024969   Tangsrirat W (Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Chalongkrung Road, Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand) : Novel current-mode and voltage-mode universal biquad filters using single CFTA. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(2), 99-104.

Presents two novel electronically tunable universal filter configurations employing a single new active device, namely the current follower transconductance amplifier (CFTA). The first proposed current-mode universal filter with single input and three outputs consists of one CFTA, one virtually grounded resistor and two grounded capacitors. It can simultaneously realize low-pass, band-pass and high-pass responses with no need to impose component choice. A new three-input single-output universal voltage-mode biquad using one CFTA, two resistors and two capacitors is also proposed as a second proposed circuit. The latter circuit can be configured to realize all the five standard biquadratic filter functions; low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, band-stop and all-pass, without changing the circuit configuration. Both two universal biquad filters also offer the advantage features of the use of minimum number of passive components, and independent electronic tuning of the important filter parameters (ω_o and BW), as well as low active and passive sensitivities. To demonstrate the performances of the proposed filters and verify the theory, PSPICE simulations are accomplished.

8 illus, 15 ref

024968   Sudheesh K;Mallikarjuna J M (Internal Combustion Engines Lab, Mechanical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600 036, Email: jmmallik@iitm.ac.in) : Effect of cooling water flow direction on performance of an acetylene fuelled HCCI engine. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(2), 79-85.

Deals with experimental investigations carried out on an acetylene-fuelled engine operated in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode to study effect of cooling water flow direction on intake charge temperature and heating requirements, and performance of the engine. In the study, in a possible load range, experiments are conducted on a single-cylinder, water-cooled, acetylene fuelled HCCI mode with conventional and reverse cooling water flow directions using different intake charge temperatures at different loads. At every load condition, best possible intake charge temperature is determined based on brake thermal efficiency. Results obtained in two cases of cooling water flow directions of HCCI mode are compared with those of conventional diesel CI mode. From the results, it is found that, reverse cooling water flow direction shows about 14 to 50% reduction in external intake charge heating at different load conditions as compared to conventional cooling water flow direction. There is an improvement in brake thermal efficiency by about 5 to 10% at different load conditions. Nitric oxide (NO) and smoke emissions are very low in both cases. However, hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels are higher than conventional CI mode in both the cases.

8 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

024967   Shariati M;Sedighi M;Saemi J;Eipakchi H R (Mechanical Engineering Faculty, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, P.O. Box 316, Iran, Email: hamidre2000@gmail.com) : Experimental study on buckling and post-buckling behaviour of cylindrical panels with clamped and simply supported ends. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(2), 86-90.

Effects of the length, sector angle and boundary conditions on the buckling load and post-buckling behaviour of cylindrical panels have been studied experimentally by applying a compressive axial load on the panels using a servo-hydraulic machine.

14 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

024966   Santhi Devi R;Victor Rajamanickam G (NO, Bharathi Women Govt. Arts & Science College, Mint, North Madras, Chennai-600 108) : Remote sensing and GIS techniques for morphological change detection along the coast between Adirampattinam and Portonovo. Indian J Geomorph 2008, 13-14(1-2), 42-62.

The study area is located in south east coast of India. The Cauvery and Coleroon are the main rivers. They bour water with sufficient sediment load in to Bay of Bengal. It is so happened that sea level oscillations are changing the coast line from 1970 to 2004. In this study, 1970 aerial photo and satellite data LISS III + pan merged 2004 were compared in order to deduce changes. The result was calibrated to the topography map dated 1970 and field observations. The photographic data are geocoded and further geo-referenced with topography map. Different image processing techniques are being carried out to enhance the changes from 1970 to 2004. On-screen interpretation is used for classification of landforms; the study area was also digitized on aerial photo and topography map using Arcinfo software. Through the interpretation of beach landforms the increase and decrease of the landform changes could be observed. It is also seen that due lo large transportation of sediment materials from Coleroon and their tributaries, river-mouth regression is taken place. However, the study indicates that modern image processing techniques beside GIS technology can provide good information for the change detection and coastal zone study.

5 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

024965   Saha J K;Mitra P K;Paul S;Singh D D N (NO, Institute for Steel Development and Growth, Kolkata-700 019, Email: jayantaksaha@gmail.com) : Performance of different organic coatings on steel substrate by accelerated and in atmospheric exposure tests. Indian J chem Technol 2010, 17(2), 102-10.

Organic coatings act as a barrier to a corrosive solution and check the transfer of electrical charge from the corrosive solution. High performance organic paint systems were applied on plain carbon steel substrate with two different primers viz., epoxy Zn phosphate and epoxy Zn rich. Identical intermediate and top coats were applied on them having equal dry film thickness. Both uncontrolled long term testing and controlled laboratory testing were conducted to evaluate the performance of the coatings. Salt spray, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were carried out on fresh coated panels whereas both EIS and DC polarisation studies were done on the panels withdrawn from field exposure racks using different electrolytes. Polarisation resistance, coating capacitance, water absorption, and corrosion potential were studied to understand the causes of deterioration and to have faster assessment of durability of these paint formulations. Corrosion products were characterised by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) through morphology and Raman spectra through phase identification. The performance of epoxy Zn phosphate base primer is very much comparable with epoxy Zn rich base primer. The findings were supported from the tests conducted on the panels exposed for two years under the industrial climatic conditions. The rust formed under the atmospheric condition is non protective lepodocrocite.

17 illus, 8 tables, 26 ref

024964   Ramani S E;Victor Rajamanickam G (School of Civil Engineering, SASTRA, Thanjavur) : Influence of terrain parameters in hill town planning of Kodaikkanal town and its surrounding Tamil Nadu. Indian J Geomorph 2008, 13-14(1-2), 11-23.

An attempt has been made to build a terrain morphometry database for Kodaikkanal town and its surrounding watershed to aid in hill town planning. The area has typical hill topography - structural hills and valleys representing a rugged topography. Most of the slopes are gentle in nature with the town being situated in high piateau. The high precipitation and humid climate lead to active weathering of the bedrock and the steep terrain has a thin soil cover showing the laterisation process in progress making it a most significant process in the area, where the rocks are dominantly charnockite. The landforrns display a strong reiatio with lithoiogical units. The drainage pattern is predominantly dentritic and it is rectangular in the 1 Eastern fringe of the study area. The sediment production rate is very high when seen in the light < drainage basin area. The higher SPR is coherent with the land surface configuration of the study are; the higher rate of erosion can be attributed to the rugged/hilly nature of the terrain of the area consideration. The area also experiences a higher intensity of rainfall (on an average 1650 mm in 170 per annum), which also contributes to the higher rate of erosion. This paper discusses the relevari these units in hill town planning.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

024963   Raghava Chari S (NO, , Flat. No 3, Block B, Susheel House 19, South Gangai Amman Koil Street Choolaimedu, Chennai-600 094) : Condition monitoring of static plant assets. Indian J Fertil 2009, 5(11), 73-6.

Sophisticated electronic instruments supplemented by age-old mechanical gadgets, feeling, listening and critical observations of machinery and equipment online and offline prolongs their lives, provides satisfactory performance, prevents catastrophic failures and the resulting downtime and possible serious accidents.

5 illus, ref

024962   Raghava Chari S (NO, , T-4 Flat No 3, Block B, Susheel House 19, South Gangai Amman Koil Street, Choolaimedu, Chennai-600 094) : Retrofit dry gas seals in centrifugal compressors. Indian J Fertil 2009, 5(5), 69-76.

Centrifugal compressors come with shaft end seals to eliminate or at least minimise leaks across the annulus of shaft exits at the ends. Labyrinth, Oil film and contact type carbon Seals were in use till the advent of dry gas seals (DGS) twenty years ago. DGS technology has become so perfect now that all new compressors come with it and many users successfully retrofitted DGS even in their 20 year old compressors due to just 1 1/2 months or even less payback followed by saving of over Rs. 10 crores yearly. This article deals with dry gas seals in depth and their benefits over conventional seals.

12 illus, 3 tables

024961   Pukhta M S;Maqbool s;Sidiqui S H;Baba M Y (Agril Engineering Div, SKUAST, Kashmir-190 001, Email: mspukhta_67@yahoo.co.in) : Separable programming approach to double sampling. Int J agric statist Sci 2010, 6(1), 163-6.

Optimum allocation of the sample sizes in multivariate surveys where more than one characters are under study can be formulated as a non-linear programming problem. In this paper, we give the separable programming approach to solve the allocation problem in double sampling.

5 ref

024959   Pande P P (NO, , Mahajana's PG Centre, Email: prajakt1123@gmail.com) : Computational approach towards designing potential HIV inhibitors. Adv Biotech 2009, 9(5), 31-37.

It is imperative to continue efforts to identify novel effective therapies that can assist in containing the spread of HIV. Recently acquired knowledge about the HIV entry process points to new strategies to block viral entry. For most HIV strains, the successful infection of their target cells is mainly dependent on the presence of the CD4 surface molecule, which serves as the primary virus receptor. The attachment of the viral envelope to this cellular CD4 receptor can be considered as an ideal target with multiple windows of opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Therefore, drugs that interfere with the CD4 receptor, and thus inhibit viral entry, may be promising agents for the treatment of AIDS. The CD4-targeted HIV entry inhibitors Cyclotriazadisulfonamides represent a novel class of small molecule antiviral agents with a unique mode of action. The lead compound, CADA, specifically interacts with the cellularCD4receptor and is active against a wide variety of HIV strains. CADA may also act synergistically in combination with other anti-HIV drugs. This work includes study of interaction between CADA and CD4, mode of inhibition of CD4, designing a better drug against HIV also with antibacterial activity adding value to the entry inhibitor.

17 illus, 13 ref

024958   Madhu C;Bellakki M B;Manivannan V (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA, Email: mani@engr.colostate.edu) : Synthesis and characterization of cation-doped BiFeO₃ materials for photocatalytic applications. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(2), 131-9.

Sol-gel method was applied to synthesize Bi_1-xM_xFeO₃ (M = Mg, Al, Y) ceramic materials. Subsequently, these materials were structurally characterized by applying Rietveld refinement techniques. The magnetic properties of the synthesized materials were determined by SQUID measurements and their optical properties (band-gap) were determined by applying diffused reflectance (DR) techniques. The low band-gap nature of these materials enabled to them exhibit photocatalytic activity and accordingly 2% Y doped BiFeO₃ samples exhibited higher photocatalytic effect (18% compared to 14% for undoped). Under identical conditions, TiO₂ standard exhibited only 7% degradation indicating superior properties of cation-doped bismuth ferrites.

9 illus, 1 table, 59 ref

024957   Hebeish A;Ramadan M A;Abdel Hady M;Abdel Thalouth J I (Textile Research Div, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt) : Dependence of reactive prints of cotton fabrics on type and condition of scouring system. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2010, 35(2), 154-8.

Effect of bioscouring on printability of cotton fabric using a reactive dye has been studied and the results are compared with the conventional scouring to obtain most appropriate bioscouring conditions for optimal printability. Parameters affecting the bioscouring process, such as concentration of alkaline pectinase enzyme in single use and in admixture with cellulase enzyme, and duration of treatment as well as pretreatment with β-cyclodextrin at different concentrations are studied. Fabrics processed using the appropriate condition of bioscouring exhibit overall printing characteristics which are comparable with, if not superior than, those of the conventional scouring, irrespective of the effect due to the replacement of the harsh chemicals with ecofriendly biodegradable enzymes.

5 tables, 17 ref

024956   Hazarika J (Statistics Dep, Dibrugarh Univ, Dibrugarh-786 004, Email: jitenhazarika@rediffmail.com) : Development of ARIMA model for tea production of Assam, India : a case study. Int J agric statist Sci 2010, 6(1), 11-18.

An Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model has been developed with the help of Box- Jenkins approach for the tea production of Assam. The developed model for the tea production of Assam is ARIMA (p, d, q) with d=l,p=l,q=l. The study made in this paper establishes that the selected ARIMA model is quite appropriate for the tea production of Assam, India.

4 illus, 6 tables, 4 ref

024955   Gupta B;Agarwal R;Alam M S (Textile Technology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi-110 016, Email: bgupta@textile.iitd.ernet.in) : Textile-based smart wound dressings. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2010, 35(2), 174-87.

Efforts have been made during the last few years towards the development of new artificial wound coverings which will meet the requirements necessary for the treatment of major skin wounds. Research has been mainly focused on achieving the specifications of an ideal wound dressing, such as hydrogel technologies providing products suitable for applications in biomedical, personal care as well as nano-sensor. But as the hydrogels have low mechanical strength, recent trends have come up in the form of composite membranes, where a textile material is coated with the polymer solution. The fabric reinforcement provides strength to the dressing and the drug loaded dressings offer precise control of the release behavior. Various efforts made on the textile - based composite structures for their applications as wound dressings, based on the current research and existing products has been reviewed.

^iia11 illus, 79 ref

024954   Freeda Christy C;Tensing D (NO, School of Civil Engineering, Karunya University, Coimbatore-641 114, Email: freeda@karunya.edu) : Effect of Class-F flay ash as partial replacement with cement and fine aggregate in mortar. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(2), 140-4.

Fly ash is investigated for its use as a replacement for cement and fine aggregate in cement mortar. Presents the results of the cement mortar of mix proportion 1:3, 1:4.5 and 1:6 cement mortar in which cement is partially replaced with Class-F fly ash as 0%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 30% by weight of cement. Richer the mix, higher the compressive strength has been obtained even with partial replacement of fly ash with cement. Test results indicate the significant improvement in the strength properties of mortar with fly ash as partial replacement with fine aggregate and with the cement in the cement mortar 1:6. It can be effectively used in masonry with the compressive strength of the brick unit ranges between 3-20 N/mm^2.

6 illus, 20 ref

024953   Deswal S;Pani P (Centre for the Study of Regional Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, New Delhi-110 067) : Geomorphic investigation of alluvial terraces and related neo-tectonic activities along Bata river, Sirmour district, Himachal Pradesh. Indian J Geomorph 2008, 13-14(1-2), 37-47.

Alluvial terrace surfaces along the Bata Nadi have been studied morphologically. Relationship of river terraces with climatic changes and tectonic activities is well established. Terrace surfaces of Bata Nadi are well resembling the effects of active tectonics. Graphical and sedimentary analysis, are presented on the basis of field investigation. Measurement of various physical parameters of the terraces in the field has been done with the help of GPS. Pebble fabric analysis has been done to infer the stream history. On the basis of the results the genetic interpretations for the terraces have been done, it has been inferred that most probably the terraces are of Holocene in age.

6 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

024952   Deepak Chowdary D;Nagesh Kumar G V (Electrical and Electronic Engineering Dep, Vignan's Institute of Engineering for Women, Visakhapatnam-530 046, Email: gundavarapu_kumar@yahoo.com) : Mitigation of voltage sags in distribution system due to three phase to ground fault using DVR. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(2), 113-22.

Voltage sags defined as short-duration reductions in the rms voltage on one or more electrical phases are becoming the most important power quality concern to electric utility customers with sensitive loads. They are characterized by their magnitude and duration (which is typically 0.5 to 30 cycles). Sags are predominantly caused by faults that are unavoidable on the distribution systems due to the interconnectivity of the utility systems. The distribution-class dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) is a series connected power electronics device which can compensate for distribution system sags and swells. By enhancing the voltage, the DVR can increase the availability of sensitive loads. For a successful compensation, the DVR must be able to detect the voltage sag and control the inverter to restore the voltage. The sliding mode control is used for the DVR. Using sliding mode control to the DVR, additional sag detection method is eliminated. This improves the dynamic response of the DVR and also DVR is able to compensate for any variation in source voltage. A DVR with sliding mode control strategy is used to alleviate the voltage sags caused due to faults occurring on the parallel feeders in a single-phase distribution system. The DVR along with the other parts of the distribution system are simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK.

14 illus, 12 ref

024951   Das S D;Srivastava P K;Singh N P;Srivastava V (Chemistry Dep, D D U Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur-273 009, Email: ssdas2002@rediffmail.com) : Preparation of some metal chloride doped silver phosphate glass electrolytes - application to solid state batteries. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(2), 123-30.

Silver phosphate glasses doped with various compositions (0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 wt%) of some metal chlorides, viz, lithium, sodium, magnesium, lead and copper are prepared by melt quenching technique. These glasses are characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, FTIR spectra, transference number measurements and electrical conductivity studies. The glasses exhibiting maximum electrical conductivity are used as solid electrolytes for the fabrication of solid-state batteries with the cell configurations: Ag ∏ Ag₂O - P₂O₅ - MCl_y ∏ (C + I₂) (where y = 1 when M is Li or Na; y = 2 when M is Mg, Pb or Cu). The open circuit voltage (OCV) and discharge characteristics of all the fabricated batteries have been studied. The addition of metal chlorides to silver phosphate glass matrix results in a substantial increase in the OCV. The cell with the configuration Ag ∏ Ag₂O - P₂O₅ - (15%) Li Cl ∏ (C + I₂) gives the best performance. The results have been discussed on the basis of FTIR and electrical conductivity studies.

4 illus, 2 tables, 45 ref

024950   Damodar Reddy M;Veera Reddy V C (Electrical and Electronics Engineering Dep, S V University, Tirupati-517 502, Email: mdreddy999@rediffmail.com) : Two-stage methodology of optimal capacitor placement for the reconfigured network. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(2), 105-12.

Describes a two-stage methodology of optimal capacitor placement for the reconfigured network. A two-stage methodology is used to reduce the losses and to improve the voltage profile of the balanced radial distribution networks. In the first stage, an improved fuzzy multi-objective algorithm is used for the network reconfiguration of the original network. In the second stage, capacitors are placed optimally for the reactive power compensation of the reconfigured network. Fuzzy approach is used to find the optimal capacitor locations and analytical method is used to find the sizes of the capacitors. The proposed method is tested on 11-bus, 33-bus and 69-bus test systems and the results indicate that considerable loss reduction is possible with substantial improvement in the voltage profile.

7 illus, 8 tables, 14 ref

024949   Choudhary R;Kumar H;Garg R K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Malout Institute of Management and Information Technology, Malout-152 107, Email: rajeshmimit@gmail.com) : Analysis and evaluation of heat affected zones in electric discharge machining of EN-31 die steel. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(2), 91-8.

Investigations are conducted on the machining of EN-31 die steel with different electrode materials (copper, brass and graphite) with electrical discharge machining (EDM) process. The study presents the analysis and evaluation of heat affected zones (HAZ) of the workpiece surfaces machined using different tool electrodes by EDM. The kerosene oil of commercial grade has been used as dielectric fluid. The effect of various important EDM parameters such as pulse duration, peak current and discharge gap voltage has been investigated to yield the responses in terms of material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR). Further the detailed analysis of heat affected regions has been carried out by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). Experimental results indicate that copper as a tool electrode shows a good response towards MRR, whereas brass gives superior surface finish as compared to other tool electrodes. From the microstructural analysis study it has been observed that heat affected zone is much deeper in the specimen machined by graphite electrode as compared to other tool electrodes.

8 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

024948   Bozkurt N;Yazicioglu S (Construction Education Dep, Firat University, Elazig 23119, Turkey, Email: nuret60@hotmail.com) : Strength and capillary water absorption of lightweight concrete under different curing conditions. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(2), 145-51.

Reports an experimental study carried out to investigate the influence of addition of pozzolanic materials and curing regimes on the mechanical properties and the capillary water absorption (sorptivity) characteristics of lightweight concrete. A control lightweight concrete mixture made with lightweight volcanic pumice containing only Portland cement (PC) and fly ash lightweight concrete mixture containing 20% of fly ash (FA) and 10% of silica fume (SF) as a replacement of the cement by weight is prepared. The specimens are prepared and cured in three different curing conditions (standard 20°C water, sealed and air cured) for the periods of 3, 7 and 28 days. At the end of each curing period, compressive and tensile strengths and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) values are determined; sorptivity coefficients are recorded at 28 days. The results indicate that SF specimens give higher compressive and tensile strength and lower sorptivity coefficient values than corresponding PC and FA concrete specimens, regardless of curing regime and age of concrete. The results also show a good correlation between the strength development of concrete and its sorptivity, i.e., as the compressive and tensile strengths increased due to the hydration, the sorptivity coefficients decreased significantly.

7 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

024947   Badal M;Unmar R;Rosunee S (Textile Technology Dep, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius, Email: s.rosunee@uom.ac.mu) : Development of predictive model for setting stitch length value of single jersey cotton fabrics. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2010, 35(2), 172-3.

Statistical approach has been used to predict the stitch length of single jersey fabrics from known yarn counts and fabric area densities in the grey reference state. The model has been based on the observational data from two hundred and sixty samples of tubular weft-knitted single jersey cotton fabrics produced under bulk conditions in a knitting plant. The multiple regression analysis technique is used to develop the predictive equation. Validation of the model by follow up on knitted samples reveals that the predicted stitch length value from the equation is acceptably close to the real value. The statistical model can therefore be used to eliminate the need for trial and error methods in the development stage of single jersey fabrics.

^ssc1 table, 2 ref

024946   Agnihotri R K;Sharma G;Jain S (Statistics Dep, St. John's College, Agra-282 002, Email: drrkagnihotri.sjc@gmail.com ) : Reliability analysis of system of wheels in a four wheeler. Int J agric statist Sci 2010, 6(1), 259-68.

The objective of the present paper is to provide reliability analysis of a very commonly used system of wheels in a four wheeler. Regenerative point technique with Markov renewal process is used to obtain various reliability characteristics.

2 illus, 4 ref

023742   Zeng X;Sui T (Civil Engineering Dep, Central South Univ, Changsha 410 075, Hunan, P.R. China, Email: zxhzlh@yahoo.com.cn) : Effects of SNF and LS superplasticizer on cement paste using electrical measurement. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(1), 27-33.

Non-contact electrical resistivity measurement is used to study the effects of sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensates (SNF) and lignosulphonate (LS) superplasticizers on cement paste. Other experiments like fluidity test and test of the amount of superplasticizer adsorbed on cement particles are also carried out. Results show that SNF superplasticizer has different effects on the resistivity of cement pastes comparing with LS superplasticizer. The plot of initial resistivity versus SNF dosage can be divided into 4 zones. Each zone reflects the characteristics of SNF as a superplasticizer of cement paste, respectively. The curves of the resistivity developing with time; ρ(t), and their derivatives; dρ(t)/dt(t), have distinct changes when the dosages of SNF and LS superplasticizer are high. Electrical method is potentially a very useful method in concrete designing.

9 illus, 34 ref

023741   Yarrakula K;Deb D;Samant B (Mining Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: deb@iitgp.ac.in) : Hydrodynamic modeling of Subernarekha river and its flooding using remote sensing and GIS techiques. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(7), 529-36.

Hydrodynamic modeling of Subernarekha river was conducted to develop a flood forecasting model. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of study area was prepared using high resolution CARTOSAT-1 imageries and river cross sectional nodes were extracted from DEM. Remote sensing and GIS tools were used for data transforming from CARTOSAT-1 stereo images, inundation and damage areas. Results of hydrodynamic model of flood year 1997 matched quite well with those measured by Central Water Commission (CWC). Assessment of damage due to flooding of agriculture land, habitats, dense forest, mixed vegetation, scrubs, plantation, water bodies and barren land for 1997 were determined and elaborated.

11 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

023740   Xiaohua D;Dingxin J;Zhicheng L;Hanhong X (Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Insect Toxicology, South China Ag, Guangzhou-510 642, Chian, Email: hhxu@scau.edu.cn) : Synthesis, characterization and bioactivity of fipronil derivatives as a lead for new insecticide. Indian J chem Technol 2010, 17(3), 215-9.

Fipronil is the first phenylpyrazole insecticide introduced for pest control. In order to further study fipronil derivatives of better bioactivity and systemic property derived from the pyrazole-5-amine by addition reaction/elimination/substitution reaction, ten modified compounds were prepared. Their insecticidal bioactivities against the 3rd instar larvae of Plutella xylostella were determined. The data suggested that bioactivities of most of the. compounds are higher than that of fipronil, while some of them showed only modest activity as compared with fipronil.

2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

023739   Verma A;Purkait M K (Chemical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781-039, Email: mihir@iitg.ernet.in) : Synthesis, characterization and physical properties studies of an anionic surfactant. Indian J chem Technol 2010, 17(3), 233-7.

Anionic surfactant, sodium octadecyl sulfate was synthesized from non-toxic n-octadecanol using chlorosulfonic acid as the sulfating agent. The synthesized surfactant was characterized by melting point, FT-IR,^{1'H-NMR and ESI-Mass spectroscopic studies. Physical properties of the surfactant like Krafft point, surface tension, conductivity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) have also been studied. The surface tension and critical micelle concentration (CMC) were found to be around 48 mN/m and 0.2 mM at 30°C, respectively. Both CMC and surface tension value decreased with increase in temperature. CMC decreased from 0.2 to 0.1 mM when temperature increased from 30 to 50°C. The Krafft point is 56°C and the melting point is 209°C.}

3 illus, 19 ref

023738   Suri I K;Prasad R;Shivay Y S (NO, Innovative Technologies Associates, GH-13/795, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi-110 087) : Techniques for making value added coated fertilisers and their economics. Indian J Fertil 2009, 5(3), 49-52, 58.

Techniques for coating prilled urea with zinc, sulphur and phospho-gypsum (PG) have been developed and are described. Zinc and PG coated urea were found superior to prilled urea as judged by benefit: cost ratio. Trials with S-coated urea are still in progress. It is suggested that prices for coated ureas be fixed for different concentrations of coating e.g. in the case of zinc coated urea these should be for 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% coatings. The percentage of zinc coating required on prilled urea could then be decided upon the soil and crop needs of an area as well as on the benefit: cost ratio of the material.

1 illus, 6 ref

023737   Srinivas P;Pradeep Kumar G N;Sarala C; Prabhakara Chowdary P (Civil Engineering Dep, R V R & J C College of Engineering, Chowdavaram, Guntur, Email: srinivas7_pasupuleti@yahoo.co.in) : Application of remote sensign and geographical information systems techiques for integrated management of Boothpur watershed in A.P.. J appl Hydrol 2008, 21(1-2), 65-74.

Watershed Management is the rational utilization of land and water resources for optimum production with minimum hazard to natural resources. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques can be utilized for effective management of land and water resources in a watershed. The Government of Andhra Pradesh is implementing watershed development programs on priority basis for sustainable development of land and water resources. The activities of watershed management mainly include construction of rainwater harvesting structures, soil conservation measures and environmental protection measures. The study area selected was Boothpur Mandal which is in Mahbubnagar district of A.P. and was identified as chronically drought affected area in the state because of scanty and erratic rainfall. Collection of source data like satellite imageries of study area for two seasons, SOI toposheets. Village maps was carried out. Secondary data like groundwater levels, agriculture, population, socio-economic data was collected. Various thematic maps like Base map, Contour map, Drainage map, Soil map, Slope map, Land use/Land cover map, Geomor-phology map were prepared by using Arc GIS software. After analyzing all maps, Action Plan Map was generated for the soil and water conservation in the study area and suitable recommendations were made for the integrated management of watershed.

8 illus, 5 ref

023736   Sivasubramanian A;Jayanand B (NO, Dr. M.G.R. Univ, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: sivapollachi2002@yahoo.co.in) : Application of neural network structure in voltage vector selection of direct torque control induction motor. Int J appl Engng Res 2009, 4(6), 903-12.

Direct Torque Control (DTC) of Induction Motor drive has quick torque response without complex orientation transformation and inner loop current control. Although DTC has some drawbacks, such as the torque and flux ripple. The important point in DTC is the right selection of the stator voltage vector. This paper presents simple structured neural network for stator voltage vector selection for induction motors using direct torque control (DTC) method. The Gradient Descent with momentum back-propagation technique has been used to train the neural network. The simple structure network facilitates a short training and processing times. The twelve sector stator voltage vector selector based DTC scheme compared with the proposed scheme and the results are validated through simulation.

7 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

023735   Singh B;Satyanarayana T (Microbiology Dep, Delhi Univ South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110 021, Email: tsnarayana@gmail.com) : Applications of phytase of thermophilic mould Sporotrichum thermophile. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(6), 411-14.

Presents a review on applications of phytase from thcrmophilic fungal isolate, Sporotrichum thermophile. Under optimization, improvement in phytase production can be achieved in both solid state (2-fold) and submerged (2.6-fold) fermentations. Phytase could also be produced by alginate-immobilizcd S. thermophile, and enzyme production was sustainable ovet.5 repeated cycles. Purified phytase is a homopentameric glycoprotein (mol mass, 456 kD) and is optimally active at pH 5.0 and 60°C with a T_1/2,of 16 h at 60°C and 90 min at 80°C. It is insensitive to trypsin and pepsin, and unaffected by EDTA. Phytase has all requisite properties for application as a feed and food additive, dephytinization of soymilk and wheat flour and soil conditioner for plant growth promotion.

^iia26 ref

023734   Shukla M;Shukla A;Rohit Kumar;Srivastava V K; Tiwari S (Electronics Engineering Dep, HBTI, Kanpur) : Simple diversity scheme of IDMA commuication system. Int J appl Engng Res 2009, 4(6), 877-83.

Recently IDMA has attracted much attention in the area of Wireless Communication, in which interleavers are used as the only means for user separation. But in Wireless Communication fading problem is a major impairment. This paper presents a simple diversity approach in interleave -division multiple-access (IDMA) to mitigate the fading problem. The scheme explains maximal ratio-receiver combining (MRRC), with one Transmit antenna and two received antennas for IDMA. Scheme may be generalized also for single transmit antenna and 2M Receive antennas.

5 illus, 5 ref

023733   Shrestha B;Kim N Y (RFIC Laboratoty, Kwangwoon Univ, 447-1 Wolgye-dong, Nowon-ku, Seoul 139 701, Korea, Email: bnu@kw.ac.kr) : Design of low phase noise InGaP/GaAs HBT -based differential colpitts VCOs for interference cancellation system. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(1), 34-8.

This paper presents design, fabrication and characterization of two differential Colpitts voltage controlled oscillator (VCOs) - cross-coupled VCO (CC-VCO) and double cross-coupled VCO (DC-VCO) - in InGaP/GaAs HBT technology. Their main parameters like the oscillation frequency, output power and phase noise performance are measured and compared with other recently published studies. In the cores of two VCOs, two switching transistors are introduced to steer the core bias current to save power. An LC tank with higher inductor quality factor (Q) is used to generate oscillation frequency. The differential CC-VCO exhibited a superior phase noise characteristics of-130.12 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz from the carrier frequency (1.566 GHz) when supplied with a control voltage of 0 volt. In the same way, the differential DC-VCO achieved -134.58 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz from the carrier frequency (1.630 GHz) with the same control voltage. Two pairs of on-chip base collector (BC) diodes are used in the tank circuit to increase the VCO tuning range. It is concluded that the faster switching action of InGaP/GaAs HBT transistors exhibited the excellent phase noise characteristics.

10 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

023732   Shekhar Prasad C;Bhatt N K (NO, Tata Chemicals Limited, Babrala, Uttar Pradesh) : Product packaging network in TCL Babrala. Indian J Fertil 2009, 5(3), 21-2,25-7.

Tata Chemicals Ltd. (TCL) produces and dispatches more than 1.0 million tonnes of urea yearly to northern and eastern states of the country through Rail and Road network to meet the nation's demand for agriculture. This paper describes the efforts put in by TCL to improve various functions like, bagging, handling, preservation and despatch. These efforts have resulted in right quantity loading, waste reduction, maximising direct loading, reducing specific bag consumption, minimising inventory, demurrage reduction and despatch of quality product with quality packaging.

6 illus, 1 table

023731   Shailendra Kumar;Singh R (Mechanical Engineering Dep, S V National Institute of Technology, Surat-395 007, Email: skbudhwar@med.svnit.ac.in) : Expert system for design of progressive die for use in sheet metal industries. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(7), 510-4.

Expert system for design of progressive die (ESPDIE) has been developed for die designers working in sheet metal industries. Production rule based expert system is utilized for constructing system modules. All modules are user interactive and designed to be loaded in AutoCAD. System is capable of automatirtg all major activities (checking design features of sheet metal parts, design of strip-layout, selection of progressive die components, modeling of die components and die assembly, and selection of materials for die components) of design of progressive die.

4 illus, 13 ref

023730   Sen F;Sayman O;Ozcan R;Siyahkoc R (Mechanical Engineerig Dep, Akasray Univ, Aksaray, Turkey, Email: faruk.sen@deu.edu.tr) : Failure response of single bolted composite joints under various preload. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(1), 39-48.

An experimental failure analysis is performed to calculate bearing strength of single bolted joints in laminated composites reinforced unidirectional glass fibers. The main goal of this study is to determine the failure behaviour of bolted composite joints under various preload moments as 0, 2.5 and 5 Nm. Furthermore, two different geometrical parameters that are the edge distance-to-hole diameter ratio (EID) and plate width-to-hole diameter ratio (WID) are investigated. For that reason, EID and WID ratios are selected from 1 to 5 and from 2 to 5, respectively. Besides, the effect of orientation angle of laminated plates is considered. Therefore, four different ply orientations are selected as [30°]₄, [45°]₄, [60°]₄ and [90°]₄. The experimental results show that the magnitudes of bearing strengths in single bolted composite joints are strictly influenced from increasing value of applied preload moments, changing of WID and EID ratios and also ply orientations.

13 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

023729   Sastry C V S H S R;Janardhana G R (Medhanical Engineering Dep, Kakatiya Institute of Technology and Science, Warangal-506 015, Email: chsastry@rediffmail.com) : Densification behaviour of Al-Pb alloys-a study of effect of certain process parameters. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(1), 56-60.

The recent research into the alternate sliding bearing materials unequivocally point to the beneficial role of lead in aluminum. But, these alloys offer a manufacturing challenge, due to wide immiscibility gap. For sliding bearing applications, controlled porosity (size, distribution and nature) is an important consideration, as it influences the tribological performance through mechanical properties and spreading of lead in aluminum matrix. In the present investigation, the effects of alloy composition, ball to charge ratio and mixing/milling route on densification behaviour of Al-Pb alloys processed through conventional ball milling and attrition milling routes, using XRD, SEM and compressibility test are studied. The resulting morphological changes of powder complexes are examined, on five compositions of alloys to determine compaction response. The study concludes that attrition milling is an effective method for densification of experimental alloys.

10 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

023728   Sanjeev Kumar;Tewari P C;Sunand Kumar;Meenu (Mechanical Engineering Dep, AKG Engineering College, Ghaziabad-201 009) : Performance evaluation and optimization for urea crystallization system in a fertilizer plant using genetic algorithm technique. Int J appl Engng Res 2009, 4(6), 1093-1105.

Deals with the Performance Evaluation and Optimization for the urea crystallization system in a fertilizer plant using Genetic Algorithm. The urea crystallization system of a fertilizer plant has five main subsystems, arranged in series. Considering exponential distribution for the probable failures and repairs, the mathematical formulation of the problem is done using probabilistic approach and differential equations are developed on the basis of Markov birth-death process. These equations are then solved using normalizing conditions so as to determine the steady state availability of the urea decomposition system. The performance of each subsystem of urea crystallization system in a fertilizer plant has also been optimized using Genetic Algorithm. So, the findings of the present paper will be highly useful to the plant management for the timely execution of proper maintenance decisions and hence to enhance the system performance.

3 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

023727   Robert Kennedy Z;Lukose T P (Mechanical Engineerign Dep, Karunya Univ, Karunya Nagar, Coimbatore-641 114, Email: robertkennedy@karunya.edu) : Experimental investigation of woody biomass in a double walled downdraft gasifier for energy applications. Int J appl Engng Res 2009, 4(6), 885-902.

In a gasifier the main attractive factors are the design and the operation. An optimised gasification process produces a considerably clean gas with out additional energy. So a double walled gasifier combining the features of a closed top and an open top gasifier was developed and the performance behaviour was investigated. The gasifier is made of mild steel construction of 20 cm inner shell diameter, 32 cm outer shell diameter and 100 cm height. The gasifier was tested using silver oak wood chips of size approximately 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm. Feeding rates of 2-4.67 kg/hr and airflow rate of 50-130 1pm which correspond to 30 - 42% of the stoichiometric amount of air needed for complete combustion were used and tested for four different modes of operation. Of the 4 modes investigated in the gasifier using wood chips as feedstock and by assessing the main variables namely oxidation zone temperature, combustible contents (H2, CO & CH4), HHV, thermal efficiency and tar content; only mode 4 yielded a relatively tar- free fuel gas acceptable for I.C engines with a reasonably good calorific value of the product gas. The percentage of total combustible components (H2, CO, CH4) in the optimum range of air flow (95 - 105 1pm) was found to vary between 28.83 - 30.4% and their average composition was H2 =17.7- 18.69%, CO = 10 - 10.6%, CH4 =1.08 - 1.13%, N2 = 57.42 - 58.16%, CO2 = 11.04-12.97%. Air injection at 30 cm from the bottom of the gasifier enables the gasifier to operate with a good HHV fuel gas and reduced tar content. Also, it was observed that air injection at 10 cm from the bottom of the gasifier resulted in improper burning inside the reactor which resulted in clogging. From the above study, the equivalence ratio and gasification zone length are found to be vital performance parameters for downdraft gasifiers.

15 illus, 5 tables, 37 ref

023726   Revathy J;Suguna K;Raghunath P N (Structural Envineering Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Email: rrreva@gmail.com) : Strength and ductility of GFRP wrapped corrosion damaged concrete columns. Int J appl Engng Res 2009, 4(6), 989-98.

Presents the results of an experimental investigation to evaluate the effects of GFRP wrapping on the structural behaviour of corrosion damaged concrete columns of size 150 mm x 900 mm. The columns were subjected to different degrees of accelerated corrosion. The damaged columns were wrapped with GFRP. The test results show a marked enhancement in ultimate strength by 30% and ductility by 110%. The strength and ductility of the GFRP confined corrosion-damaged columns increase with increasing wrap thickness.

6 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

023725   Rana D S;Chaturvedi D K;Quamara J K (Institute of Instrumentation Engineering, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra, Email: dineshsrana24@rediffmail.com) : The microstructural study of swift heavy 75 MeV oxygen-ion and 100 MeV Ag-ion irradiated PVDF thin films by atomic force microscopy. Int J appl Engng Res 2009, 4(6), 963-73.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer films of different thicknesses are irradiated with 100 MeV Ag-ion, 75 MeV Oxygen-ion beams at different fluences to study the swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation effects on the surface of thin films. The surface topography, structure and surface mechanical properties of pristine and irradiated films are investigated by means of Atomic force microscopy (AFM) in trapping mode. AFM operation in trapping mode is preferred for high resolution topographic image of surface and to avoid damage to the tip and sample surface. The AFM micrographs of pristine and irradiated PVDF samples show small granular microstructure. AFM morphological characterizations of irradiated films reveal the formation of nano sized crater and hillocks on the surface. The AFM is also used to estimate average surface roughness, hardness, grain size, grain density entropy and other structural parameters. It is observed that the average surface roughness and grain size is decreases upon ion irradiation and the decrease is dependent on the nature of ion beam and its energy and fluences. An inverse Hall-Petch effect has been observed for PVDF thin films upon ion beam irradiation i.e., decrease in hardness of PVDF films upon ion beam irradiation.

8 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

023724   Purushothama H R;Mallikarjuna J M;Ganesan V (Internal Combustion Engines Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600 036, Email: vganesan@iitm.ac.in) : Improvement in part-load performance of a manifold injected spark ignition engine-an experimental investigation. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2010, 17(1), 7-12.

Deals with the experimental investigations carried out on a single-cylinder, four-stroke, manifold injected spark ignition engine to improve the part-load performance and emission characteristics by modulating the inlet valve closure timing (IVCT) and clearance volume (CV). The IVCT is delayed in order to reduce the volumetric efficiency of the engine with full throttle operation which in turn reduces the brake power output so that engine can be operated at part-load. In addition, the CV is also reduced with respect to IVCT to maintain the effective compression ratio (ECR) of the engine. These things change the geometric expansion ratio (GER) and ECR of the engine along with reduced pumping losses to increase the brake thermal efficiency and reduce the exhaust emissions at part-loads. In order to vary the part-load brake power output, a suitable combination of the IVCT and CV is used which in turn vary the GER/ECR ratio of the engine. In this study, experiments are carried out for the different GER/ECR ratios varying from 1.25 to 2 with two ECRs of 7 and 8 at a constant engine speed of 1500 rev/min. From the results, it is found that for GER/ECR ratio of 1.5 with ECR of 8 and 7, the improvement in brake thermal efficiency is about 3.5 and 6.6%, the reduction in unburned hydrocarbon emissions is about 25 and 22.5% and the reduction in nitric oxides emissions is about 51 and 52% respectively compared to conventional engine at the corresponding brake power outputs.

8 illus, 20 ref

023723   Priyadarshi Hem (Mining Engg., Indian School of Mines Univ, Dhanbad) : Application and benefits of nonex TM-a non-explosive. Indian Min Engng J 2009, 48(4), 30-2.

With increased consideration of safety in underground mines, conventional explosives may be hazardous to be used. Also the noxious fumes produced require not only the clearance of the whole mine but also prohibits the mining cycle to continue for the next few hours. The high value of shock waves results in several deformities in the near rock strata and is also dangerous to the nearby dwellings and sometimes it leads to fatal accidents. Now breaking rock or concrete in built-up or sensitive areas is no longer a problem. NoneXT (a type of non-explosive) is very safe to be used in these hostile conditions. This paper describes the advantages of using NoneX^{TM over the present blasting methods with reference to the uses in secondary breaking of rocks, in haulage drain excavation and expansion, tunnel widening, etc in underground mines. The manual deals with its present application and its future scopes.}

6 illus, 7 ref

023722   Prasad C D;Rao K R;Ghosh A K (NO, Central Mining Research Institute, Dhanbad-826 001) : Selection of induced caving technique amenable to underground coal mines - a nomogram. Indian Min Engng J 2009, 48(9), 24-31.

Hard, massive, difficult-to-cave sandstone roof is commonly encountered in Indian coal measure during winning of coal. Though such roof ensures ground stability during development because of their high self-supporting capability, but often poses a serious techno-economic problem at the time of winning of coal due to its non-caving nature and high strain energy storing capacity. Mining with stowing or partial extraction may be technically feasible solutions, but in most cases, are not economically viable. In such condition, induced caving of roof holds the key of success of coal winning. Of different induced caving techniques, blasting of roof in goaf either in underground or from surface, high-pressure water injection, hydro-fracturing, use of expanding materials (also referred as silent explosives), can be practised depending on their respective technical suitability and economic viability with respect to a given set of geo-mining conditions. However, induced caving by blasting is the only method practised in a few Indian collieries. While R&D is on to establish the high-pressure water injection system in India, this method is quite common in Chinese coal mines and hydraulic fracturing has been used successfully in some of the mines of Australia. Successful application of these techniques depends upon a number of geomining factors such as depth of working, gassiness of seam, in situ stress distribution pattern, rock mass stiffness, porosity and permeability of strata, geological disturbances etc. and several legislative and technical parameters relevant to that technique, like diameter, depth and number of holes, type and amount of explosive to be used, etc. Hence, to select a techno-economically acceptable induced caving technique for any given set of geo-mining condition, systematic guidelines are required and a quick review should be made available. In this paper, an attempt has been made to formulate a nomogram for this type of selection with a quick review of all these techniques.

9 illus, 17 ref

023721   Pattnayak L;Panda J P;Satpathy R (NO, Hi-Tech Institute of Technology, Industrial Estate, Khurda, BBSR) : Mineral processing control for Fuzzy logic application. Indian Min Engng J 2009, 48(9), 19-23.

A good Mining Engineer designs a mine to fail-unlike buildings or bridges that must survive for tens or hundreds of years. The stand-up time of a mine opening is supposed to range from a few hours to as long as several months depending on the rock properties and the scheduling of mining activities. To keep the cavity open for longer periods of time is generally uneconomic-since support or expensive maintenance work is necessary. This has been the condition of mining since time began, although over the past generation, the importance of worker health and safety has become paramount. The Mining industry has been particularly receptive to the methods since so many of our operations and processes are understood and controlled in empirical ways that lend themselves well to the use of intelligent technologies. In addition there are few industries with the myriad of heuristics evident in mining; This paper describes how fuzzy logic entered to mines & Mineral Process Control.

5 illus, 4 ref

023720   Patel M R (NO, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Coop. Ltd. Paradeep Unit, Village Musadia Distt., Jagatsinghpur, Orissa) : Revamping of phosphoric acid plant at IFFCO Paradeep. Indian J Fertil 2009, 5(3), 11-12, 15-19.

The paradeep complex developed originally by Oswal Chemicals and Fertiliser Ltd. was taken over by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) in October 2005 and is notable for the world's largest single stream Phosphoric acid plant. The complex had a very chequered history, falling foul of the Orissa State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), which ordered halting of production due to gross violation of environment norms. The plant was idle at the time of IFFCO's take over. After take over, IFFCO convinced the Pollution Control Board the action plans to meet all the statutory norms, and in turn the Board gave consent to resume the production. But the journey to achieve production at rated capacity in a short time was extremely difficult as there were many constraints and bottlenecks. Replacements, renovation, revamping, re-engineering and infrastructure building of the complex became essential to bring it to full load. This paper illustrates the comprehensive programme adopted by IFFCO management to rehabilitate the complex to resume the production of the giant complex fertiliser unit respecting environmental regulations.

5 illus, 4 tables

023719   Paramasivam C;Sornakumar T (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai-625 015) : Simulation and development of mobile robot optimal path planning based on computer vision technique. Int J appl Engng Res 2009, 4(6), 1009-29.

Develops a mobile robot for path planning with obstacle avoidance using heuristic based computer vision technique. The dimension of the working environment is fixed as 900 x 1200 mm plane surface in which many obstacles are present. A web camera of is used to capture the 2D image of work area. The camera is fixed at a height of 170 cm at the focal length of the camera. The captured image of the working table is thresholded in order to get clear boundaries of the obstacles on the image using a code written in MATLAB 7.0 software. The area and centroid of the obstacles are determined and it gives the location of the obstacle on the working area with respect to the image reference. The wave front heuristic algorithm is implemented in order to develop navigation procedure for mobile robot through computer vision technique. The simulation module gives the resultant path with obstacle avoidance within the assumed environment. The actual experiments have been conducted and mobile robot is reaching target as per the path produced in the simulation.

13 illus, 11 tables, 14 ref

023718   Obeed A S;Kulkarni N M;Shaligram A D (Electronic Science Dep, Fergusson College, Pune FC Road, Pune, Maharashtra-411 004, Email: adnan_101_saadon@yahoo.com) : Investigation of signal behaviors when transmitted through different power line characteristics media. Int J appl Engng Res 2009, 4(6), 1031-43.

Experimental works have been achieved to find out the characteristics of two types of wire which are commonly used in power line networks for low voltage medium. This work has been established in the lab and has been divided into two parts. First part "Part A" results have been obtained from basic setup circuit. Second part "part B" results have been found from using a switching circuit designed for the purpose of remote switching appliances. Three setup circuitries have been prepared for studying the signals behaviors for different values of transmission frequencies and different wire lengths. Observations have been noted for each case regarding the attenuation and signal distortion. Conclusions have been recorded for the use of power line as transmission channel for power line communications technology.

20 illus, 5 ref

023717   Neelesh Kumar;Soni S;Amod Kumar;sohi B S (NO, Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh-160 030, Email: neel5278@rediffmail.com) : Low cost prototype development of electronic knee. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(6), 444-8.

This study presents design and development of an electronic knee, which uses attached sensors, microcontrollers and electro pneumatic valve arrangement to emulate near natural walk. Being all sensors and mechanical assembly developed indigenously, prototype would be a low cost electronic knee.

5 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

023716   Nandi S (Petrochemcial Engineering and Petroleum Dep, Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune-411 038, Email: som0409@yahoo.com) : Biodesulfurization of hydro-desulfurized diesel in airlift reactor. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(7), 543-7.

This study presents simulation of an indigenously designed airlift reactor (vol. 43.746 dm^{3) to lower down sulfur content of hydrodesulfurized diesel from 500 ppm (ing/dm3) to ultra-low level using Rhodococcus sp. as microbial biocatalyst. A detailed modeling using TSM (tanks in series model) is proposed to demonstrate efficacy of airlift reactor for biodesulfurization.}

8 illus, 12 ref