Showing papers by "Techno India published in 2012"

A Single-Inductor Multiple-Output Switcher With Simultaneous Buck, Boost, and Inverted Outputs

Abstract: Portable applications require multiple supplies with different output levels and some applications also require negative outputs. Single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) switchers are a good for existing parallel output configurations. This study presents an SIMO dc-dc converter capable of generating buck, boost, and inverted outputs simultaneously. The operation of this class of converter being driven by the ripple in the inductor current the conventional averaging method does not work well. An inductor current ripple-based modeling approach has been proposed to accurately model and analyze the converter. The control, cross-coupling, and cross-regulation transfer functions, generated through the model, accurately represent the performance of the converter. The proof of concept has been carried out with discrete components on an in-house built PCB and the experimental results validating the steady state and ac responses of the converter are presented.

Selective Plasmonic Gas Sensing: H2, NO2, and CO Spectral Discrimination by a Single Au-CeO2 Nanocomposite Film

Abstract: A Au-CeO2 nanocomposite film has been investigated as a potential sensing element for high-temperature plasmonic sensing of H2, CO, and NO2 in an oxygen containing environment. The CeO2 thin film was deposited by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and Au was implanted into the as-grown film at an elevated temperature followed by high temperature annealing to form well-defined Au nanoclusters. The Au-CeO2 nanocomposite film was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). For the gas sensing experiments, separate exposures to varying concentrations of H2, CO, and NO2 were performed at a temperature of 500 °C in oxygen backgrounds of 5.0, 10, and ∼21% O2. Changes in the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption peak were monitored during gas exposures and are believed to be the result of oxidation–reduction processes that fill or create oxygen vacancies in the CeO2. This process affects the LSPR peak position either by charge exchange with the Au nanopart...

Influence of Aging and Environment on Nanoparticle Chemistry - Implication to Confinement Effects in Nanoceria.

Abstract: The oxidation state switching of cerium in cerium oxide nanoparticles is studied in detail. The influence of synthesis medium, aging time and local environment on the oxidation state switching, between +3 and + 4, is analyzed by tracking the absorption edge using UV-Visible spectroscopy. It is observed that by tuning the local environment, the chemistry of the nanoparticles could be altered. These time dependent, environmentally induced changes likely contribute to inconsistencies in the literature regarding quantum-confinement effects for ceria nanoparticles. The results in this article indicate that there is a need to carry out comprehensive analysis of nanoparticles while considering the influence of synthesis and processing conditions, aging time and local environment.

Active vibration control of cantilever beam by using PID based output feedback controller

Abstract: Undesired noise and vibrations have a detrimental effect in many areas. Hence the control of vibrations has become a relevant technological challenge. Active vibration control of structures using s...

Isolation of biosurfactant-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa RS29 from oil-contaminated soil and evaluation of different nitrogen sources in biosurfactant production

Abstract: An efficient biosurfactant-producing native Pseudomonas aeruginosa RS29 has been isolated from crude oil contaminated soil. Isolation was followed by optimization of different factors to achieve maximum production of biosurfactant in terms of surface tension reduction (STR) and emulsification index (E24). The isolated strain produced highest biosurfactant in the presence of glycerol after 48 h of incubation at 37.5°C, with pH range of 7–8 and at salinity <0.8% (w/v). The extent of STR and the E24 of medium with different nitrogen sources were investigated and found to be maximal for sodium nitrate (26.3 mN/m, E24 = 80%) and potassium nitrate (26.4 mN/m, E24 = 79%). The production of biomass by the designated strain was found to be maximal in ammonium-nitrate-containing medium as compared to the other nitrogen sources. A kinetic study revealed that biosurfactant production is positively correlated with growth of P. aeruginosa, and highest STR was achieved (27.0 mN/m) after 44 h of growth. The biosurfactant was produced as a primary metabolite and 6 g/L crude biosurfactant was extracted by chloroform:methanol (2:1). The critical micelle concentration of the biosurfactant was 90 mg/L. The absorption bands of the FTIR spectra confirmed the rhamnolipid nature of the biosurfactant. The biosurfactant was thermostable (up to 121°C for 15 min) and could withstand a wide range of pH (2–10) and NaCl concentration (2%–10% w/v). The extracted biosurfactant had good foaming and emulsifying activities and was of satisfactory quality in terms of stability (temperature, pH and salinity) and foaming activity.

High prevalence and low awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Asian Indian women

Abstract: Hypertension is an important public health problem in India. To determine its prevalence, awareness, treatment and control among women, we performed a nationwide study. Population-based studies among women aged 35–70 years were performed in four urban and five rural locations. Stratified sampling was performed and we enrolled 4608 (rural 2604 and urban 2004) of the targeted 8000 (57%). Demographic details, medical history, diet, physical activity, anthropometry and blood pressure (BP) were recorded. Descriptive statistics are reported. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association of hypertension and its awareness, treatment and control with socioeconomic factors. Age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension (known or BP⩾140/⩾90 mm Hg) was observed in 1672 women (39.2%) (rural 746, 31.5%; urban 926, 48.2%). Significant determinants of hypertension were urban location, greater literacy, high dietary fat, low fibre intake, obesity and truncal obesity (P<0.01). Hypertension awareness was noted in 727 women (42.8%), more in urban (529, 56.8%) than in rural (198, 24.6%). Of these, 38.6% of the women were on treatment (urban 35.7, rural 46.5) and of those treated, controlled blood pressure (<140 and <90 mm Hg) was observed in 21.5% (urban 28.3 vs 10.2). Among hypertensive subjects, treatment was noted in 18.3% (rural 13.1, urban 22.5) and control in 3.9% (rural 1.3, urban 5.9). A significant determinant of low awareness, treatment and control was rural location (multivariate-adjusted P<0.05). There is a high prevalence of hypertension in middle-aged Asian Indian women. Very low awareness, treatment and control status are observed.

SLN approach for nose-to-brain delivery of alprazolam

Abstract: In the present study, alprazolam-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. They were evaluated for their efficiency in nose-to-brain targeting and biodistribution in a suitable animal model after intranasal delivery. Solid lipid nanoparticles may offer an improvement to nose-to-brain drug delivery since they are able to protect the encapsulated drug from biological and/or chemical degradation. The distribution of the drug to different organs was recorded through biodistribution studies in male Wistar rats and gamma scintigraphy imaging in New Zealand rabbits by tagging the formulation with radioactive substance (99m)Tc. The radioactivity count of various organs was taken as a function of the drug concentration. The study reveals that alprazolam can be rapidly transferred to the brain via intranasal route, bypassing the blood-brain barrier and a direct nose-to-brain transfer. The enhanced rate and extent of transport may help in reducing the dose and dosing frequency, thereby providing ease for ambulatory patients.

IITKGP-MLILSC speech database for language identification

Abstract: In this paper, we are introducing speech database consists of 27 Indian languages for analyzing language specific information present in speech. In the context of Indian languages, systematic analysis of various speech features and classification models in view of automatic language identification has not performed, because of the lack of proper speech corpus covering majority of the Indian languages. With this motivation, we have initiated the task of developing multilingual speech corpus in Indian languages. In this paper spectral features are explored for investigating the presence of language specific information. Melfrequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) and linear predictive cepstral coefficients (LPCCs) are used for representing the spectral information. Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) are developed to capture the language specific information present in spectral features. The performance of language identification system is analyzed in view of speaker dependent and independent cases. The recognition performance is observed to be 96% and 45% respectively, for speaker dependent and independent environments.

Congestion Relief of Contingent Power Network with Evolutionary Optimization Algorithm

Abstract: This paper presents a differential evolution optimization technique based methodology for congestion management cost optimization of contingent power networks. In Deregulated systems, line congestion apart from causing stability problems can increase the cost of electricity. Restraining line flow to a particular level of congestion is quite imperative from stability as well as economy point of view. Employing ‘Congestion Sensitivity Index’ proposed in this paper, the algorithm proposed can be adopted for selecting the congested lines in a power networks and then to search for a congestion constrained optimal generation schedule at the cost of a minimum ‘congestion management charge’ without any load curtailment and installation of FACTS devices. It has been depicted that the methodology on application can provide better operating conditions in terms of improvement of bus voltage and loss profile of the system. The efficiency of the proposed methodology has been tested on an IEEE 30 bus benchmark system and the results look promising.

A 12.8-Gb/s/link Tri-Modal Single-Ended Memory Interface

Abstract: This paper presents a tri-modal asymmetric memory controller interface that achieves 12.8-Gbps single-ended (SE) signaling over 3" stripline FR4 traces. The controller can be configured to communicate with commercially available GDDR5 and DDR3 memories at 6.4 and 1.6 Gbps, respectively, with no package change. The interface is equipped with a compact voltage-mode driver with 1-tap pre-emphasis, in the WRITE direction, and a linear equalizer (LEQ) and 1-tap decision feedback equalizer (DFE), in the READ direction, to compensate for channel inter-symbol interference (ISI). The receiver front-end contains a supply noise tracking scheme to mitigate reference voltage (VREF) noise. A tri-VCO PLL and an efficient global clock distribution scheme support a wide range of operating frequencies at low power consumption. Finally, the interface also incorporates two overhead links per byte for data-bus encoding (DBE) experiments to mitigate simultaneous switching noise (SSN). Implemented in a 40-nm CMOS process, the × 16 tri-modal interface achieves an energy efficiency of better than 5.0 mW/Gbps per data link at 12.8 Gbps.

Experimental Investigation of Surface Roughness for Fused Deposition Modelled Part with Different Angular Orientation

Abstract: Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a filament based rapid prototyping system provides us to manufacture real parts with multiple production-grade materials, such as ABS-M30, PC, PPSF and PC-ABS blend. Fused deposition modeling technology, essentially perform using layer manufacturing process. More complex 3D physical models can be efficiently fabricated without geometric limitation by this technology; a remarkable reduction in production life cycle has been achieved. However, due to the Layer Manufacturing process, stair case effect is unavoidable which results in poor surface finish. In this paper, the surface roughness of a model having surfaces at different angles produced by fused deposition modelling machine is analyzed to understand the effect of different angled surfaces on the surface roughness of the model of FDM produced part model.

Application of Hybrid VIKOR Model in Selection of Maintenance Strategy

Abstract: This paper focuses on the use of Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje in Serbian (VIKOR) to select an optimum maintenance strategy for a textile industry. In the proposed methodology, first the weight of each criterion is calculated by using improved AHP with fuzzy set theory to overcome the problems of unbalanced scale of judgments, uncertainty and imprecision in the pair-wise comparison process and then the VIKOR method is applied to compensate the imprecise ranking of the AHP in the selection of maintenance strategy. The real case study is conducted for a textile industry to illustrate the utilization of the proposed model for the maintenance strategy selection problem. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is applied to make sure that the result of the proposed model can be acceptable. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to show the validity of the proposed model. The paper gives an insight into multi criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques to select an optimum maintenance strategy for a process industry using a case study.

Multi-objective multi-parameter optimization of the industrial LBW process using a new optimization algorithm

Abstract: The concept of automation has been brought into the industries in order to increase the production rate and at the same time to minimize the production cost. The LBW process is widely replacing man...

Green IT: An Overview

Abstract: Enterprises, governments, and societies at large have a new important agenda: tackling environmental issues and adopting environmentally-sound practices. While many people consider IT is part of the problem to environmental pollution, it can be saviour too. IT is both a solution and a problem for environmental sustainability. We can exploit the power of IT in innovative ways to address mounting environmental issues and make our IT systems - and their use - greener. Green IT refers to environmentally sound information technologies and systems, applications, and practices. This chapter examines environmental impacts of IT and explains what Green IT is. It presents a holistic approach to greening IT and highlights how IT could help businesses in their environmental initiatives and reduce their carbon emissions

Prediction and analysis of multiple quality characteristics in drilling under minimum quantity lubrication

Abstract: The need for environmental technology of machining is intensifying and is a tough challenge for manufacturing industries. This article investigates the performance of the minimum quantity lubrication in drilling of 6063-T6 aluminum. The experiments were conducted in dry and conventional wet machining and the results compared. Spindle speed, feed rate and point angle are the three parameters considered in this study. High speed steel drilling tools were used and an L8 orthogonal array was chosen for the experimental design. The quality characteristics of dimensional deviation of hole diameter, height of burrs, hole taper, chip thickness, tool wear, cutting power and surface roughness were measured and compared to evaluate the performance of the drilling in minimum quantity lubrication condition. The results presented that the drilling performance has improved in minimum quantity lubrication and demonstrates its capacity as an alternative for dry and wet machining. This article also proposes a feed forward ...

In vivo and In vitro studies of Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum on nutrient mobilization, antagonism and plant growth promoting traits

Abstract: Nutrient solubilisation efficiency, plant growth promoting traits and antagonistic effects of Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum were studied in the laboratory and screen house during 2010-11 at Hyderabad, India. Plate agar assay indicated varied solubilisation level when the media was blended with zinc carbonate (35.6%), zinc oxide (31.1%), k-bentonite (23%), rock phosphate (19.8%), tricalcium phosphate (3.1%) and zinc sulphide (0.0%). The release of available zinc is high (17.4 ppm) on day-12 when the test organism was grown in liquid media blended with zinc carbonate. The media pH was inversely proportional to the amount of nutrients solubilised on day-12. B. megaterium var. phosphaticum is found to produce plant growth promoting substances like biofilm and chitinase enzymes (strong), giberrellic acids and siderophores (moderate) and indole acetic acid (weak). Confrontation assay confirmed it’s strong antagonistic activity against Rhizoctonia solani (41%), Macrophomina phaseolina (42%), Sclerotium rolfsii (27%) and Fusarium oxysporum (40%). The production of siderophores and chitinase enzymes justifies the strong antagonistic activity against these fungal pathogens. Potted plant assay using sunflower, Helianthus annuus as the test crop indicated superior plant growth and photosynthetic activities in treatment with B. megaterium var. phosphaticum + 75% of recommended chemical fertilizer dose as compared to treatment with 100% chemical fertilizers. It also improved significantly the uptake of nitrogen (7.97mg/100g dry mass), phosphate (3.41mg/100g dry mass), potash (38.12mg/100g dry mass), zinc (184mg/100g dry mass), iron (743mg/100g dry mass) and manganese (138mg/100g dry mass) as compared to treatments with 100% B. megaterium var. phosphaticum, 100% chemical fertilizers and untreated control. The findings of current study suggest reduction of 25% recommended dose of chemical fertilizers in combination with B. megaterium var. phosphaticum as seed dresser and soil application.

The Role of Neutrophil Estrogen Receptor Status on Maspin Synthesis via Nitric Oxide Production in Human Breast Cancer

Abstract: Purpose Estrogen, through its binding to nuclear estrogen receptor (ER), has been implicated in the development of human breast cancer. The presence or absence of ER in breast lesions has been used to classify breast cancer into ER+ or ER- type. Maspin, an anti-breast cancer protein produced in normal mammary cells, has also been reported to control the condition. Studies have been conducted to determine the role of ER+ and ER- status in neutrophils in the synthesis of maspin in human breast cancer.

Renewable Energy Systems: Development and Perspectives of a Hybrid Solar-Wind System

Abstract: Considering the intermittent natural energy resources and the seasonal un-balance, a phtovoltaic-wind hybrid electrical power supply system was developed to accommodate remote locations where a conventional grid connection is inconvenient or expensive. However, the hybrid system can also be applied with grid connection and owners are allowed to sell excessive power back to the electric utility. The proposed set-up consists of a photo-voltaic solar-cell array, a mast mounted wind generator, lead-acid storage batteries, an inverter unit to convert DC to AC, electrical lighting loads, electrical heating loads, several fuse and junction boxes and associated wiring, and test instruments for measuring voltages, currents, power factors, and harmonic contamination data throughout the system. The proposed hybrid solar-wind power generating system can be extensively used to illustrate electrical concepts in hands-on laboratories and also for demonstrations in the Industrial Technology curriculum. This paper describes an analysis of local PV-wind hybrid systems for supplying electricity to a private house, farmhouse or small company with electrical power depending on the site needs. The major system components, work principle and specific working condition are presented.

Optimization techniques for efficient HTA programs

Abstract: Object oriented languages can be easily extended with new data types, which facilitate prototyping new language extensions. A very challenging problem is the development of data types encapsulating data parallel operations, which could improve parallel programming productivity. However, the use of class libraries to implement data types, particularly when they encapsulate parallelism, comes at the expense of performance overhead. This paper describes our experience with the implementation of a C++ data type called hierarchically tiled array (HTA). This object includes data parallel operations and allows the manipulation of tiles to facilitate developing efficient parallel codes and codes with high degree of locality. The initial performance of the HTA programs we wrote was lower than that of their conventional MPI-based counterparts. The overhead was due to factors such as the creation of temporary HTAs and the inability of the compiler to properly inline index computations, among others. We describe the performance problems and the optimizations applied to overcome them as well as their impact on programmability. After the optimization process, our HTA-based implementations run only slightly slower than the MPI-based codes while having much better programmability metrics.

Sustainable energy future via grid interactive operation of spv system at isolated remote island

Abstract: This paper has analyzed the case of Moushuni Island at Sundarban of 24 Parganas South of West Bengal, India. The proposition is to find out the possibility of grid-connectivity of Isolated Remote Island which is under rural electrification scheme by hybrid renewable energies under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission of India. In these rural electrification program, grid extension can be the best option if the grid is reliable, the rural community rather big and in proximity to the grid. In many circumstances, a strong case for mini-grids based on hybrid systems can be made. Scattered communities and isolated houses are well served by solar and small hydro (where available) or small wind energy systems. By feeding renewable electricity to the utility grid through the grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system, during time of peak demand, sufficient electrical loads can be shed to prevent turning on a coal or natural gas-fired plant and therefore save CO 2 emissions and potentially energy import costs, replacing fossil fuels. The Social, Economic, and Environmental Benefits can be achieved through this proposition. Also, the Grid Interactive Operation of SPV System at Moushuni Island is tested. Malda district of West Bengal, India is a vision towards smart-grid city towards sustainable future, where rural consumers can upgrade their quality of life through solar energy resource.

Statistical Approach for Extraction of Panic Expression

Abstract: Panic is an impetuous occurrence that can emerge on the human face based on any abrupt situation or atypical circumference. The facial expression of human being is nothing but resembles a reflection of the circumstances or consequences those he or she is facing or yet to face. The happening of panic has become an alarming phenomenon in the present era. Isolation of a people enriched with abnormal facial expression is one of the tremendous difficult tasks. In this paper we have proposed a new methodology based on statistical approach with respect to time span series. Firstly, we are to capture facial expressions with the help of high resolution camera and stored them in a database. After that we followed transformation for image enhancement. We have considered Wiener filter for Image Restoration. Then we are to identify the span spaces to collect the span points of the facial image with respect to nose position and we are to calculate the serial correlation for Ranking Expression. Finally, the geometric value of time span series represents the data of panic expression.

Equilibrium binding and kinetic characterization of putative tetracycline repressor family transcription regulator Fad35R from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract: Fatty acids play critical role in the survival and virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Activation of fatty acids by acyl-CoA synthetases (Fad) into fatty acyl-CoA is the first and one of the crucial steps in fatty acid metabolism. Mtb possesses 36 fatty acyl-CoA synthetases, unlike Escherichia coli, which has single enzyme. However, the mechanisms by which the expression of these multiple Fad genes is regulated remain uncharacterized. We characterized the DNA- and ligand-binding properties of a putative tetracycline repressor family regulator, named Fad35R, located upstream of the Fad35 gene and ScoA-citE operon. We identified a palindromic regulatory motif upstream of Fad35 and characterized the binding of Fad35R to this motif. Equilibrium binding studies show that Fad35R binds to this motif with high affinity (K(d) ∼ 0.033 μm) and the specificity of binding was confirmed by an electromobility gel shift assay. Kinetic studies indicate that faster association (k(a,avg) ∼ 5.4 × 10(4) m(-1) · s(-1)) and slower dissociation rates (k(d,avg) ∼ 5.84 × 10(-4) s(-1)) confer higher affinity. The affinity for the promoter is maximum at 300 mm NaCl but decreases rapidly beyond this range. Ligand-binding studies indicate that Fad35R binds specifically to tetracycline and also binds to fatty acid derivatives. The promoter-binding affinity is decreased significantly in the presence of palmityl-CoA, suggesting that Fad35R can sense the levels of activated fatty acids and alter its DNA-binding activity. Our results suggest that Fad35R may be the functional homologue of FadR and controls the expression of genes in a metabolite-dependent manner.

Quality measure model of music rhythm using Genetic Algorithm

Abstract: Pattern recognition in rhythm of Tabla instrument in ICM (Indian Classical Music) is very complex task that is the combination of speech, audio, and their signal processing techniques. In this paper we proposed a system that identify the basic source rhythm and then modify the rhythm to improve the quality of source rhythm by using Genetic Algorithm. In simple terms, rhythm is a word that refers to the length of each note in a piece of music, the combination of beats. In order to develop high quality of rhythm in an efficient manner, it is essential to identify the correct sequence of the different PRAKAR of Tabla rhythm like, THEKA, UTHAN, TUKADA, RELA, LAGGI, KAIDA, TIHAI, CHAKRADAR, etc. PRAKAR means different sorts of rhythmic compositions used in Tabla. The focus of this study is to explore the efficiency of Genetic Algorithm to search for an optimum combination of rhythm to improve the Music Quality Metric.

Quantum mechanical calculations for the misincorporation of nucleotides opposite mutagenic 3,N4-ethenocytosine.

Abstract: The ubiquitous nature and persistence of exocyclic DNA adducts suggest their involvement as initiators of carcinogenesis. We have investigated the misincorporation properties of the exocyclic DNA adduct, 3,N(4)-ethenocytosine, using DFT and DFT-D methods. Computational investigations have been carried out by using the B3LYP, M062X, and wB97XD methods with the 6-31+G* basis set to determine the hydrogen bonding strengths, binding energy, and physical parameters. The single point energy calculations have been carried out at MP2/6-311++G** on corresponding optimized geometries. The energies were compared among the 3,N(4)-ethenocytosine adduct with DNA bases to find the most stable conformer. The solvent phase calculations have also been carried out using the CPCM model. The computed reaction enthalpy values provide computational insights to the earlier experimental observation in in vitro, E.coli, and mammalian cells of a high level of substitution mutation in which C → A transversion results from eC-T pairing [eC-T3 and eC-T4] in the adduct containing DNA sequence.