045562   ARIF M, AL-HAGRI M G, SHARIQ M, RAHMAN I, HASSAN A, BAQI A (Civil Engineering Dep, Qassim Univ, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia) : Mechanical properties and microstructure of micro- and nano-additives-based modified concrete composites: A sustainable solution. J Inst Eng India Ser A 2020, 101(1), 89-104.

The present study focuses on the effect of cement replacement with micro-silica fume (SF), nano-silica fume (NS) and fly ash (F) individually and in a combination of two additives, on the mechanical properties (split, flexural tensile and compressive strengths) of 22 modified concrete mixes. The microstructure analysis and chemical microanalysis of the mixes have also been undertaken. The addition of micro- and nano-silica fume alone enhances the strength of concrete. However, the addition of fly ash causes a reduction in the strength properties for all replacement percentages. The combination of micro- and nano-silica fume improves the mechanical properties of concrete for all percentages of replacement. The microstructure and chemical analysis of modified concrete show enhancement in the morphological properties of concrete owing to pore filling with dense and compact structure and C–H crystals reduction and denser structure in pastes due to the incorporation of micro- and nano-silica fume. The present experimental research shows that the concrete modified with industrial by-products establishes extra functionalities, thus well addressing the environmental sustainability issues.

45 ref

045561   THIYAGARAJAN H, KARUNANITHI A (CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai) : Investigation on the correlation between heat release and compressive strength development in fly ash–cement composites. J Inst Eng India Ser A 2020, 101(1), 77-87.

Toward developing greener cement, the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are inevitable in cement. Fly ash is the more abundantly available SCM which is pozzolanic in nature and helps largely in the development of long-term strength. When such type of SCMs are incorporated in cement, considering 90-day compressive strength is more appropriate instead of 28 days. However, in this fast-growing world, it is not feasible to wait for 90 days to obtain the complete gain in strength of blended cement. This study investigates the method of relating heat release during hydration to compressive strength development of fly ash–cement composites, from which the long-term strength can be predicted. Isothermal calorimetry is employed to measure the heat release. Further, experiments are conducted on fly ash–cement composites at different ages to verify the strength obtained through the isothermal calorimetry. Various replacement levels of fly ash ranging from low (20 %) to high (70 %) volume are considered in this study. It is found that strength obtained through isothermal calorimetry is in good agreement with the compressive strength measured from experiments at all replacement levels up to 50 %. The study reveals that within the minimum period of 48 h, it is possible to predict the long-term compressive strength of fly ash–cement composites using isothermal calorimeter.

28 ref

045560   VASHISHT A K, RANJAN P (Agricultural Engineering and Post-Harvest Technology Coll, Sikkim- 737 135) : Intermittent multi-column sand filter: A unique solution to multiple applications. J Inst Eng India Ser A 2020, 101(1), 69-75.

Management of storm runoff is one of the ways to reduce stress on the existing freshwater resources. However, soil erosion and/or the operational steps like its trapping, conveyance, and storage lead to its mixing with foreign matter (inorganic/organic). Thus, filtration is an essential step before its use for various applications, but every application of water does not warrant its potable quality. The filtration efficiency of any porous medium increases with increase in the passing of cumulative volume of raw water, and the response of medium with finer size granules is quicker than the medium with larger size granules. The need of a filter having the flexibility to provide water of different qualities leads to the development of a newly designed intermittent multi-column filter whose different columns were containing graded sand granules. The experimental results showed that the multi-column filter removed the turbid matter in the range of 61–93 % for the passing of net 2189 l of raw water. The filtrate from different columns can be regulated at any stage depending upon the application requirement. It has the ability to reduce the turbidity of raw water below the minimum standard prescribed for injecting in the freshwater aquifers, according to which the water turbidity should be less than or equal to two nephelometric turbidity units.

9 ref

045559   CHANDANA B S, ARUNKUMAR C, UMAMAHESWARI N (Civil Engineering Dep, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai) : Experimental and numerical investigation on the moment rotation behavior of cruciform moment connections with reduced beam sections. J Inst Eng India Ser A 2020, 101(1), 57-67.

The unexpected local damage may happen in the beam column connections of steel structures under lateral loads, since the connection is the focal point. Adopting reduced beam section (RBS) is an innovative method to dissipate the energy of such structures since it will enable a plastic hinge to be formed in the beam portion, thus reducing large stress concentration in the connection. Also, the formation of plastic hinge will satisfy the seismic criteria of strong column and weak beam combination. This paper focuses on analyzing the efficiency of cruciform connection fabricated with RBS. The structural components comprise of standard I section beam and column connected through welds. Finite element method is applied and model is created for cruciform connections in which different RBSs are used. The models are validated using experimental analysis applied on the specimen. The monotonic load is gradually applied at the two ends of the beams and moment rotation behavior is established. Similar behavior is studied for the RBS model and double reduced beam section (DRBS) as well. The effective connection stiffness is identified for the different models under consideration. It is observed from the results that RBS and DRBS can sustain large inelastic strains besides limiting stress concentration in the connection.

13 ref

045558   WANG J, LIU Y, LI K (Kunming Univ of Science and Technology, Yunnan- 650 093, China) : Dynamic characteristics of deep dolomite under one-dimensional static and dynamic loads. J Inst Eng India Ser A 2020, 101(1), 49-56.

The failure characteristics of rock subjected to impact disturbance under one-dimensional static axial compression are helpful for studying the problems of pillar instability and rock burst in deep, high geostress surrounding rock under blasting disturbances. Improved split Hopkinson pressure bar equipment was used for one-dimensional dynamic–static combined impact tests of deep-seated dolomite specimens under axial compression levels of 0, 12, 24, and 36 MPa. The experimental results demonstrate that the dolomite specimens exhibit strong brittleness. The dynamic strength always maintains a strong positive correlation with the strain rate when the axial compression is fixed; when the strain rate is close, the dynamic elasticity modulus and peak strength of the specimens first increase and then decrease with the increase in axial compression, and the peak value appears at 24 MPa. The impact resistance of specimens can be enhanced when the axial compression is 12 or 24 MPa, but when it increases to 36 MPa, the damage inside the specimen begins to cause damage to the dynamic rock strength. Prior to the rock macroscopic failure, the axial static load changes the rock structure state, and it can store strain energy or cause irreversible damage.

21 ref

045557   RAHEMAN H, SNIGDHARANI E (Agricultural and Food Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur) : Development of a variable-diameter cage wheel for walking tractor and its performance evaluation in soil bin (simulating wetland). J Inst Eng India Ser A 2020, 101(1), 41-8.

Cage wheel is commonly used with walking tractors, but its diameter suitable for getting maximum tractive performance needs to be studied. Hence, an open-lug-type variable-diameter cage wheel to fit with a walking tractor was designed using SOLIDWORKS 2016 software. After verifying its dimensions by using finite element analysis, an actual wheel was fabricated with provision to vary its diameter from 620 to 710 mm using a manually operated hydraulic jack. Its performance in terms of tractive efficiency (TE) and net traction ratio (NTR) was evaluated in the soil bin under flooded condition at a normal load of 145 kg and forward speed of 1 km/h by varying the pull and diameter. The input torque and pull were measured with a torque transducer and a load cell, respectively. The NTR was found to increase with the increase in wheel slip until it reached a maximum value at around 45 % slip. With the increase in diameter of wheel from 620 to 710 mm, both drawbar pull and TE were increased by 48–75 % and 40–64 %, respectively, at wheel slip of 20–40 %. Both diameter and slip of wheel were found to have significant effect on NTE and TE.

12 ref

045556   SARKAR A, SARKAR S (Architecture Dep, Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi- 835 215) : Comparative assessment between statistical and soft computing methods for accident severity classification. J Inst Eng India Ser A 2020, 101(1), 27-40.

Globally traffic scenario has experienced a vast change over the years as volumes of traffic on urban roads have increased by leaps and bounds. This increase has also marked an increase in the number of road accidents, both fatal and non-fatal. Accident prediction has a significant role in the improvement in traffic safety, and urban traffic management. Different statistical methods and various soft computing techniques are being used for developing accident prediction models. In this study, ensemble ranking method, comprising three filter-based ranking methods such as Information Gain, Gain Ratio, and Symmetric Uncertainty, has been employed to select significant features for prediction of accident severity. Through analysis, eight significant features have been selected for accident severity prediction. These are Annual Average Daily Traffic, Road Width, Percentage of Left-Turn Vehicles, Driver’s Age, Percentage of Right-Turn Vehicles, Types of Vehicles Involved, Spot Speed, and Cause of Accidents. Multiple logistic regression (MLGR) and artificial neural network (ANN) have been applied for accident severity prediction in urban roads. This analysis concludes that ANN model gives more accuracy and minimum errors compared with the MLGR method at the time of severity classification of a vehicular accident.

20 ref

045556   SARKAR A, SARKAR S (Architecture Dep, Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi- 835 215) : Comparative assessment between statistical and soft computing methods for accident severity classification. J Inst Eng India Ser A 2020, 101(1), 27-40.

Globally traffic scenario has experienced a vast change over the years as volumes of traffic on urban roads have increased by leaps and bounds. This increase has also marked an increase in the number of road accidents, both fatal and non-fatal. Accident prediction has a significant role in the improvement in traffic safety, and urban traffic management. Different statistical methods and various soft computing techniques are being used for developing accident prediction models. In this study, ensemble ranking method, comprising three filter-based ranking methods such as Information Gain, Gain Ratio, and Symmetric Uncertainty, has been employed to select significant features for prediction of accident severity. Through analysis, eight significant features have been selected for accident severity prediction. These are Annual Average Daily Traffic, Road Width, Percentage of Left-Turn Vehicles, Driver’s Age, Percentage of Right-Turn Vehicles, Types of Vehicles Involved, Spot Speed, and Cause of Accidents. Multiple logistic regression (MLGR) and artificial neural network (ANN) have been applied for accident severity prediction in urban roads. This analysis concludes that ANN model gives more accuracy and minimum errors compared with the MLGR method at the time of severity classification of a vehicular accident.

20 ref

045555   KAMATCHI P, RAO K B, KUMAR K S (CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, Taramani, Chennai-600 113) : Closed-form equations for optimum tuning frequency and damping ratio of tuned mass damper and applicability for site-specific earthquakes. J Inst Eng India Ser A 2020, 101(1), 19-26.

A number of studies are reported in the literature on tuned mass damper (TMD) designed as per the optimum tuning frequency and optimum damping ratio. Many of the closed-form equations proposed in the literature for optimum tuning frequency and optimum damping ratio are applicable for single-degree-of-freedom systems. Equation proposed in the literature for optimum damping ratio for multi-degree-of-freedom system results in a higher value of optimum damping ratio. In the present study, optimum tuning frequency and optimum damping ratios of shear-type multi-storey buildings are obtained by combining numerical time history analysis with optimization using minimax optimization function. Closed-form equations are fitted with one thousand eight hundred and ninety optimization results for three multi-storey buildings with nine ground motions for ten mass ratios and seven damping ratios. Equations proposed are applied for a number of single-degree-of-freedom and multi-degree-of-freedom systems, and it is observed that optimum parameters obtained through the equations proposed in the present study result in optimum response reduction with economical damping ratio. Further, applicability of the closed-form equation for site-specific earthquake including the depth of soil stratum is investigated and observed that equations proposed in the present study are able to predict more appropriate values of optimum tuning frequency and optimum damping ratio which can help in the design of TMD with economical damping ratio.

22 ref

045553   JENA J, NATH S (Civil Engineering Dep, GITA, Bhubaneswar- 752 054) : An empirical formula for design flood estimation of un-gauged catchments in brahmani basin, Odisha. J Inst Eng India Ser A 2020, 101, 1–6.

Several statistical methods, viz. flood frequency analysis and hydro-meteorological methods (i.e., unit hydrograph approach) are available for estimation of design flood in un-gauged catchments. Till today, the empirical formulae are relevant as the latest methods require adequate field observation and collection of sufficient data. The available formulae such as Dicken’s formula, Ryves formula and Inglis formula are applicable, respectively, to Northern India, Western India and Southern India. But no such empirical formula is available for eastern India, especially for Odisha region, for which designers depend on the established formulae for other regions. This necessitated developing an empirical formula for computation of design flood for this zone. An empirical formula is developed for computation of design flood of un-gauged catchments in Brahmani Basin of Odisha and presented in this paper. Relation between the peak discharges of the unit hydrograph and the design discharges of individual sub-basins is established. Eight sub-basins are considered for this study. The derived formula is validated through upper and lower envelope curves for probable maximum flood for Mahanadi and adjoining river basins, recommended by Central Water Commission. This would provide guideline in planning any future water resources projects in Brahmani basin. The study would form a part of final work of derivation of a general equation applicable to the State/Eastern zone of India.

3 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

042215   TOUTAM V K (Advanced Materials and Devices Metrology Div, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr K S Krishnan Marg, New Delhi - 110 012, Email: toutamvk@nplindia.org) : Graphene layer number characterization using scanning kelvin probe force microscopy. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(6), 1145-50.

As the importance of material surfaces and interfaces for industrial applications is ever increasing, a need for accurate measurement of their properties and functionalities with traceability and reproducibility through unbroken chain of measurements and their reference materials for proficiency testing has become very important. Carbon and its allotropes have several industrial applications and recently graphene which is a two dimensional layered material of carbon has proven to have great potential, and its characterization for layer number has become very important. A need for quantitative measurement apart from existing qualitative techniques is very much required for accurate determination of layer number. Under the aegis of Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS), technical working area (TWA-2) an international round robin test is conducted among 13 laboratories for establishing a protocol for accurate measurement of graphene layer number and generating reference material. CSIR-NPL being NMI of India participated and contributed to the project which got recognition from VAMAS for its participation. Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (SKPFM) of graphene layers on Au/SiO₂/Si and SiO₂/Si substrates is performed and their CPD data is compared. Graphene on Au/SiO₂/Si has shown consistent CPD data for different modulation voltages with least uncertainty. From the comparative analysis it is found that SKPFM has potential to be an international standard technique to determine graphene layer number and can generate certified reference material.

5 illus, 10 ref

042211   SINGH A S, DAS V, MISHRA P, PANDEY A K (Polymer Science Div, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh - 208 013, Email: akpandey@dmsrde.drdo.in) : Dielectric properties of micro-composites based on acrylic coated conducting carbon particles and silicone elastomer. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(6), 1118-26.

The present embodiment provides an insight on the fabrication and characterization of polymeric dielectric composites for energy storage applications required in mobile electronic devices, stationary power systems, hybrid electric vehicles and pulse power generation. In present study, conducting carbon particles of appropriate dielectric properties have been selectively functionalized with acrylic resin using micro-ballooning method to form core shell conducting particles in order to tailor its conductivity and dielectric properties (dielectric loss in particular). The core shell conducting particles were then mixed with silicone resin in varied proportions (10, 20, 25 and 30 % wt/wt) to form flexible dielectric micro-composites which exemplify concomitant increase in dielectric constant without impairing dielectric loss owing to selective coating of carbon particles via micro-ballooning method. Formulation containing 25wt % core shell conducting particles showed most linear variation in dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor (tan ) with respect to frequency due to feeble contribution of interfacial polarization.

10 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

042210   DARIYAL P, ARYA A K, SINGH B P, DHAKATE S R (CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr K S Krishnan Marg, New Delhi - 110 012, Email: bps@nplindia.org) : Synthesis of carbon nanotube fiber via direct spinning for conducting wires. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(6), 1112-7.

The commercial conducting materials (Cu, Ag, Al etc.) have achieved their saturation due to their high density and Joule’s heating effect in terms of efficiency. In this outlook, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are the most versatile, light weight and high electrically conducting material for advance generation. But it is difficult to weave them for commercialization. For the growth of 3-D CNT assemblies such as CNT fiber, CNT sheet, CNT rope and CNT ribbon, direct spinning is the most suitable technique because of its simplicity for continuous growth of CNT fiber. In the present work, different growth parameters were analysed for the growth of CNT fibers. The growth of CNT fibres has been carried out through direct spinning of as-synthesised CNT aerogel. CNT fibers were grown successfully via optimizing different processing parameters like temperature, pressure and argon to hydrogen ratio. The morphology of as-spun fibers was investigated via microscopic techniques such as optical microscopy, SEM and TEM. Moreover, the defects and metallicity of as-spun fibers have been analysed using Raman spectroscopy. The change in resistance with change in temperature was also measured for quality of as-made CNT fiber which shows metallic behavior as CNT fiber has positive temperature coefficient. Above 151K, conducting CNTs are dominating and below this temperature, semiconducting CNTs are showing their nature in R v/s T curve. Furthermore, the measured electrical conductivity of as-made fiber is 3.9×10³ S/m. These as-spun metallic fibers can outperform the currently used Cu wire. Hence, as-synthesized conductive CNT fibers have great potential as conducting wires.

6 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

042208   SUBHEDAR K M, CHAUHAN G S, SINGH B P, DHAKATE S R (Advanced Materials and Devices Div, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Dr K S Krishnan Marg, New Delhi - 110 012, Email: kmsubhedar@gmail.com) : Effect of fibre orientation on mechanical properties of carbon fibre composites. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(6), 1100-3.

The research aims to investigate the carbon fibre composite laminate for effect of their layer configuration including their number and relative orientation of fibre angles on their mechanical properties and its consistency with the results obtained from simulated data using finite element analysis (FEA) on mechanical properties. The laminate composite with four types of fiber layer orientations were prepared using total eight layers including unidirectional and cross ply layers with different orientations. The flexural properties of the samples were evaluated. The results of experiments found consistent with the simulated data and it indicates that the fibre orientations and its layer sequence influence the characteristics of laminate composites. The composite with 0° orientated unidirectional fibre layers shows maximum flexural strength. The flexural strain is higher for laminate composite having layers with cross plies (45° fibre orientations). The different position of cross ply in the sequence shows variations in flexural properties because the typical nature of the three point bending flexural test of laminate composite where top side layers are under compression and bottom side layers are under tension.

3 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

042207   PUECH P, MONTHIOUX M (Toulouse Univ, Toulouse 31055, France, Email: pascal.puech@cemes.fr) : A new insight on the understanding of carbonisation and graphitisation mechanisms. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(6), 1095-19.

During carbonisation (primary and secondary) and then graphitisation processes, any organic precursor is subjected to deep structural changes which make it evolve from an isotropic to an anisotropic material, with the extent of the anisotropy being related to the starting elemental composition, and ultimately to the graphitisability. For decades, analysing X-ray diffraction patterns has been used to evidence the related structural evolution of the material, aiming at extracting the average crystallite dimension L_a and L_c as they closely relate to the material physical properties. In particular because of the two-dimensional nature of the graphene-based crystallites which develop in the material and, upon heat-treatment, either remain so for non-graphitisable carbons or gradually convert partially or fully into three-dimensional crystals for graphitizable carbons, accurately understanding and analysing XRD patterns has always been an issue. A new approach for analysing XRD data is described, designated as "bottom-up", meanwhile introducing the concept of Basic Structural Component. A better knowledge of the overall thermally-driven structure changes which occur in the material from the coke stage to the ultimate temperature of 2800 °C is achieved, which is expected to apply to any kind of carbons, whatever their graphitisability.

7 illus, 27 ref

042205   MITRAVINDA T, KARTHIK M, ANANDAN S, SHARMA C S, RAO T N (Chemical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana - 502 285, Email: cssharma@iith.ac.in) : Fabrication of biowaste derived carbon-carbon based electrodes for high-performance supercapacitor applications. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(6), 1080-90.

The porous carbon is synthesised by chemical activation using cork dust bio-waste as carbon source and the electrochemical performance of the resulting carbon material is tested in even and uneven weight configuration using a twoelectrode system. The obtained cork dust derived activated carbon (CDAC) shown a unique honeycomb structured morphology as confirmed by morphological analysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman characterisation revealed the graphitic nature of the CDAC. Furthermore, the porous CDAC exhibited high specific surface area (1707 m²/g) and large pore volume (2.4 cc/g) with an average pore size of 4 nm. Even weight supercapacitor cell (SC) (positive and negative electrode with the same weight) and uneven weight SC cell (weight ratio of positive/negative electrodes:1.2) are assembled and tested in 1M TEABF₄/AN. Uneven weight SC cell delivers the highest specific capacitance value of 107 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. The uneven weight device shows promising cyclic stability without significant changes in capacitance values after 10000 and 5000 charge-discharge cycles at the potential window of 3 V and 3.2 V, respectively. On the contrary, a less specific capacitance (87 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g) observed for the even weight SC cell though highcapacity retention is realised under the same experimental conditions. The enhanced supercapacitor performance of uneven weight configuration SC cell is attributed to the weight balancing of the electrode, high graphitic nature, and unique pore size distribution with interconnected morphology of CDAC.

9 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

042204   SANDEEP, KUMAR R, SUBHEDAR K M, KUMAR R, DHAKATE S R (CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr K S Krishnan Marg, New Delhi - 110 012, Email: dhakate@nplindia.org) : Stable ensemble brightness from nitrogen vacancy centers in nanodiamonds through optimized surface composition. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(6), 1071-9.

Stable ensemble emission from nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamonds (NDs) is highly desirable for diverse areas ranging from bio-imaging to quantum optics. The uniqueness of NV centers lies in their opto-spin properties like energy level structure, emission range (620-850 nm) and optical spin polarization. The host matrix (NDs), however, put some limitation on the photo-physical properties of these color centers. One of the major issues is surface proximity (where high concentration of defects are present) of NV centers. The NV centers being highly sensitive to the neighboring environment are unstable in such circumstances. The surface of NDs mainly exhibit non-diamond carbon which is well-known quencher of emission due to NV centers. The surface composition for desirable photo-physical properties of NV centers is still unknown. Here, we have systemically studied the effect of oxidation time at low oxidation temperature (450 ^oC) on the selective removal of sp² carbon, aqueous dispersion of NDs and emission collection due to NV centers at ensemble level. Among different air oxidations, heat treatment at 450 ^oC at residual time of 8 hours has been found to be suitable air oxidation conditions for the enhancement of brightness and ensemble photo-stability of NV centers.

7 illus, 26 ref

042203   PATI S, DAS S, GOTO T, TAKAHASHI T, YOKOZEKI T (Aeronautics and Astronautics Dep, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi - 110 012, Email: santwana1990@gmail.com) : Development of conductive CFRPs using PANI-P-2M thermoset polymer matrix. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(6), 1067-70.

This research article presents the analysis of a conductive carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) prepared using the new thermoset resin of polyaniline (PANI) applying 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl acid phosphate (P-2M) as a curable dopant. The results of this study established a conductive CFRP with easy synthesis route employing the prepreg technology. This work shows a successful fabrication of CFRP using the new resin developed using a curable dopant for PANI. This is a significant step forward at producing lightning strike protection (LSP) technologies with large scale manufacturing potential, and the future work aims at investigating this CFRP for lightning strike effectiveness.

5 illus, 20 ref

042202   YADAV S K, SUBHEDAR K M, DHAKATE S R, SINGH B P (CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi - 110 012, Email: bps@nplindia.org) : Synthesis of high surface area activated carbon from eucalyptus bark for the removal of methylene blue. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(6), 1059-66.

In present study, high surface area (1852m²g⁻¹) activated carbon was synthesized by single step thermo chemical activation of agro-waste lignocellulose biomass (eucalyptus bark).The synthesized activated carbon has been characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive-X-ray spectroscopy and BET surface area analyser. The eucalyptus bark derived activated carbon (EBAC) was used to remove methylene blue (MB) from waste water. The pH, contact time and concentration of dye were optimized and it was found that at pH of 5.5-6.5 at the room temperature, maximum removal of dye was observed. The obtained time data follows the pseudo second order kinetics. The effect of concentration study was carried out with varying concentration at optimized pH and time. The maximum adsorption capacity is obtained to be 7.15 mg/g. To understand the adsorption process, the Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherm and Freundlich isotherm were used for fitting of equilibrium data. The fitted data follows D-R isotherm which reveals the physisorption process during adsorption of dye.

7 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

042201   BHANDARI S, JOSHI S ( Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur - 313 001, Rajasthan, Email: shrutibhandari@live.com) : A modified energy detection based dynamic spectrum sharing technique and its real time implementation on wireless platform for cognitive radio networks. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(5), 1043-52.

Cognitive radio offers a flexible and efficient utilization of radio frequency resources by dynamic spectrum sharing as required in next gen (5G) architecture of wireless communication. The channel allocation time, probability of false alarm detection and spectral efficiency are the major performance parameters to characterize a spectrum sharing technique. This paper presents modified energy detection based dynamic channel allocation technique based on sensing the power spectral density of idle spectrum bands i.e. spectrum hole. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves have been used to analyze the detector performance of sensing with respect to probability false alarm at different values of SNR. Allocation of unoccupied bands to the SUs has been done by coalition based cooperative game, which provides SUs with an incentive to cooperate. Based on their worth, SUs get payoffs which have been computed using Shapely values as a one-point solution. Vickrey–Clarke–Groves (VCG) auction mechanism has been used to allocate the spectrum resources fairly to each user. On the basis of allocation time, the present model for dynamic spectrum access appears to be more efficient as compared to the conventional opportunistic spectrum access model.

7 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

042200   JUAREZ-HERNANDEZ A, TRAPAGA-MARTINEZ G, CAMACHO-MARTINEZ J L, JUAREZ C G-R I L (Materials Dep, Autonomous of Nuevo Leon Univ, Nuevo Leon 66450, Mexico, Email: artjua@yahoo.com) : Alternative system to measure hydrogen content in molten aluminium using an electrochemical sensor. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(5), 1037-42.

The most reliable techniques for the direct measurement of hydrogen content in liquid aluminium are based on Sievert’s law or use electrochemical probes introduced directly in liquid aluminium. The main drawback of these methods is the high cost of the equipment. An alternative apparatus has been developed and tested. This equipment combines a widely used and much cheaper hydrogen electrochemical sensor with the procedure already patented and commonly used by gas recirculation techniques. The device has been constructed and calibrated using gaseous mixtures of known hydrogen content. For validation, the results obtained with this apparatus have been compared with hydrogen content measurements in liquid aluminium using the commercial Alscan equipment in an industrial facility. Experimental results suggest that the apparatus proposed in this work is capable of detecting hydrogen content in liquid aluminium obtaining measurements that are in a good agreement with those obtained using the commercial Alscan equipment. On the other hand, results also suggest that it is important to take into account the operating atmospheric pressure to correct the readings obtained from Alscan when operating at atmospheric pressure levels far from 1 atm.

3 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

042199   MUTUK T, GURBUZ M (Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Dep, Ondokuz Mayis Univ, Samsun 55139, Turkey, Email: tugba.isitan@omu.edu.tr) : Mechanical and wear properties of Si₃N₄ reinforced titanium composites. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(5), 1027-36.

In the present study, Si₃N₄ reinforced titanium composites have been produced by the powder metallurgy method. The effect of various percentages of Si₃N₄ (0-9 wt. %) on the microstructure, density, hardness and compressive strength of titanium (It) composites have been investigated. After sintering at 1100 ^oC for 120 min., the mechanical properties have been significantly developed up to 3 wt. % Si₃N₄. The highest hardness and the greatest compressive strength have been obtained for 3 wt. % Si₃N₄ reinforced composite (698.5 HV and 1093 MPa) when compared to pure titanium (414.2 HV and 826 MPa). Si₃N₄ addition improved the wear properties of composites when compared to pure titanium. The lowest wear rate (1.36 x 10^-5, 2.75 x 10^-5 and 5.15 x 10^-5 mm³ / Nm for 10 N, 20 N and 30 N, respectively) have been obtained for 3 wt. % Si₃N₄ reinforced titanium composite. Above this ratio, the properties of composites have deteriorated due to agglomeration tendency of Si₃N₄ powder. The scanning electron image, elemental mapping and line analyses confirm the uniform distribution of Si₃N₄ powder in Ti matrix. There has been no in-situ formed second phase of composite structure from the X-ray diffraction analyses.

10 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

042198   SANGMESH, NARAYANA G K, KUMARASAMY S, SAMYKANO M, PANCHAKSHARAIAH G T, PATIL N (Mechanical Engineering Dep, BMS Institute of Technology and Management, Bangalore - 560 064, Email: sangmesh.sangu293@gmail.com) : Numerical investigation on heat sink with fluid pockets for high power LEDs. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(5), 1018-26.

The present numerical study explores the use of fluid pockets in the heat sink to enhance heat transfer in high power LEDs. A robust heat sink model has been presented and evaluated the heat transfer characterization in terms of reduced LED junction temperature via natural convection and studied the effect of fluid flow in the pockets of heat sink. The junction temperature of the LED has been measured, for enhanced heat transfer and the results have been compared with conventional heat sink. The cooling fluid inside the fluid pockets absorbs heat generated by LEDs resulting in exchange of heat from heat sink surface to the liquid medium in the fluid pockets. The heat gain causes the fluid to flow against gravity due to density variation, raises the mixture of liquid inside the fluid pockets and flow back by gravity effect when it is condensed by the extended fin surface. The performance of the heat sink with fluid pockets has been found to be better than normal heat sink of same geometry due to its ability to conduct heat by the presence of liquid. Fluid pockets filled with de-ionized water in the heat sink have a noticeable effect on heat removal rate. A series of case studies have been done for accurate and efficient heat transfer output; these results then have been used as the benchmark to validate the experimental results. The numerical results have been found to be in good agreement with experimental results.

9 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

042197   SHARMA A, SINGH R C, SINGARI R M (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Delhi Technological Univ, Delhi - 110 042, Email: ranganath@dce.ac.in) : Effect on wear property during LN₂ sliding. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(5), 1009-17.

In the presented research work the experiments have been performed by using design of experiments (DOE) L₁₈ [OA] orthogonal array based on Taguchi S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio. The three control factors namely sliding speed, load and sliding distance varied to three levels (1, 2 and 3), respectively. One control factor has the sliding condition varied to two levels (l= Dry and 2= Cryogenic with LN₂). The dry sliding condition has been made without any coolant. Cryogenic sliding condition has been made by using the direct supply of LN₂ at the interface of pin and disc. Wear volume loss has found to be 45-55 % lower during cryogenic cooling with LN₂ as compared with dry sliding. (ANOVA) analysis of variance revealed that sliding condition is having the highest effect of contribution at 64.37 %. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FSEM) images of the pins have shown (i) adhesion and edge fracture during dry sliding, (ii) clean and smooth surface found during cryogenic cooling. Field scanning electron microscope (FSEM) images of wear tracks showed (iii) delamination, cavities and plough during dry sliding and (iv) the surface generated during cryogenic sliding was clean with low debris.

10 illus, 7 tables, 41 ref

042196   SINGH A, BHADAURIA S S, MUDGAL M, KUSHWAH S S (Civil Engineering Dep, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal - 462 033, Email: ashitasingh2020@gmail.com) : Engineering properties of geopolymer prepared by mild chemical activation of ground granulated blast furnace slag. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(5), 996-1008.

In this research article engineering properties of solely ground granulated blast furnace (GGBS) slag geopolymers have been investigated at varying proportions of alkali activators. Combination of sodium hydroxide (SH) and sodium meta silicate (SMS) powder has been used as alkali activators. Consistency, setting time and compressive strength have been determined at different concentration of SH and ratio of SMS/SH for GGBS geopolymer. Maximum compressive strength of 87.76 MPa has been achieved at 2 molar concentration of SH and SMS/SH = 2.0 after 28 days of curing at ambient temperature. The consistency of mix attaining maximum compressive strength is 27.5 %. The initial and final setting time of 55 and 105 minutes has been observed. The soundness of geopolymer paste is within permissible limits. The microstructural analysis of GGBS and geopolymer paste has been performed by XRD, FTIR, FESEM and EDAX. The co-existence of calcium silicate hydrate gel and geopolymeric gel may be responsible for achieving high compressive strength at low concentration of activators under ambient temperature curing.

9 illus, 5 tables, 54 ref

042195   SRIKANT S S, RAO R B (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh - 201204, Email: satya.srikant@gmail.com) : Preparation of alternative raw materials for resource development to use in Indian ferro alloy and steel industrial applications. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(5), 990-5.

The present paper deals mainly with iron bearing titania enriched ilmenite raw mineral, its production, exports and imports and consumption of Ferro alloy industries. This paper not only reveals the recovery of iron from iron bearing titania mineral ilmenite with physical beneficiation methods but also gives the process of preparation and separation of titania slag and iron metal by using microwave heat treatment. The process of recovery of iron as a by-product from ilmenite mineral, which abundantly available along the coastal line of India, is economical and by which the conservation of some higher grade iron ores of the country will be possible for future. The products obtained from this process can be treated as alternative raw materials resources for steel and iron making industries.

5 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

042194   KUMAR G, KUMAR C, KUMAR S (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Delhi - 110 040, Email: gkumar3c@gmail.com) : Performance analysis of 80 channels hybrid optical time division dense multiplexing system with the support of different orthogonal modulation techniques. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(5), 984-9.

High spectral transmission capacity signals are the prime requirement of today’s dense communication system to enhance the quality of different users services, which have been analyzed and resolved with the support of 80 channels hybrid optical time division dense multiplexing system with different orthogonal modulation techniques (return to zero (RZ), differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK), non-return-to-zero (NRZ), polarization shift keying (PoISK), and differential phase shift keying (DPSK)). Further, evaluation has also been proceeded to receive the best rating results in terms of bit error rate (BER) and quality factor (38 dB to 20 dB) with attainable rating power amplification from Erbium-Doped fiber amplifier (EDFA). Furthermore, final examine has recommended that orthogonal DPSK modulation is the best choice to attain the data rate of 1.80 Tbps from the recommended system for 200 km optical communication with acceptable rating from 10^-24 to 10^-10.

9 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

042192   SINGH S P, AKRAM M W (Electronics & Communication Engineering Dep, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi - 110 025, Email: satya.singh@kiet.edu) : Design and analysis of SOI and SELBOX junctionless FinFET at sub-15 nm technology node. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(5), 969-75.

The structural and operational characteristics of a silicon on insulator (SOI) junctionless (JL) FinFET have been compared with the selective buried oxide (SELBOX) JL FinFET for 15 nm gate length and beyond using simulation studies. Simulations have been performed using silvaco TCAD (Atlas 3-D Module). SELBOX JL FinFET device has shown ~10 times improvement in I_ON/I_OFF ratio with respect to the SOI JL FinFET. The SELBOX based device has subthreshold slope (SS) value of 69.08 mV/Dec whereas this is 84.1 mV/Dec for SOI based device. SELBOX JL FinFET has DIBL value of 31.57 mV/V whereas this is 119 mV/V for SOI JL FinFET. The comparison results, discussed, are for the channel length (gate length) of 15 nm. Furthermore, short-channel characteristics for the n-channel and p-channel SELBOX JL FinFET have been discussed. For channel length of 5 nm (which is a future technology node for mass production of semiconductor devices and systems), SELBOX device has shown favourable value of I_ON/I_OFF ratio as 10⁶ and SS as 96.86 mV/Dec. SELBOX JL FinFET has shown more immunity towards self-heating effect compared to the SOI JL FinFET. Performance of the SELBOX JL FinFET can be enhanced further independently by tuning various parameters such as the buried oxide thickness, the gap between buried oxide layers, substrate doping, and substrate bias.

13 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

044084   CHANDRAVADIA K , BARIYA MK (Anand Agricultural Univ, Jabugam, Gujrat) : Stepwise analysis of Farmwomens participation toward decision making process with respect to animal husbandry practices in Junagadh district of Gujarat state. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 121-3.

The present study was carried out farm women’s participation toward decision making process with respect to animal husbandry practices. The study was carried out in Junagadh district of Gujarat State. The study revealed that slightly more than three-fifth (62.50 per cent) of the farm women had medium level participation. Whereas, 19.17 and 18.33 per cent of the respondents had high and low level of participation in decision making process, respectively. With regard stepwise analysis 69.79 per cent of total variation was found and explained by set of 19 independent variables together. Out of 19 variables, thirteen variables had significant contribution in decision making process.

3 tables, 4 ref

044082   BARYALAI R (Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani Univ, Asadabad, Kunar, Afghanistan) : Status of Microsoft windows operating system from security perspective in Afghanistan. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 110-4.

High usage of pirated software in developing countries like Afghanistan is very common. Overlooking copyright and its legal obligations is among several issues that encourages usage of pirated software. Microsoft Windows is used highly in Afghanistan. The survey conducted for compilation of this article shows high percentage of pirated copies being in use today. Users often underestimate the value of a genuine Microsoft Windows copy while ignoring several security threats and risks they are prone to for using pirated software products. Research has proven that most of pirated software come with malware, Trojan Horses, and security bugs that opens back doors for hackers to penetrate into systems.

1 table, 16 ref

044081   SHAMENA T T , SORRE T D , KEBEDE Z H (Statistics Dep, Wolaita Sodo Univ, Sodo, Ethiopia) : Spatial analysis of childhood diarrhea among children in two selected regional states of Ethiopia. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 103-9.

The main aim of this study was to identify determinants of prevalence of diarrhea, to describe spatial dependence of diarrhea and develop models specifying risk factors used to diagnosis of diarrhea among districts in SNNPR and Oromia Regional States of Ethiopia by using 2011 EDHS collected for 144 weredas/districts by employing spatial models. Spatial lag and spatial error model were fitted to the data, though spatial lag model specification was taken as the best fit for diarrhea prevalence rate. Accordingly, from global and local spatial analysis it was found that diarrhea prevalence rate in one district was directly affected by that of its neighbors. The results revealed that water closet, proportion of children under five, toilet availability, and mother’s basic education attainment, vaccination coverage, size at birth, mother current working status, ORS information, altitude, stunting score and wasting score of children were significant determinants of diarrheal infection rate. Thus, it is suggested that the geographically targeted preparation on accumulation of treatment that can be useful to control and stabilize spillover (nearest area spread) of disease over space. It can be suggested for this states that the government needs to make intervention to mitigate the spatial variation of the diarrhea prevalence across regions.

1 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

044078   MUHAJ E (Academy of Albanological Studies, Albania) : E folmja e mallakastrës në ndarjen dialektore të shqipes. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 83-6.

Bazuar në të dhënat që ofrojnë studimet e deritanishme dialektologjike, nëpërmjet metodës krahasuese, përshkruese dhe analizës, në këtë artikull do të jepen argumentet që e vendosin të folmen e Mallakastrës në grupin e të folmeve perëndimore të nëndialektit të toskërishtes veriore dhe ato që e dallojnë atë si një të folme më vete. Për këtë do të përdoren jo vetëm përfundimet e studimeve aktuale, por edhe shembuj konkretë që mbrojnë këto argumente, të mbledhura nga anketimet që kemi zhvilluar në terren.

4 ref

044076   MIRZAPOUR A (Electrical Engineering Dep, Amirkabir Univ of Technology, Tehran, Iran) : Investigating the social aging process using data mining techniques. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 73-5.

One of the problems that today's societies face is the phenomenon of social aging. The history of social aging returned to the first world war and there are many factors contributing to it. However, aging is an inevitable and a normal routine, but, a variety of causes, including economic and cultural problems, low living standards, loneliness, and social isolation, contribute to its early occurrence and can cause serious problems for the individual and society. One of the most significant problems caused by social aging is the shortage of young people and the lack of dynamism in societies. Therefore, governments, officials and the public need to take this issue seriously and find an appropriate solution to avoid it. Due to the importance of this topic, many studies are being conducted in various research and educational centers. We present one of the activities that has been done by Princeton University. We look at the factors that cause aging and the factors such as anxiety, stress, financial need in old age, how to deal with children, the level of education of the subject. In this paper, data collected in postpreparation research by Chaid model and Clementine software are explored.

1 table, 11 ref

044074   SALIFOU YEO , KOUAKOU B J-P , COULIBALY S (Alassane Ouattara Univ, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire) : Déterminants socio-culturels du recours tardif à la consultation prénatale (cpn) dans l’aire sanitaire de djébonoua en côte d’ivoire. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 56-65.

The purpose of this research is to estimate the level of late use of prenatal consultation (beyond the first trimester of pregnancy) with a view to analysing the socio-cultural mechanisms underlying it from a socio-anthropological perspective. The quantitative and qualitative survey was carried out in the Saafouê of Djébonoua, a baoulé subgroup, located in the center of Côte d'Ivoire. The review of birth records allowed to describe the socio-demographic profile of all births (1876) who used the ANC service at least once over the period 2011-2015. Using a semi-directional interview guide, one-on-one interviews were conducted with 5 obstetrical culture scholars, selected by reasoned choice, and 15 pregnant women who had delayed ANC use, accidentally enrolled. Quantitative data were analysed statistically while the technique of thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. The results of the study showed that the rate of late use of ANC estimated at 88.6 % remains a concern despite the efforts made. This rate is poorly influenced by the socio-demographic profile. On the other hand, the socio-cultural logics linked to pregnancy and the child, the cultural interpretation of pregnancy complications and the social perception of ANC produce various dynamics that place the use of modern prenatal care services at the bottom of priorities in Saafouê’ area. The improvement of the attendance of the ANC service, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, requires therefore the consideration of the socio-cultural environment.

2 tables, 23 ref

044073   MUKHERJEE S S (Faculty Member of the Dep, Teaching & Supervising Ph. D Scholars. Seacom Skills Univ, Bolpur, Shantiniketan, West Bengal) : Audio-visual learning: An effective curriculum for the metaphysical persons. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 49-55.

Mental Retardation is a developmental disability which first appears among the children between age group of 1 to 18 years. The intellectual brain function of the children starts from early childhood which can be measured by standard intelligent tests, the results below average point out significant limitations, in daily living skills and adaptive functions. Mentally retarded persons are also known as Metaphysical persons. The retardation or disability starts from early childhood or adolescence, before the age of 18. In most cases it persists throughout life. There are four categories of Mental Retardation- Mild, Moderate, Severe and Profound. Every stage of retardation is measured through Intelligent Quotient level. Diagnosis is done as an intellectual functioning level of any individual’s reasoning ability determining the Mental Age. Present sequel emphasized on children between the ages of 15 to 25 years, suffering from Mental Retardation since childhood. The sample of twenty children categorised Moderate by I Q test results, are of Howrah District, West Bengal, who were chosen for the study. Learning through Audio-Visual methods was an effective way to inculcate adaptive skills among them for their daily life. Such skills included the ability to produce and understand language in terms of communication, home living skills, use of community resources, health, safety, leisure and self-care. The Audio-Visual learning, an inclusive curriculum developmental program which enhance the selected Moderate Mentally Retarded children to step forward as Mild retarded developing better skill orientation for performing in daily lives.

4 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

044072   ELIAUMRA , BASIR M , SULEMAN S M , BUDIARSA I M (Sintuwu Maroso Univ, Poso, Indonesia) : Implementation of character-based practicum performance assessment and its effects on students’ self-concept in environmental pollution course. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 45-8.

Practicum performance assessment is defined as a tool for students’ performance during practicum that assesses thinking skills, laboratory skills, social skills and process skills which are believed to influence their academic self-concept in Environmental Pollution course. This research aimed to explore the implementation of character-based practicum performance assessment and its effect on students’ self-concept in Environmental Pollution course. The sample size for this study was 65 students who enrolled in the course at the Tadulako University in Palu, Central Sulawesi, and Sintuwu Maroso University in Poso, Central Sulawesi. Data of character-based practicum performance assessment were obtained from observations, while data for the students’ self-concept data were from questionnaires, and analyzed descriptively and statistically with linear regression analysis. The results showed that the value of character-based practicum performance was 81 under very good category and the value of self-concept was 79 under high category. The correlation value between character-based performance assessment and self-concept was 0.529 under moderate correlation category, and the calculated F value was 24.524, greater than the F-value or the critical F (4.00) with the significance value of 0.000. From those data, it can be concluded that the implementation of character-based practicum performance assessment has a correlation with students’ selfconcept in Environmental Pollution course.

4 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

044071   HOA T M , KHANH N D A , THUY N T T (Nguyen Tat Thanh Univ, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) : High school teachers’ appraisal of new English grade 10: A qualitative study. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 38-44.

The selection of the best appropriate textbook to a particular context requires a careful evaluation to ensure whether it is suitable to learners and match the teaching and learning purpose. The study was predominantly conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of New English Grade 10 after two years of pilot implementation at An Phuoc high school, Vietnam under six EFL teachers’ appraisal. The data were collected via a semi-structured interview with total 40 questions covering different criteria such as aims, attractiveness, language and topics, language skills and language areas, and methodology. In overall, the strengths of this book outweighed its weaknesses.

9 tables, 30 ref

044068   KARNAKAR N , RAMANA H , AMANI P , THARUN D S , NAGARAJU M , SHARMA S B (Pharmaceutics Dep, Venkateshwara Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cherlapally, Nalgonda, Telangana) : Analytical method development and validation of diclofenac sodium by UV-visible spectroscopy using AUC method. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 20-4.

A simple, precise, accurate and economical UV visible spectrophotometric method has been developed for estimation of Diclofenac sodium drug by AUC method. The standard and sample solutions were prepared by using methanol as a solvent. Quantitative determination of the drug was performed at wavelength range 250-350 nm. The linearity was established over the concentration range of 10, 20, 30, 40&50 µg/ml for Diclofenac sodium with correlation coefficient value of 0.997. Precision studies showed that % relative standard deviation was within range of acceptable limits. The mean percentage recovery was found to be 99.38 %. The proposed method has been validated as per ICH guidelines.

4 illus, 5 tables, 9 ref

044067   WAFAIE M M , YOSOUF G I , ZIDAN H I S (Otorhinolaryngology Dep, Al Azhar Univ at Assiut, Egypt) : The effect of topical application of tranexamic acid after tonsillectomy in post tonsillectomy bleeding. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 16-9.

Is to evaluate the effect of topical application of tranexamic acid after tonsillectomy in post tonsillectomy bleeding. A prospective interventional self-controlled study included 100 patients aged between 3-26 years, divided into two groups, Group A(Study group) includes 50 patients (19 male & 31 female) subjected to tonsillectomy with topical application of tranexamic acid, and Group B (Control group) includes 50 patients (27 male & 23 female) subjected to tonsillectomy only. In group A (study group), there were 1 cases (2 %) suffered from post-operative bleeding, While in group B (control group), there were 6 cases (12 %) suffered from post-operative bleeding. The results showed that there were great effects of topical application of tranexmic acid in post-tonsillectomy bleeding . Using tranexamic acid topically decreases the rate of hemorrhage (reactionary & secondary) with statistically significant difference between the study and the control group and decreases the rate of operative management of hemorrhage (reactionary & secondary).

5 tables, 21 ref

044066   SIDDU BN , SINDHUR P K , REDDY N S (Paediatrics Dep, KVG Medical Coll, Sullia, RGUHS, Karnataka) : Clinical and laboratory profile in fever with thrombocytopenia: A clinical study. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 12-5.

To identify the etiology, clinical profile and assess the complications of febrile thrombocytopenia. Prospective descriptive study tertiary care hospital. This study was undertaken in 50 paediatric patients in the age group of 1 to 15 years of age, who were admitted in KVG medical college and hospital with the presentation of fever and thrombocytopenia (less than 1.5lakh/cu.mm). There were 26 males and 24 females in the enrolled population. Most common etiology was dengue followed by malaria and rickettsia. In majority o, thrombocytopenia was transient and asymptomatic whereas bleeding manifestations were commonly seen in dengue cases. Common symptoms associated were abdominal pain and petechial rash. Irrespective of platelet transfusion, spontaneous recovery was noted in dengue patients. Platelet transfusions do not influence the incidence of severe bleeding in dengue fever. Much more awareness and research is further needed to avoid unnecessary panic and platelet transfusions.

2 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

044065   FARGHALY T M , RAHMAN Y O A , ZAKI M M (Otorhinolaryngology Dep, Al Azhar Univ, Egypt) : Intratympanic injection of steroids for treatment of tinnitus. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 09-11.

Tinnitus has become one of the most challenging tasks faced by the medical field. It has a moderately negative impact on patient’s quality of life. Different methods had been developed in medical science for managing tinnitus but none of these offered a permanent cure. This study aims to evaluate the effect of intratympanic dexamethasone (8mg/2ml) injection in the treatment of refractory tinnitus associated with sensorinural hearing loss of cochlear origin. Total number of patients involved in this study are thirty patients complaining of tinnitus with sensorineural hearing loss, which were confirmed further by pure tone audiometry. Their ages ranged from 20-65 years with a mean of 42.5 years, Twenty four had unilateral tinnitus and six had bilateral tinnitus, the duration of tinnitus ranged from 3 months to 5 years. Injection was given under otologic microscopic vision and some patients by sinuscope 0 degree through posteroinferior quadrant of tympanic membrane in weekly interval for 4 weeks. The evaluations were done by tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) for all patients befor and in three sessions after intratympanic injection of dexamethasone, first after the end of all injection then at 3 months after injection and 6 months after injection. Total percent of improvement of tinnitus after dexamethasone injection (76.7 %), No improvment (23.3 %). Intratympanic dexamethasone injection could be a simple noninvasive and effective method for the control of subjective tinnitus associated with sensorinural hearing loss.

7 tables, 10 ref

044064   ELSHERIF A , MAGDY H , RAGAB M (Otorhinolaryngology Dep, Al Azhar Univ, Assiut, Egypt) : Role of adenoidectomy in correction of anemia in patients with chronic adenoid hypertrophy. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2020, 7(1), 05-8.

Is to investigate the role of adenoidectomy in correction of anemia in patients with chronic adenoid hypertrophy A prospective interventional self-controlled study included 60 patients (33 males, 27 females), with adenoid hypertrophy and anemia and diagnosed by nasopharyngeal endoscopic examination, CBC, nasopharyngeal plain X. ray and iron profile. Patients ages ranged from 4 to 12 years and classified into 3 groups A,B and C. In group A, only adenoidectomy was performed. In group B, adenoidectomy was performed and iron therapy was prescribed for four months postoperative. While in group C, no surgery was done but only iron therapy for 4 months. : Rise in the hematological parameters was found in the three groups. Group B shows the most evident rise. This can be explained by the fact that the rise in hematological parameters in the group A was masked by blood loss during adenoidectomy and in group C, no surgery was done, so no blood loss has occurred. Anemia may be associated with adenoid hypertrophy. The type of anemia which develop in those patients is anemia of chronic illness which is often microcytic hypochromic but other types also present like normocytic hypochromic and microcytic normochromic.

7 tables, 12 ref

044062   UKAMAKA C A, STELLAMARIS C I , JULIET A C , BELIBODEI W K (Nursing Sciences Dep, Nigeria Univ, Enugu Campus, Enugu, NIGERIA, Email: anthonia.chinweuba@unn.edu.ng) : Physical and psychosocial burdens of burn treatment experienced by women admitted in Nigerian hospitals. Int J Med Public Health 2020, 10(2), 85-91.

Burn treatment remains a major public health concern despite advances in healthcare delivery. This study aimed to determine the burden experienced by female burn patients admitted into Nigerian hospitals and the modifying variables. The recruitment criteria of the forty-five women in this mixed-method cross-sectional descriptive study were: >30 % total body surface area burnt, ≥2-weeks admission stay, absent co-morbidities and voluntary consent. Using one probing question and validated, structured ‘Burden of Burn Treatment Interview Guide’, data were collected on physical discomfort, lifestyle changes, altered body image, social function limitations and anxiety/depression. Descriptive analyses yielded frequencies, percentages, means and standard-deviations while t-test for independence and linear regression at 95 % CI were used for Inferences. Qualitative data were subjected to conventional content analysis. Mean age of participants was 30.3 years; seven lived below Nigerian minimum wage of NGN 18,000/month; and average length of hospital stay (LHS) was 40days. Leading burdens were social deprivation, huge financial demands, physical restrictions and unfriendly care-provider attitude. Income, LHS, occupation, parity and age modify respondent’s experienced degree of treatment burden (p<.05). Female burn patients in Nigeria are burdened by separation from home, high treatment cost and poor care-provider attitude. Women with children under their care are more emotionally burdened by prolonged hospitalisation. Quality improvement strategies including zero tolerance for thirddelay in initiating care, establishment of burn-care trust fund and/or pay-as-you-earn policy are recommended. Similar studies on male population will provide bases for concretizing the effect size of femininity on the treatment burden.

4 illus, 22 ref

044061   DAS P , KHUNTIA P K, DAS R , NAYYAR A S (Surgery Dep, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar- 751 024, Odisha, Email: khuntiakishorep@gmail.com) : A retrospective clinico-pathologic analysis of 100 breast cancer cases: Experience from a tertiary care hospital of coastal India. Int J Med Public Health 2020, 10(2), 81-4.

Breast cancers are relatively rare among young women amounting up to 6 % of all breast carcinoma cases reported in that age group. In younger age groups, breast cancers, though, have a more aggressive behavior and poorer outcome in comparison to patients in the elderly age groups. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the histopathological characteristics of breast carcinomas reported in patients lesser than 40 years of age. Surgical specimens of carcinoma breast received at the Department of Pathology in a tertiary care hospital for a period of 2 years from January 2014 to December 2015 were included in the study. The histo-pathological slides were reviewed and clinical data was collected from the archival records and compared. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS statistics 17 (Chicago, USA). Various tumor characteristics were correlated with the morphological features and the other clinico-pathologic data using Chi-square value (c2 ), paired t-test and Fischer’s test. p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma-Not otherwise specified (IDC-NOS) was found to be the most common variant of breast carcinoma in both the younger and the elderly age groups followed by the invasive lobular carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma in the younger and invasive lobular carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma and papillary carcinoma in the elderly age groups. Also, stage II followed by stage III were the commonest stages reported in the younger and elderly age groups based on their prevalence as against stage I and IV (p=0.006). Breast cancers diagnosed in younger age groups present with an aggressive behavior and poorer outcome in comparison to patients in the elderly age groups. Also, such cancers often tend to present with advanced stages of the disease process and high grades of tumor with lymph nodal involvement and metastasis at the time they are first diagnosed conferring an inferior prognosis illustrating the need for more clinical trials to be conducted on younger patients with breast cancers with an aim to improve the overall outcome in this age group.

3 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

044060   SAIKIA A M, RAJENDRAN V ( Community Medicine Dep, Gauhati Medical Coll and Hospital, Bhangagarh-781 032, Guwahati, Assam, Email: rvinoth351@gmail.com) : Prevalence and risk factors of mild cognitive impairment (mci) among the elderly of Guwahati city, Assam: A cross-sectional study. Int J Med Public Health 2020, 10(2), 77-80.

WHO defines “Healthy Ageing” as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age. The population among the elderly is growing constantly and with increased life expectancy, there is a tremendous increase in morbidity and disability. MCI is an intermediate stage between dementia and cognitive decline in normal individuals. It is important to understand various factors associated with MCI to develop preventive strategies. To find out the prevalence and risk factors of mild cognitive impairment among the elderly in Guwahati, Assam. A communitybased, cross-sectional study was conducted in Guwahati City. This study was conducted among the elderly of 60 years or above of both the sexes in Guwahati City. Considering p=14.89 %, sample size was calculated as 576 elderly. Fifty percent of the total wards i.e. 16 wards were selected randomly and 36 elderly were selected from each ward. The data were collected using a predesigned and pretested schedule, Hindi Mini-Mental State Examination (HMMSE) scale for mild cognitive impairment, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) of Katz Index and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) of Lawton Index for functional status. The prevalence of MCI was 24.2 %. The risk factors like gender, living arrangement, education, alcohol consumption, constipation, sleep disturbance were associated with mild cognitive impairment on binary logistic regression. A very high prevalence of MCI was found among the elderly. Various modifiable risk factors like living arrangement, education, alcohol consumption, sleep disturbance and depression were found to be associated with MCI and it can be targeted to prevent MCI.

3 tables, 28 ref

044059   SUSANTHI R , LALCHHUANAWMA , GUPTA S , DAS M , KUMAR V V , CHATTERJEE S , NAYYAR A S (Oral Medicine and Radiology Dep, Parbhani- 431 401, Maharashtra, Email: singhabhishekndls@gmail.com) : Attitude of dental students for personal and professional concerns about rural dental practice. Int J Med Public Health 2020, 10(2), 68-76.

The shortage of health professionals in rural areas contributes towards a discriminatory health care delivery. Accessibility of health services is a multidimensional concept that refers to geographical, economic (affordability), organizational and cultural (acceptability) factors that can facilitate and/or, hinder the use of services in rural areas. Oral health is an integral part of general health. Though highly preventable, oral diseases are the most common chronic diseases amongst all age groups. Furthermore, accessing dental services is particularly hard for people from the underserved and rural areas. Thus, the impact of dental care crisis has been and continues to be greater in rural areas. To add to this, paucity of dentists practicing in rural areas with the preference of dentists to locate their practices in urban areas does not bode well for the future of dental care for the rural population in the near future, too. Attitude of dental students plays an important role in determining the future dental work force in rural areas. With this background, the present study attempted to evaluate the attitude of dental students towards rural dental practice based on gender and year of education. The present study was based on a cross-sectional study design with 30-item questionnaire survey instrument employed and distributed amongst the undergraduate and postgraduate dental students. The questionnaire comprised of four parts including the first part which focused on information regarding the demographic details and opinion about the rural dental practice, the second part dealt with the professional concerns perceived regarding rural dental practice while the third and fourth parts dealt with the personal and general concerns of the dental students regarding the rural dental practice respectively. Anonymity and confidentiality of the respondents was given utmost importance while participation in the study was kept voluntary. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 12.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The said data was analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics. Independent student’s t-test and One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used for comparison among the variables while chisquare test was used to determine association between the variables. The level of significance was set at 0.05. From a total of 550 dental students, 428 respondents completed the questionnaire (Response Rate: 77.8 %). No significant difference was observed in the attitude of the students based on gender (p = 0.43) while a statistically significant difference was observed in the attitude of students based on the year of their education with a positive attitude towards rural dental practice generally noted in the first year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students which significantly declined with the increasing level of education (p = 0.01). Dental students are more influenced by the negative aspects of rural dental practice though they have, in their mind, a positive approach for the same at the beginning of their education but this significantly declined with the increasing level of their education. Also, many dental students have a poor understanding of the fact what the term ‘rural’ actually means and of the rural health issues, in general. The present study, actually, adds to the understanding of the challenges that are faced by the dental professionals in rural dental practice.

4 tables, 27 ref

044058   FABRICE G G, ISSIAKO B N , MOUSSILIOU P , JEAN-PAUL K , FRIDA T D , DONA O E-M (Abomey-Calavi Univ, Porto-Novo, Godomey, BENIN, Email: gilchristgouthon@yahoo.fr) : Prevalence of foodborne infections among students in dangbo commune (benin republic) in 2018. Int J Med Public Health 2020, 10(2), 64-7.

Common foodborne illness and foodborne diseases are responsible for many deaths, especially among children who, compared to adults, observe much less hygiene. This study aims to determine the most common foodborne infections among middle school students in Dangbo commune in Benin. To this end, the study involved 318 adolescent students, including 161 boys from the 6^th, 5^th and 4^th grades, selected according to the nonrandom method and the reasoned choice technique. The collection tools used were collection tools used was a questionnaire and an interview guide that took into account students’ health data. Out of all students surveyed, 76.7 % acknowledged the occurrence of foodborne infections on an irregular basis. These infections occurred regularly in 9.7% of respondents. Diarrhoea and stomach aches following the consumption of meals at school are the main foodborne infections cited by 61.6 % and 13.8 % of students respectively. The high frequency of diarrhoea requires action on behaviour and the environment to reduce it in students.

2 tables, 26 ref

042191   PATIL H R, JAVALAGI C M (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Basaveshwar Engineering Coll, Bagalkot - 587 103, Karnataka, Email: patil_hr@yahoo.com) : Analysis of key performance indicators for sustainable manufacturing in sugar industry using analytical hierarchy process. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(4), 959-63.

Industries around the globe are facing challenges with respect the implementation of sustainable manufacturing in their respective firms. Sugar industries are pointed as a major consumer of natural raw materials, energy, and pollutants, resulting in a major concern, which demands an immediate attention as it contributes to global warming at large. Hence, assessing sustainability in this industry has become an essential. This paper makes an effort to recognize vital key performance indicators (KPIs) build on the concept of the triple bottom line of sustainability. KPI’s are ranked using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). It has been anticipated that the projected KPIs provides aid to the sugar industry in achieving higher performance in sustainable manufacturing.

1 illus, 6 tables, 21 ref

044057   KUMAR A, AYUB A, ROY R, RAI A, AMETA B, LATHEEF A, RANI A, AYSHA, ALI A M, AZAD, ASHTAMI, RANI A (Community and Family Medicine Dep, AIIMS, Patna-801 507, Bihar, Email: drarshadayubcommed@gmail. com) : Assessment of diet diversity and eating pattern of undergraduate students: A pan India study. Int J Med Public Health 2020, 10(2), 58-63.

Dietary diversity has been universally identified as a key element of high quality diets. The tendency among undergraduate students with poor dietary patterns is high, due to lack of parental supervision, incorrect knowledge regarding food habits, stress of academic, professional and social life. This study was carried out to assess the diet diversity and eating pattern of undergraduate students of various colleges in India. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 3046 undergraduate students across India by filling the online questionnaire shared through social media. The data on dietary diversity was collected by asking the number of consumed food groups in previous 24hr from the total food groups described by FAO, with anthropometric measurements. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Mean age of participants was 20.7±1.9 years, the majority being females. About 42.2 % student’s skipped breakfast 1-2 times per week and another 28.5 % skipped 3 or more times. About 34.7 % had poor DDS (Dietary Diversity Score) whereas 28.5 % had good DDS. Higher DDS mean was found in males (3.67) than females (3.23), overall mean being 3.4. Among 869 people with good DDS, 63.1 % had normal BMI and 57.1 % availed their meals from mess. There is significant distribution of DDS among different regions (p=0.0007), graduation streams (p=0.0014) and source of meals (p<0.001). : In this study, the diet diversity of about three-fourth participants was inadequate, showing their improper habit of food consumption and results also indicated their unhealthy eating pattern. Adequate dietary practice is recommended.

5 illus, 8 tables, 16 ref

042190   MANOHARA H R, THIPPERUDRAPPA N, BASAVA, THIPPESHAPPA S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Sri Jagadguru Mallikarjuna Murugharajenedra Institute of Technology, Chitradurga - 577 502, Karnataka, Email: manorjmit@yahoo.co.in) : Influence of titanium carbide and activated carbon particles on the wear, mechanical properties and microstructure study of A413 metal matrix composite. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2020, 27(4), 952-8.

Present industries show an increasing demand in low-cost reinforcement and light weight composites. As compared to unreinforced alloys, metal matrix composites (MMCs) have possessed better properties including good thermal conductivity, wear resistance and high strength. The inexpensive low-density reinforcement of several discontinuous dispersions is available in huge quantities of agricultural waste is activated carbon (AC). Hence, the composites with activated carbon as reinforcement in Al-Si alloys (AMMC) are likely to find wide spread applications in aerospace, marine and automobile sectors. The current examination has been cantered at the usage of titanium carbide (TiC) and activated carbon (coconut shell ash powder) in micro form, with the aid of dispersing it into aluminium silicon alloy (A413) to yield composites via stir casting method. Hybrid reinforcement of 1, 2 & 3 % of TiC and 5, 10 & 15 % of activated carbon via weight %, specimens have been prepared by using liquid metallurgy route. Tests like wear behaviour, mechanical tests and microstructure studies are executed and analysed. From the investigation it has been revealed that with increase in the % reinforcements of TiC and activated carbon improving the mechanical properties of the composites such as hardness and tensile strength. The microstructure pictures have revealed the distribution of TiC and AC reinforcement uniformly in the Al-Si matrix.

6 illus, 5 tables, 28 ref