008512   Ting M C;Abdul Mujeebu M;Abdullah M Z;Arshad M R (School of Mechanical Engineering, Sains Malaysia Univ, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia, Email: mingchungting@gmail.com) : Numerical study on hydrodynamic performance of shallow underwater glider platform. Indian J Geomar Sci 2012, 41(2), 124-33.

Underwater glider is the new generation of autonomous underwater glider which has been used for ocean observation and wide range of marine environment monitoring. It glides through seawater horizontally and vertically by carried additional wings. This paper presents the investigation of hydrodynamic characteristics of the shallow underwater glider by using Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, FLUENT 6.3.26. A 3-dimensional Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model is used to estimate hydrodynamic performance of the glider. The effect of angle of attack (varied from -8° to +8°) at various Reynolds numbers and the flow behavior of underwater glider at different flow conditions are studied. The characteristics such as lift and drag forces, lift and drag coefficients and pressure distribution over fixed wings are evaluated in a flow field with Reynolds number ranging from 10⁵ to 10⁶. Lift and drag coefficients are observed to rise as function of angle of attack. Wake formation occurs at the tail and the junction of main wing and fuselage body, and the nose is exerted to highest pressure force compared with the other parts.

24 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

008511   Thangam P;Thanushkodi K;Mahendiran T V (CSE (PG) Dep, Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore-641 022, Email: saithangam@gmail.com) : Efficient skeletal bone age estimation method using carpal and radius bone features. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(7), 474-9.

This study presents design and implementation of an efficient skeletal bone age assessment (BAA) procedure based on features extracted from two dominant wrist bone structures (radius & carpal bones). System works according to renowned Tanner & Whitehouse (TW2) method, based on carpal and epiphyseal region of interest (ROI). It ensures accurate and robust BAA for both girls and boys (age range, 0-10 y). BAA procedure composes of two components, one dealing with carpal bones [Carpal ROI (CROI) sector] and the other with radius bone segments [Radius ROI (RROI) sector]. Input image is initially cropped to extract desired ROI. Anisotropic diffusion filter is employed to reduce noise before extracting features. This is followed by morphological feature extraction, during which two feature ratios (1 from CROI features and 1 from RROI features) are computed. Feature ratios are used to initially train the system and finally to estimate skeletal bone age. The system was trained with a data set of 120 radiographs (60 males & 60 females) and was tested on a set of 100 radiographs (50 males & 50 females).

4 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

008510   Tangsrirat W;Mongkolwai P;Pukkalanum T (Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's Institue of Technology, Ladkrabang (KMITL), Chalongkrung Road, Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand, Email: drworapong@yahoo.com) : Current-mode high-Q bandpass filter and mixed-mode quadrature oscillator using ZC-CFTAs and grounded capacitors. Indian J pure appl Phys 2012, 50(8), 600-7.

Presents the realization of the current-mode bandpass filter and mixed-mode quadrature oscillator both from the same circuit configuration. The proposed circuit is in the resistor-less structure, which contains only four z-copy current follower trarisconductance amplifiers (ZC-CFTAs) as active components together with two grounded capacitors as passive components. As the first configuration, the current-mode BP filter with high quality factor (Q) is proposed. The center frequency (ω_o) and the Q of the circuit are orthogonal adjustable via the g_m-value of the ZC-CFTA. From the same topology, the mixed-mode quadrature oscillator can easily be realized that is capable of generating two explicit quadrature current outputs and two quadrature voltage outputs, simultaneously. Moreover, the realized oscillator also provides the advantage of orthogonal electronic control of the oscillation condition and oscillation frequency, which makes it suitable as variable frequency oscillator. PSPICE simulation results using bipolar ZC-CFTA have been given to verify the workability of the two proposed circuits.

12 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

008509   Tangsrirat W;Bunruang K (Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology, Ladkrabang (KMITL), Chalongkrung road, Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand, Email: drworapong@yahoo.com) : Current-mode universal filter topology with electronic tuning property using single current follower. Indian J pure appl Phys 2012, 50(2), 133-7.

The current-mode universal biquadratic filter with three inputs and single output (TISO) using single multi-output current followers (MO-CF) has been described. Based on the use of the second-generation current-controlled conveyor working as the MO-CF, the proposed circuit contains only one MO-CF, one resistor and two grounded capacitors, therefore, offers electronic tuning possibilities. It can realize all of the five standard biquadratic filtering functions, all at a high impedance output. The present filter also provides an independent control of the natural angular frequency (ω_o) and bandwidth (BW) by adjusting an external dc bias current and has active and passive component sensitivities.

7 illus, 4 ref

008508   Subramanian E;Dhana Ramalakshmi R;Vijayakumar N;Sivakumar G (Chemistry Dep, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Tirunelveli-627 012, Email: esubram@yahoo.com) : Hybrid composite materials of anatase titania and conducting polyaniline: properties and chemical sensor application. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2012, 19(4), 237-44.

This paper reports the investigation on synthesis, properties and chemical sensor application of polyaniline ) - anatase titania (TiO₂) hybrid composite materials prepared in the presence and absence of the soft template poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA). FTIR spectroscopy reveals that PVA favors oxidation of large amount of aniline during PANI synthesis and causes production of more number of quinoid groups than benzenoid, but TiO₂ maintains an equal level of quinoid and benzenoid. XRD study shows that PVA influences the rf-space and crystallite size more in PANI-PVA and less in PANI-TiO₂-PVA composite. In morphology, PANI-TiO₂ has submicron particles and shows less agglomeration while PANI-TiO₂-PVA has extensive agglomeration and surface smoothness. In chemical sensor application, PANI senses CH₃OH vapor with a decrease of its conductivity and with an efficiency of 56%. However, with the inclusion of TiO₂ or PVA, the sensor efficiency of PANI is shifted from CH₃OH to CH₂C1₂. Interestingly with both TiO₂ and PVA inclusion, the material PANI-TiO₂-PVA turns back its maximum sensor efficiency towards CH₃OH but with an increase of its conductivity. All these results suggest that TiO₂, PVA and TiO₂-PVA exert different tuning roles on PANI yielding characteristically different hybrid materials.

6 illus, 34 ref

008507   Sohrabi M R;Marjani A;Moradi S;Davallo M; Shirazian S (Applied Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran-North Branch, Tehran, Iran, Email: a-marjani@iau-arak.ac.ir) : Preparation and simulation of polycarbonate hollow-fiber membrane for gas separation. Asian J Chem 2011, 23(1), 302-4.

In present studies, the gas separation in hollow-fiber membranes was investigated theoretically and experimentally. Hollow fibers were prepared by melt-extrusion method at speed of 110 m/min. Simulations were performed for gas absorption in liquid absorbents. Simulations were performed for absorption of CO₂ in aqueous solution if K₂CO₃. Moreover, the simulation results were validated with experimental data obtained from literature for physical absorption of CO₂. The simulation results were in good agreement with experimental data. Simulations showed percentage removal of 75% for CO₂ removal. The results indicated that hollow-fiber membranes have a good performance in the area of gas absorption.

2 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

008506   Sivakumar V;Lakshmanan A;Satheesh Kumar R; Kalpana S;Sangeetha Rani R;Jose M T (Saveetha Engineering College, Thandalam, Chennai-602 105, Email: arunachalamlakshmanan@yahoo.com) : Preparation and characterisation of yttrium based luminescence phosphors. Indian J pure appl Phys 2012, 50(2), 123-8.

High sensitive Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺, Gd₂O₃:Eu³⁺, (Y_xGd_1-x)O₃:Eu³⁺, YAG (Y₃Al₅O₁₂):Eu³⁺ and (Y_xGd_1-x)BO₃:Eu³⁺ luminescence display phosphors have been made by pyrolysis route followed by sintering at a relatively low temperature of 1000°C. The photoluminescent (PL) efficiencies of all the five phosphors under UV excitation are found to be comparable to that of commercial (Y_xGd_1-x)BO₃:Eu³⁺ (LG make). The PL efficiency as well as 395 nm (4f-4f) to 260 nm (charge transfer) excitation intensity ratio in Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ was found to vary in a complex way with Eu concentration. YAG:Eu³⁺ could serve as a cheaper substitute to Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ red phosphor used currently in compact fluorescent lamps. While the PL efficiency of Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ remains fairly constant with excitation temperature in the region 25-250°C, the PL efficiency of (Y_xGd_1-x)BO₃:Eu³⁺ gets reduced by more than 30% when the excitation temperature increased from 25 to 250°C.

5 illus, 9 tables, 20 ref

008505   Sisodiya N S;Bhadauria S S (Electronics & Communication Dep, M.I.T.S. Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh) : Performance analysis of 802.11 MAC protocol of wireless networks under misbehaving condition. J Commun Engng Syst 2012, 2(2), 25-31.

Performance of Mac Layer is seen when the number of nodes which are misbehaving increases in me wireless networks. Mobile ad hoc networks depends on the network nodes cooperation in forwarding packets due to the lack of centralized authority. A network node may incline not to cooperate with other nodes in order to save its resources due to selfishness. Here qualnet 5.2 is used for analysis and simulation of the network.

6 illus, 14 ref

008504   Sinha M K;Narulkar S M (NO, Narmada Control Authority, Scheme 74, Vijaynagar, Indore-452 010) : Lessons learnt from disaster management of recent dam/embankment break events in India. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2010, 30(2), 40-6.

Consequent upon Orissa super cyclone, Gujarat earthquake and end of International Decade of Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR), Govt. of India recognized disaster management as a development issue. It was realized that "while hazards, both natural or otherwise, are inevitable, the disasters that follow need not be so and the society can be prepared to cope with them effectively whenever they occur" and called for a "multi-pronged strategy for total risk management, comprising prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, on the one hand, and for initiating development efforts aimed towards risk reduction and mitigation, on the other". One such possible disaster scenario pertains to dam/embankment break situations, whose analysis would help us to re-orient ourselves to deal with dam/embankment break scenario more effectively in evolving disaster management systems in the country. Accordingly, actual disaster management in four distinct dam break situations at different levels, viz., Parechu landslide dam (international level), Pratappura dam (local municipal corporation level), Jaswant Sagar dam (State Irrigation Department level) in recent past (2005 onwards) and more recently Narmada Main Canal (Project level) were analyzed. The lessons learnt helped us to identify possible areas of strengthening so that the people in the downstream areas can be assured of effective & timely action in emergency cases for protection of their lives & properties.

4 illus, 7 ref

008503   Singh I;Tripathi V S;Tiwari S (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad-211 004, Email: erindrasen@gmail.com) : Dual band suspended microstrip right-angled isosceles triangular patch antenna. J Commun Engng Syst 2012, 2(2), 7-13.

Dualband suspended microstrip right-angled isosceles triangular patch antenna is designed for use in microwave imaging system for breast cancer tumour detection. An approximate design equations are developed and validated by CST Micro-wave Studio's simulated result. Here dual band operation is achieved by manipulating fundamental mode TM₁₀ and higher mode TM₂₀ of microstrip antenna. Tuning of this antenna is achieved at frequency 3.35 GHz and 6.70 GHz which shows high frequency ratio 2. This antenna shows good impedance matching, similar radiation pattern and polarization with broadside radiation pattern at both operating frequencies.

9 illus, 18 ref

008502   Sharma S K;Rajput G S;Tignath S;Pandey R P (Soil and Water Engineering Dep, Agricultural Engineering College, J.N.K.V.V., Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh-482 004) : Morphometric analysis and prioritization of a watershed using GIS. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2010, 30(2), 33-9.

Geomorphological characteristics of a watershed are more commonly used for developing the regional hydrological models for solving the various hydrological problems of the ungauged watersheds or inadequate data situations. Therefore, in this study morphometric analysis and prioritization of eight sub watersheds of Uttala river watershed, which is a tributary of Son river considered for this study. The morphometric parameters considered for analysis are Stream order, Stream length, Stream frequency, Drainage density. Texture ratio, Form factor, Circulatory ratio, Elongation ratio, Bifurcation ratio, and Compactness ratio. After analysis of morphometric parameters compound parameter values are calculated and prioritization rating of eight sub watersheds is carried out. The sub watershed 2 has lowest compound parameter value 2.63 is likely to be subjected to a maximum soil erosion; hence it requires immediate attention for provisions of soil conservation measures.

1 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

008501   Sharma S (School of Engineering, Gautam Buddha Univ, Greater Noida, Email: satpal78sharma@gmail.com) : High temperature erosive wear study of NiCrFeSiB flame sprayed coatings. J Instn Engrs : Ser D 2012, 93(1), 7-12.

Erosive wear behavior of NiCrFeSiB coating deposited by flame spraying process was studied. The microstructure, porosity and hardness of the coatings have been evaluated. The high temperature (150, 300 and 450 °C) erosive wear behavior of these coatings was studied under 30,60 and 90° impact angles against 30,45 and 60 m/s velocity. The erosive wear was found to increase with the increase in velocity of the erodent and decrease with the increase of impact angle. The erosive wear resistance of the coating is higher than the substrate. The erosive wear of the coating was 4-5 times lower than the substrate. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was carried out to determine the material removal mechanisms. The ductile fracture and platelets were revealed as the material removal mechanisms in these coatings.

4 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

008500   Sharma P;Singhal P K (Electronics Dep, Engineering, MITS, Gwalior-05) : Microstrip leaky-wave antenna with reduced ground plane. J Commun Engng Syst 2012, 2(3), 33-7.

This paper is aimed to find the microstrip leaky-wave antenna. The above antenna has become interesting due to its simple shape and geometry. This paper uses a reduced ground plane which can improve the bandwidth of the proposed antenna. This antenna has been simulated on CST-microwave suit software and got fabricated on PCB. The simulated measurements show that the proposed antenna achieves an operating bandwidth of 800 MGHz for a 10-dB return loss and is optimized to the lowest return loss at central frequency 1.2 GHz. From theoretical analysis, it should be appreciated that as the relative dielectric constant of the substrate approaches I, the LWA bandwidth becomes much wider, improving its performance. In this paper, we present the result of an investigation of a reduced ground plane of LWA with the aim of producing wider bandwidth and sufficient return loss also improves radiation efficiency of the proposed antenna.

7 illus, 11 ref

008499   Shanthi Priya P;Sundarraja M C;Radhakrishnan S (Architecture Dep, T C E, Madurai-625 015, Tamil Nadu, Email: shantipriyatce@gmail.com) : Comparing the thermal performance of traditional and modern building in the coastal region of Nagappattinam, Tamil Nadu. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(3), 542-7.

Climate has a major effect on the performance of the building and its energy consumption. The traditional houses in the coastal region of Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu in India located in a warm humid zone represent a unique phenomenon with unique device capable to meet the comfort demand through environmental well adapted design. The traditional house and modern house in the coastal region of Nagappattinam are examined by comparing the thermal performance within the same outdoor condition and the climatic region of Nagappattinam. In this paper, a simplified thermal comparison of a traditional house with a contemporary house have been given by using only data derived from the measurements This paper represents that the traditional houses in the coastal region of Nagappattinam provided useful indicators of appropriate architectural design response for future modern buildings.

6 illus, 25 ref

008498   Saravanan P;Parammasivam K M;Rajan S (Aeronautical Engineering Dep, Tagore Engineering College, Chennai-600 048, Email: saro.aero@gmail.com) : Pressure distribution of rotating small wind turbine blades with winglet using wind tunnel. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(6), 425-9.

This study presents pressure distribution over an envelope of blade with and without winglets for a small wind turbine in boundary layer wind tunnel. Different winglet configurations were tried based on wmglet height and curvature radius. Pressure measurements were made with different chordwise and spanwise locations on the blade with and without winglets nearby tip region. Winglet improves overall pressure difference between pressure surface and suction surface. Presence of winglet seemed to have the pressure increased at 0.3c and maximum pressure difference was observed at a span of 0.95R for all winglet configurations. In suction, surface pressure decrease was 10% for all winglet configurations.

6 illus, 7 ref

008497   Sanjeev Kumar;Chatterjee A;Amod Kumar (Central Scientific instruments Organization (CSIO), , Sector 30 C, Chandigarh, Email: virdi205@gmail.com) : Design of a below elbow myoelectric arm with proportional grip force. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(4), 262-65.

This study presents complete design of a myoelectric arm with proportional grip force feature. Electronic assembly of the arm consists of the analog and digital signal processing and a control circuit. EMG signal from residual stump of patient is picked up by surface electrodes, amplified and an artifacts free signal is digitized in a controlled manner so that minimum signal loss occurs during processing. Mechanical assembly consists of a screw arrangement connected to a low power DC motor and gear assembly to open or close the hand. Wrist is rotated in a direction suitable to pick up the objects.

4 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

008496   Rhif A;Kardous Z;Braiek N B (Advanced System Laboratory, Polytechnic School of Tunisia (Laboratoire des Systemes Avances (LSA),, BP 743, 2078 La Marsa, Tunisie, Email: ahmed.rhif@gmail.com) : Sliding mode multimodel control for a sensorless photovoltaic system. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(6), 418-24.

This study presents a sliding mode multimodal control for a.sensorless photovoltaic panel, which sets itself as per the sun position at every second during the day, for a period of five years; then tracker, using sliding mode multimodal controller and a sliding mode observer, will track these positions to make sunrays orthogonal to photovoltaic cell that produces more energy. After sunset, tracker goes' back to initial position of sunrise. This autonomic dual axis sun tracker increases power production by over 40%.

13 illus, 34 ref

008495   Rastogi R P;Mathur P (Chemistry Dep, Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 009, Email: rprastogi@yahoo.com) : Open systems in non-equilibrium: complexity, dynamics, modeling and mechanism. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(7), 453-67.

This communication presents modeling of chaos in the context of mechanism and predictability of dynamic evolution. Basic reasons of temporal chaos on the basis of Lorenz, Rossler's attractor, Parallel autocatalytic attractors and Chua's circuit has been analyzed, and observed that primary factors responsible for chaos are (i) parallel auto-catalytic reaction or (ii) cross-catalysis (generation of x by y and generation of y by x) or (iii) combination of (i) and (ii). Applicability of modified Lorenz and Rossler models by combining (i) and (ii) has been discussed for socio-political and socio-economic systems. A bifurcation phenomenon in chaotic social systems has also been analyzed.

10 illus, 44 ref

008494   Ramakrishna S;Ramakrishna A;Ramji K (mechanical Engineering Dep, G V P College of Engineering, Madhurawada, Visakhapatnam-530 041, Email: shingamsai@gmail.com) : Reduction of motor fan noise using jute composites. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(3), 221-5.

This study presents fabrication methodology of two redesigned fans for noise reduction and improving cooling performance of baseline fan (original configuration fan). These two redesigned fans (Fan-1 and Fan-2) are fabricated using glass and jute fiber in propylene glycol resin by hand lay-up technique.

5 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

008493   Rai R;Shrivastva B K (Mining Engineering Dep, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: rajeshkumarrai@rediffmail.com) : Large in situ shear test box for mine waste dump. J Instn Engrs : Ser D 2012, 93(1), 19-22.

Shear strength of the dump material is very important in the stability analysis of slope. Determination of shear strength of dump or vegetated dump is very complicated and also requires large size of specimen so that it represents the true behaviour of dump mass with and without vegetation. Large size shear box (1.5 x 1.5 x 0.75 m) and small shear boxes (0.3 x 0.3 x 0.15 m) have been fabricated and used for the present study. Various types of plants have been grown in the mine waste dump in the laboratory. The grasses increased cohesion of the dump mass up to 27 kPa whereas the shrubs increased the cohesion up to 32 kPa in given conditions. The increased cohesion depends on the depth of root and age of tree. It generally varies from 10 to 80 kPa or more depending on the age of the tree.

4 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

008492   Patil V S;Bodhe S K (NO, Sanjeevan Engineering and Technology Institute, Panhala-Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Email: vsp.research@gmail.com) : Handoff call queuing in distributed dynamic channel allocation strategy. J Commun Engng Syst 2012, 2(2), 14-25.

It is important to utilize the channels very efficiently in cellular system as these channels are meager. In this paper, A Distributed Dynamic Channel Allocation (DDCA) strategy is applied for channel allocation in 9-cell system having non-uniform traffic. Square shape cells with nine cell cluster size have been considered for model development with GSM 1800 specification. The model also considers fixed channel reservation (5-15% of total channel per cell) for handoff calls only, to reduce the handoff call dropping probability (HCDP). Different call arrival rates ranging from 0.1 calls/s to 4 calls/s have been considered. Handoff call queuing method is also implemented for reducing the HCDP. The results indicate that the handoff dropping probability reduces with increase in percentage handoff reservation. Likewise, queuing the Handoff calls further reduces the HCDP. A comparison between HCDP without queuing the handoff calls and with queuing of handoff calls has been attempted.

6 illus, 6 tables, 16 ref

008491   Patel T M;Roy T;Mishra A;Nath K (Chemical Engineering Dep, GH Patel College of Engineering & Technology, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120, Email: kaushiknath2010@hotmail.com) : Reclamation of dye wastewater using a flat sheet nanofiltration membrane: study of permeate flux and quality. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(6), 437-42.

This study presents treatment of dye containing wastewater in a nanofiltration pilot plant using hydrophilized polyamide membrane of flat sheet module. Permeate flux (PF) decreased with time of operation due to concentration polarization. Effect of trans-membrane pressure (TMP) showed a quasi-linear increase in flux with increasing pressure. PF (1.44 x 10^-6 m³/m².s) at 5 kg/cm² was enhanced as PF (1.62 x 10^-6 m³/m².s) at 10 kg/cm². Flux increased considerably with increase in dilution of wastewater. Maximum PFs obtained with 5 fold and 10 fold dilutions were 3.95 x 10^-6 and 7.06 x 10^-6 m³/m².s respectively. Substantial removal of colour (98.3%) was achieved with a marked reduction in COD (89%) and IDS (77.2%).

5 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

008490   Pant D;Singh R;Sunil Kumar (waste Management Laboratory, Dolphin PG Institute of Biomedical and Natural Science, Chakarata Road, Dehradun-248 007, Email: deepakpant1@rediffmail.com) : Management of waste poly vinyl chloride (PVC) through chemical modification. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(3), 181-6.

This review presents a strategy for management of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) waste by chemical modification as a viable method. PVC contains chlorine as a source to attack by nucleophiles (Nu^-) and resultant product can be used for various applications due to its conductivity, antibacterial and ion exchange properties. Prominently used Nu^- are I^-, SCN^-, OH^-, N₃^-, phthalimide anion and concentrated alkali solution in the presence of O₂ as oxidants.

1 table, 70 ref

008489   Pandharipande S L;Urunkar Y D;Singh A (Chemical Engineering Dep, Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT), R T M Nagpur Univ, Amravati Raod, Nagpur-440 033, Email: slpandharipande@gmail.com) : Reduction of COD and chromium, and decolourisation of tannery wastewater by activated carbons from agro-wastes. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(7), 501-3.

This study presents decolourisation of common collection tank (CCT) & chromium tank (CT) wastewater samples, reduction of COD from lime water collection tank (LWCT) & CCT wastewater samples and reduction of chromium from CT wastewater samples. Activated carbons (ACs) were synthesized from rice husk, saw dust and sugarcane baggasse. Saw dust activated carbon reduced COD of CCT wastewater by 94.8%, whereas sugarcane baggasse activated carbon reduced COD of LWCT by 77%. Thus sugarcane baggasse activated carbon is most effective among three ACs for removal of chromium, whereas all ACs developed are equally effective for decolourisation of CCT and CT wastewater samples.

3 tables, 20 ref

008488   Panda R N;Kumar A;Roy K C;Sarkar M (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, Asansol Engineering College Asansol, West Bengal, Email: 1.rnpanda_1946@yahoo.co.in) : Networked embedded systems eliminate safety hazards in rail journey. J Commun Engng Syst 2011, 1(2-3), 1-8.

Introducing R&D into Rail transport is a good way to make sure that Railway decisions reflect the needs of passengers. Putting in place a foolproof security architecture and best brand components in the design of a safety system can ensure railway commutation in a high security environment. Managing security through proactive monitoring and event management is the key for achieving desired results. Safety and Punctuality - the two watch words of Indian Railways (IR) can be simultaneously achievable. Through technological innovations excellence at both ends are possible. To begin with, the age-old and ineffective alarm chain pulling (ACP) system of MEMU coaches with electromechanical design can very well be replaced by a system of networked microcontroller boards interconnected by the existing electrical wirings. An accurate digital signal processing in an electrically flashy environment, has been planned for execution. The innovations described in this work combine P89C51RD2 microcontroller's powerful instruction repertoire and other outstanding features like open-ended architecture and communications in RS-485 mode in the networked configuration, backed up by a sound Analog-Digital Engineering. Simplicity in design, use of inexpensive [Neil Geoff. Good Simple and Practical Systems that are used by all-Pilbar Rail Journey to Safety focused culture. Available at http://www.intlrailsafety.com/Perth/Pres/Neil-paper.pdf] industry standard hardwares and a non-blocking communication in the networked environment either in polling or interrupt mode, and compact assembly level programming can make this product design very cost effective, highly reliable, and MEMU worthy. The detailed design blue prints will describe the design, its implementation to prove how passengers' safety is unfailingly ensured during an otherwise unsafe and vulnerable journey through electric trains (MEMUs). ACP indication circuitry engineered appropriately and mounted at the rear end of each compartment of a moving carriage will not only provide an audio visual indication on the dashboard of the motorman of the

8 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

008487   Pahal S;Singh B;Arora A (NO, Manav Rachna International Univ, Faridabad, Haryana, Email: pahal.sudesh@gmail.com) : Approach towards seamless handover with maximum resource utilization in mobile wireless networks. J Commun Engng Syst 2012, 2(3), 1-10.

In mobile wireless networks, a seamless handover between different communication systems has been a challenging issue. A link going down (LGD) event based on L2 layer information has been incorporated by the IEEE 802.21, media independent handover (M1H) framework. Link going down trigger allows accomplishing handover efficiently with the prior intimation of handover and enables L3 entities streamline their handover (HO) related activities. As velocity of user has a significant impact on HO initiation, predefined LGD signal strength threshold is not a good option to trigger an LGD event. To achieve seamless HO and to maximize network resources, it is necessary to make LGD threshold signal strength velocity adaptive in mobile wireless networks. In this paper, we make a comparative study of velocity adaptive handover algorithm and propose an approach to improve HO performance. We show that by triggering an LGD event, based on appropriate LGD threshold, the link failure probability and probability of false handover may be significantly decreased in mobile wireless networks.

11 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

008486   Ozgan K;Daloglu A T (Civil Engineering Dep, Karadeniz Technical Univ, Trabzon 61080, Turkey, Email: korhanozgan@yahoo.com) : Free vibration analysis of thick plates on elastic foundations using modified vlasov model with higher order finite elements. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2012, 19(4), 279-91.

This study is concerned with the free vibration analysis of thick plates on elastic foundation using modified Vlasov model. The effects of the subsoil depth, aspect ratios, the ratio of subsoil depth to span of the plate and the value of the vertical deformation parameter within the subsoil on the frequency parameters of plates on elastic foundations are investigated. An eight-noded, 24 degrees of freedom quadrilateral finite element (PBQ8) based on Mindlin plate theory is used for the analysis. The first six natural frequency parameters are presented to show the effects of the parameters considered in the study. It is concluded that the subsoil depth is more effective on the frequency parameters of plates resting on elastic foundation than the other parameters considered in this study.

9 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

008485   Oh W C;Zhang F J (Advanced Materials & Science Engineering Dep, Hanseo Univ, Seosan-si, Chungnam-do 356-706, South Korea, Email: wc_oh@hanseo.ac.kr) : Preparation and characterization of graphene oxide reduced from a mild chemical method. Asian J Chem 2011, 23(2), 875-9.

Layer structured graphene oxide (GO) was prepared from graphite using the modified Hummers- Offeman method. These layers were comprehensively characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. FT-IR and EDX measurements indicate the formation of layered structure with strong functional groups of graphene oxide and small partial oxygen containing functional groups were still existed in the sample of reduction of graphene oxide (RGO). From the TEM images, monolayer graphene oxide could be found in a flake form in the graphene oxide and reduction of graphene oxide layers. The intensity ratio between D peak and G peak in the Raman spectra of graphene oxide and reduction of graphene oxide indicated that the as-prepared graphene oxide has a low defect content. Atomic force microscopy results showed that the single layer of graphene oxide has been produced.

7 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

008484   Narayani T G;Gomathi Priya P (Chemical Engineering Dep, A C College of Technology, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: pgpriya@annauniv.edu) : Biogas production through mixed fruit wastes biodegradation. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(3), 217-20.

This study presents biogas production from fruit wastes at ambient temperature using anaerobic batch digester (500 ml). Co-digestion of fruit wastes were carried out with rice bran and cow dung. Biogas production from different samples was as follows: Sample A (fruit waste), 363; sample B (fruit waste, 75% + cow dung, 25%), 405; sample C (fruit waste, 75% + rice bran, 25%), 315; and sample D (fruit waste, 50% + rice bran, 25% + cow dung, 25%), 381 ml. From chromatographic studies, sample B has maximum methane content (80%) and sample C has maximum carbon-di-oxide content (50%). Cow dung influences digestion of fruit wastes and showed highest yield (405 mg) of biogas production.

3 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

008483   Nand Kishore;Singh I;Tripathi V S (NO, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Uttar Pradesh, Email: erindrasen@gmail.com) : Analysis of N-slot loaded patch antenna for tripple band operation. J Commun Engng Syst 2012, 2(3), 11-19.

Analysis of N-slot loaded microstrip antenna having single and double dielectric layer with coaxial feeding is presented using circuit model analysis. The antenna gives triple resonance and the separation between these resonances depends on the dimension of the slot. This antenna gives wide bandwidth for all three resonant frequencies for single dielectric and gives four bandwidths for double dielectric layer. It is observed that the resonance frequency decreases with increasing slot width but increases with increasing the slot length. The mathematical results are compared with the simulated results obtained from HFSSvl2 and both results are close.

18 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

008482   Mukherjee B (Electronics and Communication Engineering Div, PDPM-IIITDM Jabalpur, Mehgawan, PO-Khamaria, Jabalpur-482 005, Email: biswajeet.26@gmail.com) : Proposal to use cartography for predicting the urbanization as an aid to communication network planners. J Commun Engng Syst 2012, 2(1), 21-4.

Proposal has been made to incorporate the concept of urbanization level in the maps supplied to different vendors. This in turn would aid the network planners of the telecommunication, and cellular industry to plan the network, BTS site planning, cell size planning and efficient frequency planning also. All the advantages of incorporating urbanization level have also been well discussed.

4 illus, ref

008481   Mukherjee B (Discipline of Electronics & Communication Engineering, PDPM- Indian Institute of Information Technology Design & Manufacturin, Jabalpur, Email: b.mukherjee@iitdmj.ac.in) : Improvement in return loss of power splitter on EBG. J Commun Engng Syst 2011, 1(1), 24-9.

It has been investigated to improve the return loss of a power designed by partial removal of EBG rods. The EBG used is a rod structure and shows a Band Gap in the range of 1.55 to 2.9 GHz. The Power Splitter has a return loss at 2.45 GHz which falls in the range of the Band Gap. It has been found that in order to improve the return loss significantly, a larger matrix of the EBG structure is needed. However, the removal of rods, as matrix size is increased, needs to be done with a fixed ratio of the input feed length to coupling length to maintain the same resonant frequency. The improvement in the return loss has been significant from -19.932 dB for a 5x5 matrix to -36.282 dB for a 13x13 matrix.

5 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

008480   Mohamed A E N A;Rashed A N Z;Eid M M A (Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering Dep, Faculty of Electronic Engineering, Menouf 32951, Menoufia Univ, Egypt) : Recent advances of distributed optical fiber raman amplifiers in ultra wide wavelength division multiplexing telecommunication networks. J Commun Engng Syst 2011, 1(1), 30-44.

Recently, many research works have been focused on the fiber optic devices for optical communication systems. One of the main interests is on the optical amplifiers to boost a weak signal in the communication systems. In order to overcome the limitations imposed by electrical regeneration, a means of optical amplification was sought. The competing technology emerged: the first was Raman amplification. One reason was that the optical pump powers required for Raman amplification were significantly higher than that for Erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), and the pump laser technology could not reliably deliver the required powers. However, with the improvement of pump laser technology Raman amplification is now an important means of expanding span transmission reach and capacity. We have deeply studied an analytical model for optical distributed Raman amplifiers (DRAs) in the transmission signal power and pump power within Raman amplification technique in co-pumped, counter-pumped, and bi-directional pumping direction configurations through different types of fiber cable media. The validity of this model was confirmed by using experimental data and numerical simulations.

15 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

008479   Meng Z D;Cho K Y;Oh W C (Advanced Materials & Science Engineering Dep, Hanseo Univ, Seosan-si, Chungnam-do 356-706, South Korea, Email: wc_oh@hanseo.ac.kr) : Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue on Fe-fullerene/TiO₂ under visible-light irradiation. Asian J Chem 2011, 23(2), 847-51.

Three types of Fe-fullerene/TiO₂ were prepared using C₆₀ (fullerene) and titanium(IV) nbutoxide by a modified sol-gel method. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and photocatalytic activity. Photocatalytic properties for decolorization of methylene blue solution in the presence of three types of Fe-fullerene/TiO₂ under visible light had been studied. The results showed that Fe incorporated fullerene enhanced TiO₂ increase the decolorization rate of methylene blue. It was found that the photocatalytic degradation of a methylene blue solution could be attributed to the combined effects caused by the photo-degradation of titania, the electron assistance of fullerene, the enhancement of Fe by photo-fenton effect. The presence of Fe enhanced the photocatalytic actiity of Fe-fullerene/TiO₂ catalysts under visible light.

7 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

008478   Mecwan A I;Bhatasana P M;Savani V G (Electronics and Communication Dep, Institute of Technology, Nirma Univ, Ahmedabad, Gujarat) : Adaptive modulation recognition techniques. J Commun Engng Syst 2012, 2(2), 32-41.

Rising development in software defined radio (SDR) systems has led to rapid development in adaptive modulation recognition (AMR) techniques. Different order modulations combined with different coding schemes allow sending more bits per symbol, thus achieving higher throughputs and better spectral efficiencies by the use of AMR. The aim of this paper is to study various AMR techniques and compare their advantages and disadvantages to find the most efficient and feasible technique. In the techniques studied, various modulation schemes like M-PSK, OMSK, M-FSK, M-QAM, etc., are capable of being recognized and subsequently demodulated if required.

^iia8 illus, 6 ref

008477   Malhotra R;Nijhawan V (Electronics & Communication Engineering Dep, Bhai Maha Singh College of Engineering and Technology, Muktsar, Punjab, Email: blessurahul@gmail.com ) : Simulation based performance analysis of wired computer networks. J Commun Engng Syst 2011, 1(2-3), 9-13.

Simulation is the process of accessing the real-world scenario in a virtual way. The purpose of simulation modeling is to ease the understanding of real working situations, to surge its behavior and its reactions during particular events. It is the application of computational models to the study and prediction of physical events or the behavior of engineered systems. Selection of a particular network simulator involves factors like availability of simulator, its relative ease of use, network modeling flexibility, code reusability factor, hardware and software requirements, output reports and graphical plots. In this paper, performance analysis of wired networks has been done under variable data packet size from 500 bits, 1000 bits to 1500 bits.

4 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

008476   Lopez F;Estrada J;Linares M;Zuniga C;Soto B (Facultad de Ciencias Fisico Matematicas, BUAP, San Manuel, 72570, Puebla, Mexico, Email: lhuerta@ece.buap.mx) : Study and comparison of CMOS layouts for applications in analog circuits. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(4), 257-61.

This study presents different layouts techniques (serpentine, concentric, mterdigitated) applied to a differential amplifier designed in commercial technology CMOS (0.6 μam). It was observed that serpentine technique improves by 6 to 7 electrical parameters, where area was reduced (64%) and power consumption diminishes until a 57% with respect to conventional technique. Thus designer can optimally use different abstraction levels during integrated circuits (IC) design, by applying the best layout technique towards efficient systems.

5 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

008475   Li Y;Chen Z;Li X;Zeng H (The State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan Univ, 1800 Lihu Rood, Wuxi 214122, P.R. China, Email: zxchen2007@126.com) : Optimum condition of surface modification improving the dispersity of nano-silica in organgic solvents using 2-propenoic-2-methyl-3-trimethoxysilyl-propyl ester water solution. Asian J Chem 2011, 23(2), 893-8.

Surface modification improving the dispersity of the prepared nano-silica in organic solvents using different concentrations and amounts of 2-propenoic-2-methyl-3-trimethoxysilyl-propyl ester in aqueous solution were investigated. The result suggested that the optimum modification condition was that the concentration of 2-propenoic-2-methyl-3-trimethoxysilyl-propyl ester in aqueous solution was 0.4 mol/L and the amount of 2-propenoic-2-methyl-3-trimethoxysilylpropyl ester water solution was 30 mL/10 g nano-silica. The dibutyl phthalate absorption number of the optimum modified nano-silica was 3.5 cm³/g. The result from Fourier transform infrared suggested that the surface of the prepared nano-silica was modified by 2-propenoic-2-methyl-3- trimethoxysilyl-propyl ester water solution (0.4 mol/L, 30 mL/10 g nano-silica). X-Ray diffraction further indicated that the prepared nano-silica was modified by surface modification using 2- propenoic-2-methyl-3-trimethoxysilyl-propyl ester water solution (0.4 mol/L, 30 mL/10 g nanosilica). Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the dispersity of the prepared nano-silica in organic solvents was obviously improved. The data of the dispersity of the prepared nano-silica and the optimum modified nano-silica in many organic solvents further demonstrated that the dispersity of the prepared nano-silica in organic solvents was improved by surface modification using 2-propenoic-2-methyl-3-trimethoxysilyl-propyl ester water solution (0.4 mol/L, 30 mL/10 g nano-silica).

6 illus, 6 tables, 19 ref

008474   Li W;Zheng S;Ma S;Ding H;Jiao D;Cao B (School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jinan Univ, Jinan 250022, P.R. China) : Surface modification of ZrO₂/SiO₂ nanocomposites with aluminum zirconium coupling agent. Asian J Chem 2011, 23(2), 705-8.

In this studies, the ZrO₂/SiO₂ composite nanoparticles are prepared by situ-modified method and the ZrO₂/SiO₂ composite nanoparticles are modified by aluminum zirconium coupling agent. By using the particle size analysis, it is confirmed that the mean particle size of modified ZrO₂/SiO₂ composite nanoparticles is 55 nm and its distribution is uniform. The dispersion of modified ZrO₂/SiO₂composite nanoparticles is analyzed by the absolute value of ZrO₂/SiO₂ nanoparticles Zeta potential. Through transmission electron micrograph (TEM) observation, it is found that aluminum zirconium coupling agent improve the dispersibility of ZrO₂/SiO₂ composite nanoparticles. The hydroxyl groups on the surface of ZrO₂/SiO₂ composite nanoparticles can interact with hydroxyl groups of aluminum zirconium coupling agent and an organic coating layer is formed. The formed covalent bands are testified by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR). The dispersion stabilization of modified ZrO₂/SiO₂ composite nanoparticles in lubricating oil is significantly improved due to the introduction of grafted polymers on the surface of nanoparticles.

8 illus, 17 ref

008473   Li H;Chen X;Guo F (School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Zhengzhou Univ, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China) : Dissolution kinetics and thermodynamics of thiourea in triethylene glycol + water mixtures. Asian J Chem 2011, 23(2), 621-3.

Isopropyl mercaptan is an important pharmaceutical intermediate and chemical material. The dissolution of thiourea in solvents is very important for the production of isopropyl mercaptan. The aims of this study are to examine the dissolution kinetics and thermodynamics of thiourea in solvents at 297.15, 307.65, 317.05 and 332.85 K in the mass fraction of triethylene glycol being 0.63 and to present an alternative process for producing isopropyl mercaptan. In order to investigate the dissolution kinetics and thermodynamics of thiourea in triethylene glycol solution, the concentrations of solution, reaction temperature were selected as experimental parameters. It was determined that the dissolution rate of thiourea increased with increasing solution concentration and temperature. An empirical equation was used in fitting the data. The activation energy and entropy change ΔS° of the process was found to be 38.4709 and 0.1070 kJ/mol, respectively.

3 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

008472   Kuo C C;Po-Jenh H (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Graduate Institute of Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Ming Chi Technol, No. 84, Gunagjuan Road, Taishan, New Taipei City 24301, Taiwan) : Rapid surface roughness measurements of chromium carbon nitride hard films. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2012, 19(4), 229-36.

Chromium carbon nitride (CrCN) hard films own high hardness, lower friction coefficient, higher wear and corrosion resistance. Investigations on the surface roughness of CrCN hard films become an important issue because the surface roughness of CrCN hard films is widely believed to be related to its characteristics of wear and corrosion resistances. This paper presents a low-cost optical inspection system for rapid surface roughness measurements of CrCN hard films. Surface roughness of hard films can be determined rapidly from the average value of the reflected direct current voltage by the developed optical system. The measurement results are in good agreement with the results of white-light interferometry measurements. The deviation between both approaches is less than 10.07%. The savings in measurement time of the surface roughness of hard films is up to 83%.

7 illus, 7 tables, 31 ref

008471   Kucuk Y (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Bartin Univ, 74100 Bartin, Turkey, Email: yilmazkucuk75@gmail.com) : Simulation of non-linear viscoelastic behavior of cross-linked mesoporous silica aerogels by depth-sensing indentation. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2012, 19(4), 260-8.

Aerogels are ultra-lightweight nanoporous materials with high thermal insulation value for industrial applications. Recently, a reinforcing process referred to as 'crosslinking' has been implemented to improve their mechanical properties via coating the pore structure with a nano-thin conformal polymer layer. In this study, ordered mesoporous, monolithic silica aerogels obtained by templating with a tri-block co-polymer used as surfactant, is tested by depth-sensing indentation at the room temperature, and the results are compared with simulations using the ABAQUS software package. Assuming that polymer crosslinked aerogels have non-linear viscoelastic properties due to their polymer encapsulated mesoporous structure, the Burgers model is implemented as a user-defined subroutine in the ABAQUS environment. The results clearly show that the loading-unloading curves obtained from the nanoindentation tests are in good agreements with simulation. Therefore, predictions using different loads and loading rates can be modeled by implementing Burger's model.

7 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

008470   Kote A S;Jothiprakash V (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400 076) : Intermittent reservoir inflow prediction using stochastic and genetic programming models. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2010, 30(4), 110-19.

Genetic programming (GP) technique has been evaluated by applying it to the observed time series of Pawana reservoir in Upper Bhima River Basin, Maharashtra, India. The resulting GP models are compared with conventional univariate auto regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models. GP-a data mining technique has been investigated for predicting seasonal (June to October) reservoir inflow with a monthly time step. The results of the study revealed that both GP and ARIMA models could not predict the future inflows in a better way because the observed series is not following any particular distribution. Hence the observed time series was transformed into normal distribution using logarithmic transformation and found that both the modeling approaches predicted better. Goodness-of-fit measures, standard statistics, time series, and scatter plot were used to validate the model performance. Encouraging results indicated that the logarithmic transformed GP models resulted in a better and reliable forecasts of high and low inflows (extreme) compared to stochastic models. It is also found that if the input data follows normal distribution then there is substantial improvement in the accuracy of the models.

11 illus, 26 ref

008469   Kosowski A;Gierycz P (Radom Technical Univ, Material Science Dep, Technology and Design, Chrobrego 27, 26-600 Radom, Poland, Email: gierycz@ichf.edu.pl) : Vapour-liquid equilibria in binary systems formed by methylocyclopentane with alcohols. Indian J pure appl Phys 2012, 50(8), 583-92.

The modified Swietoslawski ebulliometer was used for the accurate (uncertainty of measurements: 0.01 K, in the case of the temperature and 30 Pa, in the case of the pressure) determination of vapour-liquid equilibria in binary isothermal systems formed by methylcyclopentane with the following: 2-butanol, 2-pentanol K and 2-methyl-2-butanol from 313.25 K to 343 K. The vapour pressures of the pure substances are also given. The experimental data have been correlated by means of the Redlich-Kister, NRTL and Wilson equations.

6 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

008468   Kivade S B;Murthy C S N;Vardhan H (National Institute of Technology, , Surathkal, Mangalore-575 025, Email: sbkivade@gmail.com) : Use of dimensional analysis and optimization of pneumatic drilling operations and operating parameters. J Instn Engrs : Ser D 2012, 93(1), 31-6.

Dimensional analysis was used to demonstrate the significance of these important parameters, grouped together in dimensionless numbers which will then allow for optimum use of limited laboratory data to produce better results. It allows for reduction of total effort in designing laboratory experiments, reducing total load and cost, permitting variation of the important dimensional groups rather than individual drilling operating parameters, hence a more efficient design of experiments can be realized. Drilling operations are very expensive endeavors and efforts are continuous by engineers and researchers to achieve the optimum penetration rate. To enhance bit life and penetration rate, optimization of bit design and drilling operations must be realized. To measure the penetration rate of the pneumatic drill, a fabricated pneumatic drill set up available was used. Laboratory tests were carried out to obtain the physical and mechanical properties of the rock samples. Penetration rate has been derived by means of regression statistics method. In order to overcome this drawback, dimensional analysis was used to derive relevant dimensional groups leading to the development of empirical equation of penetration rate.

4 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

008467   Keshavarz M H (Chemistry Dep, Malek-ashtar Technology Univ, Shahim-Shahr P.O. Box 83145/115, Islamic Republic of Iran, Email: mhkeshavarz@mut-es.ac.ir) : Estimation of the flash points of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2012, 19(4), 269-78.

This work introduces a novel, reliable and simple correlation for predicting the flash point of various types of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons containing cyclic and acyclic paraffins, olefins, alkynes and aromatic hydrocarbons. It is shown that the new method is based on the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms and some specific molecular moieties, which can easily be used for any types of hydrocarbons. The largest available experimental data consisting of 441 diverse hydrocarbons are used here in order to derive and test the general correlation. For a data set containing 423 of these 441 hydrocarbons, the root mean square (rms) and average absolute deviations are 7.7 and 5.7 K, respectively. The estimated flash points for 18 further hydrocarbons containing complex molecular structures have been compared with one of the best available new group additivity methods, which give much lower values of the rms and average absolute deviations.

2 illus, 25 ref

008466   Kanagasabapathi N;Balamurugan K;Mayilsamy K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Institute of Road and Transport Technology, Erode-683 316, Email: drkbalamurugan@yahoo.co.in) : Wear and thermal conductivity studies on nano copper particle suspended soya bean lubricant. J scient ind Res 2012, 71(7), 492-5.

This study presents lubrication, wear and thermal conductivity of transesterified soya bean oil (SBO). Nano copper particle was added to soya bean methyl ester (SBME) to improve wear resistance and heat transfer characteristics. Various SBO formulations (Crude SBO, SBME, SBME + 1.5% nano copper) and commercial mineral oil based 4T oil were tested for tribological and thermal conductivity. Wear results of SBME+1.5% Cu showed reduction in wear scar diameter by 12% compared to SBME, and 9.5% compared to 4T oil. Thermal conductivity of SBME+1.5% Cu was 1.66 times more than that of SBME, and 1.83 times more than that of 4T mineral oil.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

008465   Kakran A;Gupta S;Thareja P (NO, PEC Technology Univ, Chandigarh, Email: anilkakran@yahoo.co.in) : Classrooms of 2020. J Commun Engng Syst 2011, 1(1), 1-16.

This work envisions the profile of future classrooms, circa 2020. The horizon for its growth by keeping in mind the current and future trends a-vis the objectives of learning. Future education system will be completely revamped and there will be a need to redesign our classroom in accordance with technological advancements. Technology is a powerful means to enhance our abilities, to think, to learn, to communicate and to use our brains creatively and logically. Use of technology in learning proved to be a boon and a solution to the problems in this fast learning environment. No doubt that technology can transforms traditional classrooms into digital classrooms, but to what extent it interfaces with the probable or real developments remains to be seen. Further will these digital smart classrooms provide best learning, which is need of 2020 education system.

6 illus, 40 ref

008464   Jia F;Gong L F;Ni R J;Su G M;Yao C (School of Science, Nanjing Univ of Technology, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China, Email: yaocheng@njut.edu.cn) : Spectroscopic studies of the interaction between methyl orange and gemini surfactant. Asian J Chem 2011, 23(2), 729-32.

The influence of two kinds of cationic surfactants on spectral properties of methyl orange in aqueous solutions has been investigated by means of UV-vis spectroscopy in various pH values and concentration range. For the Gemini14-methyl orange (MO) solutions, a hyperchromic shift was observed from 509-403 nm with the decrease of spectra absorption by increasing the pH values. Spectral behaviour of dye-surfactant solutions with varying concentrations of surfactants confirmed that electrostatic hydrophobic interactions between dye and surfactant played an important role. An H-type aggregation appeared in the concentration ratio 1:2 for Gemini14 and methyl orange, but in the CTAB solutions, the ratio was 1:1. The initial decrease of the absorbance resulted from dye-surfactant complex formation. It can be concluded that the amount of the cationic groups plays an important role in the complex formation.

6 illus, 21 ref

008463   Jain S;Singh I (ECE Dep, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: snjece@gmail.com) : Comparison of ultra wide band indoor multipath IEEE 802.15.3 channel model. J Commun Engng Syst 2012, 2(3), 20-5.

Very large bandwidth of frequency (3.1-10.6 GHz) has been allocated to UWB systems. A single-band UWB signal propagates differently in the lower and upper bands of the spectrum due to the size of its bandwidth. The lower part of the signal can be obstructed more easily and the man-made interferences are not homogeneously distributed over the whole spectrum. The first experimental results obtained for a UWB channel show short-time duration of the CIR, strong path loss attenuation and a great number of resolvable multipaths. Most of the channel models proposed for UWB communications support the clustered ray arrival assumption described in different multipath amplitude distributions. As far as UWB path loss is concerned, general propagation physics approaches are valid, i.e., a longer distance between transmitter and receiver elements implies a lower amount of energy received. This amount of transmitted energy received at any distance of the transmitter can be computed by a propagation loss calculation using the vast amount of measurement data collected in the process of channel modeling. In order to obtain a suitable model, a great number of experimental measurements were taken to accurately characterize the UWB channel in different environments. This paper is focused on the IEEE 802.15.3a channel model. This introduces UWB channel characteristics and focuses on the model for high-data rate UWB applications, known as the IEEE 802.15.3a channel model. To start, the multipath model and the main characteristics of the IEEE 802.15.3a channel model and derive the distribution of the attenuation factors of the channel model and obtain their mean and standard deviation values.

5 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref