024993   Rajeev Kumar;GuptaR;Khoth N K (NO, Central Soil & Materials Research Station, New Delhi) : Core strength variation of in-situ concrete. Wat Energy int 2013, 70(9), 37-9.

Core testing is the most direct method to determine the compressive strength of mass and structural concrete. Generally, cores are obtained either to assess whether suspect concrete in a new structure complies with strength-based acceptance criteria as per IS: 456-2000 or to evaluate the structural capacity of an existing structure based on the actual in-place concrete strength. In either case, the process of obtaining core specimens and interpreting the strength test results is often confounded by various factors that affect either the in-place strength of the concrete or the measured strength of the test specimen. The scatter in strength test data, which is unavoidable given the inherent randomness of in-place concrete strengths and the additional uncertainty attributable to the preparation and testing of the specimen, may further complicate compliance and evaluation decisions. This research paper gives current practices for obtaining cores and interpreting core compressive strength test results. Factors that affect the in-place concrete strength are reviewed so locations for sampling can be selected that are consistent with the objectives of the - 273 - investigation. Strength correction factors are presented for converting the measured strength of non-standard core-test specimens to the strength of equivalent specimens with standard diameters, length-to-diameter ratios, and moisture conditioning.

23 ref

024992   Polu A R;Ranveer Kumar (Physics Dep, K L Univ, Guntur-522 502, Email: reddyphysics06@gmail.com) : Preparation and characterization of PEG-Mg(CH₃COO)₂-CeO₂ composite polymer electrolytes for battery application. Bull Mater Sci 2014, 37(2), 309-14.

Composite polymer electrolytes based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), magnesium acetate [Mg(CH₃COO)₂], and x wt% of cerium oxide (CeO₂) ceramic fillers (where x = 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20, respectively) have been prepared using solution casting technique. X-ray diffraction patterns of PEG-Mg(CH₃COO)₂ with CeO₂ ceramic filler indicated the decrease in the degree of crystallinity with increasing concentration of the filler. DSC measurements of PEG-Mg(CH₃COO)₂-CeO2 composite polymer electrolyte system showed that the melting temperature is shifted towards the lower temperature with increase of the filler concentration. The conductivity results indicate that the incorporation of ceramic filler up to a certain concentration (i.e. 15 wt%) increases the ionic conductivity and upon further addition the conductivity decreases. The transference number data indicated the dominance of ion-type charge transport in these specimens. Using this (PEG-Mg(CH3COO)2-CeO2) (85-15-15) electrolyte, solid-state electrochemical cell was fabricated and their discharge profiles were studied under a constant load of 100 kΩ.

8 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

024991   Pandey K N;Verma V;Singh P;Vijai Kumar (NO, Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology, Lucknow (CIPET), Email: knpandey09@gmail.com) : Compatibility studies of bromo butyl and polychloroprene elastomer blends through atomic force microscopy. Indian J pure appl Phys 2014, 52(3), 166-9.

In order to determine and optimize structure property relationship in polymer blends, knowledge of microscopic morphology is essential. However, much of this microscopic morphology and physical property information work have not been yet done and is not readily available particularly using conventional characterization techniques. In the present study, the capability of topographic and force modulation or phase atomic force microscopy (AFM) for determining the detailed microstructure of bromo butyl (BIIR) and - 272 - polychloroprene (CR) blends is evaluated. The modulation contrast obtained in this analysis of the blends allows distinguishing a phase and related morphology with ease and good specificity. AFM studies of the BIIR and CR blends in the presence and absence of compatibilizer chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) reveal that the CPE is acting as an efficient compatibilizer. In the presence of CPE as compatibilizer in the blends, the topo image demonstrates the single phase characteristics. Phase image indicates the uniformity in the phase distribution and has been observed in histogram plot which ultimately results in reduction of mean and rms deviations.

4 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

024990   Panda S;Dash K;Ray B C (Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela-769 008, Email: khushbudsh@gmail.com) : Processing and properties of Cu based micro- and nano-composites. Bull Mater Sci 2014, 37(2), 227-38.

Nano-composites of 1, 3, 5 and 7 vol% Al₂O₃ (average size <60>50 nm) and microcomposites having compositions 5,10,15, 20 vol% of Al₂O₃ (average size <126>10 μm) reinforced in copper matrix were fabricated by powder metallurgy route. All the specimens were sintered at different sintering temperatures (850,900 and 1000 °C) to study the effect of temperature on the process and progress of sinterability of the reinforced micro- and nanoparticles in the matrix. These micro- and nano-composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy followed by density, microhardness and wear measurements. The compression and flexural tests were also carried out in order to investigate the mechanical behaviour of the micro- and nano-composites for a fixed optimum sintering temperature. Fractography of the 3-point bend specimens was performed to investigate the fracture behaviour of the micro- and nano-composites. The flexural test results showed that the ultimate flexural strength decreases and flexural modulus increases with the increase in reinforcement content.

12 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

024989   Ouedraogo I;Kalifa P;Igo S W;Zeghmati B;Goel S (Electrical Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering Dep, Petroleum and Energy Studies Univ, Prem Nagar via Bidhol-248 007, Email: issaka_oued@yahoo.fr) : Numerical modelling of an assimilated air conditioning system with rectangular section canal using peltier - 271 - modules. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 257-64.

This paper describes the numerical modeling of the assimilated air conditioning system, with rectangular section canal. This device is equipped with Peltier modules for air conditioning of a bioclimatic habitat model. The analysis of the numerical results shows that the length (L) of the canal significantly influences the operation of the device. If length (L) ranging between 0.55 m and 0.95 m, the average outgoing temperature is 25.72°C while mass airflow m=0.082kg.s^{-1 in April; 25.3°C and m=0.81kg.s-1 in May; 25°C with m= 0.080kg.s-1 in June. The analysis also shows that the side walls (h) of the device equipped with Peltier modules. The impact the functioning of the device and leads to new values for average temperatures released from the canal. These temperatures are 23.31°C in April, 22.55°C in May, and 22.06 in June. Also, the number of modules required for the whole device is 18. Overall, we present how this very simple device leads to better thermal comfort in hot regions.}

6 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

024988   Oliva A I;Corona J E;Oliva-Aviles I (Fisica Aplicada Dep, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Unidad Merida, Km 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso A.P. 73-Cordemex, 97310 Merida Yucatan, Mexico, Email: oliva@mda.cinvestav.mx) : Chemical bath deposition of CdS thin films doped with Zn and Cu. Bull Mater Sci 2014, 37(2), 247-55.

Zn- and Cu-doped CdS thin films were deposited onto glass substrates by the chemical bath technique. ZnCl2 and CuCl2 were incorporated as dopant agents into the conventional CdS chemical bath in order to promote the CdS doping process. The effect of the deposition time and the doping concentration on the physical properties of CdS films were investigated. The morphology, thickness, bandgap energy, crystalline structure and elemental composition of Zn- and Cu-doped CdS films were investigated and compared to the undoped CdS films properties. Both Zn- and Cu-doped CdS films presented a cubic crystalline structure with (111) as the preferential orientation. Lower values of the bandgap energy were observed for the doped CdS films as compared to those of the undoped CdS films. Zn-doped CdS films presented higher thickness and roughness values than those of Cu-doped CdS films. From the photoluminescence results, it is suggested that the inclusion of Zn and Cu into CdS crystalline structure promotes the formation of acceptor levels above the CdS valence band, resulting in lower bandgap energy values for the doped CdS films.

11 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

024987   Mishra S (Power Supply Installations, Ministry of Railways, Government of India, Lucknow) : Return current management-operational and safety aspects of AC & DC traction systems. Wat Energy int 2013, 70(9), 17-20.

Conventional ac traction power is a Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) System, This places challenge on, containment of the touch potential of the rail. As traction powers increase, return current management which is closely related to the earthing and bonding practice, becomes an important factor to be considered in the economics & safety of traction power supply-under which billions of kilo metres of freight and passenger movement is logged. Further, need of structure and platform earthing is emerging as a major challenge to guarantee safety to the users, with steadily increasing transformation capacity in traction sub-stations. Similarly, dc traction systems pose an entirely different set of challenges to the adjoining non-railway installations. The presentation aims to flag the issues and provide Indian Railways 'experience and global practices.

024986   Mehta P (NO, MBH Power Pvt. Ltd., Vadodara) : Comparison of earthing practices for sub-station-sharing of experiences of Afro-Asian region. Wat Energy int 2013, 70(9), 21-5.

Describes practices adopted for earthing system in various countries of Afro Asian region. It covers mainly practices adopted in HV and EHV sub stations at India, Srilanka China, Kenya, Ghana, Ethyopia,and Nigeria. The content is based on the experience of author on the substation business handled at various level. This sharing of experience may be useful for the engineers and practicing personnel for building up of confidence.

7 ref

024985   Mata Prasad (NO, , CIGRE) : Earthing and power system elements. Wat Energy int 2013, 70(9), 4-8.

23 ref

024984   Leopold M (NO, Rwanda Univ College of Science and Technology, ) : Housing affordability in Rwanda. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 281-7.

Growing economic opportunities in small and big African cities have seen the exodus of a good part of population, especially young from rural areas. This creates a housing problem in cities not only in terms of quantities but also in terms of quality. The problem of housing affordability is an important handicap for countries to achieve some of Millennium Developments goals in terms of Poverty Eradication and Environmental Sustainability. This research conducted in Rwanda comes in line with support to some of government and cities strategies and policies, such as Vision 2020, Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS I and II) on land use, infrastructure development, etc. It is proposing the possibility of planning and designing residential affordable apartments or single family houses (SFH) to people living in Rwandan cities without going against approved cities' Master Plan. The work consists in the detailed analysis of the site, Building Materials, and Structural systems suitable to the site conditions. It was established that comparing with the actual building costs on the markets, the engineering consideration of above three factors may reduce the building cost in 3-6 times.

3 illus, 8 ref

024983   Kalsi N S;Sehgal R;Sharma V S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Beant College of Engineering & Technology, Gurdaspur-143 521, Email: ns_kalsi@yahoo.com) : Effect of tempering after cryogenic treatment of tungsten carbide-cobalt bounded inserts. Bull Mater Sci 2014, 37(2), 327-35.

Cryogenic treatment is a recent advancement in the field of machining to improve the properties of cutting tool materials. Tungsten carbide is the most commonly used cutting tool material in the industry and the technique can also be extended to it. Although the importance of tempering after cryogenic treatment has been discussed by many researchers, very little information is available in published literature about the effect of multi-tempering after cryogenic treatment. In this study, an attempt has been made to understand effect of the number of post-tempering cycles during cryogenic treatment on tungsten carbide-cobalt inserts. Metallurgical investigations have been performed to observe the effect of such post-tempering on the inserts by analysing microhardness and micro-structural changes. The crystal structure and morphology were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Metallurgical investigations revealed a significant improvement in tungsten carbide inserts having three tempering cycles, after cryogenic treatment, with marginal differences for two cycles of tempered inserts, established by the study of wear behaviour in turning.

5 illus, 34 ref

024982   Jaget Babu N R (Mechanical Engg, College of Engineering, Trivandrum-69500, Email: lipy2@163.com) : Static and dynamic behavior of elastic structure activated by piezoelectric actuators. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 63-73.

Mechanical displacement and the electric potential fields of piezoelectric materials have drawn much attention in that the above coupling effects of these materials have found alication as sensors and actuators. In this investigation a simply suorted steel plate with bonded piezoelectric actuato, which is an example of smart structure, is studied for its static and dynamic characteristics. Electric tage is alied to the piezoelectric actuator resulting in bending effect of the plate. The effect of increasing tage on the piezoelectric actuator and the influence of adding more than one piezoelectric actuator are studied. Modal analysis gives the dynamic characteristics of the steel plate. The natural frequency and the mode shapes of the plate are dealt with, and the influence of the thickness of the piezoelectric actuator, the effect of the mechanical and electric load on the mode shapes and the frequencies are considered in the study. Finite element analysis in conjunction with the modelling code ANSYS is used for the study.

17 illus, 5 tables, 13 ref

024981   Harika P;Lavanya P V;Saravanan R;Muthaiah R (NO, , ) : Comparison of performance analysis for wavelet and eigen value based detection in cognitive radio networks. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 297-301.

Spectrum sensing is a key factor in Cognitive Radio Networks (CRN). This is the method in which the cognitive system scans the entire bandwidth available in the spectrum and detects the holes in it i.e., if the frequency is not being used by the licensed users and allows the unlicensed users to utilize the spectrum whenever it is free. The sensing is done by different techniques. This paper concentrates on wavelet and Eigen value based detection and the comparison of the performance analysis of threshold value in those methods for IEEE 802.11a WLAN OFDM signal. The detection of the primary signal depends on the threshold values. The algorithms are implemented in MATLAB using Monte-Carlo simulations for comparison of their performances. The Eigen value based detection produces better performance compared to the wavelet detection and it is less complex type of detection method because it is independent of the signal parameters.

024980   Gupta V (Mechanical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, Email: vaibhav_gupta377@yahoo.com) : Geometrical analysis of path traced by - 268 - coupler point of an eight-link mechanism. Arya Bhatta J Math Inf 2014, 6(1), 135-44.

Paper focuses on path geometry of a coupler point in an eight-link mechanism having three fixed pivots and four ternary links. Kinematic analysis is performed by solving three vector-loop equations. Displacement equations are six coupled non-linear algebraic equations containing six unknown variables and can be solved by a numerical technique. Method of kinematic coefficient is used for obtaining the geometry of coupler curve i.e. radius of curvature and centre of curvature. The formulation of expressions is made possible by inversion of mechanism. First and second order kinematic coefficients are obtained by differentiating the position equation with respect to an independent variable. This paper shows a suitable technique to decouple the 6x6 matrix into three 2x2 matrices in order to derive relations for first and second order kinematic coefficients. The method shown in this paper can be used to find the geometry of all coupler points of the mechanism.

9 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

024979   Garima;Yadav R (NO, Indira Ghandhi Univ, Rewari, Haryana, Email: cse.garima17@gmail.com) : Implications of venerable network over time sensitive network. Arya Bhatta J Math Inf 2014, 6(1), 41-4.

Time Sensitive Network standards define the mechanism of transmission the data over the Ethernet Network, Real time based applications are time sensitive, immediate or current, which helps to monitor the progress of network. This paper includes Implications of Venerable network protocols that are used in real time applications. Time Sensitive Network for real time media is control stream. The paper also describes the need of Time Sensitive Network, it is because of various implications present in the Venerable networks that are used in real time applications.

12 ref

024978   Gadhikar A A;Sharma A;Goel D B;Sharma C P (Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Dep, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur-302 017, Email: gadhikar@gmail.com) : Effect of carbides on erosion resistance of 23-8-N steel. Bull Mater Sci 2014, 37(2), 315-19.

Microstructure is one of the most important parameters influencing erosion behaviour of materials. The role of carbides in the matrix is very complicated in controlling the erosion rate of the materials. Conflicting results have been reported in the literature about the effect of carbides on erosion resistance. Carbides are of great importance especially as obstacles against the penetration of erosive particles into the material surface. However, they are susceptible to cracking and causing matrix decohesion which may increase the overall erosion rate. In 23-8-N nitronic steel, carbides present in the form of bands are observed to accelerate the erosion rate. Coarse carbides cause depletion of carbon in the austenite matrix which adversely affects the strain hardening tendency thus causing deterioration in erosion resistance of the bulk material. The dissolution of carbides in the austenitic matrix after solution annealing is observed to improve the erosion resistance of 23-8-N nitronic steel.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

024977   El-Ghobashy El-Hagar M M (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Industrial Education College, Beni-Suef Univ, Egypt, Email: m_elhagar@yahoo.com) : Exhaust emissions of a single cylinder diesel engine with addition of ethanol. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 74-81.

Effects of ethanol addition to the intake air manifold (ethanol fumigation) with percentage 10% and 20% on CO, HC, smoke and soot emissions of a single cylinder diesel engine have been investigated experimentally and compared with each other and with the original diesel engine (100% diesel fuel). The results show that the optimum percentage for ethanol fumigation is 20%. This percentage produces an increase in CO emissions, HC emissions and reduction in engine smoke and soot mass concentration.

9 illus, 7 ref

024976   Dhruv D K;Patel B H (NO, Natubhai V. Patel College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120, Email: dhananjaydhruv@rediffmail.com) : Growth of flash evaporated ZnIn₂Se₄ thin films. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 121-8.

Zinc indium selenide (ZnIn₂Se₄) was prepared by melting pure constituents in stoichiometric proportions and thin films of this material were grown by a flash evaporation technique. The bulk material and the films were characterized by X - ray and electron diffraction. The effect of substrate temperature on the orientation of the films has also been studied by electron diffraction. The films grown in the substrate range 473 K ≤ T_s ≤ 573 K have - 267 - been identified to be single - phase, polycrystalline ZnIn₂Se₄ having a preferred (112) orientation. The surface morphology and roughness of the films were characterized by Atomic force microscopy. The implications are discussed.

5 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

024975   Dhaundiyal A (Scholar of Thermal Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Dep, Govind Ballabh Pant Agriculture and Technology Univ, Uttarakhand, Email: alok.dext@hotmail.com ) : Influence of blending on the engine parameters and the reynolds number. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 129-52.

Comprehensive analysis has been executed through dimensional analysis of Brake Thermal Efficiency. Blending of Gasoline with Ethanol, Methanol, and n- Butanol is known to us, but to what extent volumetric blending would be beneficial with gasoline has been studied in this paper. Using Buckingham p theory and dimensional analysis, we have found out the mathematical correlation of Brake Thermal Efficiency with some other variables, which influence the Brake Thermal Efficiency and other parameters of the Engine. Variation of Engine parameters and dependency of them with volumetric blending of alternative fuels is a major concern. Deriving the graphical variation of Reynolds number with different percentage of blend component, we can indirectly measure the turbulence and efficient propagation of flame of combustion. In this way, it is concluded whether blending is beneficial for point of view of proper combustion. Although we don't precisely defined the exact behaviour of blending components with Gasoline yet use some assumptions and relate the prototype of blending with derived mathematical correlations.E10, E15, E20, E25, E30, and E35 are used for comparative relationship with Gasoline. Some parameters are fixed; whereas others are changed accordingly to derived correlation.

16 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

024974   Davy M;Deepa R (EEE Dep, K.S.R. College of Engineering, Tiruchengode, Email: manjudavy@gmail.com) : Hardware implementation based on head movement using accelerometer sensor. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 17-21.

Challenging problem faced by the paralyzed people is their independent mobility. They need an external help to perform their daily activities. The main objective of this project is to rehabilitate the disabled people who cannot perform their voluntary movement. The hardware implementation of the wheel chair will be a mobility aid for the patients who are extremely suffering from the - 266 - quadriplegia. The wheel chair will work based on the head movement of the user. The recognized gestures are used to generate motion control commands to the controller so that it can control the motion of the wheel chair according to the users intention. Head movement is one of the natural gestures which can be easily tracked. The head movement is the gesture which can be performed by the quadriplegic patients whose body parts below the neck is paralysed. So the head movement is possible for the patients. The wheelchair includes the accelerometer sensor which detects the movement of head and the controller will process the signal and will transmit to the wheel chair for its navigation. This is will offer a small relief to the patients who are tolerating from this condition. The wheel chair is implemented in a cost effective way which reduces the complexity in the design. It is intended to be used as a human-friendly interface for elderly and disabled people to operate wheelchair using their head gestures rather than their hands. This autonomous navigation ensures safety, flexibility, mobility, obstacle avoidance and an intelligent interface for the users.

1 illus, 10 ref

024973   Chen H;Cao J;Song X;Qi J;Feng J (State Key Lab of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin-150 001, China, Email: cao_jian@hit.edu.cn) : Effect of ion beam irradiation surface treatment on solid-state bonding of Zr-based bulk metallic glass to pure copper. Indian J pure appl Phys 2014, 52(3), 162-5.

The surface of Zr-based bulk metallic glass and pure copper was irradiated by 1 keV argon ion beam before solid-state bonding. In addition, the sound solid-state joints without macroscopic deformation were obtained at 440°C for 15 min. Argon ion beam irradiation has a positive effect on the removal of oxide film on the bulk metallic glass and pure copper. The maximum tensile strength of joints was 131.06 MPa, which is much higher than the joints without surface treatment. The bulk metallic glass after bonding retained the unique amorphous structure, indicating that thermal cycle, microscopic deformation and atomic diffusion caused no crystallization of bulk metallic glass. Argon ion beam surface treatment provides a feasible route for the sound solid-state bonding of bulk metallic glass.

4 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

024972   Chaurasiya P K;Dubey P;Bharti M S (Civil Engineering Dep, M.A.N.I.T., Bhopal, Email: prem.chaurasiyaa@gmail.com) : Performance evaluation of biodiesel (pongamia or karanj oil) as an alternative fuel for diesel engine. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 288-96.

In the recent past years, Biodiesel as an alternative fuel is explored along with their desirable fuel characteristics because it is a nontoxic, biodegradable and renewable fuel with the potential to reduce engine emissions. Karanj (pongamia) oil known as Biodiesel, is receiving an attention as an alternative fuel for diesel engine. In the present paper various properties of biodiesel are discussed and also show the evaluation and comparison in relation to that of conventional diesel oil. Investigation were carried out by using Karanj oli Methyl Ester as well as blend of varying proportion of KME (Karanj oil Methyl Ester) and diesel were used to run a four stroke diesel engine. Initially experiment was carried out on the engine at different loads using diesel to have a base line data, and significant improvements in engine performance characteristics were observed.This paper also shows the production method, advantage, and disadvantages of other biodiesel.

6 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

024971   Chakrabarty N;Gupta K;Parida P;Mittal N (Traffic Engineering and Safety Div, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, Mathura Road, New Delhi-110 025) : Driver evaluation: mandatory tool for road safety. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2013, 21(2), 122-7.

Road traffic crashes are still a major cause of death, injuries and economic loss in India due to increasing number of old and unmaintained vehicles, inexperienced drivers and increasing number of aggressive and impulsive road users. But, unfortunately road safety is still not considered as a major priority for a sustainable transport system. So, there is an urgent demand to develop comprehensive Road Safety Policies. The key components of such policies should be based on strong commitments in increased acceptance of road safety as a problem, development of safety culture in society and coordination of all the policy makers. To inculcate safety culture within the society, dynamic safety standards should be introduced in all components of the transport system to stimulate continuous development. In particular this applies to: vehicle component for developing safety awareness among consumers and manufacturers; road component for introducing compulsory Road Safety Audits of Roads at the construction stage and develop safety assessment methods for existing roads, and driver component for continuous development of effective testing and evaluation system with awareness plan for driver licensing, education and testing of professional drivers. A case study conducted by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute for - 265 - driver components highlights that the specially trained drivers had significantly give superior performance in different evaluation criteria (tests) as compared to the normally trained group of the drivers. Present paper emphasizes the urgent demand of an effective and uniform driver testing and training system for inculcating safety culture in India.

4 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

024970   Asianuba I B;Nzeako A N;Sapre-Obi E (NO, Port Harcourt Univ, Rivers State, Nigeria, Email: ifecoson2008@yahoo.com) : Method of moments for antenna analysis. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 32-8.

Most integral/integrodifferential equations used to describe wire antenna analysis cannot be solved analytically hence the need for a technique to obtain the solution. This technique is the method of moment. It converts these equations into a linear system of equations which can be solved numerically by expanding the unknown in a set of basis function. It is then operated upon by a set of weighting function. It is a reliable method whose validity has been demonstrated (by several authors) by comparing it with experimental outcomes and good agreement is seen. In this work is enumerated the uniqueness of this approach, feed model, various formulation used in describing the model, the benefit and implication for any choice of the function to be used.

11 ref

024969   Arunraj K;Maran M (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Velammal College of Engineering and Technology, Madurai-625 009, Email: arunraj.usp@gmail.com) : Review of tangible benefits of TPM implementation. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 171-6.

This short review paper aims to study the tangible benefits of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) in the manufacturing industry. - 264 - In this short review, an attempt was made to critically discuss the previous literature related to the TPM. The review was done based on a range of journals related to TPM, published from 1988 up to 2013. A total of 33 papers were studied, specifically related to TPM. The review process starts by studying the TPM papers and identifying the tangible benefits of TPM. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvement is one of the main benefits in TPM implementation and has been discussed in most of the literature. However, TPM implementation methodology is suggested for improvement in the availability, performance efficiency and the quality rate, results in improvement of the overall equipment effectiveness of the equipment. This literature review-based research highlighted a TPM will improve the OEE. Based on this short review, it is suggested that more benefits are addressed by future research related to TPM, in order to solidify its philosophy towards a more realistic practical applications.

^iia 32 ref

024968   Arun Raj S;Pal Pandian P (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Christ Faculty of Engineering Univ, Bangalore, Email: ppalpandian@gmail.com) : Effect of tip injection on an axial flow fan under distorted inflow. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 302-9.

Present CFD analysis is aimed at studying the effect of tip injection on the performance and flow characteristics in the tip region of an axial flow fan under distorted inflow condition. Inlet flow distortions are flow non-uniformities that cause a reduction in performance and operating flow ranges of axial flow fan. CFD simulations were carried out for the following configurations: (a) 90° circumferential extent steady total pressure distortion without tip injection and (b) 90° circumferential extent steady total pressure distortion with tip injection. The configuration with six injectors, injector velocity of 60 m/s, 0° pitch angle, and injector skew angle of-15° (in an orientation opp.osing the direction of rotor rotation) is used for tip injection study. Total pressure values have been noted down from Ansys CFX post at the exit of the axial fan, both in distorted and uniform regions (with and without tip injection case). The simulation results are analyzed to obtain axial fan performance parameters like the pressure rise coefficient, flow coefficient. The result of the present analysis shows that the tip injection increases the pressure rise by 4.04% in distorted inflow for pitch angle of 0° and skew angle of -15°. Also there is a slight increment in the stall margin of the axial flow fan under distorted inflow.

6 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

024967   Arukalam I O;Madufo I C;Ogbobe O;Oguzie E E (Polymer and Textile Engineering Dep, Federal Techology Univ, P.M.B. 1526 Owerri, Email: innocent.arukalam@futo.edu.ng) : Adsorption and inhibitive properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose on the acid corrosion of mild steel. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 241-56.

Corrosion inhibition of mild steel in hydrochloric and sulphuric acid solutions by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) has been studied using weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentio dynamic polarization techniques. Inhibition was found to increase with increasing concentration of the inhibitor. The activation energy as well as other thermodynamic parameters (Q_ads, ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) for the inhibition process was calculated. The results obtained show that the HPMC served as an effective inhibitor of the corrosion of mild steel in hydrochloric and sulphuric acid media. The inhibitor adsorption followed Langmuir isotherm. The local reactivity of the HPMC molecule was also analyzed theoretically using the density functional theory to explain the adsorption characteristics, while molecular dynamics simulations were performed to illustrate the adsorption configuration of HPMC at a molecular level. The theoretical predictions showed good agreement with experimental findings.

9 illus, 4 tables, 43 ref

024966   Alkholidi A;Hamamah F (Electrical Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Sana'a Univ, Sana'a, Yemen, Email: abdulsalam.alkholidi@gmail.com) : Radio frequency radiation measurement from mobile base station at capital of Yemen Sana'a. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 209-19.

The aim of this paper is to measure and study the intensity of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) known as the power density (W/m2) emitted from mobile phone base stations operated by four mobile networks in Sana'a Yemen. The power density of spot measurement at different distances of transmitted antennas of base stations are measured. Several measurements were done at schools, hospitals, universities, and main squares in Sana'a. Obtained several results that we compared it with international standards.

10 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

024965   Alam P;Alam M (Civil Engg Dep, School of Mathematical Sciences and Engg, BGSBU, Jammu & Kashmir, Email: pervexalamjmi@gmail.com) : Bioreactor landfills: new trends in landfill design. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2014, 3(1), 187-93.

Environmental concerns of sentry landfills are generally revolve around quantity and quality of leachate production, gas generation mainly methane, and decomposition processes of organic matter occurring therein. Second main concern is to minimizing the time period for maximum organic degradation to minimize the leachate and gas emissions after saturation of landfill. This research paper compares the benefits of bioreactor landfill operation techniques over the conventional landfill techniques with the need for the research for the promising technology in India.

4 illus, 9 ref

023841   Yasser M;Abdul B;El-Gindy M (NO, Regina Wascana Parkway Univ, SK, Canada) : Stochastic model for environment sensing correction. IETE J Res 2013, 59(2), 176-88.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are growing in popularity and penetrating newer fields of applications more than ever. Gradually, authors are relying on WSNs to perform more complex tasks with increasing cognitive abilities. At the core of the WSN research transpires, the need is to achieve accurate sensing at real-time. Unfortunately, confidence in sensors' readings decreases in harsh environments and as a result of normal reading errors, message loss, or even low battery operations. The complex problem of dealing with corrections and in some cases shredding the outcome of entire deployments leads to loss of effort, time, and money. Classic approaches for correcting laboratory experiments like curve fitting and least square are well known and have been established for decades. But little research attempts have been made to correct and recalibrate sensors observations in real-time. Furthermore, classic approaches for correcting sensor observations require higher interaction between sensors to a level we cannot afford in deployments where battery, network, and memory represent scarce resource. In addition, classical corrections lack the ability to contemplate the physical properties of the underlying sensor environment. In this article, we present a sensor correction model that relies on clustered WSN. This approach employs autonomous selection mechanism to elect cluster heads by applying a stochastic competition between cluster members while maintaining the underlying physical properties as the bases to locate competition winner. Then, we perform the stochastic competitive correction at real-time by referencing the underlying physical properties of the environment represented by selected relation as suggested by the physics of the environment. Finally, sensors adapt the minor changes and maintain a relation to their surroundings by continuously monitoring and assimilating information received from surrounding sensors. We show that this approach has smaller footprint in terms of processing, communicating, and storage. Authors present our approach and apply it on an environment of known physical property.

10 illus, 20 ref

023840   Xiong H;Hong J S (School of Physical Electronics, Electronic Science and Technology of China Univ, Chengdu-610 054, China) : Wideband endfire directional microstrip antenna with metamaterials. IETE J Res 2013, 59(2), 150-5.

Wideband endfire directional microstrip antenna with metamaterials is specifically designed in this paper. The antenna has isolated square gaps and crossed strip-line etched on the metal patch and ground plane, respectively. The measurements show that the antenna presents an impedance bandwidth of 70.5% for |S₁₁| <60> -10 dB. Due to the left-handed transmission characteristics, the wave propagation along the patch induces the strongest radiation in endfire direction instead of the vertical direction of the conventional patch antenna. Simulated and experimental results obtained for this antenna show that it exhibits good radiation behavior in the wideband frequency range.

9 illus, 12 ref

023839   Wang X;Xiang D;Yu Z (Computer Science and Technology Dep, Tsinghua Univ, Beijing-100 084, China) : Cost-effective interconnect architecture for interconnection network. IETE J Res 2013, 59(2), 109-17.

Interconnect architecture is essential to the performance of the interconnection network, so it is very significant to design a new cost-effective interconnect architecture. 2D meshes are the most popular interconnect architecture for parallel processing. However, the diameter and average distance of a 2D mesh are large enough to greatly influence performance of the network. This paper presents a novel interconnect architecture called TM, which combines the advantages of both a 2D torus and a 2D mesh. For an n x n network, number of links of a TM is the same as that of a mesh, while the diameter of a TM is close to that of a torus. Besides, the average distance of a TM is at the middle of that of a torus and a mesh. To prevent deadlocks in TMs, a novel deadlock avoidance scheme, called proxy policy, is proposed. Moreover, both the deterministic and fully adaptive routing techniques in TMs are proposed using proxy policy to prevent deadlocks. Sufficient simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the TM network and the new routing schemes.

10 illus, 10 ref

023838   Vujasinovic G (NO, CTS International, 1455 Sandburg Terrace, Chicago Unit 702, IL 60610, USA) : Construction of RCC dams: delivery systems. Wat Energy int 2013, 70(10), 53-9.

023837   Vishnoi R K;Singhal S;Pradeep Kumar (NO, THDC India Limited, Rishikesh) : Design considerations for Vishnugad Pipalkoti Dam in highly seismic environment. Wat Energy int 2013, 70(10), 36-43.

5 illus, ref

023836   Tan G H;Roslina M S;Ramiah H;Chong W K (Electrical and Electronic Engineering Dep, Putra Malaysia Univ, Malaysia) : High-conversion gain, low-power mixer adapting current reuse technique for ZigBee application. IETE J Res 2013, 59(2), 128-31.

This paper presents a high-conversion gain, low-power, folded CMOS mixer for ZigBee application in 2.4 GHz of user bandwidth. The proposed mixer adapts current reuse technique to increase the conversion gain while substantially reducing the DC power dissipation. The current from LO stage is reused at the transconductance stage to reduce the power consumption. This mixer is verified in 0.13 μm standard CMOS technology. The simulation result exhibits a high-conversion gain performance (CG) of 10 dB, 1 dB compression point (P1 dB) of-13.43 dBm, third-order intercept point (IIP3) of-4.3 dBm, and a noise figure of 16.67 dB. The circuit draws 675 μA current from the 1.2 V of supply voltage headroom.

5 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

023835   Singh R;Verma H K (Electrical Engineering Dep, Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science Institute, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Email: vermaharishgs@gmail.com) : Teachning-learning-based optimization algorithm for parameter identification in the design of IIR filters. J Instn Engrs : Ser B 2014, 94(4), 285-94.

This paper presents a teaching-learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm to solve parameter identification problems in the designing of digital infinite impulse response (IIR) filter. TLBO based filter modelling is applied to calculate the parameters of unknown plant in simulations. Unlike other heuristic search algorithms, TLBO algorithm is an algorithm-specific parameter-less algorithm. In this paper big bang-big crunch (BB-BC) optimization and PSO algorithms are also applied to filter design for comparison. Unknown filter parameters are considered as a vector to be optimized by these algorithms. MATLAB programming is used for implementation of proposed algorithms. Experimental results show that the TLBO is more accurate to estimate the filter parameters than the BB-BC optimization algorithm and has faster convergence rate when compared to PSO algorithm. TLBO is used where accuracy is more essential than the convergence speed.

5 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

023834   Singh R P;Mukherjee V;Ghoshal S P (Electrical Engineering Dep, Asansol Engineering College, Asansol, Assam, Email: vivek_agamani@yahoo.com) : Opposition-based harmony search algorithm. J Instn Engrs : Ser B 2014, 94(4), 247-56.

This paper proposes a novel approach to accelerate the harmony search (HS) algorithm. The proposed opposition-based HS of the present work employs opposition-based learning for harmony memory initialization and also for the generation jumping. In the present work, opposite numbers have been utilized to improve the convergence rate of the HS. The potential of the proposed algorithm is assessed by means of an extensive comparative study of numerical results on benchmark test functions. The results obtained confirm the potential and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm compared to some other algorithms surfaced in the recent state-of-the art literatures. Additionally, the opposition concept has been incorporated in an improved variant of HS such as local-best HS algorithm with dynamic subpopulations and the potential of incorporation of opposition concept in evolutionary optimization algorithm is established.

5 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

023833   Singh B;Bist V (Electrical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi) : DICM and DCVM of a PFC-based SEPIC-fed PMBLDCM drive. IETE J Res 2013, 59(2), 141-9.

Deals with two - 208 - different discontinuous conduction modes of a Power Factor Corrected (PFC) Single Ended Primary Inductor Converter (SEPIC) -fed Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor (PMBLDCM) Drive. A novel scheme of speed control of PFC-based SEPIC-fed PMBLDCM drive is proposed using a single voltage sensor. The SEPIC is operated in a Discontinuous Inductor Current Mode (DICM) and Discontinuous Capacitor Voltage Mode (DCVM) feeding PMBLDCM Drive. A Diode Bridge Rectifier (DBR) fed from a single-phase AC supply followed by a SEPIC DC-DC converter is used for power factor correction. A three-phase Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) is used for the electronic commutation of the PMBLDC motor. The speed control is achieved by controlling the DC link voltage of the VSI. A voltage follower approach is used to control the DC link voltage of the front-end SEPIC converter. The developed model of the system is used to simulate the performance of the drive system to achieve improved power quality at AC mains with a wide range of speed control.

12 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

023832   Singh A K;Tyagi B;Vishal Kumar (Electrical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee) : Application of feed forward and recurrent neural network topologies for the modeling and identification of binary distillation column. IETE J Res 2013, 59(2), 167-75.

This paper presents identification of artificial neural network model of a Binary Distillation Column (BDC). In this paper, the two most common topologies of artificial neural networks in the area of control are introduced: Feed forward neural network and recurrent neural networks. The training of neural network has been performed by the data set acquired from real 9-tray continuous BDC setup available in laboratory. The network model is composed of two layers. A hyperbolic tangent sigmoid function and a pure linear function have been utilized as activation functions in the first and the second layers, respectively. The developed neural network model has been validated by an extensive data set of practical data received from real BDC setup.

8 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

023831   Sharma G D;Patel K R (R&D Centre for Science and Engineering, JEC Group of Colleges Jaipur Engineering College, Kukas, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Email: gdsharma273@gmail.com) : Dye sensitized solar cells based on porphyrins and phthalocyanines dyes. Invertis J renewable Energy 2014, 4(1), 1-18.

World has recently been waking up to urgent need to move away from fossil fuels and towards a low carbon economy. To achieve this we need a technology for producing electricity that is efficient, widely applicable and cheap. At a same time there has recently been an appreciation of tremendous scope for making entirely new types of devices for the converting solar energy into electricity. Emerging alternative technologies such as organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have recently gain much attention as well as maturity and on the step of being commercialized. Tremendous research efforts have been invested to improve the power conversion efficiency of the DSSCs, which is generally determined by light harvesting efficiency, electron injection efficiency and charge collection efficiency. Porphyrins and phthalocyanine are perfectly suited for the DSSCs, as photoactive materials. These materials exhibit very attractive physical properties, particularly very high extinction coefficients in the visible and near infrared regions, where the maximum solar photon flux occurs, that is necessary for efficient light harvesting efficiency, besides suitable highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels and semiconductor capabilities. This review provides an overview on the major achievement and current directions for optimization of performance in the DSSCs based on porphyrins and phthalocyanine. The maximum PCE achieved so far for DSSCs based on porphyrin dyes is 10.16%.

^iia17 illus, 70 ref

023830   Sanjeev Kumar;Singh F;Kapoor A (Electronic Science Dep, Delhi Univ, South Campus, New Delhi-110 023, Email: sanjeevkumarphy@gmail.com) : Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composites prepared by sol-gel technique using zinc oxide nano particles for dye sensitized solar cells. Invertis J renewable Energy 2014, 4(1), 37-42.

In this paper, a novel carbon nanotube (CNT)-polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite was successfully synthesized by Sol-gel method of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with CNTs for solid-state dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The crystallite size, structure and optical properties such as absorbance and band gap of these are investigated using X-Ray Diffraction and UV-visible. The prepared films are highly transparent as evidenced by the UV-visible spectra and the crystallite size of ZnO in nanocomposites is found to be about <126>16 nm as estimated using Scherrer's formula. A little increase in the band-gap of ZnO is observed by doping it with carbon nanotubes (CNT) in PMMA matrices. - 207 - The synthesized nanocomposites are having potential application's as the electrode material for dye-sensitized solar cells.

6 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

023829   Saikia D;Sarma U;Boruah P K (Instrumentation and USIC Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014, Email: dsaikia.10@gmail.com ) : Development of an online heat index measurement system for thermal comfort determination. MAPAN 2014, 29(1), 67-72.

This paper presents the development of a reliable heat index (HI) measurement system for evaluating the thermal comfort of a particular building or a particular area. The HI is an index that combines air temperature and relative humidity (RH) to determine the human-perceived equivalent temperature. To measure the air temperature and RH, temperature to digital converter and RH to voltage converter is used. HI is calculated online with the help of embedded firmware of the microcontroller. This calculated value is then transferred to the computer through standard RS 232 serial port. The same sensor node is tested with the RS 485 network standard by changing the transceiver of the node. The system is calibrated using four standard saturated binary salt solutions.

8 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

023828   Reddy E R;Sharma M;Chaudhary J P;Bosamiya H; Meena R (Scale-Up and Process Engineering Unit, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar-364 002, Email: rmeena@csmcri.org) : One-pot synthesis of biodiesel from high fatty acid Jatropha curcas oil using bio-based basic ionic liquid as a catalyst. Curr Sci 2014, 106(10), 1394-400.

This article describes a facile one-pot synthesis of bio-diesel from non-treated Jatropha oil (J oil) with high acid value (ca, 17 mg KOH/g). Choline hydroxide exhibited superior catalytic activity than choline imi-dazole in the transesterification that yields 95 ± 1% of biodiesel, when the reaction was carried out with 9 : 1 molar ratio of methanol to J oil and 4 wt% catalysts at 60°C for 4 h. Further study showed that the catalyst exhibited almost constant activity for four successive trials after being recycled. The main fuel properties of the final product meets the ASTM standards. Moreover, the properties of biodiesel are identical to those obtained by conventional method (US 7,666,234 B2) and can be used as fuel in the existing diesel engines without any modification.

6 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

023827   Ratna Kumar K;Madhusudhan Reddy G;Srinivasa Rao K (Metallurgical Engineering Dep, Government Polytechnic, Visakhapatnam-530 007) : Studies on partially melted zone and pitting corrosion resistance of A356 aluminium-silicon alloy GTA welds. Indian Weld J 2014, 47(1), 27-42.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) of Pressure Die cast A356 Al-Si alloy with strontium modification was done both with and without filler. The microstructural changes in Weld metal zone (WM), Heat affected zone (HAZ) and Partially Melted Zone (PMZ) were studied. PMZ of aluminium alloy weld is an important region, as it is the weak link in the weldments. It is significantly affected by the welding parameters, filler metal and prior thermal condition. In the present work affect of welding techniques i.e. Continuous Current Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (CCGTAW) and pulsed Current Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (PCGTAW) on microstructure and pitting corrosion resistance of weld metal, Partially melted zone and Heat affected zone in the prior conditions of as cast and T6 conditions were studied. Susceptibility to liquation was found to be less in the weld made in as cast condition of pulsed current GTA welds compared to that of artificially aged condition (T6) of continuous current GTA welds. This was mainly attributed to the silicon enrichment of eutectics at the grain boundaries. Potentiodynamic polarization testing was carried out to study the pitting corrosion behavior of the welds. Pitting corrosion resistance of weld made with pulsed current GTAW of as cast alloy is better than the that of weld made with continuous current GTAW of T6 alloy. This is mainly attributed to the - 206 - discontinuous eutectic formation at the grain boundary base metal and PMZ.

17 illus, 36 ref

023826   Rao M;Hoysall D C;Gopalan J (NO, R.V. College of Engineering, Mysore Road, R.V. Vidyaniketan Post, Bangalore-560 059, Email: jaggie@aero.iisc.ernet.in) : Mahogany seed-a step forward in deciphering autorotation. Curr Sci 2014, 106(8), 1101-09.

This article presents an experimental approach for evaluating the various flight characteristics of a mahogany seed in its autorotative descent. Analytical formulae proposed by Yasuda and Azuma are used to interpret the results. The findings are used in the development of a sophisticated blade element computational model, primarily to analyse planar autorotating systems. This approximate computational approach is then used to predict the flight performance of mahogany seeds and the results are compared with experimental data. The potential use of the computational model in the design of autorotating systems is then brought to light.

20 illus, 10 ref

023825   Rani S;Singh A P (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal-148 106, Email: shwetakakkar21@gmail.com) : On the design and analysis of modified koch curve fractal antenna. J Instn Engrs : Ser B 2014, 94(4), 231-6.

Comparative study of the conventional and modified Koch curve antennas has been analyzed. The geometries of the antennas are obtained by an iterative function system algorithm for fractal curve generation. It has been observed that by keeping height and width of curve constant the modified Koch curve antenna provide more resonant frequencies with better return loss in comparison with conventional Koch curve antenna. The presented analysis quantifies the advantages provided by the modified Koch curve antenna and is validated by simulations and experimental results.

10 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

023824   Rangadinesh S;Rajasekar M;Arunkumar S; Venkatesan M (NO, School of Mechanical Engineering, SASTRA Univ, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur-613 401, Email: mvenkat@mech.sastra.edu) : Experimental and numerical analysis on heat tranfer characteristics of shoe brush-shaped fins. Curr Sci 2014, 106(10), 1414-20.

Experiments were on a shoe-brush-shaped fin consisting of a single bunch of splayed metal wires of circular cross-section from copper base plate. The fin was fabricated and its heat transfer characteristics were studied through experiments and numerical simulation. Fabrication was done through sand casting and the product was machined for required dimensions and surface finish. Numerical studies were done using ANSYS Fluent 3D. It can be inferred from the experiments and numerical studies that the fabricated fin maintains a lower base plate temperature than the rectangular flat fin and cylindrical pin fin for the same heat transfer rate, material and exposed area.

14 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

023823   Rajapaksha R D A A;Fernando C A N (Nano-Technology Research Laboratory, Electronics Dep, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba Sri Lanka Univ, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka, Email: nandanaf@phy.ruh.ac.lk) : Photocurrent enhancement in a photo-electrochemical cell with improved Cu/ n-Cu₂O photoelectrode by reducing the surface states on n-Cu₂O as trapping centers. Invertis J renewable Energy 2014, 4(1), 24-8.

n-Cu₂O photoelectrodes were fabricated by boiling a copper plate for 60 min in a CuSO₄ (10^-3M) solution. A photocurrent enhancement was found in the photoelectrochemical cell after the potential sweeping of the samples in the presence of water as the electrolyte. The reason for the photocurrent enhancement was found by depletion of the surface states on n-Cu₂O at electrolyte interface by potential sweeping.

4 illus, 11 ref

023822   Rajapaksha R D A A;Fernando C A N (Nano-Technology Research Laboratory, Electronics Dep, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba Sri Lanka Univ, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka, Email: nandanaf@phy.ruh.ac.lk) : Characteristics of n-Cu₂ O/p-CuI solid-state photovoltaic cells. Invertis J renewable Energy 2014, 4(1), 19-23.

n-Cu₂O/p-CuI junction photoelectrode was fabricated on a copper sheet to make a solid state photovoltaic cell. A photocurrent enhancement was found for the junction photoelectrode, because of the efficient charge separation process operated at the junction compared to the solar cells fabricated from bare semiconductor thin films. Mainly, the photocurrent was generated due to the band to band electron transitions of n-Cu₂O films in the junction photoelectrode. Optical absorption properties photocurrent action spectra of the materials were studied to explain the photocurrent generation of the solar cell. It was found that the sample was highly stable with time under illumination of light. Power conversion efficiency was reached nearly 2.4% for n-Cu₂O/p-CuI junction photo-electrode.

5 illus, 8 ref

023821   Petrik J;Palfy P (Integrated Management Dep, Faculty of Metallurgy, Technical Kosice Univ, Letna 9, 04 001 Kosice, Slovakia, Email: jozef.petrik@tuke.sk) : Variability of indentation size effect (ISE) of standard reference block. MAPAN 2014, 29(1), 43-50.

The aim of the submitted work is to study the influence of applied loads ranging from 0.09807 to 0.9807 N on microhardness. Whereas standard reference block with defined specified hardness and its uncertainty was used as a specimen, individual measurement involved indirect calibration of tester. The measurement was repeated for estimation of the variability of results. The influence of applied load on the measured value of microhardness was evaluated by Meyer's index n, PSR method and by analysis of variance and was different for individual - 204 - "measurements" despite the identical specimen, method, equipment and appraiser. The uncertainty of measured values of the hardness partly obscures the occurrence and type of indentation size effect.

9 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref