Computationally effective search and optimization procedure using coarse to fine approximations

This paper presents a concept of combining genetic algorithms (GAs) with an approximate evaluation technique to achieve a computationally effective search and optimization procedure. The major objective of this work is to enable the use of GAs on computationally expensive problems, while retaining their basic robust search capabilities. Starting with a coarse approximation model of the problems, GAs successively use finer models, thereby allowing the proposed algorithm to find the optimal or a near-optimal solution of computationally expensive problems faster. A general methodology is proposed for combining any approximating technique with GA. The proposed methodology is also tested in conjunction with one particular approximating technique, namely the artificial neural network, on a B-spline curve fitting problem successfully. Savings in the exact function evaluation up to 32% are achieved. The computational advantage demonstrated here should encourage the use of the proposed approach to more complex and computationally demanding real-world problems

Effect of pinching and spacing on growth, flowering and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) under semi-arid conditions of Haryana

The present study was conducted at experimental orchard of Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana), India with a view to optimize pinching time and spacing in African marigold for achieving better growth, flowering and yield. Design of the experiment was factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Experiment comprises of two levels of pinching (no pinching & pinching at 28 DAT i.e. Days After Transplanting) and three levels of spacing (40 x 40 cm, 40 x 30 cm & 30 x 30 cm) in all possible combinations. Maximum number of branches/plant (12.11), plant spread (63.59 cm), fresh weight of plant (358.79 g), number of buds/plant, duration of flowering (53.95 days), number of flowers/plant (54.54), stalk length and flower yield/plant (403.68 g) and flower yield/hectare (33.33 t) were significantly recorded in plants pinched at 28 DAT at 5% level of significance, whereas, maximum plant height (73.52 cm), flower diameter (6.38 cm), fresh weight of flower (8.93 g) was obtained in un-pinched plants. In case of spacing, maximum plant spread (64.01 cm), primary branches/plant (11.42), fresh weight of plant (370.20 g), number of buds/plant, number of flowers/plant (51.43), duration of flowering (53.98 days), flower diameter (6.42 cm), fresh weight of flower (9.03 g), flower yield/plant (460.42 g) was recorded at 40 x 40 cm, whereas, maximum plant height (71.76 cm), stalk length, flower yield/hectare (36.34 t) was observed with 30 x 30 cm. Results revealed that plants pinched at 28 DAT with widest spacing (40 x 40 cm) were found best for better growth, flowering and yield of African marigold

Computing Traversal Times on Dynamic Markovian Paths

In source routing, a complete path is chosen for a packet to travel from source to destination. While computing the time to traverse such a path may be straightforward in a fixed, static graph, doing so becomes much more challenging in dynamic graphs, in which the state of an edge in one time slot (i.e., its presence or absence) is random, and may depend on its state in the previous time step. The traversal time is due to both time spent waiting for edges to appear and time spent crossing them once they become available. We compute the expected traversal time (ETT) for a dynamic path in a number of special cases of stochastic edge dynamics models, and for three edge failure models, culminating in a surprisingly challenging yet realistic setting in which the initial configuration of edge states for the entire path is known. We show that the ETT for this "initial configuration" setting can be computed in quadratic time, by an algorithm based on probability generating functions. We also give several linear-time upper and lower bounds on the ETT.Comment: 11 pages, 1 figur

Experimental and theoretical studies of transport and optical properties of binary mixtures of acetonitrile with some alkyl methacrylates at temperatures from 298.15 to 318.15 K

1457-1469The viscosities, η and refractive indices, nD of pure acetonitrile, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate and of their binary mixtures with acetonitrile as the common component, covering the entire composition range has been measured at temperatures (298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15) K and atmospheric pressure. Using these experimental data, the deviations in viscosity ∆η, deviations in refractive index, ∆nD, deviations in molar refraction, ∆RMhave been calculated. These excess properties are correlated by the Redlich-Kister polynomial equation. The variations of ∆η, ∆nD, ∆RM and with composition and temperature has been discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions existing in these mixtures. Further, the viscosities and refractive indices of these binary mixtures have been calculated theoretically by using various empirical and semi-empirical relations and the results are compared with the experimental findings

POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION FOR DIRECT SEEDED BASMATI RICE

Not AvailableThe effect of potassium (K) application based on 4R stewardship (right rate, time, method, and source) on growth, yield attributes and yields of dry direct seeded basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) was evaluated during rainy (kharif) season of 2015 and 2016 at IARI, New Delhi. Application of recommended dose of K (60 kg/ha), half as basal and remaining half at panicle initiation (PI) stage increased the grain (5.4 t/ha) and straw yields (7.65 t/ha) by 10 and 4% respectively, over applying the full dose as basal. A strong, positive and significant correlation was observed between yield attributes [panicle weight (r2=0.79), panicle length (r2=0.83), fertility % (r2=0.84)] and yield of dry direct seeded basmati rice. Similarly, positive and significant correlation was observed between leaf area index at 60 DAS (r2=0.73) & 90 DAS (r2=0.91) and dry matter production. The two foliar sprays of 2.5% potassium nitrate (1st at active tillering, and 2nd at panicle initiation) increased fertility (83.5%) and grain yield (4.3 t/ha) by 6% and 8% respectively, over control. However, the combined application of foliar sprays and two split application of recommended dose of K showed non-significant effect on growth, yield and yield attributes. Thus, to obtain higher yield in dry direct seeded basmati rice, application of 60 kg/ha, half as basal and remaining half at panicle initiation (PI) is recommended.Not Availabl

Developing linkages for agricultural technology transfer: A case study of research institution and voluntary organization partnership

A paradigm shift to the private and voluntary organizations led extension is being witnessed as the public agricultural extension system has been adversely affected by various constraints. ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) a premier agricultural research institution took lead to develop linkages with voluntary organizations (VOs) of repute for speedy transfer of agricultural technologies to the ultimate users. The present study was conducted on randomly selected 120 farmers of Patiala district to analyze the effectiveness of IARI linkage with VO namely Young Farmers' Association (YFA) of Punjab state. The advisory services through IARI-YFA linkage, higher yield of IARI released varieties, social participation of farmers and their education were the major determinants for the adoption of IARI varieties. In case of both rice and wheat, IARI varieties were sown in more than 60% area of the total land holdings of the farmers. Although, the linkage was perceived highly effective in terms of the delivery of farm technologies, advisory services, farm literature supplied, farmers' fair, front line demonstrations, impact on yield and income of farmers and satisfaction of farmers but non-availability of seeds in desired quantity, higher seed cost and less land for seed multiplication were major inhibiting factors. The functional efficacy of linkage may be enhanced through close collaboration of state level government and private agencies for broad based, inclusive and sustainable agricultural development