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In this paper, the rotational transformation process is explained as a problem of rotation of remotely sensed data in the variance-covariance space. In particular, the rotation which maximizes the covariance-variance ratio is examined in detail for various land use and land cover classes in the Bombay suburban and Thana district area in India. A statistical approach to determine transformed components and other statistical variables on different band combinations is discussed. The results are analysed, and the best possible combinations selected for accurate classification are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we formulate an eight-compartment mathematical model with vaccination as one of the compartments to analyze the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission. We examine the model's qualitative properties, such as positivity and boundedness of solutions, and stability analysis of the illness-free equilibrium with respect to the basic reproduction number. We estimate ten significant parameters and also compute the magnitude of the basic reproduction number for India by fitting the proposed model to daily confirmed and cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases in India. Sensitivity analysis with respect to basic reproduction number is conducted, and the main parameters that impact the widespread of disease are determined. We further extend this model to an optimal control problem by including four non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical intervention measures as control functions. Our numerical results show that the four control strategy has greater impact than the three control strategies, two control strategies, and single control strategies on reducing the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical modeling plays a crucial role in disease modeling. Therefore, in this work, a mathematical model for novel coronavirus is proposed using Caputo-Fabrizio (CF) fractional derivative, while considering the issue of dimensional mismatch for proposed model. This model consists of paramount compartments such as asymptomatic and quarantined. Subsequently, existence and uniqueness of proposed model are shown with the help of fixed-point theorem. The boundedness of solutions is also established using Laplace transform. The local and global stability of disease-free equilibrium point (DFE) of the proposed fractional order model is evaluated. The model is numerically solved using the three-point Adams–Bashforth method (ABM). The predicted results are validated through real data for India. For finding the best-fitted parameters which describe the coronavirus scenario, LSQCURVEFIT function in MATLAB is employed. To determine the reliability of the applied technique, we conduct a comparative analysis of ABM method with Euler method. Notably, the results show the efficiency of ABM method. At the same time, sensitivity analysis for parameters in accordance with reproduction number is conferred. Furthermore, numerical results for distinct values of fractional order derivatives are accomplished. This study also shows the long-term trajectories for recovered, active and death cases. The obtained results of the proposed model are in line with real data for fractional order. Additionally, various control measures are also shown graphically. The simulated results show the effectiveness of fractional order derivatives and control parameters which may help government officials and individuals manage the pandemic in a better way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The socio-economic feasibility of biogas as a renewable source of energy has been analyzed for the energy security of India. The impact of Indian government schemes such as the National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP) for the implementation of Bioenergy has been discussed in detail. The feasibility of a water-based scrubber (high as well as low pressure) for Bio-methane production in the Indian scenario was analyzed. Theoretical modeling for Steady-State Digester Pressure Water-based Biogas Scrubber (DP-WBS) was performed using the Sum Rate Method. Design parameters for a DP-WBS-based scrubber having a capacity of 60 Nm3/h were optimized at the digester pressure of 110 mm of the Water Column (WC). Modeling for raw biogas (CH4 64 %, CO2 30 %, H2S 1000 ppm) scrubbing was done with and without water recirculation. Sensitivity analysis shows that a 90 m3/h water flow rate and a total of 7 theoretical stages are required to reduce the CO2 concentration in biogas from 30 % to <2.58 % and H2S concentration from 1000 ppm to <20 ppm. H2S removal efficiency in the scrubber was found to be highly dependent on operating conditions at the regeneration section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a series of research articles El-khorazaty, Horne and Suchindran have showed how one can derive for any given population indirectly various childbearing and Bongaart fertilityinhibiting indices using only given information on the ASFRs, and the mathematical and regression models suggested by them. Very recently Bongaart revised his old model and suggested a set of new revised formulae to estimate various fertility-inhibiting indices. Following El-Khorazaty and Horne it is aimed to show in the present paper how one can derive various Bongaart revised fertility-inhibiting indices from the given information on various childbearing indices which were further seen derived from the only given information on TFR and a set of regression models that were earlier suggested by the first author and it is shown that the present study succeed in giving meaningful estimates for India its States, UTs, and Districts. Various regression models referring to estimation of childbearing indices used in this study were developed earlier by Ponnapalli using the state level time series of ASFRs overtime of the SRS of India and Horne et al., mathematical model. The regression models used in indirect estimation of the fertility-inhibiting indices from the TFR and also from the childbearing indices were developed by Ponnapalli using the Bongart indices of the DHS surveys earlier given by Bongaart in his revised recent study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes experience with application of operations research techniques in planning new roads and social service centers for the Dharampur area in India. The work involved designing a road network using a minimal spanning tree algorithm; selecting the number and location of the service centers to be constructed over a five year period using a set covering algorithm and developing a schedule for the construction of the service centers using dynamic programming. Substantial economic benefits resulted from using the mathematical models. The experience shows that operations research models can be useful in providing an objective rationale for administrative decisions, thus playing an important role in the resolution of political conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Evidence suggests that different indicators of socioeconomic position (SEP) contribute to oral cancer risk. Occupational status, as a measure of SEP, may be able to capture aspects of social hierarchy in societies in which employment is highly correlated with other social structures such as caste systems. Often in such societies, the life course of an individual is also influenced by this hierarchy. However, the influence of life course occupational status on the risk of oral cancer is not well understood. This study aims to identify the life course model that is best supported by the data using life course SEP—as represented by occupation—on oral cancer risk in a population in the South of India. Methods: Data from the HeNCe Life study, Indian site were used. Incident oral cancer cases (N = 350) were recruited from two major referral hospitals in Kozhikode, Kerala, South India, from 2008 to 2012. Controls (N = 371), frequency‐matched by age (5 years) and sex were recruited from the outpatient clinics at the same hospitals as the cases. Life grid‐based structured interviews collected information on an array of exposures throughout the life course of the participant. Occupation was coded with the 1988 International Standard Classification of Occupations, transformed to the simplified European Socioeconomic Classification, and further dichotomized into advantageous and disadvantageous SEP at three different life periods (childhood, early adulthood and late adulthood). The analysis was conducted using the Bayesian relevant life course exposure model with a Dirichlet noninformative prior and a weakly informative Cauchy prior to the overall lifetime effect and confounders. Results: Participants in disadvantaged SEP throughout their life had 3.6 times higher risk of oral cancer than those in advantaged SEP (OR = 3.6; 95% CrI = 1.6–7.2), after adjusting for potential confounders. While the crude and sex‐ and age‐adjusted models showed a clear childhood sensitive period for this risk, the model further adjusted for behavioural factors could not distinguish the specific life course period best explained by data. Conclusion: Occupation status alone could provide a similar overarching risk estimate for oral cancer to those obtained from more complex measures of SEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to assess the negative aspect of social media use among college students in India. A conceptual model showing the relationship between excessive social media use (ESMU) and academic performance of college students has been developed and tested. Further, the moderating role of psychological well-being and avoidance strategies were investigated. Design/methodology/approach: A survey instrument was developed, and data was collected from 557 college students from higher educational institutions in southern India. First, the psychometric properties of the measures were tested using the Lisrel software for covariance-based structural equation modeling. Second, the structural model was tested by using PROCESS macros. Findings: The results reveal that ESMU is a precursor to anxiety and academic performance. The findings also indicate that anxiety mediates the relationship between ESMU and academic performance. Psychological well-being and avoidance strategies were significant moderators in the relationship between ESMU and anxiety. Originality/value: The multi-layered conceptual model was developed and tested in the context of a developing country (India) and investigated the effect of ESMU by college students on their academic performance and anxiety. The three-way interaction between psychological well-being (first moderator), avoidance strategies (second moderator) and ESMU influencing academic performance mediated through anxiety is studied in this research. To the best of the authors' knowledge, such a moderated moderated-mediation in connection with social media use is a unique contribution of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asia's pharmaceutical sector has experienced remarkable growth over the last two decades, with companies in the region producing bulk of the world's specialty generics, biologicals, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The Asian pharma growth story has had several pillars for a strong and sustainable foundation that provided non-linear growth. This report introduces three models showing how Asian countries at different development stages — India, South Korea, and Singapore — have nurtured their own, self-sustaining pharmaceutical sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a reliable mathematical method to predict the energy generation from grid connected photovoltaic plant of different commercially used technologies in different zones of India. Global horizontal insolation (GHI) and daytime temperature are the two major parameters affecting the output of photovoltaic (PV) plant. Depending on those two major parameters, India is classified into 15 climatic zones. Typical Meteorological Year data were collected from National Renewable Energy Laboratory to classify India in different climatic zones. Energy generation of different commercially used PV technologies in different climatic zones of India is predicted using proposed mathematical method. These results show a decisive study to choose the best PV technology for different climatic zones of India. Results predict that in almost all climatic zones, amorphous silicon (a-Si) is the best suitable PV technology. In very low-temperature zones, irrespective of GHI, the second best suitable PV technology is mono and cadmium telluride (CdTe) as generation from these two technologies is same. Whereas in other climatic zones, after a-Si the best suitable is CdTe PV technology. Predicted energy generation is validated with the 1-year generation of 2014 from 15 working PV plants of different technologies. Predicted generation is in good co-relation with the actual real-time generation from the PV plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer remains an escalating and challenging public health issue. The management, especially palliative care (PC), is disintegrated and out of reach of in need patients. The overall aim of the project is to develop a feasible and scalable Comprehensive Coordinated Community based PC model for Cancer Patients (C3PaC); congruent with socio-cultural, context and unmet needs in north India. Methods: A mixed method approach will be used for three-phased pre- and post-intervention study in one of the districts of North India, having a high incidence of cancer. During phase I, validated tools will be used for quantitative assessment of palliative needs among cancer patients and their caregivers. Barriers and challenges for provision of palliative care will be explored using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions among participants and health care workers. The findings of phase I along with inputs from national experts and literature review will provide inputs for the development of the C3PAC model in phase II. During phase III C3PAC model will be deployed over a period of 12 months and its impact assessed. Categorical and continuous variables will be depicted as frequency (percentages) and mean ± SD/median (IQR) respectively. Chi-square test/Fischer test, independent samples Student t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests will be used for categorical, normally and non-normally distributed continuous variables, respectively. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis using Atlas.ti 8 software. Discussion: The proposed model is designed to address the unmet palliative care needs, to empower community-based healthcare providers in comprehensive home-based PC and to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and caregivers. This model will provide pragmatic scalable solutions in comparable health systems particularly in low- and lower-middle Income countries. Trial registration: The study has been registered with the Clinical Trial Registry-India (CTRI/2023/04/051357). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims at providing a concise review of various agri-food models that employ fractional differential operators. In this context, various mathematical models based on fractional differential equations have been used to describe a wide range of problems in agri-food. As a result of this review, we found out that this new area of research is finding increased acceptance in recent years and that some reports have employed fractional operators successfully in order to model real-world data. Our results also show that the most commonly used differential operators in these problems are the Caputo, the Caputo–Fabrizio, the Atangana–Baleanu, and the Riemann–Liouville derivatives. Most of the authors in this field are predominantly from China and India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we define a modified SEIR model that accounts for the spread of infection during the latent period, infections from asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic infected individuals, potential loss of acquired immunity, people's increasing awareness of social distancing and the use of vaccination as well as non-pharmaceutical interventions like social confinement. We estimate model parameters in three different scenarios—in Italy, where there is a growing number of cases and re-emergence of the epidemic, in India, where there are significant number of cases post confinement period and in Victoria, Australia where a re-emergence has been controlled with severe social confinement program. Our result shows the benefit of long term confinement of 50% or above population and extensive testing. With respect to loss of acquired immunity, our model suggests higher impact for Italy. We also show that a reasonably effective vaccine with mass vaccination program are successful measures in significantly controlling the size of infected population. We show that for a country like India, a reduction in contact rate by 50% compared to a reduction of 10% reduces death from 0.0268 to 0.0141% of population. Similarly, for a country like Italy we show that reducing contact rate by half can reduce a potential peak infection of 15% population to less than 1.5% of population, and potential deaths from 0.48 to 0.04%. With respect to vaccination, we show that even a 75% efficient vaccine administered to 50% population can reduce the peak number of infected population by nearly 50% in Italy. Similarly, for India, a 0.056% of population would die without vaccination, while 93.75% efficient vaccine given to 30% population would bring this down to 0.036% of population, and 93.75% efficient vaccine given to 70% population would bring this down to 0.034%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employer attractiveness models need to include student-centric attributes related to the education-to-work transition. A four-factor Aspire model consisting of benefits, nature of work, employer value, and employer visibility was tested using structural equation modelling, with data collected from 2048 full-time college students from India over a period of five years. Behavioural insights were extracted using multivariate analysis of variance of Aspire factors across gender, programmes, course and graduating year. Prominent student-centric and employer-centric attributes that students find more attractive were identified. Institutional and recruiter strategies to enhance employer attractiveness among job aspirants are proposed. The limitations and scope for further work are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to barriers in accessing and using healthcare services, a large proportion of the care homeless populations receive comes from informal providers. In Delhi, one such informal programme, called Street Medicine, provides healthcare outreach to homeless communities. Clinical practice guidelines are set to be developed for Street Medicine teams in India and form the object of this research. This study uses a social-ecological model to understand the barriers facing Street Medicine teams and the homeless as they attempt to address the latter's healthcare needs; coupling it with an analytical approach which situates these barriers as the issues within practice through which standardisation can take place. A qualitative inquiry, comprising three months of observations of Street Medicine outreach and interviews with over 30 key informants, was conducted between April and July 2018. The analysis identified novel barriers to addressing the needs of homeless individuals, which bely a deficit between the design of health and social care systems and the agency homeless individuals possess within this system to influence their health outcomes. These barriers – which include user-dependent technological inscriptions, collaborating with untargeted providers and the distinct health needs of homeless individuals – are the entry points for standardising, or opening up, Street Medicine practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2015, the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) agenda 2030 has been designed with 17 goals, 169 targets, and 232 unique indicators to help address environmental, development, and sustainability issues globally. India, like other developing nations, desired to achieve its vision 2030 targets. Several authors studied India's SDGs with different approaches. However, none of the studies explores the concept of neutrosophic programming (NP). It is against this drawback; this study presents an optimization model for India's socio-economic and environmental goals based on the NP concept. The NP model is capable of handling indeterminacy in optimization-related problems for which other techniques do not. The formulated models simultaneously optimized the gross domestic product (GDP) growth, electricity consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The solutions revealed that the degree of satisfaction for the goals related to GDP, electricity consumption, and GHG emissions could be achieved partially. Also, it suggested the required optimal number of employment for each economic sector to achieve India's vision 2030. The SDGs model was further solved with the goal programming (GP) technique and compared with the NP results to validate the proposed concept. It has been found that the proposed model gives a better compromise solution than the GP model. The study can help and guide policymakers in working toward vision 2030 attaintment. Other interested researchers can use the concept in other countries to help decision-makers understand managerial policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper examines the contrast between China's and India's universal service policies as manifestations of the two states' differing self-conceptualizations and legitimation strategies. We examine the timeline of universal service policies in the two countries, differentiating between the territorial, demographic and layered dimensions of universal service. The analysis reveals many similarities between the two countries, as well as some differences primarily related to the mode of funding universal service programs and the lead China has taken in deploying informatization services. We identify some of the proximate causes that resulted in these policy decisions. But in addition, we also examine how universal service policies are related to contrasting models of state legitimation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A mathematical model based on the three-dimensional (3-D) boundary element method (BEM), including porous and non-porous breakwaters, is developed to determine the wave trapping characteristics of porous breakwater over the partially reflecting walls with variable bathymetry. In this formulation, a special form of Green's function is utilized to solve the Laplace equation in the 3-D domain to enhance the numerical accuracy. The order of convergence of the present numerical scheme shows a better convergence rate than simple Green's function. The numerical scheme with and without the porous breakwater is compared with the analytical studies of Yu et al. (1994) and Lee (1969), respectively. In addition, the numerical simulation for sloping bathymetry is conducted and compared with the analytical results of Wang et al. (2011). The numerical validation exhibits good agreement with and without porous breakwaters. Based on validation, the current numerical scheme is implemented on the realistic Visakhapatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh, India, at four different synthetic key locations S1 to S4 to analyze the hydrodynamic performance of porous and non-porous breakwaters. Wave amplification is determined for different porosity parameters, including variable linear resistance and inertial coefficient, and different reflecting coefficients of the port wall. Moreover, the wave amplitude within the Visakhapatnam Port is also estimated through a contour plot with and without porous breakwaters to identify the safe location for the moored ship. Overall, the porosity of the breakwaters and partial reflection coefficient on the port wall plays a significant role in inducing or reducing the resonance inside the port. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been considerable losses in terms of human and economic resources due to the current coronavirus pandemic. This work, which contributes to the prevention and control of COVID-19, proposes a novel modified epidemiological model that predicts the epidemic's evolution over time in India. A mathematical model was proposed to analyze the spread of COVID-19 in India during the lockdowns implemented by the government of India during the first and second waves. What makes this study unique, however, is that it develops a conceptual model with time-dependent characteristics, which is peculiar to India's diverse and homogeneous societies. The results demonstrate that governmental control policies and suitable public perception of risk in terms of social distancing and public health safety measures are required to control the spread of COVID-19 in India. The results also show that India's two strict consecutive lockdowns (21 days and 19 days, respectively) successfully helped delay the spread of the disease, buying time to pump up healthcare capacities and management skills during the first wave of COVID-19 in India. In addition, the second wave's severe lockdown put a lot of pressure on the sustainability of many Indian cities. Therefore, the data show that timely implementation of government control laws combined with a high risk perception among the Indian population will help to ensure sustainability. The proposed model is an effective strategy for constructing healthy cities and sustainable societies in India, which will help prevent such a crisis in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: India is fast emerging economy in Asia and world. India's manufacturing sector is growing faster and domestic demand is also increasing. India has a severe electricity shortage. It needs massive additions in capacity to meet the demand of its rapidly growing economy. To maintain the pace of economic growth with reduction in emission of greenhouse gases, India must reduce its dependency on fossil fuels for electrification. Hence the requirement of solar power installations in India has increased. In this context, this study aims to develop a structural model of the barriers to implement solar power installations in India. Thirteen relevant barriers to implement solar power installations have been identified from the literature and subsequent discussions with experts from academia and industry. Contextual relationships among these barriers have been identified and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique based, a structural model of barriers to implement solar power installations in India has been developed. MICMAC analysis has also been used to carry out the classification of barriers based on dependence and driving power. One barrier has been identified as top level barrier and six bottom level barriers. This paper also suggests the different ways of removal of these barriers. Better understanding of these barriers would help organizations and government bodies to prioritize and manage their resources in an effective and efficient way so that maximum number of solar power projects can be installed in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper explores the causes and consequences of regional taste differences. I introduce habit formation into a standard general equilibrium model. Household tastes evolve over time to favor foods consumed as a child. Thus, locally abundant foods are preferred in every region, as they were relatively inexpensive in prior generations. These patterns alter the correspondence between price changes and nutrition. For example, neglecting this relationship between tastes and agro-climatic endowments overstates the short-run nutritional gains from agricultural trade liberalization, since preferred foods rise in price in every region. I examine the model's predictions using household survey data from many regions of India. (JEL D12, I12, O12, O18, R23) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Jharia coalfield, located in Dhanbad district of the Jharkhand state, is one of the most important Gondwana coalfields in India in terms of its prime coking quality of coal and its vast coal resources. Various agencies had carried out exploration in the Jharia coalfield that led to generation of a huge exploration database. However, no exploration modelling had been carried out using geostatistics. In this context, the present paper has attempted to derive geostatistical models of coal seams using the exploration data of ten select coal seams with respect to various proximate coal constituents and seam thickness that were made available to the authors by Bharat Coaking Coal Limited, Dhanbad. Geostatistical structural modelling through semi-variography resulted into quantification of spatial relationship of coal quality parameters together with seam thickness. Block-wise quality estimation employing Ordinary Kriging technique provided improved estimates associated with error of estimation quantified by the magnitude of kriging variance. The uncertainty maps generated using kriging variances are of aid in identifying areas of high uncertainty that decide on further sampling to improve the accuracy of estimation. Simulated annealing algorithm has been applied to carry out geostatistical imaging of a representative coal seam. The technique provided a means to heterogeneity modelling of coal seams and its advantage over the kriged estimates (smoothing effect) is highlighted. Integration of these geostatistical model parameters with the geology of Jharia coalfield aids in characterization of the coal depositional environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Demand for wireless data and Internet services are expected to grow exponentially, both in advanced and emerging markets in the near future. While advanced countries have often used centralized planning and coordination methodology to forecast and allocate the associated spectrum blocks to wireless operators for meeting the demand, it is often ad-hoc in emerging markets dictated by market forces. In this paper, Finland and India are taken to represent advanced and emerging markets, respectively. Different policy options and the policy environment in these two countries for spectrum management are explored. A causal model is constructed to represent the different variables that affect spectrum management practices and possible paths forward in these two extreme cases are highlighted. Using the causal model structure, it is hypothesized that (i) the matured markets such as Finland that practice centralized and harmonized spectrum planning are likely to continue their ex-ante policies and opt for the release of digital dividend spectrum and use of spectrally efficient technologies; (ii) the emerging market in India that is characterized by a market oriented ex-poste regulation is a good candidate to introduce secondary markets including flexible opportunistic spectrum access as exemplified by the wide spread adoption of multi-SIM handsets and the practice of national roaming by 3G service providers. Introductions of policies and regulations in these markets to break away from the extant paths are also highlighted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper evaluates relative performance of the Electric Distribution Divisions (EDDs) of an Indian State, Uttarakhand for the period 2005–2008, through application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). To improve the operational efficiency of EDDs, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) disintegrated several divisions into smaller ones over this period. However, microlevel examination revealed the ineffectiveness of this process during the period of analysis. Therefore, in the present work an alternative reorganization model for selecting the EDDs for disintegration and for selecting the optimum scale for disintegration is proposed based on the efficiency analysis of 2007. The model is verified by comparing the mean efficiency score of the EDDs derived using proposed model with that of existing ones. It is found that overall efficiency of proposed model is higher than the existing system. Reliability of the overall efficient EDDs is also examined to check the robustness of the CCR result for the same year. This study gives an assessment of UPCL to monitor and diagnose the changes in the efficiency of EDDs, so it will help regulators to formulate more effective policies on deregulation and disintegration and to determine the appropriate efficiency improvement measures when imposing yardstick competition on electric utilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The amount of solar energy that reaches the earth in one hour is sufficient to supply the world's energy needs for one year. Harvesting this energy efficiently is a huge challenge. In most countries including India, the number of observing stations is inadequate. Therefore, it is essential that some reliable mathematical models be developed to estimate the solar radiation for places where measurements are not carried out and for places where measurement records are not available. In this paper, Angstrom-Prescott model parameters are estimated for seven different sites in India, and a correlation is developed for India, which is found to be a good fit. Also a correlation is developed for predicting the solar radiation using only sunshine hour data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal aspect of solar energy is widely used in the desalination plants. Experimental investigation and mathematical modeling of inverted V-type solar still integrated with drip system are presented in this paper. The experiment is performed in the Kerala climatic conditions (10.8439°N, 76.0328°E), March 2012 at M E S College of Engineering, Kuttippuram. A two segment still of 2 m² is constructed. Experimental investigations on productivity and internal heat transfer are analyzed. The results indicate that the mean standard deviations between theoretical and experimental values are less than 7% (temperature of rippled wick), 8% (temperature of glass in rippled system), 11% (temperature of flat wick), and 7% (temperature of glass in flat system), an average for the working hours of the day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hooghly–Matla estuarine ecosystem is one of the largest estuarine ecosystems of the world. Sagar island is the largest delta in this estuarine complex. This island is criss-crossed by small and large creeks with mangrove vegetation and all are connected to the principal estuarine water. Decomposition of mangrove litter in soil is major source of inorganic nutrient to phytoplankton of the adjacent creeks. Deforestation of mangrove affects the primary production, which in turn reduces the availability of dissolved oxygen for the organisms residing in the estuary. Considering the importance of dissolved oxygen in various aspects of aquatic life, a dynamic model of dissolved oxygen at Sagar island of Hooghly–Matla estuarine complex with the help of single dimension differential equation is proposed in the present paper. Different physical, chemical and biological factors such as solar irradiance, temperature, salinity of water, particulate organic matter, re-aeration, wind velocity, phytoplankton and zooplankton, which control the fluctuation of dissolved oxygen, are included in the present model. Most of the parameter values are collected directly from the field surveys. The parameter values which are not able to collect from the field, obtained from literatures are calibrated. To make the model realistic it is properly validated with observed data and to know the statistical significance, chi square goodness fit test is performed. Field surveys are performed over two years. During calibration and validation, two sets of data (first year and second year data) are used. Chi-square values are 5.97 and 6.17 for first and second sets of data respectively (p <0.05). Sensitivity analysis reveals that optimal light intensity is the most sensitive parameter for dissolved oxygen dynamics. Results also show that wind velocity, solar irradiation, salinity of water and temperature are important factors for controlling the dynamics of dissolved oxygen. Macrophytes have very little contribution to oxygen production in the creeks of Sagar island. Model reveals that low dissolved oxygen in the creek water is one of the causes of decline in fish population of the estuary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper presents valuing of qualitative and quantitative travel attributes influencing the attractiveness of suburban train service in Mumbai city, India. A stated preference experiment is designed to capture the data of sub-urban train mode choice behavior. The behavioral data are analyzed using different modeling techniques such as multinomial logit (MNL) and mixed logit (ML). In ML model, the random parameters are assumed to follow constrained triangular distribution, where mean equals its spread. The decomposition of preference heterogeneity around the mean estimate of random parameter is also investigated using ML model. The study shows the influence of headway time and train ride time associated with a particular crowding level (expressed in density of standing passengers/m2) in choosing the sub-urban train mode by calculating their willingness-to-pay (WTP) values and highlights the importance of WTP for addressing policy issues in the reduction of in-vehicle crowding level. The present study documents new findings of the effect of crowding level on train ride time in the context of a developing country and suggests some important directions for future suburban train transport crowding valuation research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the results and important insights from level-1 Probabilistic Safety Analysis of Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) which is under construction at Kalpakkam. Level-1 PSA of PFBR was carried out as per the regulatory requirement in India. The desired target value for overall Core Damage Frequency (CDF) of PFBR is ≤1E−6/reactor year (ry). The scope of this study is limited to internal events at full power. The salient feature of this study is the inclusion of functional failure of natural convection based decay Heat Removal System in event tree development. As in most of the safety systems the unavailability contribution is dominated by CCF events and hence are highly sensitive to CCF model parameters. The dominant contributors to Core Damage Frequency are Loss of Off-Site Power and Loss of Steam Water System. Research & Development (R&D) input is required in modeling flow blockage events which has the largest uncertainty. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There are many opportunities and challenges in area of Indian technical education due to liberalization and globalization of economy. One of these challenges is how to assess performance of technical institutions based on multiple criteria. This paper is focused on performance evaluation and ranking of seven Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) in respect to stakeholders’ preference using an integrated model consisting of fuzzy AHP and COPRAS. Findings based on 2007–2008 data show that performance of two IITs need considerable improvement. To the best of our knowledge it is one of few studies that evaluates performance of technical institutions in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Earthquakes are the worst natural calamities that strike without any notice and cause immediate loss of life and property. Internationally, serious and scientifically acceptable earthquake prediction studies started in 1970s and short term prediction of the Heicheng earthquake of February 4, 1975 in China is a land mark. In India, a successful medium term prediction of August 6, 1988 earthquake, (M 7.5) in northeast Indian region encouraged to intensify such studies in the country. These predictions were based mainly on seismological precursors. Initially, the precursory studies were taken in isolated manner, but after validation of specific geophysical parameters, efforts were made to adopt an integrated approach involving collection, analysis and interpretation of various precursory observations in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. Accordingly, a few Multi-parametric Geophysical Observatories (MPGOs) have been established at the selected locations in seismically active areas in the country. This approach led to successful short term prediction of some moderate earthquakes (M ⩾4) in Koyna region (famous for Reservoir Triggered Seismicity) in western India. Simultaneously, efforts have been made to generate long term multi-parametric observations from these observatories, as a basic scientific input required for future earthquake prediction related studies. The real-time analysis of these data sets would help to understand the earthquake generation process and attaining the predictive capabilities by developing models for short term earthquake forecasting. To facilitate direct observations and test the hypothesis of Reservoir Triggered Seismicity (RTS) as well as to understand the earthquake generation processes, it is planned to undertake deep borehole (6–8km) investigations in Koyna region of western India. The paper highlights the efforts made so far in India in the area of earthquake precursory studies as well as the future road map. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper focuses on interethnic relations in Malaysia and examines survey data collected among Malay ( n = 405), Chinese ( n = 90), and Indian ( n = 53) participants. In agreement with the Common In-group Identity Model, inclusive nationhood was related to more positive out-group attitudes. Relative in-group indispensability was related to higher bias as predicted by the In-group Projection Model. Furthermore, the dominant group of Malay had higher in-group indispensability, more strongly endorsed an inclusive national representation, had stronger ethnic and national identification, and a stronger association between both identifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper applied the Malmquist productivity index in order to estimate total factor productivity growth and its components (efficiency change and technological progress) in Indian manufacturing during the pre- and post-reform periods. The results illustrate that the economic reforms have not exerted positive effects on productivity growth in Indian manufacturing. However, the impacts of economic reforms differ between sectors and between components of total factor productivity. First, after reform, the productivity of heavy industries increased, whereas the productivity of light industries decreased. Second, reform improves both the efficiency and the technological progress in the heavy industries, but failed to improve efficiency in light industries. The results of this study suggest that specific policies should be implemented in order to improve efficiency as well as technical progress, thus ultimately facilitating long-run productivity growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since November 2010, NPL India’s force scale has been complemented in the range from 10kN to 1MN by a further force standard machine. This automatically working 1MN force standard machine utilizes a lever amplification of a 100kN mass stack and enables low relative expanded uncertainties of smaller than 9×10−5 on the lever, and 2×10−5 on the deadweight side. In this paper, the constructional design of the machine is described. According to the new EURAMET Calibration Guide, a model for the uncertainties is developed. Supplementary to this, results from comparison measurements of the new NPL India machine with PTB´s force standard machines are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our paper provides a comparative perspective on the development of public primary education in four of the largest developing economies circa 1910: Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). These four countries encompassed more than 50% of the world's population in 1910, but remarkably few of their citizens attended any school by the early 20th century. We present new, comparable data on school inputs and outputs for BRIC drawn from contemporary surveys and government documents. Recent studies emphasize the importance of political decentralization, and relatively broad political voice for the early spread of public primary education in developed economies. We identify the former and the lack of the latter to be important in the context of BRIC, but we also outline how other factors such as factor endowments, colonialism, serfdom, and, especially, the characteristics of the political and economic elite help explain the low achievement levels of these four countries and the incredible amount of heterogeneity within each of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Transfer factors are the most important parameters required for mathematical modeling used for environmental impact assessment of radioactive contamination in the environment. In this paper soil to leaf transfer factor for the radionuclides 40K, 226Ra, 137Cs and 90Sr is estimated for Kaiga region in Karnataka state, India. Among the plants in which study is carried out, 226Ra, 40K, 137Cs and 90Sr activity in leaves of herbaceous plants is higher than that of tree leaves. Soil to leaf transfer factor for 226Ra, 40K, 137Cs and 90Sr was found to be in the range of 0.03–0.65, 0.32–8.04, 0.05–3.03 and 0.42–2.67 respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper attempts to evaluate the reengineering option against replacement of a block of computers. For this purpose, a block replacement model for block of items using high-order Markov chains is developed and employed (Kilari et al., 2011). To make the model more realistic, two intermediate repairable states, i.e., minor repair state and major repair state, are introduced between the working and failure states of the system. Transition probabilities for future periods are estimated by spectral decomposition in First Order Markov Chain (FOMC) and by moving weighted transition model for Second Order Markov Chain (SOMC). With these probabilities, the number of systems in each state and the corresponding maintenance cost are computed accordingly. The predicted inflation for computer and computer-based system in India and the real value of money using Fisherman's relation are employed to study and develop the real-time mathematical model for group replacement decision making, which is useful for large IT companies and any other block of items as well. In continuation to this, an attempt is made to evaluate the option of reengineering the computer networking process to reduce the cost of hardware, maintenance and support. For this thin-client technology is used in lieu of replacement option. For this, the developed block replacement model using SOMC is extended to accommodate the reengineering cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Agricultural residues are spatially scattered in Punjab. The spatial distribution and associated costs on collection and transportation of this resource are the critical factor in planning the biomass based power plants. This paper presents a case study of Bathinda district of Punjab, using geographical information system to evaluate the feasibility of setting up biomass based power plants and optimizing their location. Mathematical models were developed to determine the storage and handling cost of agricultural residue. Geographical information system and non-linear optimization techniques were employed to locate appropriate sites and sizes of power plants. It was found that two power plants and their two collection centres are financially feasible. Power generation capacity is 20 MW (e). The fuel procurement area was in the range of less than 20 km. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper explores the emergence of biotechnology centers in Shanghai and Bangalore by comparing their development to best practices in the literature for biotechnology cluster growth and development. Interviews with over fifty biotech companies and related institutions in China and India indicate that these regions are developing alternate models of low cost manufacturing and services that build on the current local base of knowledge and expertise. The ability to convert research into successful commercial activity was identified in both regions. The strong research capacity, private sector funding, and entrepreneurial environment deemed critical best practices were limited. New growth theory is used to explain these alternate approaches to technological and social change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A model that calculates the distribution of solar radiation inside a basin-type solar still with plane reflectors has been proposed. In this model, both surface finish and optical view factors are taken into consideration in the computation of solar radiation that effectively reaches the surface of saline water in the distillation system. The model was applied to a conventional solar still and an advanced solar still with separate condenser. The conventional solar still was tested at New Delhi (28°35′N, 77°12′E) in previous work while the advanced distillation system was developed in this investigation and it comprised three basins with saline water. Basin 1 was fitted horizontally in the evaporator chamber, with the condenser chamber housing basins 2 and 3. The top part of the evaporator unit was covered with glass to allow solar radiation to reach water in basin 1. In addition, the internal surfaces of the walls of the evaporator and external surface of the front wall of the condenser unit reflected part of the incoming solar radiation onto the surface of saline water in basin 1. The distillation system was tested outdoors at the Malawi Polytechnic (15°48′S, 35°02′E). Under the prevailing meteorological conditions, it is found that the computed solar load on the surface of saline water in the evaporator basin is lower than that observed on a horizontal plane outside each energy system. The new model exhibited a higher degree of accuracy than the previous one. Other results are presented and discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of the application of model (developed in part I) and simulation algorithm (developed in part II) for determining the techno-economics of battery storage type hybrid energy system intended to supply the load of a rural remote area having a cluster of nine villages (grid isolated). The hour-by-hour simulation model is intended to simulate a typical one month period of system operation. For simulation purpose, hourly solar insolation data and load data have been generated and used as an input data. Demand side management (DSM) is used in this study to smooth out the daily peaks and fill valleys in the load curve to make the most efficient use of energy sources. The economic analysis has resulted in the calculation of optimized hourly, daily, and monthly system unit cost of proposed hybrid energy system. The obtained results represent also a helpful reference for energy planners in Uttarakhand state and justify the consideration of hybrid energy systems more seriously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to estimate the future projection of computer waste in India and to subsequently analyze their flow at the end of their useful phase. For this purpose, the study utilizes the logistic model-based approach proposed by Yang and Williams to forecast future trends in computer waste. The model estimates future projection of computer penetration rate utilizing their first lifespan distribution and historical sales data. A bounding analysis on the future carrying capacity was simulated using the three parameter logistic curve. The observed obsolete generation quantities from the extrapolated penetration rates are then used to model the disposal phase. The results of the bounding analysis indicate that in the year 2020, around 41–152 million units of computers will become obsolete. The obsolete computer generation quantities are then used to estimate the End-of-Life outflows by utilizing a time-series multiple lifespan model. Even a conservative estimate of the future recycling capacity of PCs will reach upwards of 30 million units during 2025. Apparently, more than 150 million units could be potentially recycled in the upper bound case. However, considering significant future investment in the e-waste recycling sector from all stakeholders in India, we propose a logistic growth in the recycling rate and estimate the requirement of recycling capacity between 60 and 400 million units for the lower and upper bound case during 2025. Finally, we compare the future obsolete PC generation amount of the US and India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fletcher–Ponnambalam presented a new model for considering the balance equation of the storage volume of the reservoir using indicator functions. For stochastic inflows, the two storage moments of this balance equation, namely, the mean and variance, calculated using a random release policy were found to be quite accurate unlike any known models. Significantly, this model required no discretization of storage volumes or releases. In this paper, this work has been extended to two new cases: for multireservoir systems which require further consideration of the stochastic releases and for arbitrary distribution of inflows using the Beta-equivalent Kumaraswamy distribution which has a simpler form than Beta. The randomized release policies are easy to use even in a multireservoir problem. The Parambikulm-Aliyar Project from India is used as a case study. Results show accurate predictions of mean of storages in the multireservoir case but show the need for further improvement in the standard deviations of storages. The optimal benefits and the policies obtained are shown to be at least as good as obtained using Monte Carlo-based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper deals with the dynamical behavior of plankton population ecosystem, mainly found in Sunderban mangrove area. The ecosystem is represented by a set of two dimensional non-linear differential equations involving zooplankton-phytoplankton population. Plankton populations undergo dramatic changes in marine ecology. We propose a description of plankton communities as excitable systems which resemble the behavior of excitable media. The delay parameter dependency of the various ‘excitable’ phenomena, trigger mechanism, threshold, and slow recovery, is clear, and permits ready investigation of the influence of properties of the physical environment, including variations in nutrient fluxes, temperature or population levels. We have analyzed the stability and bifurcation of the model system with and without delay. We have shown the existence and uniqueness of limit cycles in the rapid growth of the plankton population. We also studied the model system into a stochastic one, by incorporating random fluctuations of the environment. And we study the stochastic stability of the dynamical system in mean square sense around the interior equilibrium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article offers an empirical study regarding the establishment of an indigenous model for measuring organizational excellence and organizational performance in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India. It states that examination between organizational excellence and organizational performance. It employed materials and methods including a seven variable-based model, development of questionnaires and total correlation method. Results indicate that organizational excellence and organizational performance can be measured by performance variable consolidation. It adds that proposal of a definition of organizational excellence.

Abstract: L-band (1.5GHz) and VHF (244MHz) amplitude scintillations observed from Kolkata (22.58°N lat, 88.38° E long, 32°N dip), over a solar cycle 1996–2006 are presented in this paper. Situated near the northern crest of the equatorial anomaly, it is an excellent platform for scintillation studies. Based on 11 years’ data, an attempt is made to develop models of hourly percentage occurrence of scintillations for the rising and declining phases of solar cycle using Neural Network. The relation between fading rate at VHF with the S4 index at L-band is also investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present paper describes the seismic assessment of the Qutb Minar in Delhi, India. Three models with different levels of complexity and simplification were developed. The use of these models allows one to overcome the complexity of the study of the seismic behavior of ancient masonry structures; by combining the results of the different models it is possible to obtain a better and more comprehensive interpretation of the seismic behavior. The models were used for non-linear static (pushover) and non-linear dynamic analyses. The static and dynamic analyses give different behaviors, indicating that the push-over analysis should be used carefully in the seismic assessment of masonry structures. For the static analysis, the base of the tower is the most vulnerable part; while according to the dynamic analysis, it is the upper part of the tower. This last behavior is according to the historical damage suffered by the tower due to earthquakes. The different behaviors can be explained by the influence of the higher modes of vibration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]