011563   Gilankar S G;Kush P K (Cryogenics Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Technology P. O. Cat, Indore-452 013) : Development of closed cycle refrigerator based cryopump. Indian J Cryogenics 2005, 30(4), 204-8.

Design of a cryopump based on an indigenously developed closed cycle refrigerator is discussed. This cryopump was built and its performance was tested for more than 2,000 hrs. The performance tests with results are presented. Recommended practices were followed for testing the performance.

8 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

011562   Dasgupta D;Taneja R C (NO, Unitech Ltd., ) : Design and planning of urban roads. Indian Highw 2007, 35(4), 37-41.

Behaviour of roads in urban areas is totally different as compared to the countryside roads. Countryside roads are normally higher than the surrounding ground and their drainage is assured by the cross camber. Intersections are also very few and situated far apart and treatment from drainage angle can be handled easily. As against this, the urban roads are always lower than the adjacent property. Cross camber can only help in draining the central or the higher edge of the road but unless and until proper longitudinal surface drainage along with planned underground drainage system is provided; the basic requirement of drainage of the road is not fulfilled. Moreover, the urban roads are in the form of a network, intersecting or joining at close intervals and create more serious problem of drainage. Their raising or lowering has direct effect on the complete surrounding superficial area of the project. Problems have been encountered at various places, as mentioned in the case histories. Recommendations based on long experience of their working in India and abroad have been made to avoid such menace.

2 ref

011561   Das K;Kundu C N;Chakrabarty J;Duttta P; Bhattacharyya D;Ghosh A;Majumder G C (NO, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S.C.Muilick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700 032) : Factor influencing crypresservation of mature goat epididymal sperm forward motility. Indian J Cryogenics 2005, 30(4), 191-6.

Studies were carried out to identify more efficacious cryoprotectants and to develop a novel technology for improving the cryoresistance potential of spermatozoa by manipulating the membrane structure of these cells. A simple sperm cryopreservation method has been developed for the first time using a chemically defined medium and goat cauda-epididymal sperm as a model system. The method has been developed by manipulating different rates of cooling, freezing and final temperature with the help of a computer-controlled bio-freezer. Freshly extracted motile goat cauda sperm dispersed in a modified Ringer's solution was subjected to the freezing protocol: cooling at the rates of 0.25°C/min to 5°C, 5°C/min to -20°C, 20°C/min to -100°C, prior to plunging to liquid nitrogen. Addition of glycerol (0.87M) showed the highest recovery of forward motility (32%). Changes in the cooling rate before and during freezing had a marked effect on sperm motility recovery. Motility recovery was insignificant when the cells were transferred directly to liquid nitrogen from the initial two cooling stages. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) (1.0M) and ethylene glycol (1.29M) were also effective in recovering sperm motility: 20% and 13% respectively. The cryoprotecting efficacy of several types of biomolecules has also been analyzed. Of all am/no acids tested, L-alanine (135mM) offered best cryoprotectant potentiality (14 ± 2%). Glycerol, DMSO and amino acids together caused motility recovery as high as 52%. Dextran (a polymer of glucose) of 10, 40, 73, 173, 252, 500 and 2000kDa offered maximum recovery of flagellar motility to the extent of approximately 23%, 21%, 19%, 18%, 16%, 15% and 8%, respectively. Combined action of dextran (10kDa), glycerol and DMSO offered highest motility recovery: 58%. This synthetic model has great potential for formulating an improved cryopreservation technology that may be highly beneficial for cattle breeding, breeding of the endangered species of animals and for rectifying some of the problems of human male infertility.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

011560   Chahal H S;Boora S B;Sarot S (NO, Haryana PWD (B&R), Chandigarh) : Use of portland pozzolana cement (PPC) in civil works. Indian Highw 2007, 35(6), 27-32.

2 tables

011559   Bhargava R (p4, Kuldip Society, Near Ishwar bhuvan, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380 009, , ) : Effective implementation of a national highway project. Indian Highw 2007, 35(1), 19-29.

3 tables

011558   Bharadwaj A;Tongia R;Arunachalam V S (NO, , ) : Scoping technology options for India's oil security: Part II - coal to liquids and bio-diesel. Curr Sci 2007, 92(9), 1234-41.

India's diesel consumption is several times that of petrol. In this article, we examine two options for meeting India's diesel demand coal to liquids and bio-diesel have been examined Coal gasification, followed by Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis offers an opportunity for large-scale production of diesel as proven by South Africa, and now being attempted by China and Qatar. India could consider this option given its large coal reserves. Four such plants consuming 60-76 million tonnes (mt) coal per annum can generate 12 mt of FT liquid, which is 20% of the expected diesel demand in 2011-12. This would require an investment of about Rs 54,000-90,000 crores. FT synthesis is a proven technology, coal prices are relatively stable and land requirements are modest. However, coal supply and transportation could be a concern and the process increases India's CO₂ emissions by about 80 mt. Oil-bearing plants such as jatropha, palm and sunflower can be cultivated on wastelands to produce bio-diesel. This option has several advantages: it can be integrated with the rural economy, almost CO₂ neutral and a large employment generation potential. However, it is a mammoth undertaking requiring an investment of about Rs 45,000-58,000 crores. We also briefly discuss the potential of energy conservation using gasoline-hybrid cars, which can potentially increase fuel efficiency up to 200 miles per gallon.

2 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

011557   Behera J (NO, Sailendra Naryan Engineering Research Institute, Burla-768 017, Email: jyotirmayabehera@rediffmail.com) : Prevention of surface cracks of embankment in the construction of National highway project. Indian Highw 2007, 35(4), 43-8.

Surface cracks are among the most observed types of distresses in warm temperatures in embankment layers. The study of such cracks was carried out in one of NH projects in Orissa located in areas where earth containing isolated pocket of expansive soil. When the layer constructed in expansive soil, the appearance of surface cracks at the road surface is a major issue irrespective of the suitability of the soil for construction. The various forms of cracks, their shapes and patterns are discussed. Finally, practical methods are demonstrated to reduce the appearance of cracks. To control the cracks, the client and contractor should have detailed studies regarding the soil they are handling. The field and analytical methods are needed to establish these cracks to ensure better performance of embankments.

3 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

011556   Behera J (Sailendra Narayan Engng Res Inst, , Burla-768 017, Email: jyotirmayabehera@rediffmail.com) : Recent experiences with crumb reubber modified bitumen for bituminous concrete mix design. Indian Highw 2007, 35(3), 35-44.

The paper recalls the basic information needed for describing and understanding of mix designs, material samples, plant productions and trial tests characteristics of rubber-modified bitumen. It reviews the existing mix design method and various issues are discussed. Conventional process of sample preparation does not work well for rubber-modified bitumen. The various studies both numerical and laboratory testing are needed for examining the other parameters such as stiffness modulus, fatigue resistance and deformation resistance in the mix design for the actual climatic and traffic conditions in India as mix design is experiencing a global facelift at the moment.

3 illus, 15 tables, 18 ref

011555   Basu B;Das M;Banik A K (NO, , C/o Dr Mit Ray C.U.P.G. Hall 1, Vidyasagar Street Kolkata-700 009, Email: barnalibasu@yahoo.com) : Kinetics of extra cellular protease production by mutant A. niger AB₁₀₀ during fish scale solubilisation in presence of exogenous carbon and nitrogen sources. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 249-54.

Various attempts have been made to utilize waste material of food processing industries by hydrolysis with microbial protease for recovery of protein. Surface culture fermentation of fish scale was carried out with mutant Aspergillus niger AB₁₀₀ to study the effect of exogenous carbon and nitrogen sources on kinetics of protease production as well as fish scale solubilisation. Glucose can exert a strong stimulatory effect on protease production through biomass growth and its autolysis. Glucose utilization was occurred at early phase of incubation with highest economic co-efficient at 10th day in 88.8% biomass production and 55.6% of glucose utilization. Autolysis of cell begins after 10 days of incubation. Utilization of urea was occurred at later phase of fermentation. Protease production was reaches it's peak at 14th day of fermentation and strongly correlated with higher amount of amino nitrogen formation as well as higher pH value of the fermentation medium.

4 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

011554   Banerjee T B;Sharma A K;Tiwari R P;Pandey M (MORTH, , New Delhi) : Rehabilitation of old bridges on national highways in U.P. Indian Highw 2007, 35(1), 11-18.

8 illus

011553   Abhilash S;Sreedevi B G;Sathikumar R (Civil Engineering Dep, College of Engineering, Trivandrum-695 016) : Effect of ageing on bitumen. Indian Highw 2007, 35(4), 49-55.

Study made an attempt to evaluate the effect of ageing on bitumen used in road construction. Bitumen samples were collected from eight rural roads, which had been constructed during different periods. Different tests were conducted on the recovered bitumen to study the effect or ageing on basic properties of the bitumen and bituminous concrete mix is prepared with aged bitumen for evaluating the mix properties. The result indicate that the penetration and ductility values decrease with increase in age and viscosity values increase with increase in age. The study also evaluated the laboratory ageing (Thin Film Oven Test) method performed at different temperatures for simulation of long-term field ageing of bitumen. Basic properties of the field aged and laboraory aged bitumen's arc compared and it is observed that TFOT ageing process at a temperature of 190°C can simulate a 3-year field ageing effect.

12 illus, 7 tables, 10 ref

011552    (NO, , ) : Standard specification and code of practice for prime coat and tack coat. Indian Highw 2007, 35(2), 14-18.

3 ref

010547   Jyant Kumar;Raju K V S B;Arun Kumar (Civil Engng Dep, Institute of Sci, Bangalore-560 012) : Relationships between rate of dilation, peak and critical state friction angles. Indian Geotech J 2007, 37(1), 53-63.

By performing a number of direct shear tests on dry sand, simple correlations were introduced to estimate peak friction angle (F128><102>p) and peak dilatancy angle (F128><121>p) from the knowledge of critical state friction angle ((F128><102>cv), relative density (Rd) and effective normal stress ((F128><115>v). It was noticed that an increase in the stress level leads to a significant decrease in the values of (F128><102>p and (F128><121>p. The magnitude of the horizontal displacement required to attain either (F128><102>p or (F128><121>p reduces with decrease in (F128><115>v As compared to loose sands, the effect of (F128><102>v on the shear strength and dilatancy behavior of dense sands has been found to be much more substantial. The estimations from the proposed correlations were also compared with the previous recommendations from literature.

9 illus, 19 ref

010546   Jha J N (Civil Engng Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Engng Coll, Ludhiana-141 006) : Effect of vertical reinforcement on bearing capacity of footing on sand. Indian Geotech J 2007, 37(1), 64-78.

Vertical barriers, if provided around the foundation can control the lateral displacement of soil beneath the footing. Placement of vertical reinforcing elements beyond / around the footing base can be one of the possible methods. This paper describes a relatively simple theoretical model from stability analysis based on slip surface derived from experimental results for vertically reinforced sand subgrade. Extra passive resistance provided by reinforcement has been incorporated while determining the bearing capacity ratio. The theoretical and experimental bearing capacity values have been compared for two- and three-dimensional cases.

9 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

010545   Srinivasa Rao P N;Achutha Naikan V N (Reliability Engng Centre, Indian Inst of Technol, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: naikan@hijli.iitkgp.ernet.in) : Dynamic collaboration of repair crews in production shops. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(4), 317-24.

Model for application of joint repair in large production shops by dynamic collaboration of repair crews. The model evaluates optimum availability, optimum number or repair crews, limiting availability, and limit on the number or repair crews to be employed in a production system with large number or identical and independent machines having no specified RLD (reliability logic diagram). Significant improvement in availability, and increase in net-benefit can be achieved with no additional investment by employing joint repair. An illustrative example from a spinning mill is presented for clarification or the model.

3 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

010544   Singh A;Sharma A K;Kamal T S;Vishal;Paramjit Singh (Beant Coll of Engng and Technol, , Gurdaspur-143 521, Email: sharmaajayk@nitj.ac.in) : Comparative investigation using fuzzy model and OptSim on WDM systems in presence of FWM and dispersion compensation. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(4), 339-4.

Paper, investigates the impact of pre-, post-, symmetrical using Dispersion Compensating Fiber (DCF) and Fiber Brag Grating (FBG) dispersion compensation methods on Four Wave Mixing (FWM) for 10 Gb/s non-return to zero (NRZ) 1inks by varying the state of polarization and core effective area of fiber through computer simulation. Performance characteristics (FWM power, eye diagram and Q value at the output) are studied by simulating the optical communication systems. A fuzzy controller based on fuzzy rule base using Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) has been reported. It is indicated that FBG technique has been found superior to all other methods.

10 illus, 6 ref

010543   Rayalu S S;Dubey N;Chatti R V;Joshi M V; Labhsetwar N K;Devotta S (Environmental Materials Unit, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur-440 020, Email: s_rayalu@neeri.res.in) : Effect of heteropolyacid and its route of incorporation on the photocatalytic properties of zeolite-based materials. Curr Sci 2007, 93(10), 1376-82.

Heteropolyacids (HPAs) arc known to be excellent re-dox catalysts. In combination with TiO2, HPAs can be used as photocatalysts active in visible light. The HPA accepts electron and get reduced to heteropolyblue (HPB) that can absorb light in the visible range. HPA can be incorporated into the external surface or in the pores of zeolite-Y. Zeolite-based composite photocata-lysfs have been designed by incorporation of HPA, semiconductor TiO2 and transition metal cobalt on zeolite. This composite metallozeolite photocatalyst is efficient in photoreduction of methyl orange (MO) in visible light to the tune of 4.11 mg of MO photore-duced/g TiO2. This catalyst also shows encouraging results for hydrogen evolution from water to the tune of 2730 μmol/h/g Tio2.

3 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

010542   Puumalainen K;Sundqvist S;Huskonen J (Business Administration Dep, Lappeenranta Univ of Technol, PO Box 20, FIN-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland, Email: kaisu.puumalainen@lut.fi) : Managing uncertainty in forecasting the diffusion of telecommunications innovations. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(4), 299-304.

Presents how adding more independent explaining variables and applying neural networks for forecasting purposes could improve the forecasting accuracy of the diffusion of innovations The paper proposes a set of uncertainty sources of telecommunications industry that have notable affect on the diffusion of innovations in the field. Diffusion patterns and uncertainty indicators of 81 countries were classified using self-organizing map neural network approach, and the results indicate that various levels and types of uncertainty are likely to produce different types of diffusion patterns.

2 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

010541   Nataraja M C;Nalanda Y (Civil Engng Dep, Sri Jayachamarajendra Coll of Engng, Mysore-570 006) : Properties of controlled low strength materials containing quarry dust. Indian Geotech J 2007, 37(1), 38-52.

Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) is a self-compacting and self-levelling material that is rapidly gaining acceptance in utility earthworks and transportation. This research study was performed to evaluate engineering properties of CLSM containing quarry dust. The CLSM mixtures containing quarry dust and natural river sand were compared for properties such as flowability, density, unconfined compressive strength, stress-strain behaviour and water absorption. A few mixes with rice husk ash and fly ash were also considered in addition to sand and quarry dust. Technical feasibility of using quarry dust in CLSM mixtures was studied and discussed. The results presented show that quarry dust can be successfully used for producing regular CLSM, which has better properties to that of CLSM containing natural sand. Thus, when a soil like material applications are called for, quarry dust CLSM mixtures can be effectively used at reduced costs as the ingredients are cheaper and readily available.

10 illus, 6 tables, 18 ref

010540   Narasimha Rao S (Ocean Engng Dep, IIT Madras, Chennai-600 036) : Pullout behaviour of screw and suction anchors in soft marine clays. Indian Geotech J 2007, 37(1), 1-37.

The paper describes typical offshore applications of screw anchors as well as suction anchors in situations where the sea-bed stratum is very weak and water depth is large. Based on detailed literature review, laboratory experiments are carried out and the results are analysed to evaluate the ultimate pull-out capacity and response under cyclic lateral loading. The tests have been carried out in laboratory test tank filled with a typical marine clay obtained from a coastal deposit on the east coast of India. Based on results, screw piles and suction anchors are proposed to support marine structures like compliant structures, pipelines, mooring system, data buoys, etc. The study on suction anchors show a good promise for its use in offshore areas with large water depths. The pullout capacity is found to be function of skin friction, weight of soil plug, suction dependent components and reverse end bearing and a procedure is suggested to estimate the same.

30 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

010539   Malik J N;Sahoo A K;Shah A A (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208 016, Email: javed@iitk.ac.in) : Ground-penetrating radar investigation along Pinjore garden fault: implication toward identification of shallow subsurface deformation along active fault, NW Himalaya. Curr Sci 2007, 93(10), 1422-7.

Total of 24 m Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) profiles acquired across the 6 m high Pinjore Garden Fault (PGF) scarp with 200 MHz antenna, yielded high-resolution subsurface image with penetration depth up to 6 m. Two strands of low-angle thrust faults (Fl and F2) were identified based on the prominent offset and warping in radar reflections. The Fl fault strand in the GPR profile was consistent with the fault identified in the trench excavated across the PGF. The GPR profile helped us to trace the fault strand of Fl at greater depth (<62>3 m) than that identified in the trench and also a new trace of fault branch F2 in the upper portion of the scarp. This suggested that multiple events have occurred along the PGF during the recent geologic past. With this attempt suggests that the GPR technique can be a useful tool in mapping the shallow subsurface geometry and in locating the near-surface faults displacing young; Quaternary sediments in the Himalayan foothill zone.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

010538   Kumar A;Baisya R K;Shankar R;Momaya K (Nokia (India) Private Ltd, , 5F Cybergreen Building, Sector 25A, Gurgaon-122 002, Email: ashish.kumar@nokia.com) : Diffusion of mobile communications: application of bass diffusion model to BRIC countries. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(4), 312-6.

Growth of mobile communications market needs to be studied and understood, from three perspectives: i) Drivers, nature and Impact of the growth of mobile communications in depth; ii) Lessons from global markets and other industries can help cellular operators bring telecoms to poorer people; and iii) Lessons. from this market can be applied to other fundamental needs that have to reach out to the "bottom of the pyramid". This paper presents applicability of the Bass Diffusion Model (BDM) to Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC markets). BDM explains the diffusion of mobile communications in these countries well. In the case of India, there are two key findings: (i) Value of 'q' the coefficient of internal influence (word- of- mouth and contact) is very high compared to the other BRIC countries in the sample; and (ii) BDM predicts a potential market of about 200 million subscribers.

4 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

010537   Koski H;Kretschmer T (Inst for Communication Economics, Univ of Munich, Germany, Email: t.kretschmer@lmu.de) : Catching up? differences in 2G mobile diffusion in industrialized and developing countries. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(4), 305-11.

In developing countries, the launch of wireless communication technologies has resulted in a substantial improvement in the coverage of communication networks. It remains uncertain, however, if diffusion processes in developing countries follow a similar pattern and are governed by similar determinants as in industrialized countries. Present results suggest that this is indeed the case and that technological progress in developing countries can be fostered by changing the competitive and regulatory environment and capping service prices if possible.

4 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

010536   Edwin Raja J;Kumanan S (Production Engng Dep, National Inst of Technol, Tiruchirappalli-620 015, Email: kumanan@nitt.edu) : ANFIS for prediction of weld bead width in a submerged arc welding process. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(4), 335-8.

Intelligent technique, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), to predict the weld bead width in the submerged arc welding (SAW) process for a given set of welding parameters has been proposed. Experiments are designed according to Taguchi's principles and its results are used to develop a multiple regression model. Multiple sets of data from multiple regression analysis are utilized to train the intelligent network. The trained network is used to predict the quality of weld. The proposed ANFIS, developed using MATLAB functions, is flexible, accurate than existing models and it scopes for a better online monitoring system.

2 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

010535   Chakravarty D;Venugopal S;Ghosh S K (Mining Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: dc@mining.iitkgp.ernet.in) : Comparative analysis of GPS baseline data using different stochastic modelling techniques. Curr Sci 2007, 93(10), 1416-22.

Double-differenced Global Positioning System (GPS) carrier-phase observations produce accurate GPS-precise poinl positioning results if processed with least squares algorithms, which need a functional and a stochastic model to be properly defined, the latter being difficult to accomplish practically. The standard model, the MINQUlE model and the simplified MINQUE model are widely used for estimaling the variance-co variance components of GPS observations. In this communication, the outputs from these models are compared. It has been shown that both the MINQUE models are superior to the standard stochastic model and the simplified MINQUE model has the same accuracy as the MINQUE model, but with a drastically reduced computational time.

4 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

010534   Chakraborty P S;Majumder G;Sarkar B (Adult Continuing Education and Extension Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032, Email: p_s_c2001@yahoo.com) : Performance evaluation of material handling system for a warehouse. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(4), 325-9.

Attempts to find out the best available h1ternative material handling system (MHS), an integral component of warehouse operations has been attempted to find out. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a flexible decision making tool for complex, multi-criteria problems and useful to provide management weightage, has been used in this study to develop performance model. The proposed algorithm, used to select the proper MHS is the hybrid of AHP performance model and capital investment. Sensitivity analysis has also been reported for making an eclectic decision. The newly developed method is sound surrogate to the traditional techniques.

2 illus, 13 ref

010533   Azadeh A;Izadbakhsh H R;Bukhari A (Industrial Engng Dep, Research Institute of Energy Management and Planning, Faculty of Engin, PO Box 11365-4563, Iran, Email: aazadeh@ut.ac.ir;ali@azadeh.com) : Total assessment and optimization of telecommunication sectors by an integrated multivariate approach. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(4), 290-8.

This paper presents an integrated multivariate approach (IMA) for total assessment, ranking and optimization of telecommunication sectors based on standard indicators identified by International Telecommunication Union (lTU). The integrated approach is based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Numerical Taxonomy. Results of DEA are verified by PCA and Numerical Taxonomy by Spearman correlation technique. Indicators are catagorized as telephone network size, other services, quality of service, traffic, tariffs, staff, demography, economy, information technology, broadcasting and mobile services. To present applicability of IMA, data for 2003 of 27 developed and developing countries are used. A total of 9 indicators are considered, out of which 4 are inputs and 5 are outputs. The results identifies the most efficient inputs or outputs which can aid management in overall assessment and optimization. This is the first study that presents an IMA for total assessment, improvement and optimization of the telecommunication sectors. The integrated approach of this study may be easily used for performance assessment and optimization of other telecommunication sector.

1 illus, 4 tables, 43 ref

009566   Venkatesh K R;Kanakasabai V;Arutchelvan V (Civil Engineering Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: vaagas@rediffmail.com) : Removal of hexavalent chromium by biosorption. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(3), 611-14.

Chromium (VI) present in water are toxic for both higher organisms and microorganisms, when exceeds the tolerance limits, they affect directly various physiological and biochemical processes causing reduction in growth and inhibits respiration. A variety of biological technologies have been employed widely both in developed and developing nations for cleanup of the metal polluted sites. Biosorption is one of the major classes of bioprocess technologies for heavy metal ion removal. It is eco friendly as well as cost effective treatment. In this work three different types of mushrooms viz., Calocybe indica, Agaricus bisporus and Lactarius species were tested in a batch process for removal of Chromium (VI) with various initial concentrations of 150,100 and 50 mg/ L. It was found that the maximum removal efficiency were 65.4%, 71.1% and 89.9% using the adsorbents (<60> 150 microns) Calocybe indica, Lactarius species and Agancus bisporus respectively, for initial Chromium (VI) concentration of 50mg/L.

9 illus, 7 ref

009565   Thandan Babu Naik R;Satish Saha;Raghavan R V; Sarma A N S (NO, National Geophysical Research Institute, Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: thandan@gmail.com) : Modern seismic monitoring systems for earthquake hazard management and mitigation. IETE Tech Rev 2007, 24(3), 153-62.

Describes the various seismic monitoring systems and the role of modern seismic monitoring systems in earthquake hazard management and mitigation. The typical digital broadband seismic station and telemetry linking of various remote digital seismic stations in near real-time are also described, this has a very important key role in modern seismic monitoring systems. Koyna (Maharashtra) modern seismic network is also described. This Modern Seismic monitoring is vital to meet the nation's needs for timely and accurate information used in reducing the loss of life and property from the earthquakes and tsunamis and to improve the nation's ability to respond effectively to damaging earthquakes. The functioning of the earthquake safety systems is described and finally concluded with how the safety measures can be improved by the use of modern seismic monitoring systems in preventing the loss of life and property.

10 illus, 9 ref

009564   Singh D (NO, Science and Technology Dep, , Email: dschahar_ds@yahoo.com) : Performance of the AQUA and NOAA-16 soundings over India. Curr Sci 2007, 93(9), 1281-7.

Temperature profiles were retrieved using ICI-retrieval package for January-September 2004. The vertical cross-section of rms differences was computed between ICI-retrieved temperature profiles and that of National Center for Environment Prediction reanalysis for the period January-March 2004. Further, validation of these temperature profiles was also carried out using radiosonde temperature profiles over land and sea, and also under clear sky and cloudy conditions for winter and summer. The rms differences in temperature profiles were found to be more over land (about 3°C) in lower atmosphere compared to that of middle and upper atmosphere, where the differences were less than 2°C respectively, compared to sea areas. Finally, comparison of temperature profiles retrieved from combined infrared and microwave and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS + AMSU + HSB) profiles reveals that in general they are comparable. However, the best agreements have been observed over the oceanic region.

7 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

009563   Shanker D;Yadav R B S;Singh H N (Earthquake Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667, Email: dayasfeq@iitr.ernet.in) : Seismic risk in the Hindukush-Pamir-Himalaya and their vicinity. Curr Sci 2007, 92(11), 1625-30.

Seismic risk for the three seismic zones of Hindukush-Pamir-Himalaya and their vicinity has been estimated using both Gumbel's extreme value theory and the theory given by Knopoff and Kagan. Although there are minor deviations in the results of the estimated return periods of the different magnitudes using different methods, the analysis indicates that the most probable largest annual earthquakes are close to 6.0, 4.9 and 5.0 for the three different zones. The most probable earthquakes that may occur in an interval of 50 years are also estimated and reported. The study offers a comprehensive assessment of earthquake risk, which includes a brief physical explanation of the method employed. The comparative study suggests the biasing nature of Gumbel's estimate towards higher magnitude.

5 illus, 6 tables, 22 ref

009562   Senapati B (NO, , Austriamicrosystems AG, Schloss Premstaetten, 8141, Unterpremstaetten, Austria, Email: senapati@ieee.org) : Modelling of strained silicon-germanium material parameters for device simulation. IETE J Res 2007, 53(3), 215-36.

Analytical models have been developed for strained Silicon-Germanium (SiGe)' material parameters based on computed and experimental data. These parameters include: energy bandgap, conduction and valence band edge offsets, electron affinity, effective mass for electrons and holes, dielectric constant, electron and hole mobilities and their dependence on composition, doping density, electric field, and temperature, saturation velocity, minority carrier lifetime and recombination mechanisms including Auger and Shockley-Read-Hall, and coefficients for the impact ionization. The models developed may be used in predictive device simulation.

16 illus, 7 tables, 103 ref

009561   Samanta S K;Bera L K;Chatterjee S (Microelectronics Laboratory, Electronics & ECE Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: somenath@gmail.com) : Silicon heteroepitaxial layer characterization by atomic force microscopy. IETE J Res 2007, 53(3), 185-97.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to investigate the surface morphology of strained heteroepitaxial films of SiGe, SiGeC and strained-Si on Si. AFM topographic data, over different areas have been quantitatively analyzed and compared, using standard roughness descriptors such as the root mean square (RMS) of the surface height deviations. In addition, for a more general and complete description of surface roughness, Fourier transform analysis has been used to determine characteristic parameter values that fully describe the surface roughness independent of the feature size.

15 illus, 5 tables, 20 ref

009560   Rastogi R (NO, Information Technology Dep, Electronics Niketan, 6, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003, Email: rrastogi@mit.gov.in) : Indian electronics and IT industry. IETE Tech Rev 2007, 24(3), 163-73.

The year 2006 witnessed a revalidation of the Indian Information Technology - Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) growth story, driven by a maturing appreciation of India's role and growing importance in global services trade. Industry performance was marked by sustained double-digit revenue growth, steady expansion into newer service-lines and increased geographic penetration, and an unprecedented rise in investments by Multinational Corporations (MNCs) - in spite of lingering concerns about gaps in talent and infrastructure impacting India's cost competitiveness. The sector looks set to close the year at record levels, with the revenue aggregate growing by nearly ten times over the past 10 years.

2 tables

009559   Raghunath M R;Hemaprasanth;Sridhar N;Chitra C P;Ganesh K (Peninsular Aquaculture Div, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Hesarghatta lake P.O., Bangalore-560 089, Email: raghunathmr@rediffmail.com) : Simulated live transportation of fishes in tanks under light and dark conditions. Fish Technol 2007, 44(2), 187-92.

Live fish command higher price in the fresh fish market than dead iced fish. Preliminary trials were field to find the effect of light and dark conditions on live fish transportation for the fresh fish market. Sub-adult Rohu (Labco rohitn) of 220-250g were held at high density ., (130 fish,m³) .in aquarium and plastic tank to simulate live fish transportation conditions. The effect of light and dark conditions on oxygen consumption, ammonia build-up, pH and temperature were monitored during the study. Average rates of decrease in dissolved oxygen (DO) were highest under full light conditions (3.2ppm DO_-1) followed by semi dark and least in fully dark conditions (1.94 ppm "DO.h_-1). Similar results were seen when fish were held in plastic tanks as well. Increased levels of salinity in water decreased the DO depletion rates (1.5-1.98 ppm DO.h_-1). Ammonia concentrations increased rapidly under fully dark conditions in presence of 0.9 and 1.1% salt (0.8-1.59 ppm NH₃.h^-1). Lowest rates of increase in ammonia concentrations were seen under full light conditions (0.68 ppm NH₃.h^-1). The pH under all conditions of holding decreased steadily in spite of the increase in ammonia. It is concluded that dark conditions are beneficial for live fish transportation provided the fecal matter could be removed effectively to counter the build-up of ammonia.

5 illus, 18 ref

009558   Paul D J;Matmon G;Townsend P;Zhang J;Zhao M; Ni W X (Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge Univ, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK) : Progress towards terahertz Si/SiGe quantum cascade lasers. IETE J Res 2007, 53(3), 385-92.

A review is given of the present status of Si/SiGe quantum cascade emitters operating in the terahertz part of the frequency spectrum and the issues regarding making a quantum cascade laser using such technology. Potential applications will be discussed before the major issues in obtaining a iaser are reviewed. Waveguides properties will be clarified before cascade heterostructure regions with sufficient gain to overcome waveguide losses are discussed. Finally the future outlook and potential for lasing will be debated.

6 illus, 17 ref

009557   Pathak M;Bhattacharyya N;Baruah M (Family Resource Management Dep, Faculty of Home Science, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013) : Energy consumption pattern in rural households of Assam and its effect on environment. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(3), 641-3.

Energy is a critical commodity and acts as essential ingredient in life. There is a positive association between per capita income and per capita consumption of energy. The rural scene of Assam is characterized by use of non commercial energy sources. Firewood was the major sources of cooking fuel in the rural areas and was used on an average of 10.75 kg/day/household.

3 tables, 4 ref

009556   Narasimhan T N (Materials Science and Engineering Dep, University of California at Berkeley, 210 Hearst Memorial Mining Building, Berkeley, CA 94720-1760, USA, Email: tnnarasimhan@lbl.gov) : Energetics of the Kirkendall effect. Curr Sci 2007, 93(9), 1257-64.

Explores what a rational framework might be if one were to analyse the Kirkendall effect from a dynamical perspective. To this end, the Kirkendall effect is examined based on concepts related to binary diffusion in gases and liquids developed during the nineteenth century, and the extent to which such ideas may have relevance to diffusion in solids. Additionally, deformation due to local depletion of energy is also considered by analogy with deformation of water-saturated porous solids associated with diffusional drainage. The ideas presented have to be critically evaluated before acceptance. Nevertheless, it seems reasonable to state that the present insufficiency of knowledge of energetics governing the Kirkendall effect merits attention and remedy.

3 illlus, 24 ref

009555   Mandeep Singh;Vinod Kumar;Saxena S C (Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering, Thapar University, Patiala-147 004, Email: mandy_tiet@yahoo.com) : Refinement criterion for SPIHT based ECG signal compression. IETE Tech Rev 2007, 24(3), 145-51.

While compressing ECG data using Set Portioning in Hierarchical Trees (SPIHT), a set rules forming one refinement pass is repeated number of times. With every refinement pass, the quality of reconstructed signal improves, but at the same time compression ratio deteriorates. Apparently there seem to be no fixed optimal number of refinement passes for producing same quality of reconstructed signal. Discusses how by identifying and removing "Blank-fires" from this compression process, a criterion of a fixed number of refinement passes is evolved. The results are validated by visual inspection of the signals by physician, as well as by statistical analysis.

12 ref

009554   Maiti T K;Mahato S S;Chakraborty P;Maiti C K (Electronics and ECE Dep, Indian Institute of Kharagpur, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: tkm.iitkgp@yahoo.com) : Scaling of strain-engineered MOSFETs. IETE J Res 2007, 53(3), 263-76.

The aim of the present work is to study the evolution of Si based heterostructure MOSFETs via the incorporation of new materials, for example strained-Si, and to predict the resultant device performance and scaling trends of strained-Si/SiGe MOSFETs for RF applications. The article describes a comprehensive technology CAD (TCAD) based methodology to design and optimize strained-Si channel of CMOS technology using Sentaurus tools. Sentaurus-PROCESS is used to simulate and optimize a typical 90/45-nm process flow, including channel, halo, source/drain (BID) profile engineering, oxidation, deposition, etching, and annealing for dopant activation. The structure generated by Sentaurus-PROCESS is then simulated using the device simulator Sentaurus-DEVICE. The simulation results have been benchmarked with reported experimental strained-Si channel MOSFET device results. The calibrated n- and p-type devices are scaled down to a 45 nm gate length to assess the device and circuit behavior.

18 illus, 6 ref

009553   Mahato S S (Electronics and ECE Dep, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: satyamahato@yahoo.com) : Reliability issues in strained-Si MOSFETs. IETE J Res 2007, 53(3), 277-84.

Strained-Si structures are promising candidates for enhancement of CMOS performance. Enhancement in drain current is observed from novel strained-Si MOSFETs. However, it might cause reliability problems as the temperature can rise by more than 100degreeC over ambient under typical static bias conditions. A full process-to-device simulation has been employed to study some of the reliability issues in strained-Si channel MOSFETs. The thermal behavior (self-heating) for strained-Si MOSFETs has been studied via ANSYS simulation. Modeling of self-heating in strained-Si MOSFETs is presented.

6 illus, 20 ref

009552   Joshi R R;Gupta R A;Wadhawani A K (Electrical Engineering Dep, , CTAE, MPUAT, Udaipur-313 001, Email: rrjoshi_iitd@yahoo.com) : Reduced harmonic pollution: intelligent switching strategy for matrix converter. IETE J Res 2007, 53(4), 375-81.

This paper proposes a neural-network current-regulated switching strategy for a matrix converter induction motor drive system. In this paper, the design and implementation of the induction motor system has been investigated. This paper has provided a systematic" and analytic approach for designing a high performance matrix converter induction motor drive system. All the control algorithms, which include switching strategy, current regulation, are executed by a digital signal processor TMS320C6711. By using this new switching strategy, the current harmonics of the system are effectively reduced. Several experimental results are shown to validate the theoretical analysis.

4 illus, 11 ref

009551   Joshi R R;Gupta R A;Wadhawani A K (Electrical Engineering Dep, , MITS, Gwalior-474 005, Email: rrjoshi_iitd@yahoo.com) : Artificial intelligence based DTC controlled matrix converter cage drive system. IETE J Res 2007, 53(4), 303-13.

Matrix converter induction motor drive system operated with a direct torque control (DTC) shows a sluggish response during startup and under changes of torque command. Fuzzy logic is used in conjunction with direct torque control to minimize these problems. A fuzzy logic controller chooses the switching states based on a set of fuzzy variables. Flux position, error in flux magnitude and error in torque are used as fuzzy state variables. Fuzzy rules are determined by observing the vector diagram of flux and currents. The operation of the direct torque controller becomes difficult at low speeds due to the effect of change in stator resistance on the flux measurements. To improve the system performance at low speeds a fuzzy resistance estimator is proposed to eliminate the error due to the change in stator resistance. At constant flux and torque commands any change in stator resistance of the induction machines causes an error in stator current. This error is utilized by the fuzzy resistance estimator to correct the stator resistance used by the controller to match the machine resistance. Both fuzzy controller and fuzzy resistance estimator are implemented using DSP TMS320C6711 for a 3 hp induction motor drive system. Results demonstrate enhanced performance.

10 ref

009550   Fobelets K;Velazquez Perez J E;Hackbarth T (Electrical and Electronic Engineering Dep, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, SW7 2BT London, UK) : MOS-gated strained-Si buried channel field effect transistors. IETE J Res 2007, 53(3), 253-62.

MOS-gated strained-Si modulation doped Field Effect Transistors (MOSMODFETs) traditionally suffer from parallel conduction causing degradation of the device performance below that of the Si control fabricated in the same batch. We present a MOSMODFET in which parallel conduction is avoided through the use of ultra-thin modulation doped layers and TMAH etching to remove the top Si parasitic layer. A low thermal budget and deposited oxides are used to conserve material integrity. This approach has lead to MOSMODFETs that show RF performance improvement over the Si control MOSFET and improved DC operation over a temperature range from 10K to 300K. The influence of the low temperature processing on the characteristics is an increase from 0.3 to 1.2 Q mm of the contact resistance, and the deposited oxide increases the interface state density.

9 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

009549   Dolui A K;Mitra S (Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science Dep, Institute of Agricultural, Calcutta Univ, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Phosphorus availability indices in relation to phosphorus fractions in some acid soils of Jharkhand. Int J agric statist Sci 2007, 3(2), 561-9.

Five extractants were tried viz. Olsen, Bray₁, Bray₂. Truog and Das₂ to assess the available P status of some entisols, Inceptisols and alfisols of Jharkhand. The extracting power of different extractants was in the order: Das<62> Truog<62> Bray₂ > Olsen<62> Bray,. Various P fractions did not follow any definite pattern with deptt. The Ca-P was the dominant inorganic mineral fraction of P (20.6% of the total P) in the soil studied. The extracted amounts of P by various extractants were correlated with P fraction as well as soil properties. Red-sol-P is the most important fraction governing the available P in soils followed by Ca-P. Olsen and Bray₂ extractants were consistent in extracting P from specific P fraction than the other three extractants.

4 tables, 18 ref

009548   Deva Y (NO, , , Email: deva@nde.vsnl.net.in) : Warfare when the world spins nano: paradigms, promises, perils. IETE Tech Rev 2007, 24(3), 137-43.

45 ref

009547   De T K (PSI Div, Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Atomic Energy Dep, ) : Emerging trends in ICT providing fast, cost effective solution for rural connectivity. IETE Tech Rev 2007, 24(3), 179-81.

009546   Chopra P N (NO, , C-362, Sheikh Sarai, Phase-I, Pocket-C, New Delhi-110 017, Email: bitcomin@bot.net.in) : Some spectrum issues for emerging wireless technology. IETE Tech Rev 2007, 24(3), 175-77.

Present communication revolution is in the nature of a race to unwire the world with significant shifts, likely in the areas of Broadcasting and Communications. Last decade witnessed acceptance and wide spread growth in the area of terrestrial wireless services, particularly in the countries like India and China, where the growth has been phenomenal. In the field of Cellular mobile services, GSM operators in India have been adding approximately four million subscribers every month, while CDMA operators have been adding two million subscribers every month during past six months to the existing 160 million cellular phones. The growth in subscriber's number is the result of a concerted effort by the cellular industry to accelerate its growth trajectory in a bid to reach the government's target of 200 million mobile subscribers by 2010.

009545   Chatterjee S;Bera L K (School of Electrical Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632 014, Email: somenath@gmail.com) : Determination of band discontinuities in silicon heterostructures. IETE J Res 2007, 53(3), 199-214.

An estimation for the band offsets and the fundamental band gap has been presented for several silicon-germanium based heterostructures. This estimation considers both the band lineup at the interface of two different materials as well as strain effects. The valence and conduction band offsets in strained Si/SiGe, partially strain-compensated Si/SiGeC and Si/strained-Si heterostructures have been determined from quantum confinement of carriers measurements. High-frequency capacitance-voltage (C-V) profiling has been used to measure apparent carrier concentration and band offsets. Extracted experimental values are found to be in a good agreement with reported values obtained using other techniques.

14 illus, 1 table, 48 ref

009544   Bera M K;Mahata C;Maiti C K (Electronic Engineering Dep, City Univ Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Email: mkbera@cityu.edu.hk) : Ultrathin high -k gate dielectric films on strained-Si/SiGe heterolayers. IETE J Res 2007, 53(3), 237-51.

Authors have investigated the deposition of alternative gate dielectrics i.e., high dielectric constanT(high-k) materials such as ZrO₂ and TiO₂ on strained-Si on relaxed SiGe and strained-SiGe layers. The strained-Si heterolayers generally acquire a high defect density during heteroepitaxy and also the high-k gate dielectric films are prone to point defects. These defects play an important role in determining the electrical properties of the deposited films and their reliability. Basic understanding of the physical and chemical nature of these defects may help to alleviate the reliability problems. In this paper, the nature of several point defects and trap centers created from both strained-Si substrates and high-k gate dielectrics itself has been studied in detail. Magnetic resonance technique has been used to study the chemical nature of the defects present at the interface and dielectric trapping defects present in strained-Si/high-k metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitors. The physical nature and the quantification of the trapping/detrapping centers have also been studied under stressing (in both constant current and voltage modes). Time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) characteristics have been measured to study the reliability of the MIS capacitors.

12 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref