799   Panda A;Pathak M K;Srivastava S P (Electrical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarkhand-247 667, Email: aurobind.panda@gmail.com) : Single phase photovoltaic inverter control for grid connected system. Sadhana 2016, 45(1), 15-30.

This paper presents a control scheme for single phase grid connected photovoltaic (PV) system operating under both grid connected and isolated grid mode. The control techniques include voltage and current control of grid-tie PV inverter. During grid connected mode, grid controls the amplitude and frequency of the PV inverter output voltage, and the inverter operates in a current controlled mode. The current controller for grid connected mode fulfills two requirements - namely, (i) during light load condition the excess energy generated from the PV inverter is fed to the grid and (ii) during an overload condition or in case of unfavorable atmospheric conditions the load demand is met by both PV inverter and the grid. In order to synchronize the PV inverter with the grid a dual transport delay based phase locked loop (PLL) is used. On the other hand, during isolated grid operation the PV inverter operates in voltage-controlled mode to maintain a constant amplitude and frequency of the voltage across the load. For the optimum use of the PV module, a modified P and O based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller is used which enables the maximum power extraction under varying irradiation and temperature conditions. The validity of the proposed system is verified through simulation as well as hardware implementation.

19 illus, 4 tables, 36 ref

016798   Novickij V;Tabasnikov A;Smith S;Grainys A; Novickij J (High Magnetic Field Institute, Vilnius Gediminas Technical Univ, Vilnius, Lithuania, Scottish Microelectronics Centre, Univ of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK) : Analysis of planar circular interdigitated electrodes for electroporation. IETE Tech Rev 2015, 12(3), 196-200.

In this work, designs for planar, interdigitated circular electrode structures for cell membrane permeabilization procedures are analysed using finite element method analysis. The generated electric field intensity, homogeneity, and the Joule heating are evaluated. The optimal electrode configuration for successful transfection procedures is investigated. Based on the simulation results, an optimized design for the electrodes, suitable for the investigation of the permeabilization thresholds during electroporation is proposed. The Joule heating influence simulation results are validated experimentally.

8 illus, 1 table, 52 ref

016797   Nayak J K;Kedare S B;Banerjee R;Bandyopadhyay S;Desai N B;Kapila A;Paul S (Energy Science and Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400 076, Email: jknayak@iitb.ac.in) : A 1 MW national solar thermal research cum demonstration facility at Gwal Pahari, Haryana, India. Curr Sci 2015, 109(8), 1445-57.

Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants have invited wide attention in various sunlight-rich regions around the world, including India. Under sponsorship of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai has conceptualized and carried out the basic engineering design, installation, commissioning and operation of a 1 MW(e) CSP plant on the campus of the National Institute of Solar Energy at Gwalpahari, near Gurgaon, Haryana, India. This is a unique facility integrating two different solar collector fields; direct steam-generating linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) field and conventional heat transfer fluid-based parabolic trough collector (PTC) field. It is a researchcum-demonstration facility intended to enable the development of future cost-effective CSP plants in the country. The design basis, brief description of the power plant, learning experiences during commissioning and operation of the plant as well as preliminary performance results are presented here. The plant is grid-connected and operational. The preliminary results show low performance due to the lower optical efficiencies of both the collector fields, tracking error, loop imbalance of PTC field and improper receiver size of LFR field.

12 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

016796   Nallusamy S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute Univ, Chennai-600 095, Email: ksnallu@gmail.com) : Experimental analysis of emission characteristics using CNSL biodiesel in dual fuel mode. Pollut Res 2015, 34(4), 721-6.

Today's viable emission control technologies survive to reduce diesel exhaust emissions from new engines and vehicles, as well as in use engines. Nowadays, the dual fuel concept of mixing two bio fuels with the diesel for reducing the emission and increasing the performance. In this research, a dual fuel of cashew nut shell liquid diesel blended with the proportion of 20% of biodiesel (B20) is used. Different parameters where analysed to test the emission characteristics by using of the blended fuels which may improve the engine performance. The analysis revealed that the biodiesel of B20 gives good emission reduction of Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbon (HC), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and Oxygen (O₂). This work analysed the possibility of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) to be an alternative fuel for diesel engine in dual fuel mode. The effect of emissions and performance of various blends CNSL and diesel have been carried out in the presence of ethanol and isobutanol additives using dual fuel techniques and exposed that CNSL can be used as alternate fuel for single cylinder diesel engine. Also 20% of CNSL biodiesel with 10% of ethanol as additive can be effectively used in diesel engines without any alterations.

11 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

016795   Nalawade R S;Marje V R;Balachandran G; Balasubramanian V (NO, Kalyani Carpenter Special Steel Pvt. Ltd., Mundhwa, Pune-411 036, Email: rahul.nalawade@kcssl.com) : Effect of pass schedule and groove design on the metal deformation of 38Mn VS6 in the initial passes of hot rolling. Sadhana 2016, 45(1), 111-24.

Deformation behaviour of a hot rolled micro-alloyed steel bar of grade 38MnVS6 was examined using an FEM model during the initial passes in a blooming mill, as a function of three different pass schedules,roll groove depth, collar taper angle and corner radius. The simulations predicted the effective strain penetration,load, torque, fish tail billet end shapes, and metal flow behaviour at a chosen temperature, mill rpm and draft. The model predictions were validated for typical groove geometry and a typical pass schedule. Lower collar taper angle, lower corner radius and higher depth of groove in hot rolling enabled achievement of higher strain penetration, higher mill load and lower fish tail formation. The present study establishes the capability of the model to improve the internal quality of the rolled billet as measured by effective strain which was corroborated to the rolled bar macrostructure and microstructure. The model enables yield improvement by the choice of draft to minimise fish tail losses. The surface quality is improved by the ability to avoid fin formation that occurs at certain conditions of rolling. Thus, the groove geometry, roll pass schedule and rolling mill parameters and temperature can be optimised for best product quality and yield.

20 illus, 24 ref

016794   Muralidhar P;Ramarao C B (ECE Dep, N.I.T., Warangal, Email: pmurali_nitw@yahoo.co.in) : Efficient architecture for global elimination algorithm for H.264 motion estimation. Sadhana 2016, 45(1), 47-54.

This paper presents a fast block matching motion estimation algorithm and its architecture. The proposed architecture is based on Global Elimination (GE) Algorithm, which uses pixel averaging to reduce complexity of motion search while keeping performance close to that of full search. GE uses a preprocessing stage which can skip unnecessary Sum Absolute Difference (SAD) calculations by comparing minimum SAD with sub-sampled SAD (SSAD). In the second stage SAD is computed at roughly matched candidate positions. GE algorithm uses fixed sub-block sizes and shapes to compute SSAD values in preprocessing stage. Complexity of this GE algorithm is further reduced by adaptively changing the sub-block sizes depending on the macroblock features. In this paper adaptive Global Elimination algorithm has been implemented which reduces the computational complexity of motion estimation algorithm and thus resulted in low power dissipation. Proposed architecture achieved 60% less number of computations compared to existing full search architecture and 50% high throughput compared to existing fixed Global Elimination Architecture.

6 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

016793   Mistry K K;Deepthy S;Chaudhuri C R;Saha H (NO, CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, M.G. Avenue, Durgapur-713 209, Email: kalyan700@gmail.com) : Electrochemical characterization of some commercial screen-printed electrodes in different redox substrates. Curr Sci 2015, 109(8), 1427-36.

Electrochemical sensors based on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) are applied for the precise detection of an analyte concentration in a sample solution and is one of the thrust areas of research, especially in healthcare and environmental monitoring. In this article we report electrochemical characterization of some commercially available SPEs obtained from three different commercial manufacturers in three different redox probes such as potassium ferricyanide, ascorbic acid/vitamin-C and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. The main aim of this study is to compare the sensitivity, stability, ideality and reproducibility in the development of electrochemical sensors for specific detection of biological or chemical substances using SPEs.

19 illus, 4 tables, 40 ref

016792   Mink A;Van der Marel F;Parmar V;Kandachar P (Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft Univ of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands, Email: a.mink@tudelft.nl) : Approaching design for development from a capability perspective. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1639-50.

To improve the well-being of disadvantaged and marginalized populations by product design, deep contextual insight is required. However, literature does not specify which topics to discuss or which questions to ask. To address this issue, we used Sen's capability approach to develop question categories and adopted a semi-structured interview approach called the Opportunity Detection Kit. This kit has been tested by evaluating the impact of the Philips Chulha in rural South India. By using the kit, a comprehensive picture could be drawn about the participants' lives, which indicated opportunities for product improvement. The integration of the capability approach and product design therefore seems to be promising.

6 illus, 3 tables, 54 ref

016791   Khadilkar P;Lokras S;Somashekar H I; Venkatarama Reddy B V;Mani M (Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru-560 012, Email: pramod.khadilkar@gmail.com) : Capability approach-based evaluation of a biomass cook-stove design. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1601-9.

What is the scope and responsibilities of design? This work partially answers this by employing a normative approach to design of a biomass cook stove. This study debates on the sufficiency of existing design methodologies in the light of a capability approach. A case study of a biomass cook stove Astra Ole has elaborated the theoretical constructs of capability approach, which, in turn, has structured insights from field to evaluate the product. Capability approach based methodology is also prescriptively used to design the mould for rapid dissemination of the Astra Ole.

5 illus, 44 ref

016790   Kamalanand K;Jawahar P M (Instrumentation Engineering Dep, MIT Campus, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 044) : Comparison of swarm intelligence techniques for estimation of HIV-1 viral load. IETE Tech Rev 2015, 12(3), 188-95.

HIV-1 viral load testing is the only definitive method for early detection of antiretroviral therapy failure. However, the HIV-1 viral load testing is not performed in many developing and underdeveloped countries due to the cost, availability and accessibility of viral load testing equipment. Such resource-limited environments use CD4 tests as an alternative. In this work, the performance of six different swarm intelligence techniques for estimation of HIV-1 viral load has been assessed using correlation and error analysis. Results demonstrate that the coupled jumping frogs/particle swarm optimization technique is more efficient in the estimation of HIV-1 viral load from CD4 cell count measurements (average estimation error = 2.42%), when compared to the other methods. This work appears to be of high clinical relevance since the resource-limited estimation of HIV-1 viral load is highly useful in developing and underdeveloped countries.

2 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

016789   Kairigo P K;Kareru P G;Madivoli E S;Njonge F K (College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta Univ of Technology, P.O. Box-62000-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Email: kinoti.kairigo@gmail.com) : Formulation of geopolymer building blocks using locally available aluminosilicate waste material. Int J pure appl Sci Technol 2015, 29(2), 64-72.

This paper presents research work done on the applicability and viability of geopolymer technology on the various types of soils present in Kenya. The main aim is to provide an alternative building material to the conventional materials available in Kenya. Stone Mining activities in Kenya have generated a lot of aluminosilicate waste that can be a good source of raw material for geopolymer synthesis. Geopolymers are amorphous aluminosilicate materials whose synthesis occurs in a fast chemical reaction. The proposed mechanism occurs in three stages, the dissolution of Al and Si present in the source material, the condensation of precursor ions into monomers and the polymerization of monomers into polymeric structures. For the reaction to result to a geopolymer the ratio of Si and Al is paramount. Structural characterization of the soil samples and the developed building blocks were done using Shimadzu FT 8000 FT-IR spectrophotometr, X-RF.

2 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

016788   Inuwa I;Oye N D (Information Technology Dep, Modibbo Adama Univ of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria, Email: ibrahiminuwa1985@gmail.com) : The impact of E-voting in developing countries: Focus on Nigeria. Int J pure appl Sci Technol 2015, 30(2), 43-53.

The world is in the era of globalization. Information technology has greatly affected all aspects of life, and to a large scope, this includes politics. This paper reviewed E-voting of some developed and developing countries. Online voting system has been an upmost issues in most of the developed and developing countries. The idea behind developing an online voting system was to improve and speed up the process of traditional way of voting. The concept of e-voting should be embraced by the developing countries because of its advantages over the traditional manual voting system. Government should provide adequate infrastructure such as efficient communication network and internet facilities and constant power supply as these are critical to the implementation of e-voting system.

32 ref

016787   Gupta R;Sharma M;Singh D P;Suthar B;Saha S K (Rural Technology Action Group, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016, Email: saha@mech.iitd.ac.in) : Women empowerment by technology supported manufacturing of beads from holy basil. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1660-4.

In this article, we demonstrate how intervention using basic technology has improved the manufacturing of the beads from the stems of Holy Basil (Tulasi). This has helped the convenience, productivity and income of those women in the villages who typically make the beads in the Brij area (Mathura, Brindavan and nearby districts) of Rajasthan state in India. Later, it was experimented with a new stem holder and a contactless sensor to improve the vibration of the device and the inconvenience of replacing the mechanical switch frequently. As a result, there is overall improvement in the performance of the device.

8 illus, 7 ref

016786   Goswami A;Sharma U;Rabha M M;Rajbongshi S C; Barua A G (Physics Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014) : Steady-state and time-resolved bioluminescence of the firefly Asymmetricata circumdata (Motschulsky). Curr Sci 2015, 109(10), 1838-42.

After Luciola praeusta Kiesenwetter 1874, Asymmetricata circumdata (Motschulsky) is the second Indian species of firefly identified recently. Here we present steady-state and time-resolved measurements of bioluminescence emissions of male specimens of this new-found species. Steady-state spectra recorded in a high-resolution spectrometer show the peak wavelength at 570 nm, while the same on a colour film in a glass spectrograph show the peak at 579 nm between green and red bands, which prompts speculation that a sharp, laser-like line might exist in the emission spectrum of this species just as the one in L. praeusta. The diffraction pattern produced by a grating consolidates this proposition. Flashes recorded in an oscilloscope reveal the appearance of a small pulse in combination with the main one, which becomes prominent both at low and high temperatures.

6 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

016785   Frankhuizen N (NO, (TQC's Gloss and Standards Specialist) TQC BV, Molenbaan 19, 2908LL Capelle aan den ljssel, Netherlands, Email: author.paintindia@gmail.com) : Level of confidence in gloss measuring. Paintindia 2015, 65(2), 63-5.

Esthetic properties are becoming increasingly important in today's industry. In the 20th century gloss measurements became a standard QC-parameter when it comes to validate the esthetics of coated surfaces. Readings from glossmeters and tight gloss-criteria set in finishing specifications are these days leading appearance guidelines. Coating manufacturers, QC-organizations and suppliers of test-equipment as well specify or claim very tight boundaries for gloss levels. But are these claims and specifications feasible?

2 tables, 16 ref

016784   Devadula S;Gurumoorthy B;Chakrabarti A (Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing, Indian Institute of Science, Bangaluru-560 012, Email: devadula@cpdm.iisc.ernet.in) : Design for sustainability: case of designing an urban household organic waste management system. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1622-9.

Beyond product design, if the notion of product 'lifecycle design' enforces the consideration of requirements from all the lifecycle phases of products, design for sustainability enforces the consideration of lifecycle design in the context of the lifecycles of other products, processes, institutions and their design. Consequently, sustainability requirements that need to be met by design are very diverse. In this article, we portray the nature of design process to address sustainability requirements. This is done taking an example of designing a urban household organic waste management system that requires less water and reclaims the nutrients.

1 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

016783   Das S (Architecture and School of Infrastructure, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: sutapa@arp.iitkgp.ernet.in) : Lighting and health of building occupants: a case of Indian information technology offices. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1573-80.

This pilot study explores the possibility of using architectural design to positively influence the health and well-being of information technology (IT) professionals using more daylight in their offices. Literature review, visual observation, office lighting survey and illuminance study at the premises of two IT companies in Kolkata, India indicated common health issues of their occupants which can be more critical than sick building syndrome. This can be possibly linked to disruption of the circadian clock or in turn lack of exposure to daylight and its natural variation. Mere 18% contribution of sunlight in the indoor illuminance affirmed this point. Bespoke space planning and fenestration design to allow more daylight without compromising the privacy were set as the goals of a further study to augment the latest research in healthy office lighting.

6 illus, 1 table, 49 ref

016782   Chia-Hui W;Min-Shiang H;Yeh-hap A;Chin (Collection Development and Bibliography Management Div, National Central Library, Taipei-10004, Taiwan) : Security analysis of an enhanced mobile agent device for RFID privacy protection. IETE Tech Rev 2015, 12(3), 183-7.

Proxy agent is one of the approaches to solve security and privacy problems in a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system. In this paper, we will show that the mobile agent device in RFID environment reported by Yeo et al. has some security vulnerabilities, such as tracking and cloning. The adversary could easily eavesdrop, infer, and access the value to track and clone the tag.

5 illus

016781   Chandran K M;Balaji N C;Monto Mani (NO, Indian Insitute of Sciences, Benagaluru-560 012, Email: monto@astra.iisc.ernet.in) : Understanding transitions in a rural Indian building typology in the context of well-being. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1610-21.

Rural settlements in Karnataka in India predominantly use locally available resources to build their dwelling units. The houses are constructed either by the villagers themselves or by local masons skilled in traditional architecture. However, traditional houses and lifestyle are slowly giving way to modern concrete dwellings and a new lifestyle. To analyse this trend of transition to modern dwellings in rural settlements, a case study was conducted in three villages near the city of Bengaluru in Karnataka. The present article discusses this transition in the context of sustainable well-being of rural settlements.

18 illus, 4 tables, 43 ref

016780   Bose S;Sarkar S (Architecture Dep, Jadavpur Univ, 188, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032) : Top floors of low-rise modern residences in Kolkata: preliminary exploration towards a sustainable solution. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1581-9.

Kolkata is a leading metro city in India with a tropical hot and humid climate. Old buildings in the city had climate-responsive architectural design and elements. However, the modern low-rise residential buildings are not provided with proper thermal insulation on roofs and walls, spatial planning and ventilating elements for which inhabitants at the top floors suffer from unbearable indoor environment during summer. Moreover, often rainwater percolates through the roofs after some years. For relief, many inhabitants install air-conditioners in their rooms and repair the roofs recurrently. This raises the demand for energy and contributes to urban heat island effect and unsustainable environment in the city. A research funded by the University Grants Commission, Government of India, was taken up to do fieldwork, survey and documentation of the actual situation along with the literature study for formulating an architectural solution to attain comfortable, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable indoor condition at the top floors of low-rise residences.

13 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

016779   Biswal S K;Mohapatra P;Muralidhar K (Civil Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology Agartala, Agartala-799 046, Email: drsushantbiswal@gmail.com) : Hydraulics of combining flow in a right-angled compound open channel junction. Sadhana 2016, 45(1), 97-110.

Although combining flows are common in natural streams, no comprehensive experimental data has been compiled to characterize the three-dimensional flow field within the compound channel confluence. The present study examines the time-averaged flow structure at confluence over a rigid bed. Current knowledge of channel confluence, based on laboratory observation indicates that cross flow interactions exert a significant influence on confluence events. Secondary current and turbulent stresses are reproduced well by the hydraulic model and found greater in the interface region as relative flow ratio decreases. Velocity fields in combining flow region arising from varying discharge ratios are presented. A zone of depression in surface elevation in compound channel junction is observed as well. The flow field in compound channel is seen to be moderately different from that of simple channel junction. This study contributes to a better knowledge of hydraulic key processes into fundamental aspect of combining flow dynamics.

12 illus, 43 ref

016778   Balasubramanian S R;Maheswari D;Cynthia A;Rao K B;Prasad A M;Goswami R;Sivakumar P (NO, CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, CSIR Campus, Taramani, Chennai-600 113) : Experimental determination of statistical parameters associated with uniaxial compression behaviour of brick masonry. Curr Sci 2015, 109(11), 2094-2102.

In view of practical significance of the compression behaviour of brick masonry, this article discusses the evolvement of an experimental programme based on a survey of the literature. Also, it is known that large scatter is expected in the mechanical properties of masonry and studies characterizing these statistical variations are scant in India. Using the evolved experimental programme and results of tests conducted, the statistical parameters, namely mean and coefficient of variation (COV) associated with the uniaxial compression behaviour of typical brick masonry used in South India have been determined in this article. For the masonry considered in this study, the mean values of peak compressive stress, strain corresponding to peak stress and elastic modulus are 2.82 MPa, 0.009 and 0.4 GPa respectively. The corresponding values of COV are 0.15, 0.2 and 0.12 respectively. In addition, a trilinear curve has been suggested as an idealized stress-strain relation for the brick masonry used in South India.

6 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

016777   Bahubalendruni M V A;Biswal B B (Industrial Design Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela-769 008, Email: bahubalindruni@gmail.com) : Liaison concatenation- A method to obtain feasible assembly sequences from 3D-CAD product. Sadhana 2016, 45(1), 67-74.

Selection of optimized assembly sequence from the available feasible assembly sequences is significantly essential to achieve cost-effective manufacturing process. To achieve this, at the outset, generation of feasible assembly sequences with topological, geometrical, precedence and stability conditions should be generated. The increase of part count in a product results huge number of assembly sequences, the Liaison matrix/Liaison graph generated based on the connections between the assembly components eliminates nonpossible assembly sequences at the initial phase. There exist methods namely cut-set method to eliminate the non-possible assembly sequences using liaison graph. In this paper a new approach to eliminate the non-possible assembly sequences based on liaisons is described and the correctness of the methodology is illustrated with an example. The methodology to obtain the feasible assembly sequences is also briefly described and presented. An algorithm to interface with the CAD environment is described briefly.

8 illus, 7 ref

016776   Ardjmand M;Omidi M;Choolaei M M (Chemical Engineering Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran, Email: m_arjmand@azad.ac.ir) : Effects of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube on mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube/epoxy composites. Oriental J Chem 2015, 31(4), 2291-301.

The mechanical properties of the multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/epoxy composites affected by carboxyl and amino functionalized MWCNT are investigated. Tensile tests of the specimens were carried out to obtain mechanical properties of MWCNT/epoxy composites for various weight-percents (wt %) of MWCNTs. In order to properly predict the mechanical properties of MWCNT reinforced epoxy composites, the effect of MWCNTs de bonding is considered through applying a correction factor to a Halpin-Tsai equation. Applicability of the modified model was endorsed by the experimental results.

7 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

016775   Alam M S (Electronics Engineering Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ (AMU), aligarh) : Analytical modelling and design of CMOS low-noise amplifier (LNA) with electro-static discharge protection. IETE Tech Rev 2015, 12(3), 227-35.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection devices can have an adverse effect on the performance of RF circuits. This paper presents an analytical method to assess the performance changes of a CMOS low-noise amplifier (LNA) which incorporates ESD protection, when gate and source inductors L_g and L_s are optimally designed. Using a single capacitor model for diode ESD and an accurate MOS device model, a detailed analysis of the LNA design is presented. It has been confirmed analytically that the major changes in the characteristics of an LNA when connected with ESD protection is in input impedance and forward gain. Using a 0.25 μm UMC process parameter, ESD diode capacitance C_p was calculated. By knowing the diode capacitance, a simple analytical procedure is given to determine series inductances and L_s and L_g, which will provide optimal 50 Ω input impedance at the operating frequency of 2.4 GHz. Using these values of L_s, and C_p, and L_g a common source CMOS LNA has been designed and fabricated in the 0.25 μm CMOS process. An optimum device size is used to minimize noise figure. Excellent agreement between simulation and measurement for all four -parameters of the LNA from 2.3 to 2.5 GHz has been achieved with a 2.1 dB minimum noise figure, for power consumption of 13.25 mW.

12 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref