Showing papers by "Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur published in 2011"

Assessment of Groundwater Potential in a Semi-Arid Region of India Using Remote Sensing, GIS and MCDM Techniques

Abstract: Remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) are promising tools for efficient planning and management of vital groundwater resources, especially in data-scarce developing nations. In this study, a standard methodology is proposed to delineate groundwater potential zones using integrated RS, GIS and multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques. The developed methodology is demonstrated by a case study in Udaipur district of Rajasthan, western India. Initially, ten thematic layers, viz., topographic elevation, land slope, geomorphology, geology, soil, pre- and post-monsoon groundwater depths, annual net recharge, annual rainfall, and proximity to surface water bodies were considered in this study. These thematic layers were scrutinized by principal component analysis technique to select influential layers for groundwater prospecting. Selected seven thematic layers and their features were assigned suitable weights on the Saaty’s scale according to their relative importance in groundwater occurrence. The assigned weights of the thematic layers and their features were then normalized by using AHP (analytic hierarchy process) MCDM technique and eigenvector method. Finally, the selected thematic maps were integrated by weighted linear combination method in a GIS environment to generate a groundwater potential map. Thus, four groundwater potential zones were identified and demarcated in the study area, viz., ‘good’, ‘moderate’, ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ based on groundwater potential index values. The area falling in the ‘good’ zone is about 2,113 km2 (17% of the total study area), which encompasses major portions of Sarada, Salumber, Girwa, Dhariawad, and Mavli blocks of the study area. The northeast and southwest portions along with some scattered patches fall in the ‘moderate’ zone, which encompasses an area of 3,710 km2 (about 29%). The ‘poor’ zone is dominant in the study area which covers an area of 4,599 km2 (36% of the total area). The western portion and parts of eastern and southeast portions of the study area are characterized as having ‘very poor’ groundwater potential, and this zone covers an area of 2,273 km2 (18%). Moreover, in the ‘good’ zone, the mean annually exploitable groundwater reserve is estimated at 0.026 million cubic metres per km2 (MCM/km2), whereas it is 0.024 MCM/km2 in the ‘moderate’ zone, 0.018 MCM/km2 in the ‘poor’ zone, and 0.013 MCM/km2 in the ‘very poor’ zone. The groundwater potential map was finally verified using the well yield data of 39 pumping wells, and the result was found satisfactory.

A Shunt Active Power Filter With Enhanced Performance Using ANN-Based Predictive and Adaptive Controllers

Abstract: This paper attempts to improve the dynamic performance of a shunt-type active power filter. The predictive and adaptive properties of artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used for fast estimation of the compensating current. The dynamics of the dc-link voltage is utilized in a predictive controller to generate the first estimate followed by convergence of the algorithm by an adaptive ANN (adaline) based network. Weights in adaline are tuned to minimize the total harmonic distortion of the source current. Extensive simulations and experimentations confirm the validity of the proposed scheme for all kinds of load (balanced and unbalanced) for a three-phase three-wire system.

Synthesis, functionalization and bioimaging applications of highly fluorescent carbon nanoparticles

Abstract: Highly fluorescent crystalline carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have been synthesized by one step microwave irradiation of sucrose with phosphoric acid at 100 W for 3 min 40 s. This method is very simple, rapid and economical and hence can be used for large scale applications. The average particle sizes are 3 to 10 nm and they emit bright green fluorescence under the irradiation of UV-light. Therefore, the particles can be used as a unique material for bioimaging as well as drug delivery. To further increase the fluorescence property of the synthetic carbon nanoparticles we simply functionalized them by using different organic dyes, such as fluorescein, rhodamine B and α-naphthylamine; the maximum fluorescence intensity was observed for the particles functionalized with fluorescein. It is very interesting to note that all of those compounds show maximum fluorescence intensity at 225 nm excitation wavelength and for any excitation wavelength the peak positions are exactly same the position as that of CNPs itself, which is completely different from the individual precursors (dyes). All of the above compounds, including CNPs, have also been successfully introduced into the erythrocyte enriched fraction of healthy human blood cells with minimum cytotoxicity.

Differential fault analysis of the advanced encryption standard using a single fault

Abstract: In this paper we present a differential fault attack that can be applied to the AES using a single fault. We demonstrate that when a single random byte fault is induced at the input of the eighth round, the AES key can be deduced using a two stage algorithm. The first step has a statistical expectation of reducing the possible key hypotheses to 232, and the second step to a mere 28.

Update 2 of: Electrophilicity Index

Abstract: 6.1. Molecular Vibrations PR58 6.2. Molecular Internal Rotations PR58 6.3. Chemical Reactions PR58 7. Dynamical Variants PR62 7.1. Quantum Fluid Density Functional Theory PR62 7.2. Atom-Field Interactions PR62 7.3. Ion-Atom Collisions PR62 7.4. Chemical Kinetics PR62 8. Spin Dependent Generalizations PR63 8.1. {N, Ns, v(r b)} Representation PR63 8.2. {NR, N , v(r b)} Representation PR64 9. Conclusions PR65 10. Abbreviations and Symbols of Some Important Subjects/Quantities PR

Scientific and Technical Aspects of Yogurt Aroma and Taste: A Review

Abstract: Yogurt is a basic dairy product that has been consumed for centuries as a part of the diet, even when its beneficial effects were neither fully known nor scientifically proven. With time, yogurt has been continuously modified to obtain a product with better appeal and nutritional effects. The flavor components of yogurt are affected because of these modifications. The present review article is focused on the influence of the different parameters and modifications on aroma and taste components of yogurt. Extensive work has been done to explore the effect of chemical components as well as the microbial, processing, and storage aspects. The popularity of yogurt as a food component depends mainly on its sensory characteristics, of which aroma and taste are most important. This review also outlines the effects of the different modifications attempted in the composition of yogurt.

Criticality Assessment Models for Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis Using Fuzzy Logic

Abstract: Traditional Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) has shown its effectiveness in defining, identifying, and eliminating known and/or potential failures or problems in products, process, designs, and services to help ensure the safety and reliability of systems applied in a wide range of industries. However, its approach to prioritize failure modes through a crisp risk priority number (RPN) has been highly controversial. This paper proposes two models for prioritizing failures modes, specifically intended to overcome such limitations of traditional FMEA. The first proposed model treats the three risk factors as fuzzy linguistic variables, and employs alpha level sets to provide a fuzzy RPN. The second model employs an approach based on the degree of match and fuzzy rule-base. This second model considers the diversity and uncertainty in the opinions of FMEA team members, and converts the assessed information into a convex normalized fuzzy number. The degree of match (DM) is used thereafter to estimate the matching between the assessed information and the fuzzy number characterizing the linguistic terms. The proposed models are suitably supplemented by illustrative examples.

Recent Developments in Crystal Engineering

Abstract: In recent years, Asian countries, especially China and India, are making significant progress in the field of crystal engineering. The recent surge of publications in this area from these countries in high impact journals is a tangible measure of this activity. An important milestone in this direction was the China−India−Singapore Symposium on Crystal Engineering recently held at the National University of Singapore. This symposium brought researchers working in this field to meet, discuss, present, and exchange their research work and has generated momentum to further accelerate the growth of this field. This perspective highlights the recent advances discussed by the researchers at this symposium in the fast growing field of crystal engineering.

Artificial neural networks approach in evapotranspiration modeling: a review

Abstract: The use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in estimation of evapotranspiration has received enormous interest in the present decade. Several methodologies have been reported in the literature to realize the ANN modeling of evapotranspiration process. The present review discusses these methodologies including ANN architecture development, selection of training algorithm, and performance criteria. The paper also discusses the future research needs in ANN modeling of evapotranspiration to establish this methodology as an alternative to the existing methods of evapotranspiration estimation.

Development of high performance EMI shielding material from EVA, NBR, and their blends: effect of carbon black structure

Abstract: The conductive composites were prepared using two different types of conductive black (Conductex and Printex XE2) filled in matrices like EVA and NBR and their different blends. The electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of all composites was measured in the X band frequency range 8–12 GHz. Both conductivity and EMI SE increase with filler loading. However, Printex black shows higher conductivity and better EMI SE at the same loading compared to Conductex black, and this can be used as a material having high EMI shielding effectiveness value. The conductivity of different blends with same filler loading generally found to increase slightly with the increase in NBR concentration. However, EMI SE has some dependency on blend composition. EMI SE increases linearly with thickness of the sample. EMI SE versus conductivity yields two master curves for two different fillers. EMI SE depends on formation of closed packed conductive network in insulating matrix, and Printex black is better than Conductex black in this respect. Some of the composites show appreciably high EMI SE (>45 dB).

Six Sigma implementation framework for SMEs – a roadmap to manage and sustain the change

Abstract: Although Six Sigma has been in business lexicon for more than 20 years, research has shown the need of practical implementation framework for successful deployment of Six Sigma, especially in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This article proposes a Six Sigma implementation framework customised to the needs of SMEs by performing a critique of quality management frameworks/models for SMEs and drawing conclusion from the empirical research conducted over 3 years. If Six Sigma is poorly launched, it will be very difficult to reorganise and regain momentum. Though the framework was tested in three SMEs and revised, still its robustness needs to be checked and refined based on suggestions and comments from industry, practitioners and academics.

Preparation, characterization and properties of acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites

Abstract: The multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites were prepared through melt compounding method followed by compression molding. The spectroscopic study indicated that a strong interfacial interaction was developed between carbon nanotube (CNT) and the TPU matrix in the nanocomposites. The microscopic observation showed that the CNTs were homogeneously dispersed throughout the TPU matrix well apart from a few clusters. The results from thermal analysis indicated that the glass transition temperature (Tg) and storage modulus (E′) of the nanocomposites were increased with increase in CNTs content and their thermal stability were also improved in comparison with pure TPU matrix. The rheological analysis showed the low frequency plateau of shear modulus and the shear thinning behavior of the nanocomposites. The electrical behaviors of the nanocomposites are increased with increase in weight percent (wt%) of CNT loading. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites were substantially improved by the incorporation of CNTs into the TPU matrix.

Metal-free-photocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol by resin-supported dye under the visible irradiation

Abstract: Reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) with NaBH 4 in the aqueous medium is a kinetically inert reaction, and generally the reaction occurs in the presence of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles. In the present study, the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) has been carried out photocatalytically using the visible irradiation under a metal-free (eco-friendly) condition. By systematic screening, Eosin Y loaded resin is identified to be efficient in the reduction of 4-NP under the visible light. The effectiveness of the catalytic process depends upon the adsorption and the electron transfer. The adsorption favours the reaction molecules to come closer on the resin surface, and then reduction occurs by transfer of electrons. Gradual decrease in the absorbance at 400 nm confirms the decrease in concentration of the 4-NP. Simultaneously, there is an increase in absorbance at 300 nm infers the formation of 4-aminophenol (4-AP) during the photolysis. Results obtained from the irradiation on–off experiment suggests that the visible light irradiation is essential for the above processes, and also it indicates the sensitivity of the photocatalyst. The optimized reaction condition had been arrived from the results obtained after a series of experiments, including variation of catalytic dose, concentrations of 4-NP and the reducing agent (NaBH 4 ). The rate of the reaction is found to be pseudo first order kinetics, and the rate constant ( k ) value is 6.90 × 10 −2 min −1 , under the experimental condition. From the control experiments, it is identified that the photocatalyst is primarily serving as an electron carrier in the reaction mechanism.

A multi‐objective optimal power flow using particle swarm optimization

Abstract: This paper presents a multi-objective optimal power flow technique using particle swarm optimization. Two conflicting objectives, generation cost, and environmental pollution are minimized simultaneously. A multi-objective particle swarm optimization method is used to solve this highly nonlinear and non-convex optimization problem. A diversity preserving technique is incorporated to generate evenly distributed Pareto optimal solutions. A fuzzy membership function is proposed to choose a compromise solution from the set of Pareto optimal solutions. The algorithm is tested on IEEE 30 and 118 bus systems and its effectiveness is illustrated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.