Design, development and simulation of sub-lithographic process for patterning nm scale features

The ability to create sub-lithographic nm-scale features without the need of high-end lithography tools will create new opportunities for the electronics industry. Most current technologies are lithography dependent and inherit associated CD variations. The mainstay of this work is mathematical modeling, simulation and verification of a revolutionary void transfer process for patterning nm scale features originally introduced by Breitwisch et al. at IBM. The technique studied involves intentional creation of voids using a conformal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) followed by controlled etch-back to form nanoscale pores. This method provides features that are independent of lithographically defined parent holes and exhibit lower critical dimension (CD) variations. It offers efficient low thermal budget and backend process compatible integration scheme that requires just one additional mask level. To the best of author\u27s knowledge no simulation study of the void transfer process has been reported in the literature so far. Thus, this project initiated scores of `firsts\u27 towards the development of a reliable nano-patterning technique and a robust process infrastructure for future projects at RIT. The pores with diameter of 130 nm were obtained i.e. an impressive ~7X reduction from lithographically defined hole of 714 nm using conventional i-line lithography. Critical parameters affecting the void formation and the final pore size have been identified and modeled. Simulation of the void transfer process has been investigated using plasma etch module of `Elite\u27 by Silvaco that employs 2-D Monte Carlo ion transport modeling. The results of this investigation show that the geometrical design parameters can be coupled with the plasma process simulations to develop an efficient module for the void transfer process

Economic analysis of application of phosphorus, single and dual inoculation of Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus)

This study investigates the economic returns of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) by the use of phosphorus and biofertilizers [Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)] in Indian Punjab. The field experiments were conducted during Rabi 2013-14 and 2014-15 with combinations of four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 30 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) and two/four biofertilizer treatments [uninoculated control and Rhizobium (LLR 12) + PGPR (RB 2)] in 2013-14, and uninoculated control, Rhizobium, PGPR and Rhizobium + PGPR in 2014-15) by replicating thrice. The use of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest gross returns whereas net returns and B:C were highest at 30 kg P2O5 ha-1. The combination of Rhizobium + PGPR + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest gross returns (Rs. 45902) whereas Rhizobium + PGPR+ 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest net returns (Rs 20620). Furthermore, the integrated use of Rhizobium + PGPR + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided higher net returns (Rs 20620) and B:C (1.88) as compared to sole application of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 (Rs 18792 and 1.72). Thus, there was a net saving of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 with the use of Rhizobium + PGPR inoculation without sacrificing the economics returns

Effect of Mesorhizobium, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and phosphorus on plant biometery and growth indices of desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The field experiment was conducted during 2015-16 to study the effect of biofetilizer inoculation [control, Mesorhizobium only, Mesorhizobium + RB-1 (Pseudomonas argentinensis) and Mesorhizobium + RB-2 (Bacillus aryabhattai)] and four levels of phosphorus (0, 15, 20 and 25 kg P2O5 ha-1) on chickpea growth. RB-1 and RB-2 were the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Biofertilizers could play a crucial role in reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers by fixing the atmospheric nitrogen for crop and/or by increasing the availability of phosphorus and phytohormones to the crop. The 16 treatment combinations were laid out in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. In biofertilizer treatments, Mesorhizobium + RB-1 proved superior over control and sole inoculation of Mesorhizobium and at par with Mesorhizobium + RB-2 with respect to plant height (cm), number of branches (plant-1), shoot and root dry matter (kg ha-1) which were recorded at 30, 60 90, 120 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. Application of 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 gave the highest values of all the growth at-tributes viz. plant height (60 cm), number of primary (5.3) and secondary (27.2) branches per plant, shoot dry matter (4000 kg ha-1) and root dry matter (354 kg ha-1) which were significantly higher than that of 0 and 15 kg P2O5 ha-1 and at par with 20 kg P2O5 ha-1. Similar results were observed in case of crop growth rate (CGR) whereas relative growth rate (RGR) was not influenced significantly by various biofertilizer and phosphorus treatments. The dual inoc-ulation with PGPR strains along with phosphorus application have a supplementary effect on the growth of chickpea

The impact of servant leadership on job satisfaction within Indian family firms in the UK

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.Family businesses, including those owned by ethnic minority groups, are vital to the UK's economy. Indian family firms, for example, contribute significantly to the nation's GDP, providing employment, fostering innovation, and supporting local communities. The importance of servant leadership emphasises the leader's responsibility to serve others and prioritise their well-being and growth. This leadership style has been linked to higher job satisfaction among employees, a crucial factor for the success of small family firms. In family businesses, both family and non-family employees play essential roles. Family employees often profoundly understand the business's values, history, and long-term goals. In contrast, non-family employees bring diverse perspectives and expertise, contributing to the company's adaptability and resilience. Balancing the needs and expectations of both groups is vital for maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment, ultimately leading to the firm's success. Despite growing interest in leadership research within family businesses, there remains a notable gap in the study of ethnic minority businesses, particularly in the United Kingdom. This thesis addresses this gap by focusing on servant leadership and its influence on job satisfaction among family and non-family employees. It also explores the moderating effect of socioemotional wealth (SEW) on this relationship. This study aims to understand the subject matter using a mixed-method research design. The findings suggest that job satisfaction in small family firms differs in terms of its impact on family and non-family employees. This research offers several valuable contributions to understanding servant leadership within UK-based family firms, particularly those of Indian origin. Examining the role of servant leadership in enhancing job satisfaction for family and non-family employees in family businesses, thus shedding light on the potential benefits of adopting this leadership approach within such firms. Investigating the moderating impact of SEW on the relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction reveals that while SEW positively influences family employees, it harms non-family employees. Expanding the scope of research on Indian family businesses in the UK contributes to the broader knowledge base on ethnic minority enterprises within the country

Space shift keying in the presence of multiple co-channel interferers

In this thesis, the performance of Space Shift Keying (SSK) Modulation, a technique for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) wireless communication systems is studied. The results are analyzed and compared assuming absence as well as presence of Co-Channel Interference (CCI). SSK Modulation is based on the concept of Spatial Modulation (SM) technique for MIMO systems. In SM, only one transmitting antenna remains in the state of action at a single point in time while others remain in sleep mode, resulting in no Inter Channel Interference (ICI). This is another reason for the increase in system performance and spectral e ciency. Unlike SM, in SSK Modulation there is no transmission of data symbols. However, the index of transmitting antenna is transmitted, resulting in advantages such as a reduction in detection complexity and hardware cost as there is no need for Amplitude Phase Modulation (APM) elements at both transmitting and receiving end. In this work, the exact analytical expression for Average Bit Error Rate (ABER) of SSK Modulation in the presence of CCI has been derived, and the same is further supported by MATLAB simulated results. The analysis with CCI is necessary because the spectral e ciency of the communication system can be improved by a reduction in the re-use factor of the co- channel; however, reducing the re-use factor also raises the co-channel interference. Performance for the systems with single as well as multiple receiving antennas has been analyzed twice considering correlated and uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channels. The asymptotic analysis results for uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channels have also been derived and compared with exact results

Integrated nutrient management for high productivity and net returns in lentil (Lens culinaris)

The experiment was conducted to study the integrated nutrient management for high productivity and net returns in lentil. Results revealed that nodulation was significantly (P?0.01) enhanced in treatments comprising of Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) along with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost. Treatments comprising of Rhizobium + PSB along with RDF, 50% RDF, FYM and vermicompost showed higher nodule dry weight as compared to the treatments without biofertilizers. Pods plant-1 was highest in RDF + Rhizobium + PSB. Combination of different organic sources with RDF resulted in significantly (P?0.001) higher grain yield than RDF only. RDF + 5 t ha-1 FYM resulted in 26.3 and 6.7 per cent higher grain yield over control and RDF alone, respectively. RDF + Rhizobium + PSB recorded the highest net returns (Rs 40321 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.78). It can be concluded that supplementing the recommended dose of nutrients (12.5 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) with 5 t ha-1 FYM or 2 t ha-1 vermicompost or Rhizobium + PSB inoculation help in obtaining high grain yields and net returns in lentil

Thermal requirements, growth and yield of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] genotypes under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab

A field experiment was carried out at four locations i.e. Ludhiana, Bathinda, Faridkot and Gurdaspur to study the influence of diverse environments on symbiotic traits, thermal requirements, growth in terms of plant height (cm) and yield (kg/ha) of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] genotypes under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab. Results indicated that crop sown on 15 May recorded the higher grain yield than later sowing dates of 1 June and 15 June at all the locations; 15 May sowing provided 23.3, 22.1 and 46.7% higher grain yield over 1 May, 1 June and 15 June sowing, respectively. Early sown crop acquired higher agro-climatic indices than delayed sowings. The crop sown on 15 May provided the maximum gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio as evident from the additional income of Rs 13599, 13040 and 22865 Rs/ha over 1 May, 1 June and 15 June sowing, respectively. Among the genotypes, AL 201 at Ludhiana and Gurdaspur, AL 1578 at Bathinda and PAU 881 at Faridkot resulted in the highest grain yield and maximum returns. The genotype AL 201 took more days to 50% flowering and maturity at all the locations. It can be concluded that 15 May is the optimum sowing date and AL 201 and PAU 881 are the promising genotypes for providing high productivity of pigeonpea under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab

Effect of sowing methods, nutrients and seed rate on mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) growth, productivity and water-use efficiency

A experiment comprising of 18 treatments i.e. two sowing methods (flat bed - 30 cm spacing, and raisedbed with two mungbean (Vigna radiata) rows bed–1 on 67.5 cm including 30 cm furrow), three seed rates (10, 15 and 20 kg ha–1 ) and three nutrient treatments (6.25 + 20.0, 9.38 + 30.0 and 12.5 + 40.0 kg N+P2O5 ha–1 ) was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India during kharif 2007 to 2009. The mungbean grain yield recorded in 2008 was similar in 2009 but higher than 2007. The increase of 3.94% in grain yield was recorded in raised-bed than in flat bed. The grain yield recorded with seed rate of 20 kg ha–1 was higher than with 10 kg ha–1 but similar with 15 kg ha-1 in 2006 and 2008. The grain yield recorded with 12.5 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 ha–1 was higher (p<0.05) than other treatments. Raised-bed planting with 33.3% lesser irrigation water used recorded 3.91% lesser water use than flat bed planting and 9.77% higher water use efficiency (WUE) (p<0.05) as compared to flat bed planting. Seed rate of 20 kg ha–1 recorded 35.9 and 8.9% higher (p<0.05) WUE than with 10 and 15 kg ha-1 . The highest WUE was recorded with 12.5 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 ha–1 which was higher (p<0.05) than 6.25 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 ha–1 but at par with 9.38 kg N + 24 kg P2O5 ha–1

Efficacy of post-emergence herbicide imazethapyr for weed management in different mungbean (Vigna radiata) cultivars

Three mungbean cultivars, viz. ML 267, ML 818 and PAU 911 showed good degree of tolerance to imazethapyr sprayed at different doses and at different times during 2008 and 2009. Application of imazethapyr at 75 and 100 g/ha at 15 days after sowing (DAS) and imazethapyr 100 g/ ha 25 DAS gave good control of weeds and the weed control efficiency was comparable to that of two hand weedings. Use of imazethapyr at 100 g/ha at 15 DAS gave the highest grain yield of mungbean. Application of imazethapyr at 75 and 100 g/ha at 15 DAS resulted in 144.6 and 146.4% higher grain yield respectively over unweeded control during first year of study, while the corresponding values in second year of study were 79.2 and 85.6%. Application of imazethapyr at 100 g/ha at 15 DAS gave the highest gross and net returns followed by imazethapyr at 75 g/ha sprayed at 15 DAS

Symbiotic characters, thermal requirement, growth, yield and economics of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) genotypes sown at different dates under Punjab conditions

A field experiment was conducted during kharif (rainy season) 2008 and 2009 at research farm of the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to study the effect of four/three sowing dates (1 May, 15 May, 1 June and 15 June in 2008 and 15 May, 1 June and 15 June in 2009) on the symbiotic characters, thermal requirement, growth, productivity and economics of four pigeonpea genotypes (AL 201, AL 1507, AL 1578 and AL 1593). Days taken to 50% flowering, physiological maturity, and various agroclimatic indices i.e. AGDD, AHTU, APTU and HUE decreased with delay in sowing. The crop sown on 15 May recorded the highest nodule dry weight plant -1. The grain yield was significantly higher for the 15 May sowing compared to the 15 June sowing. During the two years, the crop sown on 15 May registered on average 6.7 and 48.0 percent higher grain yield than the1 June and 15 June sowings, respectively. The crop sown on 15 May gave the maximum gross returns, net returns and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio. Among the genotypes, AL 1507 recorded the highest nodule number plant-1 and AL 1578 recorded the maximum nodule dry weight plant-1.Genotypes AL 1507, AL 1578 and AL 1593 registered on average 19.4, 19.2 and 20.0 percent higher grain yield relative to AL 201, respectively. The genotype AL 1507 in 2008 and AL 1593 in 2009 performed better in terms of heat use efficiency for grain yield