Strategy switches and co-action equilibria in a minority game

We propose an analytically tractable variation of the minority game in which rational agents use probabilistic strategies. In our model, $N$ agents choose between two alternatives repeatedly, and those who are in the minority get a pay-off 1, others zero. The agents optimize the expectation value of their discounted future pay-off, the discount parameter being $\lambda$. We propose an alternative to the standard Nash equilibrium, called co-action equilibrium, which gives higher expected pay-off for all agents. The optimal choice of probabilities of different actions are determined exactly in terms of simple self -consistent equations. The optimal strategy is characterized by $N$ real parameters, which are non-analytic functions of $\lambda$, even for a finite number of agents. The solution for $N \leq 7$ is worked out explicitly indicating the structure of the solution for larger $N$. For large enough future time horizon, the optimal strategy switches from random choice to a win-stay lose-shift strategy, with the shift probability depending on the current state and $\lambda$

Effect of Firing Temperature and time on swelling behavior of reduced iron ore pellets

The increasing trend in the prices of steel scrap and its short supply led the steel technologists to find a suitable charge mix in the form of sponge iron or Direct Reduced Iron (DRI). Sponge Iron or DRI is obtained from the direct reduction of iron ore and has iron content between 84 to 95 percent. Technically and technologically, sponge iron has been found to be a suitable material for charging in blast furnaces. In the existing blast furnace an increase in production by at least 25 to 35% can be achieved by using pre reduced iron ore. Sponge iron is a better substitute for scrap for steelmaking through EAF / IF routes due to its homogenous nature, Improved productivity and lower coke consumption. Also majority of fines which are generated during the course of handling, mining, transportation etc are exported at a through away price which need to be utilized by making iron ore pellets for sponge iron making. According to industry experts, the preference for usage of DRI will lead to the use of 80 percent DRI in the charge mix in EAFs by 2009-10 which may even reach the 85 percent level by 2011-12 in the various regions of India. A lot of investigations have been carried out on direct reduction process of iron oxides by carbonaceous materials, but little work has been done on the characterization of properties and reduction behavior of iron ore of some mines of Orissa. In the present project work, an attempt has been made to study the reduction behavior and kinetics of fired iron ore pellets. The effect of firing temperarure (1000, 1100 and 1300oC), binder (concentrated sugar cane juice) on strength of pellets and the effect of different reduction parameters such as temperature (850-1000°C), time (0-90min.), reductant quality, mixing of particles of different sizes at different ratios for pellet preparation etc. on the reduction, swelling behavior of iron ore pellets. These form the subject matter of the thesis. First chapter gives the introduction about the subject. It speaks about the need of DRI industry, scope, present status and future planning of DRI industry in India, world wise DRI production, etc. The second chapter deals with the literature survey. The third chapter deals with selection of raw materials, preparation of samples, preparation of iron ore pellets, experimental procedure. Results and discussions are out lined in fourth chapter. Lastly, these conclusions have been followed by the suggestion for future work and list of references

Crossover from hydrodynamic to acoustic drag on quartz tuning forks in normal and superfluid 4He

We present measurements of the drag forces on quartz tuning forks oscillating at low velocities in normal and superfluid 4He. We have investigated the dissipative drag over a wide range of frequencies, from 6.5 to 600 kHz, by using arrays of forks with varying prong lengths and by exciting the forks in their fundamental and first overtone modes. At low frequencies the behavior is dominated by laminar hydrodynamic drag, governed by the fluid viscosity. At higher frequencies acoustic drag is dominant and is described well by a three-dimensional model of sound emission

Effective usage of e-resources

There is large quantity of subscribed e-resources which contain quality rich information in most of the technical institute libraries. In spite of advantages in terms of access and search capabilities, they are underused. Systematic plan has to be in place for their promotion of use. While a good ICT infrastructure is a prerequisite, it alone will not do. Proactive strategies are required and these need to be adopted imaginatively. Access to e-resources need to be made easier for both on campus and off campus users. Training will increase the confidence level of the users. Traditional awareness methods include: Personal visits, orientations, brochures, posters and displays. Newer technologies from the Web 2.0 such as RSS alert service, Blogs, Wikis and Face book make the interaction with the library not only interesting but also add more value

Natural Gas as Feedstock for Fertilizer

Separation of the hydrogen needed for the ammonia synthesis reaction, from its source is difficult. Hydrogen production method is the main source of distinction between the various ammonia production routes. Most of the improvements in the technology regarding the ammonia synthesis were concerned with the hydrogen production step. Hydrogen can be produced by steam reforming, partial oxidation and water electrolysis. The bulk of the world ammonia production is based on steam reforming. The major hydrogen sources are natural gas, naphtha and coal. In this project different methods available for hydrogen separation from its source are analyzed and the best possible way to produce synthesis gas (which will form ammonia) from natural gas is found out. The number of reforming stages required for a plant capacity of 1500 tons per day of ammonia production is found out. The mass balance and energy balance calculations for the above said plant capacity is presented in this work. Then the conventional carbon dioxide removal process and methanation process are replaced by the advanced, economical pressure swing adsorption process. It was also found that two stages of shift converters required for this plant capacity. The number of reforming stages required is only one and nitrogen is obtained from oxygen pressure swing absorption units. The oxygen separated is also used as a fuel with natural gas for reforming. The carbon dioxide is separated in another PSA which can be used for the production of urea