Showing papers by "Shiv Nadar University published in 2005"

Digitized Frequency Modulated Thermal Wave Imaging for Nondestructive Testing

Abstract: This paper proposes novel techniques for thermal nondestructive testing based on frequency modulated thermal waves. A mild steel sample having discontinuities at different depths is taken as a test sample. The limited depth resolution of the lock in thermography due to the fixed driving frequency of the excited heat sources is overcome by the proposed new technique. A pulse compression approach is used to detect subsurface discontinuities using linear frequency modulated thermal wave imaging and digitized linear frequency modulated thermal wave imaging. In this way, the peak power for probing the specimen can be decreased markedly by increasing the average transmitted energy, which is proportional to the length of the modulated excitation signal. Comparison between the techniques based on the analog frequency modulated signal and its digital form are presented.

Implementation of frequency-modulated thermal wave imaging for non-destructive sub-surface defect detection

Abstract: Thermal non-destructive testing (TNDT) is a whole field and non-contact technique for defect detection. The present work describes a variant of TNDT for subsurface defect detection based on frequency modulated thermal wave imaging (FMTWI). Use is made of the frequency dependence of thermal diffusion length, to achieve entire depth scanning of a sample in one run. This novel technique overcomes some of the drawbacks associated with traditional pulse and lock-in thermography. Experimental results are presented in support.

Are Average Growth Rate and Volatility Related

Abstract: The empirical relationship between the average growth rate and volatility of growth rates, both over time and across countries, has important policy implications, which depend critically on the sign of the relationship. Following Ramey and Ramey (1995) a wide consensus has been building that, in the post WWII data, the correlation is negative. We replicate their result and then find that it is not robust to either the definition of growth rate or the composition of the sample. We show that the use of log difference as growth rates, as in Ramey and Ramey, creates a strong bias towards finding a negative relationship. Further, we exhaustively investigate this relationship for various definitions of growth rates, several datasets, across time, across countries, within groups of countries, and within US. We use different methods and control variables for this inquiry. Our analysis suggests that there is no significant relationship between the two variables in question.

Insider Ownership, Corporate Governance and Corporate Performance

Abstract: Insider ownership reflects the governance problem arising due to variance in the cash flow and control rights such ownership entails. Insider ownership is normally defined as managerial ownership without distinguishing between manager-owner and owner-manager. We believe that without taking due care of this distinction any generalization of prior conclusions relating insider ownership with performance particularly in the Indian context will not be meaningful. This paper attempts to study this anomaly by examining the role of insider ownership on the performance of the firm in the Indian context within the framework of changing external environment.

Cathodoluminescence and solid phase epitaxy in Ba -irradiated α -quartz

Abstract: The luminescent properties of quartz and silica doped with photoactive ions depend on the structural and chemical properties of the matrix and doping elements. The dynamic solid phase epitaxy of α-quartz during Ba+-ion implantation at 300–1170K and its relationship to cathodoluminescence emission are investigated in this work. Rutherford backscattering channeling analysis revealed that the amorphous layer created by 1×1015 175keVBaions∕cm2 at 300K almost disappeared when the implantation temperature was raised to 1120K. Between 770 and 1100K the cathodoluminescence spectra taken at room temperature exhibit dramatic changes with the implantation temperature and allow to distinguish between color centers related to quartz, ion-irradiated silica, and implanted Ba ions. After achieving almost complete epitaxial recovery, only a violet band at 3.4eV remained, which we attribute to Ba-related luminescence centers. Samples first implanted with Ba ions and then postannealed in air or O218 atmosphere up to 1320K d...

Public Enterprises - Corporate Governance and the Role of Government

Abstract: Public sector occupies a prominent position in the Indian economy. The present government policy is to divest its holding in PSUs, without privatizing profit making PSUs. It has also decided to provide full autonomy to the board of directors of those enterprises. This provides an interesting setting to examine corporate governance issues. This paper examines corporate governance issues in the context of present disinvestment policy of the government.

Agency Costs and Foreign Institutional Investors in India

Abstract: Financial markets are the catalysts and engines of growth of any nation. Since its liberalization in 1991, India has initiated several steps to strengthen its financial system. The financial sector reforms undertaken by the Government of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), over the last few years have augmented the magnitude of FDI and FII inflows. The FDI inflow for the FY ended 1991 is US$ 97 million and the corresponding figure for the FY 2004 (P) is US$ 4,675 million. The corresponding figures for FII inflows are US$ 6 million and US$ 11.377 billion, respectively. The remarkable increase in the FDI's and FII's is due to the friendly enabling environment, significant improvement in terms of the efficiency of the capital markets and the protection of the investors. India, one of the biggest emerging markets, is currently an important destination for FDI and FII inflows. SEBI has undertaken important policy reforms to attract new investments into the country. This empirical study endeavors to find the effect of the contemporary changes in the corporate governance structures on the agency costs of the publicly traded companies; primarily to study the effect of FII shareholding on the agency costs of publicly traded companies. The results show that FII's are effective monitors in reducing the agency costs.

Economic Consequences of 'Regulation on Corporate Governance': Evidence from India

Abstract: Regulations dealing with investor protection are essential for economic development of any country. India, with more than 20 million shareholders, is one of the largest emerging markets in terms of market capitalization. In order to protect the large investor base, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has enforced a regulation requiring mandatory disclosure of information and change in the corporate governance mechanisms of Indian listed companies. The aim of this study is to empirically examine the economic impact of this Regulation on Indian stock market. The results provide evidence of significant reduction in beta of the experimental group, where beta is used as surrogate for cost of equity capital. The result is consistent with the notion that increased information and better corporate governance mechanism reduces the cost of equity capital of these companies.

Structural distortions and behavioural changes in phase transition of aurivillius type Sr1-xPbxBi2Nb2O9 ferroelectric

Abstract: In this paper effects of lead doping on the lattice response and phase transitions of bismuth-layered structure Sr1−xPbx Bi2Nb2O9 (x = 0.0 to 0.5 in steps of 0.1) ferroelectric ceramic are reported. It is observed that structure attains more tetragonality with doping of lead up to 40%. Increased orthorhombic distortion is also observed. Curie temperatures of all samples were measured and the phase transition is explained in terms of lattice response of these ceramics. Sample with x = 0.5 shows decreased tetragonal strain and Curie temperature. Also, relationship of polarization with lattice response is discussed.

Assessment of health effects due to urban vehicular traffic - A case study

Abstract: It has been proved beyond doubt that in almost all the large cities of the world, air pollution is a major problem for the physical and mental health of the people. Air pollution can cause significant morbidity and mortality along with deficits in pulmonary function and cardiovascular and neurobehavioral effects of living species including human population are affected. The mobile source emissions are estimated to comprise the single largest source of risk of air toxin from air borne toxic pollutants. The primary pollutants generally present in the exhaust emissions are nitrogen oxides (NO x ), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), lead (Pb) and dark smokes. In the present study, health survey has been carried out to substantiate the hypothesis that correlation between air pollution and respiratory health exists.

State, Liberalization, and Investment Question: Issues in Corporate Governance

Abstract: This paper examines corporate governance issues in a broader perspective in the context of recent Indian government's initiatives to attract FDI.Foreign direct investment (FDI) occurs when a firm undertakes an investment in an overseas enterprise, in which the foreign investor has both the lasting interest and substantial control. FDI implies that that the investor exerts a considerable degree of influence on the management of the overseas enterprise. FDI can be wholly owned (either acquisitions or green field) or joint ventures. With FDI, the investing firm assumes greater risks, compared with licensing or exporting, but has considerably more management control over the overseas operation.