022536   Ghugal Y M;George J T (NO, , ) : Cylindrical bending of shear flexible plates using trigonometric shear deformation theory. J expl appl Mech 2012, 3(2-3), (NULL).

Trigonometric shear deformation theory for cylindrical bending of shear flexible plates taking into account transverse shear deformation effect is developed. The displacement field of the theory uses sinusoidal function in terms of thickness coordinate to include shear deformation effects. It has only two variables. It is to be noted that the present theory satisfies the constitutive relations in respect of transverse shear strain and stress. The transverse shear stress can be obtained directly from constitutive relation, satisfying the shear stress free boundary conditions at top and bottom surfaces of the plate. Hence, the theory requires no shear factor. Governing equations and boundary conditions of the theory are obtained by using principle of virtual work. The results from closed form solution obtained for inplane and transverse displacements and bending and shear stresses for three load cases, viz; single sine load, uniformly distributed load, and concentrated load are presented in this paper. The results are compared with those of classical plate theory and first order shear deformation theory to validate the accuracy of the theory.

022535   Ghugal Y M;Dahake A G (NO, , ) : Flexure of Thick Cantilever Beams using Trigonometric Shear Deformation Theory. J expl appl Mech 2012, 3(1), (NULL).

A trigonometric shear deformation theory for flexural analysis of thick beams, taking into account transverse shear deformation effects, is developed. The number of variables in the present theory is same as that in the first order shear deformation theory. The sinusoidal function is used in displacement field in terms of thickness coordinate to represent the shear deformation effects. The noteworthy feature of this theory is that the transverse shear stresses can be obtained directly from the use of constitutive relations with excellent accuracy, satisfying the shear stress free conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the beam. Hence, the theory obviates the need of shear correction factor. Governing differential equations and boundary conditions are obtained by using the principle of virtual work. The thick isotropic beams are considered for the numerical studies to demonstrate the efficiency of the theory. It has been shown that the theory is capable of predicting the local effect of stress concentration due to fixity of support. The cantilever isotropic beams subjected to linearly varying loads are examined using the present theory. Results obtained are discussed critically with those of other theories.

022534   Gajender Singh;Rahesh Kumar (NO, Patap Institute of Technology & Science Sikar, Rajasthan) : Performance of diesel engine working on neem oil blends. Engng Technol India 2012, 1(5), 121-3.

022533   Durai S;Boobalan S C;Muthupriya P; Venkatasubramam R (Highway Dep, , Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, Email: duraish@yahoo.com) : Experimental study on fibre reinforced high performance concrete with silica fume. J Constr Engng Technol Mgmt 2013, 3(1), 26-30.

This paper presents the effect of silica fume and glass fibre in High Performance Concrete (HPC). In this study, High Performance Concrete mixes with silica fume of 0, 10, and 20% with addition of glass fibre of diameter 14 μ and 12 mm length at various percentages as 0, 0.3, and 0.6% by the volume of cement on M75 grade of concrete. The mix proportions of concrete had a constant binder of 0.26 and superplasticizer was added based on the required degree of workability. For each mix standard sizes of cubes, cylinders and prisms as per Indian Standards were cast and tested for compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength at the age of 28 days. The addition of silica fume shows early strength gaining property and that of glass fibre control the cracking due to shrinkage. The results are satisfactory for the use of 10% silica fume and 0.3% glass fibre in producing High Performance concrete.

3 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

022532   Danodia P (NO, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, , Email: pankajdanodia@gmail.com) : Rapid prototyping in CAD. Engng Technol India 2012, 1(7), 4-6.

CAD/CAM delivers the complete solution for the entire product development cycle from early design stage to production planning. Rapid Prototyping Solutions offers instantaneous realization of the product design for verification and therefore enhances the product quality and bridges the communication between designer and manufacturer. CAD Customization tailors the platform of custom product design to ensure the design consistency and shorter design time. CAM Customization optimizes the machining parameters ensuring the efficient and quality of the manufacturing processes. Computer Aided Process Planning wellorganize the entire product development cycle by gathering every single information of the product design and manufacturing processes enabling accuracy capacity estimation and therefore optimize the production schedule for on-time delivery. In the design and manufacturing industry today, there is much greater awareness than ever before for the need of design automation. This has occurred as a result of 3D CAD/CAM technology being widely used, and creates tremendous opportunities for application software developers to enter this market.

7 ref

022531   Chasib A L;Mohsin M A;Alnuaimi A (Civil & Architectural Engineering Dep, College of Engineering, University of Burimi, Buraimi. PO Box: 890, PC512, Sultanate of Oman) : Comparative study on causes of selay in completion of construction projects in Oman. J Constr Engng Technol Mgmt 2013, 3(1), 1-6.

Aim of this paper was to identify the problems resulting from the delays in completion of construction projects in Oman. A field study was conducted on a number of construction projects in Muscat area to collect data required for analysis. Two groups of projects were studied, the first group included projects constructed during the period 2007-2008 and the second group studied comprised projects constructed during the period 2009-2010. It was found that 40 per cent of the projects constructed during the periods of both groups have experienced delays in completion with slight differences in the length of delay between the two groups. Another finding was that the causes of delay are changing with the time in a pattern depending on different variables. Owner related causes were found to be the dominant reason for delay and contrarily the first to seek solutions.

022530   Buyuksagis A;Ozturk U;Aksut A A (Science and Art Faculty, Afyonkarahisar Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, Email: absagis@aku.edu.tr) : Corrosion behaviour of coatings on 304 steel. Asian J Chem 2012, 24(1), 165-75.

The aim of this study is to determine the corrosion characteristics of 304 steel by the methods of Tafel extrapolation, linear polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The steel surface is covered with nickel as electrochemical Watt's bath. Additionally, polyaniline (PANI) is synthesized on the steel electrode covered with nickel by the method of electrochemical cyclic voltammetry method. The effect of single and double coats of steel on corrosion resistance is examined in 3.5 % NaCl, 1N NaOH and 1N HCl solutions for the waiting time of 1, 48, 120 and 168 h. The surface morphology of steel, which is uncovered, is examined by SEM-EDX and the polyaniline is also examined in the same way. As well as the one covered with Ni + polyaniline is examined in the same way too. The synthesized polyaniline on the surface is analyzed by FTIR spectrum. Double coatings (Ni + polyaniline) has showed better corrosion resistance than single coating (polyaniline). Ni + polyaniline coatings in 1 N NaOH and 1 N HCl solutions has showed better corrosion resistance than polyaniline coating. The corrosion current of the steel covered with Ni + polyaniline in 1 N HCl and 1 N NaOH solutions is lower than the corrosion current of polyaniline coating. SEM-EDX analyses have showed that the surface covered with Ni + polyaniline is more homogenous and compact. This result is also convenient with the electrochemical experiment results.

11 illus, 6 tables, 38 ref

022529   Boob T N;Rao Y R M (Dr. N.P. Hirani Polytechnic, , Pusad Dist. Yavatmal, Maharashtra, Email: tn.boob@rediffimail.com) : Failure of municipal councils in its role of implementation of development plan roads. Recent Trends Civil Engng Technol 2013, 4(1), 21-34.

Town/city growth is dynamic and a continuous process. Due to rapid growth of town and consequent urbanization, town face multifarious physio-socio- economic and infrastructural problem. Municipal towns are not bar to these phenomena. Convenient, attractive and safe roads are an essential requirement of a town. It is the duty of municipal council to ensure that while preparing cities' development plan, people are provided with means of transport of optimum convenience within city and spend as little time as possible on their daily journey in safe manner. Development plan roads are like a blood circulation system of a human body. By and large it is observed that, development plan roads are neither implemented nor they are developed in its true sense. Performance of the municipal councils in respect of planning, implementation and maintenance of development plan road is far from satisfactory. The present case study is undertaken to know the performance of municipal councils in planning, implementing and maintaining the development plan roads within the council area over a period of 10 to 15 years from the sanction of development plan. `B' and `C' class municipal councils of Yavatmal district in the state of Maharashtra (India) has been taken for this research study. Growing urban population of municipal town, philosophy of preparation of development plan for pretty long period of 20 years, faulty road construction practices and non availability of strong database indicate that there is a need of planning for municipal roads by setting long term goals and developing system approach to municipal road management by creating traffic and transportation wing at municipal council.

5 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

022528   Bhardwaj K L;Sharma T Y (NO, , 284, Arya Nagar Alwar-301 001, Email: bhardwajk00@gmail.com) : KM world companies that matter in knowledge management. Engng Technol India 2012, 1(5), 57-62.

Leading information provider serving the Knowledge, Document and Content Management systems market, KM World informs more than 45,000 subscribers about the components and processes - and subsequent success stories - those together offer solutions for improving business performance. KM World is a publishing unit of Information Today. Knowledge management refers to the practices and strategies that a company uses in an attempt to create distribute and enable adoption of strategic insights and specific experiences (O'Leary, 2002). This knowledge can be embodied in either individual or organizational practices or processes. Successful business firms and companies have committed hefty investments towards development of internal knowledge management efforts. KM World shared its latest picks for the 100 Companies That Matter in Management. To be sure, these aren't the only companies that 'matter,' but these 100 companies have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their customers by helping to harvest an organization's collective intelligence in order to best serve its entire constituency chain.

022527   Barik D;Murugan S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, Email: debabrata93@gmail.com) : Design and development of floating type biogas digester for power generation. Engng Technol India 2012, 1(5), 1-6.

world is very keen to produce the first generation biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) for replacement of petroleum fuels. However, the second generation biofuels are also considered for the same purpose as they can be produced from various organic substances that are not convertible by the fermentation and transesterification which are the processes used to produce first generation biofuels. Biogas produced by the anaerobic digestion from various organic substances offers low cost and low emissions than any other secondary fuels. This paper provides a short review on the biogas production. And also the paper describes the design and development of a floating type biogas digester.

3 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

022526   Bansal A K;Suthar G L;Sharma R (Electrical Engineering Dep, Poornima College of Engineering, Sitapura Jaipur-302 022) : 24-pulse STATCOM simulation model to improve voltage sag due to starting of 100 HP induction-motor. Engng Technol India 2012, 1(6), 5-9.

simulation model of static compensator (24-p STATCOM) has been constructed on matlab/simulink software to examine its capability for voltage sag mitigation This paper describes the performance of a Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) device, namely, STATic synchronous COMpensator (STATCOM) based on 24-pulse Voltage Source Converter (VSC), for the mitigation of voltage-dip caused by the starting of a 100 HP high power induction motor. It improves the voltage profile feeding to a high power induction motor at starting by injecting a controllable current to the supply line. Its capability to compensate reactive power to the system when the voltage dip occurs due to starting of 100 HP power induction motor load is described. 24-pulse VSC- based STATCOM and implemented it into a power-system consist a 100 HP power induction motor in MATLAB Simulink environment. The results show that the fast response and the STATCOM capability to for mitigate voltage sag.

7 illus, 8 ref

022525   Balashanmugam N;Ankit K;Niranjan Reddy K; Shanmugaraj V;Shashi Kumar P V (NO, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, Bangalore, Email: balashanmugam@cmti-india.net) : Measurement of straightness of high aspect ratio thick walled cylinder. Mfg Technol Today 2012, 11(1-2), 5-10.

Productivity in manufacture of high aspect ratio cylinders depends on how ^quickly the inspection parameters are measured and corrective actions are taken. Long cylinders undergo a series of processes including bend removal and machining. These processes undergo a series of iterations consuming considerable amount of time for the measurement of straightness of cylinder. In this paper, a concept is proposed, where, the straightness of the bore of a cylinder (barrel) is measured in-situ on the machine. In this method, the barrel diameter and thickness are measured at number of planes using touch trigger probe and ultrasonic transducer respectively. Ultrasonic transducer assembly and the touch trigger probe are mounted on the turret of the CNC Turn Mill Centre. The setup for ultrasonic based measurement includes a nozzle for the supply of stream of liquid on the work piece, an ultrasonic transducer and a data capturing unit. Echo from ultrasonic waves is obtained back from the stream enabling the measurement of the relative position from the outer profile of the work piece to its internal profile. By orienting (rotating) the work piece at different locations in the same plane, thickness and diameters are measured. Straightness is measured by continuing to measure along the length of the cylinder. The thickness and diameters obtained are then used for the evaluation of straightness of the bore.

7 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

022524   Anu (EE Dep, I.E.T., Alwar, Rajasthan, Email: anushreya17@gmail.com) : Intelligent smart grid. Engng Technol India 2012, 1(5), 34-8.

This paper presents a vision of the smart grid in transmission and distribution system, which will be fully automated based on artificial intelligence (AI).

3 illus, 40 ref

022523   Ali A;Agarwal V;Yadav V K (NO, , ) : Behavior study of D-statcom with load variation. Engng Technol India 2012, 1(7), 80-4.

Multi-level power conversion is playing a big role for high power applications. The multi-level Voltage Source Converter (VSC) allows to reach the goal with low Harmonics and high voltage. A three-phase insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)-based distribution static VAR compensator (D-STATCOM) is used for voltage unbalance compensation. Multi-level VSC with diode have simple configuration and very easy controlling. This device improves the quality and reliability of voltage distribution and power flow into the networks. It reduces the effect of voltage sags, swells and interruption in the distribution system. Multi-level DSTATCOM configuration shown here with a three level voltage source converter. Main Objective here to increase the DC voltage to compensate the sag or swell which create voltage interruption during these conditions in the load voltage. The DC voltage controlled by the inverter switching. Reliability and robustness of the control scheme in the system response to the voltage disturbances due to load variations is shown in simulation results. The simulation and experimental results show that the control schemes can compensate the unbalance in the voltage source.

2 illus, 23 ref

022522   Al-Wassai F A;Kalyankar N V (Computer Science Dep, SRTMU, Nanded, Email: fairozqwaseai@yahoo.com) : Segmentation fusion method on 10 multi-sensors. Engng Technol India 2012, 1(5), 124-38.

Most significant problem may be undesirable effects for the spectral signatures of fused images as well as the benefits of using fused images mostly compared to their source images were acquired at the same time by one sensor. They may or may not be suitable, for the fusion of other images. Ist becomes therefore increasingly important to investigate techniques that allow multi-sensor, multi-date image fusion tomake final conclusions can be drawn on the most suitable method of fusion. So, In this study we present a new method Segmentation Fusion method (SF) for remotely sensed images is presented by considering the physical characteristics of sensors, which uses a feature level processing paradigm. In a particularly, attempts to test the proposed method performance on 10 multi-sensor images and comparing it with different fusion techniques for estimating the quality and degress of information improvement quantitatively by using various spatial and spectral metrics.

13 illus, 7 tables, 41 ref

022521   Agarwal A;Suwalka P;Prajapati M (ECE Department, Baldev Ram Msirdha Institute of Technology (EC), ITS-3, EPIP Ssltapura, Jaipur-302 022, Email: ankitsagarwal@gmail.com) : MPEG: it's need, evolution and processing methods. Engng Technol India 2012, 1(5), 80-5.

This paper deals with various aspects and evolution of MPEG standards, its applications and various processing methods. All simulations of suggested processing techniques were done using MATLAB R2009a software.

022520   Agarwal A;Kararia T S;Agarwal A (ECE Dep, Baldev Ram Mirdha Institute of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan-302 022, Email: ankitsagarwal@gmail.com) : Performance evaluation of bit error rate by using pade's approximation over G-distribution. Engng Technol India 2012, 1(5), 92-8.

In wireless communication the effect of multipath as well as shadowing takes place simultaneously over the channel and this phenomena leads to composite fading. In this paper Pade approximation approach is used to analysis the performance of composite multipath/shadowed fading channel. Pade approximation is mathematical modeling tool to provide closed form solution for moment generating function as well as bit error rate of G-distribution function. Bit error rate has been regarded as fundamental information for the performance analysis of any communication system. G-distribution is a combination of Inverse-Gaussian distribution with nakagami distribution. This composite distribution is mainly encountered distribution in wireless fading environment. Our study starts with driving the moment generating function of the G-distribution and approximate this function by using Pade's Approximation and calcute the bit error probability for DPSK and Noncoherent FSK modulation All simulation is done using Maple-13 software MATLAB and result is obtained for outage probability and bit error rate versus average signal to noise ratio.

9 illus, 16 ref

021666   Vivek Chandra;Tiwari A K (NO, MPPKVVCL, Jabalpur) : Information security in power distribution: a case study. Wat Energy int 2012, 69(2), 9-12.

The analysis shows that large measures have been taken by MPPKVVCL to ensure Information Security of the IT System. Although management of the security tools would be a challenge keeping in view the limited resources and shortage of manpower but if the same is attained, the Centralized Architecture established through R-APDRP would prove to be a panacea to most of the woes presently being faced by the Company because of the distributed IT architecture it has at present.

2 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

021665   Vidya R;Santhakumar S M (Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Dep, , Tiruchuappalli, Email: vidarajesh123@gmail.com) : Simulation study of construction work zones. Recent Trends Civil Engng Technol 2012, 2(2), 60-70.

Rapid infrastructure development paves way to widening and strengthening of highways. During this process, construction work zones are encountered. Speed in the construction work zones is a vital factor to be focused upon, especially on highways. If the speed is high, fatal accidents will occur in the work zone and if it is too low, it will contribute towards the delay, followed by increased queue lengths and thereby increased vehicle operating cost (VOC). The variation of speed in different construction work zones during various stages of construction has been studied with a case study of a four-laning project of Trichy-Thanjavur section of NH-67. An attempt has been made to model the construction work zone in VISSIM, a microsimulation software. Simulation models of the work zones were generated with the entities, attributes of entities and activities within the entities involved in the work zone system. The output travel time for different components of the work zones obtained from the simulation run was analyzed and compiled. Validation is done using the travel time data observed experimentally in different work zone sections and a comparison between the observed and simulated results is presented.

13 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

021664   Verma S;Neelesh Kumar;Amod Kumar (Biomedical Instrumentation Unit, Central Scientific Instruments Organization, (CSIO), Sector 30-C, Chandigarh-160 030, Email: neel5278@gmail.com) : Design analysis of variable damping mechanism using magnetorheological fluids for adaptive prosthetic foot. J scient ind Res 2013, 72(4), 213-16.

Applications of Magnetorheological (MR) fluids to act as mechanical dampers are new and increasing day by day. This paper proves to be an attempt in applying variable damping properties of a MR fluid in a new application of adaptive variable damper prosthetic foot. A 3-D model of the prosthetic foot was developed on the software Autodesk Inventor Professional 2011. Design analysis of prosthetic foot was carried out and damping coefficients were calculated with the help of Dynamic Simulation Environment of Inventor. Typical specification of MR fluid was suggested to act as damper for the prosthetic foot.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

021663   Tiwari H;Sharma N;Simegn A A (Water Resources Development and Management Dep, IIT, Roorkee, Email: habit31@gmail.com) : Bridge scour by HEC-RAS model: a case study over Ganga bridge. Recent Trends Civil Engng Technol 2012, 2(2), 1-8.

Lacey's equation is often used to find out the scour depth in rivers in India. Lacey's regime formula (1930) was developed on the basis of limited field data from irrigation canals in Punjab Province having discharge ranges from 0.70 to 173 m³/s. The total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three mechanisms: long-term aggradation-degradation, contraction of reach, and local scours at piers and abutments. In the present study, HEC-RAS model is used to estimate the bridge scour for the Ganges road bridge and it is then compared with Lacey's formula. Apparently, more realistic results are obtained by HEC-RAS model as it considers more related factors as angle of attack, bed conditions, shape of piers, flow concentrations, flow depth and Froude No. as against discharge intensity and silt factor considered in case of Lacey's equation. Comparative study is carried out for different angles of attack and restricted flow condition near the bridge site. From the restriction of waterway by 3.6 km to 2 km, abutment scour and contraction scour change 1.6 times and 3.9 times respectively. So, the waterway has significant role for the bridge foundation design. By changing angle of attack by 5 °, the change in pier scour is 10%.

8 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

021662   Thanigaivalen R;Arunachalam R (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Muthayammal Engineering College, Rasipuram-637 408, Email: tvaeln10@gmail.com) : Optimization of process parameters on machining rate and overcut in electrochemical micromachining using grey relational analysis. J scient ind Res 2013, 72(1), 36-42.

This paper investigates the effect and parametric optimization of process parameters for Electrochemical micromachining (EMM) of 304 stainless steel using grey relation analysis. Experiments were conducted using machining voltage, pulse on-time, electrolyte concentration and tool tip shapes as typical process parameters. The grey relational analysis was adopted to obtain grey relational grade for EMM process with multiple characteristics namely machining rate and overcut. Analysis of variance was performed to get the contribution of each parameter on the performance characteristics and it was observed that electrolyte concentration and tool tip shape were the most significant process parameters that affect the EMM robustness. The experimental results reveal that, the conical with rounded electrode, machining voltage of 9V, pulse on-time of 15ms and electrolyte concentration of 0.35mole/l is the optimum combination for higher machining rate and lesser overcut. The experimental results for the optimal setting show that there is considerable improvement in the process.

4 illus, 7 tables, 19 ref

021661   Tandon A;Kasera J;Pokharna M (NO, Pacific College of Engineering, Udaipur) : Energy adudit and management. Int J latest Technol Mgmt appl Sci 2012, 1(3), 47-50.

Energy Management and audit save money and energy for industries unless the recommendations are implemented. Audit reports are designed to encourage implementation and proper and efficient use of energy. Efficient management and utilization of energy may become a good source of energy for consumers. The purpose of writing an energy report is to achieve increased energy efficiency and energy cost savings for the customer. This paper briefly describe about Energy Audit and Management and their correlated terms. Keywords: Energy Audit, Energy Management, Energy conservation Act, ISO certification, Energy Assessment.

9 ref

021660   Surya Parkash (NO, National Institute of Disaster Management, Delhi) : Overview of the national guidelines for management of landslides with particular reference to infrastructure projects. Wat Energy int 2012, 69(3), 29-37.

The present paper focuses mainly on the soft infrastructure, with particular emphasis on landslide risk reduction related to development, maintenance and management of hard infrastructure in hilly terrains. It is well known fact that unplanned and unscientific developments have aggravated the incidences and impacts of disasters/landslides on the society as well as environment in hills, resulting in huge losses. According to an economic estimate, India loses about Rs. 100 billion annually on an average due to landslides. Besides the economic losses, hundreds of human lives are lost and thousands of people become homeless and/or jobless. Considering the magnitude of landslides impacts and risks, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India had widespread consultations with all stakeholders and issued national guidelines for management of landslides and avalanches. The guidelines envisage systematic approach to landslides risk reduction and proposed action plans for different activities to be undertaken by organizations, professionals and communities. NDMA has also proposed a disaster risk audit for the development projects so that adverse impacts of development can be reduced as well as the risks of disasters on our development are also minimized. It gives an overview of the national guidelines on management of landslides and avalanches with particular reference to infrastructure projects for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in development.

3 illus, 6 ref

021659   Stephen R (NO, Eskom Enterprises, South Africa) : Use of indicators to optimise design of overhead transmission lines. Wat Energy int 2012, 69(1), 28-32.

The design of overhead lines (new lines, uprating or refurbishment) in the deregulated environment is critical to the competitiveness and profitability of the utility company. Should, for example, the design limit the power transfer to levels, which prohibit sales of MW at peak periods, the losses can be enormous. This fact, as well as the limitations imposed on capital expenditure, make the optimisation of line design a critical activity. The design of lines in the past has generally been practised, with a few well-known tower, conductor and foundation combinations being used. The cost of these to the company when compared to other combinations is rarely determined. An indicator termed the "Appropriate Technology Indicator" or ATI has been developed and has been in use in Eskom, South Africa for the past 9 years. This allows for many different design combinations to be investigated and objectively compared. It has resulted in extremely competitive line designs to be developed as well as standards to be altered to the best option. Network planners can also chose the best impedance option from a wide range of conductor types. This paper describes the different aspects of line design as well as formulation of the ATI. A case study applying the ATI is also discussed with results indicating that the standard normally applied would have been the Worst option of those investigated. The ATI is a tool that has manifested large benefits to line design in South Africa and can be applied in all aspects of line design be it new lines, uprating of existing lines or refurbishment of lines.

3 illus, 3 tables, ref

021658   Sorate K A;Bhale P V (Mechanical Engineering Dep, S.V. National Institute of Technology (SV NIT), Surat-395 007, Email: pvbhale@med.svnit.ac.in) : Impact of biodiesel on fuel system materials durability. J scient ind Res 2013, 72(1), 48-57.

Biodiesel, an alternative diesel fuel, comprising of alkyl monoesters of fatty acids obtained from contemporary feedstock such as vegetable oils, animal fats and waste cooking oils, has been the focus of a considerable amount of recent research. This interest is based on a number of benefits including the fact that it is renewable, biodegradable, non-toxic and has the potential to reduce certain exhaust emission. It is essential, while experimenting with abiodiesel, to strike a balance between the several conflicting parameters that might exist. This may include not only the performance and emission characteristics of the engine, but also the gross life of the engine system. In an automotive fuel system, mainly ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys and elastomers come in contact with the fuel. The degradation behaviour, occurring in relation to fossil fuels, has been sufficiently studied and documented. However, the impact of biodiesel on the degradation behaviour of fuel system materials has been rarely investigated. This paper aims to present a systematic retrospect of a total of 52 papers from the year 1995 to 2012 related to the compatibility of automotive materials with biodiesel, including some results obtained in-house.

5 illus, 4 tables, 52 ref

021657   Sharma H (Civil Engineering Dep, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667, Email: smil4anshu@gmail.com) : turbulence characteristics of flow over smooth and rough beds. Recent Trends Civil Engng Technol 2012, 2(3), 39-45.

Experimental study on turbulence measurements in an open channel with smooth and rough beds using acoustic doppler velocimeter (ADV) has been carried out in the present study. Measured velocity distribution along the depth on smooth and rough beds for different discharges and bed slopes is in good agreement with logarithmic law. The turbulence intensities were more near the bed and less near the water surface. Existing equations for turbulence intensities over-predict the turbulence intensities; thus, new equations are proposed in this study to predict the turbulence intensities. Turbulent kinetic energy decreases from bed to the water surface. Existing equations for distribution of kinetic energy along depth over-predict the turbulent kinetic energy; therefore, new equations are proposed to predict the turbulent kinetic energy for flow on rough and smooth beds.

4 illus, 11 ref

021656   Sathiyamurthy S;Thaheer A S A;Jayabal S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Sri Ramanujar Engineering College, Chennai-600 127, Email: sathya1978@gmail.com) : Prediction and optimization of mechanical properties of particles filled coir-polyester composite using ANN and RSM algorithms. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2013, 38(1), 81-6.

Mechanical properties of coir-polyester composites filled with aluminium oxide and calcium carbonate particles have been evaluated. As the mechanical properties of coir-polyester composites mainly depend upon the fibre length, fibre diameter and filler content, the present study deals with the prediction of mechanical properties using artificial neural network and determination of optimum fibre parameters using response surface methodology algorithms. The particles filled coir-polyester composites exhibit better values of tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and abrasion loss properties of 21.39 MPa, 79 MPa, 37.28 kJ/m² and 570 mm³ for 42.41 mm fibre length, 0.25mm fibre diameter and 2.5% filler content respectively.

4 illus, 8 tables, 8 ref

021655   Sasikala D;Neelaveni R (NO, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam-638 401, Email: anjansasikala@gmail.com) : Brain image registration techniques using wang landau adaptive Monte Carlo approach. J scient ind Res 2013, 72(2), 114-21.

Discusses the application of Wang Landau Adaptive Monte Carlo Approach algorithm for registration of monomodal brain images. CT or and MRI brain images are considered for the study. Wang Landau Adaptive Monte Carlo is compared with Adaptive Monte Carlo method. In medical image registration of brain images, Wang Landau Adaptive Monte Carlo is more reliable than Adaptive Monte Carlo for scaling in single transformation, translation and scaling in any two combined transformation and translation, rotation and scaling in all the three combined transformations. Hence for registration of brain images using all the three combined transformations - translation, rotation and scaling, Wang Landau Adaptive Monte Carlo can be used.

5 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

021654   Sankhe R S;Basu R (NO, DFPCL, Taloja) : Energy efficiency measures in ammonia plant at DFPCL, Taloja. Indian J Fertil 2012, 8(6), 76-9.

Since inception, DFPCL has successfully implemented various retrofits and revamps in its ammonia plant to achieve optimum energy level and higher plant capacity. The DFPCL ammonia plant was revamped thrice. After the third revamp specific energy consumption has been brought down from 8.05 GCal/MT to 7.92 GCal/MT. Simultaneously original capacity of 272 TPD has been enhanced to 380 TPD. The measures included modifications in process steps, replacement of old equipments, refurbishment of rotary machines, additional heat recovery and change from pneumatic to modern instrumentation.

1 illus, 1 table, ref

021653   Reddy G S N;Murthy K V R (NO, Coromandel International Ltd., Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh) : Recent efforts in energy conservation at CIL. Indian J Fertil 2012, 8(6), 82-6.

Coromandel International Ltd. operates an integrated fertiliser complex at Vishakhapatnam which comprises of NP/NPK complex fertilisers, phos-acid, sulphuric acid, water soluble fertilisers and sulphur bentonite plants. Number of measures were implemented to optimise utilisation of resources and reduction in losses to improve the efficiency of the plants. Installation of variable speed drives, optimizing load on equipments, changeover of steam drives into power drives to reduce fuel consumption and utilization of waste steam to heat air for indirect drying of product are some of the important measures for energy conservation. As a result of these and several other measures, the fuel oil consumption has reduced by more than 97% in last 10 years. The paper provides the approach to energy saving efforts and description of some of the important energy saving measures implemented.

5 illus, 5 tables, ref

021652   Rangarajan J;Baskaran K (ECE Dep, Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology, Pollachi, Email: jrslm3665@yahoo.co.in) : Join request knowledge based multicast protocol for MANET. J scient ind Res 2013, 72(2), 101-6.

This study proposes join request knowledge based multicast protocol (JRKBMP) for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET). A novel source and receiver join procedure is used in the proposed scheme. Source join and receiver join messages were sent only to their cluster-head and not flooded in the entire network. On completion of the join request procedure, a full- fledged path is ready for data delivery from source to multicast receivers. Hence, control overhead is minimized and bandwidth is efficiently used. Cluster formation and cluster- head elections were based on the Weighted Cluster Algorithm. Communication between cluster-head is done through junction node. Different junction node is used in the upstream and downstream direction. Source sends the data only to its cluster-head. Source cluster-head takes care of delivering the data to the multicast receivers through other cluster-heads and junction node. Performance of the proposed scheme is compared with Protocol for Unified Multicasting through Announcement (PUMA) under static cluster-heads for varying metrics such as node mobility and data transmission rate using ns-2.32. Simulation results shows that, JRKBMP uses only a fraction of the control overhead of PUMA without much degradation in packet delivery ratio.

4 illus, 22 ref

021651   Praveena G;Durga Prasad N V P R (Corporate R&D, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Hyderabad) : Maintenance management system for hydro electric power plants. Wat Energy int 2012, 69(3), 38-42.

The main aim of a Hydro Power Plant Maintenance Management System (MMS) is to reduce downtime of the individual generating units and to ensure continuous operation of an entire power plant. This objective can be achieved mainly by carrying out the maintenance of individual power plant equipment in a more efficient and effective manner with the laid down maintenance strategy. Also the framework of MMS system which is deployed in the plant should facilitate to achieve the maintenance objectives. This paper brings out the essential functional requirements which are to be present in the MMS system used for carrying out day-to-day maintenance activities in a Power Plant. In line with these requirements an intranet based Maintenance Management System (MMS-H) for Hydro Power Plants indigenously developed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is presented in this paper. The system is commercially supplied to few Hydro Power Plants in India.

9 illus, 2 ref

021650   Pandya H P;Patel H R;Yajnik U V (NO, Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd., P.O. Fertilizernagar-391 750, Dist. Vadodara, Gujarat) : Energy conservation measures at ammonia-IV plant of GSFC. Indian J Fertil 2012, 8(6), 66-72.

Gujarat State Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd. (GSFC) was operating two small ammonia plants of 450 MTPD and 500 MTPD of 1960 vintage. In 1998, GSFC installed a new single stream 1350 MTPD ammonia plant to meet the entire demand for ammonia for GSFC's fertilisers & petrochemicals plants and decommissioned both the old ammonia plants. The new ammonia plant is based on Linde Technology with improved energy efficiency. The plant has flexibility in use of naphtha or natural gas as feedstock in any proportion. Initially the ammonia plant faced many teething problems and energy consumption was of the order of 8.5 GCal/MT of ammonia. GSFC carried out a number of modifications in the plant and was able to improve the energy consumption to the level of 7.5 GCal/MT. Energy conservation efforts were made by integrating plant with other plants at site, improving efficiencies of compressors and pumps, optimizing steam network and number of other small measures. The paper describes in detail various measures undertaken for energy conservation in ammonia plant and new schemes proposed for implementation in near future.

4 illus, ref

021649   Pandya A B;Reddy N S R K (NO, NWDA, New Delhi) : Inter-basin water transfer- existing experience in India. Wat Energy int 2012, 69(2), 35-9.

The existing ILR projects discussed here aptly demonstrate the role of such transfers in the all round development of the regions. Periyar-Vaigai project has been benefiting the drought prone areas of Tamil Nadu with irrigation. Apart from this, the area surrounding the reservoir has developed into a National Park and a bio-diversity hot spot enhancing the serenity of the area. This puts to rest the premise that the water resources projects will only have adverse effects on the environment. Notwithstanding, the present Inter-state water disputes due to aging and safety aspects of the dam between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, it can be certainly stated that Periyar- Vaigai project has outlived its life in the service of the nation. The Ravi-Beas-Sutlej system and Saradar Sarovar Project amply show case the Indian expertise in technology and project execution. Ravi-Beas-Sutlej system has Bhakra dam on Sutlej as its main component, which is the highest Concrete Gravity dam in Asia and Second Highest in the world supported by Pong across Beas, the highest earth fill dam so far constructed in the country and Ranjit Sagar dam on Ravi which is the highest earth core cum gravel shell type dam in the country. Moreover, it is note worthy that Ranjit Sagar dam is successfully constructed in seismically active zone of Himalayas constituting the Shivalik range. Beas-Sutlej Link Project is the largest tunneling project (>25 km) in the country. In so far as Sardar Sarovar Project is concerned, the dam when constructed will be the third highest concrete dam (163 meters) in India and second largest in the world in terms of the volume of concrete involved for gravity dams. Also, Narmada Main Canal (5320km) is the biggest lined irrigation canal in the whole world and paving of concrete lining on such a large scale is done for the first time in India. All these projects amply portray that the technology and expertise for projects of such magnitude is very much available in the country. These projects while providing benefits in the form of irrigation, domestic & industrial water supply etc. also help in the preservation and enhancement of the environment in their vicinity. The dams planned by NWDA and State projects proposed to be integrated in the ILR project and the link canals are not larger than the components of these existing projects and there will not be any insurmountable difficulties that the technology can not overcome as such.

5 tables, 4 ref

021648   Pandya A B (NO, , National Water Development Agency) : Interlinking of rivers. Wat Energy int 2012, 69(2), 26-34.

1 illus, 1 table, ref

021647   Nayak P B (NO, PEnA Power Engineering and Automation Pvt Ltd., Bangalore) : Smart grid cyber security challenges. Wat Energy int 2012, 69(2), 4-8.

Power grids worldwide are undergoing a revolutionary transition from a conventional grid to so-called "smart grids". This paper discusses cyber security challenges for a future smart grid. It highlights the evolution of SCADA system, deficiencies and shortcomings of existing power devices and identifies areas of urgent need particularly on the software side to establish cyber security system. Such actions are urgent in today's context due to integrated nature of power system covering generation, transmission and distribution, as a compromise of power systems can lead to power outages/blackout or even damage power system devices and thereby huge loss to the utilities. These challenges are highlighted in detail along with opportunities for cyber security specifically for a smarter grid, which can be generalized to the wider domain of cyber systems for power. Renewable energy/distributed generation demands are the added feature of Smart grid and due to networked control; future power system will be much more exposed to cyber-attacks. Hence, while we are discussing about establishing a smart grid it is pertinent to discusses cyber security challenges for a future power grid. Due to the complexity of widely dispersed generating and delivery assets and the interdependency between computer, communication, and power systems, the requirement to meet security and quality compliance on the operations is a challenging issue. In recent years, North American Electric Reliability Corporation's (NERC) cyber security standard [1&2] was initiated to require utilities and system provider's compliance on cyber security in control systems -NERC CIP 1200.

5 ref

021646   Naren H R;Sannabhadti R S;Anil Kumar;Arolkar V;de Waard A;Frossati G;Rama krishnan S (NO, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai-400 005, Email: naren@tifr.res.in) : Setting up of a microKelvin refrigerator facility at TIFR. Curr Sci 2011, 101(1), 28-34.

In this note, authors report the setting up of the first adiabatic nuclear demagnetization facility in India at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai. It consists of a high cooling power dilution refrigerator to which a 5 kg copper nuclear stage is attached via a superconducting heat switch. Author describe details of the design and construction of the various important parts of the refrigerator with relevant background. With the project having been started in 2005-06. In this system temperatures can reach as low as 39 mK. Temperature was measured using ruthenium oxide and carbon (SPEER) resistance sensors in the range 4.2 K-20 mK, cerium magnesium nitrate susceptibility sensors in the range 4.2 K-4 mK, and platinum NMR thermometry in the range 20 mK-39 μK. We believe this refrigerator is an important addition to ultra-low temperature physics research in our country.

14 illus, 8 ref

021645   Mythili R;Venkatachalam P (Bio Energy Dep, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu A, Coimbatore-03, Email: mythili_sao@yahoo.in) : Cofiring of biomass with coal: a perspective. J scient ind Res 2013, 72(2), 122-6.

Depletion of fossil fuels and its associated environmental hazards necessitated the attention towards renewable energy generation. Biomass is one of the renewable sources and available throughout the year. It includes wastes from farm and field, agro and allied industries. Utilization of these resources can generate a significant energy contribution as solid, liquid and gaseous fuels, chemicals and electricity. It had low sulfur content and reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and emissions. It can be used directly or indirectly in the existing and retrofitted systems as a substitute fuel for coal by the cofiring technology. The combined use of biomass and coal can reduce the emission as well as coal use and give value addition to the biomass. This paper reviews the cofiring of biomass with coal, technological issues and the emission reduction benefits of cofiring.

3 tables, 24 ref

021644   Mythili R;Venkatachalam P (Bio Energy Dep, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu A, Coimbatore-03, Email: mythili_sao@yahoo.in) : Briquetting of agro-residues. J scient ind Res 2013, 72(1), 58-61.

Biomass is one of the predominant renewable energy sources. Utilization of biomass for the energy generation has got much attention in the world. In this study pigeon pea stalk, soy stalk and cotton stalk were used in the briquetting process. Properties of the samples were determined as per ASTM standards. The agro-residues were densified using ram and die type briquetting machine without adding any binder material. Bulk density and calorific value of the briquettes were in the range of 340.7-657.9 kg/m³ and 4007-4892 kCal/kg, respectively. On an average, the compressive strength required to break the briquette was 1.08 kN/m². The briquettes were used in an open core downdraft gasifier. The gas production from pigeon pea stalk, cotton stalk and soy stalk briquettes was 2.8, 2.5 and 3.1 Nm³/kg, respectively. The producer gas had a CO and H₂ content of 18.6 and 12%, respectively. It revealed that the briquettes are well suited for the energy generation.

1 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

021643   Muzammil M;Siddiqui N A (NO, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh) : Reliability-based assessment of scour below spillways. Wat Energy int 2012, 69(2), 43-54.

The available equations for scour prediction below spillways are mostly deterministic in nature, which do not consider uncertainties of various scouring parameters adequately. A reliability-based assessment of the scour in such situations is of paramount importance in examining the relationship between safety factor and reliability, which are considered to be the key parameters for decision-making in the foundation design. In this paper, a methodology for the reliability assessment of scour downstream of a spillway has been presented using a Spreadsheet-Cell-Object-Oriented Algorithm (SCOOA) for the First Order Reliability Method (FORM). To study the influence of various random variables on the reliability against scouring sensitivity analysis has been carried out. To achieve desirable safety level in the design of the structure foundation reliability based safety factors have also been proposed. The influence of correlation among the random variables on the reliability has also been studied.

6 illus, 6 tables, 49 ref

021642   Mohandass D;Janet J (NO, SKR Engineering College, Tamilnadu, Email: divya.skrec@gmail.com) : Segmentation based retrieval of medical MRI images in telemedicine. J scient ind Res 2013, 72(2), 107-13.

Telemedicine facilitates consultation with the health care provider located in a remote location by using telecommunication technology. Information and communication technologies are the backbone in telemedicine to provide clinical services for patients. A vital component in the telemedicine process is the transfer of medical images in order to diagnose a disease. The large size of medical images compounded with bandwidth limitations in rural areas are challenges that need to be addressed. Content based image retrieval techniques are used to retrieve relevant images from the database. It has successfully been implemented for medical image retrieval. This paper investigates the medical image retrieval problem for telemedicine using compressed images for efficient utilization of bandwidth. A novel feature extraction and a genetic optimized neural network classifier were proposed in this study. Experimental studies revealed better classification accuracy for compressed images when compared to the uncompressed ones. Diffusion Weighted Images DWI images of the brain were used to test the efficiency of the proposed classifier to retrieve medical images affected with Stroke disease.

3 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

021641   Mishra H K (NO, , ) : Post construction effects of Naraj barrage on Chilika lake and suggested measures. Wat Energy int 2012, 69(1), 40-3.

At least 671 x 106 m³ of monsoon discharge is required to flush the sediment and also for maintenance of the mouth of Chilika lake. It evident from the findings that discharge more than above requirement can pass through Naraj Barrage only. The d/s pollution contribution due to construction Naraj Barrage is also not so high and alarming. For maintenance and substance of eco-system a minimum environmental flow is required which can be supplemented through operation of barrage gate. One flash flood every or every two years which is common features in Orissa is required to flash out the sub-merged inner bar of Chilika lake. However, in absence of flash flood it will be necessary to dredge the sub-merged inner bar for the stability of Chilika lake. This is to certify that this has not been published nor presented in any other forum in this proposed form.

8 illus, 2 tables, ref

021640   Mathew A P R;Shaileshwari M U (NO, The Oxford College of Engineering, Bangalore) : Smart grid security threat and solutions. Wat Energy int 2012, 69(2), 13-16.

The Smart Grid is the roadmap for enhancing the infrastructure of every segment of the energy delivery system. This includes generation, transmission, distribution and consumption. The capabilities for smart grid systems and networks, such as distributed intelligence and broadband capabilities can greatly enhance efficiency and reliability, but they may also create much new vulnerabilities if not deployed with the appropriate security controls. Much of the technology currently in use by the grid is outdated and in many cases unreliable. A system architecture implementing should recognize security threats and capture events that result not from external threats but from internal mistakes. An effective security approach enhances reliability. Security failure occurs from people, equipment, natural causes and deliberate failures A simple perimeter defense is not sufficient; monitoring, both for events and physical actions, is required to bring the benefits of smart grid with minimal risk to this vital part of the infrastructure of modern life. This paper aims at finding out the security issues in Smart Grid and proposing solution architecture for that.

2 illus, 12 ref

021639   Mangal N;Jain S;Manoj Kumar (SITE, , Nathwdara, Rajasthan, Email: nakulmangal@yahoo.com) : High efficiency TWT. Int J latest Technol Mgmt appl Sci 2012, 1(3), 64-8.

Linearity improvement is one of the most critical issues in the development of high-power, high frequency TWT. Higher linearity allows utilizing more compact and less expensive power supplies. Furthermore, high-efficiency Travelling wave tubes can operate more reliably and have longer lifetime due to reduced collector loading. While the high-power outputs and wide gain-band widths make TWTs ideally suited for these purposes, the nonlinearity of these devices results in amplitude, phase and spectral distortion. Nonlinear distortion products appear as harmonics and for multi-carrier operation also as intermediation products, at the output of the amplifier thus limiting the usable bandwidth of the amplifier and degrading fundamental efficiency. In this paper, design and development of a Ku-band 140W Helix TWT for improved linearity and high efficiency will be presented.

1 illus, 8 ref

021638   Madsen P H;Natarajan A (Wind Energy Div, Riso DTU, 399 Frederiksborgvej Roskilde 4000, Denmark, Email: anat@risoe.dtu.dk) : Challenges and prospects for wind energy to attain 20% grid penetration by 2020 in India. Curr Sci 2011, 101(1), 35-42.

With wind energy being the most realistic large-scale renewable energy source in the near future, we examine the target for wind energy penetration in India for 2020. Achieving the target set by the Indian Wind Power Association of 20% wind power grid penetration by 2020 will act as a lighthouse, but will also depend on a number of factors such as suitable policies and regulation, appropriate wind turbine technology, availability of sites onshore and offshore, reliable and accurate wind resource assessment, grid capacity, power system management and market design in order to accommodate a large-scale integration of wind power. In the article, we discuss the trends in the development of wind energy and the factors which we consider decisive for the development of wind power in India. Experiences and policies from Europe and Denmark, where wind power already today contributes 20% to the total electricity production, are discussed in relation to India and the Indian 20% goal. Wind assessment studies that have been carried out presently and those required in the near future are elaborated. Numerical wind atlas simulations based on existing wind resource data in India are delineated. The Government policies and regulations that influence and sustain wind power are also outlined and discussed.

10 illus, 19 ref

021637   Madan M M (NO, GVK Ratle Hydroelectric Project Pvt. Ltd., Monali, Himachal Pradesh) : Future of transmission line construction - a case study based on experiences in Himachal Pradesh. Wat Energy int 2012, 69(2), 22-5.

As per the 12th plan a total of 100,000 MW of generation capacity is required to be installed. For transmission of this power it is planned to construct about 2500 km of transmission network ranging from 220 kV to 880 kV transmission lines. This network of transmission lines shall passes through villages, cultivated land, horticulture area and dense to degraded forest area. The clearance from MoEF itself is quite a tedious part besides villagers do not get easily convinced to allow construction of Tower on their land and do not allow passing of over head conductors from their field. Serious ROW issues are raised when the line passes through dense orchards, cultivated fields and villages or above a temple or house. They also do not wish to part the land which is at prime location. They also oppose cutting of trees in their land. There are instances when people have gone to court and taken stay order. There are instances when people have demanded price as high as cost of full land for one tower location. Over and above there are other transmission lines which needs to be crossed for which shut downs are required. Earlier every plant was making its own line and seeing a large net work of lines crisscrossing each other, a decision was taken by various state governments and central government that in future a common transmission system should be constructed so that all the projects are not required to make independent line. It is a good decision but if the common transmission line is made by CPSU PGCIL then it is a workable solution, but if, the line is belonging to a Private party then there are disputes on the sharing and ownership of the cost as well as transmission line losses, as well as the first right of transmission in case of breakdown of one circuit. The author presents a case history of a Project constructed in HP while facing all such problems enumerated above with acute Right of Way issues.

8 illus, ref

021636   Krishneswari K;Arumugam S (NO, Tamilnadu College of Engineering, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: krishneswari@gmail.com) : Improved genetic optimized neural network for multimodal biometrics. J scient ind Res 2013, 72(1), 23-30.

A novel classification technique for multimodal biometric system based on fingerprint and palmprint is proposed. The problems faced in unimodal biometric system such as noisy data, intra class variations, restricted degrees of freedom, non-universality, spoof attacks, and unacceptable error rates are overcome in multimodal biometric system by integrating the evidence presented by multiple traits. It is proposed to fuse the features of the fingerprint with palmprint images. Features are extracted using Gabor filter and Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT). The extracted feature vectors were classified using an improved Partial Recurrent Neural Network with genetic optimization. The proposed Momentum Optimized Genetic Partial Recurrent Neural Network (MOG-PRNN) was evaluated using a publicly available dataset and features obtained from live dataset. The experimental results obtained show an average classification accuracy of 98.6% with different datasets.

6 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

021635   Kong Y H;Zhang G L;Chen S Y (Electronic Engineering Dep, Hunan Science and Engineering Univ, Yongzhou-425 100, Hunan, People's Reublic of China, Email: y_h_kong@163.com) : Manipulating transmission of a two-dimensional electron gas modulated by ferromagnetic and Schottky metal stripes. MAPAN 2012, 27(3), 165-8.

Study how the transmission properties of a two-dimensional electron gas, modulated by a ferromagnetic stripe and a Schottky metal (SM) stripe in a parallel configuration, can be modified by manipulating the voltage applied to the SM stripe. Both the transmission coefficient and conductance of the device are found to be strongly dependent on the electric-barrier height induced by an applied voltage under the SM stripe. Thus, transmission properties of electrons in the device can be conveniently tailored by means of tuning this applied voltage.

3 illus, 19 ref

021634   Karthikeyan A;Balamurugan K;Kalpana A (Mechanical Engineering Dep, K.S.R. College of Engineering, Tiruchengode-637 215, Email: karthirajme@gmail.com) : New approach to improve the impact property of coconut fiber reinforced composites using sodium laulryl sulfate treatment. J scient ind Res 2013, 72(2), 132-6.

The present paper aimed at to investigate the effect of chemical modification of coconut fibers by Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) treatment in order to use them as reinforcement in epoxy resin. The coconut fibers were treated with 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% concentration of SLS, separately for 10 days respectively. For each group of the coir fibers the length was 10, 20 and 30mm. The modified coconut fibers were evaluated by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The coconut fiber was used as a reinforcement and epoxy as a matrix to fabricate the composites by hand lay-up technique. The Impact strength of SLS treated fiber reinforced epoxy composite was measured with various fiber lengths and compared with NaOH treated fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The SLS treated epoxy composites provided better improvement in the impact strength about 6% when compared with NaOH treatment.

4 illus, 28 ref