Synthesis of transfer function employing the Holt-and-Gray configuration

A synthesis procedure for the Holt-and-Gray configuration (originally proposed for realising 2nd-order allpass functions) is developed. It enables the realisation of a wide class of transfer functions. Realisation of biquadratic nonminimum-phase functions is studied in detail.     

Influence of neotectonic activity on groundwater salinity and playa development in the Mendha river catchment,western India

The groundwater salinity of Mendha river, one of the important streams that feed Sambhar playa in Rajasthan in western India, was studied to understand the effect of neotectonic activity on groundwater quality and salinity. We attempted to decouple the tectonic control of salinity and its contribution in the development of playa deposits in Rajasthan. Multiresolution, multidate satellite data products such as IRS‐1C, IRS‐1D LISS‐III, PAN and Landsat MSS were digitally enhanced and analysed to model the morphotectonic evolution and hydrological regime of the region. Electrical conductance data from spatially distributed points in the Mendha river basin were correlated with the aquifer geometry deciphered from borehole lithologs and lineaments and major geomorphic features interpreted from satellite images. The results of the study reveal that the aquifer geometry is controlled by subsurface structures that have been influenced by neotectonic activity in the past 8–9 ka, significantly influencing the hydrological regime and salinity of Sambhar playa.     

Susceptibility of several varieties of soybean to Ephestia cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae)

Ephestia cautella (Walker) was reared on 39 varieties of soybean at 30 ± 1°C, 80 ± 5% r.h. and 12 hr light: 12 hr dark photoperiod. Larvae were reared individually on whole grains and flours of each variety and larval period, pupal period, per cent pupation and per cent adult formation were recorded. Larvae failed to develop on grains of 13 varieties while grains of Grant, Clark glabrous, Clark dense, Henry, Harrowmanchu and Hawkey-63 were highly susceptible to this pest. On the other hand larvae completed development successfully on all 39 varieties when seeds were ground into flours. It was also clear that UPSM-158 was somewhat tolerant to the attack of this pest while UPSM-120, Hawkey-63, Clark-63, Chippewa, UPSM-57, Harrowmanchu, Hampton, Goldsoy, Davis, Hood, and Kohachugatsu were also less efficient in supporting the development. Addition of 5% yeast to these varieties produced remarkable improvement in the quality of the diet which indicated that the flours of these varieties were deficient in one or more essential nutrients.     

Optical and structural properties of electrodeposited polyaniline/Q‐CdS composites

HCl doped polyaniline (PANI)/Q‐CdS composite thin films have been synthesized using the electrodeposition route on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates. Three different sizes of CdS quantum dots were uniformly dispersed in PANI matrix. As deposited samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Optical properties of the composite structures were investigated by using optical absorption, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy. PANI/Q‐CdS composite showed significant improvement in the thermal behavior as indicated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) thermograph. Our results also indicated that the doping state of the nanocomposites was dependent on the size of the CdS nanoparticles and improved with decreasing size. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1864–1874, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers