005061   Sharma S (School of Engineering, Gautam Buddha Univ, Greater Noida-201 312, Email: satpal78sharma@gmail.com) : Abrasive wear study of NiCrFeSiB flame sprayed coating. J Instn Engrs : Ser D 2013, 94(2), 75-80.

Abrasive wear behavior of NiCrFeSiB alloy coating on carbon steel was investigated. The NiCrFeSiB coating powder was deposited by flame spraying process. The microstructure, porosity and hardness of the coatings were evaluated. Elemental mapping was carried out in order to study the distribution of various elements in the coating. The abrasive wear behavior of these coatings was investigated under three normal loads (5, 10 and 15 N) and two abrasive grit sizes (120 and 320 grit). The abrasive wear rate was found to increase with the increase of load and abrasive size. The abrasive wear resistance of coating was found to be 2-3 times as compared to the substrate. Analysis of the scanning electron microscope images revealed cutting and plowing as the material removal mechanisms in these coatings under abrasive wear conditions used in this investigation.

4 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

005060   Schmager T;Mannisto P;Wikstrom P (NO, ABB Switzerland Ltd, Switzerland) : Increasing efficiency of the conventional auxiliary systems of power plants (reduction of life cycle cost by operational excellence). Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2013, 63(11-12), 163-72.

11 illus, 4 tables, 4 ref

005059   Satyanarayana P V V;Rao K P;Sivaramakrishna K;Pilli P R (Civil Engineering Dep, GITAM Institute of Technology, GITAM Univ, Visakhapatanam-530 045) : Effect of moulding water contents on strength characteristics of lime stabilized flyash. Ecol Envir Conserv 2013, 19(2), 445-9.

The object of this paper is to present the influence of moulding water contents on strength properties of Lime Stabilized flyash. Samples were prepared at water contents on drier side and wetter sides of optimum moisture content and undrained shear box tests were conducted for angle of shearing resistance at different percentages of Lime by weight of dry flyash. Maximum values were obtained at optimum moisture contents and a sharp decrease was observed away from optimum moisture contents. These results may help making compaction of lime stabilized flyashes on wetter and drier sides of compaction.

10 illus, 5 tables, 9 ref

005058   Samanta M;Rostekb M (NO, FSH Welding India Pvt. Ltd., FSH Welding Group, France, Email: m.samant@fsh-welding.com) : Welding of non ferrous metals - Indian perspective. Indian Weld J 2014, 47(2), 87-99.

India's non-ferrous Welding industry, mainly consisting of Aluminium, Copper, Nickel, and Titanium, has travelled a long way from where it was a decade ago. In the next decade i.e. towards the end of 2020, the industry is expected to see a dramatic turnaround with lots of expansion plans running at full capacity. Hence it is a challenge for welding industry to cope up with the demand and technology. Also the consumption of the welding consumables as well as welding equipment will be in line with the demand. This article scope limits to review in general welding of Aluminium, Copper, Titanium, Nickel and its alloys with reference to the present scenario and road map.

11 illus, 10 ref

005057   Sachdeva S;Singh R K;Gupta S K;Kuntia J S; Tiwari R K (NO, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Bhopal) : Development of India's first phase shifting transformer. Wat Energy int 2013, 70(1), 18-22.

Successful development of the phase shifting transformer shall give a great impetus to the power scenario of the country.

5 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

005056   Ramkumar P L;Kulkarni D M;Chaudhari V V (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Birla Institute of Science Pilani-Goa Campus, Zuari Nagar, Goa-403 726, Email: ramkumarpl@goa.bits-pilani.ac.in ) : Parametric and mechanical characterization of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) using rotational moulding technology. Sadhana 2014, 39(3), 625-35.

In this research work, extensive literature review of the rotational moulding process using linear low density polythene (LLDPE) has been carried out to summarize the present status of the characterization in order to maintain quality and reliability of the products. The present characterization of rotomoulded products using LLDPE is based on the mechanical properties which are being altered by changing process parameters. However, it is observed that in the majority of applications of the products made of LLDPE using rotational moulding technology are prone to cracking failure due to manufacturing defects at room temperature. Therefore, study of fracture characterization of the material is equally important in relation to quality and reliability. In this article, the present characterization of the rotational moulded products using different polymers is summarized in the form of review and the importance of evaluation of the fracture behaviour of rotomoulded products is emphasized.

2 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

005055   Rahman S;Abbasi W;Joyce T W (NO, Siemens Energy, Inc., 4400 Alafaya Trail, Orlando Fl 32826-2399, USA) : A systematic study to determine the remaining life of a 60 year old westinghouse-design steam chest. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2013, 63(11-12), 179-82.

Siemens Westinghouse steam turbines were designed for approximately 150k equivalent operating hours (EOH) of reliable life assuming that the OEM provided operating guidelines are followed. However, in recent years there has been a strong push from electric utilities to assess the condition of their power generating equipment beyond the usual inspections for fitness. Steam chest is the most affected component as it experiences a wide variation of stresses and loads during transient events and steady-state operation which affect the material properties degradation and influence the reliability of the steam chest. Siemens has taken a systematic approach to assess a remaining life of a sixty year old Westinghouse-design steam chest as part of Siemens Lifetime Management Programme. Results from this assessment are discussed in this paper.

10 illus, 5 ref

005054   Rahimdel M J;Hosienie H;Ataei M;Khalokakaei R (NO, Faculty of Mining Engineering, Sahand Univ of Technology, Tabriz, Iran, Email: mj.rahimdel@yahoo.com) : Reliability and maintainability analysis of pneumatic system of rotary drilling machines. J Instn Engrs : Ser D 2013, 94(2), 105-11.

In any blasthole drilling the bottom of the blasthole must be kept clean by evacuating drill cuttings or it flushing as soon as they appear to ensure efficient drilling. If it is not done well, a large quantity of energy will be consumed in regrinding with the consequent wear on drill bit and decrease penetration, apart from the risk of jamming. Therefore, research on reliability and probability of safe operation of pneumatic system of drilling machines is of prime importance to ensure safe drilling operations. In this paper, reliability of this system was modeled and analyzed. To doing this research, drilling machines in Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine in Iran have been selected for data collection and analysis. After reliability modeling of pneumatic system, maintenance scheduling has been presented based on different reliability levels. There were four rotary drilling machines in this mine (named A, B, C and D). Results showed that after about 7 h drilling of machines A and B, and after 103 and 44 h drilling of machines C and D respectively, noticeably the reliability of pneumatic system reached to 80%. As a result, machines C and D have more reliable pneumatic systems in comparison to machines A and B and checking and servicing of pneumatic system before these time was essential. Also, maintainability analysis showed that more failures of pneumatic system of machines A, B, C and D will be noticeably repaired at about 28, 34, 6 and 9 h.

5 illus, 6 tables, 13 ref

005053   Radmehr V;Koleini S M J;Khalesi M R;Mohammadi M R T (Mining Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Tabiat Modares Univ, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, P.O. Box 14115-111, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, Email: v.radmehr@ut.ac.ir) : Ammonia leaching: a new approach of copper industry in hydrometallurgical processes. J Instn Engrs : Ser D 2013, 94(2), 95-104.

Ammonia and ammonium salts have been recognized as effective leaching agents in hydrometallur-gical processes due to low toxicity and cost, easy recovery and high selective recovery of metals. New research findings on considerable advantages of leaching by these agents and elimination of problems associated with acid leaching have resulted in a new approach in the world to this method. The investigations in this field indicate more frequent use of this method for extracting copper from ore and concentrate relative to other basic metals. In this paper, an attempt was made to describe the basis and different ammonia leaching methods and present the major research activities in this field for copper. Also latest findings and related novel processes have been presented. Comparisons including assessment of advantages and disadvantages of this method relative to acid leaching method, kinetic study of copper ammonia leaching and evaluation of Eh-pH diagrams in a system containing water and ammonia are other parts of this study. Finally, by describing the studies on copper extraction from the resulting pregnant solutions, the applicable extraction agents have been reviewed.

^iia8 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

005052   Prusty B K;Rani S;Pal S K;Patra A K (Mining Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Email: bkprusty@mining.iitkgp.ernet.in) : Gas shale as a source of energy-an overview. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2013, 63(11-12), 173-8.

Shale gas is the natural gas present in shale rocks. Shale gas has been successfully extracted commercially in the North America. Energy demand of India will continue to grow in order to keep up its recent economic growth. Gas shales will play a very important role in meeting the demand of clean energy in India and reducing its dependence on other countries. Although shale gas appears to be very promising, many technical and environmental issues have to be resolved before it can be extracted in a commercial scale. This paper is an attempt to give an overall basic knowledge about gas shale as an unconventional source of clean fuel. The current technologies to extract shale gas as well as the associated environmental challenges are discussed. The potential reserves of shale gas resource in India and specific challenges associated with extraction of shale gas are also discussed in the paper.

3 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

005051   Patki S G;Kini M V;Muralikrishna T;Mukherji A;Prasad S K (NO, Tata Power Company Limited, Mumbai) : Operation, maintenance and condition monitoring practices for long service life of transformers: Tata Power experience. Wat Energy int 2013, 70(1), 23-9.

7 illus, 8 tables,

005050   Okeniyi J O;Ambrose I J;Okpala S O;Omoniyi O M;Oladele I O;Loto C A;Popoola P A I (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Covenant Univ, Ota, 112001, Nigeria, Email: joshua.okeniyi@covenantuniversity.edu.ng) : Probability density fittings of corrosion test-data: implications on C₆H₁₅NO₃ effectiveness on concrete steel-rebar corrosion. Sadhana 2014, 39(3), 731-64.

In this study, corrosion test-data of steel-rebar in concrete were subjected to the fittings of the Normal, Gumbel and the Weibull probability distribution functions. This was done to investigate the suitability of the results of the fitted test-data, by these distributions, for modelling the effectiveness of C₆H₁₅NO₃, triethanolamine (TEA), admixtures on the corrosion of steel-rebar in concrete in NaCl and in H₂SO₄ test-media. For this, six different concentrations of TEA were admixed in replicates of steel-reinforced concrete samples which were immersed in the saline/marine and the microbial/industrial simulating test-environments for seventy-five days. From these, distribution fittings of the non-destructive electrochemical measurements were subjected to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit statistics and to the analyses of variance modelling for studying test-data compatibility to the fittings and testing significance. Although all fittings of test-data followed similar trends of significant testing, the fittings of the corrosion rate test data followed the Weibull more than the Normal and the Gumbel distribution fittings, thus supporting use of the Weibull fittings for modelling effectiveness. The effectiveness models on rebar corrosion, based on these, identified 0.083% TEA with optimal inhibition efficiency, η = 72.17± 10.68%, in NaCl medium while 0.667% TEA was the only admixture with positive effectiveness, η = 56.45±15.85%, in H₂SO₄ medium. These results bear implications on the concentrations of TEA for effective corrosion protection of concrete steel-rebar in saline/marine and in industrial/microbial environments.

8 illus, 12 tables, 83 ref

005049   Nirmala Devi P;Asokan R (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai-638 052, Email: nirmaladevi@kongu.ac.in) : An improved adaptive wavelet shrinkage for ultrasound despeckling. Sadhana 2014, 39(4), 971-8.

Ultrasound imaging is the most widely used medical diagnostic technique for clinical decision making, due to its ability to make real time imaging for moving structures, low cost and safety. However, its usefulness is degraded by the presence of signal dependent speckle noise. Several wavelet-based denoising schemes have been reported in the literature for the removal of speckle noise. This study proposes a" new and improved adaptive wavelet shrinkage in the translational invariant domain. It exploits the knowledge of the correlation of the wavelet coefficients within and across the resolution scales. A preliminary coefficient classification representing useful image information and noise is performed with a novel inter-scale dependency measure. The spatial context adaptation of the wavelet coefficients within a subband is achieved by a local spatial adaptivity indicator, determined by using a truncation threshold. A weighted signal variance is estimated based on this measure and used in the determination of a subband adaptive threshold. The proposed thresholding function aims to reduce the fixed bias of the soft thresholding approach. Experiments conducted with the proposed filter are compared with the existing filtering algorithms in terms of Peak-Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Mean Square Error (MSE), Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM), Equivalent Number of Looks (ENL) and Edge Preservation Index (EPI). A comparison of the results shows that the proposed filter achieves an improvement in terms of quantitative measures and in terms of visual quality of the images.

11 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

005048   Narayana A L;Rao K;Vijaya Kumar R (NO, HAL, Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre (RWR&DC), Bangalore-560 017, Email: kmrgurram@jntuh.ac.in) : Buckling analysis of rectangular composite plates with rectangular cutout subjected to linearly varying in-plane loading using fem. Sadhana 2014, 39(3), 583-96.

Numerical study is carried out using finite element method, to examine the effects of square and rectangular cutout on the buckling behavior of a sixteen ply quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy symmetrically laminated rectangular composite plate [0°/+45°/-45°/90 <144>]_2.s, subjected to various linearly varying in-plane compressive loads. Further, this paper addresses the effects of size of square/rectangular cutout, orientation of square/rectangular cutout, plate aspect ratio(a/b), plate length/thickness ratio(a/t), boundary conditions on the buckling bahaviour of symmetrically laminated rectangular composite plates subjected to various linearly varying in-plane compressive loading. It is observed that the various linearly varying in-plane loads and boundary conditions have a substantial influence on buckling strength of rectangular composite plate with square/rectangular cutout.

7 illus, 30 ref

005047   Mozafari B;Mohammadi S (Electrical Engineering Dep, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran 14778-93855, Iran) : Optimal sizing of energy storage system for microgrids. Sadhana 2014, 39(4), 819-41.

Microgrids (MGs) are Low Voltage distribution networks comprising various distributed generators (DG), storage devices and controllable loads that can operate either interconnected or isolated from the main distribution grid as a controlled entity. Energy storage system (ESS) is a vital part of an MG. In this paper, a methodology is proposed for the optimal allocation and economic analysis of ESS in MGs on the basis of net present value (NPV). As the optimal operation of an MG strongly depends on the arrangement and allocation of its ESS, economic operation strategies and optimal allocation methods of the ESS devices are required for the MG. Self-adaptive Bee Swarm Optimization (SBSO) algorithm is applied to optimize the operation strategies and capacities of ESS in MGs in order to find maximal NPV, the generation schedule of ESS and distributed generation sources. This paper is to suggest, among those available ESS, the optimal sizes and types of them and their optimal arrangement, such that the total NPV achieved during the system operational lifetime period is maximized. After introducing the methodology, a case study is presented for illustration.

5 illus, 15 tables, 26 ref

005046   Merter O;Ucar T (Civil Engineering Dep, Dokuz Eylul Univ, Burca 35160, Izmir, Turkey, Email: onur.merter@deu.edu.tr) : Design of RC frames for pre-selected collapse mechanism and target displacement using energy-balance. Sadhana 2014, 39(3), 637-57.

In earthquake-prone countries, structures may be exposed to several seismic loads in any stage of building's life. It is expected that the structures designed by engineers will show ductile behaviour under the effect of vertical and lateral loads and remain stable without making a sudden collapse. In consequence of nonlinear behaviour, plastic hinges are expected to form in structural members which are under the effect of external loads. Earthquake input energy is dissipated in plastic hinges, so, structures behave ductile. In this study, total energy of RC frames is calculated and the energy-based base shear force is determined by equating the total internal energy to the work done by external lateral design forces for pre-selected target displacement and collapse mechanism. Sections of RC frames are controlled if they can resist the calculated design lateral loads or not. If the capacity of the sections cannot withstand the external design loads, the design is rearranged and new sections are chosen. Beam and column sections that can resist the design loads securely are accepted as final sections of the energy-based design methodology. Pre-selected target displacement for desired performance level is checked using the results of nonlinear analyses. The results of the presented design methodology in this study are compatible with the results of nonlinear analyses.

17 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

005045   Mallik A K;Bysakh S;Dutta S;Basu D (NO, CSIR - Central Glass and Ceramics Research Institute, Kolkata-700 032, Email: amallik@cgcri.res.in) : Correlation between optical emission spectra and the process parameters of a 915 MHz microwave plasma CVD reactor used for depositing polycrystalline diamond coatings. Sadhana 2014, 39(4), 957-70.

In this paper, the hydrogen and hydrogen-methane mixed plasma have been generated inside a 33 cm diameter quartz bell jar with a low power (9 KW) and lower frequency 915 MHz microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition system. The reactor is being used for growing polycrystalline diamond (PCD) over large area (100 mm). The generated plasma is diagnosed by in situ optical emission spectroscopy method with wave length ranging from 200 to 900 nm. The effects of microwave power, chamber pressure and gas concentration on plasma characteristics have been studied in this work. Within the optical range, Balmer H_α, H_β, C₂ aswan band and CH lines have been detected at the wavelengths of 655.95, 485.7, 515.82 and 430.17 nm, respectively. It has been observed that for hydrogen plasma, the amount of transition from hydrogen atom inner shell 3 to 2 (H_α) is almost constant with increasing microwave (MW) power (from 2000 to 2800 W) and pressure (from 15 to 30 Torr) initially, after that it increases with further increase of M W power and pressure, whereas, the transition from 4 to 2 (H_β) is slowly increased with increasing MW power and pressure. For hydrogen-methane plasma, intensities, of C₂ swan band, i.e., the transitions from D^{3∏_g to A3∏_μ energy levels, are also increased with the increasing microwave power and reactor pressure. It has been observed that the radicals present in the plasma are affected by variation of different reactor parameters like pressure, MW power, CH4 concentration, etc.}

7 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

005044   Makashev E B;Kumar B K;Mohamed E A (Projecting, Construction and Exploitation of Gas and Oil Pipeline, Institute of Ge, after K.I. Satpaev, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Email: makasheve@mai.ru) : Recommended guidelines for improvement of operating reliability and work efficiency of a borehole at an underground gas storage facility. Int J chem Sci,Udaipur 2013, 11(1), 223-30.

Gas storage facility - natural or man-made tank for reserving large amounts of gas and control of its supply in accordance with irregularity of gas consumption. Underground gas storage facility - created in natural or man-made underground reservoirs. The greatest value are UGS which can hold hundreds of millions m^{3 of gas and more. Special type of gas storage facilities - isothermal storage facilities for liquefied gas, designed for maximum load factoring, i.e. in case of a need for accelerated gas extraction1. A UGS set of engineer installations contains borehole for gas injection and extraction, compressor station, gas transmission system, gas cooling, drying and purifying units (separators, filters, absorbers and adsorbers). UGS boreholes are equipped with automatic down-hole deployment valves in order to rule out the possibility of uncontrolled flowing. Important condition for creation and exploitation of UGS - retention of its impermeability, i.e. prevention of possible gas leaks, primarily to the overlying permeable stratum. Improvement of exploitation reliability and efficiency of UGS is a relevant issue, solution to which, first of all, depends on the accuracy of choice of a project facility, improvement of construction standards and boreholes servicing2.}

2 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

005043   Mahmood T;Kanapathipillai S;Chowdhury M (School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, The Univ of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia, Email: tahir@lapressure.com.au) : Novel and simple methodology for predicting creep life of welded pressure component employing strain energy density. J Instn Engrs : Ser D 2013, 94(2), 65-74.

Almost all of the pressure components produced at present are produced by welding and a good majority of them are used for high temperature application where creep damage can occur and requires the attention of the pressure equipment designers. An accurate creep life prediction model is required to predict the life of such pressure components. All of the creep life prediction models available today are either inaccurate or too cumbersome to apply. There is a need for an accurate creep life prediction model that would overcome the shortcomings of the existing models. Research team at UNSW have developed a creep life prediction model [Mahmood et al., in Front Mech Eng, 8(2):181-186, 2013; Mahmood et al., in Eng Integr J, 34:6-13, 2013; Mahmood et al. in Intl J Reliab Saf Eng Syst Struct D, l(l):43-51,2011] that accurately predicted the creep life of seamless pipes when applied to them. This paper is an extension of previous work and investigates the accuracy of the model when applied to a thick-walled pipe having a circumferential weld to predict the creep life of a welded pressure component. The paper shows that the proposed model can predict the creep life of the vessel with an error of less than 1%.

11 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

005042   Kulkarni S K;Shiyekar M R;Shiyekar S M;Wagh B (NO, Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune, Email: shiyekar@gmail.com) : Elastic properties of RCC under flexural loading-experimental and analytical approach. Sadhana 2014, 39(3), 677-97.

In structural analysis,especially in indeterminate structures, it becomes essential to know material and geometrical properties of members. The codal provisions recommend elastic properties of concrete and steel and these are fairly accurate enough. The stress-strain curve for concrete cylinder or a cube specimen is plotted. The slope of this curve is modulus of elasticity of plain concrete. Another method of determining modulus of elasticity of concrete is by flexural test of a beam specimen. The modulus of elasticity most commonly used for concrete is secant modulus. The modulus of elasticity of steel is obtained by performing a tension test of steel bar. While performing analysis by any software for high rise building, cross area of plain concrete is taken into consideration whereas effects of reinforcement bars and concrete confined by stirrups are neglected. The aim of study is to determine elastic properties of reinforced cement concrete material. Two important stiffness properties such as AE and El play important role in analysis of high rise RCC building idealized as plane frame. The experimental programme consists of testing of beams (model size 150 x 150 x 700 mm) with percentage of reinforcement varying from 0.54 to 1.63%. The experimental results are verified by using 3D finite element techniques. This study refers to the effect of variation of percentage of main longitudinal reinforcement and concrete grade. Effect of confinement is not considered and it appears in a separate study.

30 illus, 9 tables, 14 ref

005041   Kulkarni D;Iyer K (NO, , Larsen & Toubro, Powai, Mumbai-400 072, Email: dileep.kulkarni@larsentoubro.com) : Welding in heavy industries - an Indian perspective. Indian Weld J 2014, 47(2), 79-86.

Heavy equipment manufacturers are continuously facing challenges to meet three most important project requirements - Quality, Cost & Delivery. Welding being one of the major operations in heavy engineering industries, welding technologists have to come up with new developments to cope up with these challenges. In order to counter these challenges, significant improvements are taking place in the field of welding and allied areas all over the world. Developments in materials are leading to complementary developments in welding consumable and process technology to weld these materials. Higher productivity processes are being implemented; existing processes are being fine-tuned to make them more efficient. Improvements in quality are being achieved by increased use of automation. Reliability of construction is ensured by the use of advanced NDT techniques. Similar developments are taking place in welding equipments and accessories to improve their efficiency. This paper presents an Indian perspective of developments that have taken place in welding and allied areas in heavy industries.

12 illus, 11 ref

005040   Krishna S J G;Patil M R;Rudrappa C;Kumar S P; Ravi B P (Mineral Processing Dep, V.S.K.U.P.G. Centre, Nandihalli, Sandur-583 119, Email: ravibelavadi@gmail.com) : Characterisation and processing of some iron ores of India. J Instn Engrs : Ser D 2013, 94(2), 113-20.

Lack of process characterization data of the ores based on the granulometry, texture, mineralogy, physical, chemical, properties, merits and limitations of process, market and local conditions may mislead the mineral processing entrepreneur. The proper implementation of process characterization and geotechnical map data will result in optimized sustainable utilization of resource by processing. A few case studies of process characterization of some Indian iron ores are dealt with. The tentative ascending order of process refractoriness of iron ores is massive hematite/magnetite <60> marine black iron oxide sands <60> laminated soft friable siliceous ore fines <60> massive banded magnetite quartzite <60> laminated soft friable clayey aluminous ore fines <60> massive banded hematite quartzite/jasper <60> massive clayey hydrated iron oxide ore <60> manganese bearing iron ores massive <60> Ti-V bearing magnetite magmatic ore <60> ferruginous cherty quartzite. Based on diagnostic process characterization, the ores have been classified and generic process have been adopted for some Indian iron ores.

4 illus, 9 tables, 7 ref

005039   Kivade S B;Murthy C S N;Vardhan H (Mining Engineering Dep, National INstitute of Technology, Karnataka, P.O. Srinivasnagar, Surathkal, Mangalore-575 025, Email: sbkivade@gmail.com) : Laboratory investigations of percussive drilling. J Instn Engrs : Ser D 2013, 94(2), 81-7.

Laboratory investigation was carried out on ten rock samples using pneumatic drill with drill bits of different diameters. In general, the process of drilling always produces sound. Sound is generated from the bit-rock interface regardless of the material of the bit used in drilling. The predicted sound level and penetration rate are a product of the drill power and the physical properties of the rocks penetrated. Rock samples were collected from the field and physical properties of the rocks were determined in the laboratory. The sound level and penetration rates were correlated with the rock properties. The compressive strength and abrasivity exhibit strong correlations with the sound level and penetration rate. It was concluded that, among the rock properties included in this study, the compressive strength and abrasivity values are the dominant ones affecting the penetration rate and sound level of percussive drills. Though ten rock samples have been covered in this study, detailed analysis of only one of them is presented.

9 illus, 16 ref

005038   Kharpude S;Sharma D (Renewable Energy Engineering Dep, College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur-313 001, Email: sudhirkharpude@gamil.com) : Computer based approach for economic analysis of Deenbandhu biogas plant based on co-digestion of agri-wastes. Ecol Envir Conserv 2013, 19(2), 503-8.

The technology of conversion of animal dung feed into biogas is well established. Agricultural wastes can be digested either alone or in co-digestion. Co-digestion is the simultaneous digestion of a homogenous mixture of two or more feed stocks.In such a case utility of economic values of dairy animal based biogas plant for economic analysis of Agri-waste based biogas plant is not appropriate. The computer based approach was adopted using a software programme developed in Visual basic. The software is able to give complete economic analysis of biogas plants based on 5 feed stocks selected. This system can easily be adopted for design and planning of biogas plants based on agri-wastes.

4 illus, 4 tables, 5 ref

005037   Kenbeilova S Z H;Shaihutdinov E M;Boiko G I; Lyubchenko N P;Dergunov S A (NO, , 117 Kabanbay Batyr Str., Apr. 4, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Email: sal-japaspai@mail.ru) : Investigation of polimeric-bitumen binder subject to climatic service conditions. Int J chem Sci,Udaipur 2013, 11(1), 673-82.

Oxidized bitumen was modified with waste of carbon-chain polymer production. On Superpave specifications the physic-mechanical properties of modified bitumen were subject to investigation under the climatic conditions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The behavior of BND60/90 bitumen and polymeric-bitumen binders has been studied at high temperatures on a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) in the range of temperatures from +46°C to +88°C. On a bending beam rheometer (BBR) in the range of temperatures from -24°C to -34.9°C a comparative study of low-temperature behavior of bitumen BND 60/90 and polimeric-bitumen binders BPV/OAPP-L3, BPV/OAPP-L4, GSV/OAPP -L5 after consecutive accelerated aging of samples in the vertical rotary kiln by RTFOT method and long-term aging in a pressure vessel and heat by PAV method. According the results of the Superpave specifications test samples correspond to the climatic conditions in most parts of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

8 illus, 11 ref

005036   Kangethe S M;Manomano T (Social Work and Social Development Dep, Fort Hare Univ, Box X1314, Alice 5700 South Africa, Email: skangethe@ufh.ac.za) : Evaluating the ownership spirit displayed by the golf course reconstructiono and development (RDP) housing programme beneficiaries with evidence emanating from the 2011-2013 research case study. J hum Ecol 2014, 46(1), 11-19.

This study sought to evaluate the spirit of the Reconstruction and Development (RDP) housing programme ownership by the dwellers with a case study of Golf Course RDP houses. Eastern Cape Province. The study adopted mixed methods of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data, with the qualitative approach assuming a dominant approach while the quantitative approach was less dominant. The quantitative approach took the form of a mini survey while the qualitative approach took the form of a case study. The findings from this study revealed increasingly lowered ownership spirit through: some beneficiaries selling or renting the RDP houses; some abandoning them giving thieves an opportunity to vandalize them; while some beneficiaries were not occupying the houses at all as they had other alternative shelter; and lack of sanitary and hygiene environment with lack of clean water being acute; and the beneficiaries not showing interest to improve them. However, close to half of the beneficiaries showed a significant appreciation of the houses and had some sizeable ownership spirit. The researchers recommended that: the current RDP housing programme be re-organized afresh towards ensuring that the RDP houses have access to safe and clean water and sanitary and social amenities are availed: an investigation be carried out on the status of the occupants in those RDP houses whether they are beneficiaries or not. These measures can go a long way in ensuring that the spirit of the RDP housing dwellers is stirred towards owning the programme.

5 tables, 24 ref

005035   Kan Y C;Lin H C;Sung W P (Communications Engineering Dep, Yuan Ze Univ, No. 135 Yuan-Tung Road, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 32003, Taiwan) : Developing an intelligent control system of automatic window motor with diverse wireless sensor network devices. Sadhana 2014, 39(4), 809-18.

This invention system involves hardware, firmware and software to develop an intelligent control system of automatic window motor with diverse wireless sensor network (WSN) devices for health and environmental monitoring. The parts of this invention are improved by implementing the WSN mote into environmental sensors that may detect temperature, humility, toxic gas, smog or aerosol, etc. With embedded system design, these sensors are capable of delivering WSN signal packets based on ZigBee protocol that follows the IEEE 802.14.4 standards. The primary hardware of the system is the window motor with circuit design by migrating micro control unit (MCU), radio frequency (RF) and WSN antenna to receive command. The firmware developed under embedded system can bridge hardware and software to control the window at the specified position. At the back end, the control system software can manage diverse sensor data and provide the interface for remote monitoring.

9 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

005034   Jain S K;Sharma D;Senecha V K;Naik P A; Hannurkar P R (NO, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore-452 013, Email: skjain@rrcat.gov.in) : Microwave components for an electron cyclotron resonance source: simulations and performance. Sadhana 2014, 39(4), 901-20.

A high power (2 kW, CW) magnetron-based microwave system operating at 2.45 GHz has been designed, tested, characterized, and used to produce plasma. The system consists of a microwave source, an isolator, a directional coupler, a three-stub tuner, a high voltage break, a microwave vacuum window, and a microwave launcher. These microwave components were simulated using microwave studio software. The low power and full term characterization of the microwave system has been done using vector network analyzer. The system was tested for 2 kW continuous wave of microwave power using glass-water load. The microwave system has been developed to study the microwave interaction with plasma at different operation regimes (Gases: Nitrogen, argon and hydrogen; Gas pressure : 10^{-5-10-3 mbar; Microwave power: 300-1000 W; Magnetic field: 875-1000 G) and to extract the proton beam current with hydrogen produced plasma. A plasma density <126>5 x 1011 cm-3 and average electron temperature of <126>13 eV was obtained. This article describes various aspects of the microwave system including design, fabrication, characterization and performance studies of the microwave components.}

15 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

005033   Ismailov A A;Kabdulov S Z;Tikebayev T A (NO, Kazakh-British Technical Univ (KBTU), Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, Email: beiars@yahoo.com) : Analysis of the existing methods for elimination of cement slurry losses while well cementing. Int J chem Sci,Udaipur 2013, 11(1), 150-8.

Successful casing cementing has to provide a reliable sealing of thief formations directly during drilling throughout each of them. Therefore, in this article we consider the problems of qualitative well cementing under low formations pressures conditions. A comparative qualitative analysis of currently in use materials, which are added into cement slurry to regulate its physico-chemical properties (such as circulite, haydite, tufa, and different surface-active materials, etc), is provided in the article. Also mud filter cake influence on the quality of cementing is considered. We defined the mud filter cake removal during wellbore preparing, which is the most optimum measure to provide a qualitative cementing. Suggests the most convenient complex of measures for eliminating of cement slurry losses while it's pumping into a well and in this article author have discussed the oil and gas wells construction problems in conditions of low bed pressures typical for the South Mangyshlak oil fields in Kazakhstan. It is well known that there are a range of unsolved questions, which restrain further intensification of oil and gas wells drilling in such conditions.

6 ref

005032   Isemin I A;Udoh F D (Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Dep, Uyo Univ, Uyo, Aka Ibom State, Nigeria, Email: fdudoh@yahoo.com) : Oil production by gravity drainage mechanism. Ecol Envir Conserv 2013, 19(2), 275-83.

Gravity drainage is a recovery mechanism for a fractured reservoir that consists of matrix and fractures. The entire process of this gravity drainage is dependent on the density difference between the oil in the matrix and the gas in the fracture thereby providing the pressure difference required for the oil recovery from the matrix block. Several equations to quantify flow through matrix and fracture have been provided by many authors. An analytical model is described to determine the time at which gas enters into pores to displace oil in the matrix block based on water displacement. Eclipse 100 reservoir simulator is used in the computer simulation to study how oil is produced by gravity drainage mechanism in fractured reservoirs. The simulation is performed on a single block and stack of blocks. The effect of fracture aperture, matrix permeability, capillary continuity between matrix block, and block height on oil recovery is considered. Fracture aperture contributed to recovery only for a single block, and regardless of where the injection well or production well was placed, it did not affect recovery. Recovery rate under gravity drainage was ob-served to be in the range of 1% to 7%.

11 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

005031   HARI OM;Biswas M (Computer Science and Engineering Dep, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad-826 004, Email: hariom4india@gmail.com) : An adaptive image denoising method based on local parameters optimization. Sadhana 2014, 39(4), 879-900.

In image denoising algorithms, the noise is handled by either modifying term-by-term, i.e., individual pixels or block-by-block, i.e., group of pixels, using suitable shrinkage factor and threshold function. The shrinkage factor is generally a function of threshold and some other characteristics of the neighbouring pixels of the pixel to be thresholded (denoised). The threshold is determined in terms of the noise variance present in the image and its size. The VisuShrink, SureShrink, and NeighShrink methods are important denoising methods that provide good results. The first two, i.e., VisuShrink and SureShrink methods follow term-by-term approach, i.e., modify the individual pixel and the third one, i.e., NeighShrink and its variants: ModiNeighShrink, IIDMWD, and IAWDMBMC, follow block-by-block approach, i.e., modify the pixels in groups, in order to remove the noise. The VisuShrink, SureShrink, and NeighShrink methods however do not give very good visual quality because they remove too many coefficients due to their high threshold values. In this paper, we propose an image denoising method that uses the local parameters of the neighbouring coefficients of the pixel to be denoised in the noisy image. In our method, we propose two new shrinkage factors and the threshold at each decomposition level, which lead to better visual quality. We also establish the relationship between both the shrinkage factors. We compare the performance of our method with that of the VisuShrink and NeighShrink including various variants. Simulation results show that our proposed method has high peak signal-to-noise ratio and good visual quality of the image as compared to the traditional methods: Weiner filter,. VisuShrink, SureShrink, NeighBlock, NeighShrink, ModiNeighShrink, LAWML, IIDMWT, and IAWDMBNC methods.

7 illus, 6 tables, 26 ref

005030   Garg S;Patra K;Pal S K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, California Univ, Berkeley 94720, California, USA, Email: kpatra@iitp.ac.in) : Particle swarm optimization of a neural network model in a machining process. Sadhana 2014, 39(3), 533-48.

This paper presents a particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to train an artificial neural network (ANN) for prediction of flank wear in drilling, and compares the network performance with that of the back propagation neural network (BPNN). This analysis is carried out following a series of experiments employing high speed steel (HSS) drills for drilling on mild steel workpieces, under different sets of cutting conditions and noting the root mean square (RMS) value of spindle motor current as well as the average flank wear in each case. The results show that the PSO trained ANN not only gives better prediction results and reduced computational times compared to the BPNN, it is also a more robust model, being free of getting trapped in local optimum solutions unlike the latter. Besides, it offers the advantages of a straight-forward logic, simple realization and underlying intelligence.

8 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

005029   Ganguly S;Nandi A;Neogy S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Hooghly Engineering and Technology College, Hooghly-712 103, Email: nandi.arghya@gmail.com) : Stability analysis of non-axisymmetric three-dimensional finite element rotor models with partial and full mass lumping. Sadhana 2014, 39(3), 597-606.

Unlike structural dynamics, the three-dimensional finite-element model of non-axisymmetric rotors on orthotropic bearings generates a large gyroscopic system with parametric stiffness. The present work explores the use of mass-lumping in stability analysis of such systems. Using a variant of Hill's method, the problem reduces to a generalized Eigen value problem of order nm x nm, with n as the order of the system in state vector representation and m as the number of terms in the assumed solution. The matrices in both the sides of the Eigen value problem are expressed in terms of Kronecker products where the mass-matrix appears twice as a sub-matrix in both the sides of the equation. A particular one or both of them can be made diagonal. Both options produce sufficiently accurate results with considerable savings, even with a coarse mesh.

3 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

005028   Fathima T A;Jothiprakash V (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai-400 076, Email: vprakash@iitb.ac.in) : Behavioural analysis of a time series - a chaotic approach. Sadhana 2014, 39(3), 659-76.

Out of the various methods available to study the chaotic behaviour, cof^ relation dimension method (CDM) derived from Grassberger-Procaccia algorithm and False Nearest Neighbour method (FNN) are widely used. It is aimed to study the adaptability of those techniques for Indian rainfall data that is dominated by monsoon. In the present study, five sets of time series data are analyzed using correlation dimension method (CDM) based upon Grassberger-Procaccia algorithm for studying their behaviour. In order to confirm the results arrived from correlation dimension method, FNN and phase randomisation method is also applied to the time series used in the present study to fix the optimum embedding dimension. First series is a deterministic natural number series, the next two series are random number series with two types of distributions; one is uniform and another is normal distributed random number series. The fourth series is Henon data, an erratic data generated from a deterministic non linear equation (classified as chaotic series). After checking the applicability of correlation dimension method for deterministic, stochastic and chaotic data (known series) the method is applied to a rainfall time series observed at Koyna station, Maharashtra, India for its behavioural study. The results obtained from the chaotic analysis revealed that CDM is an efficient method for behavioural study of a time series. It also provides first hand information on the number of dimensions to be considered for time series prediction modelling. The CDM applied to real life rainfall data brings out the nature of rainfall at Koyna station as chaotic. For the rainfall data, CDM resulted in a minimum correlation dimension of one and optimum dimension as five. FNN method also resulted in five dimensions for the rainfall data. The behaviour of the rainfall time series is further confirmed by phase randomisation technique also. The surrogate data derived from randomisation gives entirely different results when compared to the other two techniques used in the present study (CDM and FNN) which confirms the behaviour of rainfall as chaotic. It is also seen that CDM is underestimating the correlation dimension, may be due to higher percentage of zero values in rainfall data. Thus, one should appropriately check the adaptability of CDM for time series having longer zero values.

8 illus, 1 table, 68 ref

005027   Farsani P A;Honarbakhsh A;Moasheri S A (Watershed Management Engineering Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Science and Natural Resources Univ, Sari, Iran) : Artificial neural networks application in water transfer pipes loss estimation. Ecol Envir Conserv 2013, 19(2), 545-50.

The calculation of energy loss in the design of water networks is an important factor, so that the original foundation of almost all the, water network construction design, studies and estimation of loss along the pipe lines has been made by empirical and theoretical formulae such as Darcy-Weisbach, I Iazen-williams and so on. In this research comparison among the loss calculation empirical formulae including Darcy-Weisbach and I Iazen-Williams was made which shows that regression analysis between the actual loss and calculated loss in Darcy-Weisbach formula is having the higher regression coefficient almost (R'=0.80) and on the other hand this comparison was made between the output of artificial neural network and the actual loss, that shows by far has higher regression coefficient almost (R^{2=0.87). The artificial neural net-works technique was used for prediction of losses and the results showed that the neural network of multi-layers along with one hidden layer tan transfer function is having the significant capability to estimate and prediction of losses in the pipes.}

6 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

005026   Eigner A;Anthony F (NO, Tyco Electronics Raychem GmbH, Ottobrunn, Germany) : Recent trends in high voltage cable accessories for extruded AC power cables. Wat Energy int 2013, 70(1), 30-5.

Based on the fact that the majority of new cable circuits are using power cables with extruded insulation, the technology of the corresponding high voltage cable accessories has also moved from oil/paper to dry materials. Furthermore the development of the main accessories groups joints and terminations showed major improvement over the last years and represent today intensively developed and complex products. This article shows the current status of the technology of high voltage cable accessories and connectors. The current possibilities are shown and additionally trends and future product developments are discussed.

8 illus,

005025   Easwaran R;Raja A;Ravichandran G; Buvanashekaran G (NO, Welding Research Institute, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Tiruchirappalli-620 014, Email: easwar@bheltry.co.in) : Welding research in India : present status and future directions. Indian Weld J 2014, 47(2), 59-77.

Welding Science and Technology is a continuously growing field thanks to its multi-disciplinary character. There is so much happening in the connected fields like Arc Physics, heat transfer, electronics of power sources, digitisation drive, low cost and robotic automation, materials science, Nano-technology, high energy beams, materials development, stress analysis and so on, that welding has blossomed in many directions. There is no dearth of challenge to the welding professional today and the opportunity is aplenty to learn and improve every day. Welding is also the heart and soul of the fabrication technology and so with the growth in the manufacturing sector, there is an irresistible pull on the welding industry to improve and meet the challenge of the day. Hence, it is no wonder the welding technology is growing, amply contributed by the academia, research centres and the industry in India. While there is great satisfaction that the research in this field in India has advanced to a certain level, there are still several areas, where India is looking up to the outside world for support, and very little of efforts is taking place within the country due to resource and other constraints. This paper is an attempt to look at the various areas, and a self-introspection on where all we in India should be. The areas of research in welding can be broadly categorised as material development, consumable development, establishment of weldability, development of new processes which will improve the quality and productivity while minimizing cycle time of welding, improved non-destructive testing, development of welding procedures to minimize any distortion, characterisation of weldments for their service behaviour etc. The research activities that are currently under progress are discussed in the paper. There is no doubt that the technology is well poised to take large strides in the years ahead, but the research in India should take some strong steps to be in the forefront of such strides.

39 illus, 27 ref

005024   Deepika Rani;Gulati T R;Amit Kumar (Mathematics Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667, Email: deepikaiitroorkee@gmail.com) : Method for unbalanced transportation problems in fuzzy environment. Sadhana 2014, 39(3), 573-81.

In this paper, authors consider the fully fuzzy unbalanced transportation problem in which the total availability/production is more than the total demand and propose a method to solve it. Such problems are usually solved by adding a dummy destination. Since the dummy destination has no existence in reality, the excess availability is not transported at all and is held back at one or more origins. The method proposed in this paper gives the additional information that to which of the destination(s) the excess availability be transported for future demand at minimum cost. The advantage of the proposed method over the existing method is that the fuzzy optimal solution obtained does not involve the dummy destination. The method has been illustrated with the help of an example.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

005023   David H (NO, Easom Automation System Inc, Madison Heights, Mich) : What can a wlding positioner do for you?. Indian Weld J 2014, 47(2), 134-5.

The types of welding positioners and their uses are detailed.

6 illus

005022   Athi Lingam R;Senthil Kumar K (NO, Madras Institute of Technology, Chromepet, Chennai-600 044, Email: aathikannan@gmail.com) : Statistically tuned gaussian background subtraction technique for UAV videos. Sadhana 2014, 39(4), 785-808.

Background subtraction is one of the efficient techniques to segment the targets from non-informative background of a video. The traditional background subtraction technique suits for videos with static background whereas the video obtained from unmanned aerial vehicle has dynamic background. Here, we propose an algorithm with tuning factor and Gaussian update for surveillance videos that suits effectively for aerial videos. The tuning factor is optimized by extracting the statistical features of the input frames. With the optimized tuning factor and Gaussian update an adaptive Gaussian-based background subtraction technique is proposed. The algorithm involves modelling, update and subtraction phases. This running Gaussian average based background subtraction technique uses updation at both model generation phase and subtraction phase. The resultant video extracts the moving objects from the dynamic background. Sample videos of various properties such as cluttered background, small objects, moving background and multiple objects are considered for evaluation. The technique is statistically compared with frame differencing technique temporal median method and mixture of Gaussian model and performance evaluation is done to check the effectiveness of the proposed technique after optimization for both static and dynamic videos.

41 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

005021   Armad F (NO, Aluminium Technology, The Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland, Ohio) : Aluminumwld-quality solutions comein threes. Indian Weld J 2014, 47(2), 131-3.

The right combination of consumable chemistry, process, and equipment producess high-quality, 53-ft-long welds at a refrigerated-trailer manufacturing plant.

3 illus

005020   Ali E;Khan R H (NO, , CRIE, Auckland Institute of Studies St Helens, Email: ershada@ais.ac.nz) : Opportunities and challenges of sustainable energy technology in rural fiji. SMART J Business Mgmt Stud 2013, 9(2), 1-10.

Study examines the opportunity and scope for choosing a renewable energy supply system for remote communities of Fiji and provides mechanisms to help these communities to use available local renewable energy sources to reduce the impact of energy poverty. The study has used data from secondary sources such as government documents of Fiji, Fiji Bureau of Statistics, and statistics published by other agencies. We have assessed the appropriateness of the energy supply systems on the basis of certain criteria: availability of resources, complexity of technology, cost effectiveness, matching supply with demand, contribution to GHG (Green House Gas) reduction and major constraints, if any. The study found that most of the technologies have advantages as well as disadvantages. Using these factors, the study introduces a model for assessing different sources of energy for implementation readiness. The study concludes that no single source is currently appropriate for the rural area of Fiji. Rather a combination of sources may furnish optimal output in meeting the energy needs. Findings of the study should be of interest to policy makers and researchers.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

005019   Albert S K;Padhy G K (Materials Technology Div, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam-603 102, Email: shaju@igcar.gov.in) : Brief review on methods for diffusible hydrogen measurement in welds. Indian Weld J 2014, 47(2), 101-13.

Hydrogen is obnoxious in high strength steels because it poses the risk of causing failure of material well below its yield strength. Failures triggered by hydrogen in weld joints are generally known as cold cracking or hydrogen assisted cracking. Cracks are not permitted in the welds and any undetected cracks can severely affect the performance of welded components and this is a serious safety concern. Hydrogen enters in steel weldment during welding and remains in the weld joint either as Diffusible Hydrogen or as residual hydrogen. While the residual hydrogen is immobile and has no role in cold cracking, diffusible hydrogen is free to diffuse at or near ambient temperatures. Diffusible hydrogen is accumulated in the regions of stress and produces a tensile stress field that expands the crystal lattice leading to microcracks. Therefore, diffusible hydrogen content in welds should be reduced to levels that do not cause cracking. This brings forth the need for measurement of diffusible hydrogen content in welds. However, the diffusivity of hydrogen in steel is very high and hydrogen starts effusing out even before the start of the measurement. Therefore, development of standard procedure for diffusible hydrogen measurement is difficult. In spite of the intricacy, several methods were developed in the past few decades for the measurement diffusible hydrogen because of the growing interests in the still not so clear role of hydrogen causing HAC and the increasing demand for batch production of welding consumables. This paper presents a brief yet a systematic review, of the methods for diffusible hydrogen measurement in steel welds.

11 illus, 64 ref

005018   Agrawal S K;Bhowmick B N D;Rao S B R;Sundaran A (NO, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, Gurgaon, Haryana) : UHV transformers for 1200 KV national test station - concept to commissioning. Wat Energy int 2013, 70(1), 13-1A.

This paper briefed on the journey from conception of idea for indigenous development of UHVAC technology, moving on to the partnership model adopted for development, and there after finalization of system and equipment parameters. Attention has been given on the challenges faced by manufacturers during design and manufacturing of the gigantic UHV transformers. The commissioning and field testing experience of POWERGRID has been detailed.

7 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

005017   Aggarwal S;Kuri J;Saha C (Electronic Systems Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: saggarwal@cedt.iisc.ernet.in) : Give-and-take based peer-to-peer content distribution networks. Sadhana 2014, 39(4), 843-58.

Content Distribution Networks (CDNs) are widely used to distribute data to large number of users. Traditionally, content is being replicated among a number of surrogate servers, leading to high operational costs. In this context, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) CDNs have emerged as a viable alternative. An issue of concern in P2P networks is that of free riders, i.e., selfish peers who download files and leave without uploading anything in return. Free riding must be discouraged. In this paper, we propose a criterion, the Give-and-Take (G&T) criterion, that disallows free riders. Incorporating the G&T criterion in our model, we study a problem that arises naturally when a new peer enters the system: viz., the problem of downloading a 'universe' of segments, scattered among other peers, at low cost. We analyse this NP-hard probelm, and characterize the optimal download cost under the G&T criterion. We propose an optimal algorithm, and provide a sub-optimal algorithm that is nearly optimal, but runs much more quickly; this provides an attractive balance between running time and performance. Finally, we compare the performance of 6ur algorithms with that of a few existing P2P downloading strategies in use. We also study the computation time for prescribing the strategy for initial segment and peer selection for the newly arrived peer for various existing and proposed algorithms, and quantify cost-computation time trade-offs.

6 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

005016   Abbulu Y;ChandanKumar P (Civil Engineering Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam) : Strength aspects of rice busk ash concrete. Ecol Envir Conserv 2013, 19(2), 611-13.

In the present investigation, Portland cement was replaced by rick husk as a various percentages to study compressive and flexural strength, it was found that RHA concretes were peforming similar to that of normal concrete.

3 tables, 5 ref

004011   Vimala J;Latha G;Venkatesan R (NO, Sathyabama Univ, Chennai-600 119, Email: vimalanerur@yahoo.co.in) : Real time wave forecasting using artificial neural network with varying input parameter. Indian J Geomar Sci 2014, 43(1), 82-7.

Prediction of significant wave heights (Hs) is of immense importance in ocean and coastal engineering applications. The aim of this study is to predict significant wave height values at buoy locations with the lead time of 3,6,12 and 24 hours using past observations of wind and wave parameters applying Artificial Neural Network. Although there exists a number of wave height estimation models, they do not consider all causative factors without any approximation and consequently their results are more or less a general approximation of the overall dynamic behaviour. Since soft computing techniques are totally data driven, based on the duration of the data availability they can be used for prediction. In the National data buoy program of National institute of Ocean Technology, not all the buoys have wind sensors and wave sensors and so it is attempted to apply neural network algorithms for prediction of wave heights using wind speed only as the input and then using only wave height as the input. The measurement made by the data buoy at DS3 location in Bay of Bengal (12°11'21"N and 90°43'33"E) are considered, for the period 2003-2004. Out of this, the data of period Jan 2003-Dec 2003 was used for training and the data for the period July 2004- Nov 2004 is used for testing. Real time wave forecasting for 3,6,12 and 24 hours were carried out for a month at the location chosen and the results show that the ANN technique proves encouraging for wave forecasting. Performance of ANN for varying inputs have been analysed and the results are discussed.

6 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

004010   Tripathy D P (Mining Engineering Dep, NIT, Rourkela-769 008) : Prevention and control of dust pollution in mines. Indian Min Engng J 2014, 53(3), 10-13.

Most mining operations produce dust when air-borne becomes serious hazard to miner's health and may cause respiratory diseases. Hence it is necessary to take steps to prevent and control of dust from different operations in mines. This paper succinctly discusses the factors affecting dust diseases, sampling and analysis of dust, dust standards and various strategies that need to be adopted to prevent and control dust pollution in mines.

1 table, 1 ref

004009   Tobnaghi D M;Madatov R;Mustafayev Y;Abasov F (NO, Institute of Radiation Problems, Azerbaijan National Academy of Science, Baku, Azerbaijan, Email: d.mostafa.t@gmail.com) : Influence of gamma radiation on electric properties of silicon solar ells. Int J pure appl Sci Technol 2014, 21(1), 12-6.

The change in electric properties of silicon solar cells was investigated under the irradiation of different doses of gamma ray. Experimental results showed that the external and internal parameters of silicon solar cell changed to different extent with increasing the gamma radiation doses from 50 krad to 2000 krad. At low dose, 50krad, electrical properties of silicon solar cells was improved. From 100 to 2000 krad I_sc and η parameters decrease proportionally with the increase of the gamma radiation doses whereas V_oc is only slightly decreased. Large amount of radiation induced defects in the high dose have been formed. Obtained results could lead to new designs of silicon solar to increasing their applications in radiation environments.

3 illus, 10 ref

004008   Tan H;Ma X;Fu M (School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Univ of Technology, Hanzhong Shaanxi 723 003, P.R. China, Email: hb-t@163.com) : Preparation of continuous alumina gel fibres by aqueous sol-gel process. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(1), 153-6.

Continuous alumina gel fibres were prepared by sol-gel method. The spinning sol was prepared by mixing aluminum nitrate, lactic acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone with a mass ratio of 10:3:1.5. Thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the properties of the gel and ceramic fibres. The fibres with a uniform diameter can be obtained by sintering gel fibres at 1200 °C.

5 illus, 1 table, 19 ref