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Wind energy is considered to be the cleanest fuel. India is rich in natural resources; we have learned to harness them for our benefit and advancement. As a gauge of fuel demand, India's fuel consumption increased 6.5% year over year in 2023 to around 18.57 million tons, according to figures from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). Even though it applies to all resources, we are currently focusing on harnessing wind energy. Wind turbines have been improved and researched to increase their efficiency since their inception. However, little progress was ever made on extracting wind energy lost at low wind speeds as they could not power a large commercial turbine. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT), which typically perform better at low wind speeds. To address this issue and to increase the turbine's efficiency, we applied natural shapes and curves to the turbine design. We investigated its effects using numerical analysis, discovering that the method offers certain advantages in terms of fluid flow over the turbine body, such as having better flow over the body, a low number of vortex formations, and reduced drag effects while returning the blade to its original position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-level heat-emitting long-lived vitrified radioactive waste produced during recycling of the spent nuclear fuel is under consideration for permanent disposal in deep geological formations with appropriate thermomechanical, hydrogeological and geochemical properties. The capability of these rock formations ensuring long-term confinement and isolation of such waste from the environment is significantly controlled by their efficiency in smoothly dissipating the heat emanating from the waste. A number of rock types such as basalt, granite, clay stones, volcanic tuff, argillites, etc. are being evaluated worldwide as well as in India. In this study, a granite from Jalore and bentonite from Barmer, both from Rajasthan, India, have been evaluated for their heat dissipation capacity. The study revealed that the temperature within granite at the centre of the canister reached 55.21°C, resulting in a thermal stress of 25.50 MPa. Bentonite experienced a temperature of 67.42°C in the central part with maximum thermal stress and displacement of 1.78 MPa and 0.446 mm respectively. A displacement of 0.997 mm was recorded at the granite-bentonite interface. Thus, no significant microcrack formation or undesirable displacement was observed within the granite as well as in bentonite, suggesting their capability to isolate and confine the heat-emitting source for extended periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study investigates the effect of using quantum dots (QDs) on the performance of solar still in the tropical climate of India. This article presents a new way to use QDs, which on absorbing solar energy increases water evaporation rate. Pyrex glass powder QDs are used in the solar still due to its high absorptivity value. An experimental setup of solar still with QD and without QD was developed, and a comparative analysis was conducted under the real outdoor environment in a tropical climate. The experimental results were also validated through mathematical modeling. The experiment was carried out by mixing Pyrex glass powder QDs with black paint and was coated on the basin and sidewalls of the solar still. Experiments were conducted for a depth of 0.02 m for solar still with QDs and without QDs. The results revealed that for 0.02 m of water depth and 1 m2 of basin area, the percentage increase in distillate output using Pyrex glass powder QDs is 29.36% experimentally and 29.94% theoretically. Furthermore, the net percentage increase in solar still efficiency by using Pyrex glass QDs is 74.74% experimentally and 61.03% theoretically. The study analyzed that all the experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis. The addition of Pyrex glass powder QDs and black paint mixture in the basin of solar still caused significant enhancement in the distillate output and solar still efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In slope stability analysis, identification of the mechanism behind slope failure is the key factor during the study. Rock mass characterization and kinematics analysis, like geotechnical investigation methods, are not infallible all the time for the weathered slopes. The presence of different grades of weathered mass on the slope profile acts independently to influence the overall failure pattern. Numerical analysis by finite element method (FEM) is evolved as a primary slope stability analysis tool by overcoming the limitations of the stratified weathered materials on the slope. The paper focuses on the stability analysis of railway-cut laterite slopes of the Eastern Ghats of India. The medium to high-grade metamorphism, followed by physio-chemical weathering, favours the region for more prone to failure. The Force Equilibrium Model and Moment Equilibrium Model have been considered to determine the possibility of independent failure events for the probability analysis. Monte Carlo's probability simulation method has delivered a better result for the weathered slopes by taking many variables for the studied region. A compression study has been made between the outcomes of slope stability analysis methods and the probability analysis models, which provides a comprehensive list of factors to understand the failure mechanism of weathered slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The summer monsoon season contributes about 80% of annual rainfall in the highly populated region of north India. The teleconnections moderating the variation of summer monsoon rainfall in this region are not satisfactorily understood. A pathway of the equatorial central Pacific sea surface temperature (PSST) influences the north India summer rainfall is revealed from the high‐resolution, more reliable, and state‐of‐the‐art 41‐year (1979–2019) observational data analysis and numerical experiment. The rise in PSST intensifies convection over the equatorial central Pacific with compensatory subsidence over the western equatorial Pacific. Consequently, a much broader and intense anomalous convergence is developed at the upper‐troposphere, which subsequently intensifies the Asian subtropical westerly jet‐stream. The Asian jet intensification strengthens the tropospheric wind shear at north India, as the low‐level monsoonal winds are easterlies over there. The strong wind shear restricts the convective activities in north India. These results are also confirmed using the CFSv2 model sensitivity experiment and a case study of the year 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: With growing population in India, utilization of natural energy plays a significant role in reducing the space and resource constraints. Also, due to climate change and urbanization, future generation in the cities is mainly affected by overheating. One way to reduce the use of artificial energy is to decrease the thermal conductivity of the buildings by introducing phase changing materials (PCM). PCM reduces the energy requirements and peak temperature of the buildings. The main focus of this study is to reduce artificial energy in buildings by employing cool roof strategies. Initially, the conventional room was tested and it is compared with PCM and room with PCM‐reflecting coating. The parameters which influence the thermal stress in buildings such as, transition temperature, latent heat, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, PCM thickness, and absorption coefficient are measured and compared. PCM with insulated coating shows lower thermal conductivity than conventional buildings and PCM incorporated buildings. On the other hand, after 90 days of weathering PCM with reflective coating roof showed 15% less thermal conductivity than conventional roof. The results showed that, there is a temperature difference on cool roof and delay time for the peak temperature between models is beyond 2 hours compared to conventional roof. The effect of PCM layer thickness with insulated coatings on the thermal performance of roof is relatively good compared with conventional roof. Maximum temperature and heat flux values were recorded at 3.30 pm for all the absorption coefficient values except 0.7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae is one of the most devastating zoonotic bacterial pathogen affects both fish and human health worldwide. The study aims to isolate and characterize P. damselae subsp. damselae from both wild caught and cage culture fishes. The virulence potential of P. damselae subsp. damselae on damselfish also been revealed. Methods: A total of 212 finfishes from cage culture and wild environment were collected from the south east coast of India and identified for the presence of zoonotic P. damselae subsp. damselae. Standard biochemical and molecular methods (using specific gene) were employed to identify the P. damselae subsp. damselae isolates. A total of 61 isolates were identified as P. damselae subsp. damselae. Dendogram analysis was done for selected 30 strains based on band thickness of PCR product after using IS and ERIC PCR. The data were statistically analysed by unweighted pair group method using mathematic averages (UPGMA) for numerical analysis of banding patterns. The thirty out of sixty one isolates (20% or 50%) showed their presence in both wild caught and cage cultured fishes. The isolates from the wild caught fish were tested for their virulence on damsel fish and histopathological effect also studied. Result: High prevalence of P. damselae subsp. damselae in wild caught parrot fish was noticed when compared to the cage culture fishes. The dendrogram obtained after numerical analysis with the Dice coefficient and UPGMA method shows that all patterns shared more than 50% similarity. Experimental challenge revealed that P. damselae subsp. damselae isolates from wild caught will cause severe tissue damage, abnormal behavior, clinical signs and also leads to fish mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the pandemic spreading of COVID-19 in India after the outbreak of the coronavirus in Wuhan city, China. We estimate the transmission rate of the initial infecting individuals of COVID-19 in India using officially reported data at the early stage of the epidemic with the help of the susceptible (S), exposed (E), infected (I), and removed (R) population model, the so-called SEIR dynamical model. Numerical analysis and model verification are performed to calibrate the system parameters with official public information about the number of people infected, and then to evaluate several COVID-19 scenarios potentially applicable to India. Our findings provide an estimation of the number of infected individuals in the pandemic period of timeline, and also demonstrate the importance of governmental and individual efforts to control the effects and time of the pandemic-related critical situations. We also give special emphasis to individual reactions in the containment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Cryptocarya (Lauraceae), Cryptocarya sheikelmudiyana is described and illustrated. This new taxon characteristically differs from C. lawsonii with elliptic apiculate leaves and non-lenticellate, oblong, longitudinally ridged fruits with a constriction just below middle. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, photographs, a distribution map, notes on conservation status, numerical taxonomic analysis of sympatric species and keys are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pumping of water for agriculture can be a flexible component of electric demand. In this study, a framework that involves scenario based stochastic programming models is developed to examine the effect of load shifting on the renewable energy system sizing for agricultural load. With the help of this framework, alternative load shifting policies are evaluated to observe how the intrinsic flexibility of agricultural load reduces the amount of investments while designing a renewable system. Using real data from India's Gujarat region, solar and wind cases are evaluated separately to understand the coherency between these sources and the agricultural demand. The value of using a dispatchable source to help with the intermittency of the renewable sources in the systems is discussed. It is also shown that energy storage can be a convenient control mechanism for the integration of renewables; however, is an expensive substitute for demand response programs for agricultural load. Benchmarks for the incentive amounts that can be provided for alternative load shifting policies are presented. • Pumping of water for agriculture can be a flexible component of electric demand. • Effect of load shifting on renewable system sizing for agricultural load is examined. • A scenario based stochastic programming framework is developed. • Real data from India's Gujarat region is used for numerical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly populated north central India receives 90% of annual rainfall during June to September. The interannual variation of summer monsoon rainfall is less studied compared to central and western India, due to its weak signal with the El-Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Previous studies have reported a marked decadal variation in the ENSO influences on north India rainfall, but the teleconnections of this variation are not satisfactorily understood. A pathway of the changing ENSO influences on north central India rainfall is revealed from observational data analysis and numerical experiments. While La Niña-like conditions produce anomalous northeasterly wind over India and reduce the tropospheric wind shear, the emergence of the Atlantic Niño appears to overtake this ENSO influence. The Atlantic Niño intensifies the meridional stationary wave affecting pressure anomaly over northwest Europe. This excites the Eurasian Rossby wave train along the mid-latitude producing upper-troposphere high pressure anomaly, subsequently affecting north India. Future work should examine the extent to which these teleconnections are represented in climate forecast models to aid the seasonal prediction of north central India rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecballocystopsis (Oocystaceae, Chlorellales, Trebouxiophyceae) is a rare green algal genus, represented by only five taxa: E. dichotoma var. dichotoma from China and E. indica, E. desikacharyi, E. himalayensis and E. dichotoma var. minuta from India. Here we propose the novel variety E. dichotoma var. anandii from Jharkhand, synonymization of E. himalayensis with E. dichotoma and erection of E. dichotoma var. minuta to a separate species as E. minuta stat. et comb. nov. These taxonomic changes are well supported by the results of a multivariate analysis based on a numerical taxonomic approach. Cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA) and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) were performed to resolve the species delimitation ambiguity and supplement the morphology‐based classification of the genus. Ecballocystopsis himalayensis and E. dichotoma grouped in a single cluster along with the proposed new variety, while E. indica, E. desikacharyi and E. minuta formed separate clusters. An identification key to the species of the genus Ecballocystopsis is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The damage pattern observed during the 1819 Kutch earthquake and 2001 Bhuj earthquake of magnitude Mw > 7. 7 in India implied the significance of the effect of Kutch basin on seismic ground motion. In the present study, the Kutch rift basin is modeled as a simplified rectangular basin of size 150 km × 90 km × 1.5 km. The shear wave velocity of the Kutch region varies from 300 m/s at the surface to 800 m/s at the depth of 60 m. Three-dimensional ground response analysis is carried out for the simplified Kutch basin subjected to ricker wave, using the spectral element code SPEED. The soil medium is modeled through visco-elastic soil model, where the damping is represented by Quality factor. It is found out from the numerical analysis that maximum amplification of 3.6 times occurs at the corner of the basin where interference of waves reflected from multiple edges happen. The long period structures with fundamental period in the range of 1.5–2.5 s located near the basin edge are found to be significantly affected by the basin effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-to-air heat exchanger concept is one of the efficient methods to reduce the cooling effort required for any air conditioning system. In this paper, a theoretical model of soil-to-air heat exchanger has been developed to predict the air temperature in the outlet of the system during a hot atmospheric condition. This theoretical model is used to predict the sub-soil temperature for a specific ambient condition in a southern part of India and also compared with the measured sub-soil temperature. Performance of the soil-to-air heat exchanger system has been calculated during peak hours in summer and found to have the potential to reduce the energy required to cool the building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, construction procedure and performance assessment of expanded polystyrene EPS-geofoam layer, which is utilized in the repair and rehabilitation of road work, is demonstrated. EPS geo-foam application was suggested after observing excessive settlement and distress of approach roads near Cross drainage (C-D) works constructed on bypass road of an important National Highway Project in India. EPS-geofoam was used as an alternative to earth backfill in approaches of newly constructed culvert on the same bypass road on one side of the C-D work and, for comparison purpose; the other side of the C-D work was retained with existing earth backfill. EPS-Geofoam was convenient to handle, easy to place and executed effeciently in terms of machineries and man power. Also, after 6 months of observation, it was noted that Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) constructed over earthfill material have shown sign of distress and longitudinal cracks were observed due to excessive settlement; on the other hand PQC constructed over EPS-geofoam was intact with no sign of distress. Outcome of the study suggest the use of EPS-geofoam in similar situations as per the proposed guidelines for construction as well as cross-sectional details and design recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on a devastating rainfall-induced landslide at Malin, India, which resulted in 160 deaths including the destruction of an entire village in July 2014 has been presented. The area was under a massive rainstorm which lasted for 3 days before the tragedy. The seepage into the slope due to the rainfall infiltration and the corresponding factor of safety of the slope at Malin has been quantified using a two-dimensional numerical model. The study indicates that the continuous rainfall infiltration develops a perched water table near the slope surface which results in the saturation and the positive pore water pressure build up at a shallow depth. With the increasing intensity and the rainfall duration, this depth of saturated zone increases rapidly. Though the Malin slope has an adequate factor of safety of 1.6, initially, but with continuous rainfall and increase in rainfall intensity, the factor of safety reduces to less than one on the day of tragedy. The parametric study indicates that the factor of safety of the Malin slope is adequate after 24 h of 2 mm/h, 5 mm/h and 10 mm/h of rainfall. But it drops rapidly to less than 1 after 7, 6, 6, 3, 2 and 1-h of 20 mm/h, 30 mm/h, 40 mm/h, 50 mm/h, 60 mm/h and 70 mm/h of rainfall, respectively. The slope, on which the Malin village is located, is initially safe but the debris from the upper portions of the slope moves downward destroying the residential area of the Malin village. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of reservoir-triggered seismicity is well-understood and explains the earthquake occurrence at different reservoir sites. It can be attributed to the stresses due to water loading and to changes in fluid pressure in pores within the rock matrix. In the present study a 3-D fluid flow numerical model is used to investigate the pore pressure diffusion as a cause for continued seismicity in the Koyna-Warna region in western India. It is shown that reservoir water level fluctuations are sufficient to trigger earthquakes at the seismogenic depths in the region. Our numerical model suggests that a vertical fault with hydraulic conductivity in the range 2-6 m/day facilitates the diffusion of pressure at focal depths of earthquakes in the Koyna-Warna region. Also, for triggering of earthquakes a higher vertical conductivity is required for the Warna region than for the Koyna region. A lag of two months period is found between the maximum water level and the significant hydraulic head required to trigger earthquakes at the focal depth using the appropriate hydraulic conductivity for both the reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ERA-Interim reanalysis data from the past 35 years have been used with a newly developed feature tracking algorithm to identify Indian monsoon depressions originating in or near the Bay of Bengal. These were then rotated, centralized, and combined to give a fully three-dimensional 106-depression composite structure-a considerably larger sample than any previous detailed study on monsoon depressions and their structure. Many known features of depression structure are confirmed, particularly the existence of a maximum to the southwest of the center in rainfall and other fields and a westward axial tilt in others. Additionally, the depressions are found to have significant asymmetry owing to the presence of the Himalayas, a bimodal midtropospheric potential vorticity core, a separation into thermally cold (~−1.5 K) and neutral (~0 K) cores near the surface with distinct properties, and the center has very large CAPE and very small CIN. Variability as a function of background state has also been explored, with land-coast-sea, diurnal, ENSO, active-break, and Indian Ocean dipole contrasts considered. Depressions are found to be markedly stronger during the active phase of the monsoon, as well as during La Niña. Depressions on land are shown to be more intense and more tightly constrained to the central axis. A detailed schematic diagram of a vertical cross section through a composite depression is also presented, showing its inherent asymmetric structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the Bourdieusian concepts of capital and relational configurations of positions and position-takings have recently been fruitfully employed to theorize global fields, this paper argues that the concepts of illusio and doxa are especially conducive to analyzing the globalization of a field as an expansion into and transformation of formerly independent national arenas. In deploying the concept of illusio as a (quasi-libidinous) investment in the game, globalization is here first and foremost framed as a process in which more and more actors in various contexts ‘succumb’ to specific field logics that orient them to transnational structures. By emphasizing the concept of doxa as the taken-for-granted fundamentals of a field, the paper furthermore calls attention to the mechanisms that help forge and globalize the tacit presuppositions and shared ontologies on which such logics build. Focusing on a field of global Christian missions that emerged during the nineteenth century, the paper illustrates how its competitive logic of proselytization was introduced into the religious arena of India. It highlights how Western notions of religion gained ground among local traditions and pulled them into a game in which numerical relations of adherents mattered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Run-of-the-river hydropower projects are developed based on the concept of sustaining reservoir life by sediment management. Sediment management is achieved by sluicing or drawdown flushing through low-level spillways. Simulations with numerical and physical models are essential for optimizing the design and operation of such projects. In this paper, numerical and physical model simulations carried out for sediment management of a run-of-the-river hydropower project are presented. For Devsari Hydroelectric Project, Uttarakhand, India, a physical model was constructed to a geometrically similar scale of 1: 60. Experiments were carried out for sediment management for various scenarios. One-dimensional model Hydrologic Engineering Center's –River Analysis System was used to simulate the longitudinal sedimentation and velocity profiles in the physical model. The numerical model was further applied to the prototype for predicting the long-term sediment deposition along the reservoir stretch. Results of the simulation indicated deltaic sediment deposition in the upstream reaches of the main Pinder and Kailganga rivers. The delta advanced towards downstream for lower reservoir operation levels. The flow velocities in the entire reservoir stretch were observed to be very low, thus confirming the design concept of reservoir functioning as a desilting basin. Experiments were carried out on the physical model for simulating sediment removal by drawdown flushing. It was observed that reservoir capacity can be restored by annual flushing during peak flows. Flushing with discharge of 300 m3/s for 12 h duration can remove about 0.0086 Mm3 of sediment and hence may be adopted for reservoir operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Extensive geotechnical characterization of the soil from landslide slip surface helps evaluate the failure mechanism of landslide. • High-intensity rainfall, unplanned vertical cuts and slopes have witnessed the loss of lives and substantial monetary losses during the southwest monsoon in Kerala, India, in 2018. • Importance of locally available sustainable green martial uses in engineering practices. • The numerical analysis confirmed that the vertical cut stabilization with coir geotextiles is safe during high-intensity rainfall. This paper presents laboratory and numerical analysis of vertical cut failure due to rainfall-induced landslide resulting in building failure that led to the death of nine people in Kerala, India, on August 15, 2018. The residual shear strength parameters are evaluated by the ring shear test. The soil water characteristics curve (SWCC) is developed by unsaturated soil strength parameters. The slope stability and infiltration analysis are carried out with limit equilibrium and finite element methods, respectively. The infiltration analysis is carried out by considering three different rainfall patterns on the slope as low, medium, and high intensities. The study includes a two-stage numerical analysis of vertical cut. Firstly, vertical cut analysis with and without rainfall effects and second, the analysis of vertical cut using coir geotextile as reinforcement with rainfall effects. The study emphasized the utilization of locally available coir geotextiles as a reinforcement for slope stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) is an extension of fuzzy set and an approach to define a fuzzy set where available information is not sufficient to define an imprecise concept by means of a conventional fuzzy set. The existing fuzzy DEA (FDEA) models for measuring relative fuzzy efficiencies of decision making units (DMUs) are limited to fuzzy input/output data. However, in real life applications, some inputs and outputs of subjective, linguistic and vague forms may possess intuitionistic fuzzy essence instead of fuzziness. Therefore, in the present study, we extend FDEA to intuitionistic fuzzy DEA (IFDEA) in which the input/output data are represented by intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFNs), in particular triangular IFNs (TIFNs). This is the first study in analysing optimistic and pessimistic efficiencies with intuitionistic fuzzy input/output data in DEA. In this study, we develop models to measure optimistic and pessimistic efficiencies of each DMU in intuitionistic fuzzy environment (IFE). By using super-efficiency technique, we develop algorithms to obtain the complete ranking of the DMUs when optimistic and pessimistic situations are considered separately. Further, to rank the DMUs when both optimistic and pessimistic situations are taken simultaneously as hybrid approach, we propose two alternate ranking methods based on levels of inefficiencies and efficiencies respectively. To address the overall performance using optimistic and pessimistic situations together in IFEs, we propose a hybrid IFDEA performance decision model. To validate the proposed methodology and proposed ranking methods, we illustrate different numerical examples and then compare the results with an existing ranking approach based on geometric average efficiency index. Moreover, we present an application of the proposed approach to the banking sector in which two inputs, namely, labour and operating expenses possess intuitionistic fuzzy essence at branch level, and are represented as TIFNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tides play a vital role in coastal hydrodynamics, and it is important to understand their complex characteristics in the coastal areas of creeks, bays, estuaries and gulf. In this study, the spatial variation of heterogeneous friction coefficients and their influence on the variation of different tidal constituents (K1, M2, N2, O1, P1 and S2) along Gulf of Khambhat, west coast of India, were studied. A two-dimensional finite element-based numerical model was developed and zones of different friction coefficients were identified by comparing numerically estimated tidal levels and currents with that of measured and reported by earlier studies. Based on the comparisons, the gulf was divided into five zones of different bottom friction values. The numerical model, assigned with friction coefficients, was used to map the contours of selected tidal constituents. From the results, it was observed that two constituents, M2 and K1, influence the hydrodynamics, significantly. The description of the numerical model, calibration, validation and results are presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) is a major global climatic phenomenon. Long-term precipitation proxy records of the ISM, however, are often fragmented and discontinuous, impeding an estimation of the magnitude of precipitation variability from the Last Glacial to the present. To improve our understanding of past ISM variability, we provide a continuous reconstructed record of precipitation and continental vegetation changes from the lower Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna catchment and the Indo-Burman ranges over the last 18,000 years (18 ka). The records derive from a marine sediment core from the northern Bay of Bengal (NBoB), and are complemented by numerical model results of spatial moisture transport and precipitation distribution over the Bengal region. The isotopic composition of terrestrial plant waxes (δD and δ 13 C of n -alkanes) are compared to results from an isotope-enabled general atmospheric circulation model (IsoCAM) for selected time slices (pre-industrial, mid-Holocene and Heinrich Stadial 1). Comparison of proxy and model results indicate that past changes in the δD of precipitation and plant waxes were mainly driven by the amount effect, and strongly influenced by ISM rainfall. Maximum precipitation is detected for the Early Holocene Climatic Optimum (EHCO; 10.5–6 ka BP), whereas minimum precipitation occurred during the Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS1; 16.9–15.4 ka BP). The IsoCAM model results support the hypothesis of a constant moisture source (i.e. the NBoB) throughout the study period. Relative to the pre-industrial period the model reconstructions show 20% more rain during the mid-Holocene (6 ka BP) and 20% less rain during the Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS1), respectively. A shift from C 4 -plant dominated ecosystems during the glacial to subsequent C 3 /C 4 -mixed ones during the interglacial took place. Vegetation changes were predominantly driven by precipitation variability, as evidenced by the significant correlation between the δD and δ 13 C alkane records. When compared to other records across the ISM domain, precipitation and vegetation changes inferred from our records and the numerical model results provide evidence for a coherent regional variability of the ISM from the Last Glacial to the present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The numerical modeling of coastal inundation from severe cyclones is a challenging area for coastal hazard mapping, emergency planning and evacuation measures. There is a need for realistic estimate of onshore coastal inundation by the operational weather centers for precise warnings to minimize loss of life and property. At present, there is no modeling effort to evaluate the extent of coastal inundation for any coastal state in India. The operational center disseminates information only on peak surge and its location just before cyclone landfall, with no prior information about onshore inundation. To bridge this gap, the present study applies the state-of-art ADCIRC hydrodynamic model to evaluate peak surge and onshore inundation along coastal Tamil Nadu for the December 2011 Thane cyclone event. Post-storm analysis and field reconnaissance survey report from IMD and ICMAM were available for the Thane cyclone to skill assess model computation. The model that computed peak surge and onshore inundation is in good concurrence with field measurements. The study signifies that near-shore beach slope has a direct bearing on onshore inundation, and its importance in numerical modeling is highlighted. This study being first of its kind for Indian coast, emphasized that coastal inundation modeling should form an integral part in a storm surge prediction system for operational needs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper deals with the mathematical modeling of the second wave of COVID-19 and verifies the current Omicron variant pandemic data in India. We also we discussed such as uniformly bounded of the system, Equilibrium analysis and basic reproduction number R 0 . We calculated the analytic solutions by HPM (homotopy perturbation method) and used Mathematica 12 software for numerical analysis up to 8th order approximation. It checked the error values of the approximation while the system has residual error, absolute error and h curve initial derivation of square error at up to 8th order approximation. The basic reproduction number ranges between 0.8454 and 2.0317 to form numerical simulation, it helps to identify the whole system fluctuations. Finally, our proposed model validated (from real life data) the highly affected five states of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. The algorithm guidelines are used for international arrivals, with Omicron variant cases updated by the Union Health Ministry in January 2022. Right now, the third wave is underway in India, and we conclude that it may peak by the end of May 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Development of groundwater simulation model is first of its kind in the study area. [•] ANN model developed for groundwater level forecasting in the study area. [•] ANN model provided better prediction of groundwater levels for shorter horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the impact of the differential treatment of the roughness lengths for momentum and heat ( $$z_{0\mathrm{m}}$$ and $$z_{0\mathrm{h}}$$) in the flux parametrization scheme of the high-resolution regional model (HRM) for a heterogeneous terrain centred around Thiruvananthapuram, India (8.5°N, 76.9°E). The magnitudes of sensible heat flux ( H) obtained from HRM simulations using the original parametrization scheme differed drastically from the concurrent in situ observations. With a view to improving the performance of this parametrization scheme, two distinct modifications are incorporated: (1) In the first method, a constant value of 100 is assigned to the $$z_{0\mathrm{m}}/z_{0\mathrm{h}}$$ ratio; (2) and in the second approach, this ratio is treated as a function of time. Both these modifications in the HRM model showed significant improvements in the H simulations for Thiruvananthapuram and its adjoining regions. Results obtained from the present study provide a first-ever comparison of H simulations using the modified parametrization scheme in the HRM model with in situ observations for the Indian coastal region, and suggest a differential treatment of $$z_{0\mathrm{m}}$$ and $$z_{0\mathrm{h}}$$ in the flux parametrization scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The importance of wave evolution and necessity for reliable prediction in coastal environments is widely recognized in many ocean engineering applications. Numerical wave models developed for limited area forecast can predict ocean waves fairly well upon imposing realistic boundary conditions from measurements. The forecast quality wherein depends on the number of measured data from various platforms specified along model boundary, which is undoubtedly very expensive. In a highly dynamic coastal environment, non-linear interaction from distant long period swells can essentially modulate the local wind-waves. This effect is more pronounced when local wind waves are opposed by distant swells reaching the coast. In addition, small scale convective phenomena like land and sea breeze create localized wind-sea having wide degree of directional behavior, thereby resulting in a more complex non-linear interaction process. For operational scenario, multi-scale modeling approach could be recommended as the best choice. The present work investigates influence of distant swells generated from Southern Ocean, and their role in modifying local wind-waves at coastal Kalpakkam located at south-east coast of India. Numerical experiments were performed to understand the influence of distant swells in modulating the local wind-waves which resulted in enhancing the wave energy by almost double off Kalpakkam coast. [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: In general, all primary as well as disturbing forces acting on a vehicle (with the exception of aerodynamic forces) are generated at the tyre–road interface. The small size pneumatic tyres presented in this work are mostly used in lightweight vehicles like scooters, motor cycles and 3-wheelers that are extensively used for intercity transportation applications in India and other developing countries. Analytical approach is more advantage than experimental work due to many factors like it involves less cost, minimum time and little effort. Hence, Analytical tyre models are developed based on various normal pressure distributions with tyre contact patch as rectangle at the middle with part of circles at the ends. The tyre longitudinal and lateral force characteristic equations for proposed tyre models are developed. In addition, the equations for self – aligning moment and overturning moment characteristics for all tyre models are also derived. Results of proposed tyre models in the present study are compared with well-established earlier tyre models [4–6]. From the force and moment characteristics of all tyre models, unsymmetrical trapezoidal pressure distribution tyre model gives better performance than other models due to which better lateral stability of the vehicle can be obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this communication, an attempt has been made to investigate the performance assessment of a solar photovoltaic (PV) array system based on electrical energy output and power conversion efficiency. Simplified mathematical expressions for evaluating performance indices using experimental observations for entire PV array and its individual component subarrays on daily, monthly and annual basis have also been developed. Experiments have been carried out on two individual 1.2kWp and 1.12kWp component subarrays of 2.32kWp stand-alone PV array system for climatic condition of New Delhi (latitude: 28°35′N, longitude: 77°12′E and an altitude of 216m above mean sea level). Individual performances of both component subarrays were evaluated and its effect on the actual performance of entire PV array has been presented. Numerical computation was carried out for a typical clear day in the month of July 2010. It was found from experimental results that daily power conversion efficiency of entire PV array and its component subarrays1 and 2 were 6.24%, 9.5% and 3.9% respectively. For more effective performance assessment of PV array/subarrays, on field experimental performance results have been compared with the rated (max.) results estimated at STC and also with the maximum performance results estimated for actual climatic conditions as obtained during experimentation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A prediction model based on the perfect prognosis method was developed to predict the probability of lightning and probable time of its occurrence over the south-east Indian region. In the perfect prognosis method, statistical relationships are established using past observed data. For real time applications, the predictors are derived from a numerical weather prediction model. In the present study, we have developed the statistical model based on Binary Logistic Regression technique. For developing the statistical model, 115 cases of lightning that occurred over the south-east Indian region during the period 2006-2009 were considered. The probability of lightning (yes or no) occurring during the 12-hour period 0900-2100 UTC over the region was considered as the predictand. The thermodynamic and dynamic variables derived from the NCEP Final Analysis were used as the predictors. A three-stage strategy based on Spearman Rank Correlation, Cumulative Probability Distribution and Principal Component Analysis was used to objectively select the model predictors from a pool of 61 potential predictors considered for the analysis. The final list of six predictors used in the model consists of the parameters representing atmospheric instability, total moisture content in the atmosphere, low level moisture convergence and lower tropospheric temperature advection. For the independent verifications, the probabilistic model was tested for 92 days during the months of May, June and August 2010. The six predictors were derived from the 24-h predictions using a high resolution Weather Research and Forecasting model initialized with 00 UTC conditions. During the independent period, the probabilistic model showed a probability of detection of 77% with a false alarm rate of 35%. The Brier Skill Score during the independent period was 0.233, suggesting that the prediction scheme is skillful in predicting the lightning probability over the south-east region with a reasonable accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Wave data collected off Goa along the west coast of India during February 1996–May 1997 has been subjected to spectral analysis, and swell and wind sea parameters have been estimated by separation frequency method. Dominance of swells and wind seas on monthly and seasonal basis has been estimated, and the analysis shows that swells dominate Goa coastal region not only during southwest monsoon (93%), but also during the post-monsoon (67%) season. Wind seas are dominant during the pre-monsoon season (51%). The mean wave periods (T m ) during southwest monsoon are generally above 5s, whereas T m is below 5s during other seasons. Co-existence of multiple peaks (from NW and NE) was observed in the locally generated part of the wave spectrum, especially during the post-monsoon season. NCEP reanalysis winds have been used to analyse active fetch available in the Indian Ocean, from where the predominant swells propagate to the west coast of India. A numerical model was set up to simulate waves in the Indian Ocean using flexible mesh bathymetry. The correlation coefficients between measured and modelled significant wave heights and mean wave periods are 0.96 and 0.85, respectively. Numerical simulations reproduced the swell characteristics in the Indian Ocean, and from the model results potential swell generation areas are identified. The characteristics of swells associated with tropical storms that prevail off Goa during 1996 have also been analysed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two Indian mines are the subject of a comparative study of a strain-softened Hoek–Brown and FLAC 3D modelling, and a novel ‘c then tan φ’ strain-softening-strain-mobilization approach, using Q-system based input data. This approach is also used with FLAC 3D, using identical stope geometries. The parameters CC and FC, denoting the cohesive component and frictional component of shear strength, are extracted directly from the Q-logging and knowledge of UCS, and are the source of the peak values. Measured deformations, or the strains recorded over the total length of pre-mining installed MPBX, are compared and effectively calibrate the models, in view of the very similar deformations obtained from empirical formulations based on Q using the competence factor approach, as in SRF. The ‘c then tan φ’ approach appears to give the most realistic match to observations in the mines, including the modelling of a shear band within the back or roof of a stope, rather than at the surface of the stope. The Q-based approach also uses a depth-dependent modulus, and this is perhaps the reason why the strain-softened Hoek–Brown model, without this stiffening with depth, shows ‘global failure’ in a second mine having a wider range of depths within one model, and many openings, since modulus is not increased in standard-method approaches. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is currently under construction at Kalpakkam, India. PFBR has eight numbers of sodium heated once through Steam Generators (SG) each with 157 MWt capacity. Parts like steam generator tube sheet will see high temperature gradients during normal operation as well as in transient conditions. Thermal baffles are provided to protect the steam generator tub e sheets from the high temperature gradients during transient and steady state conditions. In Steam Generator Test Facility (SGTF) of IGCAR a 5.5MWt capacity SG was tested for its thermal hydraulic performance. Effectiveness of the thermal baffles provided in the model SG of PFBR is studied numerically and the performance of the same has been predicted. Further Transient experiments were conducted in Steam Generator Test Facility for evaluating the same. This paper brings out the details of numerical studies and the experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of thermal baffles provided to protect the steam generator tube sheets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines an issue concerning the simulation of anomalously wet Indian summer monsoons like 1994 which co-occurred with strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions in the tropical Indian Ocean. Contrary to observations it has been noticed that standalone atmospheric general circulation models (AGCM) forced with observed SST boundary condition, consistently depicted a decrease of the summer monsoon rainfall during 1994 over the Indian region. Given the ocean-atmosphere coupling during IOD events, we have examined whether the failure of standalone AGCM simulations in capturing wet Indian monsoons like 1994 can be remedied by including a simple form of coupling that allows the monsoon circulation to dynamically interact with the IOD anomalies. With this view, we have performed a suite of simulations by coupling an AGCM to a slab-ocean model with spatially varying mixed-layer-depth (MLD) specified from observations for the 1994 IOD; as well as four other cases (1983, 1997, 2006, 2007). The specification of spatially varying MLD from observations allows us to constrain the model to observed IOD conditions. It is seen that the inclusion of coupling significantly improves the large-scale circulation response by strengthening the monsoon cross-equatorial flow; leading to precipitation enhancement over the subcontinent and rainfall decrease over south-eastern tropical Indian Ocean-in a manner broadly consistent with observations. A plausible physical mechanism is suggested to explain the monsoonal response in the coupled frame-work. These results warrant the need for improved monsoon simulations with fully coupled models to be able to better capture the observed monsoon interannual variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a new approach to solve the hydro-thermal unit commitment problem using Simulated Annealing embedded Evolutionary Programming approach. The objective of this paper is to find the generation scheduling such that the total operating cost can be minimized, when subjected to a variety of constraints. A utility power system with 11 generating units in India demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach; extensive studies have also been performed for different IEEE test systems consist of 25, 44 and 65 units. Numerical results are shown comparing the cost solutions and computation time obtained by conventional methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A methodology for groundwater evaluation has been developed by the combined use of numerical model and spatial modeling using GIS. The developed methodology has been applied on the sub-basin of the Banganga River, India. Initially, the groundwater potential zones have been delineated by spatial modeling. Different thematic maps of the basin like geology, geomorphology, soil, drainage, slope factor and landuse/landcover have been used to identify the groundwater potential zones. Further, the groundwater flow model for the study area has been developed in the MODFLOW. The groundwater flow vector map has been developed and superimposed on the potential zone map to validate the results of spatial modeling. Finally, the different scenarios have been conceptualized by varying the discharge of the wells and purposing the location for new rainwater harvesting structures. Results reveal that increasing the discharge of the wells in the potential zones put less stress on the aquifer. The suggested locations of rainwater harvesting structures also help to reduce the overall decline of groundwater in the area. The hydrological and spatial modeling presented in this study is highly useful for the evaluation of groundwater resources and for deciding the location of rainwater harvesting structures in semi-arid regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to have an understanding of the coastal processes along the southwest coast of India (8u49 N, 77u 339 E to 8u139 N, 77u149 E), a data set available for the changes in beach width for a period of 5 years (1993-1998) over a length of about 50 km was categorized and analysed in relation to the seasons. Since the study area is densely populated and was also affected partially by the great Indian Ocean tsunami, a freshmeasurement campaign of beach profile changes up to a water depth of 6 m at four different locations along the coast was carried out. These measurements have been adopted to validate a finite difference-based numerical model that employs the empirical formulation of Larson and Kraus (1989) for the prediction of beach profile changes. We simulated the offshore wave climate from National Centre for Environmental Prediction wind data using the Wave AnalysisModel (WAM), whereas the nearshore wave climate was derived by adopting theMIKE21 ParabolicMild Slope module. Results compared well with each other. The prediction from the numerical model revealed that the average onshore-offshore transport varies from about 50 to 200 m3 y21m21 width of the beach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of assimilation of conventional and satellite data on the prediction of a severe cyclonic storm that formed in the Bay of Bengal during November 2008 with the four-dimensional data assimilation (FDDA) technique. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF ARW) model was used to study the structure, evolution, and intensification of the storm. Five sets of numerical simulations were performed using the WRF. In the first one, called Control run, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Final Analysis (FNL) was used for the initial and boundary conditions. In the remaining experiments available observations were used to obtain an improved analysis and FDDA grid nudging was performed for a pre-forecast period of 24 h. The second simulation (FDDAALL) was performed with all the data of the Quick Scatterometer (QSCAT), Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) winds, conventional surface, and upper air meteorological observations. QSCAT wind alone was used in the third simulation (FDDAQSCAT), the SSM/I wind alone in the fourth (FDDASSMI) and the conventional observations alone in the fifth (FDDAAWS). The FDDAALL with assimilation of all observations, produced sea level pressure pattern closely agreeing with the analysis. Examination of various parameters indicated that the Control run over predicted the intensity of the storm with large error in its track and landfall position. The assimilation experiment with QSCAT winds performed marginally better than the one with SSM/I winds due to better representation of surface wind vectors. The FDDAALL outperformed all the simulations for the intensity, movement, and rainfall associated with the storm. Results suggest that the combination of land-based surface, upper air observations along with satellite winds for assimilation produced better prediction than the assimilation with individual data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

general neural network based methodology that has the potential to replace the computationally-intensive site-specific seismic analysis of structures is proposed in this paper. The basic framework of the methodology consists of a feed forward back propagation neural network algorithm with one hidden layer to represent the seismic potential of a region and soil amplification effects. The methodology is implemented and verified with parameters corresponding to Delhi city in India. For this purpose, strong ground motions are generated at bedrock level for a chosen site in Delhi due to earthquakes considered to originate from the central seismic gap of the Himalayan belt using necessary geological as well as geotechnical data. Surface level ground motions and corresponding site-specific response spectra are obtained by using a one-dimensional equivalent linear wave propagation model. Spectral acceleration values are considered as a target parameter to verify the performance of the methodology. Numerical studies carried out to validate the proposed methodology show that the errors in predicted spectral acceleration values are within acceptable limits for design purposes. The methodology is general in the sense that it can be applied to other seismically vulnerable regions and also can be updated by including more parameters depending on the state-of-the-art in the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) in simulating an extreme rainfall event is evaluated, and subsequently the physical mechanisms leading to its initiation and sustenance are explored. As a case study, the heavy precipitation event that led to 65 cm of rainfall accumulation in a span of around 6 h (1430 LT-2030 LT) over Santacruz (Mumbai, India), on 26 July, 2005, is selected. Three sets of numerical experiments have been conducted. The first set of experiments (EXP1) consisted of a four-member ensemble, and was carried out in an idealized mode with a model grid spacing of 1 km. In spite of the idealized framework, signatures of heavy rainfall were seen in two of the ensemble members. The second set (EXP2) consisted of a five-member ensemble, with a four-level one-way nested integration and grid spacing of 54, 18, 6 and 1 km. The model was able to simulate a realistic spatial structure with the 54, 18, and 6 km grids; however, with the 1 km grid, the simulations were dominated by the prescribed boundary conditions. The third and final set of experiments (EXP3) consisted of a five-member ensemble, with a four-level one-way nesting and grid spacing of 54, 18, 6, and 2 km. The Scaled Lagged Average Forecasting (SLAF) methodology was employed to construct the ensemble members. The model simulations in this case were closer to observations, as compared to EXP2. Specifically, among all experiments, the timing of maximum rainfall, the abrupt increase in rainfall intensities, which was a major feature of this event, and the rainfall intensities simulated in EXP3 (at 6 km resolution) were closest to observations. Analysis of the physical mechanisms causing the initiation and sustenance of the event reveals some interesting aspects. Deep convection was found to be initiated by mid-tropospheric convergence that extended to lower levels during the later stage. In addition, there was a high negative vertical gradient of equivalent potential temperature suggesting strong atmospheric instability prior to and during the occurrence of the event. Finally, the presence of a conducive vertical wind shear in the lower and mid-troposphere is thought to be one of the major factors influencing the longevity of the event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seismic slope stability analysis of the right abutment of a railway bridge proposed at about 350 m above the ground level, crossing a river and connecting two huge hillocks in the Himalayas, India, is presented in this paper. The rock slopes are composed of highly jointed rock mass and the joint spacing and orientation are varying at different locations. Seismic slope stability analysis of the slope under consideration is carried out using both pseudo-static approach and time response approach as the site is located in seismic zone V as per the earth quake zonation maps of India. Stability of the slope is studied numerically using program FLAC. The results obtained from the pseudo-static analysis are presented in the form of Factor of Safety (FOS) and the results obtained from the time response analysis of the slope are presented in terms of horizontal and vertical displacements along the slope. The results obtained from both the analyses confirmed the global stability of the slope as the FOS in case of pseudo-static analysis is above 1.0 and the displacements observed in case of time response analysis are within the permissible limits. This paper also presents the results obtained from the parametric analysis performed in the case of time response analysis in order to understand the effect of individual parameters on the overall stability of the slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A method for total risk analysis of embankment dams under earthquake conditions is discussed and applied to the selected embankment dams, i.e., Chang, Tapar, Rudramata, and Kaswati located in the Kachchh region of Gujarat, India, to obtain the seismic hazard rating of the dam site and the risk rating of the structures. Based on the results of the total risk analysis of the dams, coupled non-linear dynamic numerical analyses of the dam sections are performed using acceleration–time history record of the Bhuj (India) earthquake as well as five other major earthquakes recorded worldwide. The objective of doing so is to perform the numerical analysis of the dams for the range of amplitude, frequency content and time duration of input motions. The deformations calculated from the numerical analyses are also compared with other approaches available in literature, viz, Makdisi and Seed (1978) approach, Jansen''s approach (1990), Swaisgood''s method (1995), Bureau''s method (1997), Singh et al. approach (2007), and Saygili and Rathje approach (2008) and the results are utilized to foresee the stability of dams in future earthquake scenario. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Towards formulating guidelines for performance evaluation of buildings to site-specific earthquakes, studies are reported in literature on the effect of various critical parameters. No study is, however, reported on the effect of depth of soil stratum. In this paper, a methodology is proposed and applied for performance evaluation of buildings for site-specific earthquakes including depth of soil stratum as a parameter. The methodology integrates independent procedures meant for performance evaluation of buildings and site-specific seismic analysis. Application of the proposed methodology enables to determine performance point of a building in terms of inelastic displacement and base shear. Numerical application of the methodology is demonstrated using the particulars of Delhi region. Two typical RC buildings (B1 and B2) with significantly different inelastic behaviour, assumed to be located on soil depths ranging from 10 to 200m are chosen for the application study. Capacity spectra of the buildings are generated from nonlinear static analysis. Studies indicate that for building B1, with elasto-plastic behaviour, the depth of soil stratum strongly influences demand on inelastic displacement compared to that on inelastic base shear. For building B2, with continuously varying inelastic behaviour, the depth of soil stratum is observed to have significant influence on both the inelastic base shear as well as inelastic displacement. Responses of the buildings are compared with that obtained based on design spectrum of Indian seismic code. For both the cases, inelastic displacements as well as inelastic base shears are underestimated by Indian seismic code for certain depths of soil stratum. Proposed methodology enables the calculation of realistic values of inelastic base shear and corresponding displacement of a building for site-specific earthquakes by considering the actual characteristics of soil stratum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have evaluated the five typical shape of the greenhouse for energy conservation in winter months for a composite climate. An expression for the plant temperature has been used for steady state analysis. Numerical computation has been carried out for the climatic condition of Delhi, India. The evaluation of the shape of the greenhouse has been done for a given floor area. Additional energy required from other fuels to maintain the necessary temperature has also been considered. It has been observed that a standard peak uneven span is suitable for minimum use of liquefied petroleum gas for a given favourable plant temperature. Experimental validation of the thermal model has also been carried out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Most of the failures in brittle geomaterials are associated with localization of large strains along well-defined zones. The emergence of these localized zones of high strains is a precursor to failure and hence its importance. At IIT Kharagpur, studies in progress on strain localization include biaxial tests and model tests in the laboratory, numerical analyses and field studies at landslide zones. Results of these studies reveal that strain localizations observed in nature at a landslide, captured in laboratory biaxial tests and model tests, and predicted by finite element analyses bear close resemblance to one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]