CELLULAR ORGANISM BASED PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM FOR COMPLEX NON-LINEAR PROBLEMS

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is the global optimization technique that inspires many researchers to solve large scale of non-linear optimization problems. For certain complex scenarios, the premature convergence problem of PSO algorithm cannot find global optimum in dynamic environments. In this paper, a new variant motility factor based Cellular Particle Swarm Optimization (m-CPSO) algorithm is proposed which is developed by the migration behavior observed from fibroblast cellular organism to overcome this problem. The proposed m-CPSO algorithm is modeled in two different social best and individual best models. The performance of m-CPSO is tested in the benchmark and real-time data instances and compared with classical PSO. The outcome of experimental results has demonstrated that m-CPSO algorithm produces promising results than classical PSO on all evaluated environments

Extent of Awareness of Distance Learners of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

The present research was framed to assess the awareness level of distance learners of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Three certificate courses were selected based on maximum number of enrollment, viz, Gardening & landscaping, Mushroom production & Solid waste management and vermicomposting. Ex-post facto research design was employed. A total of 150 respondents were selected from the three courses by equal allocation method proportionate random sampling. A well-structured questionnaire was prepared and the information was collected by sending questionnaires through post. The 108 individuals who responded were taken as the sample for the study. The results of the research pointed out that nearly three- fourths of the respondents possessed medium level of awareness on selected technologies

Corrosion resistance of electrodeposited Ni–B and Ni–B–Si3N4 composite coatings

Corrosion resistance of electrodeposited (ED) and electroless (EL) composite coatings have been a debatable issue in the published literature. The present paper aims to compare the corrosion resistance of ED Ni–B–Si3N4 composite coating with its plain counter part. The ED Ni–B coatings were prepared using Watt’s nickel bath modified with the addition of dimethylamine borane and the ED Ni–B–Si3N4 composite coatings were prepared using the same bath in which Si3N4 particles (mean diameter: 0.80m) were dispersed in it. The structural and morphological characteristics of ED Ni–B and Ni–B–Si3N4 composite coatings were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The corrosion resistances of ED Ni–B and Ni–B–Si3N4 composite coatings, both in asplated and heat treated conditions, in 3.5% NaCl, were evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies. The study reveals that the extent of shift in corrosion potential (Ecorr) towards the noble direction, decrease in corrosion current density (icorr), increase in charge transfer resistance (Rct) and decrease in double layer capacitance (Cdl) values with the incorporation of Si3N4 particles in the ED Ni–B matrix is not appreciable, both in as-plated and heat-treated conditions. The occurrence of the second phase angle maximum suggests penetration of the electrolyte via the pores/micro-pores in these coating to create another interface, namely, the electrolyte/substrate. Unlike the nanosized particles, the micron size Si3N4 particles (mean diameter: 0.80m) used in this study is not capable of completely filling all the pores in the coating and allowed diffusion of chloride ions along the interface. The marginal improvement in corrosion resistance observed for ED Ni–B–Si3N4 composite coatings compared to its plain counterpart could have resulted from the decrease in effective metallic area prone to corrosion

Electroless Ni–B coatings: preparation and evaluation of hardness and wear resistance

The present work aims to study the hardness and wear resistance of electroless Ni–B coatings. An alkaline bath having nickel chloride as the source of nickel and borohydride as the reducing agent was used to prepare the electroless Ni–B coatings. The structure, microhardness and wear resistance of electroless Ni–B coatings, both in as-plated and heat-treated conditions, were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Leitz microhardness tester and a pin-on-disc wear test apparatus. XRD patterns reveal that electroless Ni–B coatings are amorphous in as-plated condition and undergo phase transformation to crystalline nickel and nickel borides upon heat-treatment. The microhardness of the electroless Ni–B coatings increases with increase in heat-treatment temperature and exhibit two maxima in the hardness vs. heattreatment temperature curve. The specific wear rate increases with increase in applied load from 20 to 40 N and at all applied loads, the specific wear rate and coefficient of friction are less for heat-treated electroless Ni–B deposits compared to that obtained for as-plated ones. The wear process of electroless Ni–B coatings is governed by an adhesive wear mechanism

Electroless Ni–P/Ni–B duplex coatings: preparation and evaluation of microhardness, wear and corrosion resistance

The present work deals with the formation of Ni–P/Ni–B duplex coatings by electroless plating process and evaluation of their hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The Ni–P/Ni–B duplex coatings were prepared using dual baths (acidic hypophosphite- and alkaline borohydride-reduced electroless nickel baths) with both Ni–P and Ni–B as inner layers and with varying single layer thickness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the duplex interface. The microhardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of electroless nickel duplex coatings were compared with electroless Ni–P and Ni–B coatings of similar thickness. The study reveals that the Ni–P and Ni–B coatings are amorphous in their as-plated condition and upon heat-treatment at 450 ◦C for 1 h, both Ni–P and Ni–B coatings crystallize and produce nickel, nickel phosphide and nickel borides in the respective coatings. All the three phases are formed when Ni–P/Ni–B and Ni–B/Ni–P duplex coatings are heat-treated at 450◦C for 1 h. The duplex coatings are uniform and the compatibility between the layers is good. The microhardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the duplex coating is higher than Ni–P and Ni–B coatings of similar thickness. Among the two types of duplex coatings studied, hardness and wear resistance is higher for coatings having Ni–B coating as the outer layer whereas better corrosion resistance is offered by coatings having Ni–P coating as the outer layer

EFFICIENCY GAIN OF REDUCED RIPPLE CURRENT WITH ZVS DC-DC CONVERTER

The force era market, has indicated clear development. Be that as it may, a high voltage and productivity increase is key for the power module and PV board and for different machines. The high step –up converter in the proposed converter gives swell free information current. The full scaffold converter gives high voltage pick up. An APWM Full Bridge Boost converter are generally utilized as a part of utilization where the yield voltage is extensively higher than the info voltage. Zero Voltage Switching(ZVS )is commonly executed in the switches.ZVS APWM DC-DC Full extension converter that does not have any downsides of that different converters of this sort have, for example, entangled auxillary circuit,. increased current anxiety in the primary force switches and the heap subordinate ZVS operation. In this proposed strategy an interleaved procedure of Boost and Full Bridge converter is used..The diverse methods of operation of MOSFET has been talked about.. Besides converter has high proficiency due to delicate exchanging operation in switches. A 24V information voltage, 350V yield voltage, and 168W yield power reproduction circuit of the proposed converter has been executed and its effectiveness is up to 87.5%

Influence of pinching and plant growth regulators on flowering, yield and economics of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of pinching and plant growth regulators on flowering and seed yield of fenugreek cv. APHU Methi-1. Minimum time to 50% flowering and seed maturity and maximum test weight were recorded with no pinching (P0) treatment. Single pinching at 25 days after sowing (DAS) (P1) recorded significantly maximum number of pods, length of pod, number of seeds pod-1 and seed yield. Among the plant growth regulators, foliar spray of GA3 50 ppm (G1) thrice (25, 45 and 65 DAS) resulted in best performance of the yield parameters like number of pods plant-1, length of pod, number of seeds pod-1 and seed yield plant-1. Early flower initiation and early maturity was observed with application of GA3 75 ppm (G2). Among the interactions of pinching and plant growth regulators (PGRs), the treatment combination of no pinching with application of GA3 50 ppm (P0G1) resulted in maximum test weight. Maximum yield attributes like number of pods plant-1, length of pod and seed yield plant-1 were recorded with single pinching at 25 DAS and application of GA3 50 ppm (P1G1). However, pinching at 25 DAS with application of NAA 50 ppm (P1G3) gave highest B: C ratio (1.88). &nbsp

Nanoparticle Dispersion, Microstructure and Thermal Effect of Multi-doped ZrO2/SiC from Sulphate Induced Electrolyte

Effort to improve the hardness and thermal resilient properties of coating for advanced engineering applications has necessitated this study. Zn sulphate electrolyte was induced with ZrO2-SiC composite particulate at varied current density of 1.5 and 2.0 A/cm2 for 10 minutes. The incorporated composite particles of ZrO2/SiC were varied in other to examine their mechanical responses on zinc electrolyte. The coated films were characterised with scanning electron microscope with attached electron dispersion spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The micro-hardness properties of the coated and thermal aged alloy were determined with high diamond micro-hardness tester. The anti-corrosion progression was examined using linear polarization technique in 3.65% NaCl. From the results, the incorporation of the composite matrix was found to impact significantly on the surface and microhardness properties. The co-deposition of composite submicron on the zinc electrolyte revealed that homogenous grain structure was obtained.To this end, a boost in the performance characteristics was attained due to effective co-deposition parameters in the electrolyte

Successful mass production of Three spot damselfish through captive breeding

The captive breeding technology for twenty three marine ornamental species have been developed by ICAR-CMFRI, which includes Clownfishes, Damsels, Fire fish, Dotty back, Anthias etc. The breeding and larval rearing of clownfishes is comparatively easy while the same for damselfishes is difficult because of the difference in live feed requirements