Showing papers in "Recent Research in Science and Technology in 2014"

Fly ash – waste management and overview : A Review

Abstract: Fly ash (FA)-a coal combustion residue of thermal power plants has been regarded as a problematic solid waste all over the world. India has some of the largest reserves of coal in the world. Indian coal has high ash content and low calorific value. Nearly 73% of the country’s total installed power generation capacity is thermal of which coal-based generation is 90%. Some 85 thermal power stations, besides several captive power plants use bituminous and sub-bituminous coal and produce large quantities of fly ash. High ash content (30% - 50%) coal contributes to these large volumes of fly ash. Current annual production of Fly ash, a by-product from coal based thermal power plant (TPPs), is about 112 million tones (MT). Some of the problems associated with Fly ash are large area of land required for disposal and toxicity associated with heavy metal leached to groundwater. Fly ash, being treated as waste and a source of air and water pollution till recent past, is in fact a resource material and has also proven its worth over a period of time . The present paper reviews the potential applications for coal fly ash as a raw material: as a soil amelioration agent in agriculture, use, in highway embankments, in construction of bricks, as an aggregate material in Portland cement, filling of low lying areas etc in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, in the production of zeolites, in the formation of mesoporous materials, in the synthesis of geopolymers, for use as catalysts and catalyst supports, as an adsorbent for gases and waste water processes, and for the extraction of metals. Thus fly ash management is a cause of concern for the future. This article attempts to highlight the management of fly ash to make use of this solid waste, in order to save our environment.

Phytoremediation of heavy metals contaminated soil using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR): A current perspective

Abstract: Increase in industrial, agricultural practices and several anthropogenic activities add a significant amount of heavy metals in soil and water. Heavy metals accumulate in the environment due to their non biodegradable nature and subsequently contaminate the food chain. Presence of these metals beyond the threshold limit poses a serious threat to the environment and human health. To overcome these problems, bioremediation has been getting attention because of its low cost, efficient and eco-friendly nature. Phytoremediation is a promising approach for removal of contaminants from the environment by the use of hyperaccumulator plants. But using plants alone for remediation faces many limitations owing to the heavy metal toxicity. This heavy metal toxicity could be conquered by exploring the association of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with plants. This association would improve plant growth by facilitating sequestration of toxic heavy metals. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria are involved in plant growth promotion and development by colonizing the root or preventing plant diseases via production and secretion of various regulatory chemicals. Metal uptake mechanisms involve special proteins namely metallo-proteins or metal-binding proteins and peptides. This study deals with the role of PGPR in plant growth promotion and acceleration of phytoremediation as well as removal of toxic metals.

The ambient air and noise quality in India during diwali festival: A Review

Abstract: This study deals with the effects of fireworks on the air quality over the major cities of India during the festival of light known as “Diwali”. The effects of firecrackers during the festival was assessed from the ambient concentrations of various air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) with diameter less than 10 µm. The concentrations of gaseous pollutants such as SO2 and NO2 as well as particulate pollutants such as PM10 and PM2.5 was found about 2-6 times higher during the day of festival because of the use of huge quantity of firecrackers that emits a large amount of pollutants into the atmosphere. Previous studies indicated that the concentrations of above air pollutants during Diwali festival was found several folds higher as compared to the 24-h standard of National Ambient Air Quality Standards of India (NAAQS) given by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. Concentrations of metallic elements analysed in fireworks aerosol samples in previous studies in India reported its higher contribution during Diwali festival as compared to the limit value of NAAQS of India. The noise levels in the Indian cities during the night of Diwali festival were also found to be higher. The deterioration of ambient air quality due to the anthropogenic activity such as the use of firecrackers in the megacities of India has significant impacts on human health on a regional scale. This review suggested the development of serious strategies to control the use of firecrackers during the festival of light in the major cities of India to protect human health.

Courtyard houses: An overview

Abstract: In old traditional residences, the courtyard was the focal point of the house. Most, if not all, rooms of the house had a direct connection with the courtyard. Courtyards served privacy purposes where they maximized interior relationships and openness while keeping the outside separate. Not only were courtyards used as social family gathering spaces, they were also a source of air flow and thermal comfort to the residence. Courtyard Houses have been most popular in residential architecture all over the world and in all climatic regions. Courtyard can be square, rectangular, round or amorphous, generated by placement of rooms or buildings around it. In hot arid climates such houses provide a greater measure of comfort. The courtyards supply light and cool air to the rooms around it. Air circulation within this confined space relies largely on the proportions of the surrounding walls and positioning of window openings in the surrounding rooms. Breeze and shading in the courtyard help in creating comfortable living conditions during day and sleeping conditions during night. In this paper various attributes of courtyard houses are discussed. The degree of enclosure, the size and orientation of courtyard in terms of the bioclimatic significance is discussed.

Arsenic removal from water through adsorption-A Review

Abstract: Arsenic is a commonly occurring toxic metal in natural systems. It is ahuman carcinogen in water over a wide range of pH values, having harmful effects on both human health andenvironment, even at low concentration. Because ofthis effect, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) set the arsenic standard for drinking water at .010 ppm to protect consumers served by public water systems.Occurrence of arsenic contaminated water is reported in several countries like USA, China, Bangladesh, Mexico, Argentina, Poland, Canada, Hungary, Japan and India. The largest population at risk is in Bangladesh followed by India (West Bengal).There is no effective treatment for arsenic toxicity. Onlythe removal of arsenic from water can prevent the toxicity. A great deal of research over recent decades has been done to lower the concentration of arsenic in drinking water and still there is a need to develop low cost viable techniques. Existing major arsenic removal technologies include oxidation, adsorption, precipitation, coagulation andmembrane separation. This paper presents the review of current status of research in the area of arsenic removal from contaminated water and comparison of all technologies available with more emphasis on adsorption.

Life cycle assessment of solid waste management options: A Review

Abstract: Evaluating the environmental performance of municipal solid waste management options is a complex job. LCA is an analytical tool (software) for assessing the environmental acceptability of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) options. LCA is currently being used in several countries to evaluate different strategies for integrated solid waste management and to evaluate treatment options for waste fractions. According to the characteristics of solid wastes, and availability of disposal options, LCA helps in supporting the identification of opportunities for pollution prevention and reductions in resource consumption while taking the entire solid waste life cycle. The primary elements of solid waste management are generation, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal. Different scenarios were developed and reported as alternatives to the current waste management systems. The most prominent is material recovery facility (MRF) and other methods involve source reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, incineration, energy recovery, on-site burial, open burning and bioremediation. The goal of this review is to determine the most environmentally friendly option of MSWM system with the help of LCA.

Fuzzy expert system for drinking water quality index

Abstract: The role of water in human life is significant as it plays a very essential role in the procedure of human body. Fuzzy logic provides an efficient and useful device for classifying drinking water quality based on limited observations. In this study, a Fuzzy Drinking Water Quality Index (FDWQI) is proposed for evaluation of water quality for drinking purpose. Fuzzy expert system makes it possible to combine the certainty levels for the acceptability of water based on an approved parameter.

Analysis of rainfall data for drought investigation at Agra U.P.

Abstract: This study presents analysis of droughts at Agra district of Uttar Pradesh India. Drought conditions were assessed for yearly time steps using rainfall data for thirty one years (1970 to 2000) at Agra station. According to the India Meteorological department (IMD) an area/region is considered to be drought if it receives seasonal total rainfall less than 75% of its normal value. The rainfall records of 31 years for Agra were obtained from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Rainfall data has been subjected to various kind of analysis including seasonal & annual rainfall departures, probability distribution and dry spell analysis etc. For identification of drought years and the extent of deficit of annual rainfall, the annual rainfall departure analysis has been carried out. A year is considered as drought year if the total amount of annual rainfall over an area is deficient by more than 25% of its normal value. From the analysis it is observed that in years 1970,1986,1987,1990 and 2000 as moderate drought & years 1972 & 1979 as a severe drought occurred in Agra district, the chance of occurrence of drought in every 10 years varies from 2 to 2.5. It means that year after every 3 to 4 year is a drought year.

Distillate water quality analysis and economics study of a passive solar still

Abstract: An experimental investigation on a double slope solar still is carried out to examine the quality of water under outdoor environment. Three synthetic water samples were prepared by adding Na2CO3, NaHCO3, CaCl2, and MgCl2. Few physical and chemical parameters were checked before and after the distillation namely: appearance, color, odor, pH, total alkalinity, total hardness and chloride content. It is found that the results agree with the standard values as prescribed by WHO and BIS-1991. Daily yield of the still is 3 L/m2/day. The payback period of the still is calculated and found to be 67 days which shows the utility of this solar still.

Artificial neural network for ecg classification

Abstract: This research work is supervised by ANN based algorithm to classify the ECG waveforms. The ECG waveform gives the almost all information about activity of the heart, which is depending on the electrical activity of the heart. In this paper we are focused only five features of ECG signal P, Q, R, S, T. This is achieved by extracting the various features and duration of ECG waveform P-wave, PR segment, PR interval, QRS Complex, ST segment, T-wave, STinterval, QTc and QRS voltage. ECG signal and heart rate are used the parameter for detection diseases, most of the data comes from PhysioDataNet and MIT-BIH data base. This research is focused on to find out best neural network structure which classifies the abnormalities of heart diseases. This technique also identifies the normal region for classification of abnormalities; because of ECG waveform is varying from person to person at different condition.

Studies of carbon monoxide oxidation at ambient conditions

Abstract: Carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation was studied at ambient condition over hopcalite (CuMn2O2) based catalyst. The catalysts were prepared by coprecipitation method. The prepared hopcalite based catalysts, Cu-Mn-Co catalyst, Cu-Mn-Cu catalyst, Cu-Mn-Ce catalyst were examined for oxidation of CO in fixed bed tubular flow reactor. The CO is generally present at lower temperature, as it is a result of the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. By observation it was found that the amount of Carbon dioxide was increasing with temperature in outlet gases. Among various catalysts studied, Cerium promoted Hopcalite showed maximum catalytic activity for CO oxidation at ambient condition. The conversion of CO over Cu-Mn-Ce was started at room temperature and gives 100% CO conversion in 75 minutes. Thus, it can be concluded that the copper based catalyst would be an attractive alternative to presently used noble metals catalyst for oxidation of CO at ambient condition. The prepared hopcalite based catalysts, are low cost and resistant to moisture.

Lightning phenomena and its effect on transmission line

Abstract: As we know that Lightning is one of the most natural and serious cause of over voltage .So, my this paper describes about the lightning phenomena, the way it is caused and in the manner it effects the power equipments, building frames, transmission lines, etc It is matter of great surprise to know that over the whole world ,more than 40,000 lightning strokes per day and less than 100 lightning strokes per second takes place. Transmission lines functions as arteries that carry electricity from power stations to regions where the power is needed. Therefore, it is vital to control the construction and maintenance costs of these lines because while the frequency of transmission line faults resulting in power loss has decreased year by year yet the trouble due to natural cause lightning is not yet reduced The main object of this paper is to study the effect of lightning strokes on transmission lines which cause great damage due to traveling waves to the electrical equipments installed in open air and insulators, etc. Frequently lightning problems do not receive consideration during the design stage. It remains then for the lightning safety engineer to analyze the effect of thelightning during operations and to provide rational for safety through modification to the Assets, Facilities and Structures.

Antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula Retz.

Abstract: Terminalia chebula belonging to the family Combretaceae is called the "king of medicines" in Tibet and used in the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, depression, memory loss, cardiovascular diseases, leprosy etc and also inhibits the growth of malignant tumors. T.chebula fruit is rich in phytochemical constituents such as tannins, flavonoids and essential oils. In the present study antimicrobial activity of aqueous fruit extract of T.chebula was evaluated by Agar well diffusion method against gram +ve (Bacillus sphaericus, Staphylococcus aureus), gram -ve (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli) and fungal (Candida albicans) strains at different concentrations. Among the microbial strains evaluated P.mirabilis and K.pneumoniae were found to be the most sensitive, based on the results demonstrated from the inhibition zones. Thus, T.chebula fruit can be considered as a potential candidate for new antimicrobial drugs owing to its broad spectrum activity.

Development of microbial fuel cell as biosensor for detection of organic matter of wastewater

Abstract: The removal of biodegradable organic matters (BOM) is a very important aspect of evaluating the treatment efficiency in a wastewater treatment plant. However, conventional Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) method is time consuming (3 or 5 days) and not suitable for online process monitoring. Instead biosensors can be used to measure BOD. Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) biosensor which uses electroactive biofilms as sensing element has the advantage of long-term stability and minimizes the replacement of sensing elements. BOM could be directly converted to electricity via MFC, where MFC itself is an integration of signal generator and transducer. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) is a very important component of MFC and the most widely used Nafion PEM (NPEM) is costly ( Jurado and Colomer, 2002; Liu et al., 2006, Jana et al., 2010 ). Previously, researchers have successfully used low cost clayware separators as PEM (CWPEM) with improved performance of MFC ( Behera et al., 2009 , Jana et al., 2010) . Comparative studies has been carried out between MFC-1 (NPEM) and MFC-2 (CWPEM) to evaluate the performance of MFC as biosensor using mixed anaerobic culture with synthetic wastewater containing acetate as source of carbon. MFC-1 biosensor responds linearly between COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) concentration of 22 mg/L and 51 mg/L (R 2 =0.954) with a response time between 120 min and 210 min. Similarly, MFC-2 biosensor responds linearly between a concentration 64 mg/L and 212 mg/L (R 2=0.949) with a response time between 310 min and 120 min. The variation in rate of proton conductivity (PC) and thickness of the separators is suspected to be the cause for variation in range of detection and response time. The current market price of NPEM is very high i.e. Rs. 4000/10 cm 2 and that of CWPEM is Rs. 4/10 cm 2 . With improvement in PC of CWPEM, low cost MFC biosensor can be successfully

Therapeutic fruit peels: Their role in preventing lifestyle disorders

Abstract: The prevalence and severity of obesity, type 2-diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory problems are rapidly increasing. As successful preventive and therapeutic strategies for these life-threatening health ailments often come with adverse side effects, nutritional elements have been widely used in many countries as preventive therapies to prevent or manage metabolic syndrome. Fruits are important dietary components and contain various bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, carotenoids and phenols. Evidence suggests that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, and phytochemicals including phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids from fruits and vegetables may play a key role in reducing chronic disease risk. Although various fruits have already been studied worldwide in this connection but the peels of the fruits have mostly remain an underdog. The aim of this article is to review the role of peel of the fruits and their constituents in the regulation of metabolic functions which can beneficially alter the pathophysiology of some of the common as well as chronic ailments.

Green technology for sustainable urban life

Abstract: Human Civilization uses technology for supporting day to day activities of urban life. New technologies are more efficient and environment friendly due to increased awareness and recent development in research areas of energy management. The adoption of technology is limited and has adverse effects on environment and human civilization. Therefore, scope exists for application of new technologieswhich are more environmental friendly for supporting day to day activities of an urban lifestyle. These technologies are characterized as green or clean technology. Green technologies involve: energy efficiency, recycling, safety and health concerns, renewable resources, and many more. This paper reviews various technologies from view point of adaptability and implementation issues for modern living towards sustainable environment.

Advantages of green technology

Abstract: Green technology implies to a system that uses innovative methods to create environment friendly products. Mainly, it comprises of various everyday cleaning products, energy sources, inventions, waste, clothing and a host of others. Going green or using technologies that are friendly to the environment is among the many ways that countries are looking into in order to spur economic growth and improve the lives of its citizens. Green technology uses renewable natural resources that never depletes. Green technology uses new and innovative energy generation techniques. Green nanotechnology that uses green engineering and green chemistry is one of the latest in green technologies. One of the important factors for environmental pollution is the disposal of waste. Green technology has answers to that as well. It can effectively change waste pattern and production in a way that it does not harm the planet and we can go green. Among the possible areas where these creations and growth are expected to come from include green energy, organic agriculture, eco-friendly textiles, green building constructions, and manufacturing of related products and materials to support green business. Because this is but new to the industry, it is also expected to attract new customers who will see the many advantages of using green technologies in their homes and others. Besides other forms of green technology in field of generation of energy are done by solar power and fossil fuel. These have no adverse effect on the planet and it won’t replenish. So future generation can also benefit from them without harming the planet. This paper focuses on the advantages of green technology and the benefits that can be accrued out of it.

Diversity, activity, antibiotic and heavy metal resistance of bacteria from petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils located in different sites

Abstract: The main aim behind this project was to obtain a collection of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria that might be suitable for bioremediation processes as soil inoculums to remove hydrocarbons in presence of heavy metals. To achieve this soils from different sites have been selected like Hindustan Petroleum of RAIPUR, BILASPUR & BACHELI strongly contaminated solely with hydrocarbons and for comparison non-contaminated soil of RAIPUR. To reveal affect of pollutants on endogenous micro biota and the bacterial shifts resulting as a consequence of different types of pollution. Different molecular biological and microbiological techniques were used. Individual samples were tested: 1. For their ability of degrading different types of hydrocarbons (aliphatic, aromatic & polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) 2. For their capability of resisting heavy metals (Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+) 3. If they proliferate in presence of antibiotics. Results that were observed was increased activity of hydro carbon clastic bacteria due to the significant Co2 production and elevated hydrocarbon degrading bacterial counts. And the bacterial communities that are diversified in number of species were influenced by the pollutants present in it was tested by the T-RFLP. Strains of highest antibiotic resistance and heavy metal tolerance were isolated from the sample. Moreover, some test indicated significant correlation between heavy metal tolerance/antibiotic resistance and antibiotic resistance/hydrocarbon degradation ability of the isolates.

An overview: Matrix tablets as sustained release.

Abstract: Oral route is the most preferred route for administration of drugs. Tablets are the most popular oral formulation available in the market and preferred by the patients and physician alike. In long-term therapy for the treatment of chronic disease conditions, conventional formulations are required to be administered multiple doses and therefore have several disadvantages. The primary benefit of a sustained release dosage form compared to a conventional dosage form, is the uniform drug plasma concentration and therefore uniform therapeutic effect. Matrix system are favored because of their simplicity, patient compliance etc, than traditional drug delivery which have many drawbacks like repeated administration, fluctuation in blood concentration level etc. Introduction of Matrix tablet as Sustained release has given a new break through for novel drug delivery system (NDDS) in the field of Pharmaceutical technology. Matrix systems are widely used for the purpose of sustained release. It is the release system which prolongs and controlls the release of drug that is dissolved or dispersed. In fact, a matrix is defined as a well-mixed composite of one or more drugs with gelling agent i.e. hydrophilic polymers. By the sustained release method therapeutically effective concentration can be achieved in the systemic circulation over an extended period of time, thus achieving better compliance of patients. Numerous sustained release oral dosage forms such as membrane controlled system, matrices with water soluble/insoluble polymers or waxes and osmotic systems have been developed, intense research has been recently focused on the designed of sustained release systems for poorly water soluble drugs.

Collection and conservation of endangered medicinal plant species diversity for maintaining ecological balance

Abstract: India is one of the 12 mega biodiversity centre. Chhattisgarh state located centrally in India has approx. 44% forest area are the principle repository of large number of medicinal and aromatic plants due to this C.G. is declared as herbal state in 2001. The flora of medicinal and aromatic plant is depleting quit fast due to use of forest land in other purpose and over exploitation of herbs. The state is dominated by tribal population and major tribal population depend on forest for fiber, food, fuel, fodder, medicine. Due to over exploitation of herbs and use of forest land in other purpose large number of plant species become rare and endangered. Thus collection of different made for the collection of multi crop collecting mission along with particular medicinal and aromatic plant from Achanakmarg, Lamni, Ataria, Keochi, Dhamtari, Keregaon, singhpur medicinal and aromatic plant, its conservation and characterization for its various agro-morphological and quality traits will help in producing the quality product and for improvement in particular species genetically. With this objective exploitation was made Dugli, Nagri and near by places which are the hot spot of flora diversity and trading area of medicinal plants of C.G. The present investigation revealed that the forest are of Dhamtari Keregaon, South Singpur, Dugli and Nagri and near by places and Bilaspur District (Achanakmarg ,Lormni, Ataria, Keonchi and near by place) was dominated by herbs 47%, trees 24%, climbers 14% and 15% shrubs were as 52% herbs, 16% shrubs, tree 19% trees and 12% climber, climbing shrus 1% respectively. The break up of medicinal plants by their plant parts utilized in general for the treatment of different diseases contains approximately 32% roots, 18% leaves, 12% bark, 9% stem, 9% seed, 8% fruit, 8% whole plant, 2% flower, 1% gum/ latex and 1% wood approximately. The different medicinal plants are utilized for fever, joint pain, diarrhaea, skin ailment, cough and cold, jaundice, bronchitis, liver problem etc. Many of the medicinal plant species are in list of endangered taxa of the state such as safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), kali haldi (Curcuma coesia), van haldi (Curcuma aromatic), tikhur (Curcuma angestifolia), kalihari (Gloriosa superb), sarpgandha (Rouwalfia sarpentina), kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) etc. are few of them were collected, multiplied and characterize in herbal garden of IGKV, Raipur. Hence conservation and its strategies cultivation of these plant species will help in maintaining ecological balance so that this heritage can be used and exploited wisely through judicious management for future generation.

Environmental impact due to iron ore mining in Chhattisgarh

Abstract: Iron ore is an important mineral in Chhattisgarh. The production of iron ore is 5.50 million tones per year. Due to massive extraction of iron ore, it pollutes air, water and soil. When iron in solution reaches the water table it pollutes the ground water, while dissolved iron in surface water reacts with soil to cause soil erosion and effect the soil profile and sometimes minor particles of iron spread with air cause air pollution. Mining in Bailadila and Dalli-rajhra (Durg) have resulted into various environmental problems. Apart from these, the open cast mining which removes the top soil cover may invite occurrences of landslide. If the mining and industrial activities are carried out in an integrated planed way by continuous monitoring and taking effective mitigative measures in a timely manner then it will definitely prove to be economically beneficial in a sustainable manner.

Kinetics and mechanisms of ciprofloxacin cleavage in light assisted fenton reaction

Abstract: Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial drug of fluoroquinolone class. The activity of CIP should vanish through transformation of piperazine and fluorine substituents Fenton reaction. The objective of the present study was to compare the kinetics of degradation and mineralization of CIP in light assisted Fenton reaction. The batch experiment was performed in presence of a low pressure UV lamp of 9 W at wavelength of 362 nm with 400 mL 15 mg/L CIP solution in a 1 L photoreactor at 25°C. The molar ratio of Fe2+/H2O2 and pH were chosen as 0.125 and pH 3.5 from the experimental optimization of CIP decomposition studies. Maximum drug and mineralizing efficiency were of 97.4 and 84.1%. The rate of drug mineralization was about 5 times slower than that of CIP cleavage. Mass spectra displayed that 11 intermediates were originated upon CIP oxidation in Fenton reaction with UV irradiation. The degradation mechanism suggested that most of the intermediates were attached to the core quinolone structure.

Fuzzy multi objective optimization: With reference to multi objective transportation problem

Abstract: In this paper we present a review of the connection between modern era techniques & fuzzy multi objective optimization (FMOO) to deal with its shortcoming and FMOO used in transportation problem. Multi objective optimization represents an interest area of research since most real life problem have a set of conflict objectives. MOO has its root in late nineteenth century welfare economics, in the works of Edge worth & Pareto. But due to some shortcoming faces, researchers attract to FMOO and they use modern era technique like artificial intelligence. Finally we develop a fuzzy linear programming method for solving the transportation problem with fuzzy goals, available supply & forecast demand and showing a frame for fuzzy multi objective transportation problem (FMOTP) solution.

Identification of meteorological drought year for Varanasi district U.P.

Abstract: Drought can be defined as a temporary harmful and widespread lack of available water with respect to specific need. It implies a deficiency of rainfall of sufficient magnitude over a prolonged duration so as to interfere with some phases of regional economic activities. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) an area is considered to be drought if it receives seasonal total rainfall less than 75% of its normal value. The rainfall records of 37 years for Varanasi were obtained from the India Meteorological department (IMD). Rainfall data has been subjected to various kind of analysis including seasonal & annual rainfall departures, probability distribution and dry spell analysis etc. For identification of drought years and the extent of deficit of annual rainfall, the annual rainfall departure analysis has been carried out. A year is considered as drought year if the total amount of annual rainfall over an area is deficient by more than 25% of its normal value. From the analysis it is observed that in years 1972, 1979, 1992, 2004 as moderate drought years occurred in Varanasi district & there were no severe drought in this region. The chance of occurrence of drought in every 10 years varies from 1 to 2. It means that year after every 4 to 5 is a drought year.

Slums: Affects on environment

Abstract: Urban living is the keystone of modern human ecology. Cities have increased and expanded rapidly worldwide over the past centuries. Cities are sources of employment and education, and they are the engines for economic growth. However, they are also sources of poverty, inequality, and health hazards from the environment. Environmental decay in a city is essentially caused by rapid urbanization and the mismatch in the provision and maintenance of housing and infrastructure. These include exposure to lead, air pollution, traffic hazards, and the \"urban heat island\" amplification of heat waves. As the number of urban consumers and their material expectations rise and as the use of fossil fuels increases, cities contribute to the largescale pressures on the biosphere including climate change. In this paper, environmental problems of slum and informal settlements in India, will be introduced and analysed.

Warm mix asphalt: Paves way for energy saving

Abstract: Road transport sector in India has expanded in the last sixty years after independence, both in terms of capacity and dimensions. Today, India is having thethird largest road network in the world, with over 4.236 million km of roadways spread across the country. Currently, majority of the Indian roads are paved with Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA),which consists of aggregates and bitumen mixed together at high temperature,approximately150-170°C. The production and placement of HMA pavements has evolved over the last 130 years and recognised as a high quality engineered paving material to produce good quality pavement. During all these years, the production of HMA has modernized from manual hand mixing and placement with rakes and shovels to computerized plants feeding, placement, and compaction equipment that track location and material quality.The main concern with the production of HMA is, it requires large amount of energy and also releases enormous amount of emissions into the environment. So, the road construction industry is looking for an alternate material or a technology that reduces the amount of energy required to produce the HMA, in order to combine energy savings and environmental benefits. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology is one of the solutions. WMA technologies allow producing the asphalt material at 30 to 40°C lower temperatures than conventional HMA. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review on various WMA technologies across the globe and advantages associated with WMA technologies.It also provides details of some of the attempts done with WMA technologies in India till now.

Effect of temperature on electrical conductivity in industrial effluents

Abstract: This study is to know the effect of temperature on electrical conductivity in industrial effluents and sewages of Phagwara Tehsil of Punjab. Water contamination is a major global problem which requires ongoing evaluation and revision of water resources policy at level (Ugbune 2011). It has been suggested that it is the leading worldwide cause of deaths and disease (Pink 2006). Temperature increase was recently considered as a serious water pollutant. Increase in temperature can have adverse affect on the physical properties of water, such as density, viscosity, vapor pressure, surface tension, gas solubility and gas diffusion etc. Electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of the ability of water sample to conduct electricity and is also related to the concentration of ionized substance in water. Temperature also has an important effect on conductivity. This is because as temperature increase, conductivity also increases owing to a decrease in viscosity that is caused by increase in temperature. The objective of this study is to know the level & effect of temperature on electrical conductivity in industrial effluents.

Fractals, architecture and sustainability

Abstract: The concept of fractals has brought about exhilarating and innovative changes deepening and broadening our understanding about the nature, culture and science. Sustainability as understood is an attempt looking at three dimensionssocial ,economic and environmental. Architecture accomplishes some of the basic human needs namely aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. Fractal architecture with its unique feature of organic assemblage of units is better endowed to answer questions of sustainability than many other form of architecture. The fractal theme serves as a framework or reference for organizing an intellectual and aesthetic presentation in order to explain the reality that ‘everything in the universe (nature) is connected to everything else.’ The concept of fractal explains nature, where sustainability is a current concern. The topic of Fractal is a realization of the natural world expressed mathematically where the structure of every piece holds the key to the whole structure. The application of fractal theory in architecture is a new concept. The following research paper will discuss about fractals, their existence in architecture and how further they can be related to sustainability