Integer Matrix Keys for Secure Data Aggregation in Clustered Wireless Sensor Networks

Providing Privacy and security for aggregated data in wireless sensor networks has drawn the attention of practicing engineers and researchers globally. Several cryptographic methods have been already proposed to solve security and data integrity problems for aggregated data. Matrix cryptography is a better option for creating secure encryption/decryption algorithms to counter quantum attack. However, these algorithms have higher computational cost and increased communication overhead. Hence, a new technique of loss-less secure data aggregation in Clustered Wireless Sensor Networks is presented. The proposed method uses integer matrices as keys for data security and data integrity. Matrix operations are carried out in finite field Zp. Loss-less secure data aggregation is extended for homomorphic summation while the cipher text expansion ratio is kept substantially low. The proposed algorithm has inbuilt fast and efficient signature verification facility. The execution time of our signature verification mechanism is found to be approximately 50 percent less compared to a couple of standard existing signature verification schemes

Integer Matrix Keys for Secure Data Aggregation in Clustered Wireless Sensor Networks

Providing Privacy and security for aggregated data in wireless sensor networks has drawn the attention of practicing engineers and researchers globally. Several cryptographic methods have been already proposed to solve security and data integrity problems for aggregated data. Matrix cryptography is a better option for creating secure encryption/decryption algorithms to counter quantum attack. However, these algorithms have higher computational cost and increased communication overhead. Hence, a new technique of loss-less secure data aggregation in Clustered Wireless Sensor Networks is presented. The proposed method uses integer matrices as keys for data security and data integrity. Matrix operations are carried out in finite field Zp. Loss-less secure data aggregation is extended for homomorphic summation while the cipher text expansion ratio is kept substantially low. The proposed algorithm has inbuilt fast and efficient signature verification facility. The execution time of our signature verification mechanism is found to be approximately 50 percent less compared to a couple of standard existing signature verification schemes

Does a farmer's knowledge of minimum support price (MSP) affect the farm-gate price? Evidence from India

Purpose – This paper examines whether farmers' knowledge of the minimum support prices (MSPs) affects farm-gate prices. MSP is the minimum guaranteed price for agricultural commodities announced by the Government of India for 24 commodities. Most farmers in India prefer to sell their produce at the farm-gate due to a small marketable surplus and hence do not directly benefit from MSP. The authors test the common argument in the political discourse that if farmers have knowledge of MSP, then they can bargain with traders during the farm-gate transaction and demand a better price close to MSP. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use matching methods to examine the impact of knowledge of MSP on farm-gate prices. Findings – Using nationally representative data, the authors show that there is no empirical evidence that the knowledge of MSP of the crops leads to higher bargaining power and better farm-gate prices. Practical implications – Price information (MSP in this case) alone cannot improve the bargaining power of farmers and result in a better price realization. As a safety net, MSP fails in the absence of procurement of products by the government. This also raises the question of the equitability of the price support system in India and calls for a rethink of the MSP policy. Originality/value – This study is the first of its kind to examine the anchoring effect of knowledge of MSP on farm-gate prices using a nationally representative dataset

LIQUID FUELS FROM BIOMASS

Biomass is gaining attention as a renewable source of energy due to depleting sources of fossil fuels and environmental considerations. Many Technological methods are us~d to convert biomass into energy via thermo-chemical and biochemical processes. Pyrolysis converts biomass into liquid and gaseous products. The pyrolysis of biomass namely sugarcane bagasse and Calotropis procera of Indian origin was studied in a fixed-bed reactor at different conditions. The parameters studied were particle size of biomass feed (+8, -8 +12, -12, +16), temperatures (350 to 550°C) and flow rate (50 cc/min to 200 cc/min) of inert gas. It is observed that the formation of liquid products is favored at lower temperatures and gas yield is favored at higher temperatures. The physico-chemical characterization of pyrolytic liquid products is reported. Keywords: Biomass, Sugarcane bagasse, Calotropis procera, Pyrolysis, Bio-fue

DEVELOPMENTOF ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE SYNTHETIC BASE FLUIDS

Industrial users have began to appreciate that synthetic lubricants notably those based upon esters (di- and polyol) and poly alkylene glycols provide cost effective lubrication in all service conditions. From an environmental point of view i.e. rapid biodegradability and favourable ecotoxicological characteristics, a selection must be made which combines these favourable characteristics at an acceptable price. A simple cost effective, eco-friendly, efficient process using indigenous catalyst has been developed for the synthesis of diester and polyolester base stocks. All the base fluids synthesized have low pour point, <-27 in most of the cases. Based on viscosity index, majority, of these products belong to group III category except five products, which belong to group II category of base oils as per API classifications. Biodegradability of some potential lube base stocks has been assessed by ATSM-D5864 method. On the basis of the product properties, these base fluids may find applications either alone or in blends for automotive lubricants, hydraulic oils and refrigeration oils.

Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad

Not AvailableThe ICAR -Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) maintained its leadership role in basic, strategic and applied research on millets. The Institute has developed new varieties, hybrids, crop production, protection and value-added millet crop based technologies for enhanced resource use efficiency, increased productivity and eco-friendly technologies for sustained millet production in the country.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableSamples of surface (0-30 cm) soils were collected from eight sites in the semi-arid tropical regions f India to evaluate and compare the long-term effects of lowland rice or paddy and non-rice or arable systems on soil organic C (SOC), soil inorganic C (SIC) and total N status. The results showed that soil samples from sites under lowland rice double cropping system had greater organic C and total N content than those from soils under rice in rotation with upland crop or under other arable systems. The SOC : N ration was wider in soil samples from sites under lowland rice compared to those under other arable systems, which had lower C:N ratios. Samples from soils under lowland rice system tended to have a narrower SIC : N ratio than those under arable systems, indicating a better pedo-environment under paddy rice. Our results support earlier findings that sites under continuous wetland rice cropping accumulate organic matter and contain higher soil organic matter compared to the sites under other arable systems.Not Availabl