Moving and stationary target acquisition radar image enhancement through polynomial windows

The Fourier transform involved in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging causes undesired sidelobes which obscure weak backscatters and affect the image clarity. These sidelobes can be suppressed without deteriorating the image resolution by smoothing functions known as windowing or apodization. Recently, the theory of orthogonal polynomials has gained considerable attention in signal processing applications. The window functions that are derived from the orthogonal polynomials have interesting sidelobe roll-off properties for better sidelobe apodization, hence it can be used for radar image enhancement. In this work, a new window is constructed from Jacobi orthogonal polynomials and its performance in SAR imaging is analyzed and compared with commonly used window functions. Also, apodization functions involved in Fourier transform harmonic analysis and Fourier transform spectroscopy are discussed in the context of SAR imaging

Impacts of Watershed Development Programmes: Experiences and Evidences from Tamil Nadu

The overall performance of watershed development programmes has been examined in the state of Tamil Nadu. The impacts of major watershed development programmes have been outlined in terms of biophysical impacts, environmental impacts, socio-economic impacts and overall economic impacts. It is pointed out that the watershed development activities have made significant positive impacts on various biophysical aspects such as soil and water conservation, soil fertility, soil and water erosion in cropped area, changes in cropping pattern, cropping intensity, production and productivity of crops. Watershed development activities have shown significant positive impacts on water table, perenniality of water in wells, water availability for cattle and other domestic uses, etc. The overall economic impacts have been evaluated in terms of NPV, IRR and BCR. The peoples’ participation in watershed development activities has been found satisfactory but the optimal level is yet to be achieved. Training of farmers has been found effective in disseminating technical knowledge. According to the study, the future strategy should be the movement towards a balanced approach of matching the supply-driven menu with a set of demand-driven activities. Peoples’ participation, involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions, local user groups and NGOs along side institutional support from different levels, viz. the Union Government, the state, the district and block levels should be ensured to make the programme more participatory, interactive and cost-effective. Convergence of various rural development programmes around the watershed could be ensured to promote holistic development of watersheds. For its continued success, the programme, should be economically efficient, financially viable, technically feasible and socially acceptable while ensuring equity. For, sustainable development, regular and routine monitoring of environmental parameters is important as environmental enhancement increases the credibility and acceptability of the programme.Watershed Development; Net Present Value; Benefit Cost Ratio;Tamil Nadu

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON MECHANICAL, FRICTION AND WEAR OF NON ASBESTOS ORGANIC BRAKE LININGS FOR LIGHT MOTOR VEHICLE

In this study, flyash based non asbestos organic brake lining composition of more than 14 ingredients was investigated to study the effect of ingredients on various behavior of friction properties. Two types of friction materials with different combinations were developed: i) fly ash range (10 %to 60%) and ii) without fly ash based friction materials were investigated to study the effect of ingredients on the friction characteristics and wear. The main focus on the average normal coefficient of friction, hot coefficient of friction (Fade and recovery), wear loss, mechanical, as the function of the relative amount of the ingredient. The results also showed that the friction coefficient of fly ash based friction material was better in the range of 0.35 to 0.48 when compared barites based brake linings in the range of 0.46 to 0.58. The materials such as potassium titanate(terraces), wollastonite, friction dust powder have strongly influence on friction coefficient. The wear résistance of the brake linings was strongly affected by the presence of rock wool calcium hydroxide and zircon silicate. The presence of glass fiber, twaron fiber, glass fiber has increased the strength of the friction material. All these samples were tested on chase type friction tester at automobile ancillary unit

An economic inquiry into collective action and household behaviour in watershed management

The present paper analysed the people’s participation, collective action and farm household behaviour in micro watersheds. Peoples participation in different stages of watershed implementation indicate that farm households show inclination towards participation in planning and project formulation, attending meetings, training and exposure visits when the programme is on-going. Households participation in watershed management is found to influence by household level, supra household level factors and type of rainwater harvesting structure. Adequate training on various watershed technologies will enhance households’ participation. The construction of structure may be followed based on the zone of influence.Watershed management, household behaviour, collective action, rain water harvesting structures

An economic inquiry into collective action and household behaviour in watershed management

The present paper analysed the people’s participation, collective action and farm household behaviour in micro watersheds. Peoples participation in different stages of watershed implementation indicate that farm households show inclination towards participation in planning and project formulation, attending meetings, training and exposure visits when the programme is on-going. Households participation in watershed management is found to influence by household level, supra household level factors and type of rainwater harvesting structure. Adequate training on various watershed technologies will enhance households’ participation. The construction of structure may be followed based on the zone of influence

An economic inquiry into collective action and household behaviour in watershed management

The present paper analysed the people’s participation, collective action and farm household behaviour in micro watersheds. Peoples participation in different stages of watershed implementation indicate that farm households show inclination towards participation in planning and project formulation, attending meetings, training and exposure visits when the programme is on-going. Households participation in watershed management is found to influence by household level, supra household level factors and type of rainwater harvesting structure. Adequate training on various watershed technologies will enhance households’ participation. The construction of structure may be followed based on the zone of influence

IMPACT OF LIVESTOCK SECTOR FOR RURAL POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT

Livestock sector plays avigorous role in socio-economic progress of rural families. Livestock rearing has substantial optimistic influence on equity in terms of employment, income and poverty lessening in rural zones by way of dispersal of livestock is more democratic as compared to land for agriculture purposes. In Andhra Pradesh, more than 5 percent of the rural households own livestock and a majority of livestock owning households are small, marginal and landless households. Small animals like sheep, goats, pigs and poultry are largely kept by the land scarce poor households for commercial purposes due to their low initial investment and operational costs. In the recent decade, demand for various livestock based products has increased considerably due to rise in per capita income, urbanization, taste and preference and increased awareness about food nutrition. Livestock sector is likely to arise as an appliance for agricultural progress in the coming years. This study only confined to Sree Rangaraja Puram Mandal in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. In this paper author will make an attempt to analyses the performance of livestock sector in terms of livestock population, production, employment and income on one hand and the role of livestock sector in reducing rural poverty on the other. The study will also highlight the various major problems facing by the people those who are engaging in livestock sector in Sree Rangaraja Puram Mandal of Chittoor district

ROLE OF MICRO CREDIT IN POVERTY ERADICATION: A CASE STUDY IN CHITTOOR RURAL MANDAL OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Recently the concept of micro credit has been given huge prominence at the global level in order to eliminate poverty and to raise the living conditions of underprivileged and growth excluded groups across the world countries. Community development and poverty eradication through micro credit which combines use of training, organization and career development, efforts to improve individual, group and organizational effectiveness develops the essential abilities that enable individuals to perform present and future income generation through planned learning activities. This is not only related to those who are employed but also it is necessary even for those who are socially and economically backward sections and groups to improve their living standards and empowerment. The essential credit supplied at an affordable rate and in time for those who have the capacity to invest it in a suitable productive manner could help to improve their social and economic standards. Many of studies throughout the world evidently concluded that the reliable and affordable credit helps the poor to come out from the vicious circles of poverty. This paper has made an attempt to describe the role of micro credit in eradication of poverty by estimating income generating opportunities and income levels raised by micro credit supplied through self-help groups which results in lifting the rural poor from the poverty crunch in Chittoor rural mandal of Andhra Pradesh

ROLE OF MICRO CREDIT IN POVERTY ERADICATION: A CASE STUDY IN CHITTOOR RURAL MANDAL OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Recently the concept of micro credit has been given huge prominence at the global level in order to eliminate poverty and to raise the living conditions of underprivileged and growth excluded groups across the world countries. Community development and poverty eradication through micro credit which combines use of training, organization and career development, efforts to improve individual, group and organizational effectiveness develops the essential abilities that enable individuals to perform present and future income generation through planned learning activities. This is not only related to those who are employed but also it is necessary even for those who are socially and economically backward sections and groups to improve their living standards and empowerment. The essential credit supplied at an affordable rate and in time for those who have the capacity to invest it in a suitable productive manner could help to improve their social and economic standards. Many of studies throughout the world evidently concluded that the reliable and affordable credit helps the poor to come out from the vicious circles of poverty. This paper has made an attempt to describe the role of micro credit in eradication of poverty by estimating income generating opportunities and income levels raised by micro credit supplied through self-help groups which results in lifting the rural poor from the poverty crunch in Chittoor rural mandal of Andhra Pradesh

Impacts of Watershed Development Programmes: Experiences and Evidences from Tamil Nadu

The overall performance of watershed development programmes has been examined in the state of Tamil Nadu. The impacts of major watershed development programmes have been outlined in terms of biophysical impacts, environmental impacts, socio-economic impacts and overall economic impacts. It is pointed out that the watershed development activities have made significant positive impacts on various biophysical aspects such as soil and water conservation, soil fertility, soil and water erosion in cropped area, changes in cropping pattern, cropping intensity, production and productivity of crops. Watershed development activities have shown significant positive impacts on water table, perenniality of water in wells, water availability for cattle and other domestic uses, etc. The overall economic impacts have been evaluated in terms of NPV, IRR and BCR. The peoples’ participation in watershed development activities has been found satisfactory but the optimal level is yet to be achieved. Training of farmers has been found effective in disseminating technical knowledge. According to the study, the future strategy should be the movement towards a balanced approach of matching the supply-driven menu with a set of demand-driven activities. Peoples’ participation, involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions, local user groups and NGOs along side institutional support from different levels, viz. the Union Government, the state, the district and block levels should be ensured to make the programme more participatory, interactive and cost-effective. Convergence of various rural development programmes around the watershed could be ensured to promote holistic development of watersheds. For its continued success, the programme, should be economically efficient, financially viable, technically feasible and socially acceptable while ensuring equity. For, sustainable development, regular and routine monitoring of environmental parameters is important as environmental enhancement increases the credibility and acceptability of the programme