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This experimental study aimed to investigate the potential control of microstructural-mineralogical characteristics on thermal properties and its relation with the deformational behaviour in mild to high temperature (25°–800°C) regime of coal-bearing sandstone from an underground coal mine fire region. Barakar sandstone from Jharia Coalfield, India, one of the world's largest underground coal mine fire regions, was chosen. The thermal parameters and their relations to the mineralogical, microstructural, and damage characteristics of Barakar sandstone have been discussed. Thermal conductivity (λ), thermal diffusivity (κ), and specific heat capacity (Cp) of heat-treated samples were determined using the transient plane source method. Additionally, detailed petrography, scanning electron microscopy, and electron probe micro-analyser were used to understand the thermal effect on mineralogy and microstructures. The deformational behaviour with elevated temperature was investigated through the universal testing machine. The obtained results suggest three characteristic temperature regimes: mild temperature regime (25°–300°C), transitional temperature regime (300º–500°C) and high temperature regime (500º–800°C). Moreover, prediction models for thermal properties have also been developed using multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP), considering physical properties as input parameters. In view of experimental constraints to determine the thermos-elastic properties of a rock due to tedious experimental processes, the proposed prediction models shall be very useful to indirectly estimate the thermal properties of sandstone rocks using easily determined physical parameters. The outcome of the present study may be useful to understand the subsidence induced by underground coalmine fire, which is a distressing issue in the Jharia region due to persistent coalmine fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal properties of the urban landscape are significantly affected by various human activities such as changing land use patterns, the construction of buildings and other impervious surfaces, and the development of transport systems. Urbanization often leads to the replacement of natural landscapes with impervious surfaces such as concrete and asphalt, which have a higher heat absorption capacity and lower emissivity. The continuous displacement of urban landscapes by impermeable surfaces therefore leads to an increase in urban temperatures, ultimately causing the development of the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon. The study aims to analyze the thermal properties of physical elements in residential streets of Gurugram City using a thermal imaging camera to investigate the relationship between ambient air temperature and thermal behavior of surface materials. The study shows that the compact streets are 2–4 °C cooler than the open streets due to mutual shading of the buildings. Similarly, the temperature in the light-colored buildings is 1.5–4 °C lower than the dark buildings in the streets. In addition, a simple coat of paint over a plastered wall is much cooler than granite stone wall cladding. The study also showed how shading, whether by mutual shading or vegetative shading, can lower the surface temperature of urban materials. Building codes and design guidelines can therefore use such studies to make urban exteriors more pleasant by recommending lighter colors, plants, and local materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of the fact that rhyolite constitute a vital part of the key tectonic environments, such as continental rift-arc systems and oceanic islands, the data on the thermal and physical properties are scarce, which hinders the exact thermal modelling of these regions. Here, we have investigated the thermal conductivity from room temperature (25 °C) to elevated temperatures (up to 300 °C) for 11 massive rhyolite samples, collected from the greenstone belt of the Bundelkhand Craton, central India. The petrographical, geochemical (major oxide and trace elements) and physical (density and porosity) properties have been studied to characterize the samples before measurement of thermal conductivity at elevated temperatures. Geochemical results indicate that these rhyolites are high-K (K2O: 3.6–5.4 wt. per cent), calc-alkaline in nature with enriched REE signatures {(La/Yb)N: 9.4–22.3, (Gd/Yb)N: 1.2–1.9} and are similar to FI-type Archaean rhyolites. The density of these rhyolites depicts a narrow range between 2590 and 2690 kg m−3, with an average of 2637 kg m−3 and negligible porosity. Their thermal conductivity at room temperature varies between 2.5 and 3.3 W m−1 K−1, with an average of 2.8 W m−1 K−1; the decrease in thermal conductivity from room temperature to 300 °C ranges between 16 and 32 per cent, with an average of 23 per cent; and the temperature coefficient of thermal conductivity b , in the expression λ T = λRT (1 +  bT)−1, varies between 0.7 × 10−3 and 1.7 × 10−3 K−1 with an average of 1.1 × 10−3 K−1. Our study reveals that the massive rhyolites have an almost similar density as their intrusive equivalent like Bundelkhand granitoids, but their thermal properties, such as thermal conductivity at room temperature (λRT), decrease in thermal conductivity with temperatures (Δλ) and the temperature coefficient of thermal conductivity (b), lies between the two extreme variety of the granitoids, that is (i) alkali feldspar granite to monzogranite and (ii) granodiorite to tonalite to quartz diorite. We suggest that the temperature coefficient of the massive rhyolite can be expressed as b  = 0.81 × λRT–1.21, which will be useful in determining the thermal conductivity of such rhyolites at elevated temperatures from their thermal conductivity at room temperature (λRT). Thermal and physical parameters reported for rhyolites will provide important constraints in various geophysical and thermo-mechanical modelling for the rhyolitic terrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adverse environmental effects of synthetic fibers have forced researchers to use natural fibers in composite preparation. Pinus Roxburghii Needles (PRNs) are widely available in the hilly region of Uttarakhand state, India. Utilizing the fiber extracted from PRNs as reinforcement in bio-composite preparation can reduce synthetic fiber and emphasize the use of natural resources. In this study, we extract the Pinus Roxburghii Fibers (PRFs) from PRNs using the water retting method. Their physical, chemical, thermal, and morphological aspects were investigated and reported. The average diameter and density of the extracted PRFs were obtained as 145 ± 17.36 μm and 1020 ± 20.27 kg/m³, respectively. The chemical analysis revealed that the extracted PRFs contain 58.30% cellulose content. Thermal stability and maximum degradation temperature of the extracted PRFs were assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and found to be 225°C and 355.84°C, respectively. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) were used to study the surface morphology and surface roughness of PRFs, respectively. Further, the FTIR analysis of the extracted PRFs confirmed the presence of different functional groups of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The crystallinity index (43.52%) and crystal size (4.03 nm) of the extracted PRFs were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction industries demand a material with high strength to endure severe environmental conditions like high temperature and humid and hence, it is noteworthy to assess the thermal and water transport properties of the material. In this investigation, the natural fibers based composites were fabricated using Indian almond and kenaf fibers by hand layup method. Entirely, two natural fiber composites viz. epoxy/Indian almond & epoxy/kenaf and two hybrid composites viz. kenaf/India almond/kenaf (K/I/K) & Indian almond/kenaf/Indian almond (I/K/I) were prepared. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out to analyze the thermal properties and water absorption study was carried out to analyze the transport properties. TGA study showed that the epoxy/kenaf composite exhibited a maximum onset temperature of 340.49°C owing to good bonding strength and the K/I/K composite displayed a maximum decomposition temperature of 380.21 ° with a minimum mass loss of 1.29 mg/min. Further, the epoxy/Indian almond composite showed a better flame retardancy property due to more char formation. Water absorption study resulted that the epoxy/Indian almond composite absorbed more water (35% at 50°C) compared to other composites due to spongy like structure and the presence of more voids on the surface of the fiber. Further, the epoxy/kenaf composite displayed more resistance to water penetration with maximum activation energy of diffusion of 2.63 kJ/mole. Transport properties such as diffusion coefficient, sorption coefficient and permeability coefficient were varied in line with temperature. The epoxy/kenaf composite showed least diffusion coefficient of 2.48 × 10−5 cm2/s, sorption coefficient of 1.05, and permeability coefficient of 2.61 × 10−5 cm2/s at 30°C among all other composites due to good bonding strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming and environmental pollution issues are the challenges that have prompted researchers around the world to recognize biodegradable material as an alternate solution for fossil fuel dependency. The previous literature motivates the researchers to identify alternatives to artificial reinforcement in composite materials. This work utilizes Calotropis gigantea fiber as a strengthening agent, which is generously available as an unused plant in India. Compression molding technique was used for the preparation of specimens with different fiber orientation (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 0°/90°, and 0°/45°/90°) Specimen with 0° fiber orientation registered a maximum value of 142.46 MPa, 93.13MPa, and 81.21 kJ/m2 in Flexural test, Tensile test and Impact test, respectively, than the other orientations. Mechanical testing results establish that the orientation of the fiber will prominently influence in improving the strength. The thermal studies on Calotropis gigantea fiber-epoxy composites through Thermogravimetric Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry reveal that the composite will withstand more than 600°C temperature and confirm its thermal stability. The combined findings show that Calotropis gigantea fiber in polymer composite can be a possible reinforcing material and suitable for manufacturing accessories for automobile and household applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its mechanical and environmental properties, pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) are used as a home threading material in India. In addition, the effects of abrasive combing and pretreatment techniques on fiber and composite characteristics were examined in this work. Using PALF vascular bundles separated from different regions of the leaves did not affect the mechanical aspects of pineapple leaf fiber-vinyl ester composites. PALF fibers performed equally in strengthening composite flexural properties under static loading, regardless of diameter or location, with a much lower weight percentage and combined pressure. Tests at higher speeds revealed that the PALF-vinyl ester composite was more robust with more delicate bundles. Reinforcing composites that do not require a high degree of hardness can benefit from the cleaner, more delicate bundles produced by abrasive combing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal management system of battery pack was investigated based on the combination of two different phase change materials OM35 and Paraffin wax coupled with forced air cooling to maintain the thermal distribution in the battery pack at a discharge rate of 1C. Numerical investigations were carried out by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to understand the effects of battery thermal characteristics on environmental conditions in different cities of India. Furthermore, the thermal behavior of the system in an active and passive cooling was analyzed. The result indicates that active cooling can reduce the temperature rise in the battery pack by 2.8°C in the discharge cycle. The above studies identified active cooling not always required when the vehicle speed increases above 40 km/h. Environmental conditions during summer have a significant impact on the temperature rise in the battery pack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated 78 core samples of basaltic trap and Neoarchean basement in the laboratory from a 981 m deep scientific borehole KBH‐05, in the Koyna−Warna seismic zone, in order to characterize their thermal and physical properties and present a probable crustal thermal model. The Koyna−Warna, located in the Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP), is globally one of the most prominent Reservoir Triggered Seismicity (RTS) regions. Thermal conductivity, density, and porosity vary widely (1.0–1.7 Wm−1K−1, 2,400–3,000 kg m−3, 0.2%–10%) for the basalt due to their lithological heterogeneities, i.e., massive/amygdaloidal/vesicular. In comparison, the basement, which dominantly consists of gneiss/migmatite gneiss (granodiorite to tonalite to quartz monzodiorite in composition) and amphibolite, have shown a wider range in thermal conductivity (2.2–3.4 Wm−1K−1) but constricted range in density and porosity (2,600–2,800 kg m−3, 0.01%–0.15%). Based on gamma and sonic logs, as well as radioelements (Th, U, K), the 499 m thick basaltic trap can be divided into two thick layers (325, 174 m) and five sub‐layers, which can be correlated with different basaltic formations. Similarly, the underlying basement can also be divided into two layers (93, 384 m). The upper basement layer has two times higher concentrations of Th and U than the lower layer, with heat production of 2.0, 0.8 μWm−3. Further, the study provides a robust temperature estimate of 165°C–250°C at 10 km depth, considerably higher than reported earlier for the DVP, and reveals that in addition to thermal parameters, RTS also plays an important role in the seismogenesis of the region. Plain Language Summary: The Koyna‐Warna region, located in the western part of Deccan Volcanic Province, India, is one of the finest examples of Reservoir Triggered Seismicity in the world. Scientific deep drilling provides a rare opportunity to study thermal and physical properties of a one‐km thick drilled column consisting of a half‐km basaltic trap and another half‐km concealed basement. Study also provides a robust upper crustal thermal model for this region and provides an insight into the causes of seismogenesis. Before laboratory measurements, studied core samples have been characterized by petrology, geochemistry, and geophysical logs. Significant variations in thermal conductivity and density in the basaltic trap could be attributed to the lithological heterogeneities from massive to amygdaloidal/vesicular basalts, while the basement to the compositional variations from granodiorites to tonalites to quartz monzodiorites. Based on gamma and sonic logs, as well as radioelements, the basaltic trap can be divided into two layers and five sub‐layers, which can be correlated to basalt flows. Similarly, the underlying basement can be divided into two layers, with two times higher radioelements in the upper‐layer. Further, the study reveals that in addition to thermal parameters, Reservoir Triggered Seismicity also plays an important role in the seismogenesis of the region. Key Points: Basalt trap & basement beneath Koyna‐Warna show variations in thermal/physical properties that have been correlated to lithology/compositionBased on gamma and sonic logs as well as radioelements, the basalt trap can be divided into five sub‐layers which can be correlated with basalt flowsRobust temperature estimate at 10‐km depth revealed that seismicity is not entirely controlled by temperature, but also by reservoir‐induced [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Liposomal Amphotericin B, known as AmBisome®, is a life-saving antifungal product that sold $407 million in 2019. AmBisome® has a rather complex physical structure in that Amphotericin B (AmpB) forms a stable ionic complex with the lipid bilayer to maintain AmBisome®'s low toxicity and high stability in systemic circulation. Failed attempts to reproduce AmBisome®'s precise structure has resulted in faster drug release and higher toxicity both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we established several analytical methodologies to quantify liposomal AmpB components, characterize thermal properties of the liposome, and determine particle size distribution, AmpB aggregation state, and drug release kinetics. We applied these methodologies together with in vitro hemolytic potential and antifungal activity tests to characterize multiple lots of AmBisome® and two generic products approved in India, Phosome® and Amphonex®. We also used Fungizone®, a micellar AmpB formulation, and "leaky" AmpB liposomes as negative controls. Our results showed that Phosome® and Amphonex® were both similar to AmBisome®, while Fungizone® and 'leaky" liposomes exhibited differences in both thermal properties and AmpB aggregation state, leading to faster drug release and higher toxicity. Due to the increased interest of the pharmaceutical industry in making generic AmBisome® and the lack of standard analytical methods to characterize liposomal AmpB products, the methodologies described here are valuable for the development of generic liposomal AmpB products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyolester (POE) oil and mineral (Min) oil are widely used in household refrigerators as compressors lubricants in India. An experimental calculation on the thermal, chemical, corrosion, and nature‐friendly properties of POE oil and Min oil suspended with silica nanoparticles is conducted for confirming its practicality to adopt in refrigeration compressors as nanolubricant. No surfactants were used for synthesizing the nanolubricants. The mass fractions from 0.01% to 0.2% and temperatures from 25°C to 85°C are considered. The thermal conductivity and fire point increased as SiO2 mass proportions increased. The pour and cloud points decreased, and in the corrosive nature, apparently little effect was observed by adding SiO2 nanoparticles. The total acid number (TAN) and saponification number increased with the increase in SiO2 nanoparticle concentration. All the synthesized nanolubricants were biodegradable and a little toxic. Refrigerant compressors with long life, with smooth and safe working are expected using POE oil and Min oil with up to 0.2% SiO2 (without surfactants) because of augmented thermal properties and less influenced corrosive, chemical, and eco‐friendly properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured the thermal constants (including conductivity, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity) of methane hydrate (MH)–bearing sediment samples recovered in 2015 from the Krishna–Godavari Basin, in India. These samples were recovered through the National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition 02 (NGHP-02). The measurements were performed using the single-sided Transient Plane Source (TPS) method. To investigate the influence of the sediment composition on the thermal properties of MH-bearing sediments, the thermal constants of MH-bearing sediments were measured at 5 °C and 10 MPa over a porosity (ϕ) range of 41% ≤ ϕ ≤ 51% and MH saturation (S h) range of 17% ≤ S h ≤ 74%. In addition, density and mineral compositional measurements of the dry sediment grain samples were conducted. The measured thermal conductivity slightly decreases with increasing ϕ and is independent of S h. The measured specific heat increased with increasing ϕ , whereas it decreased with increasing S h. The measured thermal diffusivity decreased with increasing ϕ , whereas it increased with increasing S h. Various models were used to estimate the thermal constants to examine the applicability of these models to natural MH-bearing sediments. The distribution model (using a geometric mean model) is valid from the low to high MH saturations; however, the thermal properties of clay-rich layers are not likely reproducible by the distribution model from the mineral compositions. This indicates that the low value of the observed thermal conductivity in the clay-rich samples is likely a product of the sediment's small grain size. • Thermal properties of sediments from the Krishna–Godavari Basin were measured. • Highly saturated methane hydrate-bearing sediments thermal constants were reported. • The measurements were performed using the single-sided TPS method. • The distribution model is valid from the low to high MH saturation range. • The measured thermal conductivity is independent of the MH saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A closer look at the traditional foods consumed in various parts of India shows their efficacy and wisdom in the intelligent use of resources available in each specific geographical region ranging from coastal to plains to hilly to the desert, and the perfection achieved in processing such foods that suit the palate along with nutritional perspective, safety protocols, and the combination of foods in typical meals that cater to all the physiological needs of the human body. Some of them have been verified by modern science, but many need scientific documentation. Discussing Indian traditional foods from the engineering viewpoint becomes utmost necessary when there has been a significant shift towards convenience foods, and mechanization is the only possible solution to cater to this huge demand. Most of the Indian foods are majorly dough or batter-based systems, where the rheological, thermal and bulk properties directly affect the final quality of the product. In this review, the Indian traditional foods have been revisited, and the role of critical engineering properties of foods has been critically argued, along with a detailed analysis of the heat and mass transfer during several engineering operations. This will pave the way for further research and provide a holistic view of the approaches adopted till-date for engineering aspects of Indian traditional foods. • The high diversity and the complex traditional method of preparation of traditional Indian foods pose problems to mechanization. • Rheological, thermal and thermodynamic properties of foods need to be studied for the engineering operations ranging from soaking to packaging. • Heat, and mass transfer occur simultaneously for all processing operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-ever, the propolis samples collected from different geographical locations of Northern India were investigated based on nutritional composition and thermal analysis. Gas chromatograph flame ionization detector (GC-FID) identified the presence of essential fatty acids: linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, cis -11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, and cis -11–14-eicosadienoic acid in the samples. Additionally, first-time detection of 17 amino acids showed the presences of tyrosine, glutamic acid, threonine, arginine, lysine and aspartic acid as predominant in the samples, whereas microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) revealed abundance of calcium (5706.2–3121.0 mg/kg) followed by potassium (2636.0–1615.5 mg/kg), iron (2487.0–1161.2 mg/kg) and magnesium (1573.4–841.0 mg/kg). Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed major endothermic peaks at approximately 60 ᵒC demonstrating melting of long and medium chain fatty acids especially beeswax and palmitic acid, while the secondary peaks exposed vaporization of aromatic compounds. Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) depicted major weight loss of propolis between 270 and 470 °C and obtained 14.99–40.02% residual weight. Principal Component analysis demonstrated 99.18% variation in the first three principal components. Hierarchical cluster analysis categorized all the propolis samples successfully based on geographical locations. This study may assist quality control authorities to establish nutritional and quality standards of Indian propolis in future. [Display omitted] • Indian propolis were first time characterized based on geographical locations by PCA. • 17 amino acids were first-ever identified in Indian propolis by HPLC technique. • GC-FID analysis acknowledged the existence of ω-3 & ω-6 fatty acids in all samples. • MP-AES analysis revealed the high amount of Ca, K, Fe and Mg in the propolis. • TGA analysis well established the thermal stability of propolis up to 270ᵒ C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Starches isolated from three newly released rice cultivars were tested for different physico-chemical, thermal and rheological properties. The starch granule had either polygonal or irregular shapes with small particle size mainly falling in the range of 1–10 μm. SR-1 had more polygonal shapes than SKUAST-5 and SKUAST-27. SR-1 starch also showed significantly high (p ≤ 0.05) amount of amylose (28.6 g/100 g starch) which possibly was responsible for high swelling power (25.9 g/100 g starch), solubility (26.4 g/100 g starch) and syneresis (35.2 g/100 g starch). Thermal properties (T o; T p; T c) and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel) also exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences thereby affecting the stability of crystalline structures among the rice starches. SKUAST-5 starch showed the lowest value for T o (58.5 °C) but exhibited highest value of ΔHgel (18.5 J/g). SR-1 starch exhibited slightly higher degree of retrogradation (83.1 g/100 g starch) than SKUAST-5 (80.2 g/100 g starch) and SKUAST-27 (79.6 g/100 g starch). The flow behavior indicated differences in shear thinning behavior and hysteresis area. All samples showed high structural recovery indicating their suitable use in high shear processing. SKUAST-27 exhibited high value (42.4 g/100 g starch) of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) than SR-1 (39.8 g/100 g starch) and SKUAST-5 (39.4 g/100 g starch). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal performance of Earth Air Tunnel Heat Exchanger (EATHE) under transient operating conditions has been evaluated for predominantly hot and dry climate of Ajmer (India) using experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling. Effects of time duration of continuous operation, thermal conductivity of soil pipe diameter and flow velocity on thermal performance of EATHE under transient conditions have been analyzed. Results show that the transient thermal performance of EATHE is significantly dependent on thermal conductivity of the soil and duration of its continuous operation. The analyzed cases have shown the range of derating to be as minimal as 0% to as high as 64%, which if ignored while designing may lead to poor performance of EATHE. Study reveals that the effect of pipe diameter due to prolonged use of EATHE system on its thermal performance is least in case of soil with higher value of thermal conductivity. Results show that the increase in flow velocity leads to deterioration in thermal performance of EATHE system. Under steady state condition, drop of 18.8°C in air temperature is obtained, whereas, under transient conditions cooling of air reduces from 18.7°C to 16.6°C for soil thermal conductivity of 0.52Wm−1 K−1, after 24h of continuous operation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Coal mine fires due to spontaneous heating are a major concern worldwide. Most of these fires could be averted if suitable preventive measures are taken. Since the spontaneous heating potential of all types of coals are not the same, its accurate prediction is essential to plan efficient preventive measures and improve production and storage capabilities of a mine. The current paper presents a comparison of two approaches viz. fuzzy expert system and the commonly used artificial neural networks (ANN) for forecasting the self heating of coals. To apply these techniques, 30 coal samples of varying ranks were collected from different coalfields of the country. The intrinsic properties of the coal seams were determined by proximate, ultimate and petrographic analyses. The spontaneous heating proneness of the samples was studied using crossing point temperature (CPT), which is treated as an important measure for fire susceptibility of coal seams in Indian mines. Correlation studies between the intrinsic properties and CPT was carried out to identify the parameters for prediction purpose. Using moisture, volatile matter, and ash content as input parameters, CPT is predicted using fuzzy logic based on Takagi–Sugeno–Kang (TSK) model and ANN based on back propagation algorithm. Triangular fuzzy membership function is adopted for describing input variables. The results show both the models predict CPT with reasonable accuracy. Fuzzy modelling being a simpler approach, it can be utilized in the field where experimental data on coal properties are not precisely available but human judgement and intuition can be adopted for prediction purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is a dearth of thermal comfort studies in India. It is aimed to investigate into the aspects of thermal comfort in Hyderabad and to identify the neutral temperature in residential environments. This was achieved through a thermal comfort field study in naturally ventilated apartment buildings conducted during summer and monsoon involving over 100 subjects. A total of 3962 datasets were collected covering their thermal responses and the measurement of the thermal environment. The comfort band (voting within –1 and +1), based on the field study, was found to be 26–32.45°C, with the neutral temperature at 29.23°C. This is way above the indoor temperature standards specified in Indian Codes. It was found that the regression neutral temperature and the globe temperature recorded when voting neutral converged when mean thermal sensation of the subjects was close to 0. This happened during the period of moderate temperature when the adaptive measures were adequate. The indoor temperatures recorded in roof-exposed (top floor) flats were higher than the lower floors. The thermal sensation and preference votes of subjects living in top floors were always higher. Consequently, their acceptance vote was also lower. It was found that the subjects living in top floor flats had a higher neutral temperature when the available adaptive opportunities were sufficient. This was due to their continuous exposure to a higher thermal regime due to much higher solar exposure. This study calls for special adaptive measures for roof-exposed flats to achieve neutrality at higher temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which examines the color, rheology and thermal properties of commercial honey in India. Findings reveal that the color of Indian honey samples varied from white to light amber, while viscosities ranged from 1.31 to 96.7. Results from the differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the inflection transition temperature (Tg) ranged between -51.40 and -30.64 degree Celsius.

Solar X-ray Spectrometer (SOXS), the first space-borne solar astronomy experiment of India was designed to improve our current understanding of X-ray emission from the Sun in general and solar flares in particular. SOXS mission is composed of two solid state detectors, viz., Si and CZT semiconductors capable of observing the full disk Sun in X-ray energy range of 4-56 keV. The X-ray spectra of solar flares obtained by the Si detector in the 4-25 keV range show evidence of Fe and Fe/Ni line emission and multi-thermal plasma. The evolution of the break energy point that separates the thermal and non-thermal processes reveals increase with increasing flare plasma temperature. Small scale flare activities observed by both the detectors are found to be suitable to heat the active region corona; however their location appears to be in the transition region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, Bangladesh has a flood forecasting lead time of only 3 days or so. There is demand for a forecasting lead time of a month to a season. The primary objectives of this paper are to study the variability and predictability of seasonal flooding in Bangladesh, as revealed by large-scale predictors of the climate across the watersheds. To explore the source of predictability, accessible Bangladesh hydrological indicators are related to large-scale oceanic variability and to large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns predicted by general circulation models (GCMs). Correlation analyses between the flood-affected area (FAA) for July-September and tropical sea-surface temperature (SST) indicate connections to tropical Pacific and Indian Ocean SSTs, at a short lead time of a month or so. These are related to El Niño southern oscillation (ENSO). Correlations between the SSTs of the preceding October-December and the July-September FAA are weaker but notable. Forecasts of the FAA using the leading principal components (PCs) of SST were made, which provided good skill with a lead time of a month or so. The streamflows and rainfall observed in Bangladesh have been added to these prediction models. Finally, the SST PCs were replaced with PCs of GCM prediction fields (precipitation). The prediction models at short lead time that were constructed for FAA were of generally similar levels of skill to that for SST. This is encouraging, as it suggests that linkages with SST can be successfully recovered in a physical model of the climate system in Bangladesh. This study concludes that seasonal flood prediction in Bangladesh is possible from the unusually warm or cold SST in parts of the tropics. This predictability can be enhanced with the information achievable from monitoring the downstream streamflows (which are generated mainly from upstream rainfall conditions) in advance of the flooding season. Finally, this study recommends formalizing a regional cooperation among the countries in the principal co-basin areas of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna to achieve this goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jharia Coalfield in Jharkhand, India, is known for being the exclusive storehouse of prime coking coal in the country. The coalfield is also known for hosting the maximum number of known coal fires among all coalfields in India. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to study the coal fire dynamics of Jharia Coalfield during the 1990s from medium resolution satellite thermal IR data such as Landsat-5 TM and Landsat-7 ETM+ data (acquired in 10.4-12.5 mm spectral region). The dynamics of coal fire was addressed on the two following aspects: (i) changes in the spatial extent of fire-affected areas, and (ii) propagation of coal fire during the 1990s. A marked decrease in the spatial extent of fire-affected areas during the 1990s was observed in this study. The spatial coverage of surface and subsurface coal fires was found to change from 0.42 and 2.06 km² respectively, in 1992, to 0.33 and 1.36 km² respectively, in 1996 and 0.08 and 1.60 km² respectively, in 2001. Using the three available satellite thermal datasets acquired in 1992, 1996 and 2001, an attempt was made to find the net lateral propagation during 1992-96 and 1996-2001. The propagation of coal fire was found to be more erratic than regular in nature. During 1992-96, the net lateral propagation was in general towards south and at places towards west, whereas during 1996-2001 it was in general towards north. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable management of distillery sludge is one of the major problems faced by distillery industries worldwide and specifically in developing countries like India. Improper disposal of sludge leads to severe environmental hazards, such as soil pollution, groundwater contamination, obnoxious odours in the surrounding atmosphere and wind-blown litter. The present study is envisaged to use the distillery sludge as a low-cost fuel and to ascertain its applicability in other allied industries. The physico-chemical characterization of the collected sludge samples was carried out. The sludge samples were taken in different combinations of 25%, 40%, 50% and 75% (wt.%/wt.%) with coal samples and various parameters including physico-chemical and combustion properties were analysed. The calorific value of substrate (coal and sludge samples) was recorded as 5017 kcal/kg and 2237.2 kcal/kg, respectively. The 40% sludge combination with coal sample showed an optimum calorific value of 4659 kcal/kg which can be considered as the best combination among other tested combinations. Therefore, the present work utilizes the distillery by-product 'sludge' as a value-added product for the perspective of revenue generation and suggests an approach for cutting down the adverse effect of sludge from the distillery industry on the environment. Image 10852 • A novel approach for utilization of distillery sludge was adopted. • Different combinations of sludge and coal were analysed to determine fuel value. • Combination of 40% distillery sludge with 60% coal showed optimum calorific value. • Thermogravimetric analysis revealed 4.70% loss on ignition. • Distillery sludge in combination with coal can be used as a co-fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cashew apple fruit (Anacardium occidentale L.) is an under‐valued and under‐utilized by‐product of the nut‐processing units in India. Despite its huge production and nutritive values, utilization of this fruit is very limited because of certain factors like lack of knowledge on its nutritional importance, astringency, perishability, and poor processing technologies. This study determined different physical, thermal, mechanical, and physicochemical properties of the cashew apple fruit and the importance of processing, machine designing, product‐development, and so on were discussed. The result showed that this fruit has a high moisture content of 85.62% (w.b.), which is the main reason for high softness and perishability. The fruit resembled an oblate‐ellipsoid shape (sphericity: 0.85) with an average dimension of length (50.34 mm), width (42.78 mm), and thickness (36.08 mm). The pH, total sugar, phenolic content, protein and ascorbic acid of this yellowish color fruit were 4.367, 10.573%, 365.303 mg/100 g GAE, 1.130% and 218.933 mg/100 g, respectively. The study also found that this fruit has low thermal properties (thermal conductivity: 0.57 W/m °C; specific heat capacity: 3.816 kJ/kg °C and thermal diffusivity: 0.143 × 10−7 m2/s). The results of this study will help in the commercial production of cashew apple products through product development and designing processing machines. Practical Application: The cashew apple fruit can be taken as a functional food because of its richness in vitamins, dietary fibers, minerals, polyphenols, and other phytochemicals. The scarcity of scientific research on the characterization of engineering and physicochemical properties of this fruit is the main reason for its less popularity. The measured physical, mechanical, thermal, and physicochemical properties of this fruit will be useful to researchers, machine designers for industrial processing, food scientists and technologists in planning, designing and fabrication of postharvest handling equipment, grader, sorter, storage structures, packaging as well as product and by‐product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]